mazeofrelationships | Matt and Keith Pre Kerberos PSL

[If that particular cadet could see the little nerd at the moment, he'd probably be even more pissed off.

The PA asks Cadet Holt to report to the office for a briefing. Matt gets up, trying to put on a cocky grin in spite of his nerves and embarrassment, picks up his bag and leaves the room.

Two hours later, at lunchtime, Matt can be found sitting on the roof, staring out at the desert, lost in his own thoughts.]

[Somehow, Keith managed to pay attention throughout the rest of class, and the ones after. He finds Shiro to congratulate him, of course, but the distinct lack of Adam by his side is glaring as hell. Those two are usually joined at the hip.

And that makes Keith think of Matt, and how they tend to be. Except soon they won't be, because Matt's going to be a million miles away.

He finds Matt on the roof moments later, sits down beside him.]

Congratulations. This is a big deal for you.

[Matt smiles, a tiny, sad expression.]

Thanks. I'm actually... a bit surprised that I'm more fussy than excited. Maybe it needs to sink in.

[He sighs, a deep, long sigh.]

Most of the school has been making it clear that I'm only going because of Dad. No one's even thinking that Dad wasn't a part of the selection process, and I really am the top of my communications classes, so it's not that out of the blue that I'd have a chance with the mix of Dad and Shiro.

Not to mention when you're in a small shuttle for that long with people, there has to be some attention paid to how people get along. Dad and I have always got along well, and I like Shiro. So it's a good mix.

[A long pause, where he just can't look at Keith.]

At least I just keep telling myself all of that. Not sure yet if I believe it.

But especially Sanda. She's such a bitch, I don't think she actually likes anyone. She's awfully pissy about Shiro going along, just because he's sick.

[And then he remembers Shiro mentioning that fact to him the other day, and how Adam didn't want him going either...and Adam's been in a bad mood, hasn't been anywhere near Shiro...]

Look, everyone else is just stupid and jealous. You, your dad, and Shiro deserve this more than anyone and they have to deal with it.

[Even if it means we'll be apart for months. He moves closer to Matt, putting a hand on his shoulder.]

[Without thinking, Matt leans against Keith, sighing deeply.]

I'm sure once I really start the preparations, I won't give two shits what anyone says, and I'll be much more excited about the entire thing. Well, other than the being away from you part. [He blushes a bit.] I'll have to make us a code, so we can send messages to each other while I'm gone.

...yeah. Us being apart.

[Keith sighs, resting his chin against Matt's shoulder.]

I'm happy for you, you deserve this, but that whole part's been bothering me. You'll be gone a long time. I know I'll still have Katie and your mom, but...I've gotten so used to us being practically joined at the hip. You and Shiro are the only friends I have here.

[Matt sighs, a tiny shake of his head.]

I know. I've been worrying about that too, really. I don't want to leave you. I wish it was a 4 person trip, so we could take you too. Somehow it just feels wrong to be doing this without you.

I promise, though, when I get back, I'll show you lots of pictures, and tell you everything I found. We'll make it, Keith. I know we will.

Yeah, I knew I'd never get picked since I'm still just a cadet and I'm nowhere near the pilot Shiro is. I mean, all the Garrison'd get out of it was being rid of me for a while, but they'd never risk a mission for that when they could just throw me out.

[He reaches for Matt's hand]

I know. It's not forever, and you mentioned a message code...

[Matt takes his hand and sighs.]

I really don't think they want you gone that much, Keith. Just... promise me if something happens while I'm gone, you'll go to Mom and let her take care of you? Mom and Dad aren't there for you just because of me or something. They worry and care about you. As you.

[He squeezes Keith's hand and nods.]

Yeah, I'll plot it all out for you when we get home.

[Keith nods, lacing their fingers together.]

I will...and I know. I know it's taken me a while to get that, it's not that I'm not grateful. I just...it's been so long since I've had a family. But I promise, I will.

[He smiles a little]

Good. I want us to be able to keep in touch no matter what.

I know. And Mom and Dad know. Mom just wants to help so bad, and I know she really really likes you.

[Matt smiles as well, closing his eyes with his head on Keith's shoulder.]

Yeah. It wouldn't be the same without being able to share at least some of it with you.

I'm glad they like me. You guys are a real family to me...I haven't had anything close to that in so long.

[He squeezes Matt's hand.]

Someday we'll get to go out there together. But for now, I'll be rooting for you, Shiro, and your dad back here on Earth.

Good. That's how it should be.

[Matt takes a breath.]

Thanks. It'll be good to know I have you waiting for me back here.

And when you come back, you'll be able to say Pluto is a planet once and for all. If it wasn't, it wouldn't have a moon, and you'll have been there!

Yeah, exactly. I'll find a way to prove our planet is a planet.

[Matt shakes his head.]

Still wish you could come with, but... it'll be alright. We'll find ways to keep talking. I know we will.

I wish I could, too. I know I'm too young to pilot a mission and I'm not smart enough to be a researcher, but still.

[Keith leans against Matt a little more, smiling]

Yeah, I know you won't let a whole mission go by without getting to talk to me. Otherwise I'd steal a rocket and fly into space with you.

...wow, that sounded kinda creepy, didn't it. I swear I'm not turning into a stalker!

You could totally help me research things. I think you'd be a great assistant.

[Matt slips an arm around him without thinking.]

Not a stalker. You're my best friend. How could you be a stalker?

Really? I mean, I could try, I am kinda curious about what's out there.

[He remembers Dad having a fascination, always playing the radio to look for signals and having star charts on the walls.

He smiles a little, nestling close.]

You're the only friend close to my age I have, and then there's your dad and Shiro. I'll be all alone here once you guys leave.

You'd be great. Besides, you know we already work well together.

[He hugs Keith a bit tighter.]

Katie'll be there for you, and Mom. I know they're not the same, but promise me you'll let them help?

And then when I get back, we'll make up for lost time somehow. I'll tell you all about what I found.

I know, and I will. Katie's great, I'm sure we'll find lots of cool stuff to do together. And I'll be sure to spend lots of time with your mom.

It's just being here at the Garrison without you guys...unless Hunk gets tired of Lance and I can actually hang out with him a little.

[That's not the same either, but Hunk is a nice enough guy that Keith wouldn't mind at least studying or eating lunch with him.]

Good. And I'll tell you if anything exciting happened around here.

Oh, I get it. It'll be alright, though. I know it will.

[Matt grins.]

You'd better tell me. I'll be glad to hear all the gossip.

Oh, I will. Especially if one of those jerks who picks on you makes an ass of himself or gets in hot water. I'll even send pictures!

[Maybe. If he can get decent ones from far away. He's small and sneaky, but he's no actual ninja.]

[Matt giggles a bit.]

I'm definitely sending you pictures of Pluto if I can get away with it. And Saturn's rings, and... like all the planets.

[Especially the heart on Pluto. Just because.]

I hope you can. I'll probably never get into space till I'm in my 20s, so I'll appreciate any pictures you can bring.

[He leans closer to Matt, smiling a bit more]

I'm happy for you. I don't care what anyone else says, you deserve this.

Oh, come on. Don't you know about the pilot graduation test? It's a flight to the moon base. You pick your comms, and you fly up there solo. That'll definitely happen before you're 20.

[Matt pulls him closer, a wistful smile on his face.]

Maybe I can pull a few strings and go with you.

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oh Keith, you sweet summer child

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