"I said just ignore them," Keith grumbled.

Lance laughed and did anything but. He turned around to face the blue one. "Blue's in bad shape, huh? That supposed to be me?"

Keith crossed his arms. "Yes."

"Huh. Explains why Blue's still beautiful, even if she's in bad shape."

Keith's cheeks tinted pink. "Back on topic," he demanded.

"Keith, I know they miss me," Lance said simply. "I do, but like Shiro said-"

"I don't care what Shiro said!" he snapped. "This is my mission, and I finally get to see you again! I get my family back! Don't take that away from me!"

Lance winced at the word "family". His siblings. His mom. His dad. They missed him, and he returned the affection, but they moved on. Why couldn't his friends do the same?

"Keith, I-"

"Just go."

"Keith-"

"I said go. Rest in peace, or whatever."

"Don't shut down on me," Lance said, crossing over to him.

"I said die already!" Keith yelled.

Lance froze. His heart, if he even had one, stopped beating. Tears filled his eyes and his pupils shrunk. He offered a shaky, forced smile.

"Okay," he breathed.

Keith reached out to him. "Wait, Lance, I didn't mean-"

Lance's body dissipated, leaving Keith alone in his dream.

A cold.

Dark.

Lonely.

Nightmare.

But it was real.

00oo00

Is it over? Hm…