[ lance thinks about that conversation with keith, how he'd responded and how keith had responded in return. he still feels guilty about it, though not necessarily the reasons - rather how he'd taken that frustration, in a way, back out on him. it makes him feel a little out of control, a little too much like he's just a kid, and he hates it.

so when allura asks, he sighs, running a hand down his face. part of him says to lie to her, to tell her they're fine and getting better and that everything is going to be fine. but lance isn't a liar, he's never been good at it and he doesn't think he ever will be.

plus- a good part of him just. wants to be able to talk to her. about anything at all, really, it didn't have to be about a death-sickness while they were all stuck on some weird magic planet, but in the moment this is what he has. ]

Not really... [ a pause, and then another sigh. ] No. [ he turns to look at her, his brows furrowing - concerned and worried and stressed and...a little scared. but if they meet eyes, he'll turn his back to his lap, ]

Keith thinks... [ did he even want to bring this up? yes. yes he did. ] He thinks that this...whatever you all have, might be the same sickness that wiped everyone out back in Struxta. [ he fidgets with the sleeve of his jacket. ] And I know there are people here that are looking into it- doctors and stuff, but. He said some stuff that made me really uncomfortable, and like, I know why he did, I do, even if I kind of yelled at him when he mentioned it...

[ another pause, another pointed moment that he doesn't turn and look at allura. ]

I know I'm nagging, and probably making things worse, and I grab too much stuff that other people probably need and can't really? Do anything? But-

[ his voice goes soft, his eyes shifting back up. ]

I just need you to get better. [ . . . ] I need everyone to get better.