K, this is pretty long for a one shot, but I haven't posted in a while so I'm making up for it.

It's officially been two years since we made it back to earth. Zarcon is defeated and the once mighty Galran empire has crumbled.

I laid in bed and stared up at the ceiling ruggedly. Two years ago, I decided to stay on Earth and I haven't been in space since. Part of me feared it. The thought of going back made my stomach twist sickly.

I sat up and rubbed my eyes exasperated. Some nights were difficult, I'd have nightmares about our encounters and missions going wrong. Some nights I never fall asleep.

Pidge and Hunk decided to stay on earth as well. They both work at the Garrison now, Pidge helps design and experiment with new technology and Hunk teaches the future pilots.

Sometimes I'm invited to lectures and I talk about our experiences in space and with aliens. I've been turning them down more and more lately.

Space was breathtaking; full of wonderful cultures and advanced technologies that blow you away. Yet, my mind keeps going back to the life or death situations. The moments of sneaking on Galra ships and hiding behind shield as your rained on by enemy fire. The fear that you or maybe your teammates might not all make it all out alive.

I don't leave the house as frequent anymore. I tend to stay at the farm and help out. The McClain family business of growing everything from raspberries to corn. We supply the local stores and make good money off it.

I changed into a pair of jeans and a white shirt. I knew it was supposed to sprinkle this morning, but the weather is still warm. I threw on a red flannel just in case; pushing the sleeves up to my elbow.

The morning air was thick and the grey clouds loomed in the sky. It hadn't rained yet, but you could smell it. I grabbed a plastic bowl from the kitchen and pulled on a pair of boots. The mud was terrible this time of year. I trotted across the farm to the raspberry bushes and began picking the ripest of them. They slid of the stems with ease and I dropped them in the bowl. This was my favorite part of the day. Picking raspberries early in the morning before every one else woke up.

I nearly finished when I felt droplets of water hitting the back of my neck. I carefully carried the overfilled bowl back inside and looked out the window. It was only a light drizzle.

"Hey, Lance," my mother smiled brightly pouring a cup of coffee, "can you deliver some watermelons to the Almeo's Grocery? We didn't have many last time, but they just ripened and people are ecstatic to get their hands on em'."

"Yeah, sure." I smiled, "I'll get started now."

I hauled a few of the crates into the family truck; securing them, I hopped off and dusted my pants. I climbed in and started the truck driving into town. It was still gloomy out, but the rain had stopped; it didn't last long. Though, the clouds appeared to be moving quickly and gave hope that it wouldn't stay like this all day.

When I made it to Almeo's, an employee ran out and helped me carry in all the crates. I thanked him and he waved me off. The sky was much brighter now; the clouds were becoming more sparse and the sun was shining through.

I parked the truck and grabbed the keys hopping out quickly. I went inside to find my mom and dad talking, but when they saw me, they immediately stopped. I pursed my lips; that seemed to be happening a lot lately.

Concerned talking, but when I show up, it's dead silent. "Lance," my mom stood up from where she was sitting, "You got a call from the garrison while you were out. They were asking if you could attend a class of newcomers. I told them you'd be able to make it."

"What?" I frowned.

"C'mon, it won't hurt anything. Plus, Pidge told me that your old teammate Keith was visiting."

My stomach wrenched. Of course he's here and I knew nothing about it. My mind wandered back to the class. "I... don't think I should go. I think I'll cancel and stay here to help." I reached for the phone, but my mom snatched it a little too eagerly.

I looked at her silently. How could I tell her? Tell her that I don't want to go because every time I think about that place, the things we went through, the people I saw die... it makes me sick. If I think to deeply about it, the room will spin and my eyes will start to water. How can I tell her that?

She bit her lip nervously and looked down at the floor. "I... Lance, I think it will be good for you." She muttered finally. "Please go to it."

I felt almost taken aback. Maybe she already knew, maybe she was trying to push me into this with hopes that it'll get better. And maybe... maybe she's right. "Okay." I nodded lightly.

I left in the afternoon and started the hour drive to the garrison. Along the way, I let myself drift into my thoughts. Keith's here.

When we made it back to earth, Keith didn't stay long. I really wish he did, but I understood he didn't have family, or anything grounding him here. Part of me believes that, if I asked him to stay, he would've. But, I didn't. He took on the burden of helping smooth over the galaxy after the Galra; rebuilding destroyed civilizations and ensuring no uprisings started.

If I asked him to stay, he might've. I thought again. If he asked me to go, I might've. I let out a sigh. Two years ago. That was two years ago. But, this is now. I'm not a teenage boy who's hopelessly in love with my teammate anymore. I smiled a little thinking back to it. Keith would've had a ball if he found out that I'd liked him. Especially considering our 'rivalry'. Though, we had become good friends as time passed and the rivalry became more of a joke.

"Alright, my name is Lance McClain, I was the blue paladin of voltron. Bring on the questions." I leaned against Hunks desk at the front of the room. Everyone shot their hands up in the air and I chuckled. My eyes wandered to the back where I saw Keith leaning back in a chair with a faint smile. My breath caught in my throat.

His hair was still a little longer, but it was pulled back into a loose ponytail. His eyes were still that piercing lavender color and his skin was still pale. He wore jeans, a black shirt, and boots. A light blue jacket hung on him loosely. It looked worn and his collarbones were exposed.

"Uh, you wanna start us off?" I pointed to a young girl in the front.

"How did you become the paladin?" She asked quickly.

"Dumb luck." I admitted honestly. I explained the story of finding the blue lion very quickly.

"And you?" I pointed to the next kid.

"What was it like knowing you were the pilot of a super weapon that was going to take down the Galra?"

"Uh..., nerve wrecking?" I shrugged. "We didn't exactly know we were going to win and there were a lot of failures before we even had a victory." I pointed at another kid.

"How was it getting to use all the cool futuristic weapons?" A kid laughed.

I smiled and thought back to when I first used my bayard. The first time I ever killed someone I thought. My heart raced a little as I remembered the blood. I faltered, "It was challenging learning how they all worked and how to use them."

Keith leaned forward more in his seat. I pointed.

"Did you have any close calls in battle?"

My blood pumped harder and could feel the memories bubbling to the surface. "More than you could count." It came out a whisper. I blinked back into reality, I had zoned out and the kids seemed to shift uncomfortably.

"Uh, go ahead," I nodded at a ginger boy.

Though, I didn't hear his question. A kid accidentally elbowed a metal cup of pencils and it clattered to the ground. I jumped and fell back pushing myself away. My heart was pounding loudly and I couldn't hear Keith who was in front of me. His hands were gripped tightly on my shoulders and his mouth was moving. Tears were running down my neck soaking the collar of my shirt.

The drive home was quiet. The rumble of the engine blocked out my thoughts. I drove the empty truck with a tight grip on the steering wheel.

I couldn't explain what happened to me. Just the overwhelming feeling that the ring of shots would sound, though they never did. I had no reason to think they would.

Keith had snapped me back into reality. When I came to, the classroom had been cleared and Hunk, Keith, a nurse, and Shiro stood around me; all worried expressions.

It was about five in the afternoon now. I rolled into the driveway and put the truck in park. I turned off the engine and sat for a moment. I slumped forward against the steering wheel.

The doorbell rang and I looked up curiously. I hadn't been home long, maybe a half an hour. I stood up and looked through the peephole. Keith.

I quickly ran my hands through my hair and patted down my clothes self consciously. I took in a deep breath, let it out, and unlocked the door, opening it. "Keith? Hey," I stepped to the side, "uh, come in."

"Hey," he smiled, "thanks." He walked inside and I closed the door warily, catching a glimpse of a pod outside.

I know what he's here for, I'm not dim. "So, what brings you by?" I smiled welcomingly.

"I was hoping we could catch up a bit." He pulled off his jacket.

"Here let me take that." I held out my hand finding the soft fabric. It was sprinkled with dark, quickly drying, raindrops. I hung it up as he took off his boots.

I could feel my heart pounding. I've lived on a ship with Keith for years, it's not fair that he can still make my stomach flip just by giving me that puppy eyed look.

"Well, you came at a good time. My family is out grocery shopping. I guess they'd thought I'd be longer." I trailed off on the last sentence. I didn't want to talk about the experience, but I know that's Keith's motive for being here.

"Have I ever told you how much I love your home." Keith said kind of suddenly. I'd given him a wide opening to start 'the conversation' and instead he changed the subject.

"Hm, no." I grinned. "Why's that?"

"I don't know. It's just so... homely?" He said following me to the living room. "There's always warm quilts and pillows, and family pictures everywhere. It reflects you in a way."

"I'm... homely?" I asked, missing whatever it was he was getting at.

He chuckled, "No, I mean... , it's like- caring and welcoming."

"Hm, so I'm caring and welcoming huh?" I raised and eyebrow as we sat down on the couch.

"Never mind." He gave up still doing that perfect chuckle. The kind that makes me weak just seeing his cocky half upturned smile.

I laughed along and rubbed my hand on my pant leg. "Want anything? Beer? We have really good raspberries this year too if you like them." I was already standing and heading for the kitchen.

"Raspberries huh?" Keith leaned back on the sofa. I grabbed a bowl of the raspberries and when I turned out of the kitchen, Keith's head was tilted back and his eyes gently closed. I could see him in all his glory, every detail and curve of his profile. I watched as his thin lips pursed together and I nearly dropped the bowl as my eyes traveled down to his collar bones. I felt a small twinge of annoyance that Keith could make collar bones sexy. I suddenly felt like an 18th century boy hoping to get a glimpse of a woman's ankle.

I snapped back into reality and set them on the coffee table. He sat up and grabbed one. "Sorry, I'm still tired from the trip here."

"When did you get here?" I asked.

"I showed up just a moment before your visit to the garrison students. I was worried I'd be late and miss it." He popped the raspberry into his mouth.

I flicked my eyes away from him and instead focused on the bowl of berries. I know shouldn't say anything, that I should let it slide, be quiet and don't start something. Since when do I do that? Since when did I start just letting things happen. I'm not getting anywhere by doing it. "Why were you so keen on seeing me now? You've never visited or even let me at least know you're on earth before."

Keith pursed his lips lips, "I-I thought you wouldn't want to see me. I mean, we were stuck on a ship for years and all we really did was fight. I thought that you'd find it weird if I came to your house to personally visit you."

"We didn't just fight." I argued. "You didn't really think we were rivals did you?"

"Lance, I-I don't know. What did you think?" He countered.

"I thought we were at the very least friends." I said anger starting to rise in my voice. "I mean..." my voice broke. "So, what have you been doing for the past two years?"

Keith shifted, "Well I spent most of the first year traveling. Just going anywhere I could. As for this past year I've somewhat made a home for myself on planet Reclhos."

I ignored the home thing and tried to focus on something else. "What kind of traveling did you do? Where'd you go?"

"I just went to every planet I could, visited every galaxy possible. I saw some weird shit. Like really weird. Eventually I got tired of it though."

I chuckled. "I think you have a few stories I'd like to hear." I popped a raspberry into my mouth.

"Maybe, but first, how have you spent your two years?" Keith asked doing the same.

"I've spent it all here. My parent's, they're getting old and need help around the farm. They're planning to retire here soon." I rubbed my shoulder.

"What's going to happen to the farm when they do?" Keith scrunched up his eyebrows.

"Well they plan to move into a house and take my youngest siblings with. As for the farm, they want me to take over. They actually planned to do it last year, but they decided they should push it off a bit longer." I explained.

"You're going to be taking care of this place yourself?" Keith asked.

"I guess. I'm sure I won't be entirely alone, siblings might help on the weekends. I can't imagine this house being quiet though." I looked around wistfully. "I guess I could fix it up some too."

"It's a lot of space for one." Keith ate another raspberry.

"Yeah, I guess so." I realized.

"I guess if you have a special someone..." Keith started teasingly.

"There's no special someone." I said quickly, my voice cracking.

"Why not?" Keith smiled lopsided.

"Not the right time?" I tried.

"It's been two years." Keith scoffed but then his face softened. "Is it because of Allura?"

"What? No." I shook my head slightly defensive. "I guess I have no reason not to, but..."

"But what?" Keith ran his fingers through his hair which was still pulled in that ponytail that had me drooling.

I suddenly snapped out of whatever trance Keith was putting me in and shook my head. "I could always rent out a room for extra cash. It would be nice to have the company too."

Keith frowned at me avoiding the question but clearly decided to drop it. "Who knows, I'm coming back to Earth someday soon and if you're on your own by then... maybe I could rent out a room till I find my own place?" He smiled eating another raspberry. "Plus, I could help out with the farm."

I felt my stomach twist and legs go tingly at the suggestion. "Yeah! Yeah! That would be... that would be amazing!" I glanced at the time. "It's getting kind of late, want to have dinner?" I asked.

"Dinner would be great." Keith smiled and we pulled on our shoes and coats. The gloomy weather did pass but the afternoon was still cool.

Keith started toward the pod but I stopped him. "Oh nuh-uh, I'm driving." I pushed him toward my truck.

"What? I'm not a bad driver." Keith pouted.

"I know you aren't 'fighter pilot', but no alien junk. We're doing this the normal way." I chuckled and unlocked the truck.

"It would be quicker to take the pod." Keith said opening the door.

"Maybe, but it's about the journey, not the destination." I gave him a cheeky smile as we both got in and shut the doors. I started the truck and it let out a low rumble. Country music played quietly, too soft to make out.

Keith suddenly seemed to get an idea. "So lover boy, back to my previous question."

I felt my stomach do a flip at the nickname but sink at the rest. "Which question?"

"You know which question," Keith rolled his eyes.

"Ah," I shrugged.

"There hasn't been anyone? At all? Not one girl?" Keith seemed a little skeptical.

"Busy I guess?" I gave a dashing smile and Keith rolled his eyes. "What about you?"

"Me?" Keith scrunched his face up.

"Yeah, you've been hounding me about my love life, what about yours?" I nudged him slightly.

"I guess I have no room to talk. But I've done better than you." Keith chuckled. "I went out on one date."

"One date?"

"One date." He confirmed.

"Oh wow. Yup Keith you have me beat. One full date." I said sarcastically. "Who's the lucky girl?"

"Guy." He corrected. "His name was Lane. He looked fairly human except he had like marks on his arms and stuff."

"Oh? What did he look like? And why no second date?" I raised an eyebrow. I felt heavy and my stomach had a sinking feeling.

Keith looked a little uncomfortable, "Uh, well, he had brown hair--short--, brown eyes, tan skin, he's kinda lanky and tall. I mean he was nice but he wasn't... I don't know."

"Me?" I glanced over at him.

His eyes went wide and his head snapped his head in my direction. He looked almost mortified.

"He sounds like he looks like me." I said clarifying.

"Oh." He looked a little relieved, "Yeah I guess so." He chuckled.

"Except I'm not lanky." I mocked.

Keith suddenly started laughing uncontrollably.

"What?! I'm not!" I scoffed looking between him and the road. This seemed to make him only laugh harder.

I pouted jokingly as I turned off the road and parked in front of Polly's Diner.

"This place has the best food in town. Guaranteed." I grinned switching off the engine. We got out and I held the door open for him on the way in.

"Afternoon Lance!" Pollina, an older woman greeted as they walked in. "Oooh, and you brought a handsome devil with you." She laughed, her shoulders bouncing.

"This is Keith." I introduced.

"I'm Pollina." She greeted. "You boys take a seat wherever." She waved bustling behind the counter.

I led us to a table near the back and in front of a window so we could look out at the road. A young waitress walked to our table. "To start, what would you like to drink?"

"I'll have an iced tea please." I smiled politely.

"Coffee please." Keith did the same.

I looked up and realized just how tired Keith was. I felt a little guilty that I'd dragged him out and about.

"Alright, I'll be right back with those." She flashed a small wink to me and as she walked off, there was a noticeable sway to her hips.

"Hmm, she likes you." Keith observed.

I let out a small noise of acknowledgement as I scanned the menu. "What are you in the mood for? I'm really craving some fries."

Keith picked up his menu and looked through the options. "Fries are definitely a must. I'm thinking this one." Keith flipped around the laminated menu pointing to a burger.

"Ah, good choice." I hummed, "I think I'm gonna do the one above that." It was another type of burger.

The waitress then walked back and gently set the glass of tea and mug of coffee down in front of them. "Have you decided?" She smiled lightly.

We both ordered quickly and this time as the left, she brushed her hand across my shoulder. I glanced up embarrassed, only to find Keith was giving me that look. "Not a word." I took a sip of my tea.

"Why aren't you talking to her? She's a pretty girl. Go work your Lance charm and flirt." Keith ignored my plead.

"She's just not my type." I threw out the excuse.

"Not your type?" Keith raised an eyebrow somewhat skeptical. "Then what is your type?"

"I-I don't know." I stumbled. "Let's talk about something else."

"Okay, fine." Keith rolled his eyes and took a sip from his coffee.

"I want to hear about the stuff you did while traveling." I rested my cheek into the palm of my hand as I stared at Keith ready for whatever story was to come.

Keith chuckled glancing outside for a moment. "So, the blade sent me on a mission. It was about half a year after we defeated the Galra. Anyway, my mission was to retrieve Varglos acid." Keith turned and smiled, "Varglos acid is a type of stomach acid only produced in the Varrgo Belas. Which basically this giant worm looking thing. Like, size of the Statue of Liberty 'giant'. Maybe even bigger."

"You didn't..." I started, fearing I knew where this story was going.

"I did. We were in the belly of the thing and had to collect the stuff." Keith had a mischievous look. "And getting out was the worst part. We came back up through the mouth. Probably one of the grossest missions I've ever been on."

I shuddered. "What else?"

Listening to Keith talk about his missions was amazing. He told stories well and knew just how to build up anticipation (something his stories always had). I listened carefully to each one, soaking up every word like a sponge.

Our food was ready about ten minutes later and the waitress set them on the table. "Anything else I can get for you?" She asked, eyes wandering to me.

"I think I'm good, Keith?" I looked to him and he simply shook his head. "We're good, thank you."

"Alright. Just call me over if you need anything." She used the wink tactic again and moved to another table to fill up someone's half empty coffee mug.

"I should take you to see the Greselen gardens. You'd love them. They have like this weird purple fruit and it tastes kinda like strawberries." Keith ate a fry.

"Yeah, that would be nice." I smiled, but I had a sinking feeling in my chest. I'd love nothing more than to experience that, especially with Keith of all people. I breathed and it was silent for a brief moment. "Hey, Keith?" I spoke quietly looking down at the table.

"Yeah?" He started off casual but probably sensed the change in my demeanor.

"Don't you... don't you ever get tired of being in danger?" I didn't look up to meet his stare.

"What do you mean?" He sounded more serious now, his tone low.

"I guess... never mind." I chuckled and looked up brushing off the topic. I smiled and picked up the large burger. "Told you this place was good!" I took a large bite.

Keith looked concerned not ready to drop the subject. "Yeah, it is good."

When we finished eating, we chatted a while longer. I watched as Keith yawned and smiled. "We should head back."

Keith looked out the window at the setting sun. "Yeah I guess we should."

I quickly paid the bill and we left. Sliding into the truck, Keith slumped against the seat slightly.

I started the truck and began the drive back. "Lance?"

"Yeah?" I hummed slightly turning my head to look at him, even if it was brief. Keith was handsome in the low afternoon light, he almost seemed to be glowing.

"What did you mean earlier? About being tired of danger?" Keith was looking at me now and I stared at the road ahead.

"Nothing, I was just rambling I guess." I smiled, trying to be assuring.

Keith continued to stare at me and I knew he was trying to get me to keep talking. And of course it's going to work, because this is Keith.

"It's just... aren't you afraid that one day, with all those mission, you won't make it out? Aren't you scared of dying up there in space?"

Keith seemed content with the response and thought for a moment. "I guess not. I mean, it's always a possibility in the back of my mind, but I'm not scared enough of it to not take the risk. The benefits out way the consequences."

"No they don't." I gripped the steering wheel a little tighter at my slip up. Too many cards have already been laid on the table for one day.

"Lance, I don't have a family that has to worry about my safety like other blades. I rather I die on a mission than someone with a spouse and kids." Keith said as if it was simple.

I wanted to hold back, it was another card, but I couldn't leave the conversation here. I wanted him to understand; understand the two hellish years. "Keith don't talk like that." I let out a shaky breath, just trying to keep my cool.

"What? Lance, it's true." He turned to me as if to challenge the fact.

And I challenged. "Keith, do you think we don't worry? That if you died tomorrow, we wouldn't care?" I snapped, my knuckles white on the steering wheel. "Do you think that while your running your stupid missions, I'm not down here on Earth so terrified of something happening I can't sleep most nights."

Keith looked almost shocked now, his mouth was slightly open and he looked speechless.

"I wish you would've visited." I said quietly, laying down another card. I only had one left and I didn't plan on playing it.

It was quiet and the new atmosphere was uncomfortable. After a while of driving, I finally built up the courage to look over at Keith. He was sitting with his head against the window, fast asleep. I smiled slightly. This boy would push himself until he was running on empty.

I turned off the truck and climbed out. I didn't shut the door out of fear of startling him. When I opened his side door, he slumped out and I quickly caught him with my hands. He stirred but remained asleep. I put my foot on the step of the truck for some height leverage and slid my arms under him. I picked him up in such a way that his head would rest on my shoulder and stepped down onto the gravel driveway. I left the doors open and went inside carrying Keith.

I took him up the stairs, into my bedroom in the attic, and gently laid him on my bed. I took off his boots gently and pulled off his coat. Lifting the sheets up over him, he seemed to relax in his unconscious state. I ran back outside, shut up the truck, and locked it.

I didn't mind sleeping on the couch for the night.

I woke up confused, but quickly remembered the night before. I slowly sat up from the couch and stretched yawning. I checked the time, 5:48. Quietly shuffling to my room, I grabbed a change of clothes. It was still dark, the sun hadn't quite fully risen yet, but I could still make out Keith laying there. His face was buried in my pillow and the sheets were practically wrapped around him. I never pinned Keith as a blanket hog.

I smiled fondly at the rare sight. I had an overwhelming feeling in my chest and I knew exactly what it was. I quietly left the room and changed in the bathroom.

When I went downstairs to the kitchen and grabbed a bowl, the sun had finally lightened the farm up bright. I walked out into the morning sun and breathed in. Air always seemed fresher early in the morning.

I walked to the raspberry bushes and began picking the ripest ones I could find.

After about 10 minutes of picking, I heard shuffling in the grass. I looked over to see Keith; yesterday's clothes, hair a mess, and his boots clumping along. His arms were folded and he still looked incredibly tired. "Morning." I smiled.

"Morning," he grumbled as he walked up next to me. "Of course you get up at the ass crack of dawn."

I chuckled, "oh, come on sleeping beauty." I nudged him.

"I'm only out here for the raspberries." Keith said with his arms still folded. I noticed the goosebumps on his arms. He was only wearing a short sleeve shirt and probably left his jacket inside.

"Hold this." I shoved the bowl into his hands and he ate one. I pulled off my flannel that was on over my shirt and exchanged it with the bowl. "You look chilly." I said simply, slightly embarrassed. I avoided looking at him and went back to picking raspberries.

"Thanks." He held it for a moment before slipping it on.

When I looked over, I went speechless. He was handsome the morning light, his skin seemed to turn to porcelain and his hair was shiny and silky. My flannel draping him just right. The combination of everything had me in a daze.

"What?" Keith tilted his head with a small smile.

I realized I had probably been staring a little too long and cleared my throat. "Nothing, you look like you just left a one night stand." I teased.

"Oh yeah, got freaky at the McClain household." Keith rolled his eyes and folded his arms.

I decided to completely dispel any possible thoughts that could come along with that statement. I picked off a raspberry and popped it in my mouth. It was sweet and perfectly ripe. "Sleep well?"

"Really well actually." Keith then looked down. "Did you carry me in from the truck?"

"Yeah, I didn't want to wake you up." I continued dropping raspberries into the bowl.

"Thank you," Keith's cheeks were pink and he avoided looking at me. I wanted to reach out, maybe touch his cheek or...

I lifted my hand and brushed a hair from his face without a second thought. Keith was starring at me with widened eyes. I cleared my throat and pulled my hand back. "So, what's the plan now? Where are you off to next?"

Keith kicked at the dirt. "I guess I'm not really sure. I've always been part of the blade or at least made myself useful somewhere. Just, now space has been mostly peaceful." He looked up and smiled, "I could always follow through with showing you the Greselen Gardens."

I smiled weakly and turned back to the berries, "Yeah..."

Keith dimmed his excitement. "Lance, if I ask you something, will you answer honestly?"

I let out a breath and picked an especially ripe raspberry. "Maybe." I held it out to him.

"Have you gone to space since the war ended?" He didn't break eye contact as he picked up the berry.

I bit my cheek contemplatively. "No."

He nodded and ate the berry. His eyes lit up and I broke into a laugh.

"Can I help you?" Keith asked peering at the bushes that were nearly as tall as him.

"Sure," I put my hand on his back guiding him forward to the bush.

He reached out and yanked on a bright red one. It broke off at the vine and Keith frowned.

"It wasn't quite ready. If they're ripe they'll slide off," I reached out and tried one, "like this," it slid of and I dropped it in the bowl.

Keith tried again, successful this time. I held the bowl as he unloaded berries by the handful.

We laughed and joked and by the time we were finished, I knew my family would be awake. We headed back inside and I got to work washing the berries in cold water and making sure they weren't infested or bad.

Keith leaned against the counter beside me and we continued our conversation. My mom and dad entered the kitchen and were slightly caught off guard by the unexpected guest.

"Oh, Keith, hello!" My mother rushed him with a soul crushing hug. "Lance didn't tell us you were here! How are you?" She pawed at his hair slightly. I let out a chuckle as I watched my mom groom Keith.

"I'm great," he smiled and I couldn't help but stare at him fondly.

My mom gave him the up and down inspection and tugged at the edges of the flannel to straighten it out. "Lance, this is yours isn't it?" She grinned, "It fits you nicely dear." She gave Keith a gentle pat on the chest.

My dad shook Keith's hand firmly, "Keith, good to see you."

"Likewise." Keith grinned.

"Oh, Lance, I almost forgot!" My mom came up beside me and spoke in a quieter tone. "We found a house for sale. Your father and I are considering it. But... if, if you think it's too much..."

I knew exactly what she meant by that. Part of it hurt, it was a blow to my independence. I was being talked to like small child, one they were afraid to upset. "No." I cut her off a little too stern. "No, I'll be fine." I assured flashing a small smile to prove it and planted a kiss on her forehead.

"Okay, if you're sure." She still looked worried but nodded.

Suddenly, screaming of children echoed from inside the house. It increased in volume as the beasties grew closer. The three kids all ran into the kitchen chasing each other.

"Hey! No running in the house!" My mom immediately turned stern and the kids stopped but continued to make faces at each other.

"Keith's here!" Little Marcy blurted excitedly. Just like that, the three were pulling him every which way trying to catch his attention.

"Ah, leave him alone." I swung down and snatched up Micah and tickled him. He gave up and the other two backed off in fear of receiving the same giggly punishment.

Twelve year old Alex and 14 year old Brenda walked in, both looking like walking zombies. "You two look terrible." I laughed ruffling Alex's hair.

"They stayed up late playing that video game again." My mom gave them disappointed looks.

"To be fair, it was totally worth it," Brenda chimed, "We cleared level 18. The hardest level in the game!"

"Keith's here," Alex elbowed Brenda and gave a her a smile that made my gut twist.

Oh no.

Brenda had a devilish smile on her face as she looked Keith up and down. "Hmm, nice flannel."

I saw Keith's catch fire at the underlying accusation.

"Woah, the kitchen got crowded fast. Keith, wanna go outside?" I lead him out the back quickly and I saw the window fill up with my family's face, all trying to spy on us. Even my mom!

Keith sat down on the porch step and leaned back on his elbows.

I shut the back door and let out a sigh. "Oh my gosh, I am so sorry about that."

"You really have a big family." Keith had a small smirk as I sat down next to him. He set his chin in the palm of his hand as he looked out at the farm. I turned and caught a glimpse of my family piled in front of the window. "It's really amazing actually." He said softly. Meanwhile I was making gestures to my family to cut it out and leave.

"What makes you say that?" I asked giving a final stink eye to my nephew.

Keith chuckled. "I love the dynamic of families."

I had a sinking feeling in my stomach. Keith never had that in his life. "Well, you were accepted into the family exceptionally quick. They like you a lot." I leaned back on my elbows.

"Why's that?" He raised an eyebrow curiously.

"You basically just took the role of the super cool uncle who does a bunch of cool stuff and has a bunch of cool stories. And whenever you come over, everyone is hoping you'll tell them." I looked up at the sky as I spoke and when I tilted my head to the side to look at Keith, he was already looking at me.

"The cool uncle, huh?" He smiled. "I think I like that."

"Well, it's a big responsibility actually." I joked, "You see, you have to look cool and you have to have all the cool stories to back it up. And prepare for children hanging on you the entirety of being here."

"I think I can handle it." Keith looked happier than I'd seen him in a while.

I liked the thought of Keith having a home here. Where we'd go to Sunday dinners and my mom would ask him intrusive questions and younger siblings could ooh and aah at all his cool adventures; the stories I never told. Pictures of little Marcy and Micah begging to braid Keith's hair or ride in his ship. And all in one moment, they felt so close and so heartwarming that they could be true.

Furthermore, seeing Keith so content with being in my family. So happy just to be close with them, and happy in this moment with me. The two of us sitting on the porch, the morning sun beating on the fields around us. Keith never felt so in reach.

"About that trip, you know, to the gardens..." I began.

"It's okay Lance," Keith flashed a smile, he didn't hold it long before gazing back out at the farm.

"Well, I was thinking about it..." I took a quiet deep breath. "I would like to go."

He turned to me and his eyebrows were dipped low. "Are you sure? Lance-"

"I'm sure," I nodded. "I'm ready." I moved my arm so it rested behind him on the back step. And although it didn't seem like a huge move or anything to go noticed by Keith. He seemed to glance at it and lean in just enough to catch my eye.

"Now that I think ab-" Keith started, however he didn't get to finish considering I leaned in and kissed him too suddenly.

I pulled back almost as soon as our lips touched. "Oh gosh, I'm sorry, I cut you off. Sorry, I thought it was- oh gosh."

Well that was possibly the most awkward thing I've ever done in my entire life. Judging by Keith's wide eyes, he definitely wasn't expecting me to kiss him, which wasn't surprising, and I had coming. I expected him to get up and make some excuse to leave or maybe even try to explain that he didn't think of me that way.

Suddenly his surprised expression broke into a laugh. Somehow this feels like a worse blow. Not just to be rejected, but also laughed at. Especially coming from someone you've known--not just for a long time-- but on a deep level that you thought was special. And while all along I knew the rejection would more than likely come, I didn't expect the pain in my chest to hurt this bad; it sent shockwaves to the tips of my fingers and toes. I couldn't help the fact that my cheeks were probably red, flustered, and embarrassed. Maybe even a little angry. Not at Keith, but more so myself.

But then Keith's cool hand touched my hot cheek and I felt his lips press against mine. This time, they stayed, and it sent jolts of electricity down my spine and through every nerve.

When he went to pull away, my head followed, not ready for it to be over. "You can cut me off anytime if that's what you're doing." Keith smiled.

I couldn't help the flood of excitement that hit me. All I wanted to do was capture his lips and kiss them all I wanted. At least just makeup for all those years I could have been kissing them.

I looked up and saw my family giving me thumbs' up from the window. "Another dilemma about being the cool uncle..." I gently touched the knuckle of my finger under his chin and guided him to face the window. They all waved except for my mom who jumped at being caught and pushed everyone away from the window.

Keith laughed and a pink dust feathered his cheeks. "Did they see everything?"

"Likely." I grabbed his hand and dragged him to a spot where I know no one could spy. "But they can't now." I kissed him again and this time Keith and I both showed no intentions of pulling away anytime soon.