They're Back

6

Kinkade POV

James's road to recovery was supposed to be a long one, but luckily, with Altean technology, he was back in fighting shape in just a few days. But he remained very adamant that his father hadn't done anything to him. "I must've crashed my jet, that's all." Even after we showed him the security footage, he still didn't believe us. but his actions spoke louder than his words. He started becoming distant and twitchy. He hadn't talked to Keith yet about what had happened when they first got back yet. In fact he hadn't talked much at all. He became a shell of his former self. Less energetic, more robotic. He barely ate, and spent all of his free time god knows where. He might have been crying for all we knew. But whenever you saw him, he'd be smiling, acting like everything was fine. He became distant towards us, and even more so with the paladins.

He'd often get a scowl on his face or start death staring the ground whenever Keith and Lance were together. Apparently, they had been spending a lot more time together lately. Training together, sitting together, laughing together. James was obviously jealous, and would snap at me if I ever brought it up.

"So... James, have you talked to Keith lately?" I asked one day at dinner. He shook his head. "About what?" I shrugged. "I don't know. The kiss? Your emotional breakdown? Your dad beating you?" James glared at me. "I don't want to talk about it." Veronica sighed. "James, you're going to have to eventually. Why not just do it now?" "Yeah, its been weeks." Rizavi said. "Well what am I supposed to say? "Hey Keith, remember how I confessed my love for you, then ignored you, then fell asleep in your arms after my dad beat the shit out of me? That was cool, right? By the way, why don't you ditch Lance and go on a date with me? Forget about the guy you spent five years in space with, who's a fucking paladin of Voltron and has about a bajillion people drooling all over him. Who's actually talked to you these past few weeks and has made you smile and laugh. Forget about him and focus on me! The military brat with the abusive father! And while we're at it, why don't we ignore the fact that I'm going to be emotionally scarred for the rest of my life because of what my father did, oh, and by the way, the fact that you don't have a dad?" I'm sure he'd love that." James said, with fake smiles and enthusiasm. "Okay, I see your point." Rizavi said. "But how can you be sure that him and Lance are a thing?" Veronica asked. "Have you seen them? They're constantly around each other, and keep exchanging weird looks." James said, poking at his food. "But you'll never know if Keith likes you if you don't talk to him." I pointed our. James slammed his hand on the table. "I said no. Besides, it looks like he's already made his choice." He said, standing and leaving the table. 

I looked over at  Keith and Lance, who were all smiles and laughter with the rest of the paladins . They were sitting really close, and seemed to be constantly staring at each other.  I wonder if they really are a thing...