"Are you insane?!" I sat up cutting a sharp look to Pidge and Hunk.

"Lance, you're anything but subtle," Pidge rolled her eyes like it was yesterday's news, "we've known crush your crush on Keith since the garrison."

"That's- I'm his rival! Remember!" I tried to defend.

"Don't get defensive, we're just expressing our opinion." Pidge pushed up her glasses.

"All we're saying Lance, is if you confess, Keith might say yes." Hunk smiled assuringly.

"I don't like Keith! And, hypothetically, even if I did, he doesn't like me back." I flopped back down on my bed again.

"Don't say that." Hunk started.

"Look, it's Keith, if I supposedly liked him, because I don't, he would think we're too different. We really are very different." I said the last part quieter.

"People don't have to be alike to be compatible." Pidge smiled at Lance. "Besides, it's obvious he likes you. You're the only one who doesn't see it."

"I don't know..." I mumbled.

"Just try." Hunk smiled. "It's okay if you back down, work your way up in baby steps."

"I'll think about it." I ran a hand through my hair.

"Hypothetically." Pidge added.

"Hypothetically." I agreed.

••••

"Paladins, we have arrived on planet Fercros." Allura chimed over the emergency speaker.

"Ugh!" I rolled over lazily. "I don't wanna shake hands and kiss babies!"

"Too bad lover boy." Pidge stood up and tossed my helmet at me. I caught it giving her an annoyed look.

We all suited up and exited the castle together. Allura, Shiro, and Coran, went first. They greeted the leader, a short man with so many wrinkles it resembled that of soil in the desert, and his beard reached the ground tickling his own toes that were in open sandals.

A few moments had passed and the man nodded turning to his people. A crowd filled with numerous people though impossible to tell the true amount as they were concealed by the forest. "My family, fear not! These are the paladins of Voltron, here to protect us from Zarcon's evil reign!" He called loudly holding his arms up.

Suddenly, there was cheering, loud almost like wind blowing through the trees amplified. People ran from their places in hiding to meet their saviors.

My eyes widened as a large group of children were heading straight for me, all giggling and laughing playfully. They began to climb on me like a jungle gym and I wobbled at the added weight.

I looked over to see Keith was laughing at my odd situation. It made me pause a moment to give him a small smile in return. A kid who had climbed on my back laughed pulling on my head. They all overpowered me taking me down which I felt was intentional.

I laughed and looked up to see if Keith had seen what happened but he was talking to someone. A kid grabbed my face trying to steal my attention which I begrudgingly complied to.

I stood up and the kids all worked together to both push and pull me in their desired direction. I had a kid pulling at each hand, one kid sitting on each foot while holding my leg, and at least three kids behind me pushing me forward. I was staring at Keith as they dragged me along and eventually I made eye contact with him. I didn't smile, it didn't frown, I just looked at him. But what made it worse was that Keith just went back to his conversation. He didn't smile, or shrug, or roll his eyes, all of which would've been at least slightly more comforting.

I would have spent the entire night watching them, making sure there's no funny business and the guy doesn't decide to be a little more affectionate than I approve of. I tried on multiple occasions to sneak off from the kids but they noticed. Every. Single. Time.

After about two hours of being on the planet, we were called to board the ship and silently felt relief. I waved off all the kids and rejoined everyone. Of course I wasn't the only one who was dying to ask about who Keith was talking to. Shiro was the first to speak up about it.

"Uh, no one really, he asked me on a date though." Keith responded casually.

My mouth dropped open and I felt my heart squeeze and tighten in my chest. Pidge slightly elbowed me and I tried to act natural.

"What did you say?" I asked suddenly. I should've let someone else ask but I couldn't help it.

"Yes, I didn't know how to say no." Keith shrugged.

My blood boiled and I could tell my face was burning with heat. Mostly out of wanting to cry, embarrassment, and a little anger.

I cut a hurt look to Pidge, "Obvious he likes me, huh?"

"Wait, Lance!" She whisper-yelled. Keith farther ahead but still didn't want to expose me for being upset.

I shut the door behind me and scanned my room angrily. The place I got my hopes up about Keith just earlier that day. I wiped at my face but it was wet. And I wanted so desperately not to be crying that I kept swiping at my eyes to dry them, to no avail.

There was a knock. "Lance, buddy, it's Pidge and I." Hunk spoke softly.

I stood up and glanced at myself in the mirror. My eyes were red and puffy, hot tears stained my pink cheeks and I gave one final rub at them. It didn't do much but I opened the door and quickly pulled them in scared anyone else might see me like this.

"Oh my gosh, Lance." Pidge whispered. "I'm so sorry."

"Don't be, I shouldn't be upset, I already knew he does like me." I sighed sitting on my bed.

"That doesn't make it any easier." Hunk sat next to me pulling me into a hug.

"I'm not so sure about this..." Pidge thought. "You heard Keith right? He said he only agreed because he didn't know how to say no." Pidge said looking hopeful.

"Pidge, maybe we should leave it alone, Lance has already..." Hunk looked at her unsure.

"No wait, I think she may be onto something." I looked at them hopefully. "I refuse to believe that Keith would accept to go on a date with some random guy he just met."

"Lance don't get carried away, it may not..." Hunk tried to be the voice of reason.

"I have an idea." I looked excitedly to the two. "We need to ruin that date at all costs."

•••••••••••POV change btw•••

"Everyone in their positions?" Lance asked over the walkie-talkie.

"Goldfinch is in position!" Hunk sounded.

"Pigeon in position!" Pidge came through.

"Alright, I have spotted the Scarlet Macaw with the Shoebill." Lance chimed. "Blue Jay is going in."

Keith and the boy were walking down the cobblestone streets. Lance noticed a flower shop just around the corner and his eyes narrowed. He jumped up from his spot and ran to the stand unnoticed.

"Quick, I need you to pretend to be closed." I nearly slammed into the carts in urgency.

"What? Why?" The woman look confused.

"It's an emergency. I'll pay you. I'll pay you double not to ask any questions." Lance promised.

He thought she was going to refuse for a moment however she quickly flipped a few signs rolled the carts slightly closer and ducked behind the counter. Lance in the nick of time jumped behind a cart before Keith and his date could see.

"What is going on?" The woman whispered, he realized that she had a very thick accent similar to French, the only way he could identify it.

"I like this guy, but I waited too long and now he's going on a date with someone else." He admitted.

"Ah, I see." She gave a small smile standing up.

"Wait no!" Lance whispered in a panicked tone.

"Hello, young men." She spoke with a kind and wise smile. She looked young and the only evidence of her true age was the wrinkles around her eyes and mouth from years of smiling.

"Oh, uh, hi." Keith turned to her.

"Nothing like a boy in love." She spoke wistfully. "A boy is on your mind, am I right?"

Keith was now interested and he walked to the stand. "Possibly."

"My intuition tells me you're on his mind too." She smiled.

"I doubt it." Keith leaned forward setting his elbow on the stand and resting his chin in the palm of his hand.

"Of course you're on my mind." Keith's date spoke taking his hand pulling his attention to him. It almost startled Keith, he'd nearly forgotten he was even there.

Lance in a fit of jealousy, reached under the stand and pinched the mans ankle quickly retreating back.

"Ow!" He jumped letting go of Keith and rubbing the spot Lance had squeezed the bit of skin. "I think something bit me."

"Young man," the lady took advantage of the opportunity to steal back his attention, "follow your heart boy." She held out a small blue flower.

Keith's date reached for it to formally give it to him but she slapped his hand away. Keith took it gently staring at it thoughtfully. It really did remind him of Lance.

"Let's go." His date glared at the lady pulling Keith along.

When they were out of sight, Lance popped up. "He likes you." She gave him a lighthearted smile.

"I don't know..." Lance rubbed his neck.

"I could tell from a mile away that he was in love with someone else hon. Don't worry too much." She slipped a red flower into his hand. "Actions speak louder than words you know."

"La- I mean, Blue Jay, I have visuals on  Scarlet Macaw and Shoebill. They're heading into a café!" Pidge said through the walkie-talkie.

"I'm on my way Pigeon." Lance said nobly. "And here's the money as promised." He pulled out his wallet.

"No, no. You keep that. It was my pleasure." She assured him.

Lance thanked her one last time before being told to hurry up by an impatient Pidge and taking off. "I see them." He narrowed his eyes looking through the window sneakily.

"Do something!" Hunk whined. "They're laughing!"

The date was tucking the flower behind Keith's ear and a blush crept up on their cheeks. "Hello! Can I take your order?" A woman asked breaking them up for the brief moment.

Lance looked around trying to think of something to help. That's when he saw a department store worker haul a trash bag outside and throw it in a pile. A smile found its way to his lips.

He walked into the shop and grabbed a cheap jacket and hat on clearance. He bought it quickly and slipped it on over his usual one and pulled the hat on pulling the hoodie over top. Keith would recognize him immediately with his usual jacket and the hat could help conceal his face.

When he walked out, only a minute had passed. He glanced at the sidewalk to see a small spider running across the cobblestone. An idea popped into his head.

Keith grabbed his coffee and sat across from Drary. They were in the middle of the dining area which he disliked. He would've personally preferred a spot closer to the window cozy in the corner.

The a ding sounded as someone walked in. Keith didn't really bother looking. He reached up and touched the flower behind his ear touching it lightly. He couldn't help but feel disappointed, disappointed that he was on a date with a nice guy and all he could think about is Lance.

The café was almost deserted, only a couple others actually remained. Someone casually walked by and Keith could've swore he saw him move his hand up to Drary's shirt. He shrugged it off, he didn't see the guys face anyway.

That was until Drary twitched and slapped at his back. A spider crawled up onto his shoulder and he began to squirm and yell slapping at his body and doing funny dances to shake it off.

Keith ignored Drary and looked for the culprit. "Hey you!" He yelled after him. The man seemed to flinch but made a break for the door. Keith snatched up his jacket and went to chase after him.

In a funny way, the guy reminded him of Lance. The body type, the way he walked, the way he ran; a quality. Keith saw him running outside the window but by the time he was outside, the man was gone.

Lance stood with his back against a brick wall breathing heavily. "Situation stable." He said out of breath through the walkie-talkie.

"I think it worked!" Pidge responded.

"What do you mean?" Lance peaked around the corner to see them leaving.

Keith was rubbing the back of his neck anxiously as he talked. His date looked disappointed and annoyed. Keith was trying to apologize but he was too angry and he ditched him.

Keith stood there looking guilty and frustrated. He reached behind his ear and grabbed the flower studying it sadly.

"Lance, go." Pidge said calmly putting all their antics aside.

"We'll meet you back at the castle." Hunk assured.

"Thanks guys." Lance smiled pulling off the jacket and wrapping the hat in it. He walked up to Keith holding the red flower he received earlier. "Hey."

"Lance?! W-wha- Hey." Keith looked up quickly trying to look like he wasn't sad.

"Did it not go well?" Lance asked dying for a yes.

"Yeah, it's my own fault." Keith chuckled. "I'm doomed to be a loner my entire life."

"That's not true." Lance said a little more stern than he meant to.

"He freaked out because a spider was on him. Apparently, you're not allowed to laugh at that stuff. He got really mad and said that I was elsewhere the entire night anyway; so he left." Keith explained.

"That guy wasn't right for you." Lance spoke up. He suddenly felt a surge of guilt for ruining his date and making him feel this way. "I'm sorry Keith."

"Don't apologize, you didn't do anything." Keith leaned against the brick wall of the café.

"That... that's not entirely true." Lance admitted.

"What do you mean?" Keith looked up at him with his eyes narrowed.

"I, look, I got really... jealous," Lance walked over and stood next to him, "I ruined your date."

"Lance, you couldn't ha..." Keith started.

"I was the one who shut down the flower shop. I was also the person who dropped the spider in his shirt." Lance said embarrassedly.

"You did that?" Keith looked at him surprised. "All that stuff that lady said-?"

"No, she did that on her own accord. I just asked her to pretend to be closed. I did pinch his ankle though." Lance rubbed the back of his neck.

"Lance, what were you thinking?" Keith said angrily.

"I was thinking I messed up. I know I just made it worse." Lance ran a hand through his hair. "And before I keep making it even worse, I want to finally come clean and tell you."

"Lance, I need to tell you something..." Keith wanted Lance to stop. He didn't want to hear his next words fearing the worst.

"I love you." They both said simultaneously.

They looked at one another shocked. Neither hesitated to pull each other into a kiss.