Sorry for posting this late! But I hope you enjoy this and that it’s at least somewhat decent comparing to the wait I put you through. I really hoped you enjoyed your holidays and started the New Year good! Without a further ado, here is your @voltron-ss gift, @cassifyed !
Warning: This turned out way much longer than planned so you might want to get comfortable.
PS. While looking through your blog I saw your adaption of Beauty and the Beast with Klance and think it’s AMAZING! Can’t wait to see what comes next.
Rating: PG with a bit of language. Well really like one word or two.
Summary: It’s New Year’s Eve and the last thing Keith wants to do is go on a blind date, but Shiro insists he does. And that’s why Keith is standing in the middle of a party wondering just how much bad luck a person can have. Because honestly, nothing could be worse than spending New Year’s Eve on a blind date.
When Shiro mentioned the words “perfect guy,” “single,” and “What could be a better way to start the New Year than by going on a blind date,” Keith knew nothing good could come out of it.
But it’s Shiro. Stubborn, “I’m always right,” dad Shiro, who relentlessly insisted he accept. In normal circumstances, Keith would decline, and that would be that. Except he just had to open his big mouth to Shiro on the disasters he called dates. So really, the one to blame is himself for complaining how he always seems to attract the wrongs guys.
Sure, Keith was tired of being led on. Hence the complaints. But a blind date for New Year’s Eve? If that didn’t spell disaster then he’s not sure what did. After all, how “perfect” could this guy be if he had to be set up on a blind date for New Year’s Eve?
Taking one last look in the mirror, he knew he was underdressed. The red beanie on his head was the only pop of color besides his shoes. His black shirt and matching black pants made it seem as if he had dressed in the first thing he found. Although anyone who knew him, knew his wardrobe consisted of dark colors with random additions of color.
“Well Kogane…” he dejectedly mumbled to himself, “You couldn’t have started the New Year worse.”
Letting out a sigh in annoyance, he grabbed the keys to make his way to Allura’s party.
It’s packed by the time he gets there. He’s already fifteen minutes late to the date, yet he can’t make himself rush. Shiro was going to kill him the moment he saw him, so what’s the point? Taking a deep breath, he tries his best to move around the crowd. If he was lucky, Shiro would tell him his date didn’t show up.
He hasn’t moved far from the front door when he feels a hand on his shoulder, and a stern voice chiding him.
“You’re late. Honestly Keith, is this the impression you want leave on the guy? He could be-”
“Well honestly Shiro, I’d rather be home binge watching Netflix. But I guess we can’t all get what we want, now can we?”
Shiro frowns at his words, making Keith feel guilty as he knows Shiro only has good intentions. Ignoring his gaze, it takes all of Keith’s will to mumble, “Look, just point me in the right direction. I promise I won’t hurt the guy unless he’s begging for it.”
Pinching the bridge of his nose, Shiro quickly utters, “He’s talking to Allura near the beverages. Please, BEHAVE. If not for him, then for me.”
Nodding his head, Keith promises to be on his best behavior before disappearing in the crowd.
It takes a while to make his way to them. Yet when he finally does, he feels a tad conscious of himself. It’s clear this guy put thought and effort into this date. With a nice jean jacket, black jeans, and blue converse, it’s clear he went for something clean yet casual.
Not to mention he actually showed up on time for the date.
Ignoring any unwelcomed thoughts, he walks up to them with the best smile he can muster at the moment. Allura sees him first. Her smile is a giveaway as she quickly cuts off the guy to tell him he’s finally here. Although she doesn’t wait to hear the guy’s response. Instead she makes her way to Keith to quickly whisper, “You better not ruin this.” With another sweet smile on her face, as if she had not threaten him a mere second ago, she wishes him luck before leaving.
“Well if you like him so much, then you should be the one on this stupid date…”
It’s a soft ramble, really, yet as the guy turns around, he says, “I’m sorry, I couldn’t quite catch that.”
At hearing his voice, Keith remembers the promise he made to Shiro. Getting ready to begin this ordeal, he freezes in place as he discovers who his blind date is. The only voice he can hear is Shiro’s as his words ring in his head.
“He’s the perfect guy Keith. He’s funny and sweet. Nothing like the guys you seem to complain about.”
Keith knew! He just knew nothing good could come from a blind date! Especially one for New Year’s Eve. But did Shiro listen? NOPE! He just had to annoy him to the point he actually gave in.
“He’s been single for a while and is looking to meet someone again. When he asked me if I knew someone, I thought of you. So I volunteered you for a blind date on New Year’s Eve.”
This predicament is the reason why Keith keeps his emotions bottled up. Because if he had just kept quiet like he normally does, he would be at home binge watching Stranger Things or The Walking Dead.
“What could be a better way to start the New Year than by going on a blind date?”
Keith could think of a MILLION ways to start the New Year than this stupid blind date! His head was going to explode from the amount of bad luck he had been able to obtain in one night. Already 2017 was ending on a low note. His last date had been a complete catastrophe! He’s pretty sure he failed half of his finals, and to put the cherry on top, his blind date was none other than, “LANCE!”
If Lance is startled with the outcome of this date, his voice doesn’t show it. He actually sounds amused as he continues to say, “I know you shouldn’t have hopes for a blind date, but I honestly expected someone of quality. Considering it was Shiro who asked if he could set me up.”
Keith can only glare at him while cursing Shiro in his head. How the quiznak did Shiro believe Lance was the “perfect guy?” After all, Keith had gotten to know him all throughout the semester. All he was perfect for was annoying the heck out of him. Starting with that stupid nickname of his. Mullet.
“Trust me, you’re not my idea of good company either,” Keith retorts.
Not believing his fortune, Keith looks at anywhere but Lance. Being grateful for the loud music that fills the awkward silence. Keith is simply about to leave when Lance’s words settle in his mind.
“Wait! Shiro asked to set you up?”
He waits for Lance to speak. His mind replays Shiro’s words, trying to see if he had heard wrong. Yet as Lance begins to talk, it becomes crystal clear, Shiro is playing cupid.
“Yeah. Shiro approached me last week. Asking if I’d do him the favor of going on a blind date with a friend. Honestly I had better things to do, but considering I only passed class because of him, I couldn’t say no.”
Upon hearing those words, Keith quickly quips, “Look, I didn’t even want to come. Shiro forced me to. I’d rather be anywhere but here.”
If Lance wasn’t aggravated before, he clearly was now. Although Keith couldn’t bother with him, too busy thinking of ways to get back at Shiro. Clenching his fist, Keith lets out a breath in frustration. Massaging his forehead to ease the forming headache, all he can say is, “Look, we both agree this is the worst blind date in the history. So let’s just call it a night. Okay?”
He doesn’t wait to hear Lance’s response. All he wants to do at the moment is leave this foolish party, go home, and watch Glenn bash zombie brains. Tomorrow will be a new day, a new year. He can put this horrible night, along with 2017, behind.
He’s only taken three steps when he hears, “Oh QUIZNAK! Hide me!”
Before Keith can react, Lance latches onto his shoulder in an attempt to conceal himself. Trying to shake Lance off, Keith yells at him to let go. Though it’s to no avail as Lance turns Keith around to face him.
“Look I know you hate me and I hate you, but if you could please not shout my name right now. I will greatly appreciate it!”
Keith’s confused as he sees Lance panic in front of his eyes. His open mouth gets hushed by Lance’s hand. If Keith thought this night couldn’t get any worse, he was wrong.
“Mullet, I know I’m the last person you’d help. But please! Find your humanity and pretended to be my boyfriend for these next few minutes.”
Caught off guard by Lance’s request, Keith finally manages to shove him off as he shouts, “What the heck Lance! I know you’re crazy but not-”
“KEITH! PLEASE! I promise I’ll do anything! I’ll do your homework; I’ll give you money; I’ll stop calling you MULLET! Just act like my boyfriend for these next few minutes! I’m begging you!”
He’s ready to punch Lance in the nose. After all, there’s only so much stupidity Keith can handle. Especially if it’s coming from Lance. Although seeing Lance this desperate makes him reconsider.
Lance’s blue eyes are anxious as they hold his gaze. The grip on his shoulders is digging into his skin. The sight makes Keith uncomfortable as he wants to leave. He really wants the Earth to swallow him whole as Lance stares at him. He particularly wants to give Shiro an earful for meddling in his love life. So he really can’t understand why he says, “A few minutes. And no funny business!”
He’s still trying to comprehend his judgment when Lance pulls him into a tight hug while exclaiming, “I promise Mullet you won’t regret it!”
Keith is ready to tell him to get lost when a velvet voice interrupts his thoughts, “Lance is that you?”
Untangling themselves, Keith takes a good look at the person who made Lance into a blubbering mess. She’s pretty. It’s the first thing that comes to mind. With long, blond hair and nice, tan skin, you can’t help but follow her every move. Not to mention her violet eye are stunning. Though his focus disappears the moment Lance rests an arm around his shoulders.
If Lance is nervous, he doesn’t show it. He’s back to his cocky self as he smoothly states, “Nyma. I thought my witch radar went off. Didn’t think it’d actually be right.”
A smirk rests proudly on his face. All the while Keith can’t figure out why Lance is being mean. Nyma seems nice from what he can tell.
“Well you know…” She grins before continuing, “It takes a witch to know a witch. But honestly, that title’s too good for you. But enough about me. Who’s this friend of yours?”
Keith’s eyes widen a bit at her words. Clearly these two shared a history together. And Keith thought his night was bad. As her eyes wonder over him, he tries his best to not squirm. He’s about to speak when Lance says, “Nyma, this is my boyfriend, Keith.”
The word boyfriend sounds surreal when moments ago they were bickering to no end. Keeping true to his word, Keith plays the role as he extends a hand to Nyma, simply saying, “Nice to meet you.”
She chuckles at his choice of words. Mocking bafflement, she teases, “Not much of a talker, uh? Better keep an eye Lance. He’s attractive and mysterious. Must have lots of admirers to choose from.”
Before either of them can rebut, their conversation is interrupted as a guy shouts, “Nyma did you see me? I was on fire!”
He continues to ramble on about beer pong, completely unaware of Lance and Keith. His actions and words seem sloppy as it’s clear he’s had more than a couple of drinks. Still, the moment he actually notices them, his face seems to sober up.
“Lance! It’s been a while. How have you been? Everything good?”
His words are friendly, yet he sounds nervous. The smile on his face seems strained and his body is tense. He seems like the tall, average jock. With muscles and a pretty face, it’s easy to see he’s with Nyma.
Before Lance can speak, Nyma says, “Rolo, this is Keith. Lance’s new beau!”
Immediately Rolo relaxes. As if her words answered a silent prayer in his head. Yet as he glances at Keith he seems a bit restless. As if maybe those words weren’t exactly the ones he was hoping for. He tries to hide his disappointment, but his smile is bittersweet as he hoarsely says, “Congratulations Lance. Glad to see you’re doing fine.”
Realizing Rolo’s not about to greet him, Keith holds out his hand as he says, “Nice to meet you.”
Rolo can only stare at his hand before looking in his eyes. Quickly sensing the awkward atmosphere Keith pulls back his hand. Understanding Keith’s discomfort, Lance pulls him close enough to whisper in his ear, “Just hang in there. We’ll leave as soon as possible.”
The last word hasn’t completely left Lance’s lips as Nyma cheerfully bluts, “Aren’t they cute Rolo? Whispering sweet nothings. I already told Lance to hold on to Keith. In case someone tries to steal him away.”
Suddenly, Lance seems hesitant as her words sink in. Even Rolo looks uncomfortable. Ignoring his own nerves, Keith finally speaks, “Well they can try all they want, but Lance is stuck with me.”
Gaining some confidence, he sneaks an arm around Lance’s waist. He even goes as far as playfully bumping into him as he says, “Isn’t that right?”
As if they had planned all this out, Lance quickly kisses him on the cheek as he sweetly says, “Sure is babe.”
Keith can’t tell if he’s blushing from the kiss or the fact that Lance used the word babe. All he knows is that his shoes are suddenly fascinating as he tries to keep his composure. Although it doesn’t help when Lance tauntingly says, “Awe… Babe! No need to get modest with me now. You know it’s true.”
For a second, Keith forgets about the audience as he quips, “Shut up!”
Lance just chuckles as he returns his attention back to Nyma and Rolo. With a big smile on his lips, he says, “You all have to excuse Keith. He gets shy when it comes to public affection. Although honestly, I think it’s a good look for him.”
By now, Keith is debating if his cheeks are red from embarrassment or frustration. Before he can make Lance pay, Rolo complains, “Never knew you liked the shy ones. Always thought you preferred your men bold.”
Getting tired of Rolo’s animosity, Keith is ready to tell him off when Lance retorts, “Well I did. Until I realized I had a horrible taste.”
Keith can’t begin to comprehend what is happening as Rolo rebuts, “Well you sure didn’t think that when we lived together!”
It suddenly all makes sense. The entire time Keith thought Lance was trying to get back at Nyma, but really, it was about Rolo. The awkward conversation, Rolo’s estrangement towards Keith, and the hostility between Lance and Nyma, it’s all clear now.
Lance pulls away from Keith as he shouts, “Considering I didn’t think you would cheat on me either, I’m going to say I wasn’t thinking clearly!”
Things get out of hand real quickly from there. Both men are shouting as they each tell their side of the story. What started off as a simple dispute turns into a spectacle as their shouts bring curious stares. Nyma is trying to tug Rolo away but is only ignored. Keith is unsure of what to do as he tries to gain Lance’s attention by shouting his name. It’s not until Rolo says, “I still love you. Please, Lance. Give us one more chance.”
It’s quiet then. The music is still playing in the background. People pretend to look away as they try to ignore the painful situation. Lance is breathing harshly as he just stares at Rolo. It’s only a couple of seconds. Yet it feels like forever when Lance finally says, “If you did, you wouldn’t be here with her.”
Without a second thought, Lance pushes his way through the crowd and leaves. Without a delay, Keith rushes after him. It not until they’ve crossed the front door that Keith finally shouts, “Lance!”
Except Lance doesn’t slow down or acknowledges him. He just keeps walking, trying to put distance between him and the party.
“Lance! Please stop! Talk to me!”
They’re at the end of the driveway when Keith catches up to him. He’s hardly placed a hand on Lance’s shoulder when Lance suddenly turns around, and shouts, “What Keith?”
His actions throw Keith off guard. For a second all his thoughts are jumbled in his mind until Lance continues to say, “What could you possibly want? I’m not sure if you noticed but I’ve been having the worst night possible and running into my ex was the highlight! So if you don’t mind, I’d like to go home and pretend this stupid night never happened.”
For a second they just stand there in silence. Staring at each other as they try to decipher the events that transpired. Keith finally understands Shiro’s protectiveness of Lance. Lance didn’t just get dumped. He was cheated on.
Before Keith can overthink his next decision, he simply grabs Lance’s hand as he drags him back to his motorcycle. Lance is shouting at him, demanding to know what the heck he thinks he’s doing. Although, Keith says nothing until they’re in front of his motorcycle with an extra helmet in hand.
“You said you wanted to get out of here right?”
He’s putting on his own helmet as Lance simply gawks at him. He’s settled in and turning on the engine when Lance whispers, “Why are you doing this?”
Looking straight ahead, Keith exhales a deep breath before numbly stating, “We have more things in common than you think. Now do you want to get away from here or keep asking pointless questions?”
Lance has never seen this side of Keith. Then again, he’s always treated him as a rival. Taking his word, Lance sits behind Keith before finally leaving this cursed place.
They’re not sure how they got here, at the apartment Keith shares with Shiro, but it doesn’t really matter as they’re spread out on the couch. Day old take out is spread across the coffee table and The Walking Dead is blasting from the TV. Both are quiet as they eat and watch.
Even though gun shots are coming from the TV, it’ Lance’s voice that startles Keith as he hears, “I don’t understand how someone who claims to love you can hurt you so bad.”
He just stares at his food as he hears Lance continue to say, “We dated for a year and a half. We lived together! And he just threw it all away in one night. As if it meant nothing.”
Before he can control his brain, Keith blabs, “I dated a guy for three months before realizing I was the other guy.”
He can feel Lance’s eyes on him. Clearly shocked by the truth that just left his lips. Ignoring his gaze, Keith proceeds to say, “It wasn’t anything as serious as you. But to me, it might as well have been.”
Staring at his feet, he’s lost in past memories as he utters, “He’d leave clothes at my place. Ready to use after all those nights he used to stay over. When I learned the truth…”
He can’t help but let out a painful chuckle. Gathering courage, he lifts his head to look at Lance. “He told me he loved me. He told me he’d leave him but he never did. And when I realized I was his second choice, I couldn’t understand why he led me on. Why he made me fall for him when he could care less about me. But it gets better Lance. Eventually. Even when it feels like it won’t, it does. You just have to ride it out and watch The Walking Dead.”
For the first time that night, Lance actually smiles a genuine smile. Feeling the tension slowly dissipate, Lance utters, “Walking Dead? That’s your go to show?”
Rolling his eyes, Keith scoffs, “Compared to your absurd sitcom, I’ll take The Walking Dead any day.”
“Hey!” Lance quips, “How I Met Your Mother is a classic! I bet you haven’t even watched it.”
Keith is ready to defend his point when Lance suddenly exclaims, “That’s it! We’re going to watch How I Met Your Mother and you’re going to like it.”
Shrugging his shoulders, Keith only says, “You can make me watch all 9 seasons but I won’t like it.”
Keith doesn’t know when he fell asleep, but he’s woken up by the sound of Shiro cooking. The first thing he see is Lance sleeping across from him as he rolls his shoulders. He’s about to get up when Shiro walks in with a spatula, saying, “Get up sleepy heads! Breakfast is almost ready.”
Lance mumbles something about it being too early before Keith pokes him with his foot, making his eyes go wide open. Being laughed at by Keith, Lance rambles on about how childish Keith is.
After brushing their teeth, they make their way to the kitchen where breakfast is all set up. It’s a good time as they tell Shiro funny stories of one another. Each trying to embarrass the other more. It’s not until all the food is done and the dishes cleaned that Lance says, “I should head home. Thanks for breakfast Shiro.”
“Not a problem Lance. Do you need a ride?” Shiro asks.
Keith still can’t believe how polite Lance can be as he cheerfully says, “I already called a cab, but thanks for the offer.”
Lance moves to grab his jacket and put on his shoes as Keith tells Shiro he’s going to walk him out. Yet as they stand at the doorway they fall into an awkward silence as they wait. After all, what exactly is this? A date? A casual hang out? Do they hug? Are they suddenly friends?
Keith is the first one to speak. He can’t help but take a jab at Lance as he states, “You know, for a man who talks a big game, this was a lousy date.”
Lance can’t help but laugh as he retorts, “Me? How about you? You didn’t even dress up. Much less show up on time. Besides, the moment I saw you were my date, I turned off the Lance charm.”
“Oh, so you think you’d be able to sweep me off my feet?” Keith’s not sure where this is coming from. They’ve had their share of banter before but this seemed more like flirting if he was being honest.
“I think I could do better than that! I would have you falling head over heels for me if I wanted to!” Lance has a smirk on this face as he waits for Keith to respond. Curious to hear what Mullet would have to say.
“Nah,” Keith playfully answers, “I don’t believe you can.”
His arms are crossed against his chest. He’s leaning against the doorway as Lance stands in front of him with his hands in his pockets. Seeing a smile form on Lance’s lips makes a smile form on his own. He’s mesmerized by those blue eyes as Lance demands, “Is that a challenge?”
Shrugging his shoulders, Keith nonchalantly says, “Maybe.” His eyes shining with mischief.
Letting out a laugh, Lance declares, “Fine. I’ll just take you out on a proper date next Friday to prove you wrong. ”
Shaking his head in disbelief, Keith can only say, “I’ll hold you to that. After all, we have class together next Tuesday.”
Before their teasing can go any further, the cab pulls up in the driveway. Saying a quick goodbye, Keith walks back in to find Shiro casually reading in the living room. The moment he closes the door, Shiro asks, “How was the date? I came home last night to find you sleeping real close together.”
Rolling his eyes at Shiro’s words, Keith already knows he’s smirking. Letting out a groan he says, “It wasn’t a date Shiro. And after that wonderful incident with Lance’s ex, he had to get out. So I gave him a lift and invited him back.”
Upon hearing those words, Shiro lifts his head from his book as he mumbles, “Yeah. Allura explained everything to me after she saw you leave with Lance. Sorry about that. I didn’t know he would be there or else I would have set the date somewhere else. But besides that event, I’m guessing it all went well?”
Letting out a chuckle, Keith answers, “Shrio it wasn’t a date. I simply saw him down and thought he could use a pick me up. After all, we came back and did what I wanted to do since the beginning. Binge on food and watch The Walking Dead.”
If Keith thought he could get out of this conversation that easily, he was wrong. With a playful tone, Shiro teases, “So you accidently clicked on How I Met Your Mother and watched it instead?”
Keith shuts his eyes as he remembers the last few words he shared with Lance before going to sleep. Trying to add truth to his words, Keith rambles, “We did watch The Walking Dead! I swear. It’s just halfway through Lance started to babble on about that show and I changed it to shut him up.”
Raising an eyebrow, Shiro states, “So it wasn’t a date?”
Keith shakes his head as he wonders how much more he’ll have to endure. He’s about to leave the room when Shiro says, “So you won’t mind taking my shift this Friday at work?”
Keith freezes at hearing those words. Before he can say anything, Shiro continues, “I mean it’s not like you have plans for Friday. Not like you have a second date with the guy I set you up, right?”
Glaring at Shrio, Keith quickly mutters, “You were eavesdropping, weren’t you?”
Laughing at his statement, Shiro says, “Sorry. I couldn’t help myself. But wasn’t I right? He’s handsome and sweet. Told you he would be a good match.”
“Yeah, yeah. Whatever,” Keith grudgingly sputters, but he’s smiling as he walks out of the room. Excited for Friday to come.
