Chapter Text
“What do you mean the people across the hall are actually moving out?” Keith brushed his long black bangs away from his face, trying to get a better look at Pidge, who'd completely ignored his outrageous behavior.
She kept to her computer, typing away some sort of code that seemed more like an alien language than anything Keith had ever seen before. He disliked having her not give him the attention he rightfully deserved after she’d causally made an announcement that would change everything about his living arrangements.
“The people across the hall finally decided to move out… even though they never actually moved in,” she picked up another piece of Pocky from a box and placed it to her lips, slowly inhaling it bite by tiny bite.
“But why?!” Keith couldn't stand it. He had loved his neighbors. They were nice, kind, and, most importantly, never there. For college students, they always seeming to be traveling, never staying at their two bedroom apartment for more than a week.
It made Keith happy. He never had to get to know them and they would leave an empty apartment for no one to disrupt him.
Out of the four apartments on his floor, it was nice to have one completely unoccupied, knowing it would never be rented out.
This changed everything.
“What if they are mountain people who come and want to get to know us southerns. I'm not even a southerner… I'm from Orlando! I know Disney world and palm trees! I don't want to explain for the fifth time that not everyone visits the damn mouse every weekend!”
“You're over reacting.” Pidge continued with her coding.
“Am I?! Maybe I should speak with Shiro, see if he’ll convince these people they still need their room for when they return from their trips.”
“Your brother won't do such a thing… plus, they’re moving out because they graduated. You don’t need a college apartment if you’ve already graduated college.”
“Graduate?! How is that possible?! They didn't even attend school.”
Pidge looked away from her screen to Keith. He was being ridiculous, but she had grown accustomed to his outrageousness.
“Let it go… plus, who knows how long it will be until they find someone to take the room.”
Keith blankly stared at Pidge, “You know it won't take long. Garrison is one of the most popular universities within Tampa. There is no telling how long it will take for someone to rent the room.”
Pidge shook her head, “Why does it even bother you that much?”
“Because… I like things to stay the same… change sucks.”
“Change is a part of life, Keith,” Pidge returned her focus to the computer, “face it. Who knows, maybe it will be something positive.”
“Doubt it,” Keith crossed his arms and looked away, “I highly doubt it.”
#
Lance remembered his freshmen year of high school fondly. He had been nervous, not sure of what to think or to say.
“Just do it,” said his best friend Hunk, “you told me. You basically told the whole school…”
“To be fair,” he interrupted, “I never intended for anyone to find me in the locker room with Johnny Olsen.”
“You're lucky no teacher called your parents,” added Hunk.
“Yeah… but how do I tell them I'm bi… I mean, I come from a conservative Cuban household. I'm part of the first generation born in my family outside of the mainland! I doubt they will take it well.”
“I did.”
“You, my dear hombre, are an exception to the rule. Like many other things in this damn small town, you seem to be the only sane person.”
Hunk put his fingers beneath his chin, deep in thought, “Well, maybe you should just do it like removing a band aid, rip it off all at once.” He smacked Lance on the back, causing him to stumble forward a bit. “Plus; your family should take it rather well. Your aunt Martha is a lesbian after all.”
Lance whipped back to face Hunk in astonishment. “No she’s not! Tia Martha is an old, unmarried cat lady, but it's not because she's a lesbian.”
Hunk shook his head on disagreement, “The fact I know more about your family speaks to how much time I waste with you all.”
“Shut up! You love spending time with my family!” Lance chuckled, wrapping his arm around Hunk’s neck and pulling him down for a head nudge.
It still took Lance several days to finally tell his parents the truth, but - in Lance fashion - he did it during what could only be described as el peor día del mondo - the worst day ever.
His family had gathered for dinner, but to Lance’s surprise it was more than just his siblings and parents.
They were all there - the primos y primas, abuelo y abuela, tías y tios . All of the McClain/Rodriguez Cuban family.
“What is everyone doing here?” asked Lance as he dropped his overnight bag from Hunk’s beside the front door.
“It’s abuela’s birthday… don't tell me you forgot?” said Natalie, his older sister by two years.
“I totally did…” Lance hung his head. His master plan - aka The Presentation as to Why Being Bi is Fly (copyrighted Hunk Garrett) - wasn't going to work if he had the whole family sitting in his house.
Especially not such an old fashioned thinking grandmother.
It was hopeless. Soon everyone in the family would know as his final cent of money had already been forwarded to his three years older than him brother, Miguel’s bank account - bribe money ain't cheap.
He had lucked out with Natalie not telling their parents or other siblings, free of charge. He had to make sure his younger brother, by two years, Ricardo, didn't find out. If he did, the news would stay a secret for all but a grand total of two seconds.
At that moment, Lance made his decision: the master plan would go forward once everyone else had made their ways back home.
“ Hola Lance! ” said his Tia Martha. She approached him, large arms targeting is valuable body. She was loving and enduring. The only sibling of his mother who decided that the country life was also the way to live; she seemingly raised Lance and his siblings along with their parents. Out of his various aunts and uncles from both sides, Martha held a special place in Lance’s home.
“ Hola Tia … how many are here?” he wanted to go straight to the point.
“All of my brothers and sister, plus your primos. ”
“All… eight?” Lance swallowed air. Eight siblings gathered in the large backyard patio hand build by Lance’s father when he was five. It was meant to host parties, large traditional Hispanic parties where everyone could get together in comfort.
There sat said eight siblings: his mother, Melly, aunts Martha, Alexia, Sophia, Jessica, and Lucia; plus the uncles, Joseph and Sebastian Jr.
Running around were several of the younger cousins playing with Lance’s youngest sibling, three year old Armando - the not-so-accidental last child. The older cousins, those closer to Lance's age or those already in adulthood, hung around scattered about. Some were playing cards at a table and others played a mean game of domino. The beer flowed freely among those present.
Attempting to pick up a beer, his mother quickly snatched it out of his hand.
“What do you think you are doing?” her radiant, yet stern smile gleamed at her son.
“It's been a rough day.” He attempted to hide what he was thinking. Luckily for him, his mother wasn't completely paying attention.
“Rough day? You were at Hunk’s… how hard of a day could that be? Regardless, you still haven't greeted everyone. Not even a drop of soda until you do so.” His mother placed the beer back in the cooler and waited him to start the greetings.
Lance rolled his eyes and then his shoulders. It always took a bit of prepping. There was no way out of making the rounds .
He skipped Martha, already having been squeezed by her at the entrance to the house. There was a strategy to going about the rounds . If you couldn't get it right, you might get stuck getting asked questions you weren't prepared for or don't want to answer.
His plans: First, he made his way to his uncles. They were easy; asking only for a hug and a general question, “ Sobrino , how’s school? Any girlfriends?”
He replied. “Still trying my hardest,” that was a lie, “and the ladies wish they could have this,” he didn't realize that was also a lie. He gave them his usual obnoxious and egotistical wink and a smile before moving onto phase two of the rounds.
It was always the same; the ladies gathered together in a corner. Only the cousins who had children seemed to blend themselves within the group of aunts and his mother. They sounded like chirping Spanish birds, chipping away at the latest war family gossip. He had to be fast; any miscalculations could lead him into dangerous waters - aka sudden and unavoidable warfare like rapid fire of always too personal questions.
Lance looked to his mother, a partially fake smile across his face, “ Hola tías, I've missed you all so much!” He went in order of youngest to oldest. Starting with Jessica, he gave a tight hug and a quick cheek to cheek kiss. His attempts to keep moving as they each individually screeched in excitement, but not once did he say anything outside of, “ Hola! You look amazing. Have you lost some weight? I know! I am getting so big!”
It worked. Each time he kept schmoozing each of them - Jessica, Alexia, and Sophia. He got to skip Martha and his mother; although this mother gave him a quick squeeze of his arm, proud for always being so social and friendly with his family.
Then, came the head sister; the oldest of the bunch - Lucia. If you could dodge Lucia, you were free.
He went about his way, body language reading that he had to be placed among the crowd, but wanting to greet his aunt. He got through the hug and the cheek to cheek kiss, but then she locked him in place, grabbing both his arms tightly in her hands.
“ Hiya, Lance,” she always had the heaviest Cuban accent of the siblings, “you've grown up so much! Now you are in high school, which means it's time to start finding a wife.”
“A wife?” his mother, Melly, inquired. Lance tried to wiggle out of Lucia’s grip; he failed. Melly continued, “he's barely old enough to date!”
“Doesn't Natalie have a boyfriend?” asked Alexia.
“Yes… and Miguel has a pretty serious girlfriend,” added Jessica.
“He’s been dating her since his freshmen year,” continued Martha, “they are both leaving for university next year after they graduate high school.”
Lance attempted to escape. Failure still a constant.
“Melly, you didn't tell me Miguel got accepted into a university!” shouted Sophia.
“Yes! He got a full scholarship to the military engineering department at Garrison University in Tampa. Him and his girlfriend are attending together under the same department,” answered Melly.
Lance tried to take a step back, but Lucia wouldn't let go.
Jessica clapped her hands together, “If that doesn't signal wedding bells, I don't know what!”
“Yes…” Lance interrupted, still trying to escape, “we are all very proud of Miguel. Now can I please leave to finish greeting everyone?” He gave a smile.
“Oh, perdona me. I didn't mean to hold you so long. Of course, spend time with your cousins… but remember, start looking for your wife. You never know where she might be…”
“Or husband…” a small voice echoed from behind the sisters.
They all jumped, startled by the sudden voice.
To their surprise they found Ricardo, leaning his chin on the railing on the patio.
“What did you say?” asked Melly.
Lance panicked. There was no other way to react. How did Ricardo find out? Why was he telling all of the sisters? Did he not understand the death sentence he was writing of Lance?
Lance could feel himself drowning, not sure what to do. He needed help, fast!
“Nathalie! The tias want to hear about your boyfriend! Didn't he ask you to homecoming recently?”
“ Que? ” They all turned to their focus away from Ricardo.
In a flash, Natalie found herself the center of her sister's attention, forced to gab about the details of how he’d asked and what she was going to wear. Her deep brown eyes felt like bright red laser beams targeting Lance.
He smiled to her, begging for forgiveness as he yanked Ricardo away from the railing and to the opposite side of the patio. Tossing him against a tree, Lance head locked Ricardo.
“Who told you?” he squeezed harder, “spill or I’ll hurt you.”
“Miguel and Trish. I heard them talking about it the other day,” Ricardo laughed, finding the matter humorous, “really, making out in the locker rooms? Couldn't you pick a better place?”
Lance squeezed Ricardo’s neck even harder. “Can you lower your voice? I don't want anyone in the family to know.”
“Why? It's not like they’ll care. You could still end up with a girl. Being bi gives them a fifty/fifty chance of grandchildren,” Ricardo laughed again. He was returned with a head punch.
“Will you just shut up!” Lance’s patience was officially gone. He shoved Ricardo away from him, but quickly returned to point a finger at his nose, “look, I’m planning on telling Mamí y Papí soon… originally today, but I don't want to tell the whole family. Not until I tell our parents first. Can you please just keep it a secret for right now?”
Ricardo didn't hesitate, “Yeah. I promise.”
Lance sighed in relief, “Thanks.”
Ricardo started to leave back to hang with his cousins, “Next time, keep your man to man make out session in a more private and not school location. I doubt our parents would be able to handle that phone call from the principal.”
Lance grabbed a toy ball from the floor and threw it at Ricardo’s head - target achieved.
Lance kept to himself for the most part. He spoke with a few of his cousins, reminiscing about the last family trip from the previous summer. He tried several times to sneak a beer, but his mother’s reflexes and ninja-like qualities always seemed to locate his whereabouts at all times.
It was admirably annoying.
Finally, after another hour, Lance’s father, Henry, appeared with Lance’s grandparents, Marie Luz and Guillermo Rodriguez.
They all went wild, shouting sorpresa to Marie Luz. Lance beamed. He loved his grandparents, enjoying their stories of growing up in Cuban and how it used to be before Castro. He would fondly listen when Guillermo would go on his rants about Castro and the Cuban government while playing dominos and drinking beers. He would express how he could have governed the country and how he refuses to step foot on the island until it was free. Then, Lance would ask if he would move back and the topic would change to how amazing and great America has treated his family over the years.
The conversation had almost become scripted.
Marie Luz was different. The kindness of all the siblings were inherited from her, although none could seem to match her commanding and demanding demeanor. She may have been tiny and seemingly fragile, but she could easily lift Miguel over her shoulder (whom really is the only person in town larger than Hunk) and throw him over the ten acre McClain family farm.
The grandparents were a true testimony of their families struggles, coming to America from a grief stricken Cuban to give their children and their grandchildren a chance to live free.
Once everyone got a big kiss from abuela y abuelo , Henry invited everyone to sit at the tables set up at the end of the patio for all of them to enjoy the meal Melly had been cooking for hours.
It was a traditional Cuban affair: freshly cooked arroz con pollo with baked Cuban bread, fried plantains, and freshly sliced tomatoes with light salt, vinegar, and olive oil. The aroma filled the night sky as they joined hands in prayer before digging into the amazing meal.
The meal went as normal - Lance joked around with the two cousins closest to his age, Franky and Julia. Natalie would lean in and kick Lance from time to time, warning him to keep his mouth shut about the details between her relationship with Markus, her new boyfriend.
No matter what, Lance knew she was never going to use the information she knew about him as collateral for keeping silent. Her news was simply annoying to discuss, too new for her to feel comfortable about disclosing information to the whole family.
His news could change everything about how they see him.
Lance kept eating, fooling around with the younger kids who sat in front of him and, every so often dodging the questions about the young women in his grade. He did find plenty of women in his grade attractive and he had plans to ask Cindy Madison out to homecoming, but that didn't mean he didn't find the men attractive either - as noted by Johnny Olsen’s make out session in the locker room.
Still, in a small town such as Arcadia - or more like the outskirts of Arcadia - there weren't a lot of options for whom to date.
Then, it happened. The moment of death.
It happened slowly, but it was still unstoppable. Jessica’s lips seemed to move in slow motion as she asked the question that would led to Lance’s doom.
“So, Lance, who are you taking to homecoming?”
It couldn't be dodge. No amount of sarcasm and quick wit 101 training could help him. No amount of fast pace talking or rapid answering skills could stop the chaos that was coming his way.
Lance had one weakness; one point in which he could never defeat.
Armando’s quick tongue.
“He’s gonna take his boyfriend,” the small child took a large bit of his bread before finishing, “there were kissing at school!”
Lance spit out his soda, covering the table cloth and the tomatoes served in front of him. The laughter of Miguel echoed behind as Natalie kicked Lance again, this time by accident from shock.
“What… What did you say, Armando?” asked abuela.
Lance prayed he’d correct himself, say anything but the same sentence or anything remotely close to that sentence. He tried again to speak, but the next phase of his weakness kicked in.
Panic.
He lost his ability to speak. The words, for once, not entering his brain. His body started to move without thought. First, he chugged water. Next, he grabbed Natalie’s arm and yanked her down to help him remember what breathing was like. Finally, without reason, he tried looking for the flash drive with the PowerPoint presentation in all of his pockets (it was located in his laptop bag, back at the entrance).
Then, another breaking point happened, which felt like a stab through his heart. “Lance is going with his boyfriend,” repeated Armando.
Lance lost control of his flailing arms. Miguel laughed even louder.
“Lance,” said Melly, “ hijo , is this true? You have a boyfriend?”
Lance imagined for a moment what he would do if he could, in fact, Stop or control time. He’d reverse it, but not to the moment Armando spoke. No - back to the locker room, where he found himself alone with Johnny after a friendly game of basketball during PE. He wouldn't have said yes to Johnny’s inquiry over the small glances Lance kept sending him.
They were curious, wanting to know if what both of them felt was legitimate. He never found out if Johnny figured it out, but it solidified what Lance had been feeling.
He is Bi - no doubt about it.
Now, he was staring directly into his mother’s deep brown eyes, trying to figure out the words to say. A way to beg for forgiveness and to not be disowned by the family.
He loved them. Even though he found them annoying from time to time and could go a few more days alone than he already had, there was no denying that he loved them and always wanted to be a part of their family.
“I… I…” his voice cracked, stuttering and shuffling through every word he possibly knew.
“Son… just say it,” said Henry, “tell us the truth.” His father leaned forward on the table, tilting towards him.
Lance didn't know how to perceive it - either it was a threat or a sign of comfort.
Regardless, Lance kept panicking.
“I don't have a boyfriend!” The words blurred out of his mouth, spilling out like a waterfall. He couldn't control himself. They just kept spilling, “I was caught making out with Johnny Olsen, however… but it's not what you think! We were curious. We were just trying to figure this whole thing out! He’s not my boyfriend, but I liked kissing him… I really liked it… but I want to ask Cindy Madison to homecoming because I still like girls! I like girls and boys! I like them both!” Lance hadn't realized that he bolted to his feet, slamming his palms in the table, “I'm Bi!”
There was a hush Lance couldn't comprehend. He felt all their eyes on him, analyzing him like a metal detector at the airport - the newer ones that gave a naked image of the person being scanned.
His mind forgot, once again, what words were.
“So…” started Jessica, “no boyfriend?”
“I think he clearly established that,” added Alexia.
“And no girlfriend either,” continued Jessica.
“No… are you not listening?!” complained Alexia.
“Then, which one are you asking, Johnny or Cindy?” asked Melly.
Lance stared blankly at his mother, “That’s it? That’s all you're going to ask me?”
His panic easily turned into frustration.
“I'm curious as to which two you will take. It's nice to know you have options,” replied his mother.
“Options… options?! I just came out as Bi and all you're going to ask is which of the two I'm going to take?!”
“Were you expecting me to be shocked?” Melly laughed lightly, “Lance, you're my son… I had a feeling you were gay, well at least that you had some attraction to men since you were young. I mean, you used to make your GI Joe’s kiss in the bathtube.”
“ Si! Yo recuerdo eso! He would do it all the time,” added his abuela.
“So I… I had nothing to worry about? I panicked for nothing?” He slowly sat back down.
“Why would you worry?” asked Henry, “you don't think we would disown you for being you… do you?”
“Your lack of faith in your family is so painful,” said Sebastian, pretending as if he was hit in the heart with a bullet, including hand gestures to signify blood splattering.
“We love you, Lance,” comforted Melly. She reached for Henry’s hand as they both lovingly looked at their son, “Nothing can change that.”
“Unless whomever you pick to be with is completely wrong for you… then, we will have words,” added Henry.
Miguel’s laughter kept echoing behind them.
“Can you stop now?!” asked Lance.
“No way! I knew this is how they would react, I mean Tia Martha is gay! Why wouldn't they accept you?” replied Miguel.
“No she’s not… right?!”
They all looked at Lance as if he had gone mad. His mind clouded by the eyes staring at him like a pride of lions ready to eat the antelope.
“Lance… did you seriously not know that I'm a lesbian?” asked Martha.
“No! I thought you were some cat lady!”
“I don't even own any cats…” Martha shrugged.
“But… but…”
The siblings laughed, a louder chuckle coming from his grandparents.
“ Nieto , can we go back to what is important,” said Guillermo, “this meal and maybe some cake for dessert?” He looked to Melly with begging eyes.
Melly rolled her eyes, “Of course there is cake. We aren't savages!”
That was it. The topic was squashed as soon as it was brought up. Miguel eventually stopped laughing, after a few hits of encouragement from pieces of Cuban bread hitting him in the face, and the line of questions turned on him about asking Trish to marrying him.
Lance couldn't remove the wicked smile off his face.
There is was - el peor día del mundo - and he survived it without a scratch. He didn't know how, even now, six years later, it all seemed to easy.
He graduated from high school; a history of mixed girlfriends and one final chance with Johnny (it ended after a week when Johnny realized Lance was too much for him to handle).
He always wanted to explore more; the side of him that was attracted to men, but his small town offered no options. Nothing and no one to explore his born sexuality with to its fullest potential.
He promised himself, college would be different. After two years in the local community college, he finally got accepted to Garrison University with his best friend Hunk.
They were to follow in his brother’s footsteps and graduated with honors - or at least simply graduate.
This was his time - his time to become Lance, the Lance he knew he was inside and felt proud to be. This was his chance at something new and he wasn't going to waste it.
“Hey Lance,” said Hunk clicking away at the computer, “these apartments look affordable and within our price range. It's even within walking distance of the university…”
Lance leaped behind him and grinned, “And the local on campus shops and bars!”
“You're not even twenty-one yet…”
“Um, there is a benefit to having an older brother who looks just like me.”
“Other than your hair, eye, and skin color, you look nothing alike.” Hunk shook his head and returned to reading the application details.
“Yes we do! I just have to convince them that I lost a few pounds.”
“You lost the weight of a whole person, is more like it.”
“Just shut up and fill out the application.”
Within minutes they submitted their application for The V at Garrison.
Lance knew right then and there - this was his chance.
#
“No!” cried Keith from the opposite side of his apartment door.
“I could easily open this door,” replied Shiro, “I have the spare key.” He turned back to his girlfriend, still holding Allura’s hand as she sighed in disbelief.
“I know you said that Keith could be a bit shy, but this isn't what I imagined,” she replied, her elegant and sophisticated English accent always seeming to contrast the appeal of the American city.
“He wasn't this bad when you moved in,” added Shiro. He raised his voice slightly, “which makes me wonder why this is even a problem to begin with!”
“It's a problem because I don't want to meet new people. I finally got used to the quiet! What if they are loud and obnoxious and don't know how to mind their business.”
“Keith… they are only going to be your neighbors. If you don't want to get to know them, you don't have to, but you should at least say hello once they arrive.”
Keith swung the door open, “You promise you won't make me befriend them?”
“Nope. I just want you to be courteous. Come on, even Pidge is leaving her black hole to be nice.”
“But Pidge IS nice… nicer than me at least.”
“Yet, years of friendship with the young prodigy has taught you nothing.”
Keith groaned, but he knew he had lost the battle. He had known since his first discussion with Pidge weeks before. There was no point in arguing. He added it to his list of topics and things he had no control over.
He disliked how long the list had gotten.
Before he moved forward, his cellphone’s text alarm rang.
<//>
Pidge: Are you done acting like a baby?! Matt said we’re all grabbing some lunch. Hopefully before the new neighbors move in.
Keith: I'm out of my apartment… I'm following his lead.
Pidge: FINALLY! Tacos?
Keith: Sure… am I really that much of a baby?
Pidge: …
Pidge: …
Pidge: We’ll discuss this over lunch.
<//>
Keith rolled his eyes and put the phone back in his pocket, “Pidge says tacos.”
“Alright. Let's all head to campus and meet up,” replied Shiro, placing his arm around Allura. They both smiled at each other before sneaking a kiss as they led Keith away.
Keith, though harboring a great deal of pride for his brother, could instead only showcase a look of disgust for the couple.
They reached the elevator door. As it swung open, there were two passengers already inside. Their faces were not familiar to Keith, but it didn't bother him. He made it a custom to not to learn the faces of those who live at The V .
Leaning against the elevator wall, Keith crossed his arms and couldn't help but take a small notice of the tall olive-skinned drink of water standing across from him. He glanced a little too long at the crooked smile brought about from a joke his larger friend had made.
It wasn't like Keith to stare, but it had been a while since he found someone legitimately attractive by first glance.
Then it vanished, just as quickly as it appeared.
“Hunk! Why are you teasing me? What floor are we supposed to be on? I'm tired to riding up and down in this thing!”
The loud, cringing voice made Keith shiver, quaking his every bone.
“Loud…” he thought.
Hunk laughed, “Fine… floor number five. Room five-zero-four.”
Shiro and Allura looked to each other, another smile creeping up their face. Then, it disappeared the moment they notice Keith’s hand curling against his red jacket’s sleeve.
They silently spoke to each other as the door opened on the first floor - tacos first. Introductions laters.
Shiro and Allura slipped out of the elevator, keeping a few steps ahead of Keith to give him some space to think. Instead, Keith grumbled out before the door closed.
He was not going to like his new neighbors.
