The silence confused Lance. Usually, everyone was talking amongst themselves or eating space goo. He took his glasses off to rub his eyes and blinked, looking around at the blurred forms of his teammates. He squinted then put them back on. Everyone was staring at him. His eyes widened when he realized why. He blushed and looked away from everyone. They were judging him. He knew they would. That's why he kept these things secret.
'Why can't I do anything right?!'
He shook slightly as he tried not to cry. Hunk must have noticed because Lance was suddenly picked up and brought into a crushing hug. Hunk turned them so that his body blocked everyone's view of Lance as the Cuban cried into Hunk's chest.
That seemed to snap everyone out of their shock. Allura went to say something but Shiro stopped her, shaking his head. She sighed, slumping in her chair.
They waited until Lance had calmed down. The small Cuban kept his face hidden in Hunks shirt as the older male sat down, pulling him into his lap to hold him close. He peaked to look at the others and they were sharing looks of concern and curiosity. He felt a little uncomfortable but he pushed it away. He needed to explain.
"Well uh..." he started, getting everyone's full attention. "I guess you guys must have questions so... fire away." His voice was a little shaky but he kept a brave face.
Shirk went first. "Why did you hide your height from us...?"
Lance flushed again and stuttered, "I-I just... I didn't want you guys to judge me..." His eyes watered a little as he spoke but he kept going. "I'm the shortest in my family... even my mom is taller than me... the only exception was my youngest siblings. But even then it sucks... I'm the oldest. I'm supposed to be the taller one..." He looked down at his lap as his voice cracked. Hunk held him tighter and comforted him.
Lance continued. "When I got older my parents let me get lifts to put in my shoes to make myself look taller... I wore them all the time, no matter what. I felt more confident and I didn't get picked on anymore..."
Allura suddenly stood from her chair and walked around the table to the side Lance and Hunk were on and hugged them both. Tears rolled down her cheeks when she imagined a young Lance being bullied by his fellow classmates. For something so outlandish! Lance and Hunk hugged the princess, thanking her.
After they let go, she sat next to them, her hands on both of theirs. They smiled at each other. She was like a supportive older sister to Lance and he loved her like family. He was happy she accepted him.
Shiro interrupted the moment, clearing his throat to get their attention. "How long have you and Hunk been together?"
Lance smiled and blushed. Hunk answered the question for him. "We've been together for a little over 2 years." He was smiling proudly, eyes focused on Lance. The Cuban giggled and kissed his cheek.
"2 years?! B-But. How. Why didn't I notice?" Pidge looked and sounded so confused and frustrated that Lance couldn't contain his laughter. He laughed and giggled. His cheeks were pink, highlighting his freckles and his blue eyes. Keith and Hunk both stared at the boy, completely captivated by his beauty. Keith looked away quickly so no one noticed.
When Lance stopped laughing, he smiled at Pidge and said, "Hunk and I decided to keep it a secret. We were really subtle. We avoided PDA as much as possible." He grinned evilly at the small paladin. "But the bedroom is fair game." He wiggled his brows and giggled as everyone groaned at the joke. Hunk blushed deeply.
When Allura said his name, Lance looked at her and almost laughed at the face she was making. She was pouting slightly.
"What's up princess?" She squinted at him then gestured to his legs. "How did you get such gorgeous legs?! I've tried everything and mine have never looked like that!" She pouted more and looked so cute, everyone laughed at her. Lance giggled and put his hand on her shoulder.
"Don't worry. I'll teach you my secrets." He joked. He finished the joke by throwing one leg in the air while doing the duck face. Everyone laughed harder, tears streaming down their faces.
When all the laughter finally died down, it became quiet, save the slight giggles coming from Lance. Pidge interrupted the silence.
"So Lance," she said. "How tall are you exactly?" She sounded genuinely curious and Lance felt comfortable telling her.
"I'm about 5'5." Pidge's jaw dropped.
"Wait... that means..." Her eyes lit up. "You're not much taller than me! Fuck yeah short club!" Pidge and Lance both put their hands out for a high-five. Everyone laughed at their antics. After the laughter died down, everyone sat in silence.
"I have a question." The princess gave the paladins a curious look. "How tall are you all? I realize we've never discussed it"
Everyone looked at each other. Shiro answered first.
"Well. I'm about 6ft 2."
Pidge went next. "I think I'm 5ft even but I could've grown."
Then Keith. "I'm 5ft 8." Short and sweet. Typical Keith answer.
"I'm 6ft 4." Hunk looked smug when everyone looked surprised at how tall he was. Lance giggled, kissing his boyfriend's cheek again.
Lance went last. "I already said how tall I am." He smiled brightly.
Shiro suddenly looked very serious. His mouth was straight and his brows were furrowed slightly. He was looking Lance up and down, studying the smaller paladin. Lance blushed under his gaze, looking at his lap.
"Lance. How old are you?" Lance was startled by the question.
"W-Why do you ask...?" he stuttered.
"Because I've never asked. And now that I think about it, you don't look as old as I thought."
Everyone looked at Lance curiously. Nobody had ever asked how old he was. They'd just assumed his age because he was in the same grade as Hunk.
Lance swallowed. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
"I'm... 16."
