On Tv shows, it seemed so natural for a protagonist to be able to hide their big secret. Whether that was just a crush, some hidden ability, or in my case, being some Elven Alien.
Things just worked out for them, all their problems solved in a span of 25 minutes, just to face a new less significant challenge in the next episode.
Puberty, getting good grades, trying to get into my dream school, or even just getting a date; these were the things I thought I would worry about as a high schooler.
Now those thoughts aren't even dust in my eye.
My secret.
That was my worry. Every second, of every day, 24/7 since I turned 14. So yeah, I was just a bundle of calm.
"Lance, you ready?" My mother calls to me.
Collecting my suitcase, giving my room one last look, I take one step at a time down the stairs. As I descend, I look at the photos that cover the wall. I never realized how much I would miss seeing these, or how much I appreciated them till now.
Meeting my family downstairs, I place my bag down and stand before them. I was ready to toss myself into the world of adulthood where I would most likely be eaten alive.
"Got your sunscreen?" Chari, a beautiful young 22-year-old, asked.
"Yes." I nod
"Your wallet?" My dad inquired
"Yes," I nod again
"Your first aid kit I bought for you?" My mother pats my shoulders, jittery.
I pat my bag and nod, "Yes,"
"Your camera so you can take pictures for me?" Arlo, now 12, inquired.
"Wouldn't forget it," I assure him.
"If you see another alien, you gotta take a selfie with him," Arlo tells me.
"I don't think I'll see one." I say
"You never know," he wiggles his finger at me, "Just promise you'll take the picture."
"Promise," pinky promising, I gather my family into a hug. "I'm going to miss you guys."
My Mother stifles a sob, "My baby boy."
"Mom no," Chari pleaded, her voice tight, "If you start crying, then I'm going to cry, and I'll never get through this."
"I'm gonna miss you!" Arlo is already in tears, sobbing loudly into my stomach.
Surrounded by tears, I lift my head to stare at my Father. He looks stoic, but I can see his lower lip quivering as he says, "You go show those Garrison boys what you're made of."
Swallowing thickly, I nod, "I will."
Stepping away I took my bag and let my family lead me to the bus. 10 minutes later the bus that would take me to Galaxy Garrison arrived and we shared a few more final goodbyes.
When I stepped out, I put on my best smile, waving out the window to my family till they disappeared into the distance.
In some way, I was excited. This was my dream and I was finally going to be able to become a figher pilot.
At the same time, I was heading off from home, braving the dangers of the outside world by myself. Did all adventures feel so nerve wrecking?
With the long ride there, I took the time to work up my confidence, knowing that if I just looked at this with the right attitude, everything would be okay.
But then I tripped on the last step when we arrived and the bus was infront of an entire sea of other students so that was a thing and I wanted to die in a hole, but it was okay.
Everything was okay.
Needless to say, despite the horrible start, my first week was- well, it was a train wreck of emotions. It was absolutely terrible, but it's okay! It was okay if I felt so nervous that I was sweating all the time. It was fine that I choked up at any given chance I had to talk and get to know my new classmates and just made them think I was weird.
It was all right. I'm fine. I'm normal just like everyone else here.
Oh, and I had changed dorms at least two times already simply because something was wrong with the list, so I had no idea who would be my roommate this year. Constant new faces, faking small talk and pleasantries- an overall nightmare that I was pushing my way through with a smile.
Enthusiasm and positivity my Father always told me. Those were the key to getting through something tough, and I was using those for all they were worth.
Hell, I was even trying to sound chipper in my thoughts to keep up the act- the deed. If I just believe I was happy, then I'll eventually get there. Whoop whoop, enthusiasm! Whoop whoop Garrison!
The food wasn't bad, so hey, silver lining. And of course, with every cafeteria in a learning environment, it was a war zone to find a seat and a group to sit with. Having no friends as of yet, but when is that anything new, I was awkward to approach anyone. Scanning the room to my best ability in pursuit of a good match, I shuffled between the tables with determination.
The less people the better for now until I could grow more aquianted with everything and had more confidence not to just transform in the open. Then I could take this school by storm~
Noticing a smaller boy that seemed much too young to be here seated in the corner, I took my chance.
"Hey," I wave, hoping to put on my best smile, "This seat taken?" my voice cracked at the end.
Pushing up their rounded glasses, the Garrison student motions for me to take a seat.
Nailed it. A flawless maneuver into friendship.
Quick to sit, not sure if it was okay to start up a conversation, I test the water with a quiet question, "This your first year too?"
"Yeah," they say
I offer my name, because my Mom drilled it into me as a child that it was the polite thing to do when meeting someone, "I'm Lance."
"Pidge."
Good good, this was going excellent. Time to bump it up a bit, "I uh- this has been my dream since I was little, so I'm really excited to be here."
Pidge didn't respond, and I panicked. I was losing them! Quick! Take action!
"You here to become a pilot too?" I swallow, pulling on the collar of my shirt, feeling unbearably hot.
Ignored for a few minutes, the boy seemed to realize I wanted, more of was desperate for, an answer and sighs, "Not really. I suppose it's interested me before, but that isn't why I'm here."
"Oh." I pale, kicking my own shin, "Well I mean- this place is great, so there are probably a lot of other things to do here other than a pilot. Like engineering and-"
This place isn't that great," The boy grumbles, pressing their face a little closer to their computer, "Too many lies."
Okay, this took a weird turn. Roll with it.
I tipped my head down to inquire what he meant when two men entered the cafeteria from the side entrance, and the question flew right out of my mind.
Sweet cheese and crackers…
Many of the students copied my shock, eyeing the duo in awe.
They were simply two of the most gorgeous men I'd ever seen. Friends, brothers, gods- I couldn't tell, but that didn't matter as I trailed my eyes up and down their forms. They were both dressed in the Garrison uniform and powerfully built. One, the older one dressed in a soldier attire, was taller by a decent foot, with dark hair that swept upward at the top of his head and was shaved towards his lower ears. His shoulders were broad and eyes like shards of silver.
The other, who wore the orange cadet uniform, had long black hair falling in uneven masses to his shoulders- dear lord, a mullet. I had never found that hairstyle attractive till this very moment.
His eyes were a dark and swirling purple that threatened to pull me in, and I had to look away from a moment to catch my breath.
They walked in sync, caught in their own conversation. They passed the world with uncaring eyes, their magnificent bodies dripping with raw sex appeal.
I marveled at them, "Who are they?"
"Try not to gape, Lance," Pidge rolls their eyes, "They're only human. That is Takashi Shirogane and Keith Kogane. Some of the best pilots here at the Garrison."
"Ooh?" I try not to look at them again, but I can't help it. That mullet was addictive eye candy. I note that Keith seemed to be around the same age as myself, "Is Keith new?"
"No, he's been here for a year already. He's an upperclassman who has this school wrapped around his finger. I guess he passed all his entrance tests with flying colors and got a recommendation from Shiro. He's a big hot shot around here- pretty good pilot."
He was hot and could fly- this guy just sounded too perfect to be true.
Drooling over him, I didn't seem to notice a group of boys making their way over to my table. They surprised me by slamming their hands down next to me, making me jump.
They snicker at my wide eyes, looking over our food, "New meat?" They inquire to us. They must have been upperclassmen and recognizing them as bullies, having my fair share of those sorts, I inch away. "What you got for lunch?" they tease, looking over our trays
Pidge ignores them, looking down at their book with little interest. One smacks the back of his head to get his attention, almost knocking Pidge's glasses off. We were adults here but could there be anyone more immature then these creeps?
"Hey," I bark at them, not appreciating them messing with my new kind of-ish friend.
The guy turned to me, sneering, "Got a problem lanky?" he snorts. Without another word, he tossed our trays to the floor and waited.
Waited to see if I would do anything. I didn't, already sensing too many eyes on us. With how crowded and loud the cafeteria was, most didn't seem to notice what was happening, but the few who did might see something they really weren't supposed to, so I couldn't risk it.
"Didn't think so, you nerds." the boys cackled, sauntering off to high five and torment someone else.
Kneeling down to lift my soiled tray, I sigh in dismay. "Good to know bullies are always a constant. Very comforting," I grumble
"You okay?" Pidge inquired, brushing some lettuce from their hair.
"Fine. You?"
"Used to it," they take their glasses off, examining them for damage. Seeing none, he glanced at their food. "So much for lunch?"
"Want me to grab you something?" I asked, hating that I couldn't do more to help Pidge out, "Like a pudding cup?"
Taken aback, Pidge takes a moment to consider that. Smiling for the first time that day, they nod, "I'd appreciate that,"
Giving them a wink and clicking my teeth I say, "I got'chu," and run off to complete my mission. I felt lighter as I re-entered the line. Pidge was nice, in a strange kind of way, and maybe we could be friends?
Thrilled at that idea I bought myself more pudding cups than we needed, attempting to balance them all in my hands as I stumble back from the register. I barely make it five steps before I'm ramming into the shoulder of another student.
"Oh, sorry about-" my words choked up in my throat as purple irises met my eyes, narrowed and dangerous.
"Mind watching where you're going?" None other than Keith Kogane was sneering at me, and I knew I was fucked. Stepping back, I struggle to find my thoughts.
"Oh- me? Sorry…" I glance at his plate, realizing I had knocked most of it to the floor when I bumped into him, "Oh jeez, sorry man." I say quickly.
He scowls, "You new here?"
I nod vigorously. Not the way I would want to introduce myself and all my thoughts of "Enthusiasm" and "positivity" were evaporating- sucking me dry till I was shriveling into a little Lance grape.
"F-First week," I say weekly.
"Well, make you watch where you are walking from now on." He knelt down to salvage whatever he could from the floor. I scramble to help him. Handing him his milk, I struggle to meet his eyes.
Having purchased several pudding cups by pure impulse, I awkwardly handed him two.
Taking them, he eyed me strangely, "Thanks," he notes the rest of my pudding cups and adds, "Eating just pudding isn't exactly a well balanced meal."
"I know," I say, pursing my lips, "This isn't just for me. It's for a friend too. But… yeah, this is still the only thing we'll eat so that probably just has both of us having a really unhealthy lunch."
"Yeah, it does." His lip curls upward in a small smirk as he turns, taking his tray. Without another word, he is gone.
I had to admit the man looked fantastic in jeans- because that is what he was wearing and somehow getting away with it despite the school dress code. Black and skin tight, they clung to his hips and followed the long lines of some remarkable thigh muscles. And although I attempted to make a point of not checking out his rear view, my peripheral vision was having a marvelous time.
This boy screamed delinquent, and something deep inside me was loving it.
"What took you so long?" Pidge asked when I returned.
"Bumped into someone," I say, placing the tray down. Pidge eyed the plate, smacking their lips together.
"Oh glorious mountain of pudding, bestow opon me thy wisdom," snatching one, he opened it without another word and hummed in appreciation at the first bite. "Thank, Lance."
Smiling, I open my own cup, content to sit there in a mutal silence. Pidge on the other hand surprised me by asking a question.
"What classes do you have this year?"
I rattled them off, watching the way they nodded. "What do you have?"
"All different ones except the first two," he says, "Guess we'll be classmates."
I felt relief in those words.
I think I just made a friend.
This week went from horrible to great, and I didn't have to fake the joy I felt in saying that.
000-
When I opened the door to my new dorm, hoping this would be the last time I had to change rooms, I'm surprise to find that my roommate had already made themselves comfortable, their belongings taking up most of the space. Carrying my two boxes inside, I place them in the corner, taking in the sight. It was small, like I expected, and seemed even small when I realize I only had half of it…
Which was already being taken over by my jerk roommate!
Knowing I couldn't do anything till I saw them, I decided to unpack. Since we were required to wear the school uniform except on off days, I hadn't brought a whole lot of clothes with me. Just stuff for the weekends.
The rest of my belongings were pictures of my family, my skin care products, and my leather bound journal.
It was an idea my Dad had given me a few years back to help with my… transition.
He said that it was therapeutic to write down my thoughts, daily events, and things I figured out that worked for me.
I didn't write in it often, but it had been my saving grace when I needed it most.
Jotting down a few notes, I unpacked what I could and settled on my bed. Staring at my dull ceiling for a few minutes and having nothing else to do, I decided to give home a call.
Opening my computer, I turn on the facetime and call my parents.
It helped calm my nerves for me to call them, but I tried not to do it too often and worry them. At least once or twice a week, just to update them till I got more settled in.
"Lancey Lance!" My sister's face was the first thing I could see, smooshed up as close as she could be to the screen, "How's school?"
"It's good," I chuckle
"You eating okay?" My Mother inquired, pulling Chari back so she could see me.
"Fine, the food here isn't that bad," I could faintly hear Chari calling Arlo in the background. The sound of rushing feet echoed, and he catapulted into view.
"LANCE!"
"Hey, buddy." I mused.
"Have you made any friends?"
I smile, proud that I get to nod, "I think so. They are a little strange, but seem cool."
"Oh honey, that is great," My Mother cheers.
"Well, I hope they got your room problem all taken care off," though I couldn't see him I could hear my Dad off screen, "Are they going to move you again or have they finally made it permanent?"
"I think this is going to be the last time. I haven't met my roommate though, so hopefully they are nice," I offer
My sister mumbled under her breath, "Or really weird,"
"Not helping," I sigh. "I'll meet them sometime today. Fingers crossed." I cross my fingers on both hands.
"Isn't it bad luck to cross both of your fingers?" My Mother asked. I freeze
"Is it?"
She shrugs.
"Hah! You jinxed yourself!" my sister cackled.
I quickly uncross them, pleading with the jinxing god to have mercy on me, "Knowing my luck they are going to be a serial killer."
"Good thing I put a knife in your bag," My Dad peeks into the screen. I frown
"Yeah, I noticed that. Can you give me a warning next time so I'm not freaking out when a large butcher knife falls out of my shirt? It almost chopped off my toes!' I tell him
"Sorry sorry. But you had to be prepared,"
I reach aimlessly into my bad, lifting the large knife. I could decapitate someone with this thing, "Does it really have to be this big? The Garrison might freak out if they learn I have this." I hold it up for them to see
My Mom gasps, "That's where my good knife went! I was trying to make steak a few days ago and I couldn't find it anyway. Harold!" she glares at my father
Note, my mother has been using this knife for years. So picture a sweet little lady just chopping things up with this bad boy like she was slicing butter. It's terrifying.
Rolling my eyes at them, I put the knife back into my bag in case my roommate came in. What a first impression that would have been?
"I'll mail it back to you Mom," I tell her
She shakes her head, "Maybe you should keep it honey? Your Father is right, who knows what might happen there. Just keep it for a few weeks,"
"If I get kicked out for smuggling weapons in, I'm blaming you." I frown. They grin innocently, accepting the terms.
"Well, we should let you go," My Mom waves, "Call us again soon once you start getting into your classes."
"Okay," I tell her, blowing them all a kiss before hanging up.
Letting the conversation linger in my head, I get up to finish unpacking.
The door opens, and I realize it was my roommate. Knowing I had to put my foot down on the space we shared, I turned to give them a piece of my mind- till all the words flew out of my head.
Keith, flipping, Kogane.
I didn't understand what he was doing here. Wasn't he an upperclassman? Was it standard for upperclassmen and first years to share a room? Maybe they were desperate for space and were just putting people places I guess, but still!
'K-Keith…" I swallow, and his eyes lock on my form.
"What are you doing here?" he grumbled.
"N-New… the roommate," I gesture to myself, hating that I couldn't even form decent sentences.
His eyes narrow, "Aren't you the guy I ran into at the cafeteria?"
I nod meekly, "That's me,"
"Keith Kogane," he extends his palm, his eyes dark and challenging
"…Lance McClain," I take his hand and shake it.
"Let's have a good year, Lance,"
I gulp, nodding numbly, getting a distinct feeling that I wasn't going to be able to survive two weeks in this place.
This definitely was one fun chapter to write! I hope you all enjoyed it!
Reviews:
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SpaceSquidLance: Oh trust me, this will be completely different! (At least I hope) If I'm honest, I'm not actually sure if they will meet Coran and Allura. At least for a long time. This story actually takes a very different turn for a while and they stick around on earth for a while dealing with this conspiracy thing XD It'll be fun.
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