It's awkward as the two of them walk into the the gates of yet another animal shelter. They're in unfamiliar territory and neither one of them knows what to do next. Lance is tempted to call Keith a butthead just so that things can feel normal.
Why is this so different? They've known each other for at least a year- why hadn't the idea of not fighting for once ever occurred to them?
Lance doesn't even know how things got this way; somewhere along the way their friendly rivalry had become hate- or at least a strong distaste for one another.
"So... how did you and Shiro even meet?"
Keith frowns, and Lance braces himself for the worst.
"His dad and mine worked together at the department. They were good friends so they were pretty much always over for dinner. He's always been like an older brother to me for as long as I can remember. And then when things went down, Shiro took me in- offered me a place at the Garrison. He'd always wanted me there, said I was smart and that I'd do well. But I never wanted to."
He'd always thought that Keith had a permanent scowl, but maybe that was just his face. Lance could relate, Pidge told him he has a permanent shit-eating grin.
"You never told me that."
"You never asked," Keith actually smiles.
Lance is so surprised he walked straight into the wall of the building.
"Stupid wall," he mumbles
There's a weird sound from next to him, like Keith is choking.
"You good, Kogane?"
"Sorry I just-"
He wasn't choking, he was actually laughing. Lance had rarely seen him crack a smile before, let alone laugh. He found himself laughing too.
"Here's a tip, that's how to make an entrance the Sanchez way."
"Is that what your mom told you?"
"Nah baby, this is a Lance original. You're welcome."
"I'm honoured."
He can't believe he'd actually made Keith smile twice.
Lance Mclance: Rover has been located!
Pidgeon: oh my god you found him?
Lance Mclance: well actually keith found him
Shirodone: I'm glad you two are getting along and working together. I'm proud of you
Lance Mclance: thanks dad
Lance Mclance: or dare i say,,, daddy
Quizsnacc: lonce i will kick you from your own gc i s2g
Pidegeon: lonce mcnasty
Shirodone: anyway
Shirodone: you two can just give me your location and head back to the party to carry on with your date
Lance Mclance: nice try mr cyber stalker
Lance Mclance: sides it's probz better if we keep an eye on rover in case something happens
Pidgeon: lance...
Pidgeon: I can't belive you'd give up your date with your boyfriend keith yurak kogane to save rover
Space Zuko: did you really have to bring my middle name into this
Matthaeus: seriously lance thank you
Lance Mclance: there's plenty of time to bully keith but rover needs us
Space Zuko: see you guys soon
Shiro's minivan pulls up. Seriously, he owns a minivan like the soccer mom he is.
Pidge hugs Lance as soon as they see him, and Matt joins in.
They return to the party with Rover in tow. Coran is still dancing to ancient songs- he's doing the macarena in the corner- and Allura is still filming him.
"Hey Lance there's a girl dressed like an alien at the entrance, she said you invited her?" Adam calls from outside.
"Yeah, send her through."
"Is- is that the stripper version Aayla?" says Keith.
"Yup, I know you like Star Wars."
"Is that a strap-on?"
"I- I believe it is. Ma'am, please stop this wasn't part of the deal."
She continues walking towards Keith, boombox in hand.
"Please. I'll give you two whole dollars."
"Your life savings?"
"You do know me, Keith."
Shirodone: I can't believe lance hired a stripper
Coran: I can't believe allura is friends with the stripper lance hired
Quizsnacc: for the record she's more of a go-go dancer than a stripper
Pideon: a go-go dancer with a strap-on
Lance Mclance: she wasn't going to do anything with it
Lance Mclance: I hope
Quizsnacc: her name is nyma she's really nice
Matthaeus: His coconut gun
Lance Mclance: can fire in spurts
Matthaeus: and if he shoots ya
Pigeon: MATT DID YOU FUCKING FINISH ALL THE FRUITY PEBBLES AGAIN I WILL SHOVE YOUR HAND SO FAR UP YOUR ASS YOU CAN SHAKE HANDS WITH YOUR INTESTINES
aDAB: it's gonna hurt