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[ 2020 call me out. ]
for both shiro and kuron.
for both shiro and kuron.
[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 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.]
Looks like they're careless in some places.
[ 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?
[ 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?
[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.
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?
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.
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. ]
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.
[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.
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.
[Keith doesn’t answer with words. He leans into Shiro and shuts his eyes. He wishes he could just stay like this. They could hold each other and the universe would stay locked out for however long they wished. It’s a lovely dream. Too bad he can’t.
He sighs into Shiro’s hair, slowly draws back but he doesn’t let go. His headache is easing up like the tide pulling away from the shore leaving his head clear. Keith nods,] I know and you don’t know how much that means to me.
I’m here to help you too. If I need to seek outside sources of information I will. For now, let’s focus on this next mission. Remember, this time I’m mostly advisory. You and Allura are leading this one.
I know you’ll do fine. You’re already thinking just far enough ahead.
He sighs into Shiro’s hair, slowly draws back but he doesn’t let go. His headache is easing up like the tide pulling away from the shore leaving his head clear. Keith nods,] I know and you don’t know how much that means to me.
I’m here to help you too. If I need to seek outside sources of information I will. For now, let’s focus on this next mission. Remember, this time I’m mostly advisory. You and Allura are leading this one.
I know you’ll do fine. You’re already thinking just far enough ahead.
[ If they could stay like this forever... then maybe the dread Shiro feels hanging just out of reach will abate. But he knows they have an important job. Later, surely this will all seem like paranoid worries, and they'll be able to relax.
... Relax. Right.
But Keith's praise fills Shiro with warmth, and despite his worries, he smiles. ]
Your faith's in good hands, Keith. I won't let you down.
... Relax. Right.
But Keith's praise fills Shiro with warmth, and despite his worries, he smiles. ]
Your faith's in good hands, Keith. I won't let you down.
I know you won’t.
[He sinks enough conviction into his tone to make sure Shiro hears it. He has no doubt that Shiro could pull this off. Allura was trained to lead and think of strategy. Her temper got in her way and that is where Shiro would come in.
Cool headed under pressure and as battle trained as Keith could give him, he could bank the fire. Leaving them both tempered to deal with the threats.
Keith finally takes a step back and looks at the map. They could resume. But they’ve discussed it as much as they can for now.] How about we go clear our heads with a few rounds on the training deck? This is as hashed out as we can until we get the rest of the reports.
[He sinks enough conviction into his tone to make sure Shiro hears it. He has no doubt that Shiro could pull this off. Allura was trained to lead and think of strategy. Her temper got in her way and that is where Shiro would come in.
Cool headed under pressure and as battle trained as Keith could give him, he could bank the fire. Leaving them both tempered to deal with the threats.
Keith finally takes a step back and looks at the map. They could resume. But they’ve discussed it as much as they can for now.] How about we go clear our heads with a few rounds on the training deck? This is as hashed out as we can until we get the rest of the reports.
[ Shiro's heart, embarrassingly, does a little flip at the praise. Keith's praise has that effect on him; always has. He's pretty sure it always will. He really hopes the faint flush isn't terribly obvious.
Shiro rests a hand gently on Keith's shoulder and squeezes. ]
Sounds like a plan. It's been a while since we sparred, anyway. [ Even if he's still worried about Keith, there's a lightness to his words and the way he grins. ] Think you can still keep up with me?
Shiro rests a hand gently on Keith's shoulder and squeezes. ]
Sounds like a plan. It's been a while since we sparred, anyway. [ Even if he's still worried about Keith, there's a lightness to his words and the way he grins. ] Think you can still keep up with me?
I think I can still toss you like a disc. [Shiro is gaining muscle and definition over time. It won't be long before he out muscles him. He just won't say that because Shiro as much as he loves him, might let that go to his head.
Keith pats the hand on his shoulder and finally steps back. He flashes him a feral edged smile as he turns and heads for the door.]
For now, you're almost too big to toss like that. [He'll feed his ego a little.] And too quick. I'll just find more fun things to do instead.
Keith pats the hand on his shoulder and finally steps back. He flashes him a feral edged smile as he turns and heads for the door.]
For now, you're almost too big to toss like that. [He'll feed his ego a little.] And too quick. I'll just find more fun things to do instead.
We'll see about that.
[ He walks alongside him, and-- good god, that smile does something to him. Shiro manages to keep it restrained, but he's again and again struck by how beautiful Keith is. ]
You'll have to come up with new tactics. Keeping you on your toes might be almost too easy.
[ He walks alongside him, and-- good god, that smile does something to him. Shiro manages to keep it restrained, but he's again and again struck by how beautiful Keith is. ]
You'll have to come up with new tactics. Keeping you on your toes might be almost too easy.
[His prey stopped moving.
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.]
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? ]
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? ]
[The thrill of their promised spar is already rolling through his veins. Shiro has to have no idea how much he enjoys it.]
Cocky. Careful, get too big headed and I'll show you the floor that much faster. [He could knock him off his feet and pin him face down this time. It's always a toss up of what can happen now Shiro has solid experience under his belt.]
Easy. [Keith snorts and keys the lift.] You wish.
Cocky. Careful, get too big headed and I'll show you the floor that much faster. [He could knock him off his feet and pin him face down this time. It's always a toss up of what can happen now Shiro has solid experience under his belt.]
Easy. [Keith snorts and keys the lift.] You wish.
[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.
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. ]
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.
Never gets easier to deal with.
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.
Edited 2020-01-22 13:03 (UTC)
[ 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. ]
Actually, I'm not even sure where to start.
... 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.
[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.
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.
Hah, I finally show up at a good time.
[ That's... pretty self-deprecating, but he says it so genuinely. Probably he doesn't even realize how it sounds. Not by the way he keeps walking, following close behind Keith--Keith knows this place well, apparently. He's still very much on guard, but he trusts Keith more than anything or anyone.
Especially himself. ]
Keith... how long have you been here?
[ That's... pretty self-deprecating, but he says it so genuinely. Probably he doesn't even realize how it sounds. Not by the way he keeps walking, following close behind Keith--Keith knows this place well, apparently. He's still very much on guard, but he trusts Keith more than anything or anyone.
Especially himself. ]
Keith... how long have you been here?
[He stops and stares at him. There is too many things to unpack in the first statement but the second. He thinks back.
He is rapidly approaching a year here in this hellhole.] Almost a year. I was from Naxzela at first as the last thing hit the fan I was sent back and came back older and definitely not wiser.
[His voice is deadpan, he’s joking for once. Keith resumes walking, making no noise as he follows the path almost hidden between the trees. He emerges at the edge of the forest at the edge of the bridge. He takes a moment to look about then nods to himself.]
...look. I know things were messed up before. [Shiro’s words from when he first arrived ring in his ears. The way his grey eyes went dark and he was angry...with himself.]
But that doesn’t mean it was a bad time for you to show up. I was a shitty leader. I wasn’t just not ready I was...
[He shakes his head and steps onto the planks of the bridge. He can say this.] Grieving. I was caught in that and there was no way I was pulling out of it without help. They needed someone and even if you had no idea what else was in you. You did right by them.
By Black. Thank you for that.
He is rapidly approaching a year here in this hellhole.] Almost a year. I was from Naxzela at first as the last thing hit the fan I was sent back and came back older and definitely not wiser.
[His voice is deadpan, he’s joking for once. Keith resumes walking, making no noise as he follows the path almost hidden between the trees. He emerges at the edge of the forest at the edge of the bridge. He takes a moment to look about then nods to himself.]
...look. I know things were messed up before. [Shiro’s words from when he first arrived ring in his ears. The way his grey eyes went dark and he was angry...with himself.]
But that doesn’t mean it was a bad time for you to show up. I was a shitty leader. I wasn’t just not ready I was...
[He shakes his head and steps onto the planks of the bridge. He can say this.] Grieving. I was caught in that and there was no way I was pulling out of it without help. They needed someone and even if you had no idea what else was in you. You did right by them.
By Black. Thank you for that.
[ Ah. That's a pretty long time, but Keith gets right to the point.
And then he circles back to the first statement. What Keith says makes him speechless for a good long time. He isn't sure, at first, what to say. He and Keith back in Wonderland hadn't really... had time to talk about this stuff. Hearing Keith say it now... hearing him own up to so much... well. ]
... You were put into a role you weren't prepared for at the time. [ He tries to keep his voice even, but his throat is tight and it comes through in his voice. ] In more than one way. Shiro was gone--or he was to you. It was too much too fast. You'd just lost him, and...
[ He lets out a breath. ]
... I just did what I had to. I'm still surprised Black--well. I guess it was Shiro, wasn't it? I'm still surprised they let me pilot Black.
I made mistakes. I can't take those back. I-- [ He lets out another breath, and it shakes. ] I'm glad they have you as a leader, though.
And then he circles back to the first statement. What Keith says makes him speechless for a good long time. He isn't sure, at first, what to say. He and Keith back in Wonderland hadn't really... had time to talk about this stuff. Hearing Keith say it now... hearing him own up to so much... well. ]
... You were put into a role you weren't prepared for at the time. [ He tries to keep his voice even, but his throat is tight and it comes through in his voice. ] In more than one way. Shiro was gone--or he was to you. It was too much too fast. You'd just lost him, and...
[ He lets out a breath. ]
... I just did what I had to. I'm still surprised Black--well. I guess it was Shiro, wasn't it? I'm still surprised they let me pilot Black.
I made mistakes. I can't take those back. I-- [ He lets out another breath, and it shakes. ] I'm glad they have you as a leader, though.
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