When Lance woke up, it was to an eerie quiet that penetrated his very being. His head was throbbing, and his throat felt like it had swallowed sandpaper.

In other words, he felt like shit.

He ruefully rolled out of his bed to get ready, simultaneously checking the clock. 5 A.M. he had only slept two hours since his 'flashback' and felt it quite distinctly. He decided he didn't want to attempt sleep, and walked off to prepare for the long day.

He trudged into the connected bathroom with tired dismay. He forgot his face cream that night, so he had some sleep lines on his face, ugh. He decided to just wash his face, half-heartedly hand comb his hair (Alliteration), and walk out for breakfast.

He wasn't exactly thrilled to see his teammates again, and his mind was in a more fragile state since the 'flashback', so seeing the people who made him feel so inferior didn't sound very appealing. Even so, he forced himself through the door just to get some form of sustenance, no matter how green or slimey. As soon as he did, though, he immediately regretted it. Having expected and empty room at five in the morning, he was surprised to see his entire team, Allura and Coran included, waiting at the table, presumably for him.

Uh-oh. Were they still mad about yesterday? Why would they be here right now? What did he do this time?

He shuffled nervously and spoke.

"Hey there! What are you all doing here at this time? Waiting for your favorite gorgeous latino?" He fluttered his eyelashes for an even more flamboyant look. He had to hide his nerves somehow, after all.

Que collective groan.

"Lance, could you please refrain from flattering yourself? We have to talk to you." Shiro said, slight exasperation in his voice.

Dios Mio. The dreaded six words. The sinking feeling Lance felt in his stomach was nothing compared to what he would surely face in this lecture.

He braced himself for the onslaught of words that would surely send him into another attack.

"I'm sorry."

What?

"E-Excuse me? What?" Lance was beyond confused.

"I'm sorry." Shiro repeated, voice firmer this time.

"For what? You didn't do anything."

"No, I did do something. I lost my patience, my hold on my temper, and took it out on you. I'm sorry, Lance."

He tried to swallow down the lump in his throat.

"I-I, um, t-thanks Shiro… I don't know what to say…" He was flabbergasted. Shiro was apologizing… to him? Sincerely? It was almost better when they were rude. He had no idea how to handle this situation, and he must have shown it, because Shiro and everyone else gave him a smile and engulfed him in a hug. Except for Keith. He was dragged in, and Lance had to make a real effort not to laugh at his uncomfortable expression. This was… nice, he supposed. He hadn't had a real hug in… so long. Not since… no, we're not going to those thoughts, that would kill the mood. He decided to enjoy the warmth he felt while he still had it.

Lance smiled genuinely for the first time in a long time.

Heya! I couldn't bring myself to ride on the angst train today, so we're stopping in Fluff Fields for now. In all honesty, I'm surprised at the amount of good reviews and love I've gotten. To show my appreciation, I will not shatter your heart this chapter, but if that's what you're here for, then don't worry; next chapter will have you covered.

Thanks so much for reading! I'll see you next chapter.

Luv, RMH~