"This might be a dumb question," Lance scratched the back of his neck, "but are you okay?"

Keith wiped away a tear, afraid to move. He was laying on his side, giving his wound some air on both sides, lightly covered. If he moved at all, even if his muscles hurt, he'd most likely scream out.

It was both due to soreness, but there was also a small fear that some sort of Galran poison had flushed into Keith's veins, no longer visible to be able to tell upon glancing at the wound. Then again, that was a small fear.

Nevertheless, he nodded, "Yeah."

He mentally pleaded that Lance stayed for more kisses than more fights, thinking about a bit before when they made that deal. Lance brought a chair to Keith's bed.

"Want me to read you a story?" he asked with a genuinely cheeky smile.

Keith groaned in response.

Lance put a hand over Keith's, and Keith let out another tear. But Keith wouldn't cry more than a few single dripping tears, any sobs would rattle his body, undo any healing he's had. Probably bust his stitches. Lance didn't know how to ask, but he wanted to help Keith.

"Lance, it's fine, you don't have to think that hard," Keith exclaimed.

Lance sighed, his eyebrows that he didn't realize were so furrowed relaxed, and he eased his intense stare, "Sorry. I just don't know how to make you feel better."

Keith squeezed Lance's fingers lightly, unnoticeable if Lance hadn't been anxiously waiting for it.

"I just can't wait for this to be over," Keith vulnerably admitted. "I hate when I'm weak."

"You're not weak. You could've died, yet you didn't!" Lance expressed.

Keith sighed, "You wouldn't get it, Lance."

Lance looked down, squeezing Keith's hand back, "I might. You'd be surprised what thoughts are in my head?"

Keith stared at their fingers, but didn't have the words to reply. He's not a vulnerable person. He doesn't know how to outreach, or explain his feelings.

"I should be healed soon. Maybe we should talk then." Keith announced. Though Lance agreed, neither wanted to stop talking. They just wanted to make a home in each other, and they didn't even realize it.

"Thank you," Keith whispered.