It's been a couple weeks since you and Lance had started "dating."

Lately, you and Lance have been inseparable. You two would sit together during mealtimes, play games around the castle, and spend all-nighters just for fun more frequently. Lance was thrilled at all the time that he got to spend with his best friend.

On the other hand, Keith was hyper-aware of the lack of attention that he was used to getting from you. Just a month ago, you were always intent on hearing whatever he had to say. You always smiled at him and laughed at his sarcastic remarks. And now, a lot of that attention was directed toward Lance these days, whether it was intentional or not.

And honestly, Keith didn't know how he felt about that.

///

"Sup, Lancey-Lance. What's on the agenda for today in 'Operation: Jealousy'?" You ask, jumping onto the couch in the common room across from him.

"Same as usual, except today we're going on a mission, so we're gonna tone it down so that we don't annoy the others," Lance says, flipping through a comic book.

"Ah, got it."

Lance glances up from his book at you and his lips quirk upward, "You look cute today."

You blink in surprise at his comment.

"...Thank you."

"No problem."

Suddenly the alarm blares, signaling everyone to report to the main deck.

///

Right now, the five paladins were on a rescue mission on planet Diligitis.

You, Allura, and Coran were all inside the castle, providing air support as the paladins were inside their lions, taking out as many Galra ships as they could.

The planet was mainly greenery and had plenty of flowers and trees, but had a numerous amount of inhabitants who were taken prisoners by the Galra.

Coran, who knew the most about this planet's history, managed to give a brief summary of what he knew about it. "This planet was blessed by the goddess Aphrodite. The ancient inhabitants based their lifestyles on love and were most proud of the beauty that their planet possessed. Long ago, the flowers and nature found on this planet gave the power of beauty and youth. As for the creatures found here, I'm not so sure. Legend says that the creatures gave some sort of weakness for whoever was bitten by them. What that weakness is, I don't know."

"So I'm guessing the Galra is trying to smuggle this planets' creatures in order to find out how they can weaken their enemies by raising the creatures to fight for them," Pidge states, piloting her green lion to shoot a beam at a nearby Galra fighter pilot.

"Sounds about right. That means we just need to steer the Galra away from the forest of this planet and drive them out for good. Along with freeing these people from their prison camps," Keith remarks, dodging a few lasers.

"You make it sound like that's easy!" Hunk shouts, incredulously.

"It's the only thing we can do," Shiro says solemnly.

"Why does every mission have to be this huge step-by-step, do or die thing?" Lance whines.

"Hate to break it to you, Lance, but saving the universe isn't always a walk in the park," you say through the communication device.

"(Y/n)'s right. Now let's turn this tide," Shiro announces, shooting a couple of Galra ships. "Form Voltron!"

///

The battle was over, and the Galra retreated.

The inhabitants of the planet gave the paladins a celebration in the courtyard of their kingdom's castle.

The small and beautiful inhabitants, called themselves Diligites. The Diligites were very passionate and friendly people. The queens offered each of you a flower necklace as tradition.

The courtyard of their kingdom was built with cobblestone walkways and had lanterns lighting up the night. The traditional music was playing, and the townspeople were dancing and celebrating their new freedom.

It was a scene worthy of Aphrodite herself.

Pidge and Allura were being taught how to make flower necklaces by the Diligite children.

Hunk and Shiro were talking near the huge fountain to the older Diligites about the planet's ancient history.

Coran was singing and playing an odd looking instrument with the musicians.

Lance was chatting it up with a particularly pretty Diligite down by the feast tables.

Keith sat by himself with his stupid cute face and stupid pretty eyes, watching the stars in the night sky as he drank the planet's specialty drink, nectar.

You heard the musicians start to play a slow song, and found yourself making your way in front of Keith. You outstretched your hand and gave a soft smile. "May I have this dance?"

His heart raced, and he tilted his head in curiosity.

"Aren't you supposed to be asking Lance that?"

"I'm supposed to be a lot of things, but I live to disappoint," you joked.

He cracked a smile at your words but still hesitated. "Are you sure?"

"Of course. I asked you, didn't I? And plus, I don't think Lance will mind," you reassure him, glancing to where Lance was talking to the pretty Diligite.

He followed your gaze and put down his glass of nectar. "Well in that case, sure." He takes your hand in his and you led him to the center where other couples were dancing.

You're relieved that he says yes, not wanting to stand awkwardly alone anymore.

You rested your arms atop his shoulders and he gently placed his hands on your waist.

You felt surprisingly calm.

A month ago, this probably would've been a dream come true for you. Your heart would've been racing and, in reality, you probably wouldn't have had the guts to ask Keith to dance in the first place. So why doesn't this make you as happy as it should? To be here in Keith's arms, dancing in what might be the most romantic planet in the galaxy?

Maybe you were finally starting to realize that Keith wasn't anyone to be nervous around? Yeah, that was probably it.

Except—all you could think about is how much fun you'd probably be having if you were with Lance right now.

Maybe doing something like exploring inside the castle of this planet, running around the halls, and just having an adventure. Or maybe you two would've taken a lantern with you to explore inside the forest and discover what secrets this place held. Or maybe you and Lance would just stay out here and stuff your faces with the foreign foods.

With Lance, you were guaranteed an unpredictable and fun time no matter what. Maybe that's why you missed him right now, despite not even being 40 feet away from him.

You were bored.

"You okay?" Keith asks.

"Fine and dandy," you answered, forcing a halfhearted smile.

He frowns, "Here, I'll get you a drink," he offers, about to let go of you.

"No, no, don't. It's okay. Sorry, just... please don't leave me alone," you plead, not wanting to be left by yourself.

His cheeks redden at your request, "Of course, no problem. I'm right here."

"Thanks," you reply gratefully.