Quincy Archer Hates You

Lunch the next day was strangely quiet.

Well, between Keith and Shiro, anyway. Pidge and Hunk were alternating between talking, poking at Rover 2.1, and eating.

Shiro watched them with a look that to others would look like fascination, but Keith recognized as him zoning out, deep in thought. Occasionally he took a bite from his lunch, but for the most part, he was obviously distracted.

They had a lot to think about from last night. When they got home after night patrol and that surprise encounter with Lance, they tried to talk about it. But both of them were tired, and sitting on a comfortable bed and… Well, Keith wasn’t sure who fell asleep first, but he woke up to his uncle knocking on his door because apparently Keith had missed his alarm, and found himself draped over a sleeping Shiro. Thankfully, Shiro woke up when Keith practically shoved him off the bed and into his closet just in time before Thace opened the bedroom door.

So now they were at the school rooftop, sitting in contemplative silence while pretending to be interested with their friends’ robot project.

Keith couldn’t possibly know what exactly Shiro was thinking about, but he could take a guess.

Firstly, Lance had called himself a Quincy.

(“Quincy?”  Keith asked in a mix of irritation and confusion, because he was tired, goddammit, and Lance wasn’t making sense. “Isn’t that when girls turn fifteen?”)

(It was worth it just to see the look of exasperation on Lance’s face. “NOOOOOO.”)

Keith knew that his weird kinda-mentorship thing with Shiro was selective at best – they mostly discussed things about how to swing his sword so he doesn’t accidentally behead himself and how to do soul burials… Y’know, the practical stuff. Now he realized that they’ve been really distracted with hunting Hollows, school, Shiro’s recovery, and Sailor Moon. He should have asked more questions. The fine print. The… other details.

(“We’re special humans who don’t need shinigami boyfriends to get powers.” Lance said.)

(Keith stared blankly.)

(Shiro seemed to consider his words carefully before he spoke up. “Technically, my people classify you as a different species.”)

(Lance looked offended. “You’re saying we’re aliens?”)

(Keith also looked offended. “Yeah, no, Shiro. Lance can’t be an alien. Aliens are cool.”)

(Lance scowled. “Hey!”)

Keith had known Lance since, what, middle school? They weren’t exactly buddies, but Keith knew Lance was… well… normal. He was loud and silly, and condescending a lot of times maybe, but a different species? Definitely not.

(Shiro sighed before explaining. “Not alien. Just… humans who were born with high spiritual pressure so they can see spirits. They also have the ability to manipulate spirit particles around them and weaponize those, so they can fight against Hollows.”)

(Keith looked at Shiro with narrowed eyes. “And you didn’t tell me about these guys earlier because…?”)

(Shiro avoided his gaze then, but before he could answer, Lance spoke. “Because we’re not supposed to exist. His people made sure of that.”)

So… what? Were Shiro’s people fighting creatures other than Hollows all this time? Other people? Actual humans?

And then, to add another surprise on top of the other surprises, Lance had actually known what exactly Keith’s part-time job was and had legitimate concerns about the whole thing.

(Shiro met Lance’s bitter frown with a despairing one. “We didn’t want to- It’s not that. You’re not supposed to be hunting Hollows the way you do. Shinigami exist to maintain the balance, and I know you just want to help, but you are doing more harm than good and should leave the job to us-”)

(“Well, that Hollow on top of my best friend’s house earlier was about to do more harm than good, too. If you guys ran late, I wasn’t going to stand by and watch when I can do the job myself.” Lance cut him off sharply. “Look, I really don’t care about shinigami business, and why Mullet here is suddenly working on-call for you guys. Whatever. But these past few days there have been tons of Hollows popping up everywhere, much more than usual, harder to ignore, and you guys don’t even move until- what- you get the order or something-”)

(“There’s an app.” Keith provided dully.)

(“There isawhatnow- No! You shouldn’t need that!” Lance shook his head disbelievingly. “You’re supposed to feel them coming and go get rid of them! You’re slow, and I have to do your job for you-”)

(Shiro frowned. “We’re trying to respond as quickly as-”)

(“Not fast enough, and you’re leaking spiritual pressure and that got the Hollows to attack Hunk. I bet Holt’s your fault too.”)

And there it was – Lance had claimed that the attacks on both Pidge and Hunk were not by mere coincidence.

That was what nagged at Keith the most. That he started this in the first place, made an agreement with Shiro all to protect his house and his family and everyone else, but it turned out that he was endangering his friends anyway.

(“What do you mean? It’s not my fault-”)

(“Yes it is. Ask your local shinigami.” Lance said, then titled his head to address Shiro again. “If you want me to stop taking out those Hollows my way? Get your shit together. Now I’m gonna go. I was supposed to wash my face like five minutes ago.”)

They barely got another word out before Lance had turned around and stalked back to his house.

Also, Keith had to explain face creams to Shiro, who was relieved to know that Lance had a normal face underneath the bright goo.

(“I’ve never met a quincy before. I was thinking if maybe they all looked like that.”)

(“No, Shiro. That’s just Lance.”)

And that was that.

The day had been relatively peaceful so far. Keith and Shiro hadn’t needed to sneak out to go take care of a Hollow yet. There was still time before the next class. Maybe they could leave Pidge and Hunk for a while so they can talk properly-

Then Pidge groaned very loudly, snapping both Keith and Shiro out of their own thoughts. “Okay, this is too much. I can’t do it!”

Hunk looked disappointed. “Pidge…”

Pidge ignored him, and instead raised an imploring eyebrow at her other two companions. “Are you two fighting?”

“What?” Keith asked, this time almost resigned. There had to be a record for how many times he just felt plain confused over the last 24 hours alone. “Fighting? Who-… me? And Shiro?”

“Why would you think we’re fighting?” Shiro asked as well. Good , Keith thought, at least they were confused together. “We’re… fine.”

Keith nodded. “Yeah, we’re fine.”

“We’re good. We’re not fighting.”

“It’s cool.”

“Yes. Cool.”

Pidge had never looked so unimpressed. Even Hunk was looking at them in pity.

Keith sighed. They were both bad liars. Still. He and Shiro weren’t fighting, not really. There was no reason to. They were just… distant, that’s all. Preoccupied with their own thoughts. Thinking hard on what to say or what to ask the other first.

“You’re not talking.” Pidge pointed out.

“Yeah, ‘cause we’re eating. It’s lunch.” Keith reasoned.

Pidge shook her head. “Keith, you gave him apple juice without putting the straw in.”

Keith paused. He did? But he always made sure to put the straw in- Wait, why is that such a big deal? “So?” he asked, trying his best to look like he didn’t care (but he did, he really did).  “Why do I need to do it? He can do it himself, look-”

“Yes, I managed.” Shiro said as he lifted his juice box and the properly-inserted straw for proof. Though, he would be lying if he said he didn’t worry just a tiny bit when Keith handed it to him earlier without the straw. He almost asked outright if Keith hated him now.

“See?” Keith said, but had to cough to cover up for his voice breaking midway a single-syllable word because holy shit, Shiro put the straw in the juice box all on his own, he is so damn proud .

Okay, yeah, he should raise the bar a bit, maybe.

“Sure, sure.” Hunk said, hands up to appease. “But you’ve also had something on your face for like ten minutes now and Shiro hasn’t done anything about it.”

Keith quickly raised his hand to rub at his cheek, and frowned when Pidge simply snorted at his efforts. He kept frowning at her even as Shiro took a tissue from the packet their group always kept ready between them during lunchbreak and proceeded to wipe at a spot beside Keith’s lips.

“Why didn’t you just tell me?” he asked Hunk through gritted teeth.

“Well, Shiro usually takes care of it-” Hunk began, but when Keith narrowed his eyes, he continued in a hurried squeak. “What? He does! ‘Cause, yknow- he’s always the one who sees it first, ‘cause, uhhhhhhhh… he’salwayskindasortalookingatyou?”

“No?” Shiro protested weakly. “I’m… not? I just- I’m- It just happens, I notice things.”

He couldn’t help but mentally backtrack, though. How often did he do that, exactly? Keith was not so much a messy eater but rather a careless one, and he never complained when Shiro pointed out the stray rice grain on his face and cleaned it up himself. Keith was pretty quiet and amazingly comfortable with him, really. He even let Shiro play with his hair when he was tired, and allowed Shiro calm him down with a hand on his shoulder or back, and laughed whenever Shiro attempts to use ridiculous human world jokes to cheer him up when he was more somber than usual and – oh, okay. Maybe he had been acting too familiar?

No, wait, he was just looking out for Keith! It just meant paying attention to Keith so Shiro could take care of him. Which meant looking at Keith, so that he would know what Keith needs.

Yes, exactly, that was what he’s been doing. Because, you know, he cared about Keith, his substitute and friend. And Keith never look bothered by it, anyway.

“Uh-huh, you two are not okay at all.” Pidge continued, pointing her chopsticks back and forth between them. “And I texted Matt that there has been no shoulder touching for the past thirty minutes and he said ‘Aw, baby’s first lover’s quarrel!’ which, to be fair, is an accurate assessment.”

“No, it isn’t.” Keith pouted. “Matt’s an ass.”

“Hey, that’s my brother!”

“You said the exact same thing just this morning.”

“I’m allowed to. You’re not.”

“Fine.” Keith sighed.  “Y’know what, I’m just tired. Not feeling my best today. That’s it. We’re not fighting. Right, Shiro?”

“Right. We’re not.” Shiro said. Then he put his hand on Keith’s shoulder and smiled brightly. “Look, shoulder touch. Our relationship is doing well.”

A beat. Then Hunk choked, and Pidge cackled.

Keith made sure his own juice box was empty before he chucked it at Shiro. “That’s it. I’m breaking up with you.”

Shiro complained about the undue cruelty, but it was worth it to see Keith finally let out a real smile for the first time that day.

.

.

.

.

From: Sailor Shiro

Message:

‘I know you want to talk about what Lance told us.
I promise we will. I just have to take care of some business tonight.
Don’t wait up for me to patrol, just continue as usual. I’ll be there if we get a hollow alert.
Be safe.’

.

.

.

.

It was a quiet night. There were no Hollows to fight and just a few soul burials to do. Soon Keith found himself perched on top of a street post, staring out into the streets. He made sure to pick a good vantage point where he had a view of Pidge’s, Hunk’s, and his own house.

After several minutes of silence, he got bored and started playing a game in his phone.

“No boyfriend tonight?” someone said from below him.

Keith recognized the voice, so he didn’t bother to look away from his phone. “He’s not my boyfriend.”

“Well from what I hear, you always forget that. Hunk says you guys are cute.”

“Hunk’s great, but we’re not cute.”

“No, duh. I bet you guys are gross.”

Keith paused his game and finally looked down. “What do you want, Lance?”

Lance was in his casual clothes this time, and carried a grocery bag that had the logo of a nearby 24/7 convenience store. He shrugged as he answered. “Nothing, I was just passing by on my way home, had to buy something for my sister. Then I saw this weirdo sitting on top of a lamp post.”

Keith huffed, shook his head and went back to his game. “Whatever.”

“Whatever your face.”

“That doesn’t even make sense.”

“That doesn’t even make sense.” Lance repeated mockingly as he walked off again. “See you at school, weirdo.”

Keith watched his retreating back. It took only a few steps before he gave in and called out. “Hey.”

Lance didn’t stop walking. “What?”

“Your Quincy…-ness, you’re born with that, right?”

“Yeah, it’s a family thing.”

“So you’ve always been able to see spirits? All this time?”

Lance stopped in his tracks this time, but still didn’t turn to meet Keith’s eyes. “Yeah, so? What’s it to you?”

Keith opened his mouth to answer, but he was interrupted by a Hollow’s cry.

“You gonna get that, or should I?”

Keith glared. “Don’t trouble yourself.” He didn’t wait for a reply before he leapt away.

.

.

.

.

From: Keith (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧

Message:

‘took care of the hollow so don’t rush whatever you’re doing
done with night patrol and going to sleep
i’ll keep the window open
come home soon’

.

.

.

.

Keith woke up the next morning to someone nudging him gently.

“Keith… Keith, wake up. Come on. I got you something.”

“It’s Saturday.” Keith whined as burrowed his face against his pillow. “If it’s not breakfast in bed, come back later.”

A laugh. “No, I got you flowers.”

That was disorienting enough to get Keith to raise his head and squint at his roommate. “You got me what?”

Shiro disguised his chuckle with a cough against his hand. “I was kidding. Do you want flowers?”

“No.” he scowled. “Where were you last night?” Belatedly he worried that he might have sounded too much like one of those demanding TV soap opera wives, but screw it, he was too sleepy to care.

“With my contact. The researcher. We discussed some things.” Shiro answered easily. “Come on, get up. I got something that could help us.”

Keith made an inhuman noise as he sat up, but scooted to allow Shiro to sit with him on the bed. “What is it?”

Shiro took his hand, flipped it palm up, and laid something on it. It was small and round, like a marble or-

“This is a soul candy.”

Keith squinted at the item. “A soul what now?”

“Candy. You put it in your mouth-”

“Oh. Candy, right.”

“-and your soul pops out and a substitute soul will occupy your body while you’re out.”

Keith looked at him blankly. “A substitute soul… for my body.”

“Yes. A lot of the time we run late because you’re in school and we have to worry about where to leave your physical body, right? This way you can go and take off as soon as you’re out of your body, and a substitute will carry on in your stead until you come back. We can get to the Hollows faster.”

Keith nodded as he rolled the soul candy around his palm, then tossed it up and caught it again. “Sounds neat. We can try it next time we’re at school and we gotta run.” He handed the item back to Shiro, who put it back in his pocket.

Shiro looked distracted, but in a way that Keith had grown to read as ‘thinking of how to say something’ rather than ‘thinking of hiding something potentially troubling’ . That was a whole different look, and Keith had a whole different tactic for getting him to open up when he had that look.

This time Keith only had to wait patiently, leaning back against his headboard as he ran a hand through his messy hair, trying to tame it despite knowing it was a lost cause.

Finally, Shiro looked at him with a subdued smile “I guess we should talk now.”

Keith raised an eyebrow. “You guess?”

His closed his eyes and sighed. “Keith, I’m sorry-”

“Hey, wait – I’m not angry.” Keith amended quickly, reaching out to lay a hand on the other’s arm. Touch always seemed to calm Shiro down, or at least reassure him. “I just- You already said – promised – that we’ll talk. Which is, you know, good. I’m good with that. I’m ready. But now you look like it’s gonna be some kind of terrible experience for you, so if you wanna take a rain check, it’s fine by me.”

“Oh.” Shiro blinked, then shook his head. “No. No, I’ll be fine.” he said, awkwardly patting the hand on his arm, sounding relieved. “I was worried you were angry because I should’ve done this earlier and didn’t. Or that I kept some things from you.”

Keith considered that, and shrugged while he withdrew and crossed his arms across his chest. “Well, yeah, but you were doing that for me, weren’t you?”

That gave Shiro pause, and he found himself struggling to form a reply fast enough. But then Keith let out an awkward chuckle, pointedly avoiding any sort of eye contact. “Or- or maybe not! But- You must have your reasons, is all. I just mean… I think you kept quiet for a reason, so. I’m not mad about that. Unless the reason sucks.”

Finally, Shiro let out a short, nervous laugh as he rubbed the back of his neck. “Well, does it suck if… if you’re right? You’re the reason.”

Keith looked uneasy. “You don’t have to protect me, you’ve done enough and I owe you-”

“It’s not that.” Shiro shook his head. “It’s just… those things, I thought you didn’t really need to know. I hoped you wouldn’t need to know. I planned to just teach you the essentials, I was hoping I’d recover quickly and be out of your hair as soon as possible. I didn’t want you to be involved too much, I’ve caused enough trouble for you.”

Keith nodded. “You didn’t think you’d still be here when I’d need to know things for the slightly longer term.”

“Yes. I didn’t expect it to take this long.” Shiro said, sighing. “I don’t want to change your… routines too much.”

“Well, it’s too late.” Keith said, grinning a bit. “My life’s already a lot different, thanks to you.”

The words did the opposite of what Keith wanted them to do. Shiro frowned worriedly. “I didn’t mean for that to happen-”

“I didn’t say it was a bad thing, Shiro.” Keith said, and before he could dwell on how truly cheesy that was (Dammit, was Lance right? Are they being gross? Or worse, what if Hunk was the right one, and they’re cute? What the fuck-), he just gave his companion a light nudge. “So. You’re still here. There’s stuff I need to know. Well… shoot. I’ll listen.”

“Alright.” Shiro said, this time with one of those smiles that Keith still refused to dare describe as ‘fond’ because he wouldn’t know what to do with that information. “So where should we start-”

They were interrupted by a low growl that came suspiciously from Keith’s side of the bed.

Shiro chuckled. “Did you hear that? Sounded like a Hollow.”

“Shut up.” Keith gave him a playful shove and stood up. “I’m gonna get some breakfast so my brain can process your shinigami lessons today.”

“Alright, I’ll be here when you’re ready.” Shiro said, making himself comfortable sitting on the bed.

Keith hovered by the doorway, looking down thoughtfully before saying, “Uh… Thace should be busy in the clinic right now. Wanna come down? I’ll make extra pancakes.”

Shiro looked at him for a second before breaking into a smile. “I’d love that.”

.

.

.