Room 1013

Hope

Lance knocked on the open door and smiled. "Good morning."

Keith looked over at him with reddened, swollen eyes. The sunlight filled the space behind the curtains. He brought his hands up to his chest. "Where were you?"

"Just went out to get some coffee." He walked over and sat down next to the bed. "I couldn't sleep."

Keith kept a straight face and took his hand. "Alright."

Lance stood up a little, pulling his mask down to kiss his forehead. "I'm sorry, baby." He covered his mouth again and nuzzled his head into Keith's. "I scared you, didn't I?"

"Yes." Keith turned to hug his neck and pull him close. "Don't leave without telling me where you're going."

Lance chuckled and hugged him back, "Alright. I promise."

Keith placed his hands on Lance's cheeks and fidgeted with his mask. His face was droopy and tired. "I want to kiss you."

Lance closed his eyes and put his hands on top of his. "That's not a good idea right now."

"Why?" Keith leaned toward him. "I'm dying anyway."

"That's enough." Lance stood up walked toward the bathroom. "I'll brush my teeth and stuff so you can."

Keith crossed his arms and pouted, "Fine."

Lance shut the door of the bathroom and leaned his arms on the sink. After taking a couple breaths, he sniffled to clear his throat of any coke. It had a strange way of fake-lingering. After brushing his teeth, he took a shower and put on clean clothes. Everything felt light and airy. It was like the world had shifted. Lance was in the best mood he had been in for a long time. Other than being exhausted, he felt like he was on top of the world. He was hopeful now. Keith can and will get better. He just knew.

Lance kissed his nose and giggled. "What kind of boring hospital TV are we watching today?"

Keith laughed a little and hugged his neck. "Just put on whatever. I don't care."

"Gotcha." Lance flipped through the channels and landed on some cooking show.

"What's with you today?"

"What do you mean?" Lance leaned his elbows onto the bed.

"You're just..." Keith shook his head. "You're happy today." He pulled away to lock eyes with him. "I haven't seen that in a long time."

Lance looked into his aging violet eyes, "Is that a bad thing?"

Keith smiled and shook his head, "No, I like it. It's nice." He scooted closer and hugged him tighter. "I need some good vibes around here."

"Mmm." Lance set the remote down and used his fingers to lift Keith's chin. After staring into each other's eyes for a moment, they slowly leaned into a sweet kiss. A small spark clicked in their minds-something that hadn't happened for a long time. Keith laced his fingers into Lance's hair and deepened it, letting their tongues find each other. Lance stood from his chair and let Keith lie back on the bed as he sat on the edge. Keith's hands latched onto his shirt to keep a tight hold on him. Gradually, Lance ended the kiss and pulled back.

Keith kept their foreheads connected, "Wow."

Lance couldn't tame his smile, "Yeah."

"When's the last time we kissed like that?" Keith brought one hand up to hold his cheek.

Lance lowered his head down to rest on Keith's collarbone. "Too long."

After a moment of silence, Keith burst out laughing. "I guess I have to be dying to get laid."

Lance laughed along with him and lifted his head. He gave him a judgmental look, "Or not be a prick."

Keith nodded, "That, too."

Lance shook his head and sat up. He turned his body around and kicked off his shoes. "Alright, scoot over."

Keith made room and stared in question. "Are you sure that's alright?"

Lance lied down next to him, "What? I'm clean."

"Hmm," Keith eyed him, "Are you sure?"

Lance wrapped him up in his arms and pulled him into his chest. He let out a playful chuckle, "Guess you'll have to trust me." As his head relaxed onto the pillow, he suddenly felt tired and calm.

Keith pushed himself up on his elbows and stared down at his face. "You look like shit." He tilted his head and raised an eyebrow, "Did you sleep at all?"

Lance closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and shook his head. "Not at all."

Keith returned to the pillow and nuzzled into his chest. He draped Lance's arm over his waist and breathed in his skin. "Then sleep now. You're so tired."

Lance kissed the top of his head through his red hat. He folded his arm up to let Keith lie on his bicep then put his other hand on Keith's lower back. "I love you."

Keith snuggled in closer with a hum of agreement. "I love you, too."