Lance froze his chest as he began to announce, "You have to kiss me. I don't care if it's in private or public, but-"

"What?!"

Lance felt his face heat up. Did he... make a wrong move? It was kind of too late to turn back now, so...

"Loverboy Lance has found interest your soft lips!" Lance announced like an old-timey knight announcing the request of a king.

He avoided eye contact with Keith for a silent minute, but finally found the courage to connect. Keith was a blushing mess.

Lance felt his face grow hotter, but didn't let on his anxiety, and cooed instead, "Aw, is deep dark Keithy actually excited for this?" Lance was tempted to continue with a "who isn't" but noticed Keith look down in almost shame.

Lance started feeling guilty. Keith didn't want to kiss him. Keith was embarrassed and maybe Lance made him feel worse with his condition. How was Keith even supposed to sit up?

"Sorry," Lance quickly bit his bottom lip.

"For what?" Keith inquired.

Lance tilted his head in confusion, "You mean you... want to kiss me?"

"Where did your ego go?" Keith commented. "Sure, I'll kiss you. But only because you asked!"

Lance smiled uncontainably, "Punch me if you want me to stop."

"Obviously."

"Wait, I was joking!"

Keith smiled faintly, "Kiss me."

Lance eagerly leaned his head down, and his nerves got the best of his hands as they started to shake. He put one hand on the pillow beside Keith for support, careful not to press down too hard as he leaned over Keith's chest. Their eyes met for a brief moment, and both could agree how alive they felt. Lance pressed his soft, pink lips against Keith's chapped, red lips. Immediately, Keith melted into the kiss, working his mouth more than Lance (surprising the Cuban boy, who enjoyed it fondly).

Keith slid a weak hand into Lance's hair, but didn't tug or grip any strands. Lance smiled weakly, furrowing his eyebrows in hopes this kiss would never end.

"Lance..." Keith shakily muttered. Lance pulled away only centimeters to give the ill boy some breathing room. For an awkward moment, their eyes were locked, and then Lance sat up.

"You should get some more sleep. I'll wake you for breakfast tomorrow," Lance advised.

"Since when are you Shiro?" Keith mocked.

"Hey," Lance retorted, "I just gave you the best kiss of your life!"

"Best?" Keith arched an eyebrow, though he would agree if this was anything but a fun argument.

Lance humphed and folded his arms, "More like only."

Keith was about to reply when there was a knock on the door, and the door slid open to reveal Shiro.

"Lance, we have some training to do. Keith, try and rest," Shiro started. He kept explaining but Keith opted to dozing off instead, and Lance decided to listen in more for Keith's quiet snores than Shiro's authoritive directions.