#flustered lance

Confident Keith is the reason i woke up today, also my cat was sitting on my face so that might be a contributing factor.

Constantly.

He always has. Even at the Garrison, Lance can remember him just staring. Endlessly. Like he was looking right through you, or like he was staring straight into your soul. Sometimes both at once. He’d never spoken one word to Lance before they went to space, but Lance remembers that stare with complete clarity. (Probably because he was on the other end of it more than he’s willing to admit, with all his attempts to get Keith’s attention.)

The staring doesn’t stop when they get to space. It doesn’t stop when they accept their roles as teammates, when Keith finally starts participating in their (totally justified!) rivalry, when they begrudgingly decide that maybe they can peel back on the arguing, a little. When they realise how well they work together. When they start working together on purpose, and some of those stares come with a small smile, a quirk of the lips, really, that brightens indigo eyes and shows the tiniest peek of crooked incisors. (When tragedy strikes, and the stare is blank. After tragedy, when the stare only gets blanker, and they don’t talk about what happens next but when Lance comes into his room after days of no response, sits with him quietly, brushes the tangles out of his hair and reminds him there are still reasons for him to get up. When they really become a team, just the two of them, red and black and the leader and his right hand.)

When the stares only gets softer and softer, and when Lance is the subject of them more and more frequently.

“What?” Lance snaps one day, frustrated and embarrassed and tired of being the only one that Keith looks at so closely. “What are you even looking at? You’re always staring at me, man, like you’re trying to fuckin’ read my soul, or something. It’s weird.”

Lance feels bad as soon as he says it. It’s defensive and mean and he tenses, preparing for Keith’s upcoming scowl, the argument.

But it doesn’t come.

Instead Keith smiles. Not one of his quick ones, a barely-there quirk of the lips, but a real grin, wide enough to make his eyes squint and face brighten. The fondness bleeds from him; Lance couldn’t miss it if he was the densest person alive.

Slowly, like he’s given Lance time to back away, he reaches foreword and tucks Lance’s hair behind his ears, even though it’s too short for that and doesn’t do anything, even though it’s clearly all about the gesture, an excuse to touch Lance gently.

Lance’s breath stutters on his inhale. Keith doesn’t pull away, resting his hand on the side of Lance’s cheek, not quite cupping it but not quite not cupping it, either.

“God, I’m so lucky,” Keith murmurs, almost too quiet for Lance to hear. (But no. Not impossible. Keith could’ve said it at one decibel and Lance would have strained himself to injury trying to hear it.)

“What?” Lance asks hoarsely, well aware his face is flaming.

Keith only smiles wider. “How could I not stare at you?” he asks, like Lance isn’t losing his whole mind.

Lance clears his throat. Then again, and again. And a fourth and fifth time for good measure because what the fuck.

“Keith, what — what’s going on —”

“I am so lucky,” Keith repeats, firmer this time. He has the same stupid look on his face, like he cannot help but he besotted with Lance, somehow. He opens his mouth again and Lance knows that if he has to hear whatever mushy thing Keith has cooked up then he is going to melt into a puddle of flaming goo. Lance shoots out and slaps his hand over Keith’s mouth.

“Stop speaking,” he orders, face flaming. “Explain what the hell has gotten into you.”

“Those are opposite instructions,” Keith says, muffled, because he is a jerk. His eyes are sparkling in amusement.

“I am going to whoop your ass, Kogane.”

“Fine, fine.” He pulls Lance’s hand off his face and then links it in his, holding them in his lap. He rubs his thumb over Lance’s knuckles as he speaks. “You remember the mall food court? Two days ago?”

Lance tilts his head. “Yeah?” He doesn’t know what the hell that has to do with anything. They had a supply run a couple days ago, loading up on cleaning mods and food supplies and million other things, and he and Keith had stopped for lunch at the food court slash restaurant.

“You, uh, you remember that waiter?”

Lance frowns, trying to picture a waiter. All he can really remember is how Keith had laughed so hard at one of his jokes that soda had spewed out of his nose. He feels bad, but he can’t picture their waiter at all.

“No?”

Keith scowls. It’s such a stark difference from his sappy look before that it’s startling. “That weirdo, stuck up shithead who wouldn’t leave you alone. He called you pretty boy three separate times.”

Vaguely, Lance remembers some light flirting as the waiter set down the cheque. He can’t even picture the guy’s face.

“I mean, not really. I get called pretty boy a lot.”

He hadn’t meant it as a joke, but it makes Keith laugh. He looks relieved, like he’s been worrying about Lance and the waiter.

Like he’d been jealous.

The sappy look is back on his face. “Just made me think, is all.”

Lance’s throat is dry again. The air is charged, and Keith is staring again, eyes tracing every inch of Lance’s face.

Something is going to change tonight. He can feel it.

“Think about what?”

He’s leaned closer without realising. Keith smiles, noticing, and his hand comes back up to Lance’s cheek. This time he cups it blatantly, running the edge of a calloused thumb over Lance’s cheekbones.

“How lucky I am,” he murmurs, repeating his sentiment from earlier, “that we’ve got such a pretty boy on our team. On my team.”

Lance face flames. His first instinct is to deny it, vehemently, to ask Keith what the hell his deal is. Something ugly rears in his head, something hurt — how dare Keith make fun of him like that. How dare he mess with Lance about something he’s sensitive about.

But there’s not an ounce of meanness on Keith’s face. He’s looking at Lance in a way that can only be reverent, like Lance is the only person on the castle, the only person ever.

He remembers all of a sudden that Keith is the most honest person he knows. Keith, who can’t lie if he tries, who’s emotions are written all over his face all the time, who’s easy to rile up because he wears his heart on his sleeve, who puts every ounce of effort he has into everything he does. Who fights this war even though it’s hard for him because he loves everyone so much.

Lance blinks, and is more surprised than he should be to find his face wet. Keith’s face creases a little in concern, and he gently wipes the tears from Lance’s cheek.

“What’s wrong?”

Lance laughs wetly, more incredulous than anything.

“Mullet, if you don’t kiss me right this fucking second —”

Keith laughs. He doesn’t hesitate a second more, leaning in and pressing his lips to Lance’s, gently at first, then like he can’t get enough.

His eyes are closed, as he kisses.

Pidge frowned and scooted away. Hunk raised his eyebrows but didn’t tear his eyes away from his tablet.

Well, that just wouldn’t do.

Lance heaved another huge sigh and flung an arm over his eyes, the very picture of dejection.

“We don't care” Pidge said at the same exact time Hunk sighed and said “What is it, Lance?”

Lance elbowed Pidge only to receive a hard and painful poke in the ribs, but he used his squeal to launch himself upright.

“I’m never going to find love.” Lance declared. “Not a single person at that party would even dance with me, and I had the full charm turned on.”

Across the room someone snorted.

Frowning, Lance turned around.

Keith was leaning against the wall.

“Something funny, mullet?” Lance asked.

“Nothing much.” Keith replied, arms crossed and voice cross. “Just you.”

Pidge and Hunk were now paying attention.

“What exactly is that supposed to mean?” Lance said, swiveling his legs around and standing. His hands went to his hips and he glared.

“As if you don’t already know.” Keith huffed. “I’m just tired of it.”

“Tired of what?” Lance yelled, spreading his hands out and gesturing to the universe at large. “Pretty sure we’re all tired of your attitude so if that’s what you’re talking about, you can can it.”

“I’m tired” Keith said, taking an intimidating step forward. “of you complaining about not finding someone to fall in love with at every single planet we go to when everybody knows that you’re already in love.”

Lance’s jaw hit the floor. “Woah, woah, woah there!! Has your mullet gone and infected your brain? Who exactly do you think I’m in love with?”

“Me.” Keith said darkly, crossing his arms over his chest once again.

Lance stared at Keith in shock. He froze for a beat too long, something admitted in that pause that he didn’t even know he was aware of.

Quickly, too quickly, Lance sputtered “As if!! That’s ridiculous!! Wishful thinking, much!?”

Keith snorted and tossed his head. “Yeah, okay.”

“Why would you… I mean, what!” Lance turned to Pidge and Hunk who were staring at him in a mixture of open pity and glee, wincing uncomfortably but unable to look away. “C’mon guys, tell him!”

They both averted their eyes. They couldn’t have been less subtle if they started whistling nonchalantly.

Lance turned back to Keith, his hands held out like he was trying to stop a runaway train.

“I’m not in love with you!!” Lance shouted, his voice breaking and screeching.

“You just keep telling yourself that.” Keith said, advancing on him. “Meanwhile, your “charm” is hardly turned on, you spend all your time training with me and you hate training. You snuggle with me on movie nights, you lose your mind trying to protect me during battle. You’re always talking to me like youre totally bothered, but I’m literally always on your mind and youre not. subtle.”

Keith had gotten close enough to poke him in the chest to emphasize his words.

“No way!” Lance tried to protest. “That’s just-“

Keith shook his head and gave him a sharp and dangerous smile. “Baby, don’t lie.”

Lance choked on his spit.

“I’m the only one that makes you feel right. Bet you think about me at night, too.” Keith said. “You flirt and try to get with everyone but you always always end up with me at the end of the day.”

Lance’s face was turning a deep deep red. “No, no that’s not true. You’re reading into things!! I don’t love you.”

“Explain your behavior then.” Pidge piped up from the couch.

“Stay OUT of this!” Lance turned and snapped at her.

“Admit it. Other boys and girls never really make you feel like I do. That’s why you have no luck. You’re already in love with me.” Keith said.

He was so close now and Lance couldn’t think. Staring into Keith’s eyes like this made his mouth dry and his palms sweat.

“Keith, I-“ Lance started.

“Feel totally friendly and normal when I’m this close, do you?” Keith murmured, tilting Lance’s chin with a finger.

Lance had to admit to himself he felt…maybe not entirely platonic about Keith being within kissing distance. And maybe his heart was pounding and somewhere deep deep down, his soul was thrilling.

“I-I…” Lance didn’t know what to say.

“Shut up.” Keith said, looking down at Lance’s lips. They were so close that when he spoke Lance could feel the shape Keith’s mouth made around the words, lips brushing. “And choose me already.”

Lances brain went offline. Keith pushed him and stalked out of the room. Lance fell backwards to sprawl on the ground with what felt like an explosion of steam out of his ears. He laid there simmering on the ground, worldview wrecked and heart skipping.

A goofy grin wiggled over his face.

“Holy shit.” He said with what little breath he had. “I’m in love with Keith.”

i have a few yes!!

Red for me by Oh_Contrary

Keith and Lance have just gotten togther, only Keith realizes that his blue paladin isn't quite what he would have expected. Who would've thought "loverboy Lance" could be so, well, shy?

Mail me your Heart (you already got it) by crystalklances

Lance has a hopeless crush on someone who doesn't notice him and goes to his internet friend—Red—for support. Meanwhile, Keith thinks he has no chance with his online friend—Blue—because Blue likes somebody else.

Lance couldn’t help but stare.

Mayhem is a good look on Keith he thinks quietly to himself, almost like if he didn’t whisper it in his head then the Korean boy would hear.

Keith sat in a corner of the bar, smoke billowing out from his plush lips. The no smoking sign lay before his feet, kind of like a knight bowing for his King. Lance feels himself flushing down to his toes when Keith turn his sharp gaze on him, violet meeting azure.

“Bars closed.”

Lance blinks out of his stupor at the low timbre Keith emits.

“Uh.” Lance gapes

Keith scowls before bringing the cigarette back up to his lips to suck gently, Lance swallows around the lump in his throat.

“I’m aware that uh, the bars...um,” Lance searches for his words as he continues to watch the raven haired boy exhale, lips pursed, smoke pouring out like a waterfall.

“Yeah?”

Keith’s lips curl up, eyes sparkling with amusement as he flicks the cigarette ashes onto the ground before scooting closer, chin resting in his palm.

Lance clears his throat and fiddles with his jacket sleeves, “I am aware that the bar is closed, Mr. Kogane.” he managed to school his tone, even though it was too late to fool Keith.

The violet eyed man tips his head back as he laughs, loud and warm, making Lance’s insides melt a bit.

“Mr? Is that what they’re calling me now?” he turns his eyes back to Lance, cheeks flushed pink with humor.

Lance nods his head fervently, running his tongue over his bottom lip, catching Keith’s eyes follow the movement.

Keith sighs and flicks the cigarette out the broken window, standing up. Hips swaying leisurely as he moves towards Lance, and Lance desperately wants to grip them till he leaves bruises.

He stops before the taller man, hardly a foot between them as he wraps his arms around Lance’s neck, dragging him down to meet his lips.

Lance sputters against Keith’s plush mouth, pushing the smaller off. He wipes his mouth off on his sleeve roughly.

“It was nice seeing you again, Lance. But if the agency wants me back, they’re going to have to try harder than that.” Keith all but purrs as he walks out of the room, fingers curling as he waves to the detective.

It was like his sister, who was a major fangirl, had somehow managed to write him into one of her weird fanfictions that always left him wondering what the fuck is going on. Or thinking what kind of sorcery is this that two characters suddenly like each other? Though this was reality and no one’s fanfiction world that he knew of. So all he could do when Shiro told him that he had feelings for him he felt as if the entire world had flipped him upside down and made him land on his head. 

Though don’t get him wrong, Lance loves Shiro like big time, but this whole situation had left him dumbfounded. Especially after he was so sure that he would never be into himself because well to put it simply he had always thought that Shiro had a thing for either Keith or Allura but never himself. 

“Lance?” Shiro was waving a hand in front of his face to try to get him to snap out of whatever weird trance-like state he was in as his mind shut down after hearing Shiro say. ‘I like you and would like to start being with you romantically’

Then again who wouldn’t short circuit at hearing those words out of Shiro? Like he was one fine specimen and Lance sure as hell wouldn’t mind letting Shiro have his way with him. 

‘Okay now just act cool Lance you got this.’

“Ye-yes Shiro?” Lance says his cheeks a deep crimson.

“Did you hear anything I just said?” Shiro says raising a brow and looking Lance.

  ‘Damn it I am totally screwing this up! Quick Lance think of something cool to say!’ Lance panics and begins to try and think of how to respond to Shiro in a way that doesn’t make it seem like he is a total idiot. 

“I totally heard you I just....” Lance knows his face must be redder than a cherry tomato right now. 

“You seem a bit flabbergasted right now Lance.” Lance can feel himself starting to sweat 

‘Well, who wouldn’t be speechless if Shiro the number one space daddy confessed that he was attracted to him? Like seriously look at those man titties and that bod god that body. It’s like the gods sculpted him into the most perfectly shaped being.’  Lance thought to himself. 

Shiro goes bright red. 

“L-lance you...you think that about me...?!” Shiro seems to be quite flustered himself now and Lance feels his heart sink. Though he thought he had not said that out loud it seems that he had, in fact, said every bit of it out loud. 

“Though....if you're into calling me, daddy...I don’t mind...though it is a little embarrassing....” Shiro says bright red and looking away.