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Lance sat on the small porch with his back against the worn brick and legs long enough to prop up on the opposite wall. He was fiddling with a coin, flipping it casually, not focused too much on one thing or another, more like observing with a broad perspective. The road was littered with people as usual, some groups of people were sitting in circles chatting idly, others sat by themselves, hunched and quiet.
Looking down the street, Lance still saw no sign of the familiar figure he’d come to know and love. He sighed and leaned his head back against the wall. It was Thursday meaning that this is around the time they’d come to visit, it was rare for them to ever miss a day.
The door next him creaked open and a voice spoke, “Are you ever going to give up?” Lance looked up at his sister Rachel, she was raising a brow in judgment, a hand on her hip for emphasize. Lance was about to respond when out of the corner of his eye he saw a hooded figure he recognized. He quickly jumped to his feet a smile stretching onto his lips at the mere sight of them.
“I could never.”
“Stop harassing the guy and maybe you’d have a chance!” Lance didn’t respond just followed after the man in question.
“Hello again, Lance,” he sighed when Lance came up and walked next to him.
“Hey Keith, a pleasure to see you as always.” He tried to grab Keith’s hand to place a kiss on the back, but Keith ripped it away before their hands even touched.
“Not a chance, Romeo.”
Lance chuckled, taking the defeat graciously. “It’s worth a try isn’t it?”
Keith shook his head, the action made his earrings jingle quietly. “Not when it’s never going to work.” He sped up his pace and turned down an alley. Lance jogged to catch up to him.
“I’ll take my chances,” Lance said as they exited the alley. “Oh! And that reminds me, I learned a new trick I wanted to show you!” That seemed to peek Keith’s interest and he glanced over expectedly. Lance grinned and pulled out the coin he had earlier. He clasped his hands together and when he opened them the coin was gone.
Keith smiled teasingly as he reached up to pat Lance’s cheek. “That was cute.”
Lance reached up and grabbed Keith’s hand. “I’m a pretty cute person.” Keith pulled his hand away with a roll of his eyes. “So, what’s on the agenda for today, doctor?” he asked teasingly.
“Please don’t call me that, I’m hardly a doctor.”
“You’re more than that in my eyes,” Lance purred.
“Cut back on the sweet talk, a little could you?”
Keith slowed his pace and made another turn; he opened the door that was there entering like he’s done so many times before with Lance trailing behind him. The hallway split into two directions, one closed off by a door and was eerily quiet the other led to another hallway. The pair took the rightmost way and came to another door, Keith opened it and a flood of voice poured out. The room was large and open, packed full of people sitting on the ground, mostly elders who were no longer has healthy as they once were.
Keith walked carefully his eyes surveying the crowd looking for someone. When he finally spotted them he made his way toward them. It was a small group of people who were sitting and chatting together, their voices animated, despite how time has taken their toll on them. One of the old ladies saw them approaching and smiled widely.
“Keith!” she exclaimed happily. The other lady saw them and clapped her hands excitedly. The old man that was there smiled as well, though he didn’t look in their direction.
Keith reached them smiling as well. “It’s wonderful to see you all again, I hope your doing well.”
“Of course we are, these old bones haven’t stopped working yet,” the first lady said. She looked around Keith and saw Lance who waved enthusiastically.
“Hello Ms. Helcia,” Lance said.
“Lance, it’s great to see you too.” She turned to Keith smirking. “Keith, have you finally had mercy on this poor lovesick puppy?”
Keith laughed. “You know I’m a cat person.”
The group all joined him in laughing Lance pouted at Keith, but the latter wasn’t paying him any attention. He reached into his bag and began to pull out potions. He grabbed a red bottle and handed it to Lance.
“Be a good boy and help me with this,” Keith said. Lance took the bottle excitedly, glad to be helping Keith.
“Anything for you.” Lance stood and began to walk around and pour out a bit of the potion to all the people who needed it. Lance has been with Keith enough to know who got what, and how much. What he was passing out now was just some kind of vitamin supplement. The people here could hardly walk anymore, so their bodies needed the extra help.
Lance watched as Keith also began to make his rounds, helping the people who needed more than just some vitamin supplements. Lance couldn’t stop the fond smile as Keith sat with a woman who seemed to have sprained her ankle. He was speaking to her soothingly as he gently took the ankle in his hands. Keith was very careful to grab the injury and not irritate it any farther.
“He’s lucky.” Lance turned to Ms. Helcia. She was smiling up at him, but then turned back to look at Keith. “Even if he doesn’t know it yet.”
Lance looked over at Keith too, he had just finished with the woman and was moving on to another person who needed help. His smile was so soft and genuine it made Lance’s heart ache.
“That’s okay,” Lance said, “I’ll always be there.”
Keith finished up what he was doing, and Lance finished handing out potions to the people that needed them. Keith spoke to the women who ran the building, informing her of the people he was able to help as well as telling her who would need to be watched over the next few days. When he was done Lance waved goodbye to the woman, then followed closely behind Keith.
Outside they continued to walk in silence. Lance loved to talk, he could talk for hours, about anything and everything, but he’s come to learn that Keith preferred the silence. Lance was trying to give him that, especially after Keith used his magic, it took a lot out of him.
“I wish you’d give me a chance,” Lance said suddenly. “I promise I'll treat you right.”
Keith gave Lance the same look he has many, many times. “You know why I can’t, you haven’t brought me my charm back yet.”
Lance sighed. “Right.” Keith was one of the only witches in their little city, and his love was desired by many. After getting tired of so many suitors, he drew up a proposition: whoever could return to him the charm around his cats neck would be the one he gives his heart too.
Lance knew that; he’s tried to catch that cat and hopefully one day earn Keith’s love, but has never had any luck. The cat was too quick to catch, and for those lucky enough to dangerous to hold let alone take the charm away.
“He’s fast you know, little bastard is hard to get a hold of.”
Keith turned and glared at Lance, gaze so cold it caught Lance off guard. “If you want to win my affection, maybe start by not calling my cat a bastard.”
Lance just then realized what he had said. “Wait—”
“Good-bye Lance,” Keith snapped ducking into the crowd and down an alley. Lance tried to follow, but the alleyway was empty.
After a long day at work, Lance was on his way back home when he heard a rattle followed by a faint bang on metal. The sound made him freeze and he stood for a few moments and listened to see if he could hear it again. The night was quiet, spare for the distant sounds of late night partiers.
Lance continued to walk, but then the sound came again, a rattle and a bang, followed closely by a soft meow that had Lance stopping in his tracks. It was surely a stray who had gotten stuck somewhere. Lance searches around for the source, coming up to and alley where there was a pile of boxes with a tarp draped over the top, and underneath was a metal trap with a cat inside banging on the cage.
Lance rushed to the cats aid and as he did he saw a small glint hanging from the cat’s neck. He’s eyes widened and he kneeled down to inspect the creature and saw it glaring back with fury, but unmistakable him.
It was Keith’s cat, Red.
The name didn’t come from nowhere, the cats coat was a dark scarlet along it back and face, it’s underbelly, paws, and tail were white with the smallest hint of a pink hue. His large violet eyes were locked on Lance, glare fierce and his hair sticking up on end. Red hissed at Lance and backed as far away as he could get.
Lance eyed the cats charm, he’d never see the jewel so close before. It was a dark purple stone with a faint swirling water marble pattern. It hung from the cat’s neck with a simple chain.
Lance smile at the creature. “You got yourself into quite a pickle haven’t you?” He carefully pulled the cage out from under the tarp, the action drew another hiss and swat from the cat.
“Feisty,” he said, “just like your master.” The cat's ears remained flat on his head in anger. Lance looked down at Red and thought about how he had the cat right where he wanted it. He could take that charm from him from right here, right now, and win Keith’s love. He could finally end this wild chase and have everything he’s wanted for so long.
He reached out for the cage, but froze, thinking back to that morning when Keith had yelled at him for insulting his cat. Keith had been furious with Lance and disappeared like a puff of smoke.
He retreated his hand, this wasn’t how to win Keith’s heart. Lance couldn’t, no matter how tempting it was, he couldn’t take the charm. He wouldn’t earn Keith’s heart in such an inhumane way.
Lance signed and looked around the cage for a way to open it. “One second bud,” he whispered Red. It only took Lance a second to figure it out, he went for the lock and was swatted at, claws scratching at his bare skin.
Lance yelped and pulled his hand back. “Ow! I’m trying to help you!” The cat hissed as a reply causing Lance to roll his eyes. Lance shifted to get a better angle where his skin would hopefully not be as reachable and tried again to open the cage. When he finally got it open he smirked triumphantly and lifted the door.
“Alright, you free now,” Lance said, but the cat did not move from where it was hunched at the opposite end. He chuckled and stood up to take a few large steps away from the trap. The cat seemed confused by Lance glancing between him and the open trap before he took the first cautious step. When Red saw Lance make no move to grab him he took some more steps until his head was poking out from the cage. Lance continued to watch as he stepped fully out looking at Lance for a split second before he took off, disappearing before Lance had time to blink.
Lance stared off in the direction he fled. “You’re welcome!” he cried. His only reply was silence.
Lance was walking home again few days later when he heard a cat meow. He turned toward the closed bakery, which always had the most delicious bread, and sitting on top of the small stone wall out front was Red. He was staring at Lance almost judgmentally, his tail flicking behind him lazily.
“Oh, hey you,” Lance said smiling idly. He took a step toward the cat, but Red stood and hissed at him as a warning. Lance stepped back and Red immediately sat back down and looked at Lance with a bored expression.
Lance held up his hands as a show of peace. “Okay, okay. You want space I get it,” he said. Lance looked around and then back to the cat with a chuckle.
“I’m crazy, aren’t I?” Lance gestured between the two of them. “I’m talking to a cat, I have to be right?” The cat showed no reaction to Lance or his questions.
Lance signed and sat down on the ground with one leg stretched out. “Although you are Keith’s cat, you could be magic.” Lance leaned forward excitedly. “Can you understand me? Wait, can you talk!” he asked, but the cat’s silence was enough to answer.
Lance placed a hand on his cheek and picked at the ground with the other. “It would be cool if you could talk.” He looked up at the cat with a shy smile. “There is so much I would ask you.”
The simple statement seemed to catch the cat’s interest, his had tilt slightly to the side. Lance thought it was enduring and wondered how he ever called this cat a bastard.
“You want to know, huh?” The cat blinked slowly almost like a nod, Lance snickered. “I’ll indulge a little bit,” he said, thinking about he would ask if the cat could answer.
“What does Keith want?” he finally settled for. The cat was still tilting its head like he didn’t understand so Lance elaborated. “I don’t really mean material things I mean, what can I do that will make Keith happy?” Lance sighed and stared at the ground. “What do you give to someone when you have nothing to offer?”
The cat’s expression had changed from stiff to curious, looking at Lance with wide eyes. Lance tilted his head to minnick him. “Although, I would have something if you just gave me the charm around your neck.”
It was comical how the cat’s expression morphed back to one that can only be described as annoyance. Lance couldn’t stop himself from laughing, Red acted so human like.
Lance tried to defend his argument. “I promise I’ll take care of him!” The cat didn’t look impressed. “You don’t believe me! I’d be a great husband.”
Lance hadn’t planned to say that last bit and as soon as he realized he did his face flushed a deep red. He waved his hands wildly. “Not that I was planning on marrying Keith.” Lance slapped his forehead. “I mean, I would! What I meant was that I don’t actively think about marrying Keith cause it way too early to think about that! Ha ha,” he laughed awkwardly scratching the back of his head. Lance sighed and dropped his hand, his mood dropping as well. “Keith won’t even go out with me.”
Lance looked up at the cat, examining its expression, which was one of shock maybe even confusion. He suddenly had a horrible thought. “Can you talk to Keith? Oh my god, please do not tell him I said that, I’ll never be able to face him again.”
Red jumped down from his perch and slowly stepped toward Lance. Lance sat frozen in place, the cat was being calm and cute right now, but Lance knew that with one move he would lung for his face if he felt threatened.
The cat sat down next to Lance’s foot, his dark eyes staring intently, freezing Lance in place and then ever so gently, beginning to rub his chin on Lance’s shoe.
He smiled down at the cat that was way more affectionate than Lance had ever imagined. As cautiously as he could muster, Lance begin to reach down to pet him, but Red backed away with a hissed before taking off and disappearing into the night.
Lance sighed and stood up to head home.
Lance sat out on his front porch fiddling with his coin, while there were shouts coming from inside the house. He was able to tune out most of the words, but he knew what his parents were arguing about.
He heard the cat before he saw it. There was a soft meow off to his left and Lance turned to watch as Red slowly walked up to him, he still kept his distance from Lance, but it seemed like everytime they saw each other Red would tread a little closer.
Lance tried to smile, it was weak. “Hey little red.” The cat meowed curiously, his head tilted to the side like he was questioning Lance about what was wrong. Lance sighed and stared down at the ground. “It’s not the best time here at the McClain house.” The cat looked even more confused, and concerned. This cat must have been part human or something to be able to show this level of complex emotion. Lance ran a hand through his hair, as the shouting got louder for a moment. “I wish I could say this was a rare occurrence.”
The cat took a few steps forward and pawed at his leg. Lance looked down at the creature and tried to understand what it was he wanted. Red was a magic cat; Lance knew Red could understand him, he just wished he could understand Red.
“Are you concerned for me?” Lance asked teasing. Red looked unimpressed by Lance’s jokes, just like his owner. “I’m fine, little red, don’t worry about me.” But Red didn’t seem convinced, he scratched at Lance's leg then darted down the road. Lance watched him in confusion; when Lance didn’t follow Red looked back and meowed loudly. That made the message pretty clear.
Lance chuckled. “Alright fine, I’m coming,” Lance said as he stood and followed the cat until the shouting was like a distant memory. Lance had no idea where Red was leading him, but he didn’t falter. If it meant taking him away he didn’t care.
Red led him through the town, until they reached the river that ran along the outskirts of their small town. Lance used to come here all the time when he was younger, something about the water has always calmed him. Knowing that the water was able to carve down mountains, but was also slow and gentle enough to swim in on a hot summer day resonated with him.
Red jumped up on the flood wall and sat down, licking his paw and rubbing his face without a care in the world. Lance hesitantly sat down on the wall with a good distance between them. Lance sighed. The sounds of the running water soothed his nerves and Lance felt like he could breathe.
“Thank you,” Lance whispered. “I needed to get away.”
Red meowed at him and Lance looked over at him to see he gave up on cleaning himself and was staring solely at Lance. Lance fiddled with his fingers. “You’re probably curious what that was all about.” When Lance looked at Red, his expression was the same. “My dad,” Lance started, “he has a bad heart. Recently, it’s been getting worse, but he refuses to stop working.” Lance ran a hand through his hair. “I think it’s because he feels guilty, he’s the father he needs to provide for his family.” Lance buried his head in his hands. “I wish he didn’t feel like he had to carry this all on his own.”
Lance took a shaky breath; his front was failing. He was so scared and angry. He wanted to help his family, but no matter how much he tried it was never enough. Lance would need to do more, somehow he needed to step up, so his father wouldn’t have to work as much. If he kept like this then he might—
Lance felt Red rub up against his shoulder. He raised his head and looked over just as Red’s tail tickled his nose. He kept leaning up against Lance and purring softly. The sound sent a shiver through Lance, and instantly calmed him like a drug. If Lance had had any doubts this cat was magic that would have been the final straw because that purr was intoxicating like the feeling of someone wrapping Lance in their arms and rocking him as they soothed him.
Lance chuckled softly, feeling tears pricking the corner of his eyes. “Thank you, Red.”
It was late into the night a week later before Lance saw Red again. Lance was exhausted after working overtime at his job at the forge; it hadn’t been his first pick of jobs, he’d much rather work down at the bakery or even the plant nursery, but the forge paid good money and his family needed that right now. Unfortunately, that meant that he'd come home later and work his body to the bone. He barely lived outside of work.
Most people were at home now, having finished their late night drinking and gone home to sleep off their drunkenness. Lance felt like he was gonna pass out on the walk home.
When he did finally make it home, there was a familiar cat sitting on his porch. Lance let out a dry laugh, he hadn’t seen the cat in sometime because of his new job, so he was surprised by his visitor. Lance sat down next to the cat. “Miss me, little red?”
The cat meowed, but Lance didn’t know if it was a yes meow, or a ‘you wish’ kind of meow. Lance decided he was going to take it as the prior. “Sorry, little buddy, I got a new job since the last time you saw me. It keeps me busy.” Lance kicked a rock at his feet, Red watched it roll away. “Too busy sometimes.”
He sighed as he laid back on the porch and stared at the ceiling. “Man, I haven’t seen Keith in a week. It feels weird.” Lance rolled onto his side with his back to Red, and curled in on himself. “Maybe that’s for the best. I probably annoy him a lot, following him around everywhere.”
Lance felt Red’s paws on his side, and looked to see Red looking out at him with concern. Lance looked down at the ground, picking at a small rock in the cobble. “I don’t know how to describe it Red, Keith he just—” Lance sighed and rolled on his back, Red jumped to sit on his stomach, a warm pressure keeping him grounded. “He’s everything to me. I don’t know how it happened, but ever since I first met him he’s imprinted himself on my heart.” Lance chuckled drily. “He doesn’t even remember the first time we met.”
Red meowed curiously. Lance had never told anyone about the first time he and Keith had met. It was so long ago, but it held Lance’s heart in a chokehold so it was hard to recount it. Something about the warmth of Red and the way he seemed so curious, Lance found himself wanting to indulge him. “I didn’t grow up here. We used to live in a small village just on the outskirts of the kingdom surrounded by forests. I loved it so much out there, I had all the freedom I could ever want.” Lance’s expression grew sad. “But when I was seven my dad’s heart started to act up, and we had to move somewhere he would be able to get treatment. I was so angry at the time that I ran away into the woods. I didn’t have any plan, I just wanted to get away from the people that were trying to take me from my home.
“The sun was starting to set and I was getting scared, I couldn't find my way back home in the dark.” A faint smile appeared on Lance’s lips. “That’s when Keith found me. He was so small and dorky, but he held a fire in his hands that made him glow like the sun.” Lance recalled the way the fire shone on his features illuminating the hesitant look on his face, and making his eyes shine black.
“That was the first time I ever saw magic,” Lance continued. “He was kind and listened to me talk about how angry I was. When I was done he told me that it was okay to be mad, but if I was surround by the people I love then I could face anything.” Lance chuckled to himself. “Can you believe it? A child being so wise. I didn’t know it at the time, but I think I fell in love with him that night.” Lance raised his hands to his face and sighed, he had got more emotional than he’s like to admit. “But I never saw him again. Not until we moved here, two years ago, and the moment I saw him again I knew that he was the young witch that helped me all those years ago.”
The silent following Lance story was loud, when he looked down at Red still perched on his stomach Lance almost laughed at how wide the cat’s eyes were.
“Pretty crazy how life works out,” Lance said, leaning his head back on the ground. “I’ve tried to remind Keith about that day, but he never remembers. I don’t blame him for forgetting, it was so long ago.”
Lance felt Red stand, he looked up just Red sat down right near his face, it felt like someone was laying their head on his chest. This was the closest they have ever been, and Lance was scared to move in fear the cat would book it if he did. Red leaned down so their faces were mere inches apart. Just as Lance was gonna make some kind of joke, Red licked his nose and ran away.
Lance sat up watching as Red rounded the corner and was gone. Tentatively, Lance reached up and touched his nose where Red licked him. Then he smiled, they had crossed a barrier that night. Lance didn’t know when it happened, but the two of them were somehow becoming friends.
It was another stressful day as work. Luckily, he was able to step away from the furnaces and do some paperwork today, but in a way that felt even more stressful. Taking orders and fulfilling them was hard when words would get jumbled up in his head. Not to mention when he left that mornings Dad hadn’t been looking great, and he had a bad feeling about it.
After the last person came to pick up their order Lance shoved their old ticket and his pencil into his pocket helping lock up the store front. He wasn’t going to work over time tonight, he wanted to get home.
Walking home was like a blur, no matter how many times he told himself to calm down it didn’t work. Lance was panicking for no reason.
But the second Lance walked in the door, he knew something was wrong. He heard Mamà crying from her bedroom, and Rachel was trying to console her. Lance ran to the back and saw Dad laying on the bed, his skin sickly pale, and covered in sweat. He seemed to be asleep, but it was fitful. Mamà and Rachel looked over at him as he entered.
Lance looked between them. “What happened?”
Mamà broke down into more tears, and Rachel hugged her before standing and ushering Lance out of the room. “We don’t know, Mamà said he came home early and only got three steps in the house before he collapsed.”
Lance slapped his head angrily. “Dammit, I knew something was wrong this morning.”
Rachel put a hand on his shoulder. “You’re not the only one. Mamà thought he was getting worse so this morning while he was gone she sent a letter for Keith to come do a home visit.”
Lance ran his hand through his hair. “Okay, good. That’s good. He is not going to be happy we did that.”
“If it means he’ll get back on his feet I think he’ll deal with it,” Rachel said. “For now all we can do is wait.”
“But what if Dad doesn’t have that long, there has to be something we can do, now,” Lance argued. He couldn’t just sit around and wait to see what would happen.
Rachel sighed sadly, clearly she didn’t have any ideas. She turned and cracked open the door to the bedroom. “I’m going back in,” she said, then she was gone.
Lance gripped at his hair, racking his brain for an idea, anything. Maybe he could whip up some kind of herbal tea. Keith has done it before for the elders, and said it didn’t require any magic. Hopefully, he remembered the recipe correctly.
Lance left the house and set off toward the forest. As he walked he listed off everything he believed he needed for the tea over and over. He didn’t know it was everything he needed, but it would be enough, it had to be.
There was a small meow next to him, and Lance looked down and saw Red following him. Lance had to admit it he was staring to really enjoy the cat's constant presence like a friend that was always there for you. He meowed again like he was asking where they were going. Lance answered, “I’m going to get some herbs for my dad, he’s—”
That’s when Lance broke, he stopped walking because the tears impaired his vision. He wiped his eyes, but the tears just kept coming. He felt Red paw at his leg, meowing his concern. Lance sank to the ground despite being in the middle of the road and buried his head in his hands.
“Red, I’m so scared,” he whispered. “What if this is it, what if this time he won’t get better?” Red meowed and rubbed himself across Lance’s side in a comforting way, but Lance couldn’t shake the tears. Red pawed at his hands until Lance looked up. He leaned forward and licked the tears on his cheek. It was so unexpected Lance found himself laughing.
“Red, you always know how to make me feel better.” Lance sighed, but then sat up straight. “I need to push through, I’m positive I remember the ingredients that Keith used for—”
At the mention of his owner's name, Red began to meow repeatedly, spinning in circles and pawing at Lance’s leg like he was trying to say something. Lance suddenly had an idea. He felt his pocket for the order ticket and his pencil, and found it still there. Lance pulled it out and began to write.
Hey, Keith, this is from Lance. I know we haven’t talked in a while, and you’re super busy, but my dad’s heart isn’t doing well right now. He needs help, if you find the time could you come see him? Only if you can. Thank you. —Lance
He folded up the paper and gently held it down to Red. “Can you bring this to Keith? I know he’s busy and that he probably can’t take personal calls like this—”
Lance didn’t finish before the cat ripped the paper from Lance’s hand and darted away. He didn’t know if Red would actually deliver the note, but it was the best Lance could do in that department, so he wiped his eyes continued toward the forest to collect herbs. After living near the woods for so long as a kid, Lance was good at identifying plants. Luckily, all the things he thought he needed grew nearby. Lance collected what he needed and headed back home.
Mamá and Rachel were still in the bedroom, so Lance had the kitchen to himself. He washed the herbs and boiled the water. He did everything exactly how he remembered Keith doing it, until he had something that resembled tea. Lance tooka quick sip of it, and immediately gagged. It tasted awful. Lance debated internally on whether he should try to give it to Dad or just dump it.
Well, medicine isn’t supposed to taste good right?
Lance grabbed the cup and started to make his way toward the bedroom, when there was a knock on the door. Lance looked down at the tea then the door before walking over and opening it. Standing on the other side was Keith
“Keith?” he exclaimed. The witch was on the other side dressed in his traditional cloak and with his bag on his hip. Keith’s face was flush and he was breathing heavily, like he had run all the way here. It had been almost two weeks since they had last seen each other and the sight of him took Lance’s breath away. In the dim room his violet eyes looked almost black, and they were large and round as he scanned his over Lance as Lance was doing to him. The two of them locked eyes, and both seemed to hold their breath.
Keith broke first as he carefully shouldered passed Lance and said, “Where is your father?” Lance blinked rapidly to try and decide if this was a dream or not. He grabbed Keith wrist forcing him to stop before he went farther into the house.
Keith turned to him, his mouth still parted as he breathed. Lance asked, “What are you doing here?”
Keith seemed confused by Lance’s confusion. “I got your letter, so I came here as fast as I could.”
Lance couldn’t help the warmth that spread through his chest, and reddened his cheeks. “Keith, I—” Lance cleared his throat. “Thank you. I didn’t expect you to come.”
Keith looked Lance up and down, a soft smile pulled onto his lips. “Why wouldn’t I? You called for me.”
Lance’s mouth dropped open slightly, his cheeks warm to the touch. He knew Keith could see it, but he tried not to think about that. Keith glanced down at the cup in Lance’s hands. He tilted his chin smelling the cup and grimaced.
“What is that?” Keith asked. Lance shook his head to clear it, then he too glanced at the cup.
“Oh, uh. I tried to make some of that herbal tea you’ve made before, but I couldn’t remember everything so I—”
Lance froze as Keith reached up and grabbed the hand that was holding the cup bringing it up to his lips. He took a tiny sip and then gagged exaggeratedly. Lance was too stunned by Keith holding his hand to laugh at the face he was making.
“Yeah, no,” Keith said. He took the cup from Lance and poured the contents into the plant next to the door. “Sorry, Lance, but that was terrible.”
Lance finally shook the shock enough to laugh. “I figured,” his smiled dropped and his anxiety from earlier came barreling back. “I needed to do something. I felt so useless, I didn’t know what to do.”
“Hey.” Keith reached forward and grabbed one of Lance’s hands. Lance looked at him with wide eyes, blush creeping onto his face again. Keith squeezed Lance’s hand as he said, “You did everything right, I’m here to help now.” Lance couldn’t form words to respond to that, so without thinking Lance surged forward to hug Keith. Lance didn’t know how Keith would react, he was never one for touching, but he was surprised when Keith wrapped his arms around him and held him tightly.
“Thank you,” Lance whispered, burying his face in Keith’s shoulder, basking in the warmth he provided and feeling himself relax instantly. “Thank you.”
Keith pulled away first, and Lance missed it already. “You don’t have to thank me Lance, now where is your father?” Lance stood up straight nodding, he needed to focus on helping Dad right now.
“He’s in his room.” Lance led Keith further into the house and into his parents room. Dad was lying on the bed, Mamá was sitting on it as well, placing a wet cloth on his forehead. Rachel was standing near the door and when she saw the two of them enter her eyes widened.
Mamá turned when she heard them enter and stood in surprise. “Keith?” She walked over to him. “What on earth are you doing here? And how did you get here so fast, I only sent in a letter today?”
Keith placed a gentle hand on Mamá’s shoulder. “Lance got in contact with me, and I came as soon as I was able.”
Mamá looked between her son and Keith with such fondness it looked like she could burst into tears. “Bless you, Keith.” She turned and went back to Dad’s bedside and said, “Honey, wake up, Keith is here to help you.”
The man on the bed stirred and then slowly opened his eyes, surveying the room. When his eyes landed on Keith he smiled weakly. “Keith? What are you doing here?”
Keith sat down on the edge of the bed and said, “I’m here to help you.” He dug around in his bag and pulled some things out.
Dad huffed a laugh. “You didn’t have to do that, everyone’s overreacting. I'm fine.”
Keith smiled. “Then you won’t mind if I verify, just to be sure.” Keith pulled out a jar of blue cream and uncapped it. “I’m gonna lift your shirt and apply this cream over your heart, is that okay?” Dad nodded as he tried to lift his shirt to help, but Keith shooed his hands away gently. “It’s okay Mr. McClain, I got it, just try to relax.” Keith applied the cream over Dad’s heart then wiped the rest off on a small towel.
He reached into his bag and pulled out a few herbs and then snapped his fingers to start a small fire. Keith lit the herbs and cleansed the area with the smoke. He then took the still burning plants and rolled them between his hands to grind them down. He put the ground bits into a bowl then reached into his bag for another jar of cream, this one looked like mud.
He mixed the mud and herbs together, applying it to his hands. Keith stood up and placed both hands down on Dad’s chest and closed his eyes. He was whispering things quietly to himself. There was a faint glow from Keith’s hands and Dad took a deep breath. Keith pulled away and wiped his hands again. He grabbed a vile from his bag and the cup from earlier pouring a small amount into it.
Keith helped Dad sit up and drink the liquid, almost instantly there was a difference. “I was able to help give his heart more strength. It's a temporary solution, but it gives me time to try and find a more permanent one.” He laid Dad back down on the bed. “The medicine I gave you should help ease the pain as well.”
Dad laughed. “So I'll be able to go to work tomorrow?”
Keith shook his head, smiling crookedly to match Dad’s teasing tone. “Not just yet, rest for tomorrow just to be sure and then you can be back on your feet. Slowly at first, and make sure to notify me if anything changes alright?”
Mamá went to Keith tears of joy falling from her eyes. She grabbed his hand. “Thank you, Keith, thank you. What do we owe you?”
Keith stood up and squeezed her hand. “Nothing at all Mrs. McClain, I’m just happy to help.”
“Nonsense, we must repay you somehow.”
Rachel bumped Lance with her hip. “We can give you Lance.”
Lance held up his hand and with a straight face said, “I would not oppose.”
Keith rolled his eyes at the twins, but was still smiling as he looked back at Mamà. “It wasn’t a big deal—”
“Not to us,” she said, she thought deeply for a moment then spoke, “Come back and have dinner with us tomorrow!” She examined his figure. “You look a little thin, but that’s nothing Mamá Rosa’s cooking can’t fix.”
Keith smiled politely, but said, “That’s awfully kind of you—”
“Please, it’s the least we can offer you, besides it’d be nice to know the man that saved my husband and imprinted himself on my son’s heart.”
Lance gapped. “Mamá!” he exclaimed. Keith and Mamá looked over to Lance who was blushing profoundly.
Mamá turned to just Keith. “You have to, Lance speaks so highly of you it would be an honor to know more about you.”
“Mamá,” Lance began harshly, next to him Rachel was trying to hold in her laughter. “You’re doing that thing where you overshare.”
Mamá brought a hand to her mouth. “Sorry, míjo,” she said, though she was smiling. Turning back to Keith she said, “Please come, Keith.”
Keith looked over at Lance with a fond smile that made Lance’s breath hitch and then back at Mamá. “Okay, but I really do have to be going now, I can come by at six tomorrow.”
“That’s perfect,” Mamá said as Keith pulled away from her.
Lance stepped out of the way of the door and said, “I’ll show you out.” Lance pointedly ignored Rachel’s wink as he followed Keith to the front door. When Keith stepped back out into the night air Lance followed and shut the door behind him.
Lance smiled at Keith. “I can’t thank you enough for what you did.”
Keith shrugged, but his eyes were glowing. Lance had always loved how expressive Keith’s eyes were, like they were a novel that Lance wanted to reread over and over.
“It’s what I do, Lance,” Keith said. “Nothing that special.”
“But it was— it is!” Lance assured. “You came to help my family in the middle of the night, you didn’t have to but you did, and that means the world to me.”
Keith looked always from Lance, hiding the faint blush from Lance’s watchful eye. “Well, Red made sure I came.”
It had completely slipped his mind that Red was the one who brought Keith here, he would have to do something to thank that cat when he had the chance.
“I know about what did for him, how you let him out of that cage instead of using it to your advantage. It was very honorable of you,” Keith said smiling.
Lance was quickly reminded of all the information he’s told that cat and his face grew red. “Does he tell you about all the times we hang out?” Lance asked fearfully.
Keith hesitated before he answered the corner of his mouth twitching downward. “No, he doesn’t tell me.” Lance internally released the breath he hadn’t been holding, his relief overshadowing the oddness of Keith’s phasing.
Keith looked up at Lance, his eyes becoming warm and affectionate in a way Lance had never seen him before. “He likes you, and if he likes you,” Keith pauses and leaned up to place a soft chaste kiss on Lance’s cheek. Lance froze in seer shock, his eyes widening and mouth falling. Keith backed away with a smile and continued, “Then I like you.”
Keith turned and disappeared into the night, leaving Lance in his shocked state. He raised a hand to his cheek, his mind nothing but mush. Lance couldn’t even describe the warmth that course through his veins humming with the love he felt so deeply in his heart.
Lance stood out on the porch for a while with the most love sick grin on his lips.
Lance could barely focus on work the next day, he was so nervous about dinner. Luckily, he was in the store again so he wasn’t about to kill himself by not paying attention to molten metal, but it still earned him a scolding or two from his supervisor.
When it was time to head home Lance kept thinking about all the worst possible outcomes of this dinner. Was what he was wearing acceptable? Was Rachel going to embarrass him with stupid stories? Was Mamà gonna over share things again?
Lance gripped his hair; he needed to stop thinking like that. Everything was gonna be fine, he just needed to calm down. It’s not like this was a date, it was just dinner to thank Keith for helping them yesterday. In all honesty this didn’t feel like enough to repay Keith for everything he did; Lance wished he could thank him more.
This would be the first time since Lance helped Keith at the hospital that the two of them spent proper time together. They saw each other last night, but it was rushed and they mostly talked about Dad’s health, and not much more.
Lance suddenly remembered how Keith had kissed his cheek last night and got flustered all over again burying his head in his hands and groaning, which caused the person walking past him to glance at him in confusion. Lance didn’t want to read into it too much, but it was hard not too when he’s been wishing for something like this for actual years.
Before he knew it Lance was home, and upon arriving Mamà immediately put him to work helping with dinner. She wasn’t lying when she said she was gonna fatten Keith up she was making enough food to feed the whole village. Once everything was prepared and ready, Mamà shooed Lance away.
“Go wait out for our guest,” she said, shoving him toward the door.
“Mamá, you want me to sit outside and wait for him?” Lance complained.
Rachel laughed from where she was setting the table. “You used to do it all the time.” Lance glared at her, but Mamà shoved him out the door before he could respond.
“It’ll be good for you two to chat a little before dinner,” Mamá said. “We’ll get you when it’s ready.” Then she closed the door in her own son’s face. Lance huffed and sat down on the porch to wait for Keith.
Lance wasn’t alone for long before there was a meow nearby. Lance saw Red trotting over to him and smiled. “Hey, little Red.” Red jumped up and rubbed his head against Lance as a greeting. “I want to say thank you, for giving my note to Keith.” Red purred affectionately, the sounds calmed Lance down. He went to reach out and pet him, but he stopped. Red was even worse when it came to touching then Keith.
Just thinking about Keith, made Lance blush, how was he supposed to face him like this. “Red, last night when Keith was here, he said—” Lance raised a hand to his cheek. “—and did a lot of things that made my heart—” Lance couldn’t even find the words. He groaned and dragged his hands down his face. “God, I don’t know what to do, Red, he makes me so crazy in the best way. Now I’m gonna see him again, and—and I‘m confused on what it all means.”
Red meowed and Lance sighed. “I know I’m probably overthinking everything and I just need to calm down. It’ll be okay.” Red meowed again and stood his front legs on Lance’s. The cat leaned forward and started grooming a piece of Lance’s hair. Lance didn’t know what to make of that. “Uhh, thanks, I guess?” When he was satisfied, Red stepped off of his lap, jumped off the porch and ran around the corner.
Lance sat there in his confusion for a minute before he reached up and felt the wet piece of hair on his head. “Okay then… I’m not sure who confused me more, Keith or his cat.”
A couple minutes later Lance saw Keith coming down the street. His hair was pulled back into a tiny ponytail, and he had ditched his cloak. It was strange to see him in such a casual way. When he looked like this he could be just any other guy. Lance liked it.
Lance stood as Keith approached. “Your cat is weird,” Lance said. It probably wasn’t the greatest opening statement, but it got a laugh out of Keith so Lance calls that a win.
“How so?” Keith asked, stepping up to the porch, much closer than he needed to be Lance would like to add. Lance tried to ignore that.
“He just is,” Lance said lamely, one hand scratching the back of his neck self-consciously. He had something he was going to say, but with Keith standing so close he forgot what it was.
“Funny,” Keith said, “cause he thinks the same thing about you.” Keith reached up and felt the wet piece of hair on Lance’s head smirking knowingly, Lance’s swallowed nervous about their closeness.
Rachel chose that exact moment to open the door, and loudly announced her presence, “Lance! Dinner—” Lance jumped away from Keith so fast that he ended up slamming into the wall really hard. “Oh.” Rachel glanced between the two of them with a smirk. “It’s not a rush or anything. I’m just gonna head back in.” She had the balls to wink at Lance, before disappearing inside.
Lance muttered profanities as he reached up and rubbed where he hit his head on the wall. Keith stepped toward him, his hand held out toward Lance.
“Did you hurt yourself?” Keith asked, more jokingly than serious. Lance shrugged, dropping his hand.
“I’m fine, it's not a big deal,” Lance responded. Keith took his extended hand and ruffled Lance’s hair affectionately causing his hair to stick up in random places. Lance looked up at Keith through his lashes, and impulsively asked, “Why are you suddenly so touchy?”
Keith’s eyes widened and he jerked his hand back, a blush dusting his cheeks. “I, uhh—” Lance wasn’t used to Keith being the bashful one, he decided he liked it. Keith took a step back and turned toward the door. “We better head in, don’t want dinner to get cold, right?” Keith said, awkwardly.
Lance smiled as he reached forward and pushed some of Keith’s hair behind his ear causing Keith to look at him with wide eyes. “Yeah, you’re probably right.” Lance stepped forward and opened the door, holding it open for Keith to come inside.
Mamà was there the second they stepped in the door. “I’m so glad you could make it Keith,” she said, coming forward and hugging him. Keith was a little surprised at first, but he hugged her back after a second. When she pulled away she grabbed his hand and led him into the kitchen where they had their dining table set up. Rachel and Dad were already sitting down with Dad at the head and Rachel on his left. Mamá sat Keith on Dad’s other side then forced Lance to sit next to him, like he wasn’t already going to. Mamá sat down across from Lance. Once everyone was seated they began to pile food onto their plates, and started to eat.
“I didn’t know what you’d prefer Keith, so I hope you like what I made.”
“That’s okay, Mrs. McClain, I’m sure it’ll be lovely,” Keith said.
“Please, Keith, call me Mamá. You’ll be family soon enough.” Lance choked a little on the food he was chewing. Keith's eyes widened, then he quickly looked down at his plate, blushing.
“Mamá!” Lance snapped. She didn’t even look remotely sorry about her comment. Lance grumbled to himself as he stabbed a piece of his food and brought it to his mouth.
Rachel leaned toward Keith, with a smirk Lance didn’t like the look of. “So, Keith, has Lance ever toward you about the time he was convinced he was a witch?”
Lance choked again, damn his family was trying to kill him tonight. “Rachel,” Lance hissed, “Don’t you dare.”
Unfortunately, this piqued Keith’s interest and he raised a brow. “No, he hasn’t.”
“That’s because it didn’t happen,” Lance said.
“Yes it did,” Dad said, smiling to himself.
“Dad! Whose side are you on?”
He shrugged. “It’s standard to embarrass your kid in front of their partner. Happened to all your old siblings as well.”
The term partner made Lance blush, and he wasn’t able to stop Rachel before she was already telling the story. “This happened when we were like seven, we just moved to a new town and Lance was convinced that he was a water witch. And he would splash around in the river for hours!” Lance dragged a hand down his face as everyone around the table laughed at his misery.
“Oh, do you remember when he made that potion?” Mamá laughed.
Dad chuckled. “More like an illness in a cup, he basically poisoned all his siblings.”
Rachel grimaced. “Ugh, I remember being so sick I thought I was gonna die.”
Lance glared at her. “Maybe that was the plan.”
Keith turned to Lance with a laugh. “So you’re an evil witch?”
Lance waved his fingers at Keith like he was performing a hex or something. “I’m the scariest witch of them all!”
Everyone laughed, which made Lance feel better rather them laughing at him. Keith shoved Lance lightly. “You wouldn’t hurt a fly.”
“You never know when I’m gonna strike.” Lance poked Keith’s side, which caused him to flinch.
“Lance, you cried when you accidentally stepped on a dandelion,” Rachel said drily.
Keith turned to him with a smirk. “Really? A weed?”
“Hey, don’t diss dandelions like that.” Lance pointed at Keith. “You should know more then all of us that dandelions have some medical properties, Mr. Witchy man.”
Keith held up his hands in surrender. “Plant magic isn’t my primary.” He snapped his fingers producing a small flame. “Fire is. I’m sure you know plants and fire don’t get along.” He extinguished the fire as he began to eat again.
Dad spoke up from the end of the table. “If fire is your primary, how did you get into healing magic?”
Everyone at the table turned to Keith, all curious about the answer. “Well, it’s a bit of a sad story really.” He started slowly. “I never cared to learn healing magic, not until my parents died in a fire when I was seven.” Everyone eyes widened around the table, Lance reached forward and gripped Keith’s hand comfortingly. Keith smiled at him and continued, “After I saw the destruction fire could cause, I swore off using it and learned to heal.”
Keith looked Lance in the eyes with eyes so raw that Lance’s breath hitched. “Then I met a boy, who showed me fire didn’t only bring destruction, it brought warmth and life.” Keith turned back to look at the others. “After that I made it my mission to combine fire and healing magic to help people.”
Everyone was quiet for a moment, then Mamá started going on about how proud Keith’s parents would be of him, but Lance wasn’t listening. Keith’s story was replaying in his mind. There was no way he remembered? After all this time? How would he even know about that story? Did Red tell him? He wouldn’t have…would he?
“Lance?”
Lance blinked back to the present, everyone was staring at him. He swallowed and said, “Sorry, I uhh—” Lance stood up slowly. “I think I need some fresh air.” His hand fell away from Keith’s as he left the room and quietly exited out the front door. He stepped off of the porch and just stood. Lance didn’t know what to make of what was going on. He was so conflicted with how Keith was acting. For so long, he acted like he would never be interested, but now he’s acting all weird. What happened?
Lance heard the door open, but didn’t turn around; he knew who it was. He felt Keith’s hand on his shoulder. “Lance, are you okay?”
Lance stepped out of his grasp and turned toward him. “Keith, what’s going on?” Lance asked softly.
Keith looked confused and almost hurt by the action. “What do you mean?”
“I mean two weeks ago you wouldn’t even give me the light of day, but now you're looking at me like that, saying weird things, and touching me a lot.” Lance swallowed and quickly added, “And that’s not a bad thing, I just don’t understand where it came from.” Keith looked down at the ground guiltily. “You said Red doesn’t tell you about our talks.”
Keith fiddled with his hands. “Well, he doesn’t unnecessarily tell me—”
“But you know about the first time we met.” It wasn’t a question.
Keith sighed. “Yes, but it’s not— Lance, I never forgot that night.” He reached forward and grabbed Lance’s hand. “I may have forgotten your face, but that night changed me.” Keith gestured to the porch. “Can we sit?”
Lance nodded and the two of them sat down on the step. Keith took a deep breath before he began to speak. “I told you the short story. Both my parents died in a fire, and I was put in an orphanage. Being a fire witch I harbored a lot of guilt because of the power I had. I—” Keith took a shaky breath. “I could kill people.”
Lance squeezed Keith's hand. “But you never would do that.”
“Doesn’t stop the thoughts,” Keith said, sadly. “I swore to myself that I would never use my powers. Unfortunately, the kids at the orphanage all knew I was a fire witch and that my parents died in a fire. Kids started rumors that I was the one that killed my parents, that— that I was a monster.”
Lance squeezed his hand. “Oh, Keith.” Keith swallowed, and he looked like he was fighting tears thinking about this. “You don’t have to talk about it,” Lance soothed lowly.
Keith shook his head. “No, I want to tell you.” He took a deep breath before he continued. “It became too much, so I ran away. I lived in the forest for days surviving off of the plants I knew were edible. It was hard.” Keith looked over at Lance with wide eyes wet, but he was smiling. “Then I met you.” Lance swallowed nervously.
“I heard someone in the woods crying. I didn’t know who it was, but I feared the worst. After searching in the dark and not being able to find anything, I knew I needed some light. ‘It’s just a small flame, it’ll be fine,’ so for the first time in months I lit a fire. It felt good to use my powers again and it helped me find you.” Keith laughed softly before he spoke, “You were so mesmerized by my fire, it made me feel like maybe it wasn’t such a bad thing. The fire gave us light, and kept us warm at night. You saw my powers as something beautiful, while everyone else saw them as something deadly. I never looked at fire the same way, and I wanted to help other people see my magic the same way you did.”
Keith swallowed. “I don’t know why I didn’t recognize you, but when I heard your story I knew you were the same person. I’m so stupid for not realizing it earlier.”
Lance shook his head. “It’s not your fault. There was nothing special about me.”
“That’s not true!” Keith exclaimed, grabbing both of Lance’s hands and encasing them in his, and leaning his face close. “You changed my life Lance, you made me who I am, even if I forgot your face I never forgot the way you made me feel.”
Lance looked deeply into Keith’s eyes, searching for he didn’t know what. This all felt too perfect, after all this time Keith remembered him. He said Lance changed him, that he somehow had a hand in making Keith the amazing person he was today. Lance cautiously pulled one hand from Keith’s hold and cupped the side of his face.
“How do I make you feel now?” Lance whispered.
Keith’s mouth dropped open slightly. “I—” Keith’s eyes darted down to Lance’s lips then quickly back to his face. Lance leaned down and brushed the side of his nose against Keith’s, their lips were a breath apart. Just as Lance’s was about to close the distance, Keith pulled away.
“Lance, I want to,” Keith said sadly. “But there’s something I haven’t told you yet.”
“What’s that?” Lance asked.
“I can’t tell you until I have my charm back.”
Lance blinked, the challenge of getting the charm from Red had almost completely slipped his mind. “Oh. Right.”
Keith squeezed Lance’s hand. “Everything will make sense soon, I promise. Just—” Keith stood up and let go of Lance’s hand, leaving his skin feeling cold. “Find Red.” Then he turned and disappeared.
The next day Lance sat at the river hoping to find some clarity from the whirlwind that was his mind. The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm glow over the ground. Ever since last night Lance hasn’t been able to stop thinking about his conversation with Keith. He knew he was missing some kind of crucial information, but he couldn’t figure out what it was. It felt like it was on the tip of his tongue.
Lance sighed. He knew it had something to do with Red, the fiery feline he had somehow managed to befriend. Lance thought about all the times they’ve interacted. Not much stood out, he was brash and angry the first few times they talked, but slowly over time Red opened up to him. Then Lance thought about Keith, how Keith acted with him after Lance had befriended Red.
Just like Red, Keith didn’t want anything to do with Lance, brushing off his affection, but then suddenly flipping a switch, and acting like he had feelings for Lance too. There was some kind of connection between the two of them that Lance was missing. He couldn’t shake the weird answers that Keith gave when Lance asked about the feline.
Lance heard a faint meow, and turned to see Red cautiously walking up to him with hesitant steps. When he was a foot away he sat down and looked up at Lance with his dark violet eyes.
It suddenly clicked.
The pieces seemed to fall into place, a part of Lance was slapping himself for not figuring it out earlier.
Lance smirked down at him. “Hello, little Red.” Lance held out his hand and let the cat sniff him. Red immediately began to rub his chin on the offered hand. Lance scratched behind his ear finally being able to touch him after all this time.
“You're clever, you know that?” Red meowed and jumped onto Lance’s lap rubbing his body across Lance’s chest and purring loudly. “I got you all figured out now.” Red sat down on his lap and looked up and him expectantly, when he meowed he almost seemed impatient. Lance reached up and scratched under Red’s chin, his fingers lightly grazed the charm hanging from his neck.
“May I?” Lance asked. Red slowly blinked at him, which Lance took as a yes. He reached up and unclasped the charm unwinding it from his neck. The chain ended up being longer than Lance had expected, about a necklace's length. When he was done Red leaned forward and licked Lance’s check before jumped off to disappear into the forest.
Lance looked down at the charm in his hands. It was a beautiful shimmer crystal that sparkled with deep violets and bright lilacs. When he held it felt warm on his skin, like someone had held it close to their heart. Lance did the same, holding to his chest and sighing deeply.
He heard the sounds of footsteps. Lance stood up and turned toward them. “There you are.”
Keith smiled. “Here I am.” Lance held out his hand and Keith took it letting Lance pull him close. “I think you have something of mine.”
Lance chuckled. “I think I do,” he said, holding out the charm for Keith to take. Keith grabbed it, but instead of keeping it he took it and put it around Lance’s neck.
“It’s yours now,” Keith said, as he placed his hands on Lance’s chest right over the charm. “As a sign that you’re mine.”
“Oh, getting possessive now are we?” Lance asked playfully.
Keith linked his hands behind Lance’s neck. “Cat’s are territorial.”
“How come you never told me you were a shapeshifter?”
“I can’t go around telling everyone my secrets, can I?”
Lance thought about it for a second. “Yeah, that’s probably true.” Lance brushed some of Keith's hair from his face. “Too many people would try to take you from me.”
“That’ll never happen,” Keith said. “Fate works in mysterious ways. It was alway going to be you Lance from that very first night.”
“If only you had realized that sooner, it would have saved me a lot of trouble.”
Keith laughed. “Where’s the fun in that?”
“The fun is getting to do this,” Lance said right before he closed the distance between their lips. Keith leaned into the kiss with a content sigh. Lance tread his hand through Keith’s hair, the soft strands curling around his fingers. The kiss was everything Lance imagined and more. Keith drew Lance in like a moth to a flame. Keith was fire and he kindled a flame in Lance’s heart that burned brighter than the sun. With Keith by his side Lance would never know the cold again.
When they pulled apart it looked like Keith was glowing, he was so beautiful. Lance just had to kiss him again. Keith chuckled softly into the kiss, and pulled away again.
“Are you just gonna keep kissing me?” Keith asked.
“Yes, I could kiss you forever,” Lance said with a straight face.
Keith barked out a laugh. “We have all the time in the world for kissing.”
Lance grabbed Keith's hips and pulled him flush against him, which caused a surprise sound to escape Keith. “You’re damn right we do,” Lance said, as he claimed Keith’s lips again. Keith laughed against his lips, but didn’t pull away, instead wrapped his arms tightly around Lance’s neck.
Keith charmed Lance from that every first day, unknowingly casting a spell on him to love him forever, and now Lance was going to make good on that spell. Lance would love Keith until his last breath and from the way Keith was kissing him; Lance knew that Keith was under the same spell.