[ the only one who looks at him like that – that being what? proud? pleased? genuinely happy to see him? shiro doesn’t want to believe that. they’re a long ways from the galaxy garrison days of jealous cadets and impatient brass, so surely by now, this older, more mature – and hopefully more receptive – keith has found people capable of appreciating him. it’s not just the galaxy garrison though, huh? last shiro remembers, team voltron was still bickering over inconsequentials, some of which having to do with the stunt keith pulled with allura. shiro’s been trying to pay attention to the differences in the team here, to see if there’s a better connection for him to look forward to when he’s inevitably returned to his timeline.
but it’s much the same, as far as he can tell. hell, a few hours ago, lance was letting slip that he and keith were at odds. so maybe it is true. maybe keith isn’t getting the attention and care he is due. care? aftercare? his mind jumps from one word to the next and again, he’s thinking of the sheet and how it isn’t at all right how keith is given so little.
guess that’s where shiro comes in then. if no one else can open their eyes and see past the surly resting face, the bad hair, and the awkward, stilted socialization, to appreciate how magnificent keith is at the core, then fine, shiro will fill the void. that jubilant confidence is talked down almost immediately; shiro can never quite escape falling prey to his own perceived shortcomings. ]
I wanna keep you smiling. [ this close, the fall of his smile is difficult to see. his voice gives him away though, it turning wistful through the murmur: ] Wish I could.
[ but despite all his best intentions, he isn’t the greatest of friends, is he? he’s hurt keith quite a few times. kerberos comes to mind, almost dying does too. then there’s all the secrets and moments in which shiro has been unwilling to open up, this last month included. shiro’s got the rep of being great at taking care of people, like some ridiculous space dad, but that’s only due to him having an open ear and a practice for pep-talks. the truth of the matter is he doesn’t know what he’s doing. ]
You deserve to be happy. [ shiro’s the one to shy his gaze away. there is no pull away, he’s too selfishly attached to the gentle pressure of keith’s nose against his. but he does close his eyes, finding comfort in it. ] I want you to be happy.
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but it’s much the same, as far as he can tell. hell, a few hours ago, lance was letting slip that he and keith were at odds. so maybe it is true. maybe keith isn’t getting the attention and care he is due. care? aftercare? his mind jumps from one word to the next and again, he’s thinking of the sheet and how it isn’t at all right how keith is given so little.
guess that’s where shiro comes in then. if no one else can open their eyes and see past the surly resting face, the bad hair, and the awkward, stilted socialization, to appreciate how magnificent keith is at the core, then fine, shiro will fill the void. that jubilant confidence is talked down almost immediately; shiro can never quite escape falling prey to his own perceived shortcomings. ]
I wanna keep you smiling. [ this close, the fall of his smile is difficult to see. his voice gives him away though, it turning wistful through the murmur: ] Wish I could.
[ but despite all his best intentions, he isn’t the greatest of friends, is he? he’s hurt keith quite a few times. kerberos comes to mind, almost dying does too. then there’s all the secrets and moments in which shiro has been unwilling to open up, this last month included. shiro’s got the rep of being great at taking care of people, like some ridiculous space dad, but that’s only due to him having an open ear and a practice for pep-talks. the truth of the matter is he doesn’t know what he’s doing. ]
You deserve to be happy. [ shiro’s the one to shy his gaze away. there is no pull away, he’s too selfishly attached to the gentle pressure of keith’s nose against his. but he does close his eyes, finding comfort in it. ] I want you to be happy.