Keith woke up with a gasp. He was breathing heavy, it was making his abdomen ache. He touched his cheeks and felt hot tears rolling down them.

Keith pulled his hand away from Lance's, laying it on his chest to calm his heart. He remembered this dream. It was awful.

The movement woke Lance, and he yawned, rubbing his eyes and looking to Keith with furrowed brows and groggy eyes, "Keith, you okay?"

Keith exhaled, "Mhm. Go back to sleep."

Lance tilted his head, "Have you been crying?"

Keith sniffled, wiping his cheeks and trying to get the pictures from his nightmare out of his head, "No, just a bad dream."

Lance took Keith's hand again, keeping it against his chest, "It's all right. Do you want to talk about it?"

Keith pondered, but eventually nodded, "Yes, please.."

Lance tilted his head. Keith was showing a shyer side--or was it an insecure side?

"Well... What was it about?" Lance started.

"My mom," Keith immediately replied, "And Shiro. And... you."

Me? Lance loomed quizzical, but didn't jump on that just yet, "What about us, Keithy?"

Keith glared, "Keithy?"

Lance blushed, "Uh, sorry-"

Keith sighed, then smiled, "It's fine. I like the nickname..~"

Lance smiled, "Keithy~"

Keith rolled his eyes, taking Lance's hand and resting it on his side. "Lance, are you here for me?"

Lance's blush dissipated, "Of course."

"Good. Because I do like you. I'm just..."

"Exhausted," Lance nodded. "Vulnerable. And it's hard for you. I know; it's okay."

Keith nodded, "Thanks for understanding, Lance."

"Always," Lance replied, squeezing Keithy's fingers. "Goodnight?"

Keith nodded, feeling a bit safer, "Goodnight."