Roommates (Klance College AU)

51

Lance - 9:12
Hey, I think we need to talk

Allura <3 - 9:20
Is something wrong?

Lance - 9:20
Can we meet up today?

Allura <3 - 9:20
Of course Lance... when would you like to meet?

Lance - 9:21
Idk just whenever youre available

Allura - 9:21
Ok... we can meet at noon

Lance - 9:21
Your place?

Allura - 9:21
Sure, that's fine

Lance- 9:22
K. See you then

Allura - 9:22
Is something going on?

Lance - 9:22
We'll talk about that later

Lance sighed as he turned his phone to do not disturb and laud in the fetal position in his bed, collecting his thoughts and figuring out what he was going to say come noon.

Lance couldn't shake the feelings of anxiety as he watched the clock hands creep towards noon. The conversation he was about to have with Allura loomed over him, heavy and unavoidable. His mind kept replaying his last interaction with Keith, the tension and the words left unsaid thickening the air around him like fog.

By the time he arrived at Allura's building, his hands were slightly trembling. He took a deep breath, steadied himself, and pressed the buzzer for Allura's apartment. After a brief pause, her voice came through the intercom.

"Uh... i-it's Lance?"

Moments later, the door clicked open, and Lance pushed through, making his way up to her apartment.

The elevator ride seemed longer than usual, giving Lance ample time to organize his thoughts. By the time he reached Allura's floor, he had managed to compose himself somewhat, though his heart still raced with nervous anticipation.

Allura opened the door before he could knock. She looked concerned, her eyes searching his face for signs of what might be wrong. "Lance," she greeted, stepping aside to let him in. "What's on your mind? You seemed... off in your messages."

Lance walked into her apartment, a familiar space that now felt strangely foreign. He took a seat on the soft couch, and Allura sat opposite him, her posture open and inviting conversation.

"I've been doing a lot of thinking," Lance started, his voice shaky. He paused, gathering his thoughts. "I don't think... I don't think this—me, you—I don't think it's right."

Allura's expression changed, a mixture of confusion and hurt crossing her features. "Lance, what are you talking about?" she asked, her voice soft yet firm.

"I like you, don't get me wrong," he said. "It's just... I think we rushed into things." He paused, and Allura remained quiet as she waited for him to keep talking. "I can't help but feel like I've been using you... as my own sort of distraction almost. To try to forget K–someone."

"Lance..."

"And I think you've been doing that too," Lance said, the words coming out harsher than he had intended. "Maybe you didn't realize, but there's no way you could've gotten over Lotor that quickly."

Allura's eyes widened, a flicker of hurt passing over her face. "How could you say that?"

"It's true, isn't it?" Lance asked more calmly. "And I've been, more or less, doing it also so it's not like I'm being hypocritical or anything... I'm just saying."

Allura took a deep breath, her gaze dropping to her hands before she looked back up at Lance. "Maybe it... started that way but, I seriously fell for you, Lance."

"I'm sorry," Lance whispered. "I just can't see myself seeing anyone if I'm not over someone else."

"Who is it?" Allura shot.

"Why's that matter?" Lance didn't want to reveal anything, scared he'd ruin whatever was going on between her and Keith, more than he already had done so.

Allura leaned forward, her eyes narrowing slightly as she tried to understand. "It matters because I care about you, Lance. And if you're hung up on someone else, I need to know so I can understand what's happening here."

Lance sighed, feeling the weight of the moment press down on him. "My roommate."

"Your roommate?"

Lance nodded slowly. "But maybe we can try again when we're both ready?"

Allura shook her head. "I don't know if I can."

"I understand," Lance said. "I'm sorry."

Allura stood up. "So was that all?"

"I-"

"Because if we're done here, I'd like you to leave." Allura's voice was firm, her face set with resolve even though Lance could see the hurt behind her eyes. She looked away, her fingers twisting nervously.

Lance stood up, the weight of the conversation settling heavily on his shoulders. "I'm really sorry, Allura. I never wanted to hurt you," he said quietly, his voice tinged with regret.

"I know," Allura replied, still not meeting his gaze. "But sometimes intentions aren't enough."

Lance nodded, feeling a pang of guilt as he moved towards the door. He paused at the threshold, turning back to look at her. "If you ever need anything, you know where to find me," he offered, though he knew the gesture was small consolation.

Allura finally looked up, her eyes meeting his. "Take care of yourself, Lance."

With a heavy heart, Lance left the apartment, the door closing softly behind him. As he made his way back down in the elevator, his thoughts were tumultuous. He had come to Allura hoping to clear his conscience, but now he felt even more adrift. The realization that he had potentially lost two important people in his life because of his indecision and mistakes was overwhelming.