The two boys walked arm in arm out of the vibrant castle and into the quiet evening. The only sounds were of small insects chirping and flying about. Keith lead Lance across the courtyard towards the maze of hedges that wind through the garden. Lance couldn't stop looking around his eyes shining brighter under the soft light of the moon. Keith stole glances greedily soaking in his features wanting to memorize every freckle on his cheeks. Once they were inside Lance broke off from Keith to hurry over to a large bush of blue Hydrangea.
"These are so pretty" He exclaimed carefully holding a stem full in his hands as he admired them. He took a big sniff and sighed in content. "Man. I would love these to grow out at my house. I just want a field of them!" Keith smiled coming up beside him.
"There's plenty more. Come." Keith held out his hand and Lance took it as they continued their stroll. Lance was astounded at the amount of variety in the garden. Magnolias, Roses, Tulips, Dahlias, Irises, and many more he had never even known of. Lance was even more bewildered as they approached the fountain in the middle of a large pond. Two swans resting, floating gracefully their necks laid softly against each others back.
"Keith..this. Is extraordinary.." He breathed watching the lotus floating on their Lilly pads. Lance yearned for this, to come out and wander these paths whenever he wanted. He wasn't jealous of Keith but definitely wanted his own garden someday.
"It is isn't it? It's far better having someone to finally share it with though." Keith said resting his hand gently on the small of Lance's back. Lance reddened a bit but didn't move away, only watched the beautiful white birds sleep wishing he could just float his cares away all day.
Keith took both goblets and filled them with wine from the bottle before seating himself on the bench overlooking the pond.
"Come. Have a drink and rest." Keith held out Lance's cup and he took it sitting softly next to the King. Their thighs brushed but they both averted their gaze as they sipped their beverages. Keith just wanted to grab him up and take him away somewhere darker and more private but the other boy was still having such trouble accepting these feelings. Keith had never been a patient person but with him he wanted to wait. Wanted to wait until Lance was just as comfortable and happy. Keith's free hand crept across the small gap between them and brushed Lance's small finger as if asking permission to hold it. Lance glanced over and Keith played it off casually sipping his drink. Lance had to smile a bit but wiggled his fingers in between Keith's and they sat hand in hand enjoying the silent night. Kieth gazed up at the sky picking out the stars he had learned as a kid. Lance noticed Kieth looking and lookde up himself.
"They're so bright out here. Reminds me of home. We can see so many." Lance said admiring the small twinkles in the sky.
"Do you know of the formations?" Keith asked curious if he had been taught as well. Lance just shook his head looking over.
"Formations?" He asked and Keith smiled before pointing getting Lance's attention.
"That one is called Cygnus. Or the swan" Keith said tracing out the stars in the air. Lance cocked his head not seeing it.
"Ummm. Those ones?" He asked pointing. Keith gently took his hand and moved it tracing the pattern with his hand. Lance jumped up quickly.
"Oh! I see it! Holy crow! Are there always pictures in the stars?!" He said his voice raising in excitement at the discovery. Keith grinned his heart about to burst at the scene. He was able to make him this happy over something s simple. Imagine what he could do with the world at their feet. Lance was looking at the stars in a whole new light tilting and turning trying to make out shapes.
"If you look over there you can see the Sea Goat. Capricornus. " Keith traced it out and Lance raised an eyebrow slightly.
"now you're just toying with me. That looks nothing like a goat! I would know, i've owned some" Keith broke out into laughter but had to admit it did not resemble a goat at all.
"Well I have no explanation for that but it's true. " Keith took another sip of his drink to keep his lips busy. The urge to kiss the boy breathless was too strong and he feared he would attack his lips with hiis own. He just looked so pure under the starlight.
"Would you like to continue?" He asked and Lance agreed and they made their way through the rest of the garden admiring the sights. Lance stopped at a blue Hibiscus plant and picked one gently before walking over to Keith. He gently tucked the stem into his hair with a grin.
"There. Now you look truly stunning" Lance teased but Keith only touched the flower softly a bit red.
'Not as much as you do." He replied delicately. He couldn't fight it anymore so he gently pulled the folds of Lance's suit closer and their lips met. Keith restrained himself more than he thought he could allowing Lance the option to continue or pull away. There was slight hesitation but Lance stepped forward allowing the kiss to deep as his arms wrapped around Keith's waist resting gently. Keith was about to burst, his whole body hot and tingly as his trembling hands cupped the boys face gently allowing their lips to linger. Just to feel the warmth of each other. Keith pulled away first his face flushed as he looked at the boy who seemed just as pink. The stared at each other breathing heavy before cracking up with laughter. It was probably because of both o their nerves up until then had been so great but now it was out in the open. Lance had returned the kiss and accepted it. Keith was floating at this point and leaned in for another but Lance pulled away slightly with a small smile.
"I think we should head in soon. Won't they note your absence?" he said reluctantly. He wouldn't mind staying longer but it would be suspicious if they stayed out all night. Keith leaned in quickly stealing one more peck to his soft lips before straightening.
"You're right. Let's head back in. Plus, I haven't seen you eat yet, you must try the duck." Keith said. The two headed back towards the castle in light chatter, their hands holding tightly to each other. Neither aware of the person who had witnessed the whole thing and was scurrying back to the castle as well.