Broken

Chapter Three: Bound by Time and Space

"You know, everyone is bound by time and space. No matter how long we have to live, by the time it's over, we all regret something. We're saving the universe, Lance. Don't miss this opportunity because even if you think you're not good enough, you are. We all think so or else we would have kicked you out a long time ago. We all love you, and I agree that everyone snaps at you a lot, but it's because you hold us together. It's almost like you absorb our anger. You make us feel better about ourselves even though it's hurting you in the process. You are so brave and smart and compassionate. Lance I don't want you to regret a lot of your life when your time comes." Keith said, staring in front of him as he felt Lance shift to look at him. He had a thoughtful expression on which made his features soften. Keith turned to look at Lance as well. "Listen, I understand if you don't like me back. We can just be friends but-"

"I love you too." Lance interrupted. "I'm just scared," he added, looking down.

"Why?" Keith asked scooting closer.

"How can I be positive you care? You really care?" Lance tried to explain. "I mean, what happens if we get into a fight? We know I'm not easy to get along with. I'll annoy the shit out of you and you'll fall out of love with me," Lance began to cry as he continued. "I'd be alone again. I don't want it to happen again, Keith. I can't hurt myself anymore because you made a wrong decision."

That's when it all clicked into place for Keith. Lance loved someone, and they hurt him. Really badly. This person ripped his heart out and tore it to pieces, returning it to never work properly again.

"Listen, I'm not making a wrong decision," Keith assured him. "I love you, and if we ever do fight, or something goes wrong, we'll talk it out."

"You say that now, but what if-" Lance countered with a shaky breath.

"No. No what if's." Keith said, gently cupping Lance's face. "I love you, and you love me right?"

"Right," Lance said with a bit of hesitation as he bit his lip.

"Lance," Keith said shakily. "I understand that you're broken, and that's completely ok, but have you ever checked to see if you're breaking the ones you love?"

Lance looked shaken as he looked up at Keith, not understanding.

"If you don't believe me about loving you do you ever wonder what goes through my head? What am I doing wrong? Why can't he accept that I love him? Lance you're starting to break me by building these walls up around yourself." Keith explained.

"Keith," Lance started before he completely broke down. "I-I'm so-so-sorry. That's why I never wanted to g-get close to a-anyone!" Lance yelled. "I always hurt someone! You need to get away from me, teach yourself to forget about me. I'm not good enough," Lance continued, pushing himself up and slowly backing away. Keith got up and wrapped him in a hug.

"Don't you see? You're doing it now! Just let me love you," Keith begged. Lance melted into his arms and sighed before letting out a small hiccup.

"Keith, I'm so sorry, I'm so selfish," Lance whispered. "I'm just trying to protect you, I have to make sure that this is what you really want."

"It is Lance, I really want you," Keith stated, never more sure of himself.

In that moment, Lance felt as if something had clicked itself back into place. As if his broken soul was slowly piecing itself back together. In that moment, Lance felt nothing but compassion and love at he stared at Keith. And that's why, in that moment, Lance pulled back and placed his lips on Keith's in the gentlest, most passionate way he could muster. Lance could basically feel the relief Keith relaxed with as he gently cupped Lance's face and wound an arm behind him to pull him as close as possible.

"You know," Lance said, as they begun to pull back. "I never imagined my first kiss to be so filled with love."

And when Keith looked into the deep blue wonders of Lance's eyes he found them staring back at him with such sincerity and love. It was everything Keith imagined and more.

"I'm glad it was," Keith whispered back.

"I think- well, I'm still not sure, maybe another one?" Lance asked hopefully, a kind of playful glint shining in his eyes.

Keith didn't hesitate in giving him another one, and another one, and another one, until they were both dizzy.

"I'll give you, as many kisses as you want..." Keith whispered, leaning in so his lips grazed Lance's ear. "as long as you always know how much I love you."

Lance sighed in content as Keith placed kisses all along his jaw and neck.

"Come on, I'm hungry," Keith said pulling back slowly to take Lance by the hand.

"What?" Lance asked, his voice cracking.

"Holy- for food Lance! Food goddammit!" Keith replied, his face turning as red as his jacket. It wasn't long before they both burst into laughter and continued down the corridor to try and pry the doors open to get some goo.

A/N: Hey!! I'm sorry, I know this chapter's short and it's been really long since I last posted... I don't have any excuses except the fact that I keep thinking of prompts and writing other fics. On a side note... THIS HAS OVER 100 VIEWS?? I honestly am flabbergasted. I'm so glad people enjoy this stuff, thank you so much for reading this! Comments are love <3 Hopefully the next chapter will be out sooner than the amount of time between this and the last one! ~AngelQ

CHICKEN NUGGETS BOIIII