[ keith's own smile is fragile, but it never falters. even when shiro takes the joke a bit more seriously than keith would have preferred, it ultimately makes him laugh just a little. there's more humor to it this time, but not by much. there's nothing wrong with crying, of course. but all things considered, having spoken to some of the other inmates here who enjoy porn prison, it feels.... stupid to be riled up over what most intimacy.

and besides -- his anonymous partner touches him just the right amount and leaves an overabudndance of privacy for keith to weather his own vulnerability. it works. prison can be worked around, at least when there aren't an army of sex robots that flood him with bad memories wandering around. ]

That the only privilege I get as your best friend?

[ so maybe he's not quite ready to have a serious conversation, but he steps in closer as shiro pulls the tablet to his chest and looks up with a half smile. he raises one arm to wind around shiro's shoulders, but pauses when he's reminded that he still has his paladin armor on. ]

Oh. Guess I should take this off.

[ since you know... he's capitulated on the idea of going alone. as much as staying put still gives him pins and needles, shiro's plan is a better one. pride doesn't have a place when it comes to serious discussions about infiltration and escape. keith steps back and begins pulling apart the pieces of armor, loosening up the chest plate and the arm guards. he heaves a sigh as he works, voice a little quiet and uncertain when he speaks up. ]

Hey, Shiro? What was your first time having sex like? Was it with someone you liked?