Keith had gone on dates before. He'd had relationships before, plenty of them, especially since being at this school. By all accounts, he had plenty of experience with this subject and shouldn't need advice for asking out someone he liked.

So then, why was he so nervous about this?

Probably because he hadn't had any real, genuine feelings for someone in a long time. Growing up, he'd experienced plenty of crushes, girls and boys alike, and it had more or less been okay.

Then he'd been hurt. Badly. Much worse than anything Jennifer Mureno could have done to him. After that, he'd thought it best to stay away from real feelings of affection. Fleeting attraction was fine. Dating girls and messing around with them just for fun was fine. But no falling in love. That was his rule. And then Shiro had barged into his life and ruined everything.

Shiro was a good person. Keith knew that. But he was scared. And he needed to talk to someone about it.

So, despite knowing that she'd have the most annoying reaction, Keith found himself calling Allura on his phone. As it rang, he lay outstretched on his bed, staring up at the ceiling of his apartment, he tried to figure out how to approach this.

Allura picked up after a few rings, sounding just as perky as ever, like a busy hummingbird. "Hey Keith, what's up?"

"Hey Allura," Keith replied, quietly so Coran wouldn't hear. "What are you up to?"

"Homework, kinda," she chuckled. "Did you need something?"

"Sort of. I mean, if you're not too busy I just kinda wanted to talk about something."

There was a shifting noise on the other end, and Allura sounded more attentive. "Talk about what?"

Keith paused for a second. "Promise you won't laugh or freak out."

"...okay. I promise."

Keith took a deep breath. "Ok, uh. I think I've got a crush, like an actual crush-and it's kinda scaring me."

There was a pause, before Allura burst out laughing. "Wh-what? You, the playboy heartthrob, are scared of having a crush?"

"I'm not a playboy, that's Lance!" Keith snapped. "And you said you wouldn't laugh!

"Sorry, sorry, I'm not laughing anymore. But seriously, why are you scared? Whoever you like will probably be stoked. And you've dated people before."

"Yeah, but they all came to me. It was never like this. I just-I don't know, I don't know if I want to take the risk."

"Okay, well. Who is it?"

"Um. Someone. A friend."

He couldn't see Allura but he knew she was rolling her eyes. "Keith, come on, you can trust me."

"Ok, fine it's..." he muttered the name under his breath.

"What?"

"It's Shiro, okay?"

Keith held his breath after saying it, listening to the shocked silence on the other end for what felt like forever.

Then Allura screamed. "OH MY GOSH! Are you serious? You're not shitting me, right?"

"Why would I be shitting you? And you said you wouldn't freak out!"

"Aaaaah, oh my gosh, I have to tell Matt and Pidge about this-"

"No, are you crazy?! Don't tell anyone about this! Allura!"

"Ok, ok, ok, fine fine fine." Her squeals dissolved into little giggles and she continued. "But again, I have to ask, why are you scared? He likes you too!"

"No he doesn't, he's probably straight."

"What makes you say that?"

"I don't know, he seems straight-look, Allura, I don't want you going crazy over this, okay? He's a guy. I haven't been into a guy in...forever. And I don't know what to do."

Allura was quiet, thoughtful on the other end. While Keith waited for her to speak, Coran slowly opened the door to his room and peeked inside.

"Everything okay in here, Keith?" Coran asked in concern. "I heard you yelling."

Keith stiffened and sat up. "Uh, y-yeah, I'm fine Coran. I was just talking to Allura."

"Hi Coran!" Allura greeted cheekily.

"Oh hello, Allura!" Coran let himself into Keith's room as sat down next to him, talking at his phone. "How have you been? How's your dad?"

"He's doing fine, he's outside in the living room right now."

"Say hi to him for me! And ask him if he's still planning to show up for bowling night, I need to know how much pizza to order!"

Keith gave a heavy sigh as the conversation started to derail. "Guys, come on. Coran, if you want to talk to her dad, you can call him yourself."

Coran blinked. "Ah, right. I'll leave you both to it, then-"

"Wait, Coran, maybe you can give Keith some advice. He's freaking out a little because he just realized he's in loooove."

Keith stared straight ahead and contemplated jumping out the window. Allura was a traitor and he would never tell her anything ever again.

Coran, of course, had eagerly sat right back down with a grin on his face. "Oh, is that so? Well, I happened to be very well-experienced in this subject-who's the lucky girl?"

Keith bit his lip. "Well, uh, it's actually a lucky...guy."

Coran looked surprised for just a second, but to Keith's relief he nodded and continued. "I see. Not that different, really, it just depends on the person. Who is it?"

"Shiro, from school," Keith admitted with a sigh. "Remember him? He's the one who came over for that science project that one time. The one with the white bangs."

"Oh my, Keith, you've already brought him home? What else haven't you told me?"

Coran chuckled. "Ah yes, I remember him-I thought I saw something going on between you two, but I didn't want to say anything. He definitely had a thing for you though."

"See?"

Keith blushed and sank further into his seat. "I-I guess, but I'm just not sure what to do. I've never dated a guy and had it end up, you know, good."

Coran and Allura were both quiet for a moment, thinking.

"Keith, I don't know what that guy you dated before was like," Allura began slowly. "But I can assure you that Shiro isn't like him-he's a good person, you and I both know that." She paused for a second, then. "Hey, why don't you ask him to the Spring Formal? That would be a good start without jumping all in."

Coran perked up. "Ah, a dance! Excellent thinking, Allura, you can test the waters." He wrapped an affectionate arm around Keith and smiled dreamily into the distance. "Dancing is such a great way to create chemistry. I once took a girl to a dance when I was in high school. Lifted her high up into the air and everything. She was absolutely swooning. You should try that."

Keith blinked. "Uh, he's bigger than me, I don't think I can lift him."

"Hmm, alright, if you don't have the moves, you can go for charming with words. Do you know any poetry?"

Keith sighed, and Allura was laughing.

Coran gave Keith's shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "Alright, alright, I can see you're not into the big displays of romance. So just be honest with him-you're pretty good at being blunt." His smile got a little smaller and he lowered his voice. "Listen, I know sometimes things don't turn out as planned, but you shouldn't let that stop you from getting back out there and trying again. You could miss out on something beautiful. You'll never know unless you try. And, if this Shiro fellow does turn out to be not so good, just let me know and I'll make his life miserable."

Keith couldn't help but chuckle slightly at that one. The thought of Coran making anyone's life miserable was hilarious, but also strangely believable.

"Shiro is a great guy, Coran, you have nothing to worry about," said Allura. "So, Keith, what do you say?"

Keith shrugged. "I...guess I could try."

Allura cheered. "Awesome! Be sure to tell me how it goes. I kinda have to finish my homework now, soooo."

"Yeah, ok. Thanks, Allura. Bye"

Coran gave Keith a final pat on the back as he stood up. "Well, I have a couple to things I have to do myself-do you need anything else?"

"I'm good. Thanks, Coran."

"Anytime, my boy." He smiled again left the room, leaving Keith alone with his phone again.

For a moment Keith contemplated just going through with it right now, before he could think too long and lose his nerve. But this probably wasn't something he should do over a call or text. He should ask Shiro in person. And, a night of sleep just to calm himself down beforehand wouldn't hurt.

It was morning once again when Lance approached Pidge in the hallways. She didn't acknowledge him, didn't turn around. She just kept rearranging the things in her locker as if it was the most important thing in the world.

"Hey, Pidge!" Lance called out as he slid to stand next to her. "Pidgeon! Pidgeroonie! My buddy! How are you?"

Pidge turned to him for just a second, an unimpressed glare on her face, then looked away again. "I was doing fine."

Lance faltered a little, then quickly regained his composure. "Hey, listen, I understand that you're angry, and I am very sorry. What I said-it was a joke, I didn't mean it-but it was still a shitty thing to say, and I was wrong. I am truly, very sorry."

Pidge glanced at him curiously through the corner of her eye.

Lance grinned wider. "And, just to show how sorry I am, I got you this!" He pulled out a book from behind his back, wrapped in a green ribbon, and handed it to her.

Pidge raised an eyebrow, and hesitantly took it. "Computer Programming for Little Geniuses, Volume one," she read. She was still frowning, looking up at Lance who had a confident smile on his face.

"So?" He asked her. "We good?"

Pidge scowled and tossed the book back at him. "Keep it," she muttered. "I already have all three volumes at home."

Lance tried to sputter out a response, but Pidge slammed her locker and started to walk away. He didn't let her get far, though.

"Hey, come on!" Lance insisted. "What's your problem! I said sorry! I got you a present! What more do you want?"

"Your apology sounds fake as shit," Pidge snapped. "You're just going through the motions and expecting me to eat it right up. Forget it."

"Wh-what do you mean going through the motions? I-I spent money for this, I got this for you!"

"I didn't ask you to!" Pidge yelled back. "And even when you do, this is all you think of getting me! A nerdy gift for the nerd! Right?"

Lance sputtered again. "B-but-I thought this is what you're into!"

"It is, but-ugh, that's not the problem!" Pidge stomped her foot and tried to search for the right words in her distressed state. "Look, you just don't get it! You say you're sorry, but I don't hear any actual remorse. You don't know how much it hurt me. Yes, I'm a nerd. I like robots and computers and math and science. But I'm a person too! I have feelings, and I want friends who actually enjoy my company and don't make jokes behind my back about making me do their homework!"

Lance looked stunned, and Pidge took the opportunity to tighten her grip on her backpack and walk away again. "Come back when you've got a real apology."

"Ok, wait," he stammered, stopping her once more. Pidge just stared at the floor and Lance made no effort to step closer again. "I-you're right. You're right, Pidge, I was being an idiot, I never should have said that. B-but...the thing is," he hesitated, then continued, "I-I do appreciate your friendship. I like that you're smart, and witty, and fun, and everything you are. I forgot about that for a while, and it was the dumbest thing I've ever done-and I've done a lot of dumb things, believe me!"

Pidge scoffed, but spoke softly. "Oh, I believe you."

Lance gulped. "Y-yeah, I...I don't know why to say. I'm sorry. I mean it. A-and if you're still mad, I understand...but I just want you to know that I like having you around, and I like being your friend-no homework related attachments at all. You're not just a nerd, you're...Pidge. I might make a lot of mistakes, but I'd never be dumb enough not to appreciate that."

There was a long pause. Pidge didn't say anything. Lance sighed sadly, and looked down at the book again. He was just about to leave when suddenly Pidge was in front of him, gently taking the book from his hands and smiling.

"On second thought," she said, looking up at him. "The one I have at home is kinda worn out."

Lance stared down in disbelief for a moment, before beaming widely and scooping Pidge up into a hug. "Oh my gosh, thank you so much!" He cried. "God, I'm so relieved. I'm not used to having people mad at me."

Pidge scoffed again, but softly hugged him back. "Yeah, yeah, you're welcome, you big dork."

Lance gave her an affectionate squeeze before letting go, keeping a friendly arm around her shoulders for a moment as they walked down the hall. "Well, now that that's over-uh, how have you been? We haven't talked in a while, catch me up."

"Nothing, everything's been pretty slow lately," Pidge shrugged. "Hey, by the way, if you ever do need some help with your homework, I can tutor you sometime. It's different now because I'm offering."

"Aww, thanks, Pidge," Lance replied. "And in return, I can help you get a date to the dance."

"What?" Pidge turned red. "No, I don't-that's ok, you don't have to."

"Hey, some on, it's my area of expertise," Lance nudged her. "I could hook you up with someone cute, you'll have a fun night, you know what I mean?"

Pidge giggled. "Thanks, but I really don't need a date. I just wanna go so I can spy on Matt."

Lance laughed. "Wow, ok. I guess I can understand that. But it would suck for you to go alone." He paused for a second. "You know what? I can go with you. We can go bug all our friends."

Pidge whipped her head up to stare at him, mouth agape, and it took a second for Lance to realize what she was thinking.

"No, I-I mean-" he stammered. "As friends. Planetonically."

"Pla-you mean platonically?" Pidge's shoulders sagged a little, but she smiled again. "Yeah, okay, that...doesn't sound too bad. But what about all the girls lined up to be your date?" She raised a teasing eyebrow at him. "It is the last dance."

Lance looked thoughtful for a second. "I mean...I've had lots of dates, you know? And there's always college." He shrugged. "I guess it would be better to spend the last one with a friend, you know?"

Pidge smiled softly. "Aww. That's probably the nicest thing you've ever said."

"Really? Even after my whole apology speech?"

Pidge giggled again. "Okay, okay. Second nicest. And, uh, yeah, the dance thing sounds good to me." She looked up as the school bell rang.

"Great!" Lance rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, then started off while pointing a pair of finger guns at her. "Anyway, thanks for talking it out with me. I'll see you later, Pidgeon!"

Pidge shuffled in place for a second, holding the book close and taking in everything that had just happened. She had to admit, she never thought she'd be close to anybody like Lance.

For some reason or another that Matt couldn't remember, he and Shiro had ended up staying behind in the loft above the gym, cleaning up after the last PE class. Something to do with punishment about getting lost on the camping trip or whatever.

Shiro was obviously in a bad mood, stacking mats silently and frowning the whole time. Matt just sighed and left him be. It was hard to talk to him when he got like this.

Matt's phone buzzed, and he quickly brightened when he saw that it was from Allura. She just wanted to talk about whatever was on her mind. How typical of her. How adorable.

He must have spent more time than he thought texting her back and forth, because Shiro was soon nudging him impatiently. "Hey, I could use some help here."

Matt chuckled sheepishly, texting a quick goodbye to Allura and pocketing his phone. "Ah, sorry. Got a bit distracted."

Shiro raised an eyebrow. "Allura?"

"Yeah..."

"Good for you," Shiro muttered. He turned back to the mats.

Matt's smile disappeared. "You're still moping?" He asked.

"I'm not moping. I'm happy for you two, honestly."

Matt rolled his eyes. "I'm not talking about me and Allura." Shiro didn't respond, so Matt kept going. "You know it's not too late, right? You've still got a few days."

"I've had a few months," Shiro lamented. "I just can't do it, Matt. I freeze up and start choking, and he looks at me like I'm freaking him out." He bit his lip. "Maybe it's better this way, you know. I don't want to ruin anything. We're friends now, that's enough for me."

Matt rolled his eyes. "No it isn't."

"No, it isn't," Shiro whined. "But I'll take what I can get."

"Seriously, you're just giving up?" Matt asked, exasperated. "What happened to you? You're the guy who's able to give speeches and talk down teachers, and now you can't even ask a guy a question?"

"This is different, Matt!"

Matt threw up his hands, officially giving up. "Alright. Okay. You wanna be stubborn, I'm not gonna stop you."

"Thank you."

They didn't talk much for the rest of their time there, and after a few minutes Matt picked up his backpack and prepared to leave. "Ok, I'm done with my side." He paused, staring at Shiro's back for a second. "Hey, don't be so hard on yourself, okay? There will always be other chances."

Shiro nodded. "Yeah. Thanks, Matt. See you tomorrow."

Matt waved at him, pulling out his phone again as he walked out the door. Just as he was about to climb down the stairs, a very familiar face came bounding up toward him, out of breath.

Damn, speak of the devil. "Whoa," Matt said, holding his hands out to him. "Hey Keith, what's the hurry?"

Keith stopped for just a moment, turning to him with wide eyes. "Uh-someone told me you and Shiro were cleaning up in the loft-is he still in there? I need to talk to him."

Matt blinked, not sure what to make of this situation. "Yeah, he's...still inside, finishing up."

"Oh, thank goodness," Keith gasped. "Thanks, Matt." Without another word, he pushed past Matt and jogged toward the loft.

Matt watched him go for just a second, a curious look on his face. He had no idea what this was about, but he had a good feeling.

Shiro was slowly stacking up the rest of the mats, in no hurry, really, when he heard someone tap softly on the door. With a tired sigh, he turned the door, ready to tell off whoever was there, but immediately froze.

"Uh-hey," Keith said. "Glad I caught you."

Shiro gaped for a second, looking very much like a scared fish, before he finally composed himself and forced a smile. "Hey, Keith. How's it going?"

"Good, good." He ran a hand through his hair, seeming to avoid eye contact. That wasn't helping Shiro's current lurching stomach. "You need some help there?"

"Sure, just...start folding up the mats over there."

Keith nodded and did as Shiro said. There was a tense silence in the air between them before Keith cleared his throat again. "So, uh...the reason I was looking for you, I wanted to ask you something."

Shiro's heart leapt to his throat. "Yeah?"

Keith hesitated for a long while, long enough for all the rest of Shiro's nerves to jitter. "Well, this is going to sound weird, but...it's actually dating advice."

Shiro raised an eyebrow "Dating advice? Why would you need that? You've got no problem getting dates."

"Yeah, but...all those people have always approached me first." He bit his lip. "B-but now I think I actually like somebody, and I want to ask them to the Spring Formal but I don't know how to go about it. Allura told me to come ask you."

Keith wanted to slap himself in the face as the words came tumbling out of his mouth. What the hell was he doing?

Meanwhile, Shiro's heart sank down to his feet and the world seemed to slow down a little as he processed what he heard. Keith was coming to Shiro for advice on how to ask someone to the dance.

Keith was in love with someone else.

Well, duh. What else had he been expecting?

"Uh." Shiro began quietly. "Not sure why she told you that. Who's the person you want to ask?"

"Just...someone in one of my classes."

"Right, you don't want to tell me. That's fine." His movements were becoming quicker and sloppier now, and as he walked across the room he accidentally kicked a shelf of gym equipment, sending it all falling to the floor.

Shiro sighed. Great, he's reverted back to acting like a fool in front of Keith. What an amazing day he was having right now.

Keith quickly kneeled down and helped him pick up the mess he'd made. "Sorry, is this a bad time?"

"No, it's fine, I'm just a little tired," Shiro replied. He stood up to put the equipment back on the shelf. "I'm not really sure what to tell you, Keith, this isn't really my area of expertise. I say just...be yourself, ask them sincerely."

"If it was you, how would you want it to be?"

Shiro stopped. "If it was me?" God, I wish. He turned to Keith, smiling kindly. "Keith, if it was me, I wouldn't be expecting anything. Anybody would be lucky to get asked out by you, you're amazing."

Keith's eyes widened before Shiro could even realize that he'd been a bit too real. Keith looked down at his feet, stiffening again, as Shiro tore his eyes away and went back to his work. "You've got this," he muttered. "I'm sure they'll say yes, whoever they are."

"It's you."

They both froze. Shiro felt like his mind had grounded to a halt, and it took too long to process what he'd just heard. Had he just heard that?

Keith, meanwhile, slapped a hand over his mouth for a second, turning bright red as he tried to explain. "I-I mean-yes, yeah, it's-I-it's you. I'm sorry about beating around the bush-I just, I don't know why I did that, but yes, it you. You're the person I want to ask."

Shiro gaped at him. For a long time. A very long time.

Slowly, when he didn't get an answer, Keith started to calm down and come to himself. What the hell had he been thinking?

"Shit-just forget it!" He grabbed his backpack and started to hurry out of the room. "I'm sorry, just forget I said that!"

"Huh?"

Keith was already out of the room and running down the stairs. Why had he let Allura talk him into this? Of course Shiro didn't want to go with him, the guy had barely just stopped hating him from before. He was an idiot, and if he was lucky, Shiro would just put the whole thing behind him and not bring it up again. If he was lucky.

"Keith, wait!"

Keith didn't stop, not even when he heard Shiro's footsteps following him. "Just forget it, Shiro!"

"Keith, hold on! Wait, I-I was going to say yes!"

Keith gasped, slowing to a stop in the stairwell and turned around. "What?"

Shiro caught up to him and leaned over to catch his breath. "Geez, you're fast," he gasped. Keith gave him a second to recover, and then he stood up straight, a cautious but hopeful expression on his face. "Did you mean what you said?"

Keith nodded, bewildered. "Yeah, of course. I admit this is a little different for me, but, I really like you. You were going to say yes?"

Shiro paused for a few more seconds, then he beamed. Was this real? Was he dreaming? Didn't matter, he was elated. Suddenly, all of the moping and whining he'd been doing for days seemed so trivial and dumb, he couldn't help but laugh. Keith was probably more confused now, but Shiro kept going and wiped his eyes, both in joy and relief.

"Yeah! I've had the biggest crush on you for like a year now!"

"Are you serious?"

"I was too scared to say anything, I thought it would freak you out."

"You idiot," Keith punched him lightly on the shoulder, but joined in on the joyful giggling.

Shiro finished laughing and rubbed his hair in disbelief. "Oh my gosh, I can't believe this is happening."

Keith, in response, smiled and stepped forward to give him a hug. Shiro stopped moving her again, sharply inhaling at the close physical contact. Keith was so small and warm, he smelled like trees and old spice, and his hug was soft and hesitant, as if he would let go at any second if he wasn't hugged back.

And hug him back Shiro did. He wanted to hold Keith close forever, protect him, never let him go. But for now, he just settled to wrap his arms around Keith's shoulders, rubbing his back gently with one hand and smiling from ear to ear.

After a moment-one that was too short in Shiro's opinion-Keith pulled away with a small smile. "So, uh. I guess I can text you later. Figure out when to, you know, meet you and stuff."

"Yeah," Shiro replied. "That sounds good. I'll see you later, Keith."

Keith waved happily at him, before turning to contour his way down the stairs.

Shiro watched him go until he disappeared, and then spent a few more seconds in a daze. That had just happened. Right now, that had actually just happened. He'd been prepared to spend the night crying over a bucket of ice cream, but Keith had gone and pulled out the rug from under him. What a typical Keith thing to do-holy shit, that actually just happened!

Shiro let a cheer escape him before jumping at the echo and slapping a hand over his mouth. He was still smiling though, and he settled for a silent happy dance nobody could see, hopefully. He had to tell Matt and Pidge about this! He had to tell everyone about this! He felt for his phone in his pocket, but remembered that he'd left everything in the loft when he ran out after Keith. Shiro turned and started running up the stairs, feeling like the luckiest damn guy in the universe.

Next: bully trouble...