Going back to Earth was exciting, scary, and about a million other emotions that the team couldn't really identify. For Allura, Coran, and Romelle, it would be their first time visiting the planet. For Krolia, it would be a bittersweet return to a planet that she had lived on and had found love. For everyone else on the team, it would be going back home. Lance had missed his family for so long that the trip back felt surreal. It was a long journey back, so they often stopped on planets. It was like each planet they stopped on was a rest stop. The inhabitants would always provide them with food and shelter as a way of showing their gratitude for all that Voltron has done for the universe.
The planet they were currently on was no different. Their ruler had invited them into his palace and treated the heroes with many of the planet's delicacies. They were seated at a long table filled with other important beings. It seemed that everyone had a question about Earth.
"Is everyone on Earth thankful for all of your valiant efforts and success in saving us all?" Jydi, the ruler's daughter, asks.
She looks at Keith as if expecting him to respond, even though the question could have been for any one of the paladins. Keith shifts a bit, looking uncomfortable. Lance looks between the two decides to answer instead.
"They don't really know about everything we've done. But I bet when they do, they'll hold a parade in our honor. Maybe even make a movie!" Lance smiles, thinking of all the ways the people back on Earth would react and thank them. He forgot about how he didn't like the way Jydi was looking at Keith.
Jydi smiles at Keith, ignoring Lance's answer. "So, who are you most excited to see once you get back to Earth?"
Keith clears his throat, and Lance began to wonder if there really was anyone who Keith had waiting for back on Earth. He doesn't really think so since before they left, Keith had been in a shack alone in the middle of nowhere. Keith stays silent, leaving a bit of awkward silence. It seems that Lance had to save Keith from answering another question.
Lance opens his mouth, but Shiro beats him to it. "I'm most excited to see Adam."
"Is that your brother, Shiro?" Coran asks curiously. The team doesn't really know much about Shiro's background, so it makes sense that he was curious. If Lance is being honest, so is he.
Shiro chuckles. "No, he's my partner."
The way Shiro says partner surprises Lance. From his tone, anyone can tell that Adam is his romantic partner. There was no mistaking that. But Lance had never thought that Shiro was gay. He gave off no signs or anything. Then again, Lance didn't expect to be attracted to guys himself, so it's not like he can say he was an expert on catching on to these things.
Speaking of guys he was attracted to, Keith finally speaks. "I've missed Adam too. I never talked to him after what happened."
Shiro's face darkens a bit. It seems like he did not leave for the Kerberos mission on good terms with Adam. "Hopefully, everything will be alright after we get back."
Lance looks around, only to find that the other paladins are acting completely casually as if their leader did not just come out to them. Did they all know? Is this like when Pidge told everyone she was a girl and he was the only one who was left completely shocked? Lance already knew he was kind of oblivious, but come on.
Other guests begin asking questions, but Lance doesn't hear any of them. The only thing he can process at the moment is that their leader, his hero, is gay. For weeks, he's been questioning why he suddenly had the urge to kiss Keith when he came back. He has been wondering why he found him super attractive and had this weird need to be close to him. His feelings for Allura already feel like they were forever ago. The only person who remains on his mind all the time now is Keith. But Keith is his rival. There is no way he can be into Keith. He has never thought about a guy like this. He's only ever crushed on girls. How can he suddenly like guys?
There's only one person who can answer his questions, and he will definitely be speaking to him soon.
