Okay, this chapter was both sweet and heartbreaking to write. I feel bad for both of them but oh well, it is a fun little story to write. Things are getting tense. Please enjoy.
3. So Close Yet So Far
It had been a week and now Keith wished he hadn't waited so long to check up on his boyfriend. He had assumed his boyfriend was just busy and wanted to give him space but now, he wasn't sure this had been the best idea. Lance had been staying with Veronica rather than going back to the farmhouse, which was odd in itself since he hadn't been in approval of Veronica's relationship with Acxa at first. His boyfriend was sitting on the couch but would not look up at him.
"Lance?" Keith said softly, stepping a little closer but Lance's fists clenched as he tensed a bit but still wouldn't look at him. What was going on? He didn't understand why but for some reason, Lance seemed to be uncomfortable at him coming closer, so he took a step back. Had he done something wrong? Messed up somehow? No, Lance always seemed so happy whenever they went on a date or even just hung out on the farm then and they hadn't gotten into any fights either.
"He's not talking to you either huh?" Veronica asked, coming through the door, from work he was guessing since it was evening time.
Keith shook his head. "Did something happen, Veronica? I don't really know." He tried not to let his insecurity seep into his voice.
Veronica sighed. "I wish I knew. But sit down, I'll make you a snack or something."
"I don't think Lance is comfortable with me sitting down next to him," Keith said honestly. He didn't want to push boundaries especially when he wasn't still sure that he hadn't done anything wrong.
Veronica smiled, although her eyes flickered with a little sadness. "Just do it. I think he needs you even if he won't admit it. I do the same for Acxa sometimes even though she doesn't show that she needs it."
Keith hesitated before nodding and going over, sitting next to Lance and watching him. What could he do? He wanted to reassure him but about what when he didn't even know why it felt like he was sitting here with a stranger, rather than his own boyfriend. Silence filled the apartment, the only sound being the sound of the kettle as the water boiled. It was odd. Keith normally enjoyed the silence – it allowed him to reflect but this silence made his heart sink. Like something was seriously wrong which was what Keith to physically startle slightly when he felt a hand on his own, looking up to see Lance touch his hand, gaze still averted.
"Lance?" Keith said softly. "You can always talk to me, you know that."
Lance shook his head, eyes finally meeting his and Keith's heart sunk even further. His boyfriend looked like he hadn't slept in days but before he could even move to ask anything about it, Lance shifted closer to him, wrapping his arms around him, resting his head on his arm.
Keith felt his face turn slightly pink until he felt his boyfriend's light trembling. All embarrassment faded away and he wrapped his own arms around the other. Thankfully, this did not make him tense.
"Sorry," was all Lance mumbled as his eyes closed, steady breathing taking over and while it didn't answer all of Keith's questions, it did answer one thing. He wasn't the reason Lance was acting this way and although he didn't know how to take away his boyfriend's pain at this moment, at least he could bring him some comfort. Don't worry, Lance. I'm not going anywhere.