Title: Silent
Yearning
'thoughts'
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Keith sat his desk in the small dorm room that he shared with Lance. A textbook laid open on the desk in front of him, but he wasn't doing any studying. He tapped the pen against the desk, watching as Lance ran back and forth from the room to the bathroom. He wanted to grab Lance and tell him to cancel his date with Darla...to cancel any and all other dates that were in his date book...but instead he stayed seated, pretending to be working on the assigned homework.
Lance was mumbling as he searched through his closet. "I can't believe I fell asleep! I'm going to be so late. That is not good on a first date."
"I'm sure she won't even remember that you are late once you show up and sweet talk her." Keith said. 'I'd wait forever for one night with you.'
"I don't know about that. You should never keep a lady waiting." Lance laughed, finally pulling out a sea blue dress shirt out of the closet and putting it on. He glanced over at Keith who was just staring at his book. "Her roommate is single. I'm sure Darla wouldn't mind a double date."
"I don't do blind dates." Keith said. 'And I don't date girls.'
Lance sighed as he went back into the bathroom. Keith could be so stubborn sometimes. "It's your loss, buddy."
"I guess so. Besides a first date is not the double date kind of thing." Keith smiled slightly. "So where are you taking her anyway?"
"I was thinking maybe dinner and then a movie or dancing...whichever she prefers." Lance said, stepping out of the bathroom. His blue shirt was tucked into a pair of tight dark blue jeans. He sat down on his bed to put on his black boots. "I figured I'd let her decide the last part. I'm probably going to take her to that new Chinese restaurant. What do you think?"
"Sounds like a fun date." Keith glanced away from the open book on the desk to allow his eyes to discreetly roam over Lance's body, unable to keep from thinking just how good his roommate looked tonight.
"I hope so. This is going to be interesting. This is the first time a girl has asked me out! Usually it is the other way around!" Lance laughed as he stood up and fixed his clothes. "Do I look okay?"
"Well…" Keith stood up and stepped closer to Lance as though needing to inspect him closer to decide. He casually brushed his hands over his roommate's shoulders, straightening the shirt.
"Thanks." Lance grinned. "Better?"
"Not really, but I'd say it's as good as you are going to get." Keith teased good-naturedly.
Lance stuck out his tongue. "Well, that's better than nothing. I know I'm forgetting something...Oh yeah!" He rushed back into the bathroom only to come back out with a necklace. It was a silver chain, holding a fragment of smoky quartz. It was a gift from Keith when Lance passed his flying test, and Lance hardly went anywhere without it. Lance grinned as he put the chain on, then turned and glanced around the room. "Am I forgetting anything else?"
"Nothing that I can think of." Keith said. 'Except me.' He thought sadly. "So run along and have a good time."
"I will." Lance grinned before squeezing Keith's shoulder. "You sure you don't want to come along? I'm sure Darla knows someone you'd be interested in."
"Nah. I'll probably just get some studying done while I have some peace and quiet." Keith grinned. Though the grin was fake as he thought that Darla did know someone he was interested in - Lance.
"Okay. Don't stay up too late studying. Night." Lance smiled, waving as he left the room.
Keith sighed heavily as the door clicked shut. "I wish I could tell you the truth but if I did you'd walk out that door forever." He stood in the quietness of the room for several minutes watching the minutes tick past on the clock like hours. Finally he grabbed his cell phone and dialed.
"Hello?" Hunk's voice came on the other line.
"Hey, it's just me."
"Heya Keith! What's up?"
"Are you busy tonight?" Keith asked.
Hunk laughed. "I was just thinking about taking a study break and heading to one of the bars. You gamed?"
"Hell yeah! I definitely need to get out of the room."
"How does Red Streak sound? I hear they've got a great band playing later tonight."
"Sounds great." Keith grinned. "I'll be over there in ten."
"Great! See you soon!" Hunk said. Then there was only a dial tone.
Keith set the phone back down on the little stand and moved to get ready. He put on a pair of black jeans and a tie-dye shirt that was dark red, white, and black. He ran some gel through his hair to slightly tame the wild locks then splashed on some cologne. He shoved his feet into a pair of black leather boots and was out the door. Taking the stairs two at a time, he headed down to the first floor where Hunk's room was, hopping across the banister to skip the last stairs at the stair bend. Hunk's room was the second door from the stairs and Keith knocked with an annoying rhythmic pattern.
Hunk snorted when he opened the door. "Gee, how did I know it was going to be you?"
Keith stuck his tongue out at Hunk. "Because it's been ten minutes just like I said."
"I was referring to the knock." Hunk rolled his eyes, stepping to the side so that Keith could come in. "I'm almost ready."
"What about the knock?" Keith grinned. "And why aren't you already ready slowpoke?"
"Because I had to finish up my essay before I could get ready. It'll only be a few more minutes. So tell me what's happening while I get ready."
"Lance went out on his date with Darla tonight." Keith said, his tone casual.
"Oh." Hunk's voice trailed off as his comb paused for a moment. "Why don't you just ask him out for Pete's sake instead of torturing yourself like this?"
"Because Lance dates girls not guys in case you've failed to notice. Better to have him as a friend then not have him at all."
"I know for a fact that he dates both." Hunk sighed, putting down his comb and facing Keith. "But you know that too, so what's the problem?"
"The problem is its Lance." Keith sighed.
"And?"
"And I don't want to chance losing him."
"Alright. I give up. I still think you should tell him. Lance is open minded enough not to hate you or anything like that."
"I don't want to take that chance." Keith said firmly. "Let's just go to the damn bar already, alright?"
Hunk smiled slightly as he grabbed a light jacket. "I'm ready. Let's go."
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It took about twenty minutes for them to reach the Red Streak by bus, neither planning on being sober enough to drive by the time the night was over. They were there early enough to get one of the tables and both had several drinks before the place started to get crowded with people coming to hear the band Zetone.
Hunk grinned as he watched the 'scenery'. Beautiful young ladies and lovely young men were all over the place. Some were talking, some dancing, some playing pool...all were pleasing to the eye. Hunk smirked when a certain redheaded man caught his eye. He turned to comment to Keith, only to frown. Keith was sadly staring into his drink. "Keith, snap out of it! You've already said it was useless so get over it and move on! There is so much potential out here tonight!"
"I don't see any potential... just a lot of cute guys." Keith sighed. He finished the end of his drink, which was still half full with one long swig. He quickly waved the waitress down to order another one, though this time he ordered something a little stronger then his previous ones.
"I'm glad we took the bus." Hunk mumbled as he finished his drink, also ordering another one. "Look around Keith. Is there anyone here that you'd might be at least slightly interested in?"
"Hmmmm…" Keith said as he looked around the bar. "Not really, but I'm gonna dance anyway." He decided as he jumped off the chair.
Hunk sighed. "Just try not to cause any fights tonight. I don't want to get kicked out this time."
"I don't cause any fights." Keith said in an insulated tone, his hands on his hips.
"Yes you do." Hunk snorted. "One night you bumped into a man, spilling his beer. Then you apologized, thinking he was a woman! That was on interesting fight!"
"So he looked like a girl. He had long hair in a ponytail and sure looked like a girl to me." Keith smirked. "And the other fight wasn't my fault. I didn't start it, only ended it."
"It still got us banned from that club too! We're running out of clubs, pal!"
"It wasn't my fault! I'll be good tonight. I promise." Keith leaned down and kissed Hunk's cheek before taking off for the dance floor.
Hunk sighed and downed another drink. "I'll believe it when I see it, pal."
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Keith spent the next hour dancing, sometimes alone sometimes with another guy. He paused after every couple of dances for another drink, which was sometimes bought by the person he had danced with or ones that were hoping to get another dance with Keith that night.
When Keith returned to the table, Hunk didn't notice at first. He had to blink his eyes a few times to be sure. "Heya Keith! How ya feeling now?"
"Feel good." Keith grinned overly wide, his voice somehow only slightly slurred.
"About time. Having fun dancing?" Hunk grinned, his hand shaky as he signaled for another drink.
Keith nodded his head in a rapid bobbing motion. "Lotta fun."
Hunk laughed. "You look like one of those car thingies...the one with the moving head."
"Do not." Keith pouted. He looked around the bar for someone to dance with after he finished his drink.
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Lance sighed quietly as he and Darla walked into Red Streak. This date was so boring! They had absolutely nothing in common! Why the hell couldn't he say no to girls?
"This place is more crowded then I thought it would be." Darla complained.
"Yeah. But I'm sure we can find a table somewhere." Lance said. 'Great. She's complaining again.'
"I don't want to just sit at a stupid table. We came here to dance and we are going to dance." Darla huffed.
'Actually, I want to go home.' Lance wanted to say, but instead he smiled at the brunette and nodded. "Sounds like fun."
"Of course it is. You're dancing with me!" Darla led Lance out onto the crowded dance floor and began to dance.
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Keith's eyes widened as he looked out onto the dance floor. "Lance's here."
"Huh?" Hunk blinked a few times, needing to clear the multiple images he was seeing. Finally he was able to see Lance clearly, dancing with a cute brunette in a very short red dress. Hunk whistled. "I take it that is Darla."
"She looks like a slut. Lance deserves better then her." Keith scowled.
"No argument there!" Hunk snorted into his beer. "I'm surprised she asked him out. I thought she liked the more athletic guys."
Keith flagged the waitress down. He pointed Lance out to her and told her to take Lance a Smirnoff Ice once he was off the floor, only to tell him it was from his blonde girlfriend. Keith quickly assured her that it was a joke between friends.
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Lance was grateful when Darla finally agreed to take a seat at the bar. Grace she was not! He was trying to think of something to get out of there when a pretty black haired waitress handed him a drink. "Huh? I didn't order this, ma'am."
"A blonde girl ordered it for you. She said she was a girlfriend of yours." The waitress said with a smile.
"What girlfriend would that be?" Darla demanded as she glared at Lance.
Lance laughed as he thanked the waitress. "I don't have a girlfriend. I know a lot of people here, so it's probably a joke. I know I've pulled this joke a few times myself."
"Well it better be a joke." Darla complained as if she owned Lance.
"I'm sure it is." Lance rolled his eyes, gratefully taking a sip of the drink. "I don't see what you're so worked up about."
"Because you shouldn't be getting drinks from other girls while you are with me." Darla said smugly.
"It's a free country. Besides, I told you I have a lot of friends here, guys and girls." Lance sighed as he wracked his brain for an excuse to end this date early. "You want something to drink?"
"No. I want to dance more. Now. So leave your drink." Darla ordered. She pulled Lance onto the dance floor before he had a chance to argue.
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Keith frowned as he saw the trick didn't work and decided to do something a little more drastic. He turned to say so to Hunk, but stopped since Hunk was having a hard time not snorting his beer out his nose. "What?"
Hunk was laughing so hard! "I can't believe you did that! Oh man! The look on her face was priceless! What are you going to do now?"
"Not sure. I need something a little more drastic though." Keith said.
"Oh?" Hunk chuckled. "As long as it doesn't get us thrown out, I'm gamed. I don't like her. And judging from Lance's face, he doesn't like her either."
"And doesn't get us thrown out…that will be the hard part." Keith laughed.
"That was not encouraging, Keith." Hunk sighed. Then he glanced over at the dance floor. Darla was trying to cling to Lance, but Lance kept twirling her around every time she got too close. Hunk was impressed that Lance was still twirling to the music! "Oh, what the hell! I was getting bored of this place anyway."
"Tapping into the sprinkler system could be fun." Keith grinned.
Hunk grinned ear to ear. "OH! Yes it would! I've got a lighter, how about you?"
"I was thinking of going about it a little more drastically. And without fire." Keith grinned even more. "I know where the control for the system is."
"Let's go." Hunk smirked, quickly downing his drink and standing up remarkably steady.
Keith led the way up a small flight of stairs and into a small room. He locked the door behind them then stepped over to a large computer terminal and punched a few buttons on the control panel. He hacked into the system within five minutes. The simple system would've only taken him a minute if he hadn't been so drunk. Keith first turned the sound off to the speakers for the band, then pushed a button to start a heavy metal mix. The lights flickered, flashing on and off like a strobe light.
Everyone in the bar was in a panic, running all around, falling all over each other trying to escape only to find the doors all electronically locked. Then the water sprinklers rained down on everyone in quick on and off gushes of water that matched the timing for the lights. The electronic boards that constantly ran the sports scores changed to say: 'HEY LANCE!', followed by a bunch of hearts.
At first Lance was too busy covering his ears as Darla screamed madly about her hair and dress getting wet. When he finally glanced up at the boards, he could do nothing but stare for a moment. Then he burst into hysterical laughter! "Oh man! That's priceless!"
Darla screamed in a loud rage when she saw the message on the boards. "THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT!"
"My fault?" Lance somehow managed to stop laughing and look surprised. "How the hell is this my fault? I'm getting wet too!"
"THAT SIGN HAS YOUR NAME ON IT!" Darla yelled pointing at the sign. By now the lights had stopped flashing and the boards were drawing everyone's attention. The security quickly made their way up to the control room, only to find the locked room empty.
Lance rolled his eyes. "Do you realize how many people are here and probably have the name Lance? Now if you want to stay in here and yell and get soaked, then fine with me. I'm going outside, with or without you."
"It is you, admit it!" Darla yelled. Several people glanced their way but most were too busy with their own problems to pay any attention.
"Hey Lance!" Keith yelled, stepping up behind Lance with a wide grin.
"Oh hi Keith. How are you doing?" Lance let out a sigh of relief and turned to see his roommate. Keith's eyes were practically glowing with mischief. Uh oh. "Hmm...I bet Hunk is here too, right?"
"He's around here someplace." Keith snickered. "Are you having fun on your little date?"
"Of course we are not having fun. Who could have fun with what just happened?" Darla complained, still trying to fix her soaked hair.
"You might be surprised about how many people were having fun." Keith grinned.
Lance's eyes widened slightly but wisely decided not to comment. He'd seen that grin before. "Oh look. They fixed the sprinklers." Lance glanced up at the ceiling when the water stopped, stating the obvious in hopes of changing the subject before Darla noticed Keith's grin.
"Obviously. There was no need to make such a stupid comment." Darla snapped.
"Don't call Lance stupid." Keith growled, glaring at Darla.
"How about we all go and drink some coffee or something? I think I've had enough dancing for tonight." Lance said, smiling weakly. He really didn't want to deal with a dog-cat fight tonight.
"I'm not going anywhere with you. You can go find whatever girlfriend was running your name along those stupid boards and hope that you can still get some sex tonight." Darla huffed before turning and walking away.
Lance's eyes widened as he choked. "She wanted sex tonight? She can't be serious! Now that's a scary thought!"
"So she's a slut, among other things." Keith snorted.
"Well, I know you shouldn't judge a book by its cover..." Lance shook his head. "But I think this is one time that the cover matches what's inside!"
"Yeah she's a well covered book." Keith laughed. Security was starting to usher everyone out the door. As they walked towards the exit Keith slung an arm around Lance's shoulders. "So you still up for that drink?"
Lance smiled. "Sure. But what about Hunk?"
"I think I saw him leave with a redhead." Keith smirked.
"Well, can't have you off wandering by yourself. Not sure the town would survive." Lance laughed. "Let's get some coffee or something."
"Either sounds good." Keith agreed with a smile.
Lance grinned. "I have this insane craving for chili cheese fries. The Kettle is only a few blocks away. It has decent drinks and is open twenty-four hours. Interested?"
"Very interested." Keith grinned. "I'm starving."
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It
took them less then fifteen minutes to reach the all night dinner. It was
already well past
Instead of sitting on the far side of booth, Keith slid around the U-shape of the booth and laid his head on Lance's lap. Then he grabbed a menu and started to read it to Lance.
Lance laughed as he lightly patted Keith's head. "And how many drinks did you have tonight?"
"Dunno. I spent…about…I dunno and had howmanyever bought for me."
"In other words, more then enough." Lance shook his head in amusement. "Okay, read to me what looks good on the menu."
"Hmm…" Keith said looking over the menu. "What if it's not on the menu?"
Lance smiled and shook his head again. "What are you talking about?"
"What if what I want ain't on the menu, but is in the rest…diner?"
"Okay, tell me what you want." Lance laughed as he patted Keith's head again. But before Keith could say anything the waitress came back.
"Y'all ready to order?" The woman smiled as she pushed back her hair bundle that was starting to droop into her face.
"I'd like some hot chocolate and an order of chili cheese fries." Lance glanced down at Keith. "What would you like?"
"Coffee and…slice of cherry pie."
"Coming right out boys!" The waitress yelled before walking away.
"Not want I really want though." Keith mumbled.
"Did you say something?" Lance asked, smiling down at Keith's face.
Keith just smiled at Lance and reached up and caressed his roommate's cheek. "I said it's not what I really want."
"What do you want then? You're talking in riddles again. You should know by now that I can't figure them out." Lance chuckled.
"I want this…" Keith wrapped one hand around the back of Lance's head as he pulled himself up, then kissed the man on the lips.
Shocked, Lance could only blink, though he didn't pull away from the kiss. In fact, he leaned in closer! When Keith finally pulled away and settled his head back down in his lap, Lance was breathless and could only silently stare at Keith for several moments. "Why...uh...did you...want to do...um...that?"
"Because I wanted to." Keith replied with a grin.
"But why...would you...well want to?" Lance definitely enjoyed the kiss...he just wasn't sure where the hell it had come from! Keith had never even hinted that he had any interest in him! Why would Keith kiss him now?
"Because…." Keith tried to think of a good sounding reason other than simply 'because'. "Because I've wanted to for a long, long, long, long time."
"Oh..." Lance blinked than smiled. "Thanks. I liked it. And you're really, really, really, really drunk, aren't you?"
"Nope. I ain't drunk at all." Keith grinned then giggled.
"Sure." Lance chuckled, running his hand absently through Keith's hair. "Though this is the first time I've heard you giggle."
"Because you've never seen me drunk."
Lance laughed. "That is true. Usually you're the designated driver. You're definitely cute when you're drunk."
"Didn't want to drive tonight. I wanted to get really, really drunk." Keith sighed.
"Why?"
"Because you left on a date." Keith said sadly.
"I see." Lance frowned slightly. Maybe now he was going to figure out what exactly had been bothering Keith lately. Keith never said or showed that anything was wrong, but Lance still suspected something. "Why did that make you sad?"
"Because I wanted to be the one you went on a date with." Keith replied.
Lance smiled warmly. "Why didn't you just ask?"
"Because you'd go away forever and ever." Keith said and sighed heavily.
"Silly. I would never do that! Why do you think that?"
"Because you would. I say it and you'd go away. Or stay and go after cause you didn't love me" Keith pouted.
Lance shook his head. "If I didn't love you, would I've had kissed you?"
Keith thought about it for a minute. "Yes. People kissing don't mean love."
"That's true. But you know me. Do I kiss if I don't mean it?"
"I don't know." Keith shrugged. "And you didn't kiss, I did."
"True. Guess I'm going to have to fix that, huh?" Lance grinned.
"If you want to. Don't feel you gotta do it just cause I said somethin'."
"I don't kiss unless I mean it, Keith." Lance chuckled before bending down and kissing his friend on the lips.
Keith parted his lips as his friend's lips pressed against his. Every nerve in his body seemed to tingle, making him feel giddy. He blinked as Lance pulled his head back.
Lance smiled. "There. This time I kissed first. And I did it cause I wanted to, not cause you said something."
Keith blinked a couple more times as though trying to comprehend what had just happened. The only conclusion he could reach was that it was dream, and since it was only a dream he decided to go all out for it. "Can we have sex now?"
Lance's eyes widened. Keith was definitely blunt and to the point when he was drunk. "Um...well...not now." Lance smiled, caressing Keith's face when he pouted. "Ask me out when you're sober sometime. Then we'll see."
"Sober now. Let's go have sex. Pleeeeaaaassssssseeeee?" Keith begged giving Lance puppy dog eyes.
Lance laughed and shook his head. "We can't. That was our first kiss, silly. Besides..." He motioned to the waitress that just walked up with their orders. "Our food is here."
"Don't want food. Want you." Keith pouted.
"Food first, pal." Lance grinned as he started to eat his fries. "I'm hungry! And you said you were starving earlier."
"Alright we'll eat first." Keith grabbed four creamers and poured them in to his coffee cup then added four packets of sugar and took a sip. "Needs more sugar." He said, adding a couple more packets of the sugar.
Lance made a face as he watched Keith. "If you say so. Be careful or you'll be drinking pure sugar instead of coffee!"
"Oh well." Keith shrugged. He drank the rest of his coffee and quickly ate the slice of pie. He then snatched and ate a couple fries off Lance's plate and slowly sucked the chili off each finger.
"I hope you don't get sick eating that combination." Lance shook his head as he watched Keith snatch another fry and slowly suck his fingers again. He made a mental note to get Keith drunk more often...made such a lovely and erotic image.
"You have some chili right…" Keith leaned in closer and licked a spot of chili from beside Lance's mouth. "...there."
Lance made a second mental note...get Keith drunk after he's sure about what Keith's feelings were. Now that he thought about it, Lance did remember Keith throwing some longing glances. But Lance thought it was because his friend wanted to go on dates too! He didn't think it was because Keith wanted a date with him! But then again, maybe Lance was still reading this wrong. He smiled at his roommate. "Um...thanks."
Keith grinned and pushed his body closer to Lance's. "Well if you are going to be a messy eater there's just one solution…" He reached out and took a couple fries off the plate, holding them to Lance's mouth.
"Um...uh...thanks. I think..." Lance blinked before opening his mouth and taking the fries. "Not used to someone feeding me."
"Hmmm you should have got strawberries…they'd be easier." Keith grinned. "We can have strawberries later, after we have sex though."
Oh yeah...Lance had forgotten about that part. How long would it take Keith to get sober? No way in hell was Lance going to take advantage of him in his current condition. Lance did want to live to see his next birthday after all. "I'll keep that in mind. Go ahead and order something else if you're still hungry. I'm buying."
"I don't want anything that's on the menu. I want you…all I want is an order of Lance to go." Keith grinned.
"Um...I see." Lance knew he was bright red now! "Um...were you the one who ordered me that drink tonight?"
"Yup. I know that's the kind you like." Keith grinned brightly.
"And the boards?"
Keith chuckled and grinned even brighter. "Again that would be me."
Lance was slowly putting two and two together. Maybe the alcohol wasn't talking here. "Um...how many drinks did you have before you ordered me one?"
"Um…I dunno. But it sure pissed that little bitch off didn't it?" Keith laughed.
"It was great." Lance laughed. "I needed an excuse to get away from her. The boards and water worked great!"
"The drink didn't work so I wanted to do something more drastic. Hunk helped."
"I figured Hunk was in on it. Does he know that you like me?"
Keith nodded. "Yup. He kept saying I should tell you. I told him I couldn't."
Okay, it was definitely starting to sound like the alcohol was not talking here. Lance smiled. "You two definitely did a great job. And you didn't get caught this time! I'm very impressed!"
Keith grinned at Lance's praise. "We snuck back down while the lights were out."
Lance laughed. "Well, looks like you'll still be able to go to this club."
Keith nodded. "It's one of the few left in the city I can go to and that are worth going to. And next time you can go with me."
"Sure. Sounds like fun." Lance grinned, finally finishing off his fries. "And those were so good. Really hit the spot."
"Kay we ate you said after that we could have sex." Keith said rapidly. "I wanna have sex before this dream is over so we haveta hurry."
Lance slowly drank his hot chocolate. "Why do you think this is a dream?"
"Because in real you wouldn't kiss me." Keith pouted.
"Yes I would. If you'd ask."
Keith shook his head. "Nope. You wouldn't. You like pretty girls, not boys in real life. Hunk said both but he's tripping."
Lance laughed. "I like both! Hunk knows what he's talking about. I'm just waiting for someone to make an honest man out of me."
"Honest man?" Keith questioned. "You are honest."
"I try to be. So since you now know that I like both girls and guys, what's your excuse now for thinking that I won't kiss you for real?"
"I don't know." Keith sighed. "Just too good to be true I guess."
Lance shook his head as he stood up. "It's true. Ready to leave and head back to the dorms?"
"What's true? That it's a dream?" Keith asked as he stood up.
"Tell you what Keith." Lance grinned at Keith after he finished paying the bill. "Ask me out sometime and find out for yourself."
"How about now? Will you go out with me now?" Keith asked.
"Of course I would. But it wouldn't answer your question as to whether this is real or not, would it?"
"So you don't want to?" Keith asked in a sad confused tone. "Figures. I mean look at you...you're popular, gorgeous, cute, funny, good looking, nice, sweet, handsome…." He started rambling, forgetting what he was trying to say in the first place.
Lance laughed. Keith was starting to ramble...that meant that the alcohol was starting to wear off. "Didn't I just say that I would? You really need to learn to listen."
"You said wouldn't."
"I would."
"Then why did you say wouldn't before?"
Okay, so maybe the alcohol hadn't quite worn off yet. "You misunderstood me. I would love to go out with you."
"REALLY?" Keith questioned happily. He stopped walking and threw his arms around Lance's neck, hugging him tightly. "Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou."
"Keith...I can't...breathe!" Lance gasped.
"Oh…" Keith let go off Lance and stepped back several paces. "Sorry."
"That's okay!" Lance laughed. "No one has ever hugged me so eagerly before. I kinda liked it."
"You did?" Keith asked with a smile. "Can I hug you again if I promise not to make you not breathe?"
"I'd like it if you would."
Keith wrapped his arms around the Lance's waist and hugged him, resting his head against Lance as he did. "Feels nice to hold you."
"Likewise." Lance smiled as he wrapped his arms around his friend. "Likewise."
"Can we sleep together tonight?" Keith asked suddenly.
Lance chuckled softly as one of his hands rubbed Keith's back. "We'll see. This is our first date after all."
"I mean sleep. I'm tired. But I don't wanna let go." Keith mumbled. "If I keep holding on you can't go away."
"I'll never go away, Keith. I'll always be there for you. No matter what." Lance sighed slightly. "You have to believe me on that one."
"Just afraid you will go away. I don't want to lose you, you mean so much to me. I would be lost if I lost you."
"I'll never go away. You mean a lot to me too." Lance whispered, lightly kissing Keith's forehead. "Come on. Let's get back to our room. I'm tired too."
"Okay." Keith agreed allowing Lance to lead the way.
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It took a few minutes to get a taxi, but once they did it didn't take long to get to their room. By that point though Keith could barely walk. Lance practically had to support him up the stairs and to their dorm door. Once he got the door open, Lance picked up a very drunk Keith and set him on his bed. "There you go. Better?"
Keith nodded and flopped against the bed, his legs still hanging off the side.
Lance chuckled as he removed Keith's boots, really having to tug since Keith wasn't helping any. Finally he got them off and worked on taking off Keith's shirt. Again, his roommate was no help cause he went into a giggling fit making it nearly impossible to get the sucker off with his arms flying about wildly. Lance was amazed that he didn't get beamed by one of those arms. "What's so funny?"
"You're undressing me." Keith laughed.
"It's not that funny." Lance laughed, struggling to adjust Keith so that he was completely on the bed. "You're the silly one here."
"No I ain't." Keith said. "You coming to bed? You promised to sleep with me. Be my teddy bear."
"So I did. Give me a moment." Lance grinned. He pulled a sheet over Keith and tucked him in. Once Keith was settled, he took off his own boots and laid down on top of the sheet next to Keith. Since this wasn't the first time Lance had fallen asleep on Keith's bed, when Keith sobered and woke up in the morning he wouldn't be embarrassed or upset when he saw Lance lying there...especially if he consider everything a dream already.
Soon as Lance laid down Keith rolled over and wrapped an arm around him. "Thank you."
"You're welcome." Lance whispered, wrapping an arm around Keith as well. "Ask me out again when you wake up. You'll be surprised."
"Ok." Keith mumbled. Within minutes he had fallen into a deep slumber.
Lance sighed as he watched Keith sleep. A part of him wanted to move to his own bed, to ensure that Keith wouldn't be embarrassed for everything he did tonight...whether or not he really meant them. But another part of him didn't want to leave. He liked lying next to Keith. Finally, he too fell asleep...the latter part winning out.
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When Keith woke up the next morning, he felt a warmth next to him. He curled up tighter against the body next to him. It wasn't unusual to wake up with someone else in the bed, he'd fallen asleep with Lance in the bed before - sometimes they both studied in the same bed and fell asleep or if one was sick the other was always right there. Keith didn't even have to open his eyes to know it was Lance next to him, and with the way his head was throbbing he didn't want to open his eyes.
"You okay?" Lance asked softly. He had been awake for a few hours but since Keith's arm was still wrapped around him, he didn't want to wake Keith up too soon. So Lance just stayed where he was, dozing back to sleep off and on.
"I drank too much." Keith mumbled.
Lance chuckled. "From the way you're groaning, I'd say so. Want me to get you some water and aspirin?"
"I guess." Keith said, though he didn't move. He tried to remember the events from last night but his brain was still foggy for any thought.
"Just sit tight. I'll take care of ya, buddy." Lance said softly as he carefully climbed out of bed and disappeared into the bathroom.
Keith wrapped an arm around the pillow Lance had been using and pressed it against his face inhaling his friend's unique scent that clung to the white cotton pillowcase. He remembered going out drinking with Hunk last night but somewhere past the sixth drink he couldn't remember much else, and that had been quite early in the evening.
He looked up when he felt a hand gently squeeze his shoulder. Lance smiled, his other hand holding a glass of water and some aspirin. "Can you sit up?"
"Probably." Keith said. He went to sit up quickly but his head started to spin. "Maybe not that quick though." He added as he slowly finished sitting up.
"Open your mouth." Lance chuckled. When Keith did so, he plopped two aspirin in it. Then with one hand he supported his friend's head and with the other he held the glass near his Keith's lips. "Drink."
"Thanks." Keith smiled. He could remember doing something with Lance last night but he couldn't remember what it was.
"Lie back down." Lance ordered as he adjusted Keith's sheets. "You'll feel better after you get some more rest."
"Maybe after twelve more hours of sleep." Keith chuckled.
Lance smiled sadly. "Yup. You probably don't remember anything either. Just like last time, right?"
"Um…" Keith thought about it for a moment. "I know we did something. I'm just trying to remember what is all."
"We went and grabbed a bit to eat. And we talked some. You also didn't get kicked out of Red Streak so you can still go to that club." Lance chuckled.
"Not getting kicked out of a club is a good thing. So we ate…" Keith thought about that he got an image of feeding Lance chili fries but doubt that was what happened. "So you have fries or something?"
"Yup. So you do remember some things." Lance shook his head in amusement. "Now go to sleep."
"No." Keith frowned slightly. "I want to try to remember something other then food…which I think was a lucky guess and not really remembering. I mean if you heard why I guessed it you'd laugh your head off."
"Maybe...maybe not." Lance sighed sadly as he sat down on the bed. "Don't worry about it, Keith. I knew you were drunk and not in control of yourself. You did nothing to offend or upset me so relax and get some rest."
"What about embarrass?" Keith asked.
"Nope to that one too." Lance smiled reassuringly. Since Keith didn't remember, it meant that it wasn't him talking...better not to upset him. If Keith did remember then he would feel guilty and leave, which was the very last thing Lance wanted.
"There's something you aren't telling me, so I am going to stay awake until I remember for myself." Keith said stubbornly despite his pounding head. "I know I probably did something stupid at the club…that's a give. I remember sending you a drink and…doing something else with water."
Lance laughed. "You turned the sprinklers on. Everyone got soaked! But it got rid of my date, which I'm very grateful. She was worse than a mosquito."
"Okay…." Trying to think so much was making his head hurt but Keith was determined to get to the bottom of it. He could tell that something was upsetting Lance and he was determined to remember what he had done to cause it. "So we left after that to go get something to eat. You had chili fries and umm…" Keith blushed.
"And hot chocolate. You had some coffee and some pie. We just talked some more and then left." Lance said, rubbing his eyes slightly. Now he was getting a headache and he wasn't the one with the hangover!
"Well what did we talk about?" Keith asked. "Look, I know I did something to upset you, and I want to know so I can make it up to you."
Lance grinned and shook his head. "I swear I'm not upset with you. I'm just really tired. We just talked about things we both wanted."
"Oh…umm…" Keith blushed again even darker then before. "I mean is that to say I… ummm…"
"You know...you really look cute when you blush." Lance laughed. "I don't know what you're blushing over, but it's cute."
"Because I...if I said what I want…I mean really want…." Keith stopped. "That's what your upset about isn't it?"
"I'm upset that you won't believe me when I say it's okay." Lance rolled his eyes. "And quit rambling. I can't understand you when you do that."
"You are upset. That much I do know." Keith looked down at his hands for moment, twisting the sheet. After a moment he looked at Lance again. "I'm sorry if I upset…I wish I could remember exactly what I did and said last night but right now all I do remember is stuff that is just a dream."
"Keith..." Lance covered Keith's hands with his own. "Yes I am upset. But only cause you don't remember anything...not at you. I could never be upset at you and I mean it."
"I remember things just nothing that really happened. I mean obviously I didn't kiss you because my head is still attached to my shoulders." Keith smiled weakly then bit his bottom lip for letting that slip.
"I would never do that either! I like your head right where it is." Lance laughed before cupping Keith's face with one of his hands. "I can't tell you all that happened. It would mean nothing if I did that. All I can say is that I had a great time and would like to do it again...when you're sober."
Keith chewed on his bottom lip for a moment as he tried to remember the night before. This was the part that he hated about getting drunk, the hangover and the trying to remember what all he did. He started to think that maybe he had kissed Lance, which meant Lance may have kissed him too. "Do you mean that? That you had a good time?" Keith asked quietly, cautiously reaching out to lightly caress Lance's cheek.
"Have I ever lied to you?" Lance chuckled, leaning his head into Keith's hand.
"No, you never have lied to me. It just doesn't change how…worried I am that I am wrong about what happened and what I said I want. You never lie to me or break a promise so promise you won't leave after I say what I think happened."
Lance smiled. "I promise. But we can talk later. I can tell from your squinting eyes that you have one hell of a headache right now."
"Yeah it's a bad one, but I'll worry about that later." Keith winced. "Okay…I don't really remember what I did at the club other then the water bit. So then we went and ate and I got a little overly cuddly…talked about not wanting what was on the menu…then kissed you…like…" Keith leaned forward and pressed a kiss against Lance's lips. "Like that and I said that you are what I want…that you are who I have always wanted and that I was jealous about you going out with someone else." He finished quickly, holding his breath as he waited for Lance's response.
"I see." Lance grinned. "And what did I say?"
"Um…that's the fuzziest part. I mean I think I probably did say all that…I tend to talk too much when I get drunk. That's why I tend to avoid drinking around you because I didn't want all of that to come out." Keith said sheepishly.
Lance reached up and rubbed Keith's head. "Well, I'm glad you did. It was nice that you were open to me for a change. I'm not smart enough to read you yet."
Keith blinked as Lance reacted in a completely different way then he had been expecting. "Um, I have one question and please don't force me to remember myself, my head hurts enough already. Did you kiss me after I kissed you?"
"Yes I did."
"So you aren't mad at me for liking you? You aren't planning to leave forever soon as I turn my back, are you?"
Lance shook his head and smiled. "Why on earth would I do a thing like that?"
"Because you are too good to be true."
"Why thank you, kind sir." Lance laughed, his hand squeezing Keith's. "You are much too kind."
Keith was quiet for a moment then grinned brightly as he threw his arms around Lance and hugged him. "I am the one who should be thanking you."
Lance snorted as he hugged Keith in return. "It took you long enough, dummy."
"I was too afraid to ever say anything sooner. And too afraid I was wrong about saying anything last night. I don't know what I would do if I lost you." Keith said quietly.
"Even if you had been wrong, you wouldn't have lost me." Lance whispered as he held Keith tightly. "You could never lose me."
"Thank you." Keith whispered, leaning into Lance's warm embrace.
Lance chuckled. "Was there anything else that you needed cleared up?"
"I don't think so. That's all that really matters." Keith grinned.
"Good." Lance pulled back slightly to kiss Keith's forehead. "Now get some rest. Maybe then you'll remember what I asked you to do."
"I think I want to take a hot shower instead of sleeping again. That might help me wake up and get rid of this headache."
"Alright." Lance smiled as he pulled away. "Think you can get up?"
"I could use a little help." Keith grinned sheepishly.
Lance grinned, carefully helping Keith get out of bed and stand up. "You sure you want to get up right now? You're kinda unsteady."
"I can just lean on you." Keith smiled. "At least I'm not the type to get sick to my stomach when I'm hungover, just killer headaches.
"That is true. And I don't clean up other people's vomit. I don't care who it is." Lance laughed as he slowly helped Keith into the bathroom.
Keith chuckled and leaned against the bathroom counter. "So…you doing anything tonight?"
"Not a thing." Lance grinned, moving away to turn on some water for Keith's shower.
"Do you want to do something? I mean like a date, with me?"
Lance grinned brighter when he looked over at Keith. "I'd love to. But we'll have to wait and see if you're up to doing anything so soon."
Keith smiled brightly, he could barely believe that Lance actually liked him in return. Though if this was a dream he never wanted to wake up, he planned on sleeping forever. "Well…how about dinner?"
"Sounds great." Lance said and then smirked. "Do we need to get you drunk or invite Hunk to get you to talk to me?"
"No. Just you and me…a date." Keith chuckled.
"I'm looking forward to it. You steady enough for a shower or would a bath be better?"
"I'll be fine...unless you want to join me to make sure." Keith grinned.
Lance smirked. "Who are you? The Keith I know is too shy to suggest something like that."
"Well…um…" Keith blushed. "It was just a thought."
"Fine with me." Lance's smirk widened. "I don't want you to bust your head open. I'm looking forward to tonight."
"You're actually agreeing?" Keith's eyes widened in surprise.
"What's the matter? It's not the first time I've seen you naked." Lance chuckled.
"True…just the first time we've taken a shower together." Keith undid his jeans and slowly took off the remainder of the clothing he was wearing.
"Take it easy there." Lance rushed forward to steady Keith. When Keith leaned back against the counter, Lance finished removing his own clothes.
Keith's eyes wandered over Lance's naked body, allowing himself a good look for the first time. "You are so beautiful."
Lance blushed brightly. Unable to say anything he helped Keith get under the spray, getting in behind him. "Be careful."
"I'm always careful." Keith grinned.
"I know, lovely." Lance whispered softly, wrapping an arm around Keith's waist to steady him.
Keith leaned back into Lance's warm embrace, his eyes closed as the water washed over him. Lance smiled as he rested his forehead against the back of Keith's head. "You okay?"
"Better then okay." Keith smiled.
"Good." Lance sighed. At least now he was certain that it wasn't the alcohol last night talking. He just wished that this could've happened sooner.
"I'll always be okay as long as I am in your arms." Keith sighed. "I plan on doing all I can to make up for the fact I was idiot for so long and kept my mouth shut when my mouth could've been kissing you."
"I'm definitely going to hold you to it." Lance laughed as one hand worked through Keith's hair under the spray. "I would've asked you out, but if you gave any hints I never picked them up."
"So I guess we both have a lot of making time up to do. And I plan on starting now." Keith turned to face Lance, capturing his lips with a deep kiss, all the doubts he had earlier washing away down the drain with the warm water. He could feel the truth that Lance returned his feelings beyond just friendship in the warm and loving kiss.
Lance moaned as they deepened the kiss, their tongues dancing together. It was unlike any kiss he ever had! It was incredible and wonderful! He was breathless when their lips finally pulled apart. "That's a good start."
"The start of something wonderful." Keith smiled.
"Beyond wonderful." Lance whispered as he caressed Keith's face. "Way beyond."
"I love you Lance. I have been in love with you for a long time now. I never imagined that you could possibly feel the same way. But now that I know, I am going to spend every day letting you know how much I love you...how much I want to spend the rest of my life with you." Keith smiled lovingly at Lance. "My heart is yours for as long as you want it."
Lance was speechless! No one had ever said such beautiful things to him before and actually meant it! He wasn't sure how long he just stood there with his mouth open...catching all the spray. When the shook finally wore off, Lance was surprised that he hadn't drowned yet! "I really wish I had known sooner. We've got a lot of catching up to do."
Keith smiled and wrapped his arms around Lance, pulling him closer against him. "I promise I will make up for all the lost time." He kissed Lance deeply. When they parted for air Keith smiled at Lance, seeing the love that was reflected in his eyes. There was no doubts left, no worries...only the makings of plans to spend the rest of his life with his best friend.
owari! ^_~
