They ended up going on the next Friday evening. It was a classic diner, the walls fully decorated with various football-related posters, framed articles and photographs. Lance let himself soak in the ambient music for a few moments as they waited for Shiro and his girlfriend to arrive. He looked around at the busy tables. A family and their children. Young couple drinking milkshake from the same glass. Businessmen in their suits lighting up cigars. He was convinced that the two women sitting on the tiny stools at the bar were dating. He smiled at the thought.

For someone who claimed he's lactose intolerant, Keith ordered the most expensive dessert – a Belgium waffle topped with vanilla ice cream with many toppings. Lance looked at him with inquisitive eyes in which Keith only shrug in response.

The waiter came returned with Lance's order, a plate of Turkey sandwich and a glass of chocolate milkshake. He thanked him with a flirty smile before the waiter left, ears glowing red. From his seat he had a view of the entrance, only couples came and left. As he was picking up his fries, Lance almost jumped on his seat. From the corner of his eye she realized someone familiar making her way to his table; he glanced up at her face. He opened his mouth, but Keith beat him to it.

"Shiro! Over here!"

Lance checked this Shiro person as he walked closer, a wide, friendly smile across his face. This "Shiro" must be older than twenty-five judging by his university jock build and the soft lines on his face. He was even more good looking than Lance's mind had made up. The cut across his nose did nothing to deter the air of dominance around him. Lance had to remind himself that staring so blatantly was rude to finally close his gaping mouth. Shit, no wonder Keith had a crush on him. He would too, given the chance.

But more importantly! – Lance brought his gaze back to the attractive woman who had her arm around Shiro's bicep.

"Allura is Shiro's boyfriend?!" Lance asked through clenched teeth.

"What? You knew her?" Keith turned to him. Lance was about to answer him when he heard Allura's voice breaking through the soft murmur inside the diner.

"Oh my, Lance? Is that really you?"

Lance visibly jumped and mumbled a soft "Shit," before standing up to greet her. He knew Keith was looking at him weirdly.

"Oh, crikey! It really is you, Lance!" Allura jumped to his direction and pulled him into a heart-warming hug, her loose silver hair hurdled around them. "It's been too long!"

"Yeah, fancy seeing you here, Allura." He patted her back, movement a little too stiff, but she didn't comment on it. She pulled back, face still adorned with the same pleasant smile Lance last remembered.

"Well, that leaves the awkward greetings then," he heard Shiro said, and immediately peeled himself as far away from Allura. "I'm Takashi Shirogane, but everyone calls me Shiro. Thanks for taking care of Keith."

Lance smile waned for a moment, before he willed himself to grin again. He moved swiftly in front of Shiro, accepting his hand in greeting. "Lance. McClain. And no problem, really."

"No, seriously. Thank you." the hand around him tightened and Lance dropped his eyes to see that it wasn't flesh. When he looked up again, Shiro was staring at him solemnly. Lance only nodded. "I see you're already associated with Allura,"

"We were in the same middle school and high school before Allura moved back to London. Never thought you'd be back here, and in Chicago of all cities." Lance said reservedly, rubbing his nape.

"Lance is like my little brother. We were neighbors back when we lived in Denver. I never thought I'd see you again when Shiro said we're going to meet up with Keith's friend! When did you arrive in Illinois? How was your family?" Allura gushed, curling an arm around Lance's.

"A little over two years ago. I got accepted in the university here. And everyone's fine! Luis is going to apply for college in a few months."

"That's great news! I can't believe little Luis is going to university already. I feel so old. Coran is still back in London, but he'd definitely love to see you again!"

"Age has nothing on you, princess," Lance flirted, winking at her suggestively, but she simply laughed. (Shiro too, to his relief.)

Lance was too caught up with the conversation to realize that Shiro had taken a seat on a chair across from Keith. He automatically sat down next to Keith, Allura right in front of him. Allura was still as beautiful since the last time he saw her. He knew he was sighing dreamily at her the entire dinner, but she and Shiro didn't mind. The two of them were such a perfect, nice couple. Lance was, to his surprise, really happy for her. He sneaked a glance or two at Keith too, somewhere in the middle of a lively conversation, but Keith, as always, remained completely unreadable. He'd chuck a straw at Lance once, when he couldn't stop giving Allura the love-struck look. It was near 9 o'clock when Allura and Shiro excused themselves. They exchanged contact numbers with Lance with a promise of future meet up.

Keith let out a big sigh as the couple exited the restaurant. "Good thing he didn't commented on my bruises." He looked jaded, but Lance noted the way his hollow, yearning gaze lingered on the doorway a little longer than necessary.

Lance snickered. They ordered a biscuit and gravy as take-out before leaving for the night.

Thanks to the extravagant sugar intake earlier, they couldn't bring themselves to sleep that night, so Lance turned his laptop on, and they watched Singing in the Rain together on Lance's tiny cream couch. Also, Lance finally had an excuse to eat the popcorn that had been sitting on his cabinet for God knows how long. With the weather gradually getting colder and colder, being huddled close to Keith felt perfect.

"What's up with you and Allura?" Keith asked somewhere in the middle of the movie.

"Oh. Uhhh…" Lance bit his nail now that they were no more food to chew. "I used to have this huge ass crush on her."

Keith exhaled a low chuckle. His attention shifted to Lance. "Seriously?"

"Yeah. But, the last time I saw her I was this, short ugly nerd kid. Not my proudest moment."

Keith turned himself completely facing Lance. He dragged his eyes from his toe to his head. "You can't be that bad. I mean, you look okay now."

"I mean it. I was… uh, horrible, horrible time." Lance shook his head when he remembered his high school self. A shiver ran through his spine.

"Hmm. Do you have a photo?"

"Why would you want to see my old photo?!"

"Just go get it." Keith kicked him out of the couch and Lance grumbled but crawled to the cupboard under the TV to grab his high school yearbook nevertheless. True to his words, Lance did look awful few years prior. He had braces and wore dated pair of glasses. His face was littered with freckles and acne scars. Keith couldn't stop laughing he choked on his own spit.

"Okay, I take that back." Keith finally said after a while, between his wheezing. "What the fuck happened to you Lance?"

Lance yanked the book back to his lap, his entire face glowed red with shame. "I told you it was the darkest moment of my life! Good thing my sister always used me as a guinea pig of her skin care product before she used it on her." He patted the book on his lap. "Also when I realized… I like boys too, I thought to myself 'shit, I can't even score a date with one girl how am I supposed to woo a guy?' so there's that."

Keith's face lit up with delight. "Well, kudos to your sister for working on a miracle."

"Why? 'cuz you admit I'm irresistible now?"

Keith nudged his shoulder playfully. "Alright, don't push your luck now, pretty boy."

Lance gaped at the boy before him, eyes wide as saucers. He could feel the air in the room go still. "Oh my god." He spoke slowly. "You just called me pretty! Keith Kogane told me I'm pretty!"

"Wh – Why are you so surprised!?" Keith backed away a little, taken aback by Lance's restlessness. "I remember you talking to your own reflection about how pretty you are!"

Lance gave him a flat stare, a silent duh in the air. "Yea well. Coming from you is different. Because usually you have a potty mouth and you're like…" he gestured at the air between them. "so fucking gorgeous."

Keith blushed, a full-faced flush that had taken over his entire face. Lance almost forgotten how to breathe because he looked so sweet. "I – I'm not." He sputtered, bringing his attention back to the forgotten movie.

"'s too bad Shiro is missing out on you." Lance jested. "Do you um… you still like him?"

It was a question that had been bothering him since they left the diner, prodding at his thoughts like an itch he'd wanted to scratch.

Keith stiffened, eyes like glue stuck to the screen. He didn't answer, not even until the credits rolled out, not even until they went back to their respective rooms and bid each other good night.

Lance, in his twenty-one years of life, had never felt this shitty.

Nearing the end of the month, they had run out of mostly everything (bread, toothpaste, soap, cereals because Keith only eats cereals like the brute he is) that they decided to go on a full fledge grocery shopping. Good thing today was Keith's day off and Lance didn't have any class until the afternoon.

Keith was quiet the entire trip, not that it was strange. He was weird that way. But while he thought that 'cuz they'd bonded for more than a month Keith would open up more, boy, was he wrong.

He could feel that Keith was still uncomfortable around him, especially when he admitted that he hadn't collect enough money to afford a room. Lance had brushed him off countless of time, saying that it didn't really matter – because honestly, it didn't. Being with Keith didn't add any unnecessary load into his life (except for the weight in his heart, but Lance was good at playing cool) instead he made new friend, who was kind of mysterious but also nice and funny. And Lance wouldn't trade it for anything. It was just sooo hard to get that point across to Keith.

(sometimes Keith would do more chores that weren't in his schedule even though he was worn out from work. Lance hated it when he did that.)

It was when he was waiting for Keith to finish paying that his phone buzzed. Allura rarely texted him unless he texted her first, so of course he'd open any message from her instantly.

princess Allura (15:24): Shiro told me today is Keith's birthday. Sad that we're currently out of town, but make sure you spend it with him! shiro said he's a bit difficult when it comes to celebrating his own bday. Talk to you later Lance.

"What the fuck," Lance mouthed quietly to no one in particular. He stole a glance at Keith who still had this blank look on his face like he just basically didn't care. Fuck. Thinking about it, not telling anyone about his own birthday was indeed, so Keith. He quickly typed in a short thank you message to Allura and Shiro before helping Keith carry the bags.

He acted as if he was checking his phone as he waited for Keith to buckle up his seatbelt. He paused again for a good whole minute before saying, "My class is canceled for today. Wanna go eat out?"

Keith raised a brow at him. "We could just order take outs and eat at home?"

"No, no. I want to eat somewhere nice. My treat."

"Okay?"

"Great. It's a date then."

Keith crossed his arms, looking at him through his bangs. "It's not a date."

"Alright, cool. I'm up for another not-date date." Lance said meekly, starting up the car. Beside him, he could hear Keith exhaled loudly, but when Lance turned to look at him with a playful grin, Keith replied with an amused smile of his own.

Lance drove to a small, fancy Italian restaurant on Palmer Square, despite Keith's whining. The restaurant was full. He was lucky the waiter was able to squish them on the last couple table. By the time they sat down the restaurant was the color of auburn, the afternoon sun filtered through the window. The interior was warm and modest, with dim lights and crisp white walls ornamented with huge photograph of a castle. A single candle was placed on the table, its glow illuminated the features on Keith's face, making him look younger than he really was.

"I honestly don't understand what's on the menu." He admitted, squinting at the book in hand.

"That's cute." Lance was so lost on watching Keith trying to spell the name of the foods that he didn't realize the server had come to take their orders. The man offered them their best wine. Lance didn't refuse.

Halfway into their main course, Keith leaned back against the wall. "Lance,"

"Hm?"

"Is this a date?"

"Only if you want it to be."

Keith smiled, but it was small and sad. Lance frowned.

"What's wrong?"

Keith shook his head. "Nothing. Just… a really bad timing, that's all."

"You're not having a good time?" Lance asked, voice barely a whisper. Keith caught his gaze and there was a brief moment of panic as he repeatedly shook his head.

"No! It's not that at all! it's just… I've never been on this kind of thing before, you know. Fancy dinner, with wine, and all that shit." He admitted bashfully, cheeks growing a little pink. The sight of it made Lance swoon in his seat. "Not to mention we're both dressed like we'd just jumped straight out of bed."

"So. You're having fun?"

Keith paused for a moment like he was thinking, before bringing his glass closer to his mouth. "Yeah."

When they exited the restaurant, the moon had made itself seen high in the sky. The ride back home was a serene quiet, accompanied by the soft lull of jazz music from the beaten-up car radio. Keith's cheeks were both tinted pink from the wine, and even though he argued that neither of them should drive in their current state, Lance was miraculously still sober enough to do so.

He passed by his university before making a stop at a nearby parking lot.

"You wait here." Lance said from the gap between the car door. "I just need a little trip to the convenience store. I'll be quick." Keith nodded and he closed the door.

He speed-walked, passing the said convenience store on his way to a certain shop. He checked the clock on his phone, praying to whatever Gods out there that the shop was still open.

(it was.)

When he returned to the car, Keith was tilting his head against the window watching the street drowsily. "That wasn't quick." His words were slurred, and he kept his eyes forward like he didn't even care.

"Yeah. Sorry." Lance sat down and closed the door. There was a rustling noise.

Keith turned his head. "What did you even – "

Lance shoved the sunny-colored bouquet – marigolds – he'd bought just then to the boy next to him. "Happy birthday, Keith." He murmured. It was just a simple bunch; four stems of marigolds and two yellow tulips, but the sweet aroma filtered the small space like a gust of strong wind.

Keith's face was a mixture of different emotions before he settled on looking awestruck. He tilted his chin up, looking up at the roof before wheezing out a "What the ever-loving fuck." he brought his hands together and rubbed his face like he couldn't believe himself. Like he was trying to absorb everything at the same time. "Are you fucking joking Lanceee?" his voice was muffled, but it was surprisingly brisk and bright.

"Why would I be joking?! I bought you flowers!" he could hear Keith catch his breath. He became quiet all of a sudden. Lance hadn't expected this. Suddenly he could feel unease rise within him.

"Keith?"

When Keith lowered his hands enough for Lance to see his eyes, both of his ears are red. "I take it your class wasn't canceled?"

Lance was silent for a while, engraving the scene to his memory. Finally he answered, "Nope."

Keith, at last, brought his hand down, draping his fingers around the bouquet. "You're so unbelievable." He shook his head like he was upset that Lance had skipped his class, but there was softness deep within his eyes as he gazed at the flowers in his grasp. "You really shouldn't."

Lance recalled Shiro's words about Keith doesn't really like celebrating his own birthday. He swallowed before asking, "Do you… hate it?"

"I love it." Keith's answer was immediate. Quick. Simple. He didn't even spare a glance in Lance direction – soft, vulnerable eyes trained on the bright colored petals of flowers. "Marigold is my mother's favorite flower." He brushed his finger against one of the petals, his touch light and delicate.

"Thank you, Lance."

(Keith kept the flowers inside a vase and kept them on the coffee table until they wilted on their own.)

November

On one cold, cold morning in November, Lance was woken up to a chilling sensation right against his spine. The full body shiver had pulled him out of his slumber, but the slippery feeling made him jump to his feet.

"Wh – what the hell?!" he shrieked, hands reaching out to his back. It was wet. He was still dizzy from the sudden movement he barely registered Keith standing beside his bed, hands on his hips, snickering. "Keith! Did you just wake me up with an ice cube? On my back?!"

There was a satisfying thud as the cube fell down to the floor next to his feet. "You're the one who told me to wake up you early. You have an important test today, remember?"

"Yeah, but ice? Really?!"

Keith raised his shoulders with a guilt-free look across his face. Lance shoved him gently and scoffed like an angry cat. He could hear Keith's laughter all the way to the bathroom.

It was supposed to be just a quick trip to the bathroom (due it being cold an all), but he ended up jerking off.

"I really need to get laid." He said absent-mindedly around a mouthful of bagel.

Keith leveled him with a bemused stare. His nose was slightly upturned. His lips were slightly crooked, his face plump and adorable. Without thinking Lance wanted to hug his slender body. Shit, nobody deserved to look that good with his sister's apron. "Huh. I see it's been…2 months since your little trip to the bar. I have to say I'm amazed that you're able to hold on this long." He said, turning the stove off, placing the burnt egg down on a plate. "If you're worried about me being here then – don't. I won't leave the room if you told me to."

"No, no, I won't bring anyone home." Lance poked the abomination in a shape of an egg with his fork. "First, I'm scared of what it'll do to our relationship, and second, the walls here are too thin."

Keith hid his smile with his palm. "Yeaaah… tell me about it. You're very loud even when you masturbate. I'm seriously concerned for your sister, back when she was still living here, with you."

"What?!" Lance's silverware flew across the room. "WH – Why didn't you tell me?! Holy… holy shit –"

Keith fought to bit back a sardonic laugh. "What am I supposed to tell you? that you've been moaning loudly whenever you beat your meat?"

"YES."

"Well then." Keith slid onto the stool. "I just did." Even with that coy grin, he was still attractive.

Lance's mouth opened and then closed, like a fish out of water. "Oh my God Keith, I can't believe – "

"Pfft." Keith held his hand in front of his mouth, but still unable to hold his laugh. "Ahahahahah," he placed one hand across his stomach and laughed a full-bellied laugh, his cheeks reddened. It showed in his eyes, in the way his face changed into that vision of relaxed joy and unrestrained mirth. Lance thought Keith's laughter was the loveliest thing he'd ever seen.

Lance pouted his lips, but incapable of holding his anger for too long. Soon he was joining Keith, his breakfast forgotten.

When he came home, later that afternoon, he was thrilled to see Keith on the front door of his house. They had arrived at the same time. Even though Lance did say they wouldn't be seeing each other often due to their schedules, he was glad for all the time he could spend together with Keith and had learned to appreciate every second of it.

Like now.

"You look happy." Keith said while unlocking the door.

"Yes, yes, listen." Lance gushed, still high in exhilaration. "I fucking aced the tests, dude. I'm gonna have straight As."

"Really?" Keith sounded doubtful. Lance hoped he was joking. As soon as the door clicked open, Lance pulled Keith by the arm and dragged him inside the house. The sound of their hurried steps echoing in the dim hallway.

"I feel like celebrating." Lance said, never letting go of his grip. Keith just laughed; voice as clear as bells.

"The scores not even out yet."

They stood at the center of the room, Lance fiddling with his phone for a while before he set it on the coffee table, Ed Sheeran's Perfect playing in the background. "Dance with me,"

Keith's eyes went wide. Lance had sounded so hopeful; almost like a plea. "Oh, no no no no." Keith attempted to yank his arms free, but to no avail. "I don't dance, Lance. And that choice of song is tacky." He pouted his lips while struggling. It was cute.

I found a love for me
Darling just dive right in
And follow my lead

The music spun around them like twirling thread. Lance rested his hand on his back and started moving his feet. "Lance," Keith warned, but he moved with him, swaying.

I will not give you up this time
But darling, just kiss me slow, your heart is all I own
And in your eyes you're holding mine

Lance's movements flowed with grace and he could feel Keith eyeing him intensely, like he had no idea what to do. He was tense. But Lance saw way his lips lifted upward. The warm glow of bliss that softened his features.

Baby, I'm dancing in the dark with you between my arms
Barefoot on the grass, listening to our favorite song

Then Keith laughed. "I cannot take you seriously with this song." He squished his foot under Lance's own, but the taller guy didn't seem to mind. Lance spun him in a delicate circle, and their dancing slowly came to life. With careful steps, Lance pulled him back into his embrace, Keith's hands against his chest as he looked into those deep, purple eyes. He was suddenly overwhelmed.

I don't deserve this
You look perfect tonight

"You better get those straight As, McClain."

Why did he come to Chicago? It's a question Lance is frequently asked. Chicago is cold and rains all the time. Lance actually prefers a warmer climate. Denver was perfect. Going to the university in Chicago is one thing, but he was also accepted to the university of Denver. To be perfectly honest, Lance had always been keen on moving somewhere far away. Chicago wasn't exactly far… but it's a step. Lance wanted a change in his life. He wanted to find something to ground him. There was nothing in Denver to keep him in place. Nothing but bad break-ups and weak-willed indecisiveness.

Now that he found Keith, he wanted him to be that something to ground him. But Keith was a clandestine he had yet to identify. He was an epitome that was unattainable. And Lance is about to learn why.

One a rare day such as today, where Lance would come home later than Keith, he would sometimes find the older boy sprawled out on the couch with the TV on. Every so often he'd be asleep, like right now. Lance toed off his sneakers and his socks, scooting closer to the couch. He knew he was being a creep, but he couldn't help himself, alright? Keith was – Keith looked the best when he was sleeping. He didn't pinch his brows like he was worried or purse his mouth into a frown in a distasteful manner. Sleeping Keith seemed so peaceful, like he belonged there, on Lance's old, tiny couch.

One of those lilac eyes cracked open. "Hi."

Lance smiled down. "Hey,"

Keith pushed himself into a sitting position, pulling his arms as he stretched out. Lance could see the pale skin peeking from the way his shirt rode up his stomach. He worried about Keith's lack of proper winter clothing sometimes. "Anytime now," Keith mumbled.

"Huh?"

"You. To stop being a creep." Keith remarked. "Eyes up here, amigo."

Lance snickered, joining him on the couch. "Si, Si, hermoso."

"Oh. You do speak Spanish." Keith muttered, more to himself.

Lance hooted, throwing himself back against the cushion. "Who, me? Nah man, I was born in Denver – I took Spanish class for a year, yeah, but that's it. My mom is from Cuba though," he reached his hand to touch a strand of Keith's hair. "I remember back in Spanish class all these kids were looking at me like they expected me to speak fluent Spanish… when all I could pronounce perfectly was estoy cachondo."

"Hm? And what does that mean?"

"Es secreto~" Lance whistled, his fingers playing the end of Keith's hair.

Keith turned his body to face him, a pout on his lips. He knew enough Spanish to understand what Lance just said. "Ass." He grumbled.

They stared at each other, not blinking. The air stirred. Lance moved his head closer to Keith. "I know, I have the best ass around here."

Keith rolled his eyes, smiling. "We both know that's not true."

Unexpectedly, Lance's free hand had drifted to settle on top of Keith's lap. If Keith was bothered, he didn't comment on it. Instead he sat frozen, eyes lighting up in both wariness and excitement. Lance leaned in closer, the end of Keith's hair tickling his cheek. "Hm? Would you do a double take on that?" his voice was surprisingly low and husky. Lance was very aware of what is happening. His mind was on full alerts, like an alarm going off inside of his head, telling him to stop stop stop – but Keith's very smell was flooding his senses, making his insides numb with feelings.

So many feelings.

Lance kissed Keith and the world just disappeared. It was slow and soft, and completely unadulterated – just a chaste press of their lips. His hand rested below Keith's ear, thumb caressing his cheek as their breaths mingled. You'd think that after all the dates he'd been through, all the stupid flings he was in – that he would know what to expect of a simple kiss. But he hadn't imagined how warm and perfect Keith was, pressed against his lips. Lance was addicted. So he pushed closer, itching to get more of that warmth –

But strong arms kept him in place before gently shoving him away. They parted, both with bewilderment mirrored in their eyes.

They both knew it was coming.

"Lance…" Keith said, almost breathless. He wouldn't meet Lance's eyes as he brought his finger to his own lips. "Why?"

As Keith stood up and closed the door to his room, Lance's world fell apart.

(Keith stopped sleeping on the couch from that point on.)