"Do I have to? Like..really really have to" Lance pouted as his things were being loaded into a small, unmarked carriage. Keith helped fix the collar of his coat so no cold could creep in.

"It will be fun, Lance. I'm doing this for you. Adam has lots of things planned. Your family will be home safe, I'll keep an eye on them. Go enjoy yourself. Think of it like.. a vacation!" Keith smiled trying to cheer Lance up. He hadn't seemed to enthusiastic about the idea of the plans but his King was practically ordering this so he had no choice.

"I'll miss you." Lance grumped and earned a small kiss.

"You'll be back soon. Promise." Keith gave one more kiss before backing away and letting Lance enter the carriage. Shiro was seated inside personally escorting him. Once the carriage started rolling Lance glanced at Shiro ho was trying to avert his gaze and stare out the small window.

"What's going on?" Lace asked and Shiro took on a look of mock confusion.

"What do you mean?" he asked and Lance just crossed his arms.

"A vacation? Really? It was just Christmas. Who needs a vacation after Christmas? Nothing against Adam but why would I want to go stay with your fiance? Something's going on.." Lance looked at the man skeptically and Shiro shifted uncomfortable. He could not tell him the real reason.. but maybe..

"Okay. You caught us. Keith wanted to..prepare some things without you being around. A surprise" Shiro winked and Lance froze.

"Wait!" He said and practically jumped up from his seat. "He's not going to propose is he!? Holy crow! I don't think I'm ready or that!" Lance was practically shrieking and Shiro was quick to calm him.

"Don't worry, just calm down. Don't tell anyone I told you." Shiro grinned and Lance was only beaming at that point. Now it made sense. Why else would Keith nicely dismiss him?!

Shiro's stomach was rolling with the guilt of the lie, and such a harsh one. Once Lance returned and no ring was presented what was going to happen?! Maybe he should have chose another lie.. The rest of the ride was filled with Lance's excited humming as he was knitting his next project. Shiro could only hope this blew over quickly.

"You guys made it! I hope the ride wasn't too rough!" Adam greeted them and helped unload Lance's belongings.

"Nope! It was perfect." Lance said grabbing up one of his luggage trunks and helping carrying them inside. Shiro stayed quiet and just helped unload his mind racing. His gaze darting back and forth making sure no one was watching. The town was slow, only a few shoppers heading to the market and one old beggar near the corner. No one seemed suspicious.

An hour or so later Shiro was saying his farewells before heading off back to the carriage leaving Adam and Lance alone

"Well. Now what?' Lance asked as him and Adam were just standing around awkwardly.

"Well, I was thinking after dinner we could maybe hit the pub? Listen to the live music? That's where I spend a lot of my time actually. It's surprisingly relaxing."

Lance smiled not minding that idea at all.

"I've never actually been to one! So sure!" Adam sighed in relief not knowing if Lance would have even been interested in his ideas. He had to keep Lance occupied so he didn't ask questions.

"Is he settled in?" Keith asked once Shiro settled himself into the chair beside Keith in his chambers.

"Yes.. I may have messed up though.." Shiro said shamefully drawing Keith's attention.

"Did you tell him?!"

"No! Well, not the truth.. I uh... may have hinted at a possible..proposal?" Keith narrowed his eyes but didn't say anything.

"He knew something was up, I panicked. I'm sorry.." Shiro hung his head but Keith just burst out into light laughter.

"Calm yourself Shiro. If we both make it out of this alive you bet your ass I'm wedding that kid. No worries. No lies. I guess I have some planning to do." Keith winked and Shiro felt immensely better about his decision.