It’s Lance’s 18th birthday
As Hunk is the only one on the ship privy to Lance’s birthdate while also keeping track of the Earth days while in space, he’s the only one to realize it
(screw canon, Hunk is the best bff)
He makes all of Lance’s favorite space dishes and even manages to make a cake from space ingredients
He keeps everyone out of the kitchen during this time, wanting it to be a surprise
That night, he ushers everyone into the dining hall
Because Keith can draw so Hunk wants him to decorate Lance’s cake
Upon learning that it’s Lance’s birthday, Keith says he’ll be right back
When he returns, he refuses to explain where he went, instead going straight to decorating the cake
He writes ‘Happy B-Day Lance!’ then draws a decent Red Lion underneath it
He finishes it off with dotting the rest of the empty spaces of the cake with stylized stars
Gathering the food – Hunk with the meals on a large tray, Keith with the cake – they head to the dining hall
Upon entering the dining hall, Hunk begins singing the birthday song
Keith joins in quickly, looking straight at Lance, who is sitting in a state of shock
Everybody else, figuring out what’s going on, begin singing to Lance, as well
They all celebrate, digging into Hunk’s amazing cooking and ribbing on Lance good-naturedly
When they get to the cake, Hunk makes sure to mention that Keith decorated it
Lance just stares at Keith in surprise
Keith, who’s looking anywhere but Lance and blushing
With a gulp, he pulls a small wrapped object from his pocket and hands it to Lance with a mumbled, “Happy birthday”
Stunned silent, Lance takes the gift and unwraps it to find a beautiful stone, multi-colored and lovingly cared for
Keith: It’s uh… It’s the first thing I picked up after going to space. Like a souvenir. I-I thought you could take it back to Earth and show it to your family to show where you’ve been.
He says all of this without looking at Lance, only glancing at him at the end, obviously nervous
Lance can only stare at the rock, feeling emotional at the heartfelt gift
Without a word, he stands and hugs Keith tightly who hugs back after only a moment’s hesitation
Years later, Lance will still call that his favorite birthday, recalling it every year with his husband
(and he totally still has the rock)