Today was the day Keith transformed again. Three years ago during a Galra attack, Keith had been injured. At first he and Lance just saw it as a flesh wound, however it turned out to be quite a lot more. The wound quickly healed within a few days and then the doctors came bearing strange news about new genes and genetic codes, they told Keith to stay in the hospital a few more days for testing, but that night the doctors got more than they bargained for as Keith transformed into a Galra being. The following morning Keith had vague recollections and was worried that this would cause danger to his friends and Lance, but the doctors classed it as a freak case, saying that the weapons the Galrans used probably reacted badly with him. However a month later it happened again during a night out. Shiro, Hunk, Pidge and Lance were able to get Keith safely home before he got in harms way. The next morning they sat and talked about it, they all agreed that whatever had happened to Keith, was permanent. Lance had a great time proclaiming Keith's condition as 'Galrathrope" much to Keith's dislike. Since then Keith and Lance moved into a quiet house in the country, safe from most civilisation. There were a few farms but it was safe for Keith to live without the fear of hurting others or being hunted and hounded. He dreaded each transformation, it was always different, but with each change he was more aware but nevertheless still had no control of the Galran instincts.

Sitting at the table, Keith hardly swallowed as he scoffed pancake after pancake. Lance watched with a mixture of awe and disgust

"Can you stop staring?" Keith growled through his fifth pancake

"What- uh- uh- oh sorry. It's just, well...hooow?" Lance giggled

"It's not the first time, Lance"

"I know but it's still so... weird"

"Thanks" Keith rolled his eyes

"In an awesome kinda way. It's nowhere near one of your cutest pre-Galra moments though" Lance blushed slightly and so did Keith. The hours before transition always left Keith hungry as hell and restless, he often felt down and was easily flustered and Lance loved the fact this was the only day he could one up Keith, it seemed the rivalry that pulled them together held no bounds. Lance got up to make more pancakes, apparently Keith thought Lance wasn't hungry. He made a show of flipping the pancakes while Keith just yawned at the bravado

"Just give me the damn food already Mcpain"

"Ooooh that's a new one Hairball"

"Hairball? Really?"

"Yeah you're right, too soft for a Galrathrope. Although you are soppy at this time of the month"

"Laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaance".

Keith turned on the shower, he didn't even know why he bothered showering today, he'd probably end up caked in mud again. Or blood. Whatever it was this Galra half of him liked doing on his one night of freedom. Wrapping a towel around him he trudged out of the bathroom to get clothes

"You look like a wet dog"

"Oh my God LANCE enough already"

"Does someone need to go for walkies?"

"Aw man fuck you" Keith grabbed a bundle of clothes and slammed the bathroom door

"Keith? Too far?" Keith refused to answer, hoping that would send the right message. He dried and dressed and listened at the door, nothing. He went back into the bedroom and closed the door and leant against the wall sullenly. Lance milked this day way too much. So much so that it felt possible Keith could turn early and just maul his pretty face. He shook his head and paced his room again, he hated the waiting. As he paced Lance entered

"I got steak"

"Steak?"

"Yeah"

"What for?"

"Uh? A treat? I mean, as in an apology" Lance blanched at his unintentional joke. Keith smiled

"Sorry for being an ass"

"It's cool, it's only once a month you're capable of murdering me" and with that Keith hugged him. He could have left him after the attack. He could have left Keith for an easier life- a safer one. But no, he had stayed, and despite the constant jibes, it meant everything to Keith. Lance rested his chin on Keith's head

"Do you seriously hate being called puppy?" He mumbled into his hair

"Well, yeah kinda"

"I hear a but..." Keith looked up at Lance bright red

"It's kinda cute too I guess he said quiet enough Lance didn't hear

"Huh?"

"It's... it's kinda cute okay? I don't feel like such a monster"

"God Keith when will you ever stop surprising me with your secret adorable side" Lance moaned.