[The holographic display flickers casting a faint blue light on Keith’s face. He studies the map before him and reaches up, moving a group of ships a few centimeters to the right. He sweeps his lock of white hair out of his face but says nothing.
He waits until Shiro comes to join him then says,] Tell me what you see.
[This is a standard of all the lessons he gives. It seemed pointless to try another way when this is an effective way to train Shiro in thinking like a leader. Not that he needs much help, Keith is sure Shiro was always meant to pilot Black.
The map details a Galra outpost built into the asteroid belt around a small planet. Smaller asteroids have been outfitted with defenses. Cannons, a small handful of fighters, sentries, and thrusters to move them into better positions. The outpost itself is fortified against assault but there is a way in from the outside.
Without any prompting Keith lifts a hand and taps the display. Scout drones float about like dust on a lens.] This is another target courtesy of Lotor’s intel.
[His brow furrows and he rubs his temples. Another headache. He presses his fingers in, breathing in and lets Shiro keep studying the map. The drones do precise sweeps and there’s a gap in their patrols. If one is looking for a gap then it’s as plain as day. It could be an intentional gap. Keith personally doesn’t think so. Galra are like peacocks.
Flashing their feathers and showing off how clever they are is acceptable. Intentionally acting weak? It is like running past the head of the government in your underwear. He has no idea how the empire lasted this long.]
[ He studies the map... but something else is more pressing. There are a few things Shiro's noticed for a while now. How Keith sometimes touches his forehead, how he winces when he thinks no one's looking, how he sometimes acts a little... off. It's understandable to be stressed, but that's always seemed like something else. And Shiro being Shiro--well, he worries.
He always has, and he's pretty sure he always will. Especially when it comes to Keith. It's strange that he should be able to. Years ago, he thought he'd never be in this position--you know. Alive. Or, at least, in control of his body. As it turns out, Altean healing chamber can work some serious magic. That, and Allura's own alchemy. He's thankful he's here, standing next to Keith, examining a map that could strike a serious blow to the enemy if they play their cards right.
And yet. Even with that in mind... the thing that's at the forefront of Shiro's worries is Keith. His brow furrows as he shifts his attention to Keith. ]
[He kills a wince before it can start. Trust Shiro to notice. He smiles but it doesn't quite reach his eyes. He can never lie to Shiro no matter how many times he thinks he should.
The thought keeps coming up and it doesn't feel like him. He sighs,] I'm fine, Shiro. It will pass just like the others. Don't worry too much about it.
[He reaches out and squeezes Shiro's shoulder as he turns his gaze back on the map. They have a job to do. His health whatever is wrong with it, doesn't matter in the face of that. He takes a breath and continues,] And you're right.
This outpost has a security problem. According to our source the commander of the base is arrogant and thinks he's wasted on it. But, the moment we're detected he'll throw everything he has at Voltron.
[Greed is a hell of a motivation for an arrogant ass. His head throbs with pain and he grits his teeth for a moment. He continues.] I checked with Kolivan. He agrees with our source. We can approach this a number of ways but if we want to keep those defenses from being trained on us, we have to focus on stealth.
[ Keith tries to reassure him... but, all the same, Shiro knows better. They've been getting more frequent. Probably more intense. Of course he'll worry; Keith had come back and this had all started. It has to be connected, but Shiro doesn't know how.
It keeps him up at night, though. At least he can try to pretend like he's not kept up worrying about his best friend's health and safety. Though... knowing Keith, he probably knows something's up. Just like Keith knows very well that Shiro can't just not worry about him.
The mission, though. As much as Shiro wants to tell Keith to get some rest, he knows Keith will never just lay down and let such an important mission go on without him. ]
So we use cloaking. Pidge's system has worked for us in the past. It should be able to get us in there and give us more than enough time to strike. [ He pauses, and the concern overshadows anything else. ] Are you sure you'll be alright to do this?
[His first urge is to snap and Keith forcibly squashes ir. His headache gets worse and he closes his eyes for a moment.] I can do it.
Co-piloting isn’t that strenuous. Black will alert me if I miss anything. It’s your safety we’ll be focused on.
[Black will give him that. He hasn’t tried to be Black’s pilot but he doesn’t think Black will allow that. Shiro is Black’s perfect pilot. And he isn’t faulting them for that. All he has ever wanted since he met Shiro was for Shiro to live up to his potential.] Coran will be monitoring all of us from the Castle. If I run into trouble,
[He will bear it. He waves a hand,] I’ll deal. Remember, I’m Galra enough the systems will obey me. I need to be there.
[ Keith's stubborn; Shiro knows this. And yet, there's a heavy weight settling in his stomach and on his heart. But... all the same, he wants to trust Keith. They've been through worse; and yet...
And yet, Shiro can't shake the feeling that something is horribly wrong. Or that it will go horribly wrong. ]
Right. [ He rests a hand on Keith's shoulder. ] ... We'll really be counting on you, Keith.
[ Me, most of all, he wants to say--but he holds back. ]
[He should go talk with Lotor. He should check details but the look on Shiro’s face stops him in his tracks. He turns and reaches out to gently pull Shiro into a hug.] Hey, I won’t let you down.
[But something is wrong. He feels it like a ripple in a still pond when the wind blows. The feeling has only gotten worse with time.] Coran is looking into old records to see if any other half Galra suffer these headaches.
Whatever is going on, we’ll find that answer. ...if it comes down to it. I’ll even ask Lotor. [Yet something in him says not to. It says to say nothing more and the pressure increases in his head as he breathes in.] I will. Do everything I can to make things okay.
[ It's automatic, the way he relaxes into the hug and returns it. Part of him wants to keep holding on tight, wants to never let go. Even if he never tells Keith, Keith is-- he's Shiro's entire universe. If anything were to happen to him...
He wants to say he won't allow anything to happen to Keith, but he can't even promise himself that. It's the nature of being a Paladin and a member of the Blades, after all. And Keith is strong, one of the strongest people Shiro knows.
He has to trust it'll be okay... and do what he can if it's not. ]
Yeah. [ He could turn his head easily, brushes his lips along Keith's forehead, but he just barely stops himself. ] I'm pretty sure if anyone can figure this out, it's-- well, Pidge is busy. But Coran's a close second.
[ It's... the best attempt he's got at lightness. Shiro doesn't let go of Keith, even though he knows they'll have to sooner rather than later. But Keith is warm and steady, comforting in a way nothing else is. ]
And Keith... you aren't alone. I'm here with you, to help you carry that weight.
It hits him as the world goes back to normal and the adrenaline of the fight begins to ebb. For a few blissful seconds he hadn't thought beyond the next step. Gods and corruption had been far away. The void tears at him with sharp teeth as he straightens up, wiping his blade in the grass.
Keith takes a second to breathe. The coppery tang of blood fills his mouth and he draws his glass-like knife. He'll truss up his kill and carry it back to the empty cottage.
Pidge had vanished. All that was left is him and the void that tears at his soul. It had left him alone for two years when he was with his mother. Rapsho's death had ripped it back open and everything since then just kept pulling the wounds back open. He ties the creature's legs together with a bit of rope and casts about for a tree branch he can cut down to size.
Something moves in the forest beyond the dirt path. Keith goes still. What is it? Above him Ember circles, keeping watch. He moves his hand and taps two fingers on the dirt. The bird doesn't call out. Friend?
Ember would have sang if it had been another creature. He flips the knife in his hand as if to skin the deer-like beast, the blade gleaming in the sunlight. The world is returning to that crystal clear state. Whoever it is, if they're not an enemy, he won't apologize for being a creature of the forest. Survival is all about being the bigger predator and Galra are just predators that made it to the stars.]
[ He had, really, intended to end up back in his own world. He has things to do, important things. It's been a long, long month in Wonderland, and he's ready to fix things. Shiro is waiting, and so are the others--for their Shiro. The one whose place he'd taken. And, really, the talk with him had settled him in a way he didn't think possible, but there's still that doubt in the back of his mind. He was never supposed to exist, after all.
What he hadn't expected... was to end up on an island. He knows what this place is; that dream had been informative. And yet, part of him still can't believe it. Maybe he doesn't want to believe it. Is this another game? The twins and the Master are gone, but there are always people who will do things like that.
And he's so tired. He lets out a groan and runs a hand through his hair--still short, still how Keith would remember. A month hadn't been long enough for it to grow to the length as when Keith had found him floating around half-dead in space. And he's wearing Shiro's old outfit, the one Keith had given to him so long ago. The paladin armor is in a bag, but he doesn't feel right wearing it.
Not even these clothes feel right. But they're what he has.
He walks, and twigs snap beneath his shoes. He shoves trees out of his way, bag clutched tight in his hand, and he stops dead. His eyes widen, and he forgets to breathe for a moment. Something in his heart twists, something like hope and dread all at once. He looks like he remembers, back in Wonderland, but... there's also something different about him.
Besides... he shouldn't be here. He's needed back home. ]
Keith?
[ Keith, holding a knife, looking wary but unsurprised to be here. What is this? ]
[He pivots towards the sounds before the intruder even comes close, blade shifting as he shifts his balance. It's a person, he should be drawing back but his eyes flash pale yellow as the world narrows down.
He freezes when the stranger comes into view. He points the blade down towards the ground immediately. The details come to him one by one. The clothes say Shiro, the hair doesn't. It's shorter about the length he'd seen it when he 'returned'. Keith holds his breath and lets it out.
The blade goes back into its sheathe on his waist and the hard light in his eyes vanishes,]
It's me. Did you just get here? [Tension drains out of him. If he's here, he isn't controlled by Haggar. Keith shoves his hair back from his face, exhaustion taking place of being wary.]
...sorry, this is a pretty dangerous place. Not at my best right now. [He looks different from Keith in Wonderland, his ears come to dull points, his fingers end in faint claws. His right hand is wrapped in bandages. He shouldn't be moving it. He doesn't really care about that. Keith kneels down, dragging a tree branch close to his kill.]
I'll make this quick then we can head back to safer ground. Tell me what you've heard so far, I'll fill in the rest.
[ Yeah. This is not--he stops himself from saying his Keith--the Keith who'd come to him terrified that one awful night. This is a Keith that's been hardened in a different way, and he wonders what happened to him. He's been on guard for a month straight, so he notices that flash in his eyes.
He hesitates, and nearly raises his hands to show he means no harm... but it seems like Keith understands that. Still. He wouldn't blame Keith if Keith just up and stabbed him.
He's glad he doesn't, though. He lets out a breath. ]
I had... a dream. Someone told me what this place is. The Storyteller? Honestly, everything is still pretty...
[ He runs a hand over his face. ]
... Hard to believe. Keith, I... Do you know what I am?
[ What. Not who. Best to get that out of the way. ]
Who. [He corrects as he draws his Marmora knife and starts cutting smaller branches off his prize. He works with the ease of a practiced hand as he continues, his tone not harsh but it isn’t gentle either, his leader voice.]
What you are is a person. Who you are is up to you. [He flips the branch and cuts away the last small branches. He runs his hand down the wood and nods to himself.
Good enough.] If you want me to call you Shiro, I will. If you want me to call you something else, I’ll do that.
[Keith checks the rope and threads the branch under the bound up legs. He looks up at him briefly. As exhausted as he is and weary down to the soul his gaze is sharp and clear.] You’re right, this place is pretty hard to believe. I’ve been here for half a year.
[ Of course Keith would be so understanding. He lets out a breath that shifts into a quiet chuckle, and he closes his eyes. Patient and understanding... it really hits him again just how much Keith has changed and grown. Again, that swell of pride buoys him. He opens his eyes and looks at Keith. ]
... To be honest, I thought I'd seen it all after the month I've had. And... [ He pauses, thinking. His brows furrow, and he slides a hand through his hair. ] I really haven't had the time or opportunity to think of another name.
It's been on my mind. I just had other things to worry about. [ Like... the twins. Later, an even bigger threat. Worrying about the next step to take, if anyone back in his world would accept him.
For now, he contents himself with this. With the constant that no matter what Keith he meets, he'll always accept him. At least, he's two for two. ]
[He nods while his hands sweep over the ropes. Everything is secure. Keith grabs the branch and hauls his kill up as he whistles in a sharp note. The bushes part and the massive shaggy blue wolf strides into the open with his other kill draped over his back. Keith drapes his deer carcass over his back and secures it. He grips the furry muzzle between his hands.]
Thanks. I'll reward you later okay? [He lets the wolf go and steps to the side, motioning for 'Shiro' to follow as he walks on, heading for the islets.] Come on. We're heading back.
As far starting somewhere...you don't have to rush it. Get settled first everything begins there. You came at a good time. It's quiet and the latest island to come close is a good source of supplies.
[It's going to be a long journey back to Earth -- that much had been obvious about this trip from the get go. But the long stretches of traveling through the void of deep space where there are no stars or clusters of nebulae to help maintain even the ghost of a circadian rhythm keeps threatening to dull his mind.
Or rather, it would if it weren't for the weight that's lodged itself behind his ribs ever since returning with not one, but two Shiro's. There's a lot that he hasn't even begun to unpack mentally, partly because he's dreading it. There's something darkly humorous about how incomprehensibly tangled Shiro's life has been since the Kerberos mission. Keith still remembers being a Garrison cadet and having the world torn apart with the announcement that the Kerberos crew would not be coming back. He remembers in vivid detail his refusal to accept that story, and the weeks of nightmares of Shiro slowly starving to death somewhere out in the cosmos because the Garrison had given up on him. The blind rage that followed because of his own helplessness. It feels like just yesterday and an eternity ago that Shiro miraculously came back and brought with him the truth that he'd been enslaved by a hostile alien race for a year. Even this time when he'd seemingly escaped the Galra a second time, he'd actually been dead all along.
Somehow the truth is always worse when it comes to Shiro, huh? Keith grits his teeth, eyes shifting away from the view screens popping up. The voices of the other paladins filter through the communicator inside his helmet, drilling holes into his thoughts with inane chatter. In one fluid motion, Keith pulls the damn thing off his head and takes a deep breath before turning in the pilot seat to look directly at the other person occupying the cockpit.
There'd been so many of them sleeping in pods in that laboratory. Hundreds, maybe. All of them now nothing more than debris waiting to be turned into space dust over the years. Did they all have a consciousness like this one? Were they all ready to kill him and the others at the behest of the empire through no fault of their own? Keith takes another deep breath, his voice soft as he speaks.]
Are you feeling any better?
[It's a stupid question, but he can own up to that. Anything to make the silence between them less deafening.]
Shiro's alive; alive, and in a body of his own, soul accepted. All things considered, it's like it's all been wrapped up in a neat little package. The Paladins are all together, Coran and Allura have found another part of home in Romelle, and Keith seems far more settled after meeting his mother. All in all, it should be a happy occasion.
But all he can think about, all he sees when he closes his eyes, is memories he'd sooner obliterate completely. The facility, with its truth about what he is. Keith, on his back, fighting hard for his life. The pain of his arm changing so dramatically and rapidly, all to kill Keith... it's hard to forget. Hard to look at him, too, because he sees that scar and it presses hard on his heart. How can he look at Keith, exist in the same space as he does, after all he's done?
Of course... he wouldn't want to intrude on anyone else. They have a right to be suspicious, if they are; he doesn't know. But he wouldn't blame them. He'd let loose that virus, nearly killed them. Nearly killed Keith. Would have, if Keith hadn't made a split-second decision. He wonders if it gnaws at Keith like everything does at him. Honestly, if Keith didn't want to talk to him--
Oh. Keith is talking to him. He glances at Keith, then quickly away again. It's almost like looking at the sun. He opens his mouth, and it's difficult to even answer. Eventually, he lands on-- ]
I don't feel any sort of connection to Haggar, if that's what you mean.
[Taken aback, his eyes widen a little in surprise.]
No, that's not --
[Not what I meant, he means to say, but he trails off and the words die IN his mouth. Did he mean that, even if only on a subconscious level? It'd be an obvious lie if he were to discredit the necessity of that question when the consequences of not questioning and being so blinded by the joy of having Shiro back have been all but literally burned onto his face.
And yet he still feels inexplicably sucker punched. Keith looks down at his clenched hand. Part of him feels like he should have known better. Maybe part of him knew something like this was going to happen because he'd seen Shiro, feral eyed and frightening, while traveling through the Quantum Abyss. The deja vu of standing on that long platform illuminated in purple light had been ice in his veins, paralyzing. But in the end, it didn't matter if the person waiting for him was his brother or an aberration; Keith wasn't going to leave without Shiro.
He swallows dryly before getting to his feet. The helmet is left on the pilot seat, which he hopes can be interpreted as a sign of trust. This conversation is just between Shiro's clone and him now, and he's determined to make things right.]
Look. I'm glad. [A beat.] I'm glad she can't hurt you anymore.
[He pauses at about an arm's distance away, holding eye contact.]
A lot happened back at the facility. I know you weren't in control. [Even if at the time the clone had seemed so sure, so deliberate...] I know you would never want to hurt me or any of the others. [The instant the connection between Shiro and that arm had been severed, the confusion on his face had been so earnest and pained -- something that hurt more than any physical injury.]
I'm just sorry that I wasn't there to help you figure all of this out sooner.
[ It's no surprise to either of them that, even after settling in and getting used to how things run around here, and getting used to being in a physical body again, Shiro is a sucker for touch. Keith's touch, specifically. It drives him wild--it had, even before coming here, even before that battle against Zarkon. He'd just been able to hide it better, but after being stuck in the void, it's that much worse.
Add some aphrodisiacs into the mix and, well... it's sure a hell of a whirlwind of variables coming together to be either Shiro's personal hell (in public) or absolutely heaven (when it's just him and Keith, alone in their apartment). Thankfully, they're been close enough to home when Shiro'd foolishly exposed himself to those aphrodisiacs. Listen, sometimes you just get a face full of aphroperfume. It's not actually his fault, alright?
He trusts Keith, though, even if his touch makes his bones feel like jelly. He's burning up, and Keith's hands are cool on his skin. It feels like he's bathed in fire, and he doesn't mind drowning if it means Keith is there to keep him steady and safe.
Still doesn't keep him from wanting to tear Keith's clothes off in the goddamn elevator, though, but he is very insistently kissing him, hips pressed tight against the other paladin's. ]
Keith.
[ His voice is almost hoarse, strained with pure desire and need. ]
[ Keith has had his own run-ins with overly-enthusiastic store clerks in Duplicity before, pushing products laced with some variety of aphrodisiac or behaviour-altering substance - sometimes both. They both know by now to avoid free samples of food or drink, unless they're able to take them home for cautious consumption, but the hawker with the perfume bottle had taken both of them by surprise, aiming his spray right at Shiro's face. They're just lucky that they'd been close to home, and that Keith had been with Shiro so he was able to get him home before anything untoward happened in a public place.
Well. Almost home.
They have the elevator to themselves, and it shouldn't be surprising that the small, enclosed space is enough to loosen Shiro's control. Not that Keith really minds being kissed, and he kisses back, losing himself for a moment, letting himself enjoy the warmth of Shiro's hips pressed against his, the slight push of the proof of his arousal. It's the kind of thing that can always make him come undone so easily, the simplest touch from Shiro spreading warmth and desire through him.
But Shiro needs him to be focused right now, to be patient and take care of him, for just a little bit longer. ]
Shiro... just hold on, mm, a little longer. We're nearly there.
[ It's becoming more and more common for Shiro's voice to take on that desperate, raw edge when it comes to Keith. He gets teased for it sometimes, but honestly, Shiro doesn't mind. Just the opposite--he likes it, likes being able to let go completely and let himself be one hundred percent vulnerable. Keith makes him feel safe in a way he's never felt before.
Not on this level, at least.
With Keith, he can come undone completely, and know that Keith's there for him. Just as Shiro's always there for Keith. It's just hard--ha--to keep his head about him when he's this completely worked up. Whatever was in that spray, it's more potent than the usual, and that burning intensifies. ]
Gonna take care of me when we're home, baby?
[ His voice is rough, wrecked, and he drops his head a bit to nuzzle and bite at Keith's neck. ]
[ Hearing that rough edge to Shiro's voice, knowing that he's the one who caused it, that no-one else can make him sound like - Keith feels a fond warmth every time, a private little thrill. He hopes that Shiro likes it when his voice goes softer around him, too, that he feels that same warmth from knowing that Keith trusts him so completely, that he'll let his guard down and show that softness around him and no-one else.
Between the sound of Shiro's voice, the pet name, and the way Shiro nuzzles into his neck, biting at him, Keith is very close to just saying fuck it and grinding against him right here and now in the elevator. He shudders and draws in a low breath. ]
Yeah, you know I will. Always.
[ He raises a hand to cup the back of Shiro's neck, stroking lightly through the short, soft hair on the nape of his neck - and then the elevator pings, coming to a slow halt. The doors open too slowly, but at least it's just a short walk to their apartment. He tries tugging Shiro towards the hallway, trying to keep his voice firm. ]
Come on, you can tell me what you want to do once we're home.
[ He might be out of his mind with need, but the sincerity and sweetness comes through enough--especially to Keith, who knows Shiro better than anyone. He knows he can count on Keith, no matter what it is, and that thought settles warm and steady against his chest. But it's definitely hard to focus on that when Keith is driving him crazy with that touch.
He follows easily enough, though; he'd follow Keith to the ends of every universe. The short distance to their apartment is nothing compared to that, right? Except it definitely feels like the longest journey in the world. Shiro's a determined man, though, especially when it comes to Keith so--
Somehow, he manages to get the door open. Truly, his strength is legendary. ]
Still got it, [ he says, flashing Keith a (slightly unsteady) grin. ]
[ It's that sincerity that won Keith over in the first place, and he can see it shining through now, clear and sweet. He knows that Shiro will always be there for him, that he'll never give up on him, and the only thing he can do with that knowledge is be there for Shiro in turn.
What Shiro needs from him now, now that they're home, is touch, and safety, and the freedom to act on the desire that's making him burn up. Keith lets out a small, fond laugh and closes the door behind them, locking it before turning his back to it. Gently teasing, ]
I'm swooning. Think you can get to the bedroom, Shiro?
[ There is, of course, a large and comfortable couch that's a lot closer. And Keith is up against the door, if Shiro can't make it even that far.
Also one of these days Keith will come up with a pet name for Shiro, but so far all of them sound wrong compared to just Shiro. ]
[ Keith's laugh, even after they've known each other for so long, does something to him. It's a rare thing to hear--at least, when it's not for Shiro--and he treasures it. He treasures everything about Keith, from that soft smile to that laugh to the gentle teasing. Shiro likes people. But it's rare for Shiro to trust someone enough to be completely open and vulnerable with them.
Keith is that person. And even though he's finding it hard to keep his mind on anything but tearing off their clothes, he lets out a quiet, fond chuckle. ]
If it means we'll both be comfortable? Yeah. [ Hearing Keith say his name--it's good. But without hesitation, even as he scoops Keith up into his arms, he says-- ] You can call me Takashi.
[ The way he says that.... he's practically begging Keith to. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Shiro - roleswap au aka I think I’m a clone now
He waits until Shiro comes to join him then says,] Tell me what you see.
[This is a standard of all the lessons he gives. It seemed pointless to try another way when this is an effective way to train Shiro in thinking like a leader. Not that he needs much help, Keith is sure Shiro was always meant to pilot Black.
The map details a Galra outpost built into the asteroid belt around a small planet. Smaller asteroids have been outfitted with defenses. Cannons, a small handful of fighters, sentries, and thrusters to move them into better positions. The outpost itself is fortified against assault but there is a way in from the outside.
Without any prompting Keith lifts a hand and taps the display. Scout drones float about like dust on a lens.] This is another target courtesy of Lotor’s intel.
[His brow furrows and he rubs his temples. Another headache. He presses his fingers in, breathing in and lets Shiro keep studying the map. The drones do precise sweeps and there’s a gap in their patrols. If one is looking for a gap then it’s as plain as day. It could be an intentional gap. Keith personally doesn’t think so. Galra are like peacocks.
Flashing their feathers and showing off how clever they are is acceptable. Intentionally acting weak? It is like running past the head of the government in your underwear. He has no idea how the empire lasted this long.]
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[ He studies the map... but something else is more pressing. There are a few things Shiro's noticed for a while now. How Keith sometimes touches his forehead, how he winces when he thinks no one's looking, how he sometimes acts a little... off. It's understandable to be stressed, but that's always seemed like something else. And Shiro being Shiro--well, he worries.
He always has, and he's pretty sure he always will. Especially when it comes to Keith. It's strange that he should be able to. Years ago, he thought he'd never be in this position--you know. Alive. Or, at least, in control of his body. As it turns out, Altean healing chamber can work some serious magic. That, and Allura's own alchemy. He's thankful he's here, standing next to Keith, examining a map that could strike a serious blow to the enemy if they play their cards right.
And yet. Even with that in mind... the thing that's at the forefront of Shiro's worries is Keith. His brow furrows as he shifts his attention to Keith. ]
Are you alright? Another headache?
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The thought keeps coming up and it doesn't feel like him. He sighs,] I'm fine, Shiro. It will pass just like the others. Don't worry too much about it.
[He reaches out and squeezes Shiro's shoulder as he turns his gaze back on the map. They have a job to do. His health whatever is wrong with it, doesn't matter in the face of that. He takes a breath and continues,] And you're right.
This outpost has a security problem. According to our source the commander of the base is arrogant and thinks he's wasted on it. But, the moment we're detected he'll throw everything he has at Voltron.
[Greed is a hell of a motivation for an arrogant ass. His head throbs with pain and he grits his teeth for a moment. He continues.] I checked with Kolivan. He agrees with our source. We can approach this a number of ways but if we want to keep those defenses from being trained on us, we have to focus on stealth.
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It keeps him up at night, though. At least he can try to pretend like he's not kept up worrying about his best friend's health and safety. Though... knowing Keith, he probably knows something's up. Just like Keith knows very well that Shiro can't just not worry about him.
The mission, though. As much as Shiro wants to tell Keith to get some rest, he knows Keith will never just lay down and let such an important mission go on without him. ]
So we use cloaking. Pidge's system has worked for us in the past. It should be able to get us in there and give us more than enough time to strike. [ He pauses, and the concern overshadows anything else. ] Are you sure you'll be alright to do this?
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Co-piloting isn’t that strenuous. Black will alert me if I miss anything. It’s your safety we’ll be focused on.
[Black will give him that. He hasn’t tried to be Black’s pilot but he doesn’t think Black will allow that. Shiro is Black’s perfect pilot. And he isn’t faulting them for that. All he has ever wanted since he met Shiro was for Shiro to live up to his potential.] Coran will be monitoring all of us from the Castle. If I run into trouble,
[He will bear it. He waves a hand,] I’ll deal. Remember, I’m Galra enough the systems will obey me. I need to be there.
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And yet, Shiro can't shake the feeling that something is horribly wrong. Or that it will go horribly wrong. ]
Right. [ He rests a hand on Keith's shoulder. ] ... We'll really be counting on you, Keith.
[ Me, most of all, he wants to say--but he holds back. ]
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[But something is wrong. He feels it like a ripple in a still pond when the wind blows. The feeling has only gotten worse with time.] Coran is looking into old records to see if any other half Galra suffer these headaches.
Whatever is going on, we’ll find that answer. ...if it comes down to it. I’ll even ask Lotor. [Yet something in him says not to. It says to say nothing more and the pressure increases in his head as he breathes in.] I will. Do everything I can to make things okay.
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He wants to say he won't allow anything to happen to Keith, but he can't even promise himself that. It's the nature of being a Paladin and a member of the Blades, after all. And Keith is strong, one of the strongest people Shiro knows.
He has to trust it'll be okay... and do what he can if it's not. ]
Yeah. [ He could turn his head easily, brushes his lips along Keith's forehead, but he just barely stops himself. ] I'm pretty sure if anyone can figure this out, it's-- well, Pidge is busy. But Coran's a close second.
[ It's... the best attempt he's got at lightness. Shiro doesn't let go of Keith, even though he knows they'll have to sooner rather than later. But Keith is warm and steady, comforting in a way nothing else is. ]
And Keith... you aren't alone. I'm here with you, to help you carry that weight.
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Au - Here be Lions - Kuron
It hits him as the world goes back to normal and the adrenaline of the fight begins to ebb. For a few blissful seconds he hadn't thought beyond the next step. Gods and corruption had been far away. The void tears at him with sharp teeth as he straightens up, wiping his blade in the grass.
Keith takes a second to breathe. The coppery tang of blood fills his mouth and he draws his glass-like knife. He'll truss up his kill and carry it back to the empty cottage.
Pidge had vanished. All that was left is him and the void that tears at his soul. It had left him alone for two years when he was with his mother. Rapsho's death had ripped it back open and everything since then just kept pulling the wounds back open. He ties the creature's legs together with a bit of rope and casts about for a tree branch he can cut down to size.
Something moves in the forest beyond the dirt path. Keith goes still. What is it? Above him Ember circles, keeping watch. He moves his hand and taps two fingers on the dirt. The bird doesn't call out. Friend?
Ember would have sang if it had been another creature. He flips the knife in his hand as if to skin the deer-like beast, the blade gleaming in the sunlight. The world is returning to that crystal clear state. Whoever it is, if they're not an enemy, he won't apologize for being a creature of the forest. Survival is all about being the bigger predator and Galra are just predators that made it to the stars.]
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What he hadn't expected... was to end up on an island. He knows what this place is; that dream had been informative. And yet, part of him still can't believe it. Maybe he doesn't want to believe it. Is this another game? The twins and the Master are gone, but there are always people who will do things like that.
And he's so tired. He lets out a groan and runs a hand through his hair--still short, still how Keith would remember. A month hadn't been long enough for it to grow to the length as when Keith had found him floating around half-dead in space. And he's wearing Shiro's old outfit, the one Keith had given to him so long ago. The paladin armor is in a bag, but he doesn't feel right wearing it.
Not even these clothes feel right. But they're what he has.
He walks, and twigs snap beneath his shoes. He shoves trees out of his way, bag clutched tight in his hand, and he stops dead. His eyes widen, and he forgets to breathe for a moment. Something in his heart twists, something like hope and dread all at once. He looks like he remembers, back in Wonderland, but... there's also something different about him.
Besides... he shouldn't be here. He's needed back home. ]
Keith?
[ Keith, holding a knife, looking wary but unsurprised to be here. What is this? ]
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He freezes when the stranger comes into view. He points the blade down towards the ground immediately. The details come to him one by one. The clothes say Shiro, the hair doesn't. It's shorter about the length he'd seen it when he 'returned'. Keith holds his breath and lets it out.
The blade goes back into its sheathe on his waist and the hard light in his eyes vanishes,]
It's me. Did you just get here? [Tension drains out of him. If he's here, he isn't controlled by Haggar. Keith shoves his hair back from his face, exhaustion taking place of being wary.]
...sorry, this is a pretty dangerous place. Not at my best right now. [He looks different from Keith in Wonderland, his ears come to dull points, his fingers end in faint claws. His right hand is wrapped in bandages. He shouldn't be moving it. He doesn't really care about that. Keith kneels down, dragging a tree branch close to his kill.]
I'll make this quick then we can head back to safer ground. Tell me what you've heard so far, I'll fill in the rest.
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He hesitates, and nearly raises his hands to show he means no harm... but it seems like Keith understands that. Still. He wouldn't blame Keith if Keith just up and stabbed him.
He's glad he doesn't, though. He lets out a breath. ]
I had... a dream. Someone told me what this place is. The Storyteller? Honestly, everything is still pretty...
[ He runs a hand over his face. ]
... Hard to believe. Keith, I... Do you know what I am?
[ What. Not who. Best to get that out of the way. ]
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What you are is a person. Who you are is up to you. [He flips the branch and cuts away the last small branches. He runs his hand down the wood and nods to himself.
Good enough.] If you want me to call you Shiro, I will. If you want me to call you something else, I’ll do that.
[Keith checks the rope and threads the branch under the bound up legs. He looks up at him briefly. As exhausted as he is and weary down to the soul his gaze is sharp and clear.] You’re right, this place is pretty hard to believe. I’ve been here for half a year.
Never gets easier to deal with.
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... To be honest, I thought I'd seen it all after the month I've had. And... [ He pauses, thinking. His brows furrow, and he slides a hand through his hair. ] I really haven't had the time or opportunity to think of another name.
It's been on my mind. I just had other things to worry about. [ Like... the twins. Later, an even bigger threat. Worrying about the next step to take, if anyone back in his world would accept him.
For now, he contents himself with this. With the constant that no matter what Keith he meets, he'll always accept him. At least, he's two for two. ]
Actually, I'm not even sure where to start.
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Thanks. I'll reward you later okay? [He lets the wolf go and steps to the side, motioning for 'Shiro' to follow as he walks on, heading for the islets.] Come on. We're heading back.
As far starting somewhere...you don't have to rush it. Get settled first everything begins there. You came at a good time. It's quiet and the latest island to come close is a good source of supplies.
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AU - you know what this is!!
Or rather, it would if it weren't for the weight that's lodged itself behind his ribs ever since returning with not one, but two Shiro's. There's a lot that he hasn't even begun to unpack mentally, partly because he's dreading it. There's something darkly humorous about how incomprehensibly tangled Shiro's life has been since the Kerberos mission. Keith still remembers being a Garrison cadet and having the world torn apart with the announcement that the Kerberos crew would not be coming back. He remembers in vivid detail his refusal to accept that story, and the weeks of nightmares of Shiro slowly starving to death somewhere out in the cosmos because the Garrison had given up on him. The blind rage that followed because of his own helplessness. It feels like just yesterday and an eternity ago that Shiro miraculously came back and brought with him the truth that he'd been enslaved by a hostile alien race for a year. Even this time when he'd seemingly escaped the Galra a second time, he'd actually been dead all along.
Somehow the truth is always worse when it comes to Shiro, huh? Keith grits his teeth, eyes shifting away from the view screens popping up. The voices of the other paladins filter through the communicator inside his helmet, drilling holes into his thoughts with inane chatter. In one fluid motion, Keith pulls the damn thing off his head and takes a deep breath before turning in the pilot seat to look directly at the other person occupying the cockpit.
There'd been so many of them sleeping in pods in that laboratory. Hundreds, maybe. All of them now nothing more than debris waiting to be turned into space dust over the years. Did they all have a consciousness like this one? Were they all ready to kill him and the others at the behest of the empire through no fault of their own? Keith takes another deep breath, his voice soft as he speaks.]
Are you feeling any better?
[It's a stupid question, but he can own up to that. Anything to make the silence between them less deafening.]
time to get FUCKED UP
Shiro's alive; alive, and in a body of his own, soul accepted. All things considered, it's like it's all been wrapped up in a neat little package. The Paladins are all together, Coran and Allura have found another part of home in Romelle, and Keith seems far more settled after meeting his mother. All in all, it should be a happy occasion.
But all he can think about, all he sees when he closes his eyes, is memories he'd sooner obliterate completely. The facility, with its truth about what he is. Keith, on his back, fighting hard for his life. The pain of his arm changing so dramatically and rapidly, all to kill Keith... it's hard to forget. Hard to look at him, too, because he sees that scar and it presses hard on his heart. How can he look at Keith, exist in the same space as he does, after all he's done?
Of course... he wouldn't want to intrude on anyone else. They have a right to be suspicious, if they are; he doesn't know. But he wouldn't blame them. He'd let loose that virus, nearly killed them. Nearly killed Keith. Would have, if Keith hadn't made a split-second decision. He wonders if it gnaws at Keith like everything does at him. Honestly, if Keith didn't want to talk to him--
Oh. Keith is talking to him. He glances at Keith, then quickly away again. It's almost like looking at the sun. He opens his mouth, and it's difficult to even answer. Eventually, he lands on-- ]
I don't feel any sort of connection to Haggar, if that's what you mean.
how is this already hurtful lol
No, that's not --
[Not what I meant, he means to say, but he trails off and the words die IN his mouth. Did he mean that, even if only on a subconscious level? It'd be an obvious lie if he were to discredit the necessity of that question when the consequences of not questioning and being so blinded by the joy of having Shiro back have been all but literally burned onto his face.
And yet he still feels inexplicably sucker punched. Keith looks down at his clenched hand. Part of him feels like he should have known better. Maybe part of him knew something like this was going to happen because he'd seen Shiro, feral eyed and frightening, while traveling through the Quantum Abyss. The deja vu of standing on that long platform illuminated in purple light had been ice in his veins, paralyzing. But in the end, it didn't matter if the person waiting for him was his brother or an aberration; Keith wasn't going to leave without Shiro.
He swallows dryly before getting to his feet. The helmet is left on the pilot seat, which he hopes can be interpreted as a sign of trust. This conversation is just between Shiro's clone and him now, and he's determined to make things right.]
Look. I'm glad. [A beat.] I'm glad she can't hurt you anymore.
[He pauses at about an arm's distance away, holding eye contact.]
A lot happened back at the facility. I know you weren't in control. [Even if at the time the clone had seemed so sure, so deliberate...] I know you would never want to hurt me or any of the others. [The instant the connection between Shiro and that arm had been severed, the confusion on his face had been so earnest and pained -- something that hurt more than any physical injury.]
I'm just sorry that I wasn't there to help you figure all of this out sooner.
keith; dup
Add some aphrodisiacs into the mix and, well... it's sure a hell of a whirlwind of variables coming together to be either Shiro's personal hell (in public) or absolutely heaven (when it's just him and Keith, alone in their apartment). Thankfully, they're been close enough to home when Shiro'd foolishly exposed himself to those aphrodisiacs. Listen, sometimes you just get a face full of aphroperfume. It's not actually his fault, alright?
He trusts Keith, though, even if his touch makes his bones feel like jelly. He's burning up, and Keith's hands are cool on his skin. It feels like he's bathed in fire, and he doesn't mind drowning if it means Keith is there to keep him steady and safe.
Still doesn't keep him from wanting to tear Keith's clothes off in the goddamn elevator, though, but he is very insistently kissing him, hips pressed tight against the other paladin's. ]
Keith.
[ His voice is almost hoarse, strained with pure desire and need. ]
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Well. Almost home.
They have the elevator to themselves, and it shouldn't be surprising that the small, enclosed space is enough to loosen Shiro's control. Not that Keith really minds being kissed, and he kisses back, losing himself for a moment, letting himself enjoy the warmth of Shiro's hips pressed against his, the slight push of the proof of his arousal. It's the kind of thing that can always make him come undone so easily, the simplest touch from Shiro spreading warmth and desire through him.
But Shiro needs him to be focused right now, to be patient and take care of him, for just a little bit longer. ]
Shiro... just hold on, mm, a little longer. We're nearly there.
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[ It's becoming more and more common for Shiro's voice to take on that desperate, raw edge when it comes to Keith. He gets teased for it sometimes, but honestly, Shiro doesn't mind. Just the opposite--he likes it, likes being able to let go completely and let himself be one hundred percent vulnerable. Keith makes him feel safe in a way he's never felt before.
Not on this level, at least.
With Keith, he can come undone completely, and know that Keith's there for him. Just as Shiro's always there for Keith. It's just hard--ha--to keep his head about him when he's this completely worked up. Whatever was in that spray, it's more potent than the usual, and that burning intensifies. ]
Gonna take care of me when we're home, baby?
[ His voice is rough, wrecked, and he drops his head a bit to nuzzle and bite at Keith's neck. ]
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Between the sound of Shiro's voice, the pet name, and the way Shiro nuzzles into his neck, biting at him, Keith is very close to just saying fuck it and grinding against him right here and now in the elevator. He shudders and draws in a low breath. ]
Yeah, you know I will. Always.
[ He raises a hand to cup the back of Shiro's neck, stroking lightly through the short, soft hair on the nape of his neck - and then the elevator pings, coming to a slow halt. The doors open too slowly, but at least it's just a short walk to their apartment. He tries tugging Shiro towards the hallway, trying to keep his voice firm. ]
Come on, you can tell me what you want to do once we're home.
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[ He might be out of his mind with need, but the sincerity and sweetness comes through enough--especially to Keith, who knows Shiro better than anyone. He knows he can count on Keith, no matter what it is, and that thought settles warm and steady against his chest. But it's definitely hard to focus on that when Keith is driving him crazy with that touch.
He follows easily enough, though; he'd follow Keith to the ends of every universe. The short distance to their apartment is nothing compared to that, right? Except it definitely feels like the longest journey in the world. Shiro's a determined man, though, especially when it comes to Keith so--
Somehow, he manages to get the door open. Truly, his strength is legendary. ]
Still got it, [ he says, flashing Keith a (slightly unsteady) grin. ]
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What Shiro needs from him now, now that they're home, is touch, and safety, and the freedom to act on the desire that's making him burn up. Keith lets out a small, fond laugh and closes the door behind them, locking it before turning his back to it. Gently teasing, ]
I'm swooning. Think you can get to the bedroom, Shiro?
[ There is, of course, a large and comfortable couch that's a lot closer. And Keith is up against the door, if Shiro can't make it even that far.
Also one of these days Keith will come up with a pet name for Shiro, but so far all of them sound wrong compared to just Shiro. ]
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Keith is that person. And even though he's finding it hard to keep his mind on anything but tearing off their clothes, he lets out a quiet, fond chuckle. ]
If it means we'll both be comfortable? Yeah. [ Hearing Keith say his name--it's good. But without hesitation, even as he scoops Keith up into his arms, he says-- ] You can call me Takashi.
[ The way he says that.... he's practically begging Keith to. ]
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