Chapter 1
Dec 25 Ornament
Katie’s grandma always gave her an ornament for Christmas. Over the years, she had collected about 23 of them, minus the ones that she accidentally broken. Holding tightly to one now, she couldn’t help the tears brimming in her eyes. Even without looking at it, she could picture it, a tiny stethoscope ornament from when her grandma thought she was going to be a doctor. Just a few months ago they had a good laugh at that one, honestly no way she would be a doctor! But sadly after this year, there would be no more ornaments for her, at least not from her grandma. Not anymore.
Fist clenched around the ornament, she hastily wiped her eyes and snagged a fluffy blanket. She just needed a moment. A moment to remember, to cry and to escape the joyful chaos around her. Everyone else was having a wonderful time and she refused to let anyone see her pain or drag them down. Fuck that. Just a few minutes alone, she thought, to pull herself together and get herself under control.
Moving past her parents, who definitely had too much to drink, Katie felt a moment of lightness. She loved seeing her parents together having fun. Moving along she started collecting cups and plates that needed to go into the kitchen. It would look like she was just tidying up. But instead of stopping there, she dumped the items off on the stairs, keeping her drink and continued past her old bedroom-snagging her favorite blankie to climb the narrow stairs to the attic. It would be much cooler up there and quieter. She just needed to center. Breathe.
Quickly, she went up the stairs, pushing the creaky attic door open softly. Quietly closing the door behind her, Katie leaned against it and slid down to the floor, balling the blanket up and holding it tight. The moonlight streaming through the uncovered windows illuminated the scattered boxes, providing her just enough light for her to see. She pulled her knees close to her chest and exhaled shakily, taking a sip of her long-watered down holiday drink. She had no idea what was in it, but it really didn’t matter. She knew there was some alcohol in it and at least the coolness of the room was helping her nerves settle.
She felt her exhaustion hitting her like a 2x4. Maybe working till the early hours of the morning wasn’t her best idea. But at least-Katie felt her body cool and start to unwind. Suddenly, Katie felt herself being pushed forward by the door behind her. Looking up she peers into the darkness…Keith??
“What the hell?” She muttered, trying to scramble to an awkwardly standing position.
The door opened and closed in an instant with Keith closing the door quietly behind him, his presence both unexpected and undeniable. Without a word, he gently pushed her back down and slid down beside her, his shoulder brushing against hers. She was sprawled awkwardly and quickly straightened. She can feel him looking at her, studying her silently. Katie frowned and looked the other way, but Keith shifted closer and gently brushed a tear away from her cheek.
“Ahhhh, Katie,” he murmured, his voice low and soothing. “Don’t hide. You’re not alone. You never were.”
Her throat tightened. Forcing out the words, she swallowed down her feelings and replied, “Keith, no. I WANT to be alone. Go!” Shoving furiously, she motions for him to get up and leave.
But Keith only sighed, catching her cold hand in his. His other arm moved around her, pulling her closer despite her protests. His warmth seeped into her, steady and comforting. Familiar.
“Haven’t you learned anything?” He said, his tone soft but teasing. “And Lance says I’m the slow one.”
Katie opened her mouth to reply, but Keith didn’t giver her the chance. With a sudden movement, he scooped her up and placed her on his lap, holding her firmly but gently.
“You don’t have to be alone, dummy.” He said, his voice firm yet she can hear the thread of affection. “You’ve got so many people who care about you. And damn it, Katie, you’ve got me. For better or worse.”
For a moment, Katie sat still, her breath catching in her chest. She wanted to argue, to push him away again. But instead, she let herself be selfish and lean into him, her head resting in the perfect spot against his shoulder. Maybe just maybe he was right.
Dec 26 Vintage
There is a ball for the heroes of the universe. Keith had tried to ignore the talk. He didn’t need to stand in front of a crowd and wave. He especially didn’t need their thanks. He didn’t need any accolades to pump up his ego or to attend the ball to make connections.
What he did need however was to see a certain paladin who was said to be there. But in order to go he needed to look the part. Which given his return from the field, he did not look like should be allowed in the kitchen door. He groaned. He couldn’t miss this. He quickly showered, shaved and then was stalled. He didn’t have any dress clothes. He was so screwed.
There was a knock and when he opened the door his mom quickly strode in.
“Here. This was your dads. I know it’s old but he only wore it once. It was left on my ship and I’ve kept it on hand. It…helped me more than you could know.”
Keith froze. He mumbled, “Dad actually wore this?”
“Yes. He looked very handsome. As will you.”
There was a moment of quiet. When she continued, “Get moving.”
Keith was striding into the event after checking in with Lance on their location. As he moved through the red carpet with single minded focus he saw Lance, Hunk and Pidge. He kept walking until he as abruptly stopped by some lady with a microphone.
Annoyed, Keith growled, “Move.”
“Hello, Paladin Kogane, what are you wearing for tonight’s festivities?”
Keith growled louder, “Move it.”
Lance danced over, “Well hello my gorgeous Ms. Walker, as you can see, Mr. Kogane is wearing a vintage suit and I have on a Valentino. My man Hunk Garrett here is wearing a …”
Pidge quickly grabbed Keith’s arm, pulling him down the carpet and into an alcove. “Are you good? I didn’t think you were going to make it here tonight?”
Keith felt himself relax, with Katie’s concerned eyes focused on his and her arm woven through his, he felt true peace. Grabbing his courage, he whispered, “This is my dad’s suit from when he confessed his love to my mom. It seemed fitting to wear to tonight when I shared my own. Katie, I love you.”