[ … or anything else? ah. it isn’t just a question of intimacy. it’s a question about their relationship. forget sex, should they kiss, hug, be together? there’s a moment, when the incredulousness gives and realization settles to the point of insult, that requires shiro to take pause. he’s trying hard not to take offense to keith’s insecurity. given the past week and their last round of intimacy, keith has reason to doubt the continuation of their relationship. shiro knows that and yet, shiro can’t completely tune out the memory of every reassurance he’s given today. keith was drugged, he’s just as quick to remind himself, and slowly, carefully, talks himself further away from his exhaustion twinged exasperation. ]

Keith…

[ he gives up on trying to look at the boy huddled behind him, so clearly determined to conduct this conversation not face to face. so shiro’s option is to look forward and take a breath. moment spent, he then huffs, dropping his head back to knock it against keith, who is still very much hiding in his nape. ]

You bonehead.

[ it’s a different tactic. a different approach. keith barely listened to him when he was sweet voiced and gentle; that isn’t to say he’s harsher here. just… flippant with a tease, the trace of a smile apparent in his voice as he fondly chastises. ]

Breaking outta prison doesn’t mean we’re breaking up, too. [ the caressing comes to a pause, his hand stilling to blanket keith’s instead. he squeezes there and then reaches high and back with his right, metal finding keith to cup the side of his head. ]

I told you I love you. [ and that he wanted keith to figure out a way for them to be together; to stay together, remember? ] I’d like to keep dating you… but only if that’s what you want as well.