Entry tags:
(no subject)
[for ![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
the_tailor]
[It's... it's been a while. That's really the only thought Keith can safely consider as the mission begins. The Blade and Voltron collaborate, of course, but they've been running in different parts of the galaxy, trying to maximize what resources they have. So it's been quite a while since he's seen the others, since he's been back to the Castle or even closer than a brief video call across the lightyears.
He's had a lot of time to think, really, a lot of time to himself to ruminate on thoughts that he tries his very best to bat away. Thoughts that are wrapped up in emotions and feelings that Keith doesn't really know how to untangle at all. Not surprising. It's never really been his strong suit. As intense as his emotions can be, as volatile, they tend to get the better of him rather than he of them. It's the same old story.
And maybe that's why, he realizes, he always reacted so strongly to Lance. It was too much, too complicated, to try to unravel the varying feelings the other boy drew out in him -- exasperation and confusion, sure, but something warmer and softer, in those rare and precious moments when they were drowning in their own manufactured tension. After some time apart he's finally realized where that tension comes from, on his side.
Which makes things way too complicated. Because how the hell is he supposed to deal with having feelings for Lance, falling for Lance, when Lance... well. When he's watched Lance literally flirt his way through the universe girl by girl. But here's Keith and his stupid traitor heart feeling this way anyway.
He's torn, therefore, when it's him and Lance sent off in the Red Lion on this particular joint mission. Part of him has missed the other so much it's a relief to see him again. Part of him is so twisted up that he doesn't know which way to go. So he focuses on the mission. He's quieter than usual, even. Focus. Keep to their orders, keep to what needs to be done. It's fine.
Until the whole thing goes south. They spring an old and unexpected trap -- a mine that emitted some sort of pulse that knocked most of Red's systems straight out. The landing hadn't been pretty, but Lance had managed to set it down in a way that didn't kill them at least. The planet, the outpost, is supposed to be abandoned, at least. Less good is how chilly is it, and with Red disabled, well, it's getting chillier and chillier. At least they've got the beacon working. Eventually help will come, but it could be a while. And in the meantime... they're alone.
Together.
Keith has gone for silence, because he doesn't know where to begin.]
the_tailor][It's... it's been a while. That's really the only thought Keith can safely consider as the mission begins. The Blade and Voltron collaborate, of course, but they've been running in different parts of the galaxy, trying to maximize what resources they have. So it's been quite a while since he's seen the others, since he's been back to the Castle or even closer than a brief video call across the lightyears.
He's had a lot of time to think, really, a lot of time to himself to ruminate on thoughts that he tries his very best to bat away. Thoughts that are wrapped up in emotions and feelings that Keith doesn't really know how to untangle at all. Not surprising. It's never really been his strong suit. As intense as his emotions can be, as volatile, they tend to get the better of him rather than he of them. It's the same old story.
And maybe that's why, he realizes, he always reacted so strongly to Lance. It was too much, too complicated, to try to unravel the varying feelings the other boy drew out in him -- exasperation and confusion, sure, but something warmer and softer, in those rare and precious moments when they were drowning in their own manufactured tension. After some time apart he's finally realized where that tension comes from, on his side.
Which makes things way too complicated. Because how the hell is he supposed to deal with having feelings for Lance, falling for Lance, when Lance... well. When he's watched Lance literally flirt his way through the universe girl by girl. But here's Keith and his stupid traitor heart feeling this way anyway.
He's torn, therefore, when it's him and Lance sent off in the Red Lion on this particular joint mission. Part of him has missed the other so much it's a relief to see him again. Part of him is so twisted up that he doesn't know which way to go. So he focuses on the mission. He's quieter than usual, even. Focus. Keep to their orders, keep to what needs to be done. It's fine.
Until the whole thing goes south. They spring an old and unexpected trap -- a mine that emitted some sort of pulse that knocked most of Red's systems straight out. The landing hadn't been pretty, but Lance had managed to set it down in a way that didn't kill them at least. The planet, the outpost, is supposed to be abandoned, at least. Less good is how chilly is it, and with Red disabled, well, it's getting chillier and chillier. At least they've got the beacon working. Eventually help will come, but it could be a while. And in the meantime... they're alone.
Together.
Keith has gone for silence, because he doesn't know where to begin.]
no subject
[Keith glances back at him. Come on, little prince, stay with the program here. But there's an excited light flaring in bright violet eyes. This... is so much better than wandering around with a stuffy boring royal nodding as facts about architecture or gardening.
He slows as they approach, voice low.]
Most of my... er... escorts are probably getting settled in. There'll be a sentry by the ship, so we'll just have to slip by it. We can just say I want to show you a star chart or something.
no subject
[He tries to keep his voice low as well, though he definitely is excited.]
no subject
[Keith's grin widens into an expression he wears when there's about to be trouble... that he's making. So really, anyone who knows him would probably be feeling nervous right now.
Just a little stealing a ship and flying around with his betrothed without permission. Should be fine, right?]
Big words, little prince. Don't screw up.
[He stops just beyond his ship, ducking back behind the edge of the corridor and pointing.] There's the sentry.
no subject
[Hurumph. Oh yes, he's definitely intent on proving to him otherwise. How dare.
Lance takes a look at where the sentry is stationed before glancing at the surrounding area. This close to the hangars, there are plenty of exposed pipes, the architecture shifting away from traditional Altean ornateness and instead to pure functionality. One such pipe leads along the hallway, close to the ceiling but with enough space to still move along if one so desired. Narrow, but big enough surface-wise.]
How light on your feet are you?
no subject
That's a little exciting is what that is.
His eyebrows shoot up at the question.]
As light as I need to be. Why.
no subject
[He points to the one in question.]
The way it attaches to the wall, you can climb up using the bracket thingies. Then we just have to make our way across the pipe, and hop down on the other side when the guard has his back turned.
no subject
[He doesn't mean to sound surprised. Or anything. But well, he's on board with this plan anyway, so that's good at least, right.
Keith nods to himself and glances from the pipe to Lance.]
After you.
[Lead the way, Lance.]
no subject
[Lance gives him a wink before walking to the pipe in question. He waits until the guard is far enough away before swiftly climbing it with the ease of someone who's totally used routes like this before. Once he's up on top of the pipe, he goes a little forward to give Keith room to climb up, and gives him a thumbs up.]
no subject
Is that who I'm following?
[...whoops that just slipped out. But Keith finds himself with his eyebrows lifting in surprise at that wink, even as he finds himself falling into step behind Lance, following along, nodding at the thumbs up.
He's making quick work of the climb, just behind Lance, far enough that he can maneuver, up onto the pipe. A quick nod at him.]
I'm good. Keep going.
no subject
no subject
It's not just the ears.
But yeah, this is going well. He's excited. Much more fun than he expected as they make their way around the corner and towards the ship. Nearly there.]
no subject
The rest of that particular hangar is empty for now, there being no reason for anyone to actually be in there. He grins, spinning around in a sort of little victory dance.]
Tah dah! Good job. I would give you a gold star if I had one.
no subject
[Keith informs him, but there's a hint of a smile on his face, like he can't quite get rid of it. Anyone who knows him would likely be shocked to see it. But, he's actually having fun. And this Lance, this pretty Altean Prince, is a great deal more interesting than he expected.]
Come on. The more time we waste the more likely we are to get caught.
[Which would end their fun. Keith heads for the Galra fighter he plans on borrowing.]
no subject
[He follows Keith, unable to keep a smile off of his face. It's not like he's fallen in love at first sight, far from it, but this Galran? He's nothing like Lance was expecting. And that's the best thing that could have happened. If Lance is stuck being trapped in a political marriage, he'd rather it at least be with someone he could be friends with.
And Keith? Yeah. So far, they at least have this one thing in common, so that's far from bad.]
no subject
[Noble, elegant, proper, cultured. The usual Altean litany of adjectives that all boiled down to Keith needed to behave and up his game, which Keith... had a lot of doubt about his being able to do.
But well. This Altean prince remains a surprise. A good surprise. Even KEith can admit that.
Once they're both on the fighter, Keith glances back at him, smirking.] I'll take us out. So hold on.
[Lance doesn't get much more warning than that before the fighter is suddenly humming to life and zipping straight out of the hangar, into the air, heading straight for the atmosphere and then off planet. Space is calling.]
no subject
[He hasn't been told much about Keith, in return. Just that he's a Galra lord, that he's strong and intelligent, that he'd be a good match for Lance. And Lance had expected something of an overeager to prove, controlling man, smirking at having a prince on his arm, but this is anything but.
Keith is anything but. And he loves it.
When they take off, Lance gives a loud cheer. It's been a while since he's been able to manage getting off surface, after all.]
no subject
[Keith admits, glancing back at Lance with a shrug.] Glad they were wrong.
[And with that, once they break atmosphere, he puts on some speed, unable to hold back a pleased, relieved laugh. Okay. This is so much better than how he expected the day to go.]
Hang on, your highness.
[He teases before well. Showing off. He's showing off. Keith is a good pilot, after all, and he has never shied away from using his skill.]
no subject
[Another happy yell as they really get going. Keith really is putting his money where his mouth is--there's no doubt at all now that he's an incredibly skilled pilot. Lance lets himself laugh, enjoying every moment of it.]
You... You know! We're going to have to race sometime!
no subject
[This is way more appealing than it should be. He'll get in trouble for certain. But hey, they're likely not going to get off without a reprimand for borrowing this fighter either.
That said, he eventually pulls to a stop and glances back at Lance.]
So. Want to give it a try?
[He slips out of the pilot's seat to make way for the Altean prince. Go ahead, your highness. Show him what you've got.]
no subject
[He quickly takes the pilot's seat and rests his hands on the controls. Lance has always been good at showing off his piloting skills, and show them off he does. It's near theatrical, and all he can do is hope that it looks as good from within the craft as it does to the people on the ground.]
no subject
He looks comfortable, natural in the chair. It's... a good look on him.
Not that Keith is thinking that. Or anything. Right now.]
Not bad, your highness.
no subject
Is "not bad" the best I'm going to get from you now? I'll have to work harder next time, then.
no subject
[Keith informs him with a shrug, almost self-consciously. He's not good at this, Lance. People. Any of this. Except flying. He's good at flying.
But there's something of a smile threatening anyway.]
Next time, huh?
no subject
[Lance gives the other boy a wink.]
Right... We should probably head back and get the scolding over with.
no subject
[Keith agrees, but he's clearly not thrilled at the idea. But they don't have much of a choice.] We can tell them it was my fault. You tried to stop me, but instead I dragged you along. They'll buy that.
[He's no stranger to trouble.]
I return from vacation!