lonered | IC Inbox - MaskorMenace

[His thoughts race as they turn and set off for the diner. This wasn't what he thought would happen today but, he isn't complaining. It feels like figuring out how they feel about each other cut a clear path through the storm that's been clouding his mind since he came to this universe.

It doesn't fix everything but this could be the stones beneath his feet while they face the rest. The world is a blur as they take turns and carve a path back to the city. It's all too soon when they pull and park at the diner. Shiro slips from his bike and locks it up. Only then does he take off his helmet and look at Keith.

Keith is the same as ever but, now all the little things he told himself not to think are there right in the open. He's gorgeous and he knows him well enough that his bewilderment over events easily slotting into place is shared. He makes sure the helmet is secured to the bike and closes the distance between them.] Come on, let's go see what they have.

[Then he reaches out in a clear invitation for Keith to grab his hand.]

[It's definitely not what Keith expected for today either, but it is by far the best birthday that he has ever had. Nothing else even comes close, and Keith found himself replaying the feeling of Shiro's lips on his, and the sound of Shiro saying I love you for most of the ride.

He secures his own helmet on the bike and turns to Shiro.

He sees that hand too, and hand holding. It's new, but he doesn't hesitate, reaching out to take Shiro's hand, shouldering into him. It's a very couple thing. Keith looks full on proud to be holding Shiro's hand.]

I hope they have good fries.

[He heads towards the door, tugging Shiro along with him, heading inside and getting themselves a booth.]

[Shiro smiles back at him with a warmth in his eyes as he follows after him. The scent of cooking fries and burgers fills the air as he pushes open the diner door. Bells jangle as against the glass but no one inside looks up. Shiro scans the occupants and notes the exits on habit.

No one pays them much mind. This time he tugs Keith to follow him to a free booth with a decent view of the whole diner. As he settles in his spot a waiter drifts over and lays two menus down then drifts away with a smile and a tiny wave.

He grins again, unable to help it.] I think we can talk to Pidge and build smaller hoverbikes. What do you think?

[Keith slides into his own side, taking the menu with a quick nod of thanks to the waiter before looking over at Shiro once more. The question brings a grin to his own features.]

Asking Pidge means there's a pretty high chance they might have surprise turbo boosts built in. ...so yeah, we should talk to her about it.

[Okay sure that extra feature exploded on him in space once, but with a little refinement it should be fine, right?]

And make sure her ‘experimental’ features are safer, yes. [He picks up the menu and scans through it. While a burger would be nice there are no chickens in space. A chicken sandwich and some fries would be perfect.

He glances at the appetizers and runs his finger down them until he finds something he and Keith haven’t had in ages. Not since the last days before he left Earth and dragged Keith to a diner just off the base after one such race.]

Keith, they have cheese sticks.

[And all manner of american things he didn’t mind wolfing through. He is pretty hungry. Two sandwiches, some cheese sticks, and fries could work.]

Edited 2019-11-12 19:55 (UTC)

That too, yeah.

[Keith agrees with a faint wince of a grin. He's blown up once, thanks. He's good with not doing that again. But a little experimental tech that's been made to not blow up, well, that'd be great.

And then the grin breaks over his face at that. Look. It's just great to see Shiro happy and relaxed and excited over little things like this. It makes Keith happy. Also cheese sticks are actually very exciting.]

We have to get them.

[And fries and-- Keith blinks and looks up from his menu.] So is this our first date?

[It's a pretty good date if it is, so.]

[The waiter interrupts. Once their order is in and they’re alone again Shiro smiles a little shyly. He hasn’t ever been good about specifics with dates and the like. That had all been Adam. He is about actions and gestures.] It can be if you want it to be.

I’m not all that great with planning for specifics. Which, I’m assuming, you already guessed. [He is solid as a leader but social things, not so much. Just an evening at home is enough for him. Wanting to go out on a fancy date is both proving they can and seems like something important.]

I don’t want you to ever feel any pressure for things to be anything. We don’t even have to label anything if you prefer that. I’m happy either way.

[That shy smile on Shiro's face has to be the cutest thing that Keith has ever seen, and he wants to see it more. His own expression softens.

That sort of answer is so like Shiro.

Keith hesitates only a second or so before reaching a hand across the table towards him, clearly in invitation.]

I want you. I want to be with you. [It's almost surreal to be able to say it out loud, but it has Keith smiling to admit, his own smile turning faintly shy.]

It's sort of the best birthday present I've ever gotten.

[He reaches across the table and takes Keith’s hand in his. His heart thuds a little faster at the smile on Keith’s face. He has never seen that expression on his face before. He likes seeing it.]

It wasn’t the plan but I’m not complaining. What I did get you is back at the apartment. And I want to be with you too.

Think of this as you don’t have to hold back anymore. If, you don’t wish to hold back. I’m comfortable with whatever you’re comfortable with. And don’t ever be afraid to pull back or tell me something is too much. Okay?

[Keith looks down at their joined hands for a moment, still smiling. Yeah, definitely the best birthday present.

He looks up again.]

Careful... I can be pretty intense.

[He's half teasing. The words are true, but he knows that Shiro knows him better than anyone else, knows exactly what he's like.]

But the same goes for you, Shiro. This... us... we should be what you want too.

Just getting used to being an us is enough for me for now. That’s going to be enough of a hurdle on its own.

[He smiles and his voice goes low. He would rather no one but Keith hear what he has to say. He leans forward just enough to further mask his words.]

Or might not. We’ll see. We’ll take it slow for both of us.

[Adam hadn’t been a bad man. He had just been a man and as they found their places in life they came to see how young they really were and how their interests didn’t match up. He hadn’t opened up to anyone like this since.

He needs time to adjust. They both do. He covers their hands with his other hand.] All I ask is you be patient with me.

I'll do my best.

[And Keith means it. Patience isn't his strongest suit, but he's gotten better at it. In a way, he's spent so long being certain this would never happen that he may have more luck with it.]

We'll figure it out. We've made it this far.

[Right? Together somehow. And now together and there's that same soft smile starting on his features.]

We will. [Something eases inside him, and he visibly looks more relaxed. He has his hang ups. The ghosts of the past hang in the air still but as long as Keith is willing to be patient that’s all he needs right now.

They’re good at reading each other and the promise is in place if they need anything they can ask. He needed that. Before he can say anything else the waiter sets their rather large basket of cheese sticks and marinara sauce down with a small grin.

He smiles back and let’s go of Keith's hand for now. With a nod the waiter sets plates down by the basket and departs. He finds he likes the man’s style of letting them know he’s around but not trying to make talk when they are sorting themselves out. He waits until he’s gone to say,] Thank you, Keith. And as long as you make sure I know you’re there, it’s okay to come bed down with me.

[Some small part of Keith is worried he'll screw this up. He's never had a relationship, after all. And he isn't exactly great with emotions or people, but Shiro has long been an exception. This is too important.

He draws his hand back when food arrives. It looks delicious.

He looks up when Shiro speaks again and oh. So the idea of inviting himself to Shiro's bed is amazing and he has to fight the heat that wants to rise in his cheeks at how very much he likes the idea of spending the night curled up with Shiro. It's not his fault. He's a little touch starved. ...which okay that is actually his fault given his usual demeanor.]

Yeah? I'd really like that. [Play it cool, Kogane. Play it cool.]

You looked like you slept better the one time we woke up together. [He loads his plate with cheese sticks and breathes in. Ah, he missed food like this.] I know I did.

You reminded me of how good it felt to trust someone that much. [He dips a cheese stick in the sauce and bites down. There’s a crunch to the food that he hasn’t had in a while. Mixed with the bite of tomato and spices it’s perfect.]

Anywhere else you want to go before we drive these bikes back?

I... yeah, I did.

[Called out on it. He'll smile as he grabs up a couple cheese sticks for himself. Delicious. He'll be happy to devour a bunch of these. Still not over how great it is to have actual food instead of making do with food goo or scavenging what he can on the back of a spacewhale.]

Anywhere. We could drive a little while longer. It's a nice day.

[But honestly he is happy whatever they do. It's been the best sort of birthday.]

Well, what places have you wanted to check out? We could visit them on the bikes.

[Today is dictated by Keith and what he desires. If that means just driving all day he is all for it. Shiro sips his water and adds,]

But, I do know some places we could park and watch the sunset. If. You want to finish the day like that before we head to dinner or pick it up. It’s all up to you.

[Keith perks up at Shiro's suggestion though, because that sounds perfect] Let's do that, watch the sunset. Then we can head back.

[To get dinner out or pick something up. Either way works. It's an entire day with Shiro, and what could be better than that anyway?

Also watching a sunset together sounds romantic, and while Keith has never in his life expected to be the type to go in for all that romance stuff, well, here he is.]

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