Work Text:
The cold winds of winter nipped at Lance’s nose as he tried his best to keep his face hidden in his scarf. The year had gone by so fast, but maybe he felt that due to how happy he had been. It felt like everything had gone Lance’s way when Allura had accepted his feelings. Four months of compliments and pick-up lines, and now he was three months deep into a relationship with the girl of his dreams.
A soft blush graced his cheeks the more he thought about it. Lance was on his way to the coffee shop down the street, the same shop where they had first met all those months ago. He remembered it like it was just yesterday. A coffee order was called, and two hands met to pick the beverage up. A gross pick-up line on Lance's part, and a less-than-amused eyebrow raised on Allura’s. Sure, her reaction wasn’t how Lance would picture a perfect meeting, but he wasn’t fussy.
Now, Lance knows how it feels to have her fingers entwine with his, knows the beautiful melody of her laughter, knows the cute scrunch of her nose when she’s angry, and knows that when she gets excited, her eyes sparkle like sapphires.
Lance knew he was in love. It was like the world was lighter, the air clearer. The spring in his step became more obvious. It felt like the smile was permanently fixed on his face. The only thing now was to tell Allura. The perfect plan, tell her the same place they met. The place that changed his life for the better.
As Lance got closer to the door, he saw her already sat inside. Her silver locks fell like a waterfall, cascading down her back and shoulders. He could see that same annoying strand getting in her way, as she pushed it behind her ear. Her beautiful blue eyes were fixated on the book she held in her palms. Lance knew that the world was completely blocked out.
With an anxious breath and a tighter grip on the flowers he had bought, he pushed open the door and slid into the booth opposite his girlfriend. Lance lightly tapped her on her wrist, making his presence known. A dopey grin was plastered on his face.
“Is it good?” Lance asked as Allura glanced up at him.
“It’s quite enchanting. Usually, I wouldn’t have thought to read it, but Romelle was rather pushy. I’m glad she was,” Lance knew Allura was getting excited. The sparkle in those deep blues was blinding. He felt his heart race faster.
As Allura went on a tangent about what the book was about, that same strand of hair fell into her face again. On instinct, Lance leaned across the table to push it behind her hair, like he usually did. But this time, Allura pulled away from his hand.
Oh?
With an awkward cough, Allura pushed her hair back and locked eyes with Lance. All traces of the sparkles were gone.
“Lance, I have something to tell you.”
Oh.
“I think we should break up-”
~x~
The rumptious banging awoke Lance from his slumber. ‘A dream..’ He thought as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes, ‘it was just a dream…’
“Lance, I swear if you don’t open this damn door, then I will kick it open myself,” Pidge yelled loud enough to be heard five blocks down the road.
“Pidge, what happened to easing him through this?” Came Hunk’s hushed voice, breaking through the wall.
Lance sighed heavily as he draped his dressing robe around himself. Alas, he was reminded that he was, in fact, living through his worst nightmare. He somberly opened the door to his two best friends.
“Cool your jets, guys. Can’t I be miserable for a few more weeks?” Lance asked, eyes starting to well up again. He didn’t want to cry in front of anyone, even though he truly needed his best friend's hugs.
“Hey buddy,” Hunk’s voice was as soothing as honey to a sore throat. “I baked you those cookies you loved and brought some ice cream,” Lance pouted.
“The Ben and Jerry’s Banoffee Pie flavour?” He asked with wide, hopeful blue eyes, which were slightly puffy from his past crying session.
“Of course, bud!” Hunk’s smile was warm as always, something Lance could definitely appreciate despite the raw pain in his chest. ‘-so I’ve been thinking, well, Pidge and I have been talking, and we think-‘
“Hunk, quit stalling. Lance, you need to get out. Two weeks hauled in this tiny apartment, eating junk food and crying while listening to Last Christmas, just isn’t good for you.” Pidge butted in, worming their way past Lance and plopping themself down on the couch.
“Can’t a guy wallow in his feelings after the love of his life shattered his heart?” Lance cried dramatically, flopping down beside Pidge in misery.
“You did, for two whole weeks. Now it’s time for you to move on.”
“Look, man, we just want what’s best for you. I mean, it’s December 4th, and your Christmas tree isn’t even up; that’s four days past your usual decorating schedule.” Hunk says softly as he joins them on the now over-crowded couch. Lance looked around his living room, noticing the lack of festivities, and sighed. They’re right, they’re always right.
“Fine, but I’m not going to some sleazy bar to drink my feelings and dance to those awful Christmas remix songs,” Lance announced as he got up, heading toward his bathroom for an embarrassingly overdue shower.
“Don’t worry, Hunk and I will think of everything,” Pidge shouted after him with that dangerous smile that spikes Lances’ anxiety.
~x~
Lance found himself outside a coffee shop named Atlas. He felt a small wave of guilt as if he were cheating on his beloved Altea; however, he couldn’t deny the charm of this place. It was small and cozy with warm string lights on the outside and inviting decorations strategically placed around the seating area to maximise customer traffic as well as festive warmth. With Lance’s years of meticulous Christmas decorating under his belt, he couldn’t help but be impressed.
Allura would love it here.
He shook his head at the thought and made his way inside, the warm smell of coffee hitting his nose in the best way. Mariah Carey is singing over the speakers low enough that the chatter of the shop's few patrons can be heard, and Lance immediately decided that he loved it here.
“How did you find this place?”’ He asked, smiling at Pidge and Hunk as they found a table closest to the Christmas tree.
“I have a friend who works here, best coffee I’ve had in a while.” Pidge grinned as they sat, giving an innocent smile toward the hunk who was clearly footing their bill.
“Black coffee, right?” Hunk sighs, accepting his fate as they nod enthusiastically. ‘What do you want, bud? It’s on me.” He turns to Lance with that warm smile again, too nice for his own good.
“Nah, man, I’ll come up with you. The drink I’m craving is far too complicated to leave you with!” Lance laughed, making his way to the counter behind his best friend. Allura had a sweet tooth too, opting for syrups and true artistry in her coffee, just like Lance; it’s how they became friends at first. They would give each other recommendations and sit together at the same table, chatting about nonsense among the bustle of the coffee shop. Lance knew those quiet mornings were what he missed most, as the early sun made her eyes glitter and her silver would fall as she talked excitedly with her hands. She truly was the most beautiful person Lance had ever-
“Next!”
A gruff voice jolted Lance from his thoughts. He looked up and felt his breath catch. Standing at the till is a young man around the same age as Lance, pale-skinned, arms toned under the rolled up leaves of his dark uniform shirt, sharp jaw, soft pink lips, eyes violet like the skies in the setting sun, thick lashes, dark furrowed brows, fluffy hair pulled back into a small ponytail, antlers- wait, reindeer antlers? Lance couldn’t help but let out a surprised snort of laughter as the most stunning man he had ever seen was sporting a scowl and reindeer antlers with bells and red ribbons. It’s actually adorable, Lance thinks as the man before him glares with a heat that could melt the snow outside.
“Something amusing, asshole?” The barista spits, making Lance want to laugh even more at the ridiculousness of it.
“Nothing at all, Rudolph,” Lance chuckled as he watched the guy's cheeks flush red from either anger or embarrassment.
“What do you want?” He spits, reminding Lance that he needed to order.
“Oh, right. I’ll have a large latte, two shots of espresso, three pumps of peppermint, two pumps of white chocolate syrup, half a pump of cinnamon, extra foam with a sprinkle of nutmeg on top.” Lance smiled at the deadpan expression he was receiving as those beautiful violet eyes glared into his soul.
“Are you serious?” He asks with annoyance in his voice.
“Um, yeah?” Lance nodded, perplexed
“This isn’t a Starbucks, idiot,” he growled, crossing his arms, making the bells on his antlers chime.
“Duh, if it was, I’d ask for a venti.” Lance rolled his eyes as the barista's anger spiked.
“This is a coffee shop; that abomination you just asked for isn’t coffee.”
“Um, did you not hear me say two shots of espresso, bean boy? That’s coffee!”
“After all those pumps of whatever you won’t even taste it, what the hell is a bean boy?” His voice rose with his irritation, and Lance could feel a glare of his own.
“You work with coffee beans, don’t you, idiot? Who are you to criticise my festive cheer in a cup!” He spits, feeling the overwhelming desire to stomp his foot and pout like a child.
“I’m not doing it.” The coffee boy said plainly, crossing his arms in defiance. Just as Lance was about to voice his complaints, a large hand fell on the barista's shoulder.
“Now, Keith, what have I told you about arguing with the customers?” A soothing, deep voice said as Lance looked up at the building of a man, dark, cropped hair with a tuft of silver, deep eyes, a scar across the bridge of his nose, and the biggest arms Lance had ever had the pleasure of his eyes landing upon.
Does everyone who worked here need a modelling contract or something?
“Shiro, you should’ve heard what he ordered, I’m not-”
“Make the drink, Keith,” the man named Shiro commanded, causing another glare to be thrown Lance's way before Keith walked off to retrieve Lance's coffee. “I’m so sorry about him; he’s not the most welcoming, but he makes the best coffee I’ve ever tasted. Your orders on the house today, just our way of apologising for the less-than-warm experience.”
“Hey man, don’t even worry about it. Let me pay, I don’t want to cause you guys any trouble.” Lance pulled out his wallet, feeling bad about the freebie, especially when he knew his tastes ran on the more expensive side.
“No, no. It’s on me today, it is the holidays after all, what’s Christmas without a little good fortune?” Shiro smiled before walking away, and Lance's eyes couldn’t help but find Keith, his shoulders and back moving in such an attractive way as he made Lance’s drink that he couldn’t help but feel a little breathless. For an arrogant prick, he is insanely gorgeous. Lance allowed his mind to wander into the beautiful fantasy that is that man, but all too soon, he was being pulled out of it by his irritated voice.
“One peppermint fufu bullshit,” he called out, eyes gleaming with a cruel challenge as he met Lance's glare.
“Oh, you’re so funny!” Lance rolled his eyes again before grabbing his coffee and retreating to his table, completely missing the almost nonexistent smile as Keith watched him leave.
“So I see you met Keith.” Pidge laughed as Lance took a seat, his friend’s coffee half drunk and cooling in front of them.
“That’s the guy you’re friends with?” He asked, voice high in surprise, before realising that yeah, he’s totally the kind of guy whose presence Pidge would enjoy. Lance took a sip of his coffee and felt as if his world tilted. Never before had he tasted something so beautifully perfect, it’s like Christmas in a cup. From the balanced flavours and the smooth velvety consistency to the warmth that pooled in Lance's stomach, which reminded him strangely of home. Is he being a bit dramatic? Yes. But he had never known that a drink could taste and feel like this.
“It’s good, isn’t it?” Pidge grinned in their knowing way.
“His reindeer antlers look ridiculous,” Lance grumbled before savouring his next sip.
~x~
However much that Keith guy managed to get under Lance's skin, he still found himself at the quaint coffee shop every day. Something about the twitch of his dark eyebrow every time Lance listed a new outrageous drink request made Lance excited to get out of bed in the mornings. It was a small feeling of joy, the first since his breakup, and Lance was determined to make it last. His Pinterest now flooded with inspiration for what he wanted to try next, coffee and hot chocolate alike, all tasting spectacular regardless of any curveballs Lance threw Keith’s way.
“I’m not making that,” Keith groaned, his eyes glaring, but over the past few days, it had gotten softer, as if Lance was only a mild annoyance now instead of the worst part of his shift.
“Keith, my man, don’t deny me my small pleasures in life,” Lance whined, leaning on the counter in his usual dramatic flair.
“What pleasure do you get from a singular espresso with four hazelnut pumps and whipped cream?” Alright, Lance must admit that this one was a bit out there.
“Warm pleasure! The kind that fills you with cheer and makes you go yum yum yum!” Lance exclaimed, flicking Keith’s elf ear. Every day Lance had been in, Keith had been sporting a new festive fashion statement. Santa hats, red and green ribbons on his ponytail, a chimney with Santa's legs dangling out of the top, but today’s was the most outrageous. A small green pointed hat attached to two plush elf ears, one on each side, comically large and to Lance endearingly adorable.
“I don’t even know if I can put that through the till,” he groaned, tapping away at the till as Lance's smile softened.
“I have faith, oh mighty Christmas elf, Keith.” Lance laughed at Keith’s cute, confused face.
“Yeah, well, I’m telling Santa you’re on the naughty list for this one.” He sighed, holding out the card reader for Lance to pay.
“Oh, don’t you worry, I’m certain I’m already on it.” Keith snorted a laugh, it’s quick and quiet, but Lance heard it anyway. His stomach flipped, and he could feel the heat in the tips of his ears. He laughed. Lance actually made Keith laugh!
“Was that a-”
“You heard nothing!” Keith rushed out, cheeks slightly pink and eyes wide. Lance's grin widened.
“Oh my god, I made the grumpy pants Keith laugh!” He cheered, earning a delicious eye roll from the stunning boy before him.
“Never again, you hear me,” Keith mumbled before turning to make Lance drink. Lance caught the red blush on Keith’s nape and decided not to tease him for it as his heart slammed in his chest.
“So, Keith, now that your laughter has proven that we are the best of friends-”
“-watch it, Lance.”
“-I gotta ask. What’s with the Christmas hats? Shiro doesn’t wear them, and I haven’t seen much of Adam, but he doesn’t seem to be rocking the festive swag either.” Lance asked, following Keith with his eyes as he worked his coffee magic.
“Ugh, I lost a bet with Adam. Next thing I know, the jerk has twenty-five different Christmas hats for me. Says there’s nothing like public humiliation to get him in the holiday spirit,” He sulked, passing Lance his coffee, who wasn’t even trying to conceal his laughter.
“And Shiro just let this happen?” He asked, tears close to forming from the hilarity of it all.
“He says it makes me look approachable. My own brother betrayed me at the hands of his evil husband.” He sighed in a way that Lance couldn’t tell if he was joking or just surprisingly dramatic.
“What was the bet?” Lance asked, intrigued. Keith flushed red again, keeping his gaze down on the marble countertop.
“We were at a bar a few weeks ago, and he bet I couldn’t get this cute guy's number,” he mumbled, but Lance heard it clear as day. Cute guy… Keith likes guys. Lance's heart raced at the thought as he felt the familiar signs of hope build in his stomach. Hope for what? He’s not exactly sure at the moment.
“I’m surprised any guy would turn you down,” Lance blurted out, making Keith’s eyes fly to his own in surprise.
“He had a girlfriend, a shame cause he really was the most beautiful man I’d ever seen.” Keith’s voice was low and earnest, eyes intense as if he knew a secret he wasn’t willing to share. Still, Lance felt the ugly growing of jealousy toward this alleged beautiful stranger, someone who must’ve been carved by the gods if he could turn someone like Keith’s head. Their gaze was cut off by the sound of Lance's phone. A text from his group chat with Hunk and Pidge.
Beauty and the Brains
(12/11/25 @ 12:27)
Pidgetron:
Emergency Christmas decorating! Tonight at Lance’s. Hunk, bring cookies. Lance, bring the decorations. Pidge, bring your brilliant self.
The text was from none other than Pidge, and Lance had an idea as he looked over to Keith drying off a mug.
“Hey, Keith. What time do you finish?” Keith looked up, confusion lacing his features, before checking the clock.
“Four, why?”
“Cool, come to this address when you’re finished.” Lance wrote down his address and number on a napkin and slid it toward the barista. “Bring the ears, elf boy,” he grinned before leaving with a triumphant grin from having the last word.
~x~
As Lance hauled the final box out of his designated Christmas decoration cupboard, he heard his doorbell ring.
“Coming,” he yelled as he made his way to open the door.
“We found a straggler,” Pidge stated, as they pushed themself into the small apartment.
“Keith, you made it.” Lance’s smile was wide, excitement bubbling in his chest.
“Did I have a choice?” The barista mumbled.
“Of course not,” Lance stated matter-of-factly as he ushered Hunk and Keith in. “Where’s the hat gone?”
“I burned it,” he replied, bluntly.
“Operation, get Lance’s place looking like Santa had set off a massive Christmas bomb, is a go.” Pidge cheered, and they all started to get to work.
Hunk set down his homemade cookies and worked on the silly Christmas ornaments Lance had collected over the years, meticulously placing them on each shelf. Pidge started to detangle the tinsel that was to be wrapped snugly around the Christmas tree; Lance and Keith took the job of building said tree. The room was pleasantly warm and filled with easy conversations. This was what Lance loved most about Christmas. Being surrounded by people he truly loved, and Lance couldn’t believe he had decided to wallow for so long, he almost missed this moment.
“So, what’s with the long-awaited decorating?” Keith asked.
“Lance got dumped,” Pidge didn’t even look up from arranging the baubles into colour groups. Lance choked on air at how blunt they said it.
“Pidge,” Lance yelled, exasperated.
“What? I was answering a simple question.” They rolled their eyes.
Lance knew they were right, but he at least wanted it to sound not so miserably uncool in front of Keith. Sure, he got dumped, and he was making peace with it. But right now, Lance didn’t want to feel like a loser.
“You didn’t have to say it like that,” he pouted.
Lance looked up at Keith to gauge his reaction; he anticipated jabs, a sarcastic comment, something, but Keith didn’t say anything. Instead, he was highly focused on spreading the different fake trees’ branches, the traces of a smile on his face. Huh.
Hunk, the purest and most wonderful human he was, handed Lance a cookie and placed a supportive hand on his shoulder.
“Don’t worry, Lance, I’m sure you’ll get swooped off your feet by a very lucky woman or man soon,” Hunk sent a wink in Lance’s direction.
Warmth spread through Lance’s chest at Hunk’s words, and he bit into his cookie. The sweet flavours burst through his taste buds, and Lance hummed in appreciation. His best friend was the absolute best.
~x~
It took a good few hours, but finally, Lance’s beloved apartment was bursting at the seams with Christmas cheer. The Christmas tree stood tall with silver and blue tinsel wrapped neatly around it, and faint blue fairy lights flickered against the branches. Pidge had decided to use the sparkly silver baubles, keeping in the light theme. Snowglobes and nutcrackers littered the shelves, with rows of green garlands. Lance’s usual brown rug had been cast aside, allowing room for a Santa rug to replace it. The assortment of cushions was now snowflake-themed, covering Lance’s sofa. Lance took a long breath in, trying to stop the tears from flowing. He finally felt like it was Christmas.
“IT’S CHRISTMAAAAS,” Lance yelled, quoting one of his favourite Christmas songs. Pidge covered their ears in annoyance, Hunk chuckled, and Keith rolled his eyes at the obnoxious sound, but the smile on his face never left.
~x~
Beauty and the Brains
(12/13/25 @ 00:12)
(Pidgetron added Keef to chat)
(Pidgetron renamed Beauty and the Brains to Beauty, Emo, and the Brains)
Pidgetron:
It’s official, Keith is part of the gang.
Lancelot:
O: Keith’s heeeere!!!!!!!!!!
Keef:
What did I sign up for?
Hunkalicous:
Nice of you to join us, Keith :)
Lancelot:
Does this mean I can officially preorder my coffee??!! >><<
Keef:
Please don’t…
Lancelot:
I’d like a large hot chocolate with extra foam, three shots of cinnamon, a dash of hazelnut, and extra cream and marshmallows. Do not hold back on the marshmallows, Keith!! :DDD
Keef:
Pidge, please remove me from the group.
-
The hustle and bustle of the streets was relentless, a sign that Christmas drew closer. Everyone was in a hurry to complete their shopping. Store clerks were stressed, as customers flocked to the shelves, grabbing the latest toy and gadget. Parents were tired, as they hauled their children from shop to shop, but here in the small and quaint coffee shop, Lance was content. It had now been officially two weeks since he started making his day trips here. Two weeks since he started pestering Keith into making him the most absurd drinks. Two weeks of not thinking about his heartbreak. Lance took a generous sip of his drink. The warmth from his latest concoction filled his senses, and he let out an easy sigh.
“You know, I always make sure to get my gifts at the beginning of the season. There’s nothing worse than getting shoved into shelves as you panic-buy,” Lance stated, as he took another swig of his drink. “I mean, really, who in their right mind would leave things to the last minute?”
As Keith busied himself with cleaning the counter, Lance noticed the slight flinch in his shoulders.
“Heh, yeah… that’s such a crazy thing to do,” Keith looked at anything but Lance. Lance raised an eyebrow in suspicion.
“Keith, Keithers, my man, please tell me you have Christmas sorted.” Lance pleaded.
“Prime is next-day delivery, Lance. I’m not a moron who would even tackle the shops at this time.” Keith deadpanned.
“Wait, you order everything? I think that’s worse, Keith,”
“How so? I press buy, and it gets delivered without me even moving from my seat.” He tried to reason.
“And in doing so, you’re missing out on the experience. It’s more than just shopping, dude. It’s seeing all the Christmas lights sparkle, it’s the smell of cinnamon and chestnuts as you walk past street vendors, it’s the sounds of children's excitement as they find yet another toy to put on Santa’s list.” Lance listed off.
“Sounds like a riveting experience,” the barista grumbled, the cloth in his hand forgotten.
“When’s your next day off?” Lance asked.
“Oh no, you can’t make me go out there,” Keith grimaced as he looked out the window.
“Oh yes, I can, Keith, and do you know how?” A challenging smirk found its way to Lance’s lips.
“Don’t you dare,” Keith hissed,
“Oh, Shirooo,” At this, Keith pushed himself across the counter and placed a hand over Lance’s mouth.
“Fine, fine. Saturday. I’m free Saturday.”
“That wasn’t so bad, was it, Keith?”
~x~
Saturday had rolled around quickly, and Lance couldn’t stop the excitement bubbling up. It was freezing, the chill finding its way through Lance’s thick brown coat. He shivered as he crossed his arms, attempting to keep the cold at bay. He had gotten to the town a little early, meaning he was waiting for Keith to arrive. The pair had agreed to meet at ten, hoping to avoid as many shoppers as possible. Just like Lance had thought, the town was covered in Christmas decorations. Shop doors held green and red wreaths, fake snow dusting their windows. Christmas lights connected the shops as they swooped softly to the wind. Garlands were wrapped around lamp posts, and old Christmas songs were quietly played through the overhead speakers.
As Lance was observing his surroundings, Keith had silently snuck up on him.
“Hey,” Keith said, and Lance jumped out of his skin.
“Whoa, what are you, some kind of freak ninja?” He yelped out as he clung to his chest.
But Lance’s annoyance dissipated as soon as his eyes locked onto Keith. He looked good. He looked really good. Keith was wearing a black leather jacket that was zipped up high, with a red scarf protruding out. Skinny jeans made his legs look slender, but they accentuated his thighs. He had foregone the usual ponytail and left his hair down; the soft black strands framed his face. A light red had stained his cheeks from the chill of the air. Lance swallowed, attempting to bring some moisture to his dry throat.
“Can we just get this over with already? I’m cold, and I hate crowds.” Impatient as ever.
“You have to experience this, Keith. It’s more than just buying gifts.”
“Okay, so can we experience this faster?” Lance rolled his eyes.
~x~
The day had started to turn to night, and the sun started to hide away, making the sky turn a dark blue. The Christmas lights started to twinkle on, the lights shimmering like stars above them. It had been a very successful day, Lance thought. Both boys had their hands full with shopping bags. Lance had pushed Keith into every shop, forcing Keith to tell him the list of recipients for Christmas gifts. He had learnt so much about Shiro and Adam. Keith told Lance their likes and dislikes, different ideas of what they would both like for Christmas, and Lance helped Keith pick and choose the gifts. Lance loved gift-giving. He was good at it. He always saw it as a competition between his siblings, a silent challenge on who would give the best gifts. So Lance listened to Keith. Hung onto every piece of information Keith was giving. Keith was going to win the competition between the three of them. Lance made sure of it.
The two were in the final shop of the day when Lance had a thought.
“What do you like?” He asked Keith.
“Me?” Keith asked, caught off guard. Lance chuckled.
“Who else?”
“Uh, I never really thought about it.” Keith scratched his chin as he let his mind wander. Lance couldn’t help but think Keith was cute.
“It takes you this long?”
“No one’s really asked before. I guess I like old vinyls. I have a small collection of Radiohead, The Cure, The Smiths, bands like that,” Keith bagan. “I enjoy watching old movies. Like, Jaws and Back to the Future. They don’t make movies like them anymore. I have a weird fascination with metal signs.”
“Metal signs?” Lance questioned.
“Yeah, like, old gas station signs, stuff like that. I have them decorating my bedroom.”
As Keith started to explain more, Lance couldn’t stop the smile on his face. The more he learned about Keith, the same spark he once felt for someone else started to make its return. His chest grew tighter, and flutters swarmed his stomach. Keith’s smile ignited the flame, and Lance couldn’t stop staring. He wanted to know more, he wanted to know what pissed Keith off, he wanted to know what made Keith sad, he wanted to know what made Keith happy… He wanted to be someone who made Keith happy.
Alarm bells started to ring at the back of Lance’s head, and his brain displayed a flashing red sign with the words MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY. He knew what this was, what he was feeling. Panic started to rise, and Lance could feel a headache start to form. ‘It’s too soon,’ Lance thought. ‘I can’t have fallen for someone else…’
“Lance, what’s wrong?” Keith asked, worry lacing his words.
“I’m sorry, I need to go… Um, I have a… thing? With Hunk? Totally forgot,” Lance stammered out. He didn’t like lying, but he was having an existential crisis.
“Oh, yeah, sure. You go,”
“Thanks, Keith. You’re the best. Um, get home safe.”
Before Lance could hear Keith’s response, he booked it.
~x~
Lance was pacing outside Hunks' apartment. He had rung the buzzer, but to no avail. He must be at work, Lance thought, giving up and sitting on the steps outside. He held his head in his hands, his brain on override, causing the lingering ache of a headache. He knew Keith was attractive; an idiot would think he wasn’t. He was funny, his stubborn persona made teasing him that much more fun. He was genuine; Keith wasn’t one to smile or laugh. Lance had to coax it out of him, and when he did, it was blinding. It sent warmth through Lance's chest. He hadn’t felt this warmth in a while. But surely it was too soon? It had been a month since his breakup. A month since Lance had thought he was in love.
These past weeks had helped Lance forget the sting Allura had left. Really, it took all thoughts of Allura out of his mind. All he thought about was that little coffee shop and the handsome barista who worked there. At first, Lance had thought it was merely a good distraction from the torment, but it became more. He sought out the place like a moth to a flame. He had scrolled through Pinterest for coffee ideas, specifically to get a reaction out of Keith. With every annoyed flare of Keith’s nostrils, Lance wanted to see more. He wanted to know more. He became Icarus, and Keith was the sun.
It had only been two weeks, but it felt like longer. The cold winter was still upon them, the frost not close to melting, yet it felt like Summer had come three times over. Lance always found that he fell quickly; his heart had always yearned to find its other half. Surely, that’s what was happening now? But Keith felt different. He felt like a calming sea, a gentle breeze. When Lance’s world was shaken, torn apart, Keith had steadied him with a simple, agitated scowl.
He needed Hunk. He needed to tell someone these feelings before they burst through him. So here Lance was, sitting outside Hunk’s apartment. The thoughts were dizzying him until he heard a very familiar voice.
“Lance?” Cerulean eyes locked onto sapphire.
“Allura?”
~x~
If you had asked Lance three weeks ago if he would be sitting in the nearby park beside his ex-girlfriend, he’d have begged it to be true, but with how things had changed, all he felt was slight nausea.
Allura handed him a warm hot chocolate she had bought from a vendor, and Lance took it, thanking her in the process. It was awkward. It was weird. He could feel the tension under his skin as he shakily sipped on the drink. ‘Not as good as Keith’s,’ the thought came faster than he anticipated, and he started choking on the hot liquid. Here he sat beside his ex-girlfriend, and yet, Keith still came to the forefront of his mind.
“Lance, are you okay?” Allura asked, her hand patting his back to help stop Lance from choking.
“Yeah, ‘m fine,” he managed to get out.
“I’m… I want to say I’m sorry,” the silver-haired girl bit her lip. A sign that she was thinking of the correct thing to say.
“Allura, please, you don’t have to apologise.”
“I want to. It’s been playing on my mind since that day,” Allura turned her body to face Lance. She placed a tentative hand on his. “I knew how deep you felt. I knew that you were going to tell me you loved me, Lance, but before you could, I panicked. The months we spent were great, and I enjoyed every second. But I knew I couldn’t return what you wanted. I thought I could, I wanted to, but I just knew I wouldn’t be the one.”
Lance felt the tears start to form in his eyes. Her words hurt, but they didn’t sting like they had when she broke up with him. Instead, it felt like closure. Like Lance was able to let go of what they had. He gave her a soft smile.
“You know, I was beside myself when you left.”
“Lance, I’m-”
“Let me finish, ‘Lura, I promise this isn’t me trying to guilt-trip you..,” Lance squeezed the girl's hand, and she squeezed back. “I was a mess, but then, I wasn’t. I thought to myself, had I ever truly loved you, but I know I did. Seeing you here, sitting beside me, there’s still love in my heart for you. But it’s different from what I felt a month ago. I want to know how you are, I want to know what books you’ve read, I want to know what new drink flavours you’ve tried, and I want to do that all as your friend, if you’ll have me.”
Allura smiled, that perfect smile which used to make Lance’s heart soar.
“I’d love that, Lance.”
~x~
Lance woke up the next day feeling lighter and maybe even just a little determined. He was ready, ready to find himself again and enjoy the life he loves to live. The sunlight was clear and warm through his window, and Lance wanted only one thing. Keith's coffee. Maybe also to see Keith. And also see him smile or glare or laugh. Okay, maybe more than one thing, but the point was, he was leaving for Atlas with a skip in his step and a smile wider than he could remember.
Getting to his new favourite place took too long, but also no time at all, stood at the same counter he found himself every day for the past two weeks, Lance felt breathless, heart racing, and butterflies swarmed his stomach despite the cold weather. Keith looked up from the mug he was drying, and violet eyes sparkled with a smile. Lance was so screwed.
“Lance, what can I get for you today?” he asked, and Lance could feel the word vomit, could feel his feelings coming up ready for Keith to see, and he couldn't stop it; he didn’t want to.
“A date!”
Keith's eyes widened with shock, and his cheeks flushed a bright red. Lance could hear his heart thrumming in his ears. Could anyone else? Could Keith? Had he blurted that too loudly? Oh no, back peddle, back peddle.
“A date… I mean, only if you want to-”
“Yes!” Keith cut Lance off, rather loudly. The barista coughed into his hand. “I mean, I would love to,” And Keith’s smile was so blinding, Lance truly thought he had ascended the stars.
“Are you free Christmas Eve?”
“I’ll make sure I am.”
~x~
Lance checked himself in the mirror once, twice, three times. He had to look good. He hadn’t felt this giddy for a while. The smile was currently a permanent fixture on his face. It was like he was floating on a soft white cloud in the sky. Keith said yes. Keith had said yes to the date, and Lance felt like a teenager all over again. Lance sprayed his aftershave onto his neck and rubbed the scent in, and then he checked himself for a fourth time. A light blue shirt fitted nicely, helping accentuate his biceps. He wore his favourite navy jeans that made his ass look great. Luckily, Lance was having a fantastic hair day. His brown curls flopped neatly against his forehead. Lance finally applied his lip balm and breathed a heavy sigh.
“You can do this Mcclain,” he said to himself in the mirror. And with a final finger gun, Lance grabbed his coat, keys, and left.
Lance was outside Altea, bouncing from one foot to the other, attempting to chase away the cold. Thanks to daylight savings, it had already gotten dark. The moonlight shone through, causing the skies to dance in dark hues of blues and purples. And if Lance had thought the moon was pretty, as Keith walked up to him, he knew that it had nothing against Keith.
He truly looked like a vision. The same leather jacket was worn with the same subtle red poking out. To keep himself warm from the cold, Keith wore a red beanie on his head to match his scarf. His bangs were pushed slightly to the side so he could see. As soon as his violet eyes locked onto Lance’s, he gave Lance the softest of smiles. It was here that Lance decided he had died. He must have truly died, because Keith, cute, goofy, angry, moody, Keith had agreed to this.
But Lance was still breathing, and Keith had planted himself in front of Lance. His mouth was tucked into his scarf, and his nose was dusted pink, and as he looked through his lashes at Lance, showing a shyness that Lance had never seen before, Lance truly felt his heart flip, his palms sweat, and his mouth dry.
“You’re beautiful,” Lance whispered, and the light pink on Keith’s nose turned into a darker shade.
“Shut up,” He choked out. Lance chuckled. “So, what do you have planned for tonight?”
Lance quirked an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips.
“You’ll find out.”
~x~
Lance had driven the pair for half an hour. He couldn’t believe his luck when he found out that just the town over, they held an annual car drive movie night every Christmas Eve. He was even luckier that the movie was Back to the Future. It really felt like the universe was on his side.
As Lance drove into the area, Keith’s face lit up like a Christmas tree. He could see the wide grin on his face; it was like someone had given him a puppy.
“Did I do well?” Lance asked, confidence dripping with in his tone. Keith coughed into his palm to regain his composure.
“It’s still early. You could attempt to do that awkward arm thing during the movie.”
“That’s a classic move, Keith. You can’t deny me the simple pleasures of attempting to swoon you,”
“If you attempt it, Lance, I’m walking home.” Keith sounded definite, but Lance loved a challenge.
“Oh, Keith. I can’t wait to prove you wrong.”
The movie started up, and Keith’s gaze flicked onto the screen, but Lance couldn’t bring himself to tear his gaze away from the boy sitting beside him. The moonlight crept through the windows of the car, lighting up Keith's face. His eyes shimmered that deep purple, and Lance had to truly hold himself back from smothering him in kisses. He was a gentleman afterall.
To distract himself, he pushed his hand deep into Keith’s popcorn, earning him an annoyed ‘hey’ in response. Lance shoved the fistful into his mouth, and Keith laughed. It was music to Lance’s ears. He knew he was so gone for the boy.
During the movie, Lance did the stupid fake yawn and stretch, putting his arm around Keith. Keith didn’t leave the car. Instead, he snuggled into Lance’s side. Lance truly felt victorious.
The movie ended far too quickly. Lance wished he could stay in the car, Keith leaning his head on his shoulder, Lance buried in his soft black tuft of hair, surrounded by the smell of Keith’s apple and peach shampoo. Lance was gently caressing Keith’s long hair, loving the way it felt in his fingers. When Keith chuckled through the movie, he felt the way his body moved with it. When the scene of Marty playing the guitar happened, Keith had hid his face in Lance’s chest, claiming it gave him too much second-hand embarrassment. Lance was certain that Keith could feel how thunderous his heart had been beating. Then, as the credits rolled, he assumed Keith would instantly move back to his seat, but here they sat, as close as they had ever gotten.
The barista then looked up, their faces were mere metres away. Lance could see each faint freckle, and he felt like he could create his own constellation with them. Keith was truly mesmerising.
“I have just one more place to show you.” Lance truly didn’t want the moment to end, but he had one more thing left to do on this date.
Keith left Lance’s personal space and placed his seatbelt back on.
“I can’t wait.”
~x~
Lance had led Keith uphill; the two panted as they climbed higher and higher. Lance needed them to reach the peak, needed to show Keith the true beauty of the night sky. The clearing had appeared, and Lance held onto Keith's hand as they stepped through.
The sky above them was clear, and the stars shone bright against the vivid blues and purples. It was stunning, calming. Lance could see the smile appear on Keith’s face again, and that’s all he wanted. He didn’t care about how perfect the date had to be, or if Keith thought Lance looked good. He just wanted this. Keith, happy. Lance ingrained it in his memory. The way Keith’s eyes crinkled, the way his smile lines grew deeper, his perfect white teeth shining through. This was all he needed.
“Lance, I have to confess something,” Keith said as he lowered his gaze back to Lance. Suddenly, Lance grew nervous.
“Okay?”
Keith took a steadying breath.
“You know how I had to wear Christmas hats the entire month because I lost the bet to Adam?” Lance slowly nodded. “It was your number I was trying to get.”
Wait… What?
“Mine?” Lance asked in disbelief.
“It caught me a little off guard when you walked up to the till. There I was standing with ridiculous antlers, and there you were, looking as good as I remembered, the reason why I had to wear the damn things.” Keith pouted.
“So, you had it out for me no matter what I ordered?” Lance started to laugh loudly.
“You laughed at the antlers, Lance. Your order was ridiculous, and it tipped me over the edge, but I was so embarrassed. Adam never heard the end of it. Then you kept coming back, the drinks got weirder, and the hats got crazier. But then you invited me to help you decorate, and I heard you were single. I couldn’t stop the hopeful feeling in my chest.” Keith hid his face in his scarf, a sign he had started to get shy. Lance’s laugh had simmered down, enchanted by what Keith was telling him.
“I would get excited every time you dropped by. I wanted to ensure that your drinks were among my best work. We spent more time together, and I got to know you. I got to know how your eyes would become a lighter shade of blue when you were excited, I got to know that whenever your drink was too hot, you would screw your face up in the cutest way, and I got to know how animated you were as you explained a story. And then you asked me out on a date.” Lance didn’t notice that he had moved closer to Keith. His body had moved by itself, desperate to hold the boy in his arms.
“It’s been such a perfect evening, Lance. Thank you,” and as Keith finished, Lance brought him into his chest, just holding him still, holding him as close as he possibly could.
“Keith, I have to admit, I was actually a mess. The breakup was tough on me, but then, when I started coming to the shop, it wasn’t. It was pushed to the back of my mind; the only thing that concerned me was making up the stupidest drink order to annoy you.” Keith lifted his head off of Lance's chest to stare into his eyes, the smallest of pouts on his face.
“I know, I’m sorry. It was my silly way of getting to see you more. The best part of my day was getting to see you in a silly little Christmas hat and getting to drink the nicest coffee I had ever tasted. Truly, you’re a coffee wizard. I became addicted to more than the caffeine. I needed my Keith fix,” Keith snorted, that same soft smile on his lips.
“That was the lamest pick-up line,” he said with amusement.
“If this date went as well as you said it did, and there’s another one on the cards, be prepared for the most unbearable pick-up lines you have ever heard.”
“Suddenly I’m starting to regret my choices,” Keith deadpanned.
Lance knew he was joking. Keith stayed locked in place, in Lance’s arms under the starlit sky. Just the two of them. Lance felt the air between them shift, the humour dissipated, and all that was left was the intense need to be closer, to feel Keith's lips on his. Lance lifted his hand and placed it on Keith’s jaw; his thumb caressed Keith's cheekbone.
“You look stunning in the moonlight,” Lance whispered.
Keith gasped a little at the compliment, violet eyes lingered on Lance’s lips, and he took that as an invitation. The moment they connected, the feeling was all-consuming. Even as Lance closed his eyes, he swore he could still see the stars. His senses were filled with Keith. Keith’s heat, Keith’s scent, Keith’s touch. It was dizzying. The fire that Lance had thought would never return came back in full force. His chest burned with the feeling. He had never been so thankful for that little coffee shop called Atlas, because right here, he felt like this Christmas was the start of something great.