A/N:

Takes place in the past. Lance is 4 and about to see the first prototype of the Manus armor.

Lance's POV.

He didn't remember going to sleep the night before. He had been too excited, and stayed awake long after 2AM. Still, he remembered his mother nuzzling him awake, so he must have fallen asleep at some point. Lance certainly felt rested, as he and his father poured over shared notes at the breakfast table that morning. Calculations for the day's event that Lance had been eagerly awaiting all week.

Surely he must have rested some to feel that lively-

Or perhaps not, because as he stood outside his father's lab, he felt a sting in the corners of his eyes. A dreary heaviness was started to weigh on his shoulders- but he couldn't sleep. Not yet anyhow.

"This is why I told you to go to bed early." His mother whispered, nudging his shoulder.

"I did sleep, mother." Little Lance said, stiffling a yawn behind his hand.

"You haven't slept all week in your excitement, my darling boy." She laughed, "So forgive me for being skeptical of your claim."

"Its the first test of the Manus armor!" Lance exclaimed.

"Not so. Its only the first test of the prototype... Your father doesn't have much faith in it being successful-"

Despite being raised to be polite always, Lance found himself waving off his mother as quick as she spoke. For succeed or fail, a first test of anything was a first test and he was present to see it-

If only he could stay awake long enough.

"Mom- Do you think I could try coffee?" He heard himself asking. "I really want to stay awake."

"I thought you said you slept already." She mused.

"I don't remember if I did- but it could help!" He explained, attempting to rub the sleep from his eyes. "I just really want to see-"

"You won't have to wait much longer, dear. I looks like they're ready for us."

The boy didn't remember being ushered anywhere. But soon found himself and his mother behind the shatter proof glass he had grown up behind. The testing area beyond it was massive, but he could still see the mech at the center of it clear as day. His heart was pounding in his chest, and he felt more awake than ever.

From across the way, on the opposite end of the area, he saw a team of scientists huddled over clipboards, double checking their work. Among them was his father. Even from this distance, Lance could see his troubled expression. But even then, his father still took a moment to look up and wave in the direction of his only child.

"I see dad." Lance whispered, sending a wave back. "He looks worried."

"I bet... What were the chances of this one imploding on itself again?" His mother whispered back.

"Dad and I calculated it. He predicts a 75% chance, but that was this morning." Lance replied, pressing his face to the window.

"Well, my money is still on 98%. But then again, my boys are never wrong."

Lance felt his mother's presence as she too moved closer. They watched the group of men disperse, each going to their own station safely tucked behind glass. It was time finally, and Lance could barely contain his excitement when-

BAM!

A shower of sparks rained down acround the joints of the armor. Followed by a loud grinding that sounded anything but good. There was inaudible shouts from the men, and Lance barely missed the amused smirk his father had let flash for just a moment.

A total failure, it seemed. But that did not dampen Lance's spirits in the slightest.

"It was 98% just like you said, mom." He giggled, "And we got to see it!"

"We certainly did, my child." She hummed, lifting her excited child into her arms and kissing his nose.

"No other outsider would have seen it. Not even the King!" Lance went on.

"Thats right. No one else." She smiled, "Now, lets leave your father and his team to their clean up. You and I have to return home."

"What for, mother?" Lance frowned. He couldn't think of any reason why they should go home now.

"Because, my sweet boy needs a nap." She laughed, tucking the boy safely in her arms and starting for the exit.

Lance frowned. He wanted to argue. Had wanted to prove that he was wide awake and could stay and talk to his father for a little bit longer. Had wanted to wait and see if they would do a second test today-

He hadn't remembered falling asleep directly after that.