Keith's eyes cracked open, the flashy glare of lights hitting him smack in the middle of the face.

He squeezed his eyes shut once more, the familiar frown creeping back onto his face.

Wait…he NEVER left his light on when he went to bed. Why in the holy crow would the lights be on?

Fighting his sleepiness, Keith forced his eyes open, staring at the ceiling.

"And…with that five of spades, I can lay down!" Veronica's voice pushed into his consciousness, making him blink even more in surprise.

"Dang it!" Matt cursed softly, drawing Keith'd attention. He forced himself to turn his head, finding the three of them concentrated on a bunch of cards spread out between the three of them.

Shiro was hastening through his cards, trying to figure out which was the best way to organize them and which one to discard.

Keith caught a glimpse of a familiar yellow star and knew instantly that they were playing five crowns - a family favorite between him and his dad.

He looked over Shiro's shoulder best he could with laying down, mentally calculating how the cards should be out together.

"Group those two kings and that wild together." Keith croaked out, unsure how else to make his grand appearance. (Why the crow was his voice so croaky?!)

"Thanks, Keith." Shiro said absently, obeying his youngest friend. Veronica and Matt also seemed to be oblivious.

Half a second later all three of them jumped up as one, letting out noises of shock, seeming to realize that Keith was awake.

Everyone was crowding his vision, and they were too noisy…

Keith squeezed his eyes shut, taking a deep breath.

"Keith?"

"Are you okay?"

"Does anyone else notice that his skin's as pale as the walls?"

"Shut up, Matt."

"Keith, can you hear me?"

"Keith, buddy?"

Keith huffed, forcing himself to peel his eyes open. "Next time tell me when you play Five Crowns."

There was a sigh of relief from all of them collectively, and Veronica and Shiro - being the good substitute parents they were - hefted him up into their arms and hugged him.

Matt, being the good substitute older brother he was, completely ruined it by wiggling in between the two pairs of intertwined arms to hug Keith.

Huh. Keith smiled to himself, closing his eyes. This was what family was like.

It was…nice.

So, while in their embrace, he enjoyed it while he could.