Broken

Chapter Two: All Systems on Lockdown

When Lance woke up the next morning he was surprised to find Keith snuggled into his side with his face buried in the crook of his neck. He couldn't help his first thought being HOLY SHIT KEITH IS A CUDDLER! As he smiled down at the red paladin. His next thought was HOLY SHIT KEITH IS CUDDLING WITH ME and it brought a light blush to his cheeks. He nuzzled into Keiths mullet and sighed happily. He wished he could wake up like this everyday, but Keith would probably stab him.

"You awake?" Came a hoarse whisper as Keith lifted his head to rub his eyes. And God dammit why was this boy so fucking cute? Lance thought as violet eyes connected with his own.

"Y-Yeah," Lance whispered back.

"Well come on, I'm hungry." Keith grumbled as he climbed out of bed. Lance stared at him for a minute before giving a slight nod.

They began their walk down the hallway and Lance gave a heavy sigh as they approached the door. He needed to apologize to Keith, he needed to tell Keith not to worry about him, that he was too broken to fix. He needed to-

His thought were cut off by an alarm blazing and he looked up to see Keith staring at the touch screen that scanned their hands.

"A Galra enemy has been reported in the castle," A voice blared. "All systems are beginning lockdown!"

Keith looked horrified, looking back and forth between his hand and the panel. He covered his face as his body shook and Lance realized that maybe Keith wasn't as tough as he looked. Lance wrapped his arms around him without a second more of hesitation and gently stroked Keith's hair as he sobbed. Keith leaned into the embrace before he stiffened and pushed Lance away.

"Stop Lance, g-get away from me! I-I'm a monster!" Keith screamed and Lance felt tears prick his eyes.

"Keith," He started, keeping his voice calm and even as he spoke. "You're not a monster,"

"Yes I a-am... stay away from me!" Keith said.

"Keith," Lance stated again, still moving closer even if it was against the other's wishes. "Look at me," Keith looked up and Lance's heart broke as Keith's tear filled eyes connected with his. Keith gave him a pleading look, almost begging for comfort and Lance smiled softly. He was very willing to give Keith comfort. "Keith, you are not a monster. You are just Keith. You're the same boy who excelled in the Garrison, you still have the silly mullet I love to stare at and," Lance paused, emphasising the and, "and, you are an amazing friend. You are anything but a monster Keith and anyone who think differently can fight me." Lance finished softly. Keith ran into his arms and Lance embraced him like his life depended on it.

"All systems locked down!" The voice blared as the lights in the hallway shut off one by one.

Lance immediately tightened his grip around Keith as fear struck through him. Keith, sensing something was wrong, wiped his eyes and look up at Lance. He began to pull back from the embrace when A grip grabbed hold of his arm keeping him in place.

"Lance? What's wrong?" Keith asked, suddenly very alert.

"Keith?" Lance voice came out in barely a whisper and the sudden vulnerability made something twist in Keith's gut.

"Hm?" Keith hummed in response.

"Don't tell anyone..." Lance whispered as he took a shaky breath. "But, I'm absolutely terrified of the dark."

"Really?" Keith asked, letting out a small chuckle at the somewhat childish fear.

Lance's words became choked in his throat. "N-No. I-it's not f-funny Keith, you d-don't understand what h-he was-- what he was like!" Lance screamed. However mad he was he still didn't let go of Keith. Keith's heart dropped to his stomach as he replayed his friends words.