Happy Valentines Day

In the middle of a bright field stood the statue of a beautiful young woman. The savior of the universe
who was loved by many people. A lonely figure was standing in front of it with teary eyes, holding a
single, but beautiful juniberry flower. He was the person who loved her the most, even after years
passed by since she was gone. Lance gently placed the flower onto the statue, a light sob escaping his
lips as he whispered „Happy Valentines Day, Allura..”
Moments of deep silence passed by which seemed like an eternity. Lances gaze traveled up to the top
of the statue, examining Alluras lovely features. For a moment, it felt like she was still there with him.
He could ve swore he felt her gentle hands stroking along his cheeks, but it might ve been just the gust
of wind tickling his face.
The silence was almost deafening, putting a heavy weight on Lances chest. It was fortunately broke by
a soft voice „Lance.. We should go”
Lances head whipped around from suprise, but his expression softened up as soon as he recognized the
person. His boyfriend and the current light of his life. Keith Kogane. „Okay” he replied in a whisper as
he looked back at the statue for one last time. After that he went over to Keith and hugged him without
hesitation.
Keith let out a soft sigh as he held Lance in a tight, but somehow still gentle embrace „She would be
very proud of you” He moved his hand up into Lances soft, brown hair to stroke it and give comfort to
the shaking boy in his arms. This statement and gentle motion earned a small smile from Lance. He
looked up at Keith and stood a bit on his tiptoes to place a gentle kiss on his cheek.
The two walked hand in hand to a stunning clearing full of bright green grass and all kinds of colorful
flowers. The sun was bright and warm, just the way Lance loved it. The birds were chirping a happy
melody to set the mood for the date. There was a decent sized blanket layed on the ground with a
basket „You really planned a picnic for me? So cheesy!” Lance laughed, but the shine of his deep blue
eyes showed how much he loves it already.
„I had the best teacher in being cheesy” Keith replied, a smirk forming in the corner of his lips. He sat
down on the blanket and patted the empty space next to himself for Lance to sit down. Lance plopped
down next to his boyfriend, placing his hand on top of his. He always seeked some kind of physical
contact. He needed a confirmation that this all is real and Keith wont just disappear in front of his eyes,
just like Allura did. This was his deepest fear, the demon that wouldnt let him be truly happy. He was
afraid one day Keith will be gone and he will be alone once again.
As these thoughts ran through his mind, he found himself clinging onto Keiths arm by now. Keith
never minded when Lance was like this. He knew how hard it mustve been for him to let Allura go and
learn to love again. He was grateful Lance chose to trust him and open up to him. By now, he made it
his own duty to help him be himself once again. It felt like a noble quest.
„Im right here, Lance.. I wont go anywhere” Keith said in a soothing voice, which sent a wave of
calmness through Lances body. He hid his face into Keiths shoulder, taking in the sweet scent of his
clothes. Suprisingly enough, it smelt like strawberry. This fact never failed to make Lance laugh.
„Let me guess. You still think I smell like strawberry” Keith said with a playful eye roll then planted a
gentle kiss on Lances forehead „You know what? As long as it makes you happy, I dont mind it”
Lance let out a soft sigh of content, staying in the same position. His arms wrapped around Keiths arm
tight, sitting next to him. Sometimes he cuddled closer when he felt like needing more contact.
They spent their whole day with each other. They were joking around and teasing, like they always
used to before. The fact that they were dating didnt change this.
When the sun started to slowly disappear behind the mountains, Keith started to look for something in
the picnic basket. He was careful that Lance wouldnt see it when he takes it out. It was a small box
covered in deep black, soft silk. Inside it was a ring. An elegant golden ring with a Sapphire gem
carved into a shape of a heart.
„Hey, Lance..” Keith tried to get Lances attention as he stood up, hiding the box behind his back.
Lance glanced up and tilted his head to the side. He didnt think they would leave yet, but he did the
same, standing with slight confusion swirling in his eyes.
Keith took a deep breath, small hints of nervousness showing up every now and then. With a careful
motion he went down on one knee, holding out the small box with the ring in it „Lance.. I dont even
know where to start. You know Im not good with words, so Ill keep this short.. You are an amazing and
charming guy who became the purpose of my life by now..I thought I would forever stay a loner, but
you helped me open up to others and be more happy. I am still grateful for that until this day. And I
know how hard it was to get over Allura and let me in.. And I feel like the luckiest guy in the whole
universe that it happened and it was me who you chose to trust. I love you Lance with all my heart and
soul. I want to see you happy and hear your laugh more. I want to stay with you forever. So let me
ask ..Will you marry me?”
By the very start of the speech, Lances eyes started to tear up and release small droplets of happiness.
He covered his face, stunned from the shock and suprise. He had no idea Keith planned this and it filled
his heart with deep, comforting warmth that he did this for him. The last question echoed in his mind
like it was a sentence coming straight from heaven. He even forgot to respond for a few moments
before he quickly nodded „Yes!” he exclaimed, his voice reflecting true happiness.
Keiths lips curled into a soft smile as he stood up. He reached for Lances hand and stroke the top of it
with his thumb in a steady, circle-like motion. Lance felt like he could melt into this single touch, it
made his heart pound quicker. A few moments passed like this in a comfortable silence, then Keith
slowly slipped the ring onto Lances finger and pulled him into a soft kiss.
The moon was up in the sky now, covering the two in a silver light. Fireflies were flying around in the
clearing like some moving lanterns, lighting up the field. The moment was more than perfect. There
isnt even a word to describe this astonishing moment. The pair stood there, lost in each others soft lips
and the love deep in their hearts. Keith kept his arms around Lances waist, keeping him just close
enough for their bodies to be pressed against each other. While Lances hand was in Keiths hair, he
loved the feeling of it tickling his fingers.
Keith was the one who broke the kiss first, just to be able to look into Lances ocean blue eyes. They
were the reflection of his soul, which was filled with love and joy at the moment „Happy Valentines
Day, Lance” he whispered.
„Happy Valentines Day..” Lance replied and let his head rest on Keiths chest, listening to the calming
beat of his heart.
The pair soon went home to Earth and to Lances farm, where they both lived. Lance let Keith go inside
first, because he wanted to do something before he follows. He wandered around in the field of
juniberry flowers he grew himself, in the memory of Allura. The sky was lit with bright flickering stars,
together they sometimes formed different pictures. Tonight, something was different. A familiar shape
caught Lances eyes, formed by the stars. It reminded him of someone, a person who is long gone, but
never forgotten. A person who has part of his heart. It was just like Allura. Lance believed she was part
of the universe now. That she always watches over them. Right now, he thought she watches him, thats
why he sees her in the stars.
„Allura.. If you can really hear this.. I just want to say thank you..” Lances eyes stopped on the star
which represented Alluras eyes, talking straight to her „Thank you for teaching me how true love feels
like.. Thank you for letting me love you.. You have no idea how much you and those memories mean
to me.. I miss you.. But your sacrifice wasnt without result. You saved us all. You are a true hero.. We
all love you Allura, but especially me.. After I lost you, I thought I wont be able to love again or be
happy at all. I know you wouldnt want me to be sad and Im gonna reassure you that Im not.. I realised
that forever grieving wont achieve anything and I have to move on. I found happiness once again with
Keith. And love. But I wont ever forget you, Allura. You will forever be in my heart, your memory will
stay with me wherever I go.. I love you”
When Lance finished his speech he closed his eyes. Through the darkness he saw Alluras beautiful
face, smiling at him with that sweet smile she always had, which always made Lances heart beat
faster. Maybe it was his imagination, but he felt her hands on his cheeks again and heard her soft voice
whispering
„Im so proud of you”