[ another apology, and lance has to stifle his tired sigh. ]

It's not like I expected this to be smooth sailing or anything. I mean — it's us, you know? [ nothing about their relationship, platonic or otherwise, has ever been very easy, except for how it all just kind of happens, so it isn't like he's all that surprised.

that doesn't make it any less exhausting, though. ]

But you gotta talk to me, man. I don't always know what's going on. I'm not that smart, okay?

[ he doesn't even address the out keith offers him, because for him it had never been an option. ]