[There's a moment where Keith turns into that touch through his hair without thinking, like he's drawn to it like some affection starved, well, him. And maybe he is, or maybe it's because it's Shiro and Keith has always been on the verge of chasing something more there, and maybe he knows full well that he shouldn't be. Shiro has already given him so much, is already so important in his life, that he doesn't have any right to ask for more, doesn't want to do anything to risk what's already there. And yet, for just a moment it's hard to hide that longing before Keith seems to realize it and turns his gaze pointedly to one of the displays.
It's too precious, what they have between them, and he almost broke it already, with the way things had been going. He couldn't live with himself if he drove Shiro off. Like he's done with everyone else in his life.
So Keith moves to lean a hip against a console, listening as Shiro speaks.]
That's how he was able to make the Lions in the first place, right? That's incredible... how'd she manage that?
It was...Lotor's research that started it. [Despite himself he shifts in the chair so they're not that far apart. It hadn't been there at first but over the time he's known Keith there's been something just beyond their friendship. It hadn't been noticeable at first but after seeing him face his trial and seeing himself give up on Keith.
He'd started noticing it consciously. Being away from Keith for so long makes it all too clear. His breath had caught when Keith had turned into his touch. He shouldn't chase that feeling. But he leans on the console cutting more of the distance between them, his arm resting near Keith's hip.]
There's an old Altean myst about a mystical land...and through his research and Allura finding a special stone among Haggar's research materials...we found it.
[He shifts, leaning a bit into Keith as he uses his right hand to bring up the images and video of the white hole and its guardian. He shouldn't be so affection starved. It puts a lot on Keith when he's already asking so much of him. But it's like being a moth attracted to the flames.]
It's called Oriande. Only worthy Alteans can pass the guardian. It disabled the ship and Voltron. If Allura hadn't been found worthy... [He trails off, unsure if he should finish and shakes his head.] The important part is she was able to succeed and restore both.
[Lotor's research and Haggar's research. Keith isn't sure he likes the sound of either of those, and especially finds an uneasy feeling twisting in him at the thought of the combination. But Allura knows what she's doing, right? She must. So he'll take some comfort from that thought at least.
He notices Shiro leaning closer. Of course he does. He's aware of the other in a way he's never been with anyone else, like some magnetic pull between them keeps some internal compass always aligned when they're close. Never mind when Shiro actually leans into him, and Keith is sure even that incidental touch burns.]
...if she hadn't, you wouldn't have made it. Any of you.
[It's a chilling thought, to hear they'd come that close -- which is strange. They all risk their lives every day in this war. But to know concretely that he'd almost lost them all, almost lost Shiro, and he hadn't even known, it makes his chest feel too tight, a sharp shatter of feeling.
He reaches over, fingertips moving carefully through that shock of white hair, brushing it back, touch lingering so much longer than it ought to. He can't imagine never seeing him again, never hearing his voice. Never having told him... but no. Shiro is alive. His heart refuses to even entertain the idea of Shiro being gone for good, recoils painfully from it.]
Keith... [It's his turn to turn into the touch, pressing into it more than he should. But he hasn't seen him in so long. Knowing he could have lost him on that planet... It's a fight with himself not to say something.
Losing Keith would have ended him. He'd have never been the same from that moment on. The thought had made him act and here and now. He lifts his head, meeting his eyes.]
It didn't happen. We're all here. [Every touch feels like it settles something into place that he wasn't aware he needed.]
And I didn't lose you today, either. We'll all see tomorrow together.
If it was Myst, they'd definitely be dead, and Allura would still be stuck in the rocket ship
[Shiro turning into his touch does nothing to dissuade Keith from letting his fingers linger. He shouldn't, but he does, fascinated and unable or maybe just completely unwilling to drop his hand and look away and let the subject change, let the moment pass.
Instead his hand moves down, over his cheek, thumb tracing the line of that strong jaw. And he's definitely overstepping here, but it's so hard to care in the moment. They're all here. Shiro is right about that. As close as they've come, too many times really, here they are, both living and breathing and it takes all the willpower Keith has (which honestly; he's not the best at controlling his impulses, it's an impressive feat he's made it this far) not to just invite himself into Shiro's lap.]
Yeah. We're here.
[Alive and breathing and sharing the same space for the first time in forever. It's more reason for hope than he's had in quite a while. And maybe he doesn't deserve to be here just yet, but here he is, and Shiro needs him, and that's more than enough reason to stay. ...that and the fact that, deserving or not, he wants to be right here.]
[He has enough sense left to realize Keith needs to touch him as much as he needs to have that connection. They should talk about it. Shiro tips his head back to invite Keith to explore and that's when his common sense kicks him hard enough he reaches out and catches Keith's hand.]
Hey, Keith. [He could put a stop to this right now. But he doesn't want to. Now that he's aware that the feelings are mutual. His resistance is thinning down to nothing. He meets his eyes as he presses the side of his face into Keith's hand.]
This...[It's oddly difficult to form the words. He traces his thumb over the back of Keith's knuckles. Yet the fact Keith is staying is enough he says it.]
You're everything to me. You know that, don't you? [Can Keith guess what that means?] I'll never ask more of you than you want to give.
[He hears his name, and his first inclination is that he's definitely overstepped and Shiro is about to push him away. He expects it to be gentle, because Shiro is always far too kind, always mindful. But the hand on his at least slows that train of thought, stops him from immediately pulling back. And he's glad he didn't, when Shiro leans into his touch instead.
A little catch of his breath, barely a sound at all, is the only answer to the other man's words at first because Keith didn't know that, or well, maybe Keith hadn't been brave enough to really let himself believe it -- the roiling ball of insecurities that make up his very core has trouble with things like that.
But Shiro's said it, and Shiro has been the center of Keith's universe for a long time now. And he knows what he hopes Shiro means, but there's a nervous tightness in his chest, even as he speaks.]
What if I want to give you everything?
[As he asks he's shifting closer, too close really, straddling his lap, half joining him in his seat.]
[His mouth goes dry. He hadn’t expected Keith’s warm body up against his this soon. He drops his hands to Keith’s hips to hold him in place and steady him. He searches his face to make sure what he means has been communicated or guessed at. Judging by the lack of distance between them and the nervous hope in his eyes...he really hopes so.]
So long as you let me give you the same...I think we will be alright. [He leans in to rest his forehead against Keith’s. There’s a fluttery feeling in his chest as he lowers his voice so only Keith can hear him.]
I have one condition. Your feelings matter as much as mine and I expect you to voice them. The only thing that can mess this up is not talking to each other. Okay?
[Keith will probably always be more at home with action than words, with doing then trying to put the feelings in his head and in his heart into words. So for him making himself at home in Shiro's lap is much easier than trying to figure out how to confess out loud the things he wants and has wanted. Thankfully Shiro seems at least a little better. And Shiro knows him too well, Keith thinks as a smile threatens to break over his features. So he nods, barely a movement at all, not wanting to move away from Shiro where they're leaned together.]
I'll try. I'm not good at that, but for this... for us... I'll do my best to be better.
[Because Keith knows Shiro is right. They need to communicate. Keith is well aware how much of a work in progress he is in many respects, this certainly one of the, but he'll do whatever he can.
Though right now they're both dancing around the actual words. So. Maybe now is a good time to start. His hands lift, one settling to curl at the side of Shiro's neck, the other hand shifting so fingertips can trace their way along Shiro's lips.] You're the only one I've ever wanted... want... I want to be with you.
...Good. You’re the only one I want to be with. [He reaches out to grasp Keith’s chin as one hand slides around his hip to settle against the small of his back. The words are in the open air. Shiro doesn’t give much time for Keith to process his reply. He leans down, bridging the distance between them and kisses him.
He shifts the angle of his head a little to make it easier on both of them. He considers this past the point of words and lets his mind finally shut up. He doesn’t to think right now.]
[Keith can feel his heart try to leap straight into his throat before it settles back to his chest, fluttering like bird desperate to break free of his rib cage, at little more than that hand taking his chin. His breath catches in that instant before Shiro's lips are on his.
Shiro is kissing him.
Keith melts into him, arms moving to wind about Shiro's neck. He meets that kiss eagerly, like he's been waiting for it all this time, humming a soft, content little sound to the other man's lips. Words can wait. Everything can wait. All he needs or wants is this.]
[He settles back in the chair as his hand shifts to the back of Keith’s head. If he had any doubts they’re gone at the enthusiastic response. He makes a pleased sound in the back of his throat and smooths his hand down the narrow back as he explores Keith’s lips in gentle surges. He’s content to take it slow as if they have all the time in the world.
Likely won’t stay that way but for now this is perfect. The world and even the universe ceases to matter beyond this one moment.]
[Perfect. That sounds right to Keith. He's never been at all good at sitting still or losing himself in a moment, but it's far too easy now. All the restlessness has settled in him, and he's all to happy to meet those lips, lose himself in the kiss. Everything else has slipped away -- even the fact that they're definitely right out in the open on the bridge of the Castle and isn't Shiro's shift due to end soon?
Doesn't even matter. How could anything matter outside how warm Shiro is, as Keith settles in against him as he leans back.
But. It is Keith, so anything so peaceable can't last forever, and he's the one to bring teeth into it, catching Shiro's lower lip between his teeth, a quick, playful little nip. He's got sharp edges; Shiro has to have known that somewhere, right?]
[Heat rolls through him. His hand catches in Keith's hair. He's dimly aware that if he were thinking about it he definitely would have held back until after his shift was over. This adds to his longer than he'd like list of rash and reckless decisions. His tongue brushes Keith's lips.
It's a bit like a dare. Come see how stupidly rash he can be when he has a warm and very welcome best friend turned boyfriend in his lap. In his defense, this is the least dangerous of his dumber decisions of late.]
[When has Keith ever been one to back away from a challenge? Hasn't happened yet, sure as hell isn't going to happen now when it involves kissing Shiro. The other man has always been the most important, most necessary piece of his universe. This shift is subtle, a small movement that changed the paradigm between them, and Keith is relieved, thrilling at the way that hand tangles in his hair.
At the brush of that tongue that has his lips parting, eager to chase for more, welcome the kiss deeper. Keith thinks that in this, at least, Shiro should feel free to act rashly. Keith knows he's been holding back and trying to rein in these feelings, desires, for far too long. They're free now though, ecstatic to find out that he isn't the only one who's felt it, who wants this. So there's no stopping that excited rush.
He loses a low, pleased, sound to Shiro's mouth. His head is swimming, dizzy. Maybe he should stop to catch his breath, but he's not going to. Not just yet.]
[He's feeling really light headed. Between Keith pressed up against him with his arm around his neck, hot and plaint on top of him. And the desires pounding away like a thunderstorm making his heart beat fast in his chest, he's surprised he hasn't combusted on the spot.
This is better than he ever imagined it. He wants to make Keith make that sound again and pull more sounds from him. He growls, all desire and want. Shiro starts to slide his hand down and pulls back from the kiss to kiss his way down the side of Keith's jaw. Getting his breath back from the deeper than he'd planned for kiss is secondary-
A cough from the direction of the door reminds him of the time and that his hand that isn't in Keith's hair had made its way down to the back of one thigh. Shiro sighs against Keith's neck and leans back, peering over his shoulder. Lance stands in the open door with his eyes wide before he turns to face the hallway.
'I uh, didn't see anything. Hey Keith, maybe you should go uh, discuss stuff with Shiro in your quarters?'
He should be embarrassed. He finds he isn't. It's actually pretty funny in a warped way. Shiro sighs, murmuring softly to Keith.] ...We did get a little carried away. So, my room or yours? They're both about the same distance.
[It's not a walk of shame, thankfully. They hadn't gotten that carried away. No. It's still a walk of shame. Does he care about that? Not as much as he thought he would.]
[Okay so the way that growl sounds, the way he can hear it and feel it in the midst of the kiss, has a shiver running through Keith, and he's sure Shiro can feel it because he thinks his entire body trembles with it. That... That was entirely too good a sound.
The kiss breaks and Keith finds himself breathless and trying to catch his breath even as he lets his head fall to the side, all encouragement for Shiro to keep going because this is far better than he's ever been able to imagine. And he has imagined. And everything about Shiro is so warm and solid and he wants to mold himself up against him, and his fingers are already beginning to wind their way up into his hair when--
Lance.
Keith's eyes widen significantly and he can feel the heat rising in his cheeks, over the bridge of his nose. But. Even as it does he can't help a laugh as he looks at Shiro before peeking back over his shoulder at Lance.]
Good to see you too, Lance. But yeah. You're right.
[He turns back to Shiro, a smile playing over his lips and instead of answering, he leans close to steal another kiss, brief, barely a touch at all.]
We didn't get carried away near enough yet. But yeah. Yours is good. ...do I even have a room still?
[Color him surprised. But since he probably needs to move, he climbs out of Shiro's lap and offers the older man a hand up -- mostly as an excuse to not have to give up touching him completely just yet. Walk of shame, but somehow Keith is pretty proud of himself.]
[He accepts the hand up and heat rides his cheeks. And there is his embarrassment. Good to know he had a belated reaction. Or is it the idea of how far they could have gotten before they got caught? He threads his fingers between Keith's. He puts what could have happened out of his mind.]
Yes, you do. We all take turns keeping it clean. In case you decided to come back.
[He gently tugs on Keith to lead him away. He ignored Lance's still surprised face. He'll have to explain it later. Nothing to worry about. Just feelings and oh Keith is staying. He puts that all out of his head. He misses Lance's surprise shifting to a knowing look he gives Keith. 'Yeah, make yourself at home again. Try to actually get some die-hard
Shiro hisses, 'Lance!' It sounds more reflexive than annoyed.]
[It is a good point. If Lance had been any longer in showing up, they may have been caught in a more compromising position than they were. Keith certainly hadn't intended to put on the brakes, but that's always been his nature, head first and full speed. And he's never been more certain of anything than he is of this of them.
But between the fingers lacing together with his and the information that they've been keeping his room ready, Keith finds himself speechless and wrestling with the sudden warmth that is spreading through his chest. Huh. He... really is home, isn't he? He's still not sure he deserves it after everything, but it's... it's still a good feeling.
Which is interrupted briefly in order to give Lance a look in return as they pass by. But even that is oddly comforting. Familiar.
He follows along with Shiro, trying to be a reasonable and patient person and keep his hands to himself while they're in the hallways. It's a challenge.]
So... guess everyone will know about this before breakfast.
[He sighs. They’re in the hallway heading towards the lift. Shiro gestured with his free hand in an all encompassing motion.]
Maybe. Lance isn’t the same Lance you knew when you left. He might surprise us. Or it might just be he’d rather we handle our own business.
[He shrugs and reaches out, brushing Keith’s bangs aside. A thought occurs and it shouldn’t be funny. He is acting like a teenager. But somehow. Because of that, it’s hilarious. A grin spreads over his face.]
You realize we basically christened the chair of Black Paladins on the bridge, right?
[Keith agrees. The truth is, even if he and Lance would likely always butt heads, things had gotten to a point of almost understanding between them, during his time in the Black Lion, Lance accepting him as a leader had been a turning point -- even if Keith had still been so resistant to it, trying desperately to both live up to the expectations but being entirely unwilling to give himself to it entirely because it was Shiro's place.
But those days are past, and Keith is turning into that touch like he's drawn to it by some magnetism he can't resist, like a flower to the sun -- which is a cheesy metaphor, but not an inaccurate one. Shiro has always been a light that he's wanted to follow.
For now though he lifts an eyebrow at the sight of that grin before blinking.
Well. That... that is true. A matching grin finds his own face and he shrugs, waiting for the lift to stop, unable to hold back a laugh.]
Yeah. Well. Seems kind of appropriate. [Keith has no regrets. Clearly.] ...probably would've done a more thorough job if we weren't interrupted.
[His eyes slide away from Keith's as he leans back and coughs into his closed fist. There's no point in lying. It's a little embarrassing. It's a lot embarrassing.]
We'd have had to clean that chair. [He'd have felt mildly guilty next time he sat down. He still might. But he doesn't regret it. The lift stops and the doors slide open. The hall is clear. He catches sight of Pidge's door closing further down and releases the breath he hadn't known he'd been holding.
For once, he doesn't want to see the rest of the team. They can wait until morning. Keith could have died and this subtle shift in their relationship needs time to flourish. ...they have waited and made excuses for why not too many times.
Shiro reclaims Keith's hand and steps out into the hallway. "Speaking of cleaning. Hunk has kept your armor clean. I caught him late one night but I haven't let him know I know."
[Apparently Keith did not share Shiro's embarrassment or guilt over any of this because his only response at first is a short heh of a laugh when Shiro mentions having to clean the chair. Yeah probably a good point, but one that Keith finds far more amusing than he probably ought to. But his sense of humor has always been a bit suspect.
He curls his fingers around Shiro's and follows out into the thankfully empty hallway. He's grateful their luck seems to be holding right now. It's not that he doesn't want to see everyone. He does. He missed the others. But for now... for now what he needs is Shiro. Maybe it's selfish, but he wants Shiro all to himself for the moment, wants to let this new understanding between them settle, explore it, mold himself up against the other man and lose every last shred of space between them.
Still he looks over startled at Shiro. They kept his room. Kept his armor ready. It really is like coming home, and Keith has never had anything like that. His hand tightens unconsciously around Shiro's.]
This is what having a family is like, huh? [Keith is more touched than he really knows how to express. So instead he tugs at their joined hands, leading Shiro down the hall towards the older man's room. Impatient. As usual. But if Shiro comments on it his time Keith might scream.]
Yeah and if we don't hurry up we'll have questions to answer. [Shiro picks up speed. He vaguely remembers Allura making some mention of studying for the next meeting of the Coalition and with how at odds they've been he can only imagine she'd want to hash things out with him first. He intends to have a locked door and privacy with Keith for the next few hours at best.
The meeting is in two days. They can discuss it tomorrow. Almost there. Allura's voice echoes from further down the hall. It sounds like she's having a chat with someone and he punches his code in to open his room a lot faster than usual. The door clicks, Allura's voice echoes slightly less, he estimates she's around the bend.
Shiro let's go of Keith's hand and reaches for his arm. He times it well, grabbing for his arm and yanking him inside just as the door opens. They're inside and he's hissing the lock code just before he dips his head down and kisses him. The door shuts and seals. Now no one is the wiser to where they are.
[Getting cornered by someone and answering questions instead of getting back to more important matters like kissing Shiro sounds like one of the worst things that could possibly happen, so Keith will hurry along too. He catches the sound of the princess's voice, and watches down the hall, like somehow he can will her to take her time.
He's focused enough that when his arm is taken and he's pulled, there's a soft squawk of surprise, but he doesn't resist, letting himself be pulled in and listening to the door swish shut behind him. He half starts to breathe a sigh of relief but then Shiro's lips are on his again and...
Well.
At that point breathing doesn't seem to matter anyway. Keith melts into him, one hand settling at Shiro's chest to brace himself, his other hand moving to curl his fingers at the nape of his neck, urge him closer even as he lifts onto the balls of his feet to meet that kiss.]
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It's too precious, what they have between them, and he almost broke it already, with the way things had been going. He couldn't live with himself if he drove Shiro off. Like he's done with everyone else in his life.
So Keith moves to lean a hip against a console, listening as Shiro speaks.]
That's how he was able to make the Lions in the first place, right? That's incredible... how'd she manage that?
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He'd started noticing it consciously. Being away from Keith for so long makes it all too clear. His breath had caught when Keith had turned into his touch. He shouldn't chase that feeling. But he leans on the console cutting more of the distance between them, his arm resting near Keith's hip.]
There's an old Altean myst about a mystical land...and through his research and Allura finding a special stone among Haggar's research materials...we found it.
[He shifts, leaning a bit into Keith as he uses his right hand to bring up the images and video of the white hole and its guardian. He shouldn't be so affection starved. It puts a lot on Keith when he's already asking so much of him. But it's like being a moth attracted to the flames.]
It's called Oriande. Only worthy Alteans can pass the guardian. It disabled the ship and Voltron. If Allura hadn't been found worthy... [He trails off, unsure if he should finish and shakes his head.] The important part is she was able to succeed and restore both.
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He notices Shiro leaning closer. Of course he does. He's aware of the other in a way he's never been with anyone else, like some magnetic pull between them keeps some internal compass always aligned when they're close. Never mind when Shiro actually leans into him, and Keith is sure even that incidental touch burns.]
...if she hadn't, you wouldn't have made it. Any of you.
[It's a chilling thought, to hear they'd come that close -- which is strange. They all risk their lives every day in this war. But to know concretely that he'd almost lost them all, almost lost Shiro, and he hadn't even known, it makes his chest feel too tight, a sharp shatter of feeling.
He reaches over, fingertips moving carefully through that shock of white hair, brushing it back, touch lingering so much longer than it ought to. He can't imagine never seeing him again, never hearing his voice. Never having told him... but no. Shiro is alive. His heart refuses to even entertain the idea of Shiro being gone for good, recoils painfully from it.]
Shiro...
*myth not myst. Alteans did not have Myst games
Losing Keith would have ended him. He'd have never been the same from that moment on. The thought had made him act and here and now. He lifts his head, meeting his eyes.]
It didn't happen. We're all here. [Every touch feels like it settles something into place that he wasn't aware he needed.]
And I didn't lose you today, either. We'll all see tomorrow together.
If it was Myst, they'd definitely be dead, and Allura would still be stuck in the rocket ship
Instead his hand moves down, over his cheek, thumb tracing the line of that strong jaw. And he's definitely overstepping here, but it's so hard to care in the moment. They're all here. Shiro is right about that. As close as they've come, too many times really, here they are, both living and breathing and it takes all the willpower Keith has (which honestly; he's not the best at controlling his impulses, it's an impressive feat he's made it this far) not to just invite himself into Shiro's lap.]
Yeah. We're here.
[Alive and breathing and sharing the same space for the first time in forever. It's more reason for hope than he's had in quite a while. And maybe he doesn't deserve to be here just yet, but here he is, and Shiro needs him, and that's more than enough reason to stay. ...that and the fact that, deserving or not, he wants to be right here.]
The horrible part is I could see it.
Hey, Keith. [He could put a stop to this right now. But he doesn't want to. Now that he's aware that the feelings are mutual. His resistance is thinning down to nothing. He meets his eyes as he presses the side of his face into Keith's hand.]
This...[It's oddly difficult to form the words. He traces his thumb over the back of Keith's knuckles. Yet the fact Keith is staying is enough he says it.]
You're everything to me. You know that, don't you? [Can Keith guess what that means?] I'll never ask more of you than you want to give.
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A little catch of his breath, barely a sound at all, is the only answer to the other man's words at first because Keith didn't know that, or well, maybe Keith hadn't been brave enough to really let himself believe it -- the roiling ball of insecurities that make up his very core has trouble with things like that.
But Shiro's said it, and Shiro has been the center of Keith's universe for a long time now. And he knows what he hopes Shiro means, but there's a nervous tightness in his chest, even as he speaks.]
What if I want to give you everything?
[As he asks he's shifting closer, too close really, straddling his lap, half joining him in his seat.]
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So long as you let me give you the same...I think we will be alright. [He leans in to rest his forehead against Keith’s. There’s a fluttery feeling in his chest as he lowers his voice so only Keith can hear him.]
I have one condition. Your feelings matter as much as mine and I expect you to voice them. The only thing that can mess this up is not talking to each other. Okay?
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I'll try. I'm not good at that, but for this... for us... I'll do my best to be better.
[Because Keith knows Shiro is right. They need to communicate. Keith is well aware how much of a work in progress he is in many respects, this certainly one of the, but he'll do whatever he can.
Though right now they're both dancing around the actual words. So. Maybe now is a good time to start. His hands lift, one settling to curl at the side of Shiro's neck, the other hand shifting so fingertips can trace their way along Shiro's lips.] You're the only one I've ever wanted... want... I want to be with you.
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He shifts the angle of his head a little to make it easier on both of them. He considers this past the point of words and lets his mind finally shut up. He doesn’t to think right now.]
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Shiro is kissing him.
Keith melts into him, arms moving to wind about Shiro's neck. He meets that kiss eagerly, like he's been waiting for it all this time, humming a soft, content little sound to the other man's lips. Words can wait. Everything can wait. All he needs or wants is this.]
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Likely won’t stay that way but for now this is perfect. The world and even the universe ceases to matter beyond this one moment.]
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[Perfect. That sounds right to Keith. He's never been at all good at sitting still or losing himself in a moment, but it's far too easy now. All the restlessness has settled in him, and he's all to happy to meet those lips, lose himself in the kiss. Everything else has slipped away -- even the fact that they're definitely right out in the open on the bridge of the Castle and isn't Shiro's shift due to end soon?
Doesn't even matter. How could anything matter outside how warm Shiro is, as Keith settles in against him as he leans back.
But. It is Keith, so anything so peaceable can't last forever, and he's the one to bring teeth into it, catching Shiro's lower lip between his teeth, a quick, playful little nip. He's got sharp edges; Shiro has to have known that somewhere, right?]
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It's a bit like a dare. Come see how stupidly rash he can be when he has a warm and very welcome best friend turned boyfriend in his lap. In his defense, this is the least dangerous of his dumber decisions of late.]
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[When has Keith ever been one to back away from a challenge? Hasn't happened yet, sure as hell isn't going to happen now when it involves kissing Shiro. The other man has always been the most important, most necessary piece of his universe. This shift is subtle, a small movement that changed the paradigm between them, and Keith is relieved, thrilling at the way that hand tangles in his hair.
At the brush of that tongue that has his lips parting, eager to chase for more, welcome the kiss deeper. Keith thinks that in this, at least, Shiro should feel free to act rashly. Keith knows he's been holding back and trying to rein in these feelings, desires, for far too long. They're free now though, ecstatic to find out that he isn't the only one who's felt it, who wants this. So there's no stopping that excited rush.
He loses a low, pleased, sound to Shiro's mouth. His head is swimming, dizzy. Maybe he should stop to catch his breath, but he's not going to. Not just yet.]
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This is better than he ever imagined it. He wants to make Keith make that sound again and pull more sounds from him. He growls, all desire and want. Shiro starts to slide his hand down and pulls back from the kiss to kiss his way down the side of Keith's jaw. Getting his breath back from the deeper than he'd planned for kiss is secondary-
A cough from the direction of the door reminds him of the time and that his hand that isn't in Keith's hair had made its way down to the back of one thigh. Shiro sighs against Keith's neck and leans back, peering over his shoulder. Lance stands in the open door with his eyes wide before he turns to face the hallway.
'I uh, didn't see anything. Hey Keith, maybe you should go uh, discuss stuff with Shiro in your quarters?'
He should be embarrassed. He finds he isn't. It's actually pretty funny in a warped way. Shiro sighs, murmuring softly to Keith.] ...We did get a little carried away. So, my room or yours? They're both about the same distance.
[It's not a walk of shame, thankfully. They hadn't gotten that carried away. No. It's still a walk of shame. Does he care about that? Not as much as he thought he would.]
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The kiss breaks and Keith finds himself breathless and trying to catch his breath even as he lets his head fall to the side, all encouragement for Shiro to keep going because this is far better than he's ever been able to imagine. And he has imagined. And everything about Shiro is so warm and solid and he wants to mold himself up against him, and his fingers are already beginning to wind their way up into his hair when--
Lance.
Keith's eyes widen significantly and he can feel the heat rising in his cheeks, over the bridge of his nose. But. Even as it does he can't help a laugh as he looks at Shiro before peeking back over his shoulder at Lance.]
Good to see you too, Lance. But yeah. You're right.
[He turns back to Shiro, a smile playing over his lips and instead of answering, he leans close to steal another kiss, brief, barely a touch at all.]
We didn't get carried away near enough yet. But yeah. Yours is good. ...do I even have a room still?
[Color him surprised. But since he probably needs to move, he climbs out of Shiro's lap and offers the older man a hand up -- mostly as an excuse to not have to give up touching him completely just yet. Walk of shame, but somehow Keith is pretty proud of himself.]
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Yes, you do. We all take turns keeping it clean. In case you decided to come back.
[He gently tugs on Keith to lead him away. He ignored Lance's still surprised face. He'll have to explain it later. Nothing to worry about. Just feelings and oh Keith is staying. He puts that all out of his head. He misses Lance's surprise shifting to a knowing look he gives Keith. 'Yeah, make yourself at home again. Try to actually get some die-hard
Shiro hisses, 'Lance!' It sounds more reflexive than annoyed.]
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But between the fingers lacing together with his and the information that they've been keeping his room ready, Keith finds himself speechless and wrestling with the sudden warmth that is spreading through his chest. Huh. He... really is home, isn't he? He's still not sure he deserves it after everything, but it's... it's still a good feeling.
Which is interrupted briefly in order to give Lance a look in return as they pass by. But even that is oddly comforting. Familiar.
He follows along with Shiro, trying to be a reasonable and patient person and keep his hands to himself while they're in the hallways. It's a challenge.]
So... guess everyone will know about this before breakfast.
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Maybe. Lance isn’t the same Lance you knew when you left. He might surprise us. Or it might just be he’d rather we handle our own business.
[He shrugs and reaches out, brushing Keith’s bangs aside. A thought occurs and it shouldn’t be funny. He is acting like a teenager. But somehow. Because of that, it’s hilarious. A grin spreads over his face.]
You realize we basically christened the chair of Black Paladins on the bridge, right?
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[Keith agrees. The truth is, even if he and Lance would likely always butt heads, things had gotten to a point of almost understanding between them, during his time in the Black Lion, Lance accepting him as a leader had been a turning point -- even if Keith had still been so resistant to it, trying desperately to both live up to the expectations but being entirely unwilling to give himself to it entirely because it was Shiro's place.
But those days are past, and Keith is turning into that touch like he's drawn to it by some magnetism he can't resist, like a flower to the sun -- which is a cheesy metaphor, but not an inaccurate one. Shiro has always been a light that he's wanted to follow.
For now though he lifts an eyebrow at the sight of that grin before blinking.
Well. That... that is true. A matching grin finds his own face and he shrugs, waiting for the lift to stop, unable to hold back a laugh.]
Yeah. Well. Seems kind of appropriate. [Keith has no regrets. Clearly.] ...probably would've done a more thorough job if we weren't interrupted.
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We'd have had to clean that chair. [He'd have felt mildly guilty next time he sat down. He still might. But he doesn't regret it. The lift stops and the doors slide open. The hall is clear. He catches sight of Pidge's door closing further down and releases the breath he hadn't known he'd been holding.
For once, he doesn't want to see the rest of the team. They can wait until morning. Keith could have died and this subtle shift in their relationship needs time to flourish. ...they have waited and made excuses for why not too many times.
Shiro reclaims Keith's hand and steps out into the hallway. "Speaking of cleaning. Hunk has kept your armor clean. I caught him late one night but I haven't let him know I know."
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He curls his fingers around Shiro's and follows out into the thankfully empty hallway. He's grateful their luck seems to be holding right now. It's not that he doesn't want to see everyone. He does. He missed the others. But for now... for now what he needs is Shiro. Maybe it's selfish, but he wants Shiro all to himself for the moment, wants to let this new understanding between them settle, explore it, mold himself up against the other man and lose every last shred of space between them.
Still he looks over startled at Shiro. They kept his room. Kept his armor ready. It really is like coming home, and Keith has never had anything like that. His hand tightens unconsciously around Shiro's.]
This is what having a family is like, huh? [Keith is more touched than he really knows how to express. So instead he tugs at their joined hands, leading Shiro down the hall towards the older man's room. Impatient. As usual. But if Shiro comments on it his time Keith might scream.]
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The meeting is in two days. They can discuss it tomorrow. Almost there. Allura's voice echoes from further down the hall. It sounds like she's having a chat with someone and he punches his code in to open his room a lot faster than usual. The door clicks, Allura's voice echoes slightly less, he estimates she's around the bend.
Shiro let's go of Keith's hand and reaches for his arm. He times it well, grabbing for his arm and yanking him inside just as the door opens. They're inside and he's hissing the lock code just before he dips his head down and kisses him. The door shuts and seals. Now no one is the wiser to where they are.
Except Lance.]
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[Getting cornered by someone and answering questions instead of getting back to more important matters like kissing Shiro sounds like one of the worst things that could possibly happen, so Keith will hurry along too. He catches the sound of the princess's voice, and watches down the hall, like somehow he can will her to take her time.
He's focused enough that when his arm is taken and he's pulled, there's a soft squawk of surprise, but he doesn't resist, letting himself be pulled in and listening to the door swish shut behind him. He half starts to breathe a sigh of relief but then Shiro's lips are on his again and...
Well.
At that point breathing doesn't seem to matter anyway. Keith melts into him, one hand settling at Shiro's chest to brace himself, his other hand moving to curl his fingers at the nape of his neck, urge him closer even as he lifts onto the balls of his feet to meet that kiss.]
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