The scene in front of him was a blur of commotion. Lance stood frozen hearing Shiro's pleas to him to not let this happen while Hunk was trying to lead him out of the room. Lane's chest felt heavy and he could feel his throat tighten. He had just signed the death certificate to someone he had loved for years. He just killed someone because he was too..weak? No. What Shiro had done was wrong, he deserved this. Right? Did someone deserve to die over this? Lance felt his head start spinning and the last thing he remembered was Hunk and Pidge leaning over him their faces full of worry as they faded away and left him in the dark.
Lance came too and slowly opened his eyes. He looked around confused not remembering what just happened. He was in a hospital bed with several IVs in his arm. Maybe all of that had been a dream, maybe he had never left the hospital yet and the whole trial was just a really vivid dream. Lance sat up his head still pounding. He reached for the glass of water on his bedside table and the movement must have caught the nurse's attention as she rushed in.
"I'm glad to see you awake. You gave everyone a scare there." She said checking his monitors. Lance's stomach dropped realizing it hadn't been a dream. He really did go through all of that and Shiro.. Why was he so torn about what will happen? This is what he had wanted right? For him to be served justice. Half of him was relieved but the other half was mourning the fact he would die. He knew it was wrong but they had been through so much and for all of this to have happened.. Lance's thoughts were interupted as the nurse started taking out his wires placing cotton balls to the entrance sites.
"You should be fine now, just take it easy yeah? No more panic attacks okay?" She smiled before leaving Lance to grab his discharge papers. Pidge walked in Hunk right behind her.
"Jeez Lance.. a little warning next time. You almost gave us a heart attack." Hunk said scooping him up into a bear hug. Pidge watched Lance before pulling up a chair beside his bed.
"So." She started.
"So.." Lance replied knowing what was about to be talked about.
"Are you okay?" She asked tilting her head a bit. He seemed way to somber for having just won his case. Lance didn't reply for a while not knowing how to. Should he lie and say he's happy? Would she see through it?
"No.. I-" He stopped frustrated at his own feelings betraying him like this. "I didn't want him to die" Pidge pushed up her glasses before crossing her arms.
"You don't think he deserves to?" She asked, not judging but wanting to know why he was thinking and feeling this way.
"I..I don't think someone should die over..I.." Lance was just fumbling not knowing fully why he felt like this.
"Do you think he thought that as he had his fingers around your throat? Or your head held under water?"
"Pidge!?" hunk started but Pidge held a hand up stopping him.
"Lance. He had not a second thought about letting you die. Hell, he came there just to kill you. He never once thought,"Does he deserve this?" No. Because he is a monster who doesn't deserve the luxury of a second chance. It's been years of this Lance. Trust me, you wanted justice, this is it."
It took a couple of hours before Lance was back at his apartment and snuggled into his comforting bed. He just needed to be alone for right now and turned on the television searching for something to watch. He hated that America's Next Top Model had been ruined for him, he didn't think he could ever watch another one without remembering what was happening during the last episode he had been watching. He was so excited about the boys too. He decided on Grey's Anatomy and snuggled into his burrito of blankets and just let himself relax and eventually he fell asleep and luckily did not dream.
The next few days were spent tending to his garden. His sunflowers had just started growing and it was exciting to see his flowers starting to finally bloom. He needed the color in his life. Still no word from Keith and he yearned for just one, hello or just one how are you? But..nothing. He had just thought maybe he had become important enough but guess not.
Having been in contact with a few old friends a location was acquired as to where he may find what he was looking for. The sidewalks were packed with tourists and beach goers creating a loud and hot atmosphere that Keith was notorious for disliking. It had been a while since he had been around here but it was definitely worse now that summer had officially kicked off. Nothing could prepare him for his next encounter which would either end really well or really bad. He weaved his way through the suburbs looking back at an address on his hand and eyeing each address he passed. He stopped catching a glimpse of what he was looking for. Long tan legs peeking out from behind a rose bush. Keith made his way around the corner of the apartment and his heart skipped a beat seeing the pretty boy crouched over his flowers grooming them. Wearing high waisted shorts and a crop top with a sunflower on it letting his skin glow under the sun. Lance. Keith felt his hands start to shake and he was regretting even getting on the pane to come back. They haven't spoken in months. When Lance had needed him most he hadn't been there. Now here he was outside of his home to what? Apologize for breaking his promise? Get him back as a friend? Maybe..more? Keith had argued with his father about coming back and was finally able to convince him to let him go. Pidge had contacted him after Shiro's arraignment letting him know the outcome and Keith immediately packed his things and came as soon as he could. Lance must be going through hell and Keith just wanted to be there for him. His nerves were getting the best of him and he was about to turn to leave and try and gain courage to try again some other time but a voice stopped him and made his heart stop and his palms sweat.
"Keith?"
Keith turned to see Lance standing only feet away, the only thing dividing them was a small white picket fence. Lance's knees were brown with dirt and he looked a little exhausted but what got Keith's heart race going was the wet tears in his eyes and the next thing knew the slender boy was leaping the fence and throwing his arms Keith's neck tightly. Arms wrapped around Lance's waist as Keith returned the hug not caring if they looked like fools in the middle of the sidewalk. Lance pulled away his face brighter than the sun itself as he wiped at his eyes his garden gloves leaving dirt streaks on his cheeks. Keith snorted a bit and rubbed a streak away with his thumb, neither boy talking. Just enjoying the moment and trying to process that they were together again.
"Why.. how..?" Lance started before pulling him into another hug. Keith smiled into the boys neck and couldn't help but smile at his scent. Coconut and cinnamon, his new favorite scent.
"I'm so sorry Lance. I should have been here.. I should have called more.." Kieth said his heart about to burst. Lance had actually missed him and wasn't mad. Lance pulled away with a small smile.
"Keith..It's okay. Things happen. You're here now and that's all that matters. Come on! We have so much to catch up on!" Lance took his hand and opened the fence leading them both through. Lance gave him the grand tour of his garden and then they headed inside. Keith was impressed with the place. Lance had done very well for himself and it made Keith so happy that he seemed to be so much better. Keith just listened as Lance caught him up with everything and even let him know how Pidge and Hunk have been doing. The only topic he avoided was the trial which was fine with Keith. He didn't want to ruin a good moment. It was good to see Lance so happy ad proud of what he's overcome. It's a whole new side to Lance he's never seen and he thanked every god that he had decided to come back to see this.
