When The Loneliness Hits (Part 1)
Lance was barely alone growing up, always surrounded by family. He was never alone at school, not with all the students gathered into one small classroom and about as many friends as he could count fingers on both hands. He was very out-going and approachable as a child, growing up into his preteens. When he applied to the Garrison, he only believed things could get better, especially when he was accepted--albeit it was only as a cargo pilot, which he found mildly disappointing.
He only worked harder, though. He became the top of his class with the possibility of moving up in the ranks, but that would require some other student to step down, or if a space could just magically open up for him to insert himself into.
It wasn’t long before another student, who Lance had deemed his “rival” had dropped out of the school, making a place for Lance to finally step up into. He was able to make new friends: Pidge and Hunk. And for a while, he thought things were pretty good.
That was until Commander Iverson began berating him and comparing him to Keith. Lance didn’t let it get to him at first, but slowly...
...he began to fall into dark thoughts
He questioned his worth, his abilities, his skills, and everything about himself. He began to grow a dislike for Keith as his name kept popping up in comparison to himself. He strived to become better, he always had. But now? He strived to become like Keith, to be on the same level, to become a good replacement.
Pidge and Hunk, especially Hunk, were still there for him. They helped take his mind off of things. They hung out, laughed, and ate together. Lance didn’t feel lonely, and he felt those dark thoughts fade away the more he spent time with them. So, he plastered on a happy face and tried his best to be okay.
Then, his whole world was flipped upside down, and everything began to change.
