Hunk ambled down the hallway, muttering to himself about those ungrateful paladins, they should make me lunch for a change, and I just want to eat the delicious food I made, and why does Lance's room have to be the furthest from the kitchen?

Even before he reached Lance's room, he could hear the sobs, violent and choking and audible from down the corridor. Hunk's irritation instantly disappeared, replaced by a deep concern for his best friend. He charged down the hallway, pausing for a moment to catch his breath before knocking on Lance's door. The sobs stopped, Lance's breath hitching.

"Go away." Lance's voice was rough, thick and heavy with tears. The sound, so different from Lance's usually upbeat and happy tone, made Hunk shudder.

"Lance, buddy, it's Hunk." He tried to keep the concern and pity from his voice, to keep his tone steady.

Behind the door, Hunk heard the sound of bedsheets being discarded, of soft footsteps on the ground, of a weak fist slamming softly on the door. Lance's voice was desperate, impossibly sad when he spoke.

"Please, Hunk, go away."

Placing his hands on the door and dipping his chin, Hunk shook his head. He knew Lance couldn't see the gesture, but it felt necessary.

"Lance, let me in." Somehow, his voice was incredibly stern and desperately soft at the same time.

Lance sighed from behind the door, deciding it much less effort to just let him in, and the sound of his lock clicking echoed down the hall. Hunk could hear his footsteps moving away, followed by the creak of his bed. He turned the handle and slowly, silently, pushed the door open to see Lance curled up, knees drawn to his chest and chin tucked under, his body trembling violently. His sheets had been discarded on the floor and his jacket had been thrown roughly over the back of his chair. While still incredibly tidy and organised, even this slight mess in Lance's room was reason for Hunk to be concerned. He closed the door gently behind him, as quietly as possible. Then, swiftly and silently, he made his way to Lance's bed and sat beside his still quivering body, facing away from him.

Hunk had always been pretty good at consoling his friends, but something about this situation made him feel somewhat awkward. After all, he had never had to comfort Lance- he was always happy, always joking and playing around. Hunk had no idea what to do in this situation. The blue paladin was still crying, his sobs silent now. Trying to find the correct thing to do with his hands, Hunk settled on rubbing his back in a way he hoped was comforting. Eventually, gradually, Lance's body stopped trembling and his breathing steadied. Tears continued to cascade down his cheeks, but his sobs stopped, which calmed Hunk slightly.

Finally, Hunk broke the silence with a simply "hey", his voice thick with a fondness one could only feel for their best friend.

Lance tensed at his voice, desperately hoping there would be no "what's up?" or "talk to me" to follow up. There wasn't. Hunk understood that Lance would tell him what was wrong when he wanted to, and he was willing to wait until then.

Slowly, steadily, Lance drew himself up until he was sitting cross-legged. All at once, he turned to Hunk, wrapped his arms around him and pulled him into a tight embrace. Hunk was slow to react, finally returning the gesture and hugging Lance back. He didn't mind the incredibly uncomfortable position he was in, or the fact that Lance's tears were dripping and gathering on his shoulder. All he wanted was for Lance to know, to understand how much he cared about him, and how much it pained him to see his friend in this state.

Hunk held desperately to Lance, as if he might float away if he didn't. Lance hugged Hunk as if he was his anchor.

"Hunk." Lance's voice was soft, small, still heavy with tears. Hunk nodded against Lance.

"I have to tell you something."

Lance pulled away from Hunk. The two were now sitting on Lance's bed, facing each other. Hunk smiled encouragingly, willing Lance to continue. Drawing in a shuddering breath, Lance nodded, more to himself than Hunk.

"I'm-" Lance's eyes dropped to his hand, fiddling with his bedsheet. "I think…I think I'm gay."

Two thoughts flooded Hunk's mind simultaneously- Oh, that's it and Oh, my god. Lance is gay?! He simply stared at Lance in dumb silence, a reaction he knew was definitely making Lance uncomfortable. Shaking his head, Hunk quickly rearranged his thoughts before responding.

"You're gay?" He asked, before registering that it was an incredibly stupid question. Lance nodded in response, his cheeks flushing crimson.

A thought suddenly occurred to Hunk.

"But what about all those girls you flirted with? And Allura? Aren't you- I mean, weren't you…like in love with her?"

Lance seemed to consider this for quite some time, before nodding in agreement. His face contorted in confusion.

"How can I be gay, but also like girls? Or, how can I be straight, but also like boys?" Lance seemed to be speaking to himself now, his brows knitted together. "That's so stupid. That's not a thing that happens, what is wrong with me…"

"Bisexual," Hunk commented, his voice neutral, casual. Lance lifted his head, his gaze questioning. With a quick wave of his hand, Hunk dismissed his quizzical expression.

"It's when you're attracted to boys and girls. Bisexual," Hunk stated mater-of-factly.

"Oh." Smiling softly, Lance nodded, mouthing the word. Bisexual.

"So," Hunk started, smiling along with Lance. "You're bisexual."

"I'm bisexual," Lance agreed. Something about finally having a name, a title, just a word that he could use to describe himself made him feel infinitely freer, lighter. His grin split wider.

"That's great, Lance," Hunk said sincerely, relieved to see Lance smile again. "I'm glad you trusted me enough to tell me."

Lance nodded. Even though he had never planned on telling anyone this soon, he was happy that he had, and that it was Hunk who he had told.

"And if you ever need to talk, I'm always here. Probably in the kitchen."

His smile growing ever wider, Lance drew Hunk into another tight embrace.

"I know. Thanks, Hunk." Lance felt Hunk nod against him. They slowly pulled apart.

Much to Hunk's surprise, Lance leapt out of bed, pulled on his jacket, and made his way over to the door. Peering over his shoulder, Lance chuckled at Hunk's shocked expression.

"Come on," he said between laughter. "Aren't we going to lunch?"