Chapter Text
Keith stares into the expanse of space in front of him, lights from nearby stars drawing shifting patterns across his face.
He sighs as he pulls his knees up to his chest and wraps his arms around them, feeling a chill in the empty observation room he rubs his hands along the sides of his legs subconsciously.
Keith doesn’t hear the soft footsteps approaching until he feels a gentle hand on his shoulder,
“You okay, Keith?” Lance says from above, his hair obscuring his eyes a bit as he looks at him
“Yeah, just thinking”
“About?”
“Soulmates, I guess.” Lance’s face warms a bit at the word coming from Keith’s mouth but he ignores it.
“What about them?”
“I don't know, just wondering if I have one, I mean they exist, obviously-” Keith laughs a bit as he says this, “seeing as Shiro found his in Adam, Y’know?”
“Yeah, I guess.” Lance mutters as he moves to sit down beside Keith, their sides touch and he’s warm enough to make Keith shudder.
"I just, it feels like Adam was made for Shiro, you know? I mean they're perfect for each other! and based on what I've seen Shiro go through, his life has been hell, it's like Adam's an apology from the universe for what it put him through,”
Keith pauses to sigh, his eyes watering now, “And i know it's dumb but it hurts because i feel like maybe i deserve an apology too."
Lance stills beside him as he notices the tears slipping down Keith’s face now.
Lance’s expression softens, almost fond as he gently cups Keith’s face in his hands and says,
“Keith, have you ever considered that you might be someone else’s apology?”
And though he doesn’t say it out loud Lance thinks, have you ever considered that maybe you’re my apology?
Keith looks to the side, avoiding eye contact, before responding "But who in the world would consider someone like me to be an apology?"
"The real question is, who wouldn't?" Lance sighs, sliding his thumb across Keith's cheek, wiping away his tears. "You're super smart, brave, loyal, kind, and sure sometimes you're a little brash and kinda annoying to deal with," Keith lets out a small laugh at that and Lance rolls his eyes before continuing, "But you're so passionate about everything as well!"
There's silence and then Keith bursts out laughing as he processes what Lance had said.
"Even while trying to comfort me you still manage to work in a jab at me!" He says, amusement clear in his voice.
"Well it wouldn't be us if we weren't bickering the whole time." Lance says, chuckling a bit as well.
Keith leans forward, resting his head on Lance's chest, Lance's hands leaving his face and wrapping around him instead.
"Thank you, Lance."