[ no, the argument isn’t falling on deaf ears. shiro’s listening and he’s turning more fully, his attention with the tablet waning. it’s just – the argument is too easy to pick apart. he’s already in this mess. shiro wouldn’t have it any other way, either. not that he doesn’t understand where keith is coming from. the concern is right in line with shiro’s: if something were to happen to keith, from this ghost or otherwise, shiro would carry that guilt forever. in some part, it has to do with his station as leader, but mostly, it has everything to do with keith being just about the most important aspect in shiro’s life.

keith’s been part of his life for years, even in the gaps that have kept them apart. shiro doesn’t know how he’d be able to function if that stable fixture was ripped away.

so is shiro being more selfless or more selfish in refusing to go? is he doing this more for keith or more for himself? afterall, the more self-preserving option is not, in fact, the one that has shiro running off to safety. ]

Well, I’m not going to let anything hurt you, either. [ he’s certain he’s said more or less the same vow before, but a little reiteration never hurt anyone. he smiles a little more fully, briefly alight with playful vibes. ] Can’t leave now and be a liar.

[ see what he did there? he sobers soon enough, the stretch of his smile once again wearing thin. still, he lets keith clutch at his arm as tight as he likes as he turns more into him, other hand coming around to cup, lightly, at the small of keith’s back. ]

Your problems are my problems, Keith. So I'm gonna be here for you, no matter the risks. We’re in this together, as always.