Chapter Text
It had been three years since the incident, since the day that made Keith disappear from the streets. There had been inquiries about him as well as concern on the internet, hoping to get his attention somehow, to see if he was alright... or even alive. Since that day, he had vanished. No news of his whereabouts. Just those that saw him being taken away in an ambulance was the last that anyone saw of Keith, the street musician.
=
Three years since that day Keith had been in the hospital for months recovering. His friends, Hunk and Pidge would visit constantly. Even Allura and Lance when they could, trying to have time to visit and see what the progress of his healing was. When they first had seen him, his face and head were in bandages, along with his arms and chest. His neck in a brace to keep still. It was hard to see their friend so wounded, and not even knowing of the internal damage. When Keith did wake for the first time, he was in a panic, not understanding where he was right away. His body hurt, it hurt to breath and he could barely hear anything around him. Everything sounded distant. Muffled.
The first week of Keith waking up was hard on him and his friends. He would have night terrors of that day and any sound loud enough made him go into a panic attack. He didn’t understand what was going on with his hearing yet and was more than upset about it. When the doctor had told him of his loss of hearing, the incident leaving his ears permanently damaged, it left Keith in a state of shock, but it started to make sense. Everything sounded as if were under water, at a distance. The doctors did what they could, but with Keith’s health insurance he was able to at least get a couple cheap hearing aids, but even those were limited.
It was a couple months before Keith could finally go back home, and having a few pamphlets of sign language tutors. It was nice to be back in his apartment, but also felt foreign. He made his way around a little, noticing how everything was clean, a smile creeping up on his lips, soon making his way to the kitchen and opening the fridge to see a new half gallon of milk and home made cooking easy for heating up. He shook his head with a small chuckle.
“Thanks Hunk.” He said softly to the air, but cringed a bit at how his voice sounded loud in his head, sighing as he grabs one of the dishes to cut out a chunk of food and heat up in the toaster oven, putting the rest back as he went to the main living room where his guitar sat on its stand, smiling as he moved to grab it, strumming it to hear the glorious strings hum, but instantly frowned at how muffled they sound. Are the strings out of tune? Did he not strum hard enough? So, he strummed again, and again it didn’t sound right. Another brutal reminder that his hearing would never be the same.
Keith took a few deep breaths to calm himself. He was just going to have to teach his body how to play feeling the vibration of the instrument. He let another breath out as he played a few cords, just feeling the vibration this time. It was going to take a while, but he would get there. He would get there, he had to. He just had to. Before he could dwell more on his situation, he smells his food was done as he put his guitar away and headed back to the kitchen, but glanced at the empty space where his violin used to be, yet another reminder, the main reminder of what happened that day, and the one instrument he loved to play the most, the one that was given to him from his father that was his mother’s before she disappeared. He clenched his jaw, looking away quickly as he focused on stomaching his dinner.
That first week back in his apartment was stressful. Keith could never hear someone at the door, even with the hearing aids in. When his friends would come over to make sure he is okay, they would freak out a little when Keith never answered his door. It was that first week Keith agreed to make copies of his key for his friends to come in, and that same day Hunk and Pidge had made a device to alert Keith on his phone when someone was at his door, weather he is at home or away. Keith was very grateful for that, always thanking his friends for sticking with him and helping him when he didn’t want to admit he needs it.
=
The road to recovery was long, agonizingly long for Keith. He had ended up taking sign language just because he couldn’t stand talking for long, and struggling to hear the other conversations was just as frustrating. So, while he was learning, his friends would also take lessons so they could always in some way, make Keith feel less alone and always include him in conversations. The process was slow and invigorating, but was also rewarding. There were moments of pure frustration on Keith’s part, just chucking his homework and papers all over the place, and sometimes yelling at his friends. They were all frustrated in those moments, but held strong for Keith, knowing he is taking it much harder. What is a musician without his hearing?
Even with some of the modifications Pidge had made to Keith’s hearing aids, he hated them, and could only wear them for so long before they started to hurt, or just couldn’t handle the noise anymore, but he was still grateful for the modifications. It came in handy when he had to go grocery shopping, or had to be out in the public where he had to interact with other people.
=
By this time, it had been a year since he hadn’t had to go to the hospital. Keith having developed a new routine and having to be more aware of his surroundings, recognizing that his other senses had become sharper. He was able to feel more, vibrations in the air, a slight change in the expressions of others, including his friends... He was out with Pidge and Hunk, taking their daily walk around town just to do something, the two talking about computer and geek stuff as Keith easily tuned them out. But they had taken a new route, well, really, an old route, but it had been avoided for a reason. Keith forgot momentarily why as they walk past a music store and Keith stopped dead in his tracks, looking in the huge window that displays the instruments and his eyes quickly land to where the violins were displayed.
God how he missed playing his violin. Sure his guitar was fine, perfect even, but he missed his four stringed instrument, and the melodies he could play. He had so many possibilities with or without his bow, a cheerful tune or a sad one...
He hadn’t realized he was standing there for too long when he felt a gentle hand on his shoulder. Keith jumped, a bit startled as Hunk and Pidge were looking at him with concern, Pidge signing to him,
-are you okay?-
Keith just stared at her when she pointed to his eyes and he wiped them with his hand, feeling the dampness of tears. He had ‘t even realized he was crying.
-yeah, I’m fine-
He signed back, managing a smile as he looked back at the violin wall then looked away, keeping his eyes down as he continued walking, trying to push the thoughts away and the gnawing urge to just go in there and pick up one of the beautifully crafted violins. Hunk and Pidge looked to each other, knowing better but quickly caught up with Keith, keeping quiet as they would glance to him every now and then. They both knew, heck, even Allura and Lance knew music always had been Keith’s life, especially his violin. But with it being destroyed, it left Keith in a way, empty. The duo managed to help distract Keith enough about the violins as they ended up eating at one of their favorite hole in the wall restaurants and talking about space and new planets being found. By the end of the day, Hunk and Pidge thought it a victory when Keith was smiling by the time he headed home, but the two instantly started planning to save up money and get Keith a new violin.
=
The days seemed to blur for Keith since that day outside the music shop. He had been keeping his mind semi busy with working at the convenience store, keeping to himself as he stocked shelves when needed, but mostly stayed in the back out of sight, double checking an order that had come in, making sure everything was there when he heard the bang of the swinging doors open and the small gust of wind with it as Keith could faintly hear Lance’s voice of excitement start babbling on about something.
Keith let out a sigh, about to turn around but Lance spinned him around quickly and grabbed him by the shoulders with a light shake and a big smile on his face. Keith dropped his clipboard as he frowned, shoving Lance off as he took his hearing aids out of his pocket and puts them on. He always carried them with him since most of the customers didn’t know how to communicate in sign-language.
“Okay, what now?” He glared at Lance, but not in a menacing way as he picked up his clipboard again, curious as to what could have possibly made Lance so excited. Lance huffed.
“Zarkon is coming to our town! The famous cellist!”
Keith was silent for a moment, a bit surprised by the news. “Okay... why? Our town doesn’t have a grand theatre or anything like that.”
In all honesty, Keith was totally baffled. Zarkon was one of the world's best cello players who filled stadiums easily, tickets selling out within minutes. He was kind of the rockstar of classical music. What could he possibly see in playing in such a small city?
“Dude! Who cares! He is coming and I got us VIP tickets!”
Keith practically choked on the air he is breathing. “What?! Why on earth would you do that?!? Those tickets are insanely expensive! Get your money back!”
Lance frowned slightly, not exactly how he had imagined Keith’s reaction would be, but smiled quickly.
“Nope! You are going to this thing! You have been moping around long enough. Besides, I thought you liked Zarkon’s playing.”
Keith sighed. “I do, but let's be real, that was when I could ACTUALLY hear. Unless you forgot, again.” He said simply, moving to get back to the order. He heard Lance huff, but knew he wouldn’t give up... yet.
“Fine, I’ll drop them off at your place. But I am still driving you there. I had already given some detail about your hearing impairment and special arrangements have been made.” He said with a final tone to his voice. Keith groaned. Now he really had to go.
“I hate you...”
“You love me. I’ll see you this weekend.” And with that, Lance left.
Keith managed to finish checking the order before finally grinning. He had always wanted to see Zarkon perform, but could never afford the tickets, or they would be sold out. The fact Lance went through all this trouble to get VIP tickets, must mean he had been moping too much and probably looked like shit, and that his friends cared a lot about him and won’t give up on him. By the end of his shift, he headed home with some groceries and smiled at seeing the tickets on the counter, having to actually hold them and make sure they are real. He grinned more, the excitement finally setting in as he set the tickets back down and put his groceries away, the need to play his guitar over taking him as he headed to his living room and started to play his instrument until he was tired. He was so happy that he didn’t mind that the chords sound a little off, the vibration not exactly right. He was in a haze.
=
The weekend arrived pretty quickly as Keith was just humming with excitement, eagerly waiting for his shift to end to rush home and get cleaned up. The time seemed to pass at a deathly rate as he huffed and sighed, having stocked everything as much as he could and cleaned everything at least five times.
“Dude, you alright? I don’t think I’ve seen you this excited before.”
Keith looked up to one of his coworkers, Tim was his name, he thinks. “Yeah… just waiting to get off and ten minutes feels like an eternity.”
Tim chuckled at that. “Want me to talk to the boss to see if you can go early? It’s pretty much dead anyway.”
Keith nodded, grinning widely as Tim shook his head, heading out to find the boss. He is gone for only two minutes before he returned and gestured to Keith.
“Get outta here. See you Monday.”
“Yes! Thanks Tim!” he was so thankful for the small gesture, a grin flashed on his face. Keith quickly ran to punch out, making sure everything was put away before dashing out the door. He got on his bike, slipped on his helmet, quickly having his bike come alive as he revs it a couple times and practically flew out of the parking lot to get home.
Once he got to his apartment, he was already half undressed when he got through the door. Tossing his shirt aside and closing the door with his foot wrestling with his pants while heading to the bathroom to get the shower going. It didn’t take Keith long to wash up and rinse off. Shutting off the water as he headed back to his bedroom while drying himself off.
By the time Lance gets there, Keith had finally picked out a pair of dark blue jeans and his v-neck black t-shirt. He checked his phone to see the text message from Lance.
L: I’m here. Open up.
K: Door is unlocked
With that Lance walked in as Keith is grabbing his red leather jacket and faced his friend.
“Really dude, you’re gonna wear that old thing?”
“Uh, yeah. It’s a good jacket. It’s not like this is going to be a fancy date or anything.”
Keith then slipped on his boots as he grabbed his wallet and keys.
“Okay, let's go.” He said with a smile, finally showing his excitement as Lance didn’t bother badgering him about the jacket- seeing his friend with excitement was enough to drop a stupid issue. Lance held the door open for Keith, locking up behind him as the two walked to Lance’s car and soon were off to the small concert hall.
It took about an hour to get there. The two listening to one of Zarkon’s newest CDs that had come out, Keith air playing the violin to play along as Lance would laugh, shaking his head, but happy his friend was this excited. When they finally arrived at their destination the parking lot is already packed. Lance grumbles as he looks for a parking spot close enough and not ridiculously far away. About the fourth row down, Lance found a spot as he pulled in, grinning as he thought he did good. Once parked Keith is already out of the car and practically bouncing in place as he waited for Lance before the two finally walked up to the concert hall, presented their tickets and are lead backstage. It felt like a dream, Keith couldn’t comprehend that was real, that he was right there. Not only would he hear Zarkon perform, he was also going to see him backstage! They are shown the lounge room where there were a few other people, but Keith walked around backstage, taking it in and hoping to catch Zarkon if he happened to be around back here. He soon spotted the cello, eyes widening with aw and delight as he moved closer, enough to reach out to touch but didn’t out of respect, taking in the black cello with royal purple trim and elegant design where it was noticeable but didn’t take away from the performer.
“Hey you! Get away from Zarkon’s cello!”
Keith barely heard the muffled voice as he quickly turned, seeing what he assumed was security as he held his hands up and took a few steps back.
“Sorry, was just admiring a good instrument.” He said while still backing away and soon turning to head back to the lounge where Lance stayed behind and laughed when Keith told him what happened. He walked to the mini fridge that was supplied with waters and soda, grabbing a water bottle and sat in the only chair open. He watched Lance talk to the ladies like he normally did, but has it toned down a bit as Keith’s eyes drift to the clock. Zarkon should be coming out soon to either mingle with his VIP guests or on stage soon. Keith kept his hearing aids off and in his pockets, wanting to only endure discomfort just so he could hear Zarkon. He smiled at the thought, glancing to the clock again. Five minutes till show time.
The lounge door soon opened as everyone there looked to see who is coming in, expecting Zarkon, but it was another security guy. He started speaking to them, but was talking too fast for Keith to understand anything without his hearing aids. Keith missed it entirely as he looked to Lance and everyone else as there was shock, then disappointment and some anger in there as well. With just those few emotions Keith saw, he knew the performance has been canceled. His excitement instantly snuffed out like a candle as he let out a sigh and moved to get up as the others were walking out of the lounge, staying behind until the others were out. He felt like a balloon without air, every last ounce of energy had been drained from him.
Lance on the other hand was pissed. He didn’t really care about getting the money back, but seeing his friend’s excitement just disappear all because Zarkon didn’t feel well, of all freakin days to not feel well! Lance fumed but mumbled how this was ridiculous, staying close to Keith until the security guy was out of sight. Lance quickly grabbed Keith’s arm and ran the other direction, trying to find Zarkon’s private room, ignoring Keith’s protest to just leave, but he was going to try to have Keith meet Zarkon, one way or another.
Before reaching Zarkon’s room, Lance and Keith got pulled back by strong arms. Lance made a yelp as Keith just jumped, not expecting it, but also he didn’t want to be bothering Zarkon in the first place since he wasn’t feeling well. The whole evening turned around so much, he could feel it in his belly. The two looked up at the man that pulled them back, a stern look on his face, a scar across his nose and a tuft of white bangs while the rest of his hair is black and with a under buzz cut.
“What do you think you two are doing back here? The show is canceled.” the man said sternly, setting both the boys on their feet. Keith straightened his jacket as Lance just started fussing.
“This is SO not cool man! My buddy here has wanted to see Zarkon play for years! And of all shows he gets sick at this one?!”
While Lance was making his argument to the bodyguard of Zarkon, Keith just sighed, watching with his arms crossed. Without his hearing aids he could not make out much of what they were saying, but he knew Lance and how he would argue if he really cared. Lance was always so animated no matter the mood he was in. Keith glanced to the closed door, wanting to go through, but he knew better. When his attention snapped back to Lance, the well built male was about to grab him by the shoulder, but Keith intervened as he patted Lance, getting his attention as he started signing.
“But Keith! You were so excited!” Lance exclaimed. The bodyguard watching with disbelief, but also remembered the one special arrangement for someone who was hearing impaired. He watched with curiosity as the one named Keith moved his hands and arms so fluidly it was almost like a dance.
“But Keith-!”
Keith huffed and gave a stern look of his own. The one with the short brown hair just heaved a sigh in defeat.
“Fine, fine…” he mumbled. Keith then pulling out his hearing aids, putting them on as he looked up at the bodyguard.
“Sorry about my friend. We are heading out now. Hope Zarkon gets better.” he managed a small smile, turning the other way and walking in the direction to the parking lot. Lance glared at the bodyguard again while he reluctantly followed Keith out.
The bodyguard watched the two younger men disappear before he gave a light knock on the door, then opened it.
“Hey, sorry you had to hear that.”
Zarkon just lightly waved his hand. A damp cloth over his face while he was lying on the couch in the room.
“It’s fine, Shiro. The one sounded annoying. But the other I could barely hear.”
“Ah, I do believe his name is Keith. He is the one that had the special arrangement.”
Zarkon let out a sigh, moving his hand up to pull the damp cloth off his face and looked to Shiro.
“And you wanted me to cancel the show when it was his first time coming.” He said with a frown. Shiro let out a sigh.
“I know that is horrible timing, but you are running a fever and you said you have a pounding migraine. Your health comes first, Zarkon. I’m sure he will be able to catch another performance.” Shiro tries giving a reassuring smile, but Zarkon had a feeling he wouldn’t. He sighed as he finally moved to get up.
“Lets head back to the hotel then. I’m sure Haggar has already made arrangements for someplace else.”
Shiro nodded, opening the door and following Zarkon out, his cello and anything else of importance already in the vehicle as Shiro opened the door to the backseat of the vehicle for his boss then got in the driver seat and heads back to the hotel.
=
Lance finally pulled back up to Keith’s apartment, having tried to coax his friend to pick a place to eat, or lighten his mood, but each attempt was a failure. He shuts the engine off to his car as he turned to Keith, seeing him already getting out of the car, but stopped him. Keith looked back with those dark amethyst eyes, slightly glossed over. Lance bit his lower lip as he moved his hands to sign to Keith.
-I’m sorry the show got canceled… I know you were looking forward to it-
Keith just shrugged, managing a weak smile.
-It happens… thanks anyway Lance. Sorry about the money… I owe you. See you later.-
Lance nodded, watching Keith head inside his apartment before starting the engine again and driving home, already sending text messages to Pidge and Hunk in their small group chat of what had happened. The two couldn’t believe it, and were already planning something to help cheer Keith up tomorrow.
Back in his apartment, Keith was leaning against his door, just staying there as he let the tears he had been holding back finally fall. He had been so excited for today, so ready to finally meet the musician that had motivated him to pick up the violin. Keith took a few shaky breaths before finally pushing away from the door, taking his jacket off and putting it over the kitchen chair. He slowly made his way to his bedroom as he undressed and got in his pajamas. Keith looked up at his ceiling, sniffling and wiping away more tears as he lay in bed. He should have known something like this would happen, that was simply his luck. He knew better than to get his hopes and excitement up that high. But he did anyway. He wasn’t going to let that happen again.