Lance couldn't sit still. He kept moving, whether it was shifting to the left, staring out the window, or wringing his hands. His heart rate was insane, and he felt kinda dizzy, almost like he was going to be sick.
The taxi driver glanced at him through the mirror. "Everything alright back there?"
Lance practically jumped out of his seat. "W-Who, me?"
The taxi driver— a kind elderly gentleman from the airport— chuckled. "You're seeing your girl, aren't you?" he asked knowingly.
Lance laughed nervously. "That obvious, huh?"
The man shrugged. "I remember being in that position before. Want some advice?" Lance nodded. "Nobody's perfect, son, but they can be perfect for you. Just keep that in mind the first time you two fight."
"I hope that won't be soon," Lance said. "I can't imagine us ever fighting."
The man shook his head. "Sounds like you're still in the honeymoon faze."
"Yeah," Lance sighed happily. "I'm taking her out for our first date tonight."
"Well, I wish you the best of luck," the taxi driver said. A moment after, they took a right turn, and the man's eyes were widening. He came to a stop at the gate, stuttering, "W-Wait, you're one of the-?"
"Thanks for the ride!" Lance called out, quickly handing him the money and getting out of the car with his duffle bag in hand. The guards at the gate saw him coming, gave a signal, and the gate opened for him. Lance grinned as he walked through, the Castle of Lions standing proudly before him. They were so lucky that this DC air base had been empty when they arrived.
When he walked through the door, he wasn't surprised to see everyone gathered around and chatting.
"Lance!" Hunk called with a smile. "How was home?"
"It was great," Lance told him. "Almost wish I could've stayed longer, but duty calls," he said sarcastically.
Shiro was walking over now, smiling. "It's good to have you back, Lance."
"Yeah, we were starting to think you'd bailed," Keith jibed lightly.
Lance waved a hand. "Me? Bail on this motley crew? Never!" Everyone shared a chuckle, and he took that moment to look around. Matt and Allura— geez, they were together a lot these days— were off to the side catching up, so where was Katie?
"Where's Ka- Pidge?" Lance corrected.
"Where do you think?" Kieth questioned. "All of our lions are upset with us for leaving. Don't you feel it?"
Pausing, Lance closed his eyes. Red was there, and while he did sense a little frustration, she was purring happily.
My paladin, you're back!
He grinned, opening his eyes. "I don't see what you're talking about," he hummed casually as he walked past Keith. "Red is perfectly fine."
Keith crossed his arms. "Sure she is."
Shiro glanced between the two. "Just go check on her, okay?" he suggested to Lance. "We all had to spend some time with our lions after we got back. Pidge got here half a varga ago, and she's been in Green's hangar since."
Lance nodded seriously. "Will do." He walked off in the general direction of the hangars, only taking a turn toward Green's once he was out of sight. He hadn't told them that he could feel Blue's annoyance with him, but he'd check up on her later. He had a girl to go see!
He was giddy with excitement, practically skipping the way there. What should he do? Sneak up on her and surprise her? Dare to kiss her forehead again? Dang it, he should've gotten some flowers— wait, no, that didn't make sense, she had allergies, duh.
He was at the hangar door now, and with a giant grin on his face, he strolled in.
The sight before him nearly made him stop.
There she was, sitting cross legged between Green's front paws, speaking softly.
"-I think you'd like my mom, too. When I told her about you, she was very proud at how good you've been at protecting me!"
Lance heard a low rumble, and Katie's shoulders perked up a bit.
"Exactly! Why would you think I'd tell them something bad? No, we'll keep that stuff to ourselves," she joked, patting Green's paw affectionately.
This was his chance. "And what are these bad things, exactly?" he asked.
Katie spun around, a bright smile coming onto her face. "Lance!"
He laughed, holding out his arms. "Yes, querida?"
Grinning, she scrambled up from the floor and crossed the distance between them. Without thinking, he picked her up and spun her around. She laughed, and he set her down.
Pidge beamed at him, then reached up and hugged him tightly. "I wanted to wait for you, but Greenie here was mad," she explained in a rush.
Lance chuckled and held her close. "Yeah, Shiro told me all the lions were upset we left."
He released her, and Katie nodded. "She was. If you ask me, I think she's jealous."
"Of who, me?" he teased.
Katie made a face like she was about to joke back, but then she froze in horror. "Quiznak," she whispered. "I haven't told her."
Lance tilted his head, confused, but then it dawned on him. He hadn't told Red or Blue about him and Katie yet, either. There was a low growl, and the pair winced. When they turned, Green's eyes were glowing a fervent yellow down at them.
"Now, Green-" Pidge started, and there was another rumble. "Hey, he's not that bad!"
Cringing, Lance asked, "Should I leave?"
Katie huffed. "No, she's just upset I didn't tell her sooner. I only found out two weeks ago, Greenie!"
There was a weird noise this time— almost like a growl, but lighter. Wait, was Green…laughing?
She must have been, because Pidge was now doubled over in laughter. "Oh quiznak, yes, it was hilarious, girl."
Lance pouted and crossed his arms. From her side of the conversation, it sounded like Green was making fun of him. But then, Katie was grabbing his hand and pulling him forward.
"Come on," she whispered. "She wants to approve of you."
Lance swallowed hard. "Wait, what- what do I have to do?"
Pidge grinned at him. "Come on, just follow me." Green's head was lowering now and her mouth opened to show stairs up to the cockpit. This was it. He was gonna die. And before their first date, too.
Holding his hand tight, Katie lead him around to the front of the cockpit. He noted a string of lights near the control panel, and he chuckled. Then suddenly, she was in front of him.
"Green says you need to sit down in the pilot's chair," Katie told him.
"Is she gonna electrocute me?" he gulped. She laughed, pushing him back into the chair without an answer. The second he sat down, something in his mind shifted. It was almost like…like a door in his mind was opening up. And something was entering.
He gasped, "Katie-"
"Shh, she won't hurt you," Katie murmured. "I'm right here. Keep your eyes closed."
Lance didn't even remember shutting them, but he nodded, clutching onto her hands for support. What was happening? What was this fuzzy feeling in his head? Was he-
There was a gentle purr. And it didn't sound like one of his lions.
Hmm…I never thought you were a possibility.
Panic was rising in him now.
Oh calm down, will you?
Wait, was that-?
Katie? he questioned.
The one and only, she replied sarcastically.
What's going on?
Greenie's searching you, Katie said.
For what?
Ill intent.
Quiznak, that voice wasn't his Katie.
Yours, hm?
Lance swallowed nervously. Unwittingly, he tightened his grip on Katie's hands.
Speak, Paladin. Explain yourself.
Taking in a deep breath, Lance focused on the connection between them. Honestly, he was too scared to speak. He knew he could share his emotions with Red and Blue, but would it work the same way? An approving rumble was his answer, and with that, he opened his heart.
A flood of warmth filled the connection, followed by a strong sense of protection. Hope, then anxiety were next. Excitement, nervousness, joy— passion. Admiration, and after that a desire to do whatever it took to make her happy.
His memories were flashing before them now. Every longing look, every worried thought during battle, every night wondering when he'd get up the courage to tell her.
And finally — an overwhelming surge of love.
The connection broke suddenly, and there was a loud roar.
Lance groaned and shook his head. Had that really just happened? He felt like his brain had been put in a blender. The first thing he registered was a noise that sounded like…crying?
His eyes flashed open, and his heart broke instantly. Pidge— his darling Katie— had burst into tears. Acting on instinct, he gathered her up in his arms. She cried into his chest for what felt like forever. Lance didn't know what to say. Did Green disapprove? Was he not worthy of her?
Then, she was gazing up at him angrily. "You- you idiot!" she blubbered. "I can't— I can't believe you, why-"
"Shh, shh, I'm sorry," he whispered.
"You should be!" Katie exclaimed. She sat up now, and he didn't have time to contemplate the fact that she was sitting on him. "I can't believe you felt like that for so long and I know you said years, but I didn't think-" she let out a strangled sob. "Why didn't you just tell me, Lance?"
Lance blinked. Wait, she wasn't mad at him? Well, she was, but not for the reason he initially thought. He reached up and cupped her face gently.
"I…" he trailed off. "I thought it wasn't the right time. I didn't want to distract you…didn't want to endanger you. What if the Galra had found out that I lov- that I liked you?" he corrected quickly. "They would've taken you in a heartbeat, and I couldn't have that happen."
She sniffed, wiping at her eyes. "You're still an idiot."
He managed a smile. "I'm your idiot…if you'll have me."
Katie laughed, her eyes sparkling with more unshed tears. "Of course I will, Lance."
Sighing with relief, he pulled her into his arms again. He heard her sniff a few more times, and he carded his fingers through her hair. Pidge hummed at the touch, nuzzling deeper into his chest. Lance smiled and shut his eyes. He could stay like this forever.
But then, a thought occurred to him.
"…so, does this mean Green approves of me?"
Giggling, Katie replied, "If she didn't, you would've been thrown out several ticks ago."
It was a few hours later, and Pidge was fiddling with the ends of her sweater. She stared out the window, watching as the trees passed by in a blur. They'd left over twenty minutes ago, and Lance still wouldn't tell her where he was taking them. He'd just laugh and say, "You'll see when we get there!"
As they drove along the back roads, Pidge couldn't help but be preoccupied with her thoughts of what happened earlier. If she was honest, she was a bit embarrassed. Sure, Lance had seen her cry before, but that was different. She hadn't expected to cry, either, and so that caught her completely by surprise. Then again, so did Lance every single day.
Which reminded her—
"So when did you get a license?" she questioned.
"Every pilot has to have a license before training," he told her, his eyes never leaving the road. "I mean, how can you pilot a ship if you can't drive a car?"
"Huh, I'd never thought about it before," she thought aloud. She turned back to staring out the window. How did she bring this up? Did she even want to talk about it? Well, yeah, she kinda did…and Lance did say that he always wanted her to be honest.
Katie just didn't know how to do this.
How was she supposed to…be in a relationship? How much of herself did she show? How much did she hide? She wasn't used to being open with her feelings, but…it did sound nice to have someone to talk to.
Katie glanced over at the man next to her. She wanted to open her mouth and say something. She really did. So, she did, and—
"We're here!" Lance cheered.
Katie blinked. She turned, her jaw dropping. "Wait a second, is this-?"
"A drive in movie theater!" Lance finished for her. "It's cool, right? I didn't think they existed anymore."
She nodded slowly, taking in the sight of cars gathered around the massive blank screen. It felt like…well, it felt like she was an actual teenager on an actual date.
Lance pulled around to the closest spot, backing in with expert ease. He put the gear in park and cast her a bright smile. "Ready?"
Suddenly, Katie felt a thrill run through her. She nodded, not waiting for Lance before she got out and ran around back. It all made sense now— why he'd kept it a secret, why he'd told her to dress warmly, even why they were driving a truck, for crying out loud.
Lance met her at the truck bed, unlocking it and revealing a bundle of blankets. Katie grinned widely, and he smiled back. He hopped up into the bed and offered her a hand up. She accepted it, glad for the simple feeling of his hand in hers again.
"Blanket fort?" she suggested.
He grinned. "Absolutely!"
Minutes later, Lance was already sitting back in his cozy cocoon, pillows on every side. Katie finished propping up a pillow she'd found, and she stood back. Something…something wasn't right. She frowned, moving the pillow a little to the left. No, that wasn't right, either.
"Katie?"
She looked up, and Lance was blushing. "You, uh," he stammered. "You can sit next to me- if, if you want."
Katie thought about it for a moment, and then shrugged. "Okay." She took her pillow and set it right next to Lance. She sat down and leaned back against it, keeping a few inches between herself and him.
She tried to focus on their surroundings. On the sounds of everyone around them. But no, the voice in her head was practically shouting at her now— something still wasn't right.
"Screw it," she muttered.
Lance gave a confused look. "Huh-?" But he didn't finish, because Katie had grabbed Lance's arm, flung it around her shoulders, and snuggled into his side.
'Much better,' she sighed happily.
Lance was snickering now. "Have you always been a snuggle bug?"
"Nope, just with you," Katie murmured. She glanced up at him and saw that he was grinning. His thumb was rubbing slow circles into her arm, and she closed her eyes. Forget the movie— she felt like taking a nap.
"You okay, querida?"
She nodded sleepily, draping an arm across his waist and snuggling into him more. "Yeah, I'm fine-" she yawned. "Promise."
His chuckle was deep and warm, especially since her ear was pressed up against his chest. "Clearly," he replied. "Although I'm not surprised that you're worn out."
She lifted her head to look at him. "Why's that?"
Lance's eyes gazed into hers gently. "Because of what happened earlier. The thing with Green."
Katie blushed suddenly. "Oh yeah. That."
"Yeah," he replied. His hand reached for hers, and he laced their fingers together. He stared down at them, his thumb smoothing over the top of her hand. "Do you wanna talk about it?"
She gazed at where their connected hands rested on his chest. "Yeah, I do."
Lance nodded. "Take all the time you need…or at least, until the trailers get started," he joked.
Katie couldn't help a snicker. "Quiznak, I don't know where to begin…I guess… I'm sorry?" Lance raised an eyebrow, and she squeezed his hand. "Just- just let me talk," she insisted. He squeezed back, and she took that as a go-ahead.
"I'm sorry for getting all emotional and crying, and I know I shouldn't apologize, but…I don't know," she said, her voice getting quiet. "I don't know how to handle all this, how to talk about feelings. And today-"
She felt Lance take in a sharp breath. Katie looked away from their hands and stared up into his ocean blue eyes.
"Today, your emotions were so…so strong," she whispered. "I had no idea, and it just-" she stopped, her eyes stinging with new tears.
"Hey, hey, no more of that," he soothed, holding her tight. "It was overwhelming," he acknowledged slowly. "…but it was also the truth."
Katie let out a breath she didn't know she'd been holding. "I don't know if I deserve you," she admitted. "You've been so open with me, and I-"
"-you are perfect just the way you are," he insisted. "I want you to be you, because you are the person I want. Don't be anyone but yourself."
How did all of this happen, she wondered. How did this man fall for someone like her? How did she not know for so long, yet somehow felt that pull toward him all along? How did she wind up here, perfectly content in his arms?
Katie took in the look in his eyes. They were so kind, so sincere. She meant the world to him, she realized. And though she didn't want to admit it now, he was becoming the same to her.
Katie nodded. "Okay."
There was a loud cheer, and the pair jumped. They looked— the movie had just started. Their eyes met, and they laughed.
Lance held her close, nuzzling his nose into the top of her head. "Good first date?"
"Great first date," she hummed.