[ the disgruntled snuffle from the wolf at least makes keith smile, though its worn thin by the knowledge that he can't actually reach through the bars to give the wolf the attention he deserves. ]

I know, I know...

[ the words are murmured to acknowledge the wolf's presence more so than accept shiro's reassurances, but not for a lack of wanting to be reassured. it's true that shiro and the wold woulf both play guard, but how does one protect against a threat that's yet to have made itself distinctly known? keith isn't sure if the sick claustrophobic feeling is coming from the tiny cell or from within his own head.

doesn't matter. it's only as real as keith allows it to be, and there are beings here that matter far more than whatever his muddled, anxiety riddled brain is coming up with. giving himself a shake, he watches in horror as shiro insists on touching things for science and flinching away. ]

Hey, stop touching things that're burning you!

[ because of course shiro's safety and well being comes before the more pressing question of: ]

Why is this even happening to you? You weren't there -- you didn't take apart that corpse.

[ the realization of what he's said hits a beat late. keith's goes briefly wide eyed before staring miserably at the ramen cup in shiro's metal hand. ]

... I- I didn't thikn that would come back like this.

[ expelling a heavy sigh, keith takes a half step back the door. ]

I'm... I didn't mean to ruin your lunch.