Title: Rollercoaster Emotions

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It had been such a beautiful day! The weather was perfect, the sun shining brightly...and Lance was stuck indoors on his bed reading a textbook on Intergalactic Politics. It was unfair! Yawning, Lance glanced longingly out the dorm window again. It was also a beautiful night! How could anyone be so excited about this? His professor was practically shaking with excitement as he passed out the books. If there weren't going to be a big exam on this book in a few days, Lance would've already flushed it down the toilet!

Lance nearly jumped out of his skin when Keith stormed in the room like a gust of wind. Keith was cursing in his grandmother's tongue, an old Gaelic dialect, which he only did when he was very upset. He didn't even seem to notice Lance's presence as he threw a heavy book across the room, just nearly missing sending it through the window.

Lance's mouth opened and closed a few times as he debated about whether or not to jump out the window. However, since Keith was in a throwing mood, chances were he wouldn't get out the window in time before getting hit by something. And he really didn't want to turn his back on his friend when Keith was like this! So, Lance just decided to state the obvious. "I take it you're a tab bit pissed off."

"Well no shit Sherlock! What a fucking brilliant deduction!" Keith said, cursing something else under his breath in Gaelic that Lance could only pick out a few words of.

Lance made a face as he glanced down at the book in his hands. Suddenly, the book was sounding more interesting. Sighing, Lance closed the book and sat up so that his back rested against the wall. "Okay, why are you so pissed?"

"Don't bother faking interest. I am not in the mood." Keith said storming into the washroom and slamming the door.

"Gee, thanks for asking Lance. Here let me tell you about it." Lance mumbled sarcastically to himself. He hated it when Keith got into stinks like this. Lately, they have been more and more frequent. Well, Keith couldn't stay in the bathroom forever and Lance wasn't going to go anywhere anyway. So Lance just leaned back and waited.

Keith climbed into hot shower trying to wash away the all consuming pain and anger that clung to his body. But the shower seemed to do nothing but intensify the emotions. As the hot water washed over him he allowed his tears to fall for the first time. Keith leaned his arms against the shower wall and rested his forehead against his hands.

##########

Frowning, Lance closed his book again when Keith stepped out of the bathroom thirty minutes later! By the spirits how Lance hated when Keith did that! It tore him up every time Keith got so upset that he'd try to steam his troubles away! "Since there is probably no more hot water within a hundred mile radius, do you mind telling me what's wrong?"

"I don't want to talk about it." Keith mumbled flopping down in his bed and burying his face into the soft pillow.

Great, Keith had now gone from outward pissed to inward depressed. Lance could probably get a psychiatrist license from all the experience he has had with his roommate. Sighing, Lance got off his bed and sat down next to Keith. "Come on. Tell me what's wrong."

"I said I don't want to talk. And since you don't really want to listen, we'll both be happy with my not talking about it." Keith mumbled.

"Keith, please." Lance sighed as he started to rub Keith's shoulders. "I do want to listen. You are my roommate and best friend. You've helped me with my troubles. Now I want to help you."

"I said I don't want to talk." Keith said, muffling a quiet sob into the pillow.

It tore his heart to pieces whenever Keith was like this! All Lance wanted to do was hold Keith in his arms and never let him go. But friends couldn't do that. So he just continued to slowly massage his friend's shoulders. "I think you do need to talk about it. You're obviously upset. Tell me."

"Why should I? You don't care anymore then anyone else in this world. Just leave me be." Keith snorted.

Well, that hurt! Lance quickly buried it. "Well, I'm not just anyone. And I do care or else I wouldn't be asking."

Keith rolled over and looked at Lance, his black eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "I said I don't want to talk about it. I just want the whole fucking world to leave me alone."

Keith didn't know it, but that pained look almost ripped Lance's heart out. Lance shook his head. "Your boyfriend again, right?"

"Not any more. I'm too scrawny, too emotional, and I don't put out enough for him to remain my boyfriend." Keith said.

"He said what?" Lance growled, shocked that anyone would even think such a thing! To have someone as caring and loving as Keith and just throw him away burned Lance almost to the point of self-combustion!

"He decided that I wasn't his type and that if I didn't learn to start putting out a lot more, I wouldn't be anyone's type." Keith said quietly.

"That a bunch of shit, Keith!" Lance growled. He reached over and gently ran his fingers through Keith's hair...both to comfort Keith and keep himself from losing his temper. Lance loved Keith's hair. The black strains were always so soft and silky...and comforting. "Putting out does not make up a relationship."

"It doesn't matter. I am never bothering with any of it again. It's not worth it." Keith sighed, visibly relaxing at Lance's soft touch.

Lance smiled slightly. "You say that now because your heart is broken. Just give it some time. Someone as gentle and caring as you will eventually find someone who will love you just as much."

"That won't ever happen. There is no such thing as happily ever after." Keith said sadly.

"No relationship is happily ever after." Lance laughed softly. "Everyone has its ups and downs. But someone with a heart like yours will soon find someone who will love you for who you are, not how you put out!"

"And who would be foolish enough to do that?" Keith asked. "There's nobody in the known galaxy that would ever want to put up with me."

"Have I ever lied to you, Keith?" Lance asked seriously, cupping Keith's chin so that his roommate looked at him.

"No. Stretching the truth to make me feel better is how I would put it."

"I don't even do that, Keith! I may not have any tact, but I speak the truth!" Lance said firmly. "And I mean it when I say you're worth putting up with. More than worth it!"

"Maybe as friend but nothing more." Keith sighed.

Lance sighed. Keith's confidence was really low today...more like in the Marihuana's Trench! "That's where you're wrong, Keith. Trust me on this. You're a remarkable man. And out there, somewhere, is someone who needs you."

"Nobody does. Even as just a friend nobody really needs me. You have lots of other friends and wouldn't notice if I wasn't around." Keith sighed quietly. "I don't know why you even bother with me."

"You just haven't found that person yet." Lance smiled as his hand moved to rubbed the back of Keith's neck. "And I do need you. I may have lots of friends, but I only have one best friend...you."

Keith sat up and wrapped his arms around Lance's shoulders, burying his face against the man's soft neck, seeking the comfort that only his best friend could ever give. "Just don't leave me too, I need you." Keith whispered, his voice barely audible.

Lance wrapped his arms around Keith, holding him tightly. He loved the feel of his friend in his arms, even if only for comfort. It hurt, but Lance would do it over and over again...just to see Keith smile again. "I won't leave you. I promise."

"Thank you." Keith said, hugging himself tighter to Lance. "You are the only one that is always been there for me…I don't know what I would do without you."

"Well, if I have any say in the matter, you'll never have to find out." Lance laughed, one of his hands rubbing soothing circles on Keith's back. "I always be here for you...to infinity and beyond."

"Until you find someone." Keith whispered. "Then you will be gone like everyone else."

"Nope! That will never happen either!" Lance smiled. Mainly because he didn't want anyone else. Lance pulled back slightly to cup Keith's cheek. "I've already told you, I'm not like everyone else. Thank the goddess! So, it looks like you're stuck with me, kid."

"If you claim I will find somebody then it means you will too. You stand a far better chance then I do." Keith said softly. "And being stuck with you isn't bad thing, it's a good thing, and I wouldn't trade it for anything."

"Neither would I, Keith." Lance chuckled, lightly bumping his forehead against Keith's. "And even when you do find that someone, I'll still be there to bug the crap out of you!"

"I won't ever find anyone. You are the one who is stuck with me. I guess we are just stuck with each other." Keith laughed slightly, smiling for the first time.

Lance smiled brighter. Gods, what a beautiful smile! He would follow Keith anywhere just to see that smile. Laughing, Lance reached up and roughed up Keith's hair...kinda hard with it damp, but somehow he still managed. "Fine with me! Though I expect to be the best man when you get married!"

"Um, there won't be a wedding because I'll die a spinster…wait that's what they called the girls...what did they call boys that never married?"

"Um...I have no clue." Lance shrugged. "But we'll see. My little crystal ball says otherwise. I'll bet you fifty bucks that someone will make an honest man out of you."

"Okay. That'll be an easy fifty bucks for me." Keith agreed to the bet with a smile.

"Deal! I don't know when, but you will be paying me fifty bucks." Lance smirked as he shook Keith's hand. Though inside it was tearing him apart knowing that not only was he going to win that bet, but that it was also going to break his heart when that someone finally did show up!

"Nope. You'll be the one paying me." Keith said. He smiled and paused for a moment as he looked at Lance. "You know I didn't want to feel better but you made me feel better anyways, thank you."

"That is what friends are for." Lance grinned, unable to resist the urge to hug Keith one more time. "Why don't you get some rest? You look beat."

"That sounds like a good idea." Keith said, lying back down against the bed.

"Get some sleep." Lance got up and gently tucked the sheet around Keith. "I think I'm going to take a shower now."

"Hope you don't mind a cold one." Keith said.

Lance laughed. "Not at all. I'm going to need one to stay awake and finish that book!"

"Sorry I interrupted your studying." Keith apologized.

"I was falling asleep anyway. Needed something to wake me up." Lance grinned. "Now stop talking and go to sleep! You need it!"

"Thanks again, Lance." Keith smiled as curled up under the cover. "You really are a good friend, my best friend."

"Pleasant dreams, Keith." Lance whispered. He wasn't sure how long he just stood there, watching Keith sleep. Finally, he got up and went into the bathroom. It was his turn to use the shower to wash away his tears.

########################################################################

Keith woke up to the feeling of the sun shining over his face. He rolled over pulling the blanket over his head. Despite his talk with Lance, he didn't really want to face the new day, especially one that was so sunny.

However, someone wasn't going to let him and kept shaking his shoulders. "Come on Keith. Get up. You can't spend the rest of your life in bed."

"I don't want to get out of bed today and you can't make me." Keith mumbled from beneath the sheet.

"Sheesh! And you complain about me never wanting to get up! Why don't you want to get up?"

"Because…I don't want to." Keith said.

Lance sighed. "You'll feel better if you do something. Now get up or I'll go get Sven and have him get you up!"

Keith grumbled something under his breath but threw the sheet back and reluctantly climbed out of the bed.

"Good boy." Lance grinned. "Besides, you said you would go to the flea market with me today."

"Do we have to?" Keith asked.

Lance pouted and had the saddest puppy dog eyes ever seen. "Well, I guess you don't have to..."

Keith sighed. "Alright I'll go. I just don't feel like dealing with a crowd of people, but for you…I'll do it."

"Thanks! You're the best!" Lance grinned brightly as he hugged Keith. "We'll leave as soon as you're ready."

"Yeah, whatever." Keith said, pulling clothes out of the dresser drawer and not really paying any attention to what he pulled out. A few minutes later he was changed into a pair of slightly worn out faded blue jeans and black T-shirt with a Celtic dragon embossed on the front in a blue metallic foil print.

"Ready?" Lance smiled, standing by the door. He knew what Keith really wanted to do...but Lance wasn't going to let him fall into depression. He may not be able to cheer Keith up, but maybe Lance could at least show Keith that the cup wasn't half-empty despite his breakup.

"Ready as I'll ever be." Keith said. He headed towards the door at a slow pace.

"Great. I think you'll like this one. They're supposed to even have some stuff from the 1980's! That is over five hundred years old! We probably can't afford any of it, but ya never know." Lance laughed as he wrapped an arm around Keith's shoulders. "Besides, a little fresh air would do wonders."

"I would rather it was raining." Keith mumbled, resisting the urge to strangle Lance for his seemingly excessive perkiness.

Lance rolled his eyes. "Be glad it isn't. I'd make you go with me anyway."

"I wouldn't care. You would though." Keith said.

"Not at all." Lance smirked as they walked outside. "I think you'd look cute as a drowned rat."

"Whatever." Keith mumbled. "Let's just go. The sooner we get there, the sooner we can leave."

"Alright, alright, alright. Pushy." Lance sighed. Keith was going to be complicated.

It didn't take long to walk downtown from the school. It was only a fifteen minute walk, and in such a beautiful day. Keith was still down-in-the-dumps by the time they reached the crowded market. However Keith did smile a few times, so Lance knew there was still hope.

The flea market was just swarming with people. Booths with everything imaginable were all over the town square. Merchants were barging with buyers...children laughing or staring in amazement at toys from years gone by...senior citizens laughing as they talked about the past. Some merchants were even dressed in clothing of the time period of their products...even selling food from that time! The place was full of life!

Despite his depressed mood, Keith looked at everything with interest and amazement. There looked to be so many booths that it was impossible to know where to even start. "Looks like a lot of people had the same idea as you."

Lance laughed. "Of course. They have this every five years! That's why it's so big and popular."

"If I knew there would be this many people here I never would have agreed to come." Keith sighed.

"Sure, Keith." Lance shook his head. "Well, I know where to take you first. It's the main reason why I wanted you to come with me so bad!"

"You actually have a reason behind this madness?" Keith asked.

"Yup!" Lance laughed as he grabbed Keith's arm and proceeded to drag him through the crowd. "It's a surprise!"

"Um…if you pull much harder you're going to pull my arm out of its socket. Slow down, would ya?"

Lance grinned mischievously. "Okay. Just walk faster!"

They made so many twists and turns that Keith was starting to wonder if Lance even knew where he was going. Then suddenly Lance yelped and covered Keith's eyes with his hand. "No peeking."

"You are acting stranger then normal." Keith said, closing his eyes. "Fine, my eyes are closed."

"Good boy. But I'm keeping them covered just in case." Lance chuckled as he led Keith forward. They didn't go very far before Lance removed his hand. "Okay, you can look now."

Keith opened his eyes only to stare in shock at the huge open tent in front of him filled with books. Books were piled everywhere, ranging from recent to almost ancient. Lance nervously glanced at the ground. "I know you love books. So when I heard that this merchant was going to be here, I wanted to bring you. He either has or can find any book ever written! Maybe you can find those old books you've been looking for here."

Keith just stared at the shelves, tables, and boxes of books. His eyes were as bright as a child on Christmas morning when they saw the presents that were spread beneath the Christmas tree. "Wow…" Keith said. He glanced at a few of the titles on the closest shelf. "Wow." He said again for lack of anything else to say.

"I take it you like it." Lance grinned as he pushed Keith forward. "Go ahead and look. Take all the time you need."

Smiling, Keith looked over a few other titles. "Most of these have been out of print for at least fifty years." He moved to the next shelf, looking over all of the titles and pulling out the occasional book. On the third set of shelves he pulled out a large book. The brown leather cover was tattered and dirtied, but Keith seemed fascinated by it. He opened the cover with the greatest of care as though fearing the book would dissolve in his hands, even though despite the worn edge the pages were still in as perfect condition as they had been when the book was written.

Lance looked over Keith's shoulder. "That's an old book. And what do some of those symbols and writing mean?"

"It is indeed an old book." A large, chubby brown haired and bearded man walked over to them. "It comes all the way from me home in Ireland. I found it in an old abandoned house that was going to be torn down. Unfortunately, no one can read Celtic anymore...or care to learn how. It is full of the lore and magic of the Celtics, though I can't read most of them."

"I can read it. My grandmother taught me how to speak it." Keith said.

Lance nodded. "He's really good. Though I hate not knowing when he is cussing me out."

The man laughed heartily. "That's great to hear! Would you be interested in buying the book? I've been trying to sell it for over twenty years, but no one seems to be interested."

"I would but I doubt I could afford it. I don't have much money." Keith said sadly.

"Well, it's not exactly cheap considering it's age..." The man started.

"How much is it?" Lance interrupted. When the man told him, Lance frowned. That was really more than he had wanted to spend at the market. A lot more! And glancing at Keith's sad face, more than he had with him. Lance smiled slightly and quickly handed the man the money. It wouldn't kill him to skip lunch for a few months.

"Lance…it's too much." Keith said, blinking in shock when Lance paid the man.

Lance shrugged and smiled as the man carefully wrapped the book and handed it to Keith. "It's really a steal if you consider the age of the book and where it originally comes from."

"Yeah it is." Keith agreed with a nod. "I'll pay you back for it as soon as I can get to a bank."

"No you won't." Lance laughed at Keith's shocked face. "Consider it an early Christmas present. You know how lousy I am at shopping. Most people return what I get them! At least I know you'll like this and won't return it."

"It costs too much for a Christmas present. You really didn't have to do that." Keith said, looking at the bagged book. "I don't know how to repay you for it."

"Okay, then make it pre-Christmas and pre-birthday. That should cover it." Lance grinned. "You came with me on this trip even though you didn't want to. Consider it paid in full."

"But…" Keith went to argue. Instead he gave Lance a huge hug. "Thank you."

Lance wrapped his arms around Keith and hugged him back. Yup! Skipping several lunches will definitely be worth it! "You're welcome. Though if you want anymore books, you're going to have to get them yourself I'm afraid."

"This book is more then enough." Grinning brightly, Keith looked anxious to read his newly acquired book. "Let's look around some more and then I can buy us lunch."

"Sounds good." Lance grinned as he wrapped an arm around Keith's shoulders. "I'd like to check out those twentieth century booths. They're on the edge of the market, so we should be able to find a place to eat that isn't too crowded."

"Sounds like fun." Keith said, sounding truly excited about flea market for the first time that day.

"Then let's go!" Lance laughed, once more grabbing Keith's arm and pulling him through the crowd.

########################################################################

They spent several enjoyable hours among the booths. Lance sent Keith into hysterics when he put on an old fedora and began to imitate Indiana Jones perfectly - leather jacket and all! As they looked at old photographs, neither one could believe that people actually wore their bangs higher and puffier than their hair! Or wore three pairs of soaks and six watches! Lance was amazed about the toys. They were so creative and actually fun! He never dreamed that a simple hoop could be so entertaining! And the action figures were really cool. Though, even though humans back then didn't know about the Felinians, Lance was willing to bet that the creator of Thunder Cats must have known them. The toys were almost exactly like them!

Finally, they pulled themselves away from the bustling activity to find something to eat. It was well past lunchtime, so the food booths were not too busy. Lance grabbed Keith's shoulder and pointed to the park. "Let's grab a bite and eat over there. It's more peaceful."

"They sure had some cool things back in the 1980's." Keith said as they walked over to a food booth. "What do you want to eat?"

Lance frowned slightly. "I'm not sure. Anything sounds good at this point. Well, anything except for Sven's cooking..."

"Well that's never good. Sven can't even cook a Kraft dinner." Keith laughed as he looked over one of the menus. "Hm...what sounds strange yet editable?"

"You can never go wrong with pizza...as long as it's not like the pizza those old TV characters, Teenage Mutant Ninja Frogs, ate." Lance made a face. "Whipped cream pizza with anchovies just sounds gross!"

"I think it was turtles not frogs." Keith said. "So let's see what kind of pizza…what we normally order or do you want something different?"

"Let's try something different." Lance grinned. "Since you're buying, it's your choice."

"Okay." Keith said. He ordered two large slices of a pizza topped with four kinds of cheeses, grilled season chicken breast slices, mushrooms, and pineapple and two large Dr. Peppers.

They carried their food into a park, walking around until they found a nice quiet spot under a large maple tree to sit under. Lance looked over his slice. "Looks good. Is this an actual pizza or did you make this up?"

"It came this way. Too long of a wait to get a special order pizza." Keith grinned.

Lance smacked his lips after taking a bite. "Well, it sure tastes good! Good choice, buddy!"

"I'm glad you like it." Keith smiled. "It looked like the most interesting one of the choices."

"Safest one too." Lance grimaced when he remembered the pineapple and jalapeno pizza. "Are you feeling a little better?"

Keith nodded. "And thank you for forcing me to come here. It's been a lot of fun. And thank you again for the book. I will never be able to thank you enough for that."

Lance grinned. "I told you, no charge. I'm just glad I was able to get you to come with me. It made it so much more fun!"

"You would've had fun without me. So thanks for putting up with my less then cheery mood this morning."

"Hey, I always have fun with you. And I wanted to spend today with you, despite your sunny disposition this morning." Lance said before taking another bite.

The smile suddenly faded from Keith's face as he stared at something over Lance's shoulder. "Can we just go now?"

"What? What's wrong?" Lance asked, turning to look behind him.

Keith didn't reply but it was easy for Lance to see what had upset him. Keith's ex-boyfriend Matt was standing near one of vendor's booths with another man from the academy though they didn't know the guy's name. It wasn't merely the fact of seeing Matt that upset Keith...it was the fact Matt was kissing the other man quite passionately despite being in a very public place!

Lance growled, anger burning inside of him. How could that son-of-a-bitch do that to Keith? "That good for nothing piece of shit!"

"Let's just leave now…we saw most everything." Keith whispered. He closed his eyes against the tears that burned in his eyes, refusing to give into the tears of heartache.

How he wanted to punch that guy's lights out! Lance gritted his teeth, almost getting up to do just that. But then he glanced at Keith's face. Keith looked like a kicked puppy...so hurt and lost. Lance glared hard at Matt and his newest bimbo. Later. Right now Keith needed him more. Lance stood up and helped Keith to his feet. "Let's cut through the park. That way we don't have to mess with the bastards!"

Keith nodded and held the plate with the half-finished slice of pizza out to Lance. "You want the end of this?"

Lance chuckled. "Naw. There are some peacocks further into the park near the pond. We can feed it to them."

"I don't think they'd like pizza." Keith mumbled as he gathered his unfinished meal in one hand, clutching the bag with the book close to his body with the other hand.

"Well, if they don't then the ducks sure will! They'll eat anything!" Lance smiled, wrapping an arm around Keith and cursing Matt for ruining a beautiful day. "Let's go."

"I'll just dump it in the trash. I don't think pizza is good for ducks, even if they do eat it."

"Alright." Lance said sadly, giving Keith a squeeze. "It's going to be okay. I'm going to help you through this. I promise."

Keith shook his head in disagreement, dumping his mostly uneaten lunch into the first trashcan they came to. "It's not going to be okay. Even when the pain of being dumped by him is gone, there will still be the pain of being left by the next person I thought to be in love with."

Lance sighed, moving to stand in front of Keith and placing his hands on his roommate's shoulders. "Keith, is that the kind of love you want? Someone who says he loves you and then immediately falls in love with another? That isn't love. I know it still hurts, but knowing what he's like now, would you still want to be with him?"

"Not really. I think it's just more…" Keith shrugged. "...foolishly thinking there is such a thing as love."

"Wrong, buddy. There is a thing called love." Lance smiled as one hand cupped Keith's cheek. "You are a product of love, as me. I've seen the way your parents' look at each other, and I've seen the way they look at you. If that's not love, then I don't know what it is."

"Maybe there is love for other people but not for me. I am not talking about the family kind of love. Nor the friendship kind of love. I mean the soul mates 'til death do you part' kind of love. That kind of love is not in my cards."

"How can you be so sure? You had to fall many times before you learned to walk, right? The same is true with relationships. You'll find your soul mate someday, and then you'll learn what love truly is." Lance pulled Keith into his arms and held him close. Even if it meant Keith found it in someone else's arms.

"You are a lot more optimistic then me." Keith sighed, resting his head on Lance's shoulder. "Let's just go back now…I want to read my book."

"Okay." Lance pulled back and wrapped an arm around Keith's shoulders as he steered him further into the park...away from the depressing scene. "You'll see that I'm right. I never lose a bet."

"You've lost this one. But I'll count the book as payment."

"Nope! Won't work! That's a gift, not payment!" Lance laughed. "And I don't make losing bets!"

"Well if that's really the case, we should go to Vegas." Keith chuckled.

Lance grinned, shaking his head. "Sounds like fun, but I don't think I even have enough money to make a bet out there!"

"True." Keith agreed. "Let's just go back to the dorm now, okay?"

"That's where we're heading, silly!" Lance laughed, his hand moving from Keith's shoulders to messing up his hair. "We're almost out of the park. The dorms are on the other side."

"Whatever." Keith mumbled, starting to walk a little faster.

##########

They walked the rest of the way to the dorms in silence. Once inside their room, Keith flopped across his unmade bed, still holding onto the book.

Lance sighed. "I'm sorry, Keith. I was hoping today would cheer you up. I failed miserably."

"No you didn't. It wasn't your fault." Keith sat up, pulled the book from the bag, and carefully unwrapped it. "This book is really special. And you buying it for me means a lot to me."

"I'm glad you like it." Lance said as he sat down next to Keith. "I was hoping you would find something you liked in that place."

"I more then like this book." Keith carefully opened to the first few pages, trying to make out the faded inscription of who had owned the book in the original but the ink was too faded.

Lance studied the symbols. "It's certainly an old book. Some of these symbols I've never seen before from your other books."

"It's an older dialect." Keith said. "Can't make out a year in the inscription though, only something about 'my love'. That's the only part I can make out."

"My love? Could it had been a gift?" Lance asked.

"I probably was. This page was often used for inscriptions of who owned the book." Keith opened to the next page and glanced over the list of contents in the book. He pointed to one of them. "Hey look at this."

Lance made a face. "Um, I don't read Celtic, Keith."

Keith gave an embarrassed blush. "Oh yeah. It's a love spell. It says how to find the one whose love is eternal."

"Really? I guess every area of the world has some sort of love spell in its history."

Keith opened the book to the page. "It's not really much of a spell, more one to show you in a dream the one who is meant for you…basically."

"Neat. But how would you know if it was who was meant for you or just a dream desire?" Lance asked as he looked closely at the writing and symbols...and not understanding a word of it.

"It's not very clear about that. It's rather vague. But this is the closest thing to a love spell there is. Tampering any more with the heart by use of magick is not permitted, just as is trying to tamper with life and death. Those things do not exist in the realm of white magick." Keith explained. "I guess all I can do is try it and see what happens."

Lance frowned slightly. "Sounds good, but you may want to read the entire book before you try it. Better safe than sorry." He put an arm around Keith's shoulders. "Besides, you may want to get your feelings under control. I don't know much about magick, but from what little I do know you need to be in the right frame of mind."

"There's nothing harmful about dream spells." Keith said reassuringly. "But I will wait a few days at least if that will make you happy."

"Thanks." Lance smiled and lightly squeezed Keith's shoulders. "It'd make me feel better."

Keith closed the book and leaned slightly against Lance. "Then I'll wait."

Lance just couldn't resist wrapping his other arm around Keith and hugging him. Keith felt so good in his arms. Lance chuckled softly. "I didn't mean ya had to stop reading."

"Kind of too tired to read it right now." Keith said, snuggling closer to Lance.

"Okay. It has been a long day." Lance smiled slightly. He knew he should let go. He needed to let go! Keith did this after every break-up. Lance would offer comfort...help his friend get back on his feet. Then Lance's heart would break when Keith found another. If he didn't let go now, it would happen again. And Lance wasn't sure how much more his heart could take. But he didn't let go...he held Keith even tighter. "Go ahead and get some rest. I'll be here."

Keith closed his eyes, smiling as he leaned into Lance's comforting embrace. He felt safe and secure in his friend's arms, and it didn't take long before he drifted into a deep slumber.

Lance sighed, carefully shifting so that his back rested against the wall without disturbing Keith. He continued holding Keith close, one hand rubbing soothing circles up and down his friend's back. Closing his eyes, Lance set his head on the wall. He was setting himself up for another heartbreak.

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The next couple of days passed slowly. It wasn't until the week was half over that Keith was becoming more like his cheerful self again. He read the book every chance he had, his eyes still lighting up every time he opened the cover. It was that Friday night that Keith decided to try the first spell out of the book. He sat cross-legged on his bed, placing red rose petals into a cotton sachet bag.

Lance was lying on his back on his bed, quietly reading his book...or at least trying to read. He couldn't resist glancing at Keith every few minutes. The last couple of days had been like heaven to him. As much as he hated seeing Keith so depressed, he loved having so many opportunities to hold and comfort his best friend. But that was during the uphill part...now they were ready for the downhill. Well, actually level ground for Keith. More downhill for Lance as Keith went and found another and Lance had to put his heart back together again.

Keith placed the sachet under his pillow and flopped down on the bed. "Wonder if it actually works. Or if I'll even know it. My dreams are always so strange that I may not even be able to tell who the person is. With my luck the dream with be Halloween and he'll be in a costume." He laughed.

Lance laughed too as he rolled over onto his side so he could face Keith. "It just might. Though if Sven pops up in it, then you know you're dealing with a Halloween horror dream."

"That is terrifying. It's your fault if I wake you up screaming as a result of that nightmare." Keith grinned at Lance.

Actually, Lance wouldn't mind that one bit! Laughing, he rolled over back onto his back so that Keith wouldn't see him blush. "Just be careful not to wake up the entire school. Well, I'm ready to turn in. You want me to turn out the light?"

"Yup." Keith said, pulling a cover over himself. "Good night Lance."

Lance leaned over and turned out the light. "Night Keith. Sleep tight." Then he pulled the sheets up over himself, kinda hoping that the spell didn't work. Lance really didn't want to know who Keith was meant to be with.

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Keith awoke the next morning to the feel of sunlight on his face and the sounds of birds singing. He lay on the bed not really wanting to get up quite yet. The spell hadn't worked and he wanted to just go back to sleep and try again.

Turning onto his side, Keith saw that Lance was still fast asleep. Lance was sleeping on his side, almost curled up into a ball like a little kitten. How anyone could sleep like that without an aching back in the morning was beyond him!

Keith sighed softly and sat up. 'Obviously I did a friendship dream spell or something. That's the only reason I'd dream of him...though it might be kinda nice since he's my best friend. I know he wouldn't hurt me...' Keith shook the thought from his head, Lance was his friend and nothing more. He headed towards the bathroom, pausing to pick Lance's sheet up off the floor and cover him with it.

Lance smiled, mumbling something in his sleep as he uncurled and snuggled into the sheet. He was sleeping so deep and peacefully, nothing short of a nuclear blast would wake him up! So Keith continued on his way to take a shower, reminding himself to try to leave Lance some hot water for once.

It was about ten minutes before Keith emerged from the bathroom to find Lance sitting up in bed and rubbing his eyes. Lance mumbled something that sounded like 'morning' but Keith could never be sure. Lance was never too articulate when he first woke up.

"Well good morning to you to. And yes there is hot water left for you." Keith grinned.

"Okay." Lance yawned out as he stretched. "Did you sleep well?"

"Yeah quite well. You?"

"Yup. Nice and hard. Felt good." Lance smiled. "Oh, did your spell thingy work?" Not that he really wanted to know.

"Nope. I think I messed it up and did some kind of friendship dream spell or something like that because the only person in my dream was you, and it was nothing different then how we normally are."

Lance blinked before smiling slightly. Well, not only did the spell not work but it also hit with a low blow! Ouch! "Well, I have been helping you a lot lately. Maybe you just haven't given yourself more time to feel better. Try the spell again in a few weeks and see what happens."

Keith shrugged. "It was a nice enough dream. Though since I already know you are my friend, it wasn't exactly telling me anything new. I mean I know I'm not your type or you'd have done something about it. I mean don't worry, I'm not going to say that because it was suppose to be a love spell dream and you were in it that you gotta love me."

Lance sighed and rubbed his forehead. It was really too early in the morning to try and understand what Keith just said. "Those were way too many words when I first wake up, Keith. You do mean a lot to me, buddy. You're my best friend and we have been really close since your breakup. As I said, maybe your dream is just telling you to let more time pass or warning you to be careful about rebounding right after your breakup. Hell, I don't know! I'm still partly in La La Land!"

Keith shrugged. "I guess. Even though I am way over Matt. No sense hanging on to a relationship that was loveless." He began to rummage through his drawers to find something to wear. "Why don't you go take that shower now?"

Lance nodded as he stood up, yawning again. "Is there any hot water?"

"Yes. I left a few drops of it for you." Keith grinned, shaking his head.

"Oh, gee...thanks. Smart ass." Lance mumbled as he walked into the bathroom. He really needed a hot shower now. Maybe it would help him forget the knife Keith's dream had shoved deep into his gut.

Keith was reading more of his book when Lance came out of the shower. "About time you got out of the shower. Hunk called and I told him we'd meet them down in the rec room once you drug your ass out of the shower...and of course put some clothes on it."

"Naw...I'd figure I would just give everyone a free show." Lance rolled his eyes, grabbing some clothes and going back into the bathroom. "Let me get dressed."

"That'd be one way to clear the place out." Keith laughed.

"HEY! I don't look that bad!" Lance yelled, stepping back out of the bathroom in a pair of jeans. He threw his damp towel in Keith's face. "This coming from someone who has their shirt on backwards!"

"It is not on backwards." Keith said. He whipped the towel back at Lance.

Lance smirked as he caught the towel. "No, but I made you look!"

"Whatever." Keith rolled his eyes as he stood up and tucked the book away. "So you about ready to go?"

"Almost." Lance yanked a shirt over his head and pulled on his boots. He quickly ran his hand threw his hair before grabbing his jacket. "Okay. Let's go."

"Well then let's hit the road Jack." Keith said, darting out the door before Lance.

"Hey! No fair!" Lance smiled slightly. At least Keith was finally feeling better...though now he was the one feeling like shit! Lance yelled as he ran after his friend. "Wait up!"

Keith turned and looked at Lance as he walked backwards. "Nope. If you want me, you have to catch me." Grinning, Keith turned and took off at a run down the hallway.

Lance sighed. If only it worked that way. Keith didn't even know he was flirting, or how much it hurt whenever he did it. Lance was never going to tell him either! He quickly took off after Keith. "Oh, you're just asking for it!"

Keith having a head start beat Lance to the rec room, though as Keith slowed and approached their friends Lance tackled him from behind. "NO FAIR!" Keith shouted, though he broke out in laughter.

Lance roughed up Keith's hair as he got up off of him. "It was perfectly fair! You were the one who slowed down!"

"You two are strange." Pidge said.

"No we're not." Keith said in mock insult.

"Yes you are." Hunk said. "You're two of the strangest people I know."

"Oh? Are you forgetting about Sven? Oh…you said strange, not psycho." Keith laughed.

"Hey." Sven growled.

"Hey yourself." Keith grinned at Sven who glared darkly at him, making Keith laugh even more.

Lance smiled at the exchange but stayed quiet. Hunk rolled his eyes. Keith and Lance drove him nuts! Depression was like the flu for them! Keith would always get it first, but once he was over it Lance would have it! It happened after every single one of Keith's breakups! The pattern was so obvious that Hunk was amazed that Keith never noticed it!

"Whatever. Since you two are late if you want to play you have to get the extra equipment." Sven smirked.

Lance shrugged. "Sure. I can get it. But it might help to know what equipment to get."

"I'll go with you since I already know." Keith said.

"Okay. We'll be back in a jiff, guys." Lance said before walking toward the basement door.

Keith shivered as they walked down into the basement, despite the fact the basement was quite warm. "Let's just get the stuff and get out of here."

"Yeah." Lance mumbled as he looked around. The dimly lit basement was as large as two classrooms. Cabinets were on almost every wall, holding everything from extra books and supplies to sports equipment. Not to mention no telling what else. Dusty, discarded furniture were scattered throughout the room. "I think the sport cabinets are at the other side of this room."

"It would have to be." Keith mumbled, heading over to that side.

Lance patted Keith's back. "Hey, it's okay. If you'd prefer, I can get the stuff. You can just wait by the stairs."

Keith shook his head. "I said I was going to help you get it and I will."

"Alright." Lance smiled. When they reached the far cabinets, they began to search through them. Lance laughed as he poked his head out of one of them. "Hell! I don't even know what I'm looking for here! But I did find a nifty flashlight!"

Suddenly, the room shook violently! Items were thrown out of the cabinets as the tremors increased, knocking Keith and Lance off their feet! "SHIT!" Lance yelled. "IT'S AN EARTHQUAKE!"

Keith glanced around but there didn't seem to be anywhere safe for them go. He knew about earthquake safety but had never experienced one before and the real thing was a lot harder to think clearly in than during any kind of a drill!

They made a run for the doorway, but didn't get very far before the ceiling collapsed over the stair, blocking it with beams, plaster, and pipes...cutting off their only escape. Dust filled the room, forcing them back. Coughing, Lance cursed as he looked around. None of the furniture was sturdy or tall enough to get under. This may not have been his first earthquake, but it was the first time he had ever been trapped!

As more pipes and plaster continued to fall from the ceiling, Lance wrapped an arm around Keith's waist and pulled him back toward the far side of the basement. There was only one thing left to do. "Come with me!"

Keith nodded numbly, staring at the blocked stairwell. Lance pulled Keith to a corner well away from any pipes and cabinets. He forced Keith to sit down before kneeling in front of him. Lance quickly wrapped his arms around Keith, covering his friend's head and keeping him protected on all sides.

The lights flickered, threatening to go out for a moment. Just as it seemed the lights would stay on, the two men were quickly plunged into the darkness. Keith and Lance were trapped in the darkness as the rumbling ceased and the earthquake stopped.

Lance still held on tightly, afraid to lift his head up too soon. Silence hung in the air, broken occasionally by some falling debris. Keith blinked a couple of times, even though it did nothing to help him see in the darkness. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah." Lance coughed, loosing his hold around Keith but still keeping his arms around him. Gods that was close! "Just a little bruised. You?"

"I'm alright…a little shocked but alright." Keith placed his hands against Lance's shoulders and leaned against him as though needing to feel for himself that his friend was really there in the darkness. "Um…do you still have that flashlight?"

"Yeah. For some reason I put it in my pocket." Lance laughed slightly. He hugged Keith to convince himself that his friend was alright before shifting so that he was sitting in front him, one arm still around his friend's shoulders...the other turning on the flashlight and sweeping it around.

The sight wasn't very encouraging. Seemed only a small portion of the ceiling had fully collapsed...of course that was the part over the door. Large fractured pipes covered the floor. Even more hung precariously from the ceiling, fortunately none too close to them. However, it also meant that they couldn't move too far from their spot without getting into danger. Broken furniture, cabinets, and whatever was in them were all over the place. Paper and plaster chunks were everywhere and a thick layer of dust covered everything. There was still a lot of dust in the air, flecked off of the light's beam.

"What happens if an aftershock brings the rest of the roof down?" Keith asked quietly, shivering at the mere thought of what would happen to them.

"It's going to be okay, Keith." Lance whispered reassuringly as he squeezed Keith's shoulders. "We should be safe right here, even if more of the ceiling collapses. This corner is also the outside corner. The beams are stronger right here. They should protect us from any further collapses." Lance moved the beam of light around closer to them so that he could study the walls. In truth, he wasn't really sure, but at least he sounded convincing.

"Okay." Keith said, though he didn't sound completely convinced. "Too bad we only have the one flashlight, it's quite dark down here. And no, I am not afraid of the dark...I just don't really care much for it."

Lance chuckled as he got more comfortable. They were probably going to be there for a while. "It's okay to be scared of the dark...especially in this! There may be more flashlights close to us since I found this one in these cabinets. Want me to look?"

Keith shook his head, then remembered that Lance wouldn't be able to see that. "No. At least not yet."

"Alright. But we can't leave this light on all the time. Especially if it's the only one we have." Lance shifted closer and pulled Keith against him. "It's going to be okay. The guys know we're down here. It may take time, but someone will get us out."

Keith leaned against Lance, taking a great comfort at the closeness of his best friend. "You know something...there is nobody else I would rather be trapped down here with…if I had to be trapped that is."

Lance smiled as his hand lightly rubbed Keith's back. "Me too. You have nothing to worry about. I won't let anything happen to you. I promise."

"I know you wouldn't." Keith said with a smile. "I guess we got some time to kill...what should we do while we wait?"

"I don't know." Lance chuckled. "I've never been in a situation like this before."

"We could play truth or dare…well there's not much we can do for daring so I guess that would be more just truth." Keith forced a laugh.

"We could. Or just talk." Lance pulled Keith tighter to him. He just couldn't resist kissing the top of Keith's head. "Relax. I told you. Everything will be okay. You'll see."

"I know…I'm just worried about the aftershocks." Keith wrapped his arms around Lance. "So, what do you want to talk about?"

"No clue." In fact, Lance wasn't sure if he would even be able to form a complete sentence with Keith so close and holding him in return! This was the first time he was ever grateful for a blackout! At least Keith couldn't see him blush!

"Okay then I'll pick a topic, hmmm…I don't know if I can do much better at picking a topic."

"That's alright. We've got plenty of time." Lance laughed. Gods it was going to hurt letting Keith go again!

"Yeah but time will go faster if we talk…besides with it so dark, talking helps me keep almost sane. Well as sane as I normally am." Keith added before Lance could say anything.

Lance laughed. "Okay. What all have you learned from your book? Oh, and don't be alarmed if the flashlight goes out. I'm going to turn it off and on to save on batteries."

"Lots of stuff. I've already told you all of it. You can turn off the flashlight whenever you want as long as you stay close when you do it."

Like he was ever going to leave! Lance smiled slightly before turning off the light. It was pitch black! The occasional debris falling or the creaking from the building only made it eerier. But they really had no choice. "I know. But I saw you reading more of it this morning and was wondering if you learned anything else."

Keith repressed a shiver...it wasn't just the darkness that bothered him it was the sounds of crumpling building around that made him want to jump out of his skin. He unconsciously snuggled closer to Lance. "Nope. I was just reading over that spell again. Guess it just don't work." He shrugged. "Who is your type anyways?"

You. Lance closed his eyes, preventing any tears to fall. "I'm not sure. Why do you ask?"

"You didn't really answer before...when you just woke up and I told you about the dream and all."

"I just...haven't really...thought about it...much."

"Oh. Well let's see. I know Sven's not your type." Keith laughed as he eliminated the non-possibilities to guess who Lance's type was. "And Hunk and Pidge aren't. And I'm obviously not your type."

"Why do you say you're not my type?" Lance asked, suddenly wanting to hit himself for slipping like that! "Just curious."

"Because we've known each other for quite a while so you would've said something before." Keith chuckled. "Jumped my bones or whatever."

"Yeah...well..." Lance laughed nervously. How many times had he wanted to do just that? "Who are you interested in now?"

"I don't know. I think I want to be more sure about the who before I go giving my heart away again."

"I understand that. What's your type?" Lance said. Not that he would ever have a chance anyway. Besides, he couldn't give Keith everything he needed...only what a friend could give.

"I'm not exactly sure." Keith laughed. "I sound just like you. No idea who my type is exactly. Let's see tall, dark and handsome…kind, trustworthy." He shrugged. "I really don't know."

Lance laughed. "Well, that's a start at least. Doesn't really narrow it down much, but it's a start."

"Yeah well, my dream was nice even if it was only a friendship thing. I mean since you are my best friend…it was a nice dream."

Lance flinched. The knife just got pushed in deeper. Why didn't he just flat out tell Keith? Because Lance wasn't sure if his crush was worth losing the best friendship he ever had, that's why! "I bet it was. But I'm sure the spell will work better when you give yourself more time. Besides...it is an old spell."

"Yeah…I guess." Keith said quietly. "Like I said before don't worry, I'm not going to force anything just because a dream said it was true."

"Why would you want to force anything? Despite that stint with Matt, you seem perfectly happy with what you have."

"I meant force you. Like try to tell you that you have to be with me just because a dream implied it."

"Did the dream bother you that much?" Lance asked. Before Keith could answer, the room shook again, not as violently as before but still enough to shake loose more debris. Lance quickly shielded Keith from any debris that may fall too close. He held Keith tightly till everything finally settled down. After it quieted down again, Lance turned the light back on to survey for any damage. "It's okay. Just a small aftershock. Didn't really do too much damage."

"At least the rest of the ceiling didn't fall on us." Keith said, trying to calm his nerves back down. "Just leave the light on for a moment, okay?"

"Sure. I'll keep you safe. Don't worry." Lance smiled, hugging Keith tightly.

Keith hugged Lance. "I'm not worried about that. I know I am safe with you." He smiled. "And no, the dream didn't bother me that much. It was nice. Because I felt so safe."

Okay, so maybe the knife didn't go in as deep as he thought. Lance grinned. "Good. Cause I always want to keep you safe."

"It wasn't just like bodily harm safety…it was an all around safety. Like I knew you wouldn't do anything to hurt me…because you're my best friend. It's hard to explain, not that it matters if I do."

"I won't force you to explain it." Lance whispered as he rested his head against Keith's. Even with all the dust in the air, he could still smell Keith's unique scent...it reminded him of pines for some reason. It filled him with longing, but mostly filled him with a belonging...like this was where he was meant to be. "I'm just glad that you feel so comfortable with me. And that you trust me so much."

"Of course I do, you're my best friend. You mean a lot to me." Keith paused a moment. "And I could almost see that dream being true…well except for the fact that you'd want it too."

Lance was silent for a moment. Then he set the flashlight on the ground before gently cupping Keith's cheek. Lance was taking a foolish risk here, but at that moment he didn't care. "Would you like that dream to come true?"

Keith blinked. "Um…I'm starting to think I hit my head and this is a dream."

Did Lance really want to throw it all away for just one moment? The thought scared him more than a ceiling threatening to collapse on them at any moment! But something in those black depths hinted that he had nothing to fear. His heart pounding frantically, Lance leaned over and lightly pressed his lips against Keith's.

The feeling of Lance's lips brushing against his own shocked his senses. Surely this had to be a dream, though Keith could never remember dreams ever having such a fiery intensity. The kiss felt more powerful then any kiss he had ever experienced before. He eagerly parted his lips slightly, hoping Lance would deepen the kiss.

Lance was more than happy to comply. Even if this later proved to be a fluke brought on by the earthquake, he was going to milk this kiss for all it was worth! For if this was to be the first and only time, it was going to have to last a lifetime! Lance tilted his head, locking their lips together and allowing him to plunge in deeper and taste everything he could reach. It was so sweet yet intoxicating, better than anything he dreamed. It was all so wonderful that he didn't even try to stop the tears that fell from his eyes.

Keith's hand slid up Lance's back and his fingers played with the long brown strands of hair at the back of his friend's neck. He couldn't believe how good the kiss felt or how many powerful emotions that a simple kiss brought forth within him! He eagerly leaned even further into the kiss, never wanting it to stop.

Finally, Lance had to pull away. Even in the dim light Lance could see a flush on Keith's face. It was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have done that." Lance whispered quietly. "But I've been wanting to do that for a long, long time."

"What…?" Keith questioned in a confused voice, his mind still too lost in the kiss to think clearly or comprehend what Lance had just said.

Lance smiled slightly. He knew he shouldn't, but he couldn't help but caress Keith's cheek. "I said I'm sorry. I shouldn't have taken advantage of you. No matter how much I've wanted to kiss you, I shouldn't have made you uncomfortable. Especially since it'll be awhile before people dig us out."

Keith leaned his head against Lance's hand and smiled. "Do you hear me complaining? That kiss was…I can't even describe how it was. I never felt anything so powerful. It was kinda like my dream, only better because it was real. It was real wasn't it?"

Lance numbly nodded his head. It took a moment for him to find his voice again. "You mean you didn't mind? You don't hate me for it?"

Keith smiled brightly before sitting forward and placing a gently kiss on Lance's cheek. "I didn't mind it at all. It was so wonderful I'll remember it forever. And I could never hate you."

"It was wonderful for me too." Lance smiled brightly before wrapping his arms around Keith. "I've wanted to do that for so long, but I was too afraid to lose what we already had. You're the world to me and to have you hate me would kill me."

"That could never happen." Keith whispered, curling up into Lance's warm embrace. "Lance…can I ask you a question?"

"You can ask me anything." Lance whispered as he rubbed Keith's back.

"Was my dream right?"

"I don't know. But I wouldn't mind trying to find out. If you're willing..."

"I'd love to. It feels so nice…so safe and warm in your arms. I've always like being near you…and for the first time I understand why."

"Me too." Lance smiled lovingly. "Get some rest. I'll keep the first watch."

"I'm not tired." Keith said as he raised his head. "Thank you for…kissing me."

Lance laughed. "You never have to thank me for that. It is a dream come true for me."

Keith grinned. "Me too. At least last night's dream. And now it will be in my dreams forever after."

Lance stiffened slightly. "Is that okay?"

"It's more then okay. This is so…wonderful. I wish you had kissed me sooner."

"Me too." Lance relaxed. "I'd like to do it again sometime...if that's okay?"

"Anytime." Keith smiled. "I mean if…we're gonna…you know…date, you can be kissing me a lot."

"I'd like that." Lance grinned brightly. "I'd like that a lot."

"Great!" Keith smiled and hugged Lance. "I'm so glad that dream has a chance of coming true because it was so nice. It feels even better in real to be able to be with my best friend."

Relaxing even more, Lance hugged Keith back. A comfortable silence hung between them as Lance continued to hold Keith tightly. He was never one to say those three words freely and he was scared to say them now. But they quietly came out anyway. "I love you."

"I love you too Lance. I wish I realized it sooner...all those wasted days. I'll find a way to make them all up to you."

"I will too. And I'll try my best to make you happy. I promise."

"Just being in your arms makes me happy." Keith smiled warmly.

"Then I'll never let go." Lance whispered as he pulled Keith against him before turning out the light. The darkness wasn't as eerie anymore. They may have a long wait, but that didn't matter to him anymore. This was all that mattered.

Owari