[ brute forcing himself upright into a seated position exhausts most of the strength in keith's limbs, leaving him to ragdoll slightly against the headboard and wall. he can't quite grip shiro's hands back, nor can he keep his arms still through the gentle shaking, but oddly enough his head feels a little clearer for the jostling.

maybe it has nothing to do with anything physical. it takes so little of shiro's distress for keith to be moved into action, even if he has no idea what the hell action he ought to take.]

I don't like this either, Shiro. In my wildest dreams, I never thought I'd become a paladin and help people across the universe live free. I never thought I'd get to meet my mom or - or meet so many other incredible people. But even with all that, you're the most important thing that's ever happened to me and I think no matter what happens, I'll always be yours.

[ keith huffs, managing yet another small smile as he gives their clasped hands a long look. ]

And the fact that I got to call you mine, even for a little while, feels like the most amazing thing I've ever done. Crazy, huh? Flying in a sentient lion at faster-than-light speed doesn't even come close to making me feel as good as getting to hold your hand or seeing your smile when I call you babe.

[ with his voice threatening to crack, krith closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. willing himself to stay level, he squeezes shiro's hands and keeps his voice soft and low. ]

...but deep down, I think you know I'm not good for you. I can't think straight when it comes to you, and it always leads to hurting you, even though that's the last thing I fucking want. That's why you kept your distance, right? To protect yourself? So just... keep doing it. I can't run. I can't fight. But you can. There's no reason that you should get caught and punished by the warden. Let me just take the fall.