The sun was absolutely gorgeous, casting its last rays of light over the boardwalk. People laughed and screamed, enjoying the rides and festivities that were not going to last much longer. It seemed almost picture perfect, the sky splashed colors of pink and red, golden highlights glimmering as well, while the people played like children, having the time of their lives.

Lance was extremely excited, as he practically bounced down the beach, eager to join the fun. Tonight, the beachside fair was open till almost midnight, and he simply could not wait. Who couldn't? It was like the cotton candy, popcorn, rides and games were all trying to draw in every person within a 5-mile radius.

"Uh, Lance? Do you think you could slow down a bit? I'm... Tired!" Hunk shouted through his breaths. He paused to rest for a moment, and Lance came jogging back, happiness glimmering in his eyes.

"Aw, c'mon, this might be last time we get to have fun like this for a really, really, really long time! We have to enjoy it while we can!" The blue paladin said excitedly, throwing his hands in the air. The five boys continued on their journey, soon arriving at the entryway, where hundreds of people were all trying to push their way into the park.

Shiro paid for the tickets, then wrangled the other paladins, herding them through the gates. Quickly throwing out a few rules, like watching where you're going, be back here by midnight, and always stay with another paladin, he sent them on their way, then wandered off the find something to spend his time doing.

While Pidge could not get on most of the coasters or other rides due to her shortness, she spent her time on the games, easily beating most of them, with help from Hunk. After a short amount of time, they had won themselves a sizable pile of plushies and other little toys. They joked about how long it would be before Lance and Keith finally started dating, Pidge betting 20 bucks that by the end of the week, they would be dating.

Meanwhile, Lance and Keith had gone off together. The taller boy was gleefully running from ride to ride, while the other was mercilessly dragged along behind. Let's say he wasn't to peachy about that; roller coasters weren't really his thing. And Lance's flirting between rides only fueled those 'happy' thoughts.

"Keith, I'm hungry. Find me some food," Lance demanded, sitting down at a table.

"Why do I have to do it? Go get your own food."

"No."

"No?"

"No."

"Stop acting like you're better. I'm not your servant, either." Keith said, crossing his arms and turning up his nose.

Lance grumbled, "I'm not acting like I'm better. I just am. And you're jealous."

"Am not."

"Are to."

"Am not!"

"You are to, just say it already!"

"Shut up already, Lance!"

Lance froze, his eyes suddenly filled a sorrow Keith could hardly describe. He felt terribly guilty, and found himself trying to comfort the blue-eyed boy. He murmured little apologies and compliments, hoping to bring back the excitable child Lance was at heart. However much they fought, Lance without a smirk was like a day without the sun.

They stood again, and Keith paid for two ice cream cones at the nearest concession stand. He walked alongside Lance, who remained rather quiet, though had cracked a small smile. Keith walked contently, his mind wandering as he watched the people pass.

Small children with large, fluffy pink cotton candy cones, teenagers hanging out with friends, adults enjoying time to let loose and be kids again. They all were smiling, hardly anything could bring down their happy moods. If only-

A sudden warmth penetrated Keith's hand, and he looked down to see a hand looped in his, connected to an arm, which was connected to a certain Lance.

Keith leaped into the air, yanking his hand away and nearly dropping his ice cream, shouting, "What the actual heck, Lance?!"

Lance was blushing a furious red, staring intently at the ground, "I- It was an accident, I didn't mean to.. You know!"

The smaller boy took a deep breath, trying to brush off his jacket nonchalantly. He could see Lance from the corner of his eye, adjusting his hair.

"Act naturally, act naturally," Keith told himself to relax, to calm his racing heart. Butterflies fluttered in his stomach, and he asked himself-

Why did Lance make him feel this way?