The two boys sat on the beach just enjoying the warmth from he sun and each other. Lance was resting his head on Keith's shoulders, eyes closed casting small shadows over his freckles. It made Keith's stomach explode in butterflies. He didn't deserve Lance's forgiveness. He did not deserve to be able to just be with Lance so happily anymore. He had left him. He had left him when he needed him the most. Keith started this whole mess he wasn't even there to see it finished. He was a terrible friend. No, he was a terrible person. Keith closed his eyes with a small sigh. He just let himself relax into Lance as they sat in the sand,
"Hunk and Pidge are going out to dinner and invited us if you're feeling up to it?" Lance asked as they were making their way back to Lance's apartment. They were walking close together, their hands brushing every so often. Keith just wanted to grab it and never let go. To sweep Lance off his feet and show him how he should be loved and cared for. He yearned to show Lance how it should have been and how it can be again. He resisted the urge knowing it should not be. Especially so soon after the trial. After he had horrific things done to him.
"Keith?" Lance had stopped walking and stared after Keith. Keith stopped and looked back his cheeks reddening slightly. "Uhh..sorry. What?" He replied apologetically. Lance just smiled and caught up to him linking their arms.
"I asked if you wanted to grab some dinner with Hunk and Pidge?" He repeated as they continued their stroll.
"That sounds fantastic actually." Keith smiled back and gently squeezed the other boy's arm affectionately. Lance launched into another story about how Hunk had been promoted to manager and Pidge head Baker. Keith listened fondly as he talked highly of their friends. He could listen to him talk all day no matter the topic. They made it back to the apartment soon after and Lance immediately tossed the sandy towels into the washing machine.
"The bathroom is right down the hall on the left so you can change if you like." Lance said unpacking his beach bag and putting everything away in it's home. Keith picked up his small duffel bag and went into the bathroom to change. Lance watched him go before going to his own room to change from his swim trunks.
Once Keith was changed first and was sitting on the sofa patently waiting for the other boy. Lance walked out not long after looking like a snack. Keith couldn't stop staring. He wore shorts that huged his perfect thighs..well perfectly. His shirt the color of his eyes making his flawless skin stand out even more. Don't even get him started on his ass. Like, 10 out of 10. He had sunglasses resting atop his head and blue sneakers. Keith was amazed how he made such a casual outfit look so good.
"Wow.. you look amazing" No point in lying. Lance looked at himself with a small frown.
"Oh.. this? Thanks" He smiled wide taking the compliment. With a wink he walked by Keith grabbing his keys.
"Let's go then. Come show me off" Once they left the room Lance stole Keith's arm again enjoying the warmth and comfort Keith offered him. Keith had always been Lance's safe place. Keith happily let the cute boy hang off him not minding one bit. Keith knew Lance didn't mean anything by the harmless flirting. His heart wanted him to mean it but his head knew he was too damaged right now to even be thinking like that. It was now Keith's job to help mend him and heal him.
Lance and Keith arrived at Altea Grill not long after Hunk and Pidge. Hunk was immediately bear hugging Keith before he had a chance to even say hello.
"Dude. I missed you so much. Like. How are you?!" He sniffed getting emotional. Pidge pounded knuckles with him with a smile.
"I'm great Hunk. Better now." He said smiling over at Lance who grinned back just as happy to hear it. The four were seated and began scouring the menu holding light chatter throughout the duration of their dinner. The time reached 9pm before they spilled out of the restaurant full and merry. Pidge was half asleep complaining it was way past her bedtime. The four broke off after farewells and promises to see each other soon.
"So, where were you staying tonight? You are more than welcome to stay at my place if you like." Lance offered. Keith nodded a bit with a smile.
"If it's no issue then I'd be very grateful." He had booked a hotel room but Lance's offer sounded much better. The two walked back in a comfortable silence. The nice thing about the location of Lance's apartment was it was in the heart of everything and easily in walking distance to most everything they needed. The walk was nice, the streets lit with the soft glow of the street lamps. The air was warm with a nice breeze. Maybe California was growing on Keith. He is happy with how much color he got today on the beach. He wasn't so pasty anymore. A nice little tan he had going on. Keith felt Lance's hand brush his own before his slender fingers wiggled their way around his own and before Keith knew it their hands were clasped gently. Keith didn't say anything not wanting to ruin the moment. It made him feel good that Lance trusted him but he also felt guilty, as if he was using lance in his vulnerable state.
Once back at the apartment Lance rushed around getting the spare room ready for his guest. Keith watched in amusement as Lance made sure each sheet was perfectly straight and that each pillow fluffed to perfection.
"It;s perfect. Thank you." Keith said softly seeing the boy fretting so much.
"Sorry. First time I've had guests over." He apologized getting embarrassed at his fussing. Keith waved a hand coming into the room.
"No apologies needed. I'm grateful." He sat on the bed and wiggled a bit. "Feels perfect. " Lance smiled a bit. He headed towards the door to leave him for the night.
"Goodnight Keith." He said shutting the door behind him. Keith watched the boy leave and sighed a bit. His life had been such a roller coaster with Lance in it. A lot of bad but also a lot of good. Maybe this was his chance to come into his life permanently. To change it for the better.
Keith fell asleep around midnight having stayed up working on his computer. Even though he was halfway across the country his work ceased to stop. He woke up hearing his door creak open. It shut with a soft click and it was silent until he felt the bed sink in a bit and soon a warm body was laying next to snuggling under the blankets. Keith swallowed hard trying to control his breathing as to not give away his awake state. Lance cuddled into his back resting an arm over Keith's waist. Keith felt his soft hot breaths tickle his neck and closed his eyes trying to calm his heart rate and sleep. He was sleeping with Lance. Perfect, beautifully sexy Lance.
