This chapter was less stressful for me, but it was still stressful to write cause of poor Keith. I felt so bad for him cause he's not doing so hot after hearing that. But either way, it does end on a slightly more positive note.
5. A Little Further
Keith had been doing some work for the Blades from home when his phone rang, and he frowned a bit when he saw Lance on Caller ID. Was his boyfriend going to finally tell him what was going on? He answered the phone and was about to speak but before he could, he heard Lance speak.
"S-stay a-away f-from m-me," Lance's voice sounded off. Who was he talking to? He didn't know. He didn't understand what was going on but a chill went down his spine. His heart sped up as he heard his boyfriend gasp, but he didn't dare speak especially as the sound of the phone dropping could be heard. He could hear shuffling and struggling. Had someone broken in? He had no idea, but he was immediately on his feet. He had to get to him.
"Oh dear, didn't know you were such an exhibitionist, sweetheart," A woman's voice said. "But I don't want your boyfriend witnessing our private moments of pleasure." The phone call ended, and Keith stared at the phone, horror enveloping him. Was this why his boyfriend had been acting the way he did? He shook his head. I can't think about this right now. I have to go. His mind raced slightly but he hurried out the door, trying not to speed too much because that wouldn't help at all. He had failed. Lance had been unable to tell him what was happening, and he had failed to protect him. He should have been able to tell me. What is she doing to him? Given her words to him that he had heard over the phone, he had a guess, but he knew it would destroy Lance if that happened. He had to get there before things get too far.
"Damn it!" Keith cried when he saw a bit of traffic. "Please…" His voice cracked slightly, breathing began to get slightly panicked. I have to get there. Should he call Shiro? No, he just needed to get there as soon as he could. He rested his head against the stirring wheel. Please. Please be okay. Please let me get there in time. I don't want him to suffer. He had known it wasn't something to do with him, but he had felt Lance's uncertainty when he had reached out to him back then. Now it was even more clear than it had been that he had wanted protection. He breathed a sigh of relief when the traffic started to move and whilst he knew he shouldn't drive the car too fast, every second was precious. Every moment could make the situation worse than it was already was. As he arrived upon the apartment, the door was unlocked which increased his sense of foreboding, his stomach churning as he stepped in something wet. It took a few seconds for him to realise it was blood.
This was one of the few times where he wished he had taken Krolia's stealth because the woman spotted him right away, quickly dressing as she pulled away. She glared at him as if he had committed a great offence coming in here right now.
"How dare you interrupt me?" The woman said furiously and ran out the door. He wanted to catch her, rush after her and make her pay for what she had done but taking one look at Lance, he made his decision on what was most important. He took off his jacket to stem the bleeding from Lance's head, cradling his boyfriend in his arms as he called for the ambulance.
"Stay with me, Lance," Keith whispered almost silently, face pale but his focus right now was on making sure his boyfriend did not bleed out while help got there. I need you, Lance. Please.