( picture prompt meme )

[cocksocker]

the picture prompt meme

I — Comment with your character.
II — Others will leave a picture (or two, or three...)
III — Reply to them with a setting based on the picture.

IV — Link to any pictures that are NSFW, please.
V — Be aware that this meme will likely be image-heavy. That's kind of the point.

Link to an image: <a href=IMAGEURL>TEXT</a>

Embed an image in your reply: <img src=IMAGEURL>

You can control width and height of your pictures: <img src=IMAGEURL width=INSERTNUMBER> OR <img src=IMAGEURL height=INSERTNUMBER>

Comments

[cerulion]

[ The claws come up, but they never come down. There's a roar, a rush, and suddenly there's a tidal wave sweeping up his assailant. Hunk bodyslams him, the pair of them on the floor in a thrashing heap, and Hunk is so strong that it makes Lance's heart leap into his throat. ]

Like hell I'm leaving without you!

[ Of course his next move is stupid; that's only to be expected of Lance "bad ideas" McClain; unfortunately, he also has the dubious honour of often being clever, too. The cat man rolls them over, pinning Hunk to the ground, and Lance grabs the first bar stool he can grab and-- ]

Hey! Pussy cat!

[ --swings it right into the guy's head. Wham, and he's flying off Hunk, and the stool with him, and Lance's hands are shaking and he's grabbing at Hunk, pulling, pulling-- ]

Come on! Let's book it!

[ No point sticking around just for Angry McFuzzface to get back up again. Lance's head and heart are pounding. ]

[lionroll]

[Just when he was going to yell at Lance to please stop being stupid and listen to me for JUST THIS ONCE he's knocked off balance and suddenly it's his turn to be knocked into the floor. For all the strength Hunk has, it's doing him jack-all against the rip-off Thundercat leader pinning him down.

There is absolutely no surprise in any part of his mind or body when Lance's voice sounds above him, and the bar stool comes down on his opponents head. He winces as the guys claws scratch against his arms when he goes flying, but there's no time to really let it register as Lance is grabbing and pulling at him.

Stumbling up to his feet he runs with Lance a few feet before a pair of bouncers emerge from the crowd. They're a pair of burly looking lizard men and Hunk has no doubts that simply trying to run past them won't work. So, he does the first thing that comes to his mind.

Grab Lance.

Toss him over his shoulder like a potato sack.

Make it seem as though he's going to smash his way through the two, but cut to the right at the last second.

And run like all hell through the door and out into the dark street. Sliding down a nearby alley Hunk drops Lance to the ground rather unceremoniously before checking to see if they're being followed. While the dim noise from the club fills the surrounding area, it doesn't seem like the patrons care enough to go after two random humans.

At least not yet, anyways.]

[cerulion]

[ They're almost out of here. Victory is already flaring in his chest when the two lizardmen come padding out of the throng, and Lance's teeth grit together.

And then he's in the air. ]

Hey!

[ But there's that surging strength again, Lance gasping against the curve of Hunk's shoulder muscle. Hunk just starts moving, like Lance weighs approximately nothing, and all Lance can do is watch the lights and noise blur around him, spots of blood from his nose staining the back of Hunk's vest.

In a moment they're outside, cool air and neon lights flashing in the dark, and Hunk is dropping him on unsteady feet. An alleyway, hovercars in the distance, the low sound of the clubs and bars filtering through. Lance's head pounds in time to a bass. ]

Oh man, oh man--

[ Lance leans against the nearest wall and heaves, multicolored liquid splattering against an alien stone wall that's doubtlessly seen worse. His shots from not twenty minutes ago; it'd be embarrassing but for the thrumming adrenaline in his veins. He stays like that, not even focusing on his own sick, for a moment. Blood drips from his nose into the puddle, and it's that that gets him to push away. He rubs his face, hand coming away red; he's grinning despite it. ]

Dude. Dude! You...you were amazing.

[ His voice hitches despite himself. The image flashes into his mind again, of Hunk bodyslamming Discount Lion-O. What the quiznak, that was. Wow. ]

[lionroll]

[He anxiously continues to peer around the corner at the club. At one point one of the lizard bouncers comes outside, but after a cursory look around just shrugs it's bony shoulders and steps back in. Letting out the breath he was holding he turns back just in time to see Lance upchucking his drinks.

Deep in his gut there's that all too familiar twinge of nausea, but he's able to fight it down. Bonding with Yellow has really helped with his intense gastrointestinal distress issues to the point that he rarely gets sick anymore. While the part of him that is full of unconditional care for his best friend wants to rub his back comfortingly, Hunk finds himself too pissed off at that moment to do so.

Let him be sick. It's what he deserves after all.

At least, that's how he feels until Lance turns around there's just blood everywhere. His face, his neck, his hands... If the flight suit wasn't black it'd probably be showing up all over his chest as well. Then Lance is grinning and his excited tone of voice sends Hunk straight back into bristly, angry porcupine mode.]

And you were an idiot! You just couldn't help yourself, could you? Doesn't matter if it's some chick on Earth or a weird cat chick on an alien planet. Once again, I have to bail your sorry ass out of trouble. You were this close to become kitty chow, Lance. Do you have any idea how terrified I was? That guy was straight up ready to maul you! If I was just even a couple of seconds too slow you... you could have...

[Hunk has to look away, his hands balling into fists at his sides. At least on Earth a couple of punches were easy to get in between. There wasn't any real danger except for damage to one's pride and a broken nose usually. This time though either one of them could have been seriously injured, or worse. Back in the club there was no need to stop and think about what would happen if those claws had reached Lance.

With no armor. No bayard. Nothing to protect him...]

Damn it, Lance, you could have been killed!

[cerulion]

[ Hunk turns on him like a ship in a storm spinning around its anchor; he shifts his weight, leans towards Lance. There's a noticeable height difference between them, and Hunk uses his bulk to his advantage now, looming.

Lance's smile falters and dies and he has just a moment to brace himself before Hunk is shouting, all the weight of that rare, momentous anger falling down on him. His hands fall to his sides, head still aching, the buzz in his veins still making everything feel too warm. Somehow this is almost worse than being dressed down by Shiro or Allura. He expects them to tell him how disappointed they are and how much of a fuck-up he is and it's stupid, it's really stupid because it's not like he doesn't fucking know.

But Hunk is his best friend. And the shreds of Lance's rational brain know that Hunk was terrified tonight, that he went along regardless, that Lance took stupid risks and started a fight and...

His hands fall at his sides, balling into trembling, white-knuckled fists. He didn't want to be a failure again tonight, but maybe that's just his nature. He feels lightheaded. Why is his heart still beating too fast? ]

I know, I--I know! We're fine, Hunk, it's fine. You saved us and it's fine. You were great. You were...

[ Blood bubbles up in his mouth and his voice hitches; his eyes are suddenly red and scratchy and full of water and he's very obviously not fine. ]

I'm sorry.

[ He hates apologizing. It always feels like an admission. ]

[lionroll]

[As soon as the words are out and all his worries and fears are voiced, Hunk feels the fire in chest die down. He realizes belatedly that he was probably too loud, too stern, but something in him snapped and he couldn't have stopped himself even if had wanted too. Sucking in a deep breath, he exhales slowly, trying to force calmness into his veins.

Part of him still feels on edge, still too hyped on their narrow escape and the blood that's all over the others face. He idly wonders if it's from the alcohol that is surely still lingering in his system. Forcing his pulse to race uncomfortably through his body.

When Lance speaks he catches all the nuances and hitches and it's as if his heart has been scratched by that asshole cat guy. He hates seeing the other upset. Knowing that he's the one who caused it only makes it that much worse.]

Lance...

[Hunk sighs and reaches out to take those balled up fists into his hands, squeezing them with what he hopes comes across as reassurance.]

I just... I did mean what I said, but not how it came out, okay? Everything happened so quickly, and that stupid plant guy wouldn't let me go and I freaked out seeing you bleeding on everything. I was afraid that bootleg Lion-O was going to cut you up or worse and if the worse ever happened?

[He releases the hold on Lance's hands and brings his own up up to wipe some of the drying blood off of the other's cheeks, frowning at how much is still there despite the fact that Lance had wiped at them earlier. When he continues speaking, his tone is soft and the words waver a little as he tries to keep his own emotions in check.]

I was really afraid that I wasn't going to make it to you in time. And if anything ever happened to you? Shit, man, I wouldn't know what to do. As great as you might think I was, I don't feel great at all. I just feel lucky that we were able to get out of there in one piece. So, please, please promise me that you'll try to think things through a little before you go rushing headfirst into something in the future. Okay?

[cerulion]

[ He needs to get himself together. Hunk is an emotional sponge, Lance knows; the more upset he is the more upset it'll make Hunk, and--god. Less than an hour to mess everything up, gotta be a new record. All he'd wanted was a night out to just...forget, for the span of an evening, the weight of the universe on their shoulders.

Hunk is touching his cheek. If it were anyone else he might bristle, but for Hunk, all he does is let his body slump, discouragement clear in every line. The truth is, there isn't much under all that bravado. He's not some computer genius like Pidge, not as mechanically-inclined as Hunk, not a natural leader like Shiro or as good a fighter as Keith. He's never been naturally good at anything; all his life he's had to fight to claim his place. But now a place has been made for him, and he doesn't know if he can even fill it. He loves Blue, loves her with every piece of his soul--but he's not blind.

He's just Lance. No less and no more, and all he really, truly wants is to go home. ]

Yeah. Okay.

[ It feels hollow. He leans into that hand, feels his head and heart warm a bit. When he sniffs, loudly, the tang of copper fills his mouth. His voice feels very small, suddenly, but it's all right, because he's safe with Hunk.

One of his hands comes up, absently, covering Hunk's larger one. ]

Hunk, can I tell you something...?

[ He cants his chin up, looking past Hunk to the vault of stars. They dance dim through the thin layer of fog and light. ]

[lionroll]

[After so much time together, Hunk has come to recognize the signs of Lance thinking negatively. Usually it comes after one of their failed simluations or when one of the instructors calls him out for doing something in what they consider an incorrect manner. Hunk hates seeing him like that. Hates seeing him upset and hurt. When Lance replies, his voice lacking it's usually pep and enthusiasm, or really any sort of emotion... it takes everything in Hunk to not pull him in and hold him close.

And it's not just because that's become his go-to as the yellow paladin.

Supporting the others is something important to Hunk. Their emotional well-being is as vital to him as their physical state. Each of the members of their team has become someone special to Hunk in their own ways, but with Lance...

Lance was special before any of this started.

Which is why it's painful to see him injuried, to see him upset. It's why the thought of ever losing him is so terrifying. Hunk might be the leg that helps support Voltron and it's team, but without Lance at his side he wouldn't be able to keep anyone up.

The feeling of Lance's hand on his makes his heart skip a little, but he pushes those feelings aside to focus on his best friend. His voice is soft and encouraging when he speaks.]

Of course, Lance.

[cerulion]

[ He tries to fix a point past Hunk's shoulder. It makes the delivery a little less painful. ]

I missed my little sister's birthday. Like, a week ago.

[ Misery paints his voice. He knows he's one of the only paladins to try and keep Earth time, maybe for different reasons--and it hadn't really done him any good, had it? It's the first big milestone he misses, and it only serves to remind him that there are a million more to come: not just birthdays but graduations and weddings and new arrivals. Hadn't his eldest sister been wanting to start a family? He might become an uncle and never even know.

He'd wanted to come down here to forget, to stabilize, to remind himself what it was to be anything other than a paladin of Voltron--to be just a guy. Look how that had turned out. The alcohol makes his head swim, his bruises throb.

There's so much of Lance pinned down by his own insecurities, and the mask splinters steadily under the pressure. There are a handful of people in the wide universe Lance allows to see him like this--and Hunk is one of them. ]

Hunk...what if I never see them again?

[ The dam breaks. His eyes are wet. His shoulders shake and he tries to lean into Hunk's stability to help himself get his bearings. Pull yourself together, he tells himself, but it's not enough to keep the river from flowing. He curls in on himself, helpless. ]

[lionroll]

[Hunk had long ago given up trying to keep up with the days they were missing from Earth. Mostly for the exact reason his best friend was so upset about now. It was too painful. The twins were going to be starting high school in a few months when they left. Maybe they already had by now. Who was going to tell them how the easiest way to get on Mrs. Norstons good side was by just answering a question at least once each class? Who would be there to answer all the stupidly hard math questions that his parents would have trouble with?

It was easier to not focus on the time they were losing, but Hunk knows that Lance can't do that.Watching Lance fall apart at his own question is painful. It always is. He hates seeing his best friend bogged down by worry and insecurity.

So, Hunk does what he always does, and embraces Lance. He holds him close and tight with no reservations and no judgments, rubbing a hand up and down his back in a slow and soothing manner. Usually, there's a good joke or a silly story he can call on to help cheer Lance up. This time there's nothing, because that question is one he thinks of late at night when he can't sleep. At least, for Lance, he has an answer he can give.

Once his shoulders stop shaking and he seems to calm a little, Hunk pulls away enough to meet his eyes and smiles gently.]

You will. I promise you Lance, you will. And when you do, they're going to be so happy to see you. You'll have amazing gifts for all your siblings to make up for their missed birthdays, Christmas, everything... And they will all be so, so proud of you. Your mom might complain about all the grey hairs you've given her from worry, but at the end of it all, it will be okay.

[cerulion]

[ Hunk is steady. He lets that warmth cradle him until the tide ebbs, until all he's left with is the aftershock of pain, a kind of empty numbness. He breathes deep, tasting the acrid-sweet alcohol on his own breath. Hunk's shirt is damp.

Canting his chin up, he watches Hunk's face, sweet and honest, and lets those words wash over him, cleaning the wound. It occurs to him that their position is...a little compromising, with Hunk's arms wrapped around him and Lance's head tilted upwards, but it feels right somehow, nice even. If he can't trust Hunk, who can he? And Hunk is--it's always been--it's...

It's always been easy, with Hunk. Like breathing, like swimming, like falling into sleep. It'll be okay, Hunk says, and if Hunk says it Lance can believe it. He blinks back burning tears, lifts one hand to rub his eyes before laying his cheek back down against Hunk's broad front. It's comfortable, and he can't help the way there's a clench in the pit of his stomach when he remembers Hunk's strength, Hunk's courage. All of that effort for him; who knew he'd like it so much? ]

Man, I'm a mess. Why the hell do you even put up with me?

[ There's a quiet thank you hiding in the tone of his voice, in the way the corners of his mouth curl up, even if he doesn't say it outright. ]

[lionroll]

[When he looks back at this moment he'll blame the space shots for the words that slip from his mouth so easily. The words he's been holding back and keeping safely inside. Not because he's ashamed of them, but more afraid of what changes they'd bring. But after the events of that night, having Lance be so close to major injury, then having him so close physically and being open to him... Hunk doesn't feel the usual twinge of fear that accompanies the thought of those words being said aloud. And so it's without any sort of fluster or stammering that they flow out.]

Because I love you, dummy.

[Once they come out there's no taking them back. No way to play them off or make them seem like anything else. It even takes Hunk a moment to realize just what he's said and he becomes the stammering, flustered mess he should have been while saying them. He pulls away from Lance, face hotter than he can ever remember it being.]

Crap, I didn't... mean to say that out loud...

[cerulion]

[ Maybe, on another day, they could've laughed it off, Lance pitching forward with a wide grin going aww, buddy! and clapping Hunk's arm like they were in on the same joke. Except Hunk is stammering, face flushed, and Lance knows his best friend like he knows himself. He swallows thickly, throat dry.

Hunk pulls away. Lance should let him go, but impulsively, he chases, hands holding firm to Hunk's arms. He's not strong enough to really halt the other man's movement, but strength has never really been a factor in their dynamic--Lance gets by on force of personality alone. ]

Hunk, hey.

[ There's no point asking if Hunk meant it even if he didn't mean to say it. Hunk isn't a liar. He doesn't have a manipulative bone in his body. Aware of being given something tremendously valuable, Lance isn't entirely inhabiting his body right now, it feels like. His head swims a bit. But he knows he doesn't want Hunk to move a single inch: right where he is, it's warm and comfy. ]

I thought...you and Shay...?

[ He tucks his head back against Hunk's warm front, feeling that hammering heart very close. ]

[lionroll]

[It would be easy to fully step away from Lance. To push him off and escape their embrace, but as much as he wants to he also can't bring himself to do it. Especially not when Lance follows after, maintaining his hold on Hunk's arms.

His face feels like it's on fire, a combination of embarrassment and the alcohol still coursing it's way through his bloodstream. Internally he knows how this will play out. Lance will let him down kindly and gently, because to him they're just friends. Very good, very close friends, the best of them. Hunk will of course accept that and reassure Lance that things will very fine between them. That he wants them to continue as they are. It's fine.

Even though deep down he knows it wouldn't be.

Hunk almost misses Lance's question, the sound of his own heart hammering in his ears. The beat skips when the other rests his head against his chest, knowing there's no way Lance won't hear the thundering against his rib cage.]

Shay? No... we're just friends... like I've said.

[As much as he admired and cared about the sweet Balmeran, Hunk had already had his heart stuck on Lance. His hands tremble a little as he gently embraces Lance again, his voice almost a whisper when he continues.]

It... it's always been you, Lance. Before any of this started it was already you.

[cerulion]

[ It's always been you, Hunk says, making Lance's mouth go dry. Since before...? That's months. That's years. Years, and all for him. I thought we were 'just friends' until right now, he wants to say, but instead he just keeps his head right where it is.

His brain is soupy, but he considers the idea beneath Hunk's words. They're best friends, always have been. Everything's easy with Hunk. There's no one he trusts more in all the world. It would just be a continuation of that, of that easy friendship morphing into an easy--what? He's never had a girlfriend before, or a boyfriend, or anything. He talks big game but that's all it is. But Hunk is soft and sweet and gentle and also loyal and fierce and strong and maybe Lance is into that. A little. (A lot.)

Boneless, he takes Hunk's hand in his. ]

I'm a real lucky guy, huh.

[ There's a kind of breathless smile in his tone when he takes Hunk's hand in his, tugging the broader fingers to his mouth so he can kiss the knuckles. It'd be gentlemanly if the booze hadn't made him so sloppy. With some effort, he cranes his neck up to peer at Hunk, expression soft and fond. ]

I'd totally kiss you, except I probably taste like--[ he smacks his lips, makes a face. ]--alien vodka and puke. [ A sniff. ] And blood.

[ He's gonna have an impressive shiner on his right side, too. Right now, he doesn't mind too much.

It's not an I love you too, but it's definitely not a rejection. It's a give me some time and a you're pretty awesome, you know that? and also you're the best friend I've ever had. ]

[lionroll]

[Time seems to slow down and grow quiet around them. Hunk is sure his breathing too loud, too heavy when Lance takes his hand, pressing undoubtedly the least coordinated kiss he's ever seen to the knuckles. His mouth and throat feel so dry and it's hard to swallow, because as clumsy at it might be it's one of the sweetest things he's experienced in some time.

And it makes his heart ache with how much he loves and cares for his best friend. This reckless and joyous boy who has given him so many adventures and experiences he never would have been brave enough to do on his own.

When Lance looks up at him he's sure it's going to come. The gentle apology that he's only seen as a friend or like a brother, and Hunk can feel the sharp prick of tears forming in the corners of his eyes. He always swore he wouldn't let this make him cry, he's stronger and better than that.

But then Lance says he'd kiss him and it's like everything stops. Hunk is afraid he heard him wrong at first, but he's talking about how he'd taste, which does sound pretty unappealing despite how badly he wants to kiss him...

Lance isn't rejecting him though. He didn't say anything of things Hunk expected to hear and he releases a shaky breath he didn't know he was holding in.

Bringing a hand up, he runs it lightly through Lance's hair, smiling down at the bloody and bruised face of his best friend with all the fondness he holds for him, voice soft and caring when he speaks.]

We should probably head back to get you cleaned up. You look like a hot mess, Lance. Lion-O's rejected cousin got a pretty good hit in. Not sure how were gonna explain that to Shiro and Allura.

[cerulion]

[ This is how things are gonna go down: they'll get back, Lance tucked quietly under Hunk's arm. If they're lucky, no one will intercept them on the way back to their rooms, but they're not lucky, so Shiro will probably be in the common area, and Allura too. Shiro's eyes will widen and before either of them can say anything Lance will pipe up with a shit-eating grin and say you should see the other guy! and then Hunk would say it was his fault, which literally no one would buy, and then Lance would have to laugh it off while Shiro dresses him down for going out without his armour, without his bayard.

But it's ok. He'll deal with latrine duty or whatever. Nothing could get him down now. ]

Emphasis on the hot part though, right?

[ If Hunk thought he was immunized from Lance's really shitty flirting, he should think again. Lance leans into the hand carding through his short hair, thinks of how really, really not at all unpleasant it would be to run his own fingers through Hunk's shaggy mane. ]

[lionroll]

[Hunk rolls his eyes at the lame attempt at flirting, but he's smiling and laughing at the same time, a soft blush rising on his cheeks. Honestly, he had always held a bit of jealousy at never getting to be at the receiving end of Lance's awful pick up lines. Finally getting to experience is a treat and he finds himself enjoying it... a lot .

He pulls away from their embrace, sliding an arm around Lance's shoulders to gently lead him out of the damp alleyway.]

Yeah, yeah, come on, you little shit starter. Let's bounce before lion face wakes up and starts trying to sniff us out. I highly doubt smashing things into his head will work so well a second time. Even though it was pretty sweet.

[Things play out pretty much as Lance thought they would. Shiro and Allura had been waiting up, expecting the two to show up in some form of distress, if not flat out running in saying they needed to leave the planet. So, Lance just having a busted face and Hunk's shirt and vest covered in his blood isn't the worse thing they had been counting on.

The two tag-team the both of them, although it's Lance who gets the bigger share of the disappointed leaders spiel. They both get kitchen cleaning duty for a couple of weeks, with the blue paladin also having pod cleaning duty as well.

All things said it could have been worse, but by the end of it Hunk is glad when they're finally dismissed and told to go clean up themselves up before bed.]

Well, kitchen duty isn't too bad, right?

[cerulion]

Plus pod duty! Why do I always get healing pod duty? It's like, see the inside of a pod once, clean 'em forever.

[ He sags against Hunk's side, all the energy wiped right out of him after receiving the brunt of Allura and Shiro's disappointment. He presses the heels of his hands into his eyes, wincing at how it hurts. First order of business is drop by the medbay for some bandages and ointments; after that, the world's longest shower. Or maybe not. ]

Sorry about your shirt, dude.

[ As they wander down the halls together, his arm creeps around Hunk's middle, fingers softly questing, his touch still hesitant. He pulls himself in close, tilting his head sideways a bit. Right now, both of them hunched over with exhaustion, it's easy to bump against Hunk's temple with his town. ]

I know it's late, but, um. [ He doesn't want to miss his chance, maybe. The tips of his ears go red, and he's glad Hunk can't see it from this angle. ] You mind waiting up like, an hour?

[ He can get cleaned up in an hour. Maybe. He'll be motivated. ]

[lionroll]

They probably picked it because they know how much you hate it. Try to pretend that you enjoy it and maybe they'll stop assigning it as a punishment. And don't worry about it. The soap that Coran gave us for washing stuff in works surprisingly well on blood.

[It surprises him at first, feeling the arm slowly move around his mid-section. He's about to look at Lance questioningly when the other paladin moves in closer, gently bringing his head in alongside Hunk's. Blush rises across his cheeks at the contact and at the followed question.

He had been planning on them going to their separate ways once they reached their quarters. Planning the words he was going to say. Let Lance know that if he had changed his mind the morning, that if he felt differently once the alcohol and the rush of emotions from the bar fight and Hunk's yelling had worn off... it would be okay.

Of course, Lance typically ruins his plans.]

Uhh, yeah, of course. I'm honestly still a bit too riled up to fall asleep anyways. Of course, I say that, and next thing you know lights out once I lay down. But, as of right now, I should be able to keep myself awake.

[cerulion]

[ Lance's smile is quick but genuine. ]

What, the thought of me isn't enough? I'm wounded.

[ It's all talk, and in about ten minutes he'll cringe at himself and blush, but right now, like Hunk, he's too worn out to care. They do eventually part ways so that Lance can gather the healing supplies he needs before heading to his room. The more time passes the more chalky and dry the inside of his mouth feels, and the more nervous tension makes his stomach ache. The shower really does help clear his head; he watches the blood and grime of the night flow down the drain, along with the rest of his bad feelings. He tries not to think of his family, tries to think about Hunk instead, Hunk's broad hands, Hunk's tremendous strength and how he'd displayed it tonight and--okay, maybe not the best train of thought. Lance is young, and they're cooped up in here with high stakes and no way to vent their emotions and maybe this is getting to him a little too much.

He climbs out of the shower feeling refreshed, and applies the Altean ointment to his purpling eye, sighing in relief when he feels it working. His nose isn't broken, thank goodness, but he applies more along the bridge. Alteans don't have toothpaste, they have these strange fruity-flowery oral cleansing tablets that he still isn't used to--but at least he doesn't taste like dirty pennies anymore. Once he's done, his face still looks and feels like it's been through a macerator, but he'll live. Slipping into his pyjamas, he's almost tempted to throw himself into bed and forget about the whole night. The fluttery feeling returns to his belly, though, and his feet guide him out of the room without him prompting them.

It's always been you, he remembers, and those words give him a second wind. His hands barely aren't shaking when he knocks at Hunk's door. ]

[lionroll]

[Somehow, Hunk managed to get his blood, sweat, tear, snot stained clothes off and get a shower in despite the anxious shaking of his body. While under the hot water, thank god Altean's believed in hot water, his mind went over that night's events... and over... and over... He can't believe what he did. Tackling giant alien cat people. Causing a scene. Evading bouncers. Confessing to his best friend his long-held feelings.

GETTING INTO A BAR FIGHT!! WHO WAS HE ANYMORE?!?

He was never drinking weird alien alcohol ever again.

Drying off he winces when the towel runs over his arms. He had forgotten the scratches from Lion-O Ritchie. They weren't too deep, but they were definitely going to be sore for a bit. Flexing his arm a bit Hunk thought they looked kind of cool actually. It's at this point he hears the knock at his door and realizes he forgot Lance wanted to talk.]

Quiznak, one second!!

[Throwing the towel on a chair he quickly pulled on the sleeping clothes that had been provided when they first arrived. Running a hand through his still damp hair he tried to brush his bangs out of his face. Pressing the button to open the door he gave a rueful smile to his friend.]

Well, look what the cat dragged in.

[Hunk stepped aside so Lance could come in.]

I hope you've been preparing yourself for commentary from Keith and Pidge tomorrow morning at breakfast. Pidge especially. She's getting pretty feisty.

[cerulion]

[ He wasn't sure what he was expecting when the door slid open, but immediate sass was not it; it works though, completely wiping out the remainder of Lance's nervousness in the name of rolling his eyes right out of his head. He steps past Hunk, and even though he's been in Hunk's room plenty of times, it feels different now. ]

Ugh, don't remind me! I already have two feisty sisters, I really don't need a third one.

[ Truth be told, he already sort of thinks of Pidge as a sibling...but he really doesn't want to be thinking of her right now, or worse, Keith. Ugh. ]

And shut up about Keith. I'll never hear the end of it.

[ Turning, he faces Hunk, mouth pressed in a thin line as he mulls over his options. He feels a bit lost at sea. How does he approach this...?

All talk and no bite. But not for long. His mouth completely oversteps his rational brain--his hindbrain, however, is one hundred percent along for the ride, as usual. ]

Actually--why don't you come over here, so we can both stop thinking for a little while...?

[ There's a saucy wink accompanying that, more confident than Lance really feels. He feels tremendously safe in this space, with his best friend. His throat constricts briefly, and when he speaks again, the facade cracks to reveal a softer centre. ]

I did totally promise you a kiss.

[lionroll]

[Hunk smiles at the comments regarding Pidge and Keith. He's already pretty sure how the other paladin feels about their fellow teammates. It's obvious in the way he interacts and speaks of them.

Just as he was about to voice out a reply, Lance turns to face him and he falls quiet. He watches him curiously, not really sure what to expect at this point because of all the things he said, and even didn't really say, but possible hinted at... combined with what Lance had also said earlier as well.

Lance had said he would kiss him, if he wasn't all gross and hadn't just vomited and snorted what was probably a copious amount of his own blood. Not that Hunk would have minded in the long run. It would have made for a memorable first kiss if anything.

Now though, it's just them and the quiet of his own room. When the other paladin speaks again it sounds louder in his ears than it should be, or probably actually is. Hunk is just that hyper aware of Lance in this space. Which he shouldn't be since it's not like it's the first time, it's just... well, the first time since he carelessly declared his feelings.

But, the way he speaks is purely in his own style and it helps keep Hunk at some minor form of ease. After all, it's still Lance who is in front of him. His best friend who has accepted at least some of his non-platonic feelings. When Lance brings up the kiss Hunk can feel heat rush to his face. As if lulled by the other's request he steps forward, closing the gap, until there is only a few inches between them.

When Hunk's voice sounds out it's a bit anxious, and unsure. Not for his own feelings, because he has long been assured of them, but for Lance's... which haven't been as explicitly stated.]

You did, but... you don't have to follow through... if you've changed your mind or realized something else... I...

[Hunk wants to kiss him so badly, but Lance is also his best and dearest friend. If there's any chance that it's just the alien alcohol or rush from an alien bar fight making him think this way... he just... wants to be sure that this is also what Lance wants. Because to get the chance to feel and taste him only to have it taken away...]

I would understand.

[cerulion]

[ Hunk's anxiety brings out Lance's softness, his innate desire to smooth it out. Maybe that's why they work so well together. Hunk is close now, close enough that Lance can count the folds of skin where his brows are knit together, the few freckles on his nose.

As Hunk says if you've changed your mind Lance reaches up, palming that broad cheek fondly, tugging Hunk towards him until their foreheads touch. They're almost the same height; without the rush of adrenaline and the alien alcohol, Hunk doesn't feel quite as big, quite as intimidating. Lance has kissed a number of people before, girls and boys, but no matter how he turns this over in his head it would still feel different. Hunk isn't just anyone--Hunk is his best friend.

Hunk deserves everything Lance has to offer, which feels pathetically limited right now. Still, the fact that Hunk wants him at all is a massive ego boost...one he tries not to doubt himself on. ]

Hunk. [ His voice is barely more than a whisper in the air between them. He peers at Hunk through his lashes. His knees are quivering, from tension or nerves or both, and they haven't even started yet. ] Be quiet.

[ His eyes shut in earnest. He closes the space, his other hand coming up to rest on the other cheek, cradling Hunk's face like it's precious. Like he's precious. The kiss is gentle, soft, warm, chaste--all the things one might not expect from Lance "skirt chaser" McClain, but then....

He's kissed people before, none of which were his best friend. ]