[ uh huh. if shiro’s considered stubborn, then what does that make keith? the question is silent, yet amused, the words in his head drawing out an easier smile. it is, unfortunately, only a brief reprieve, and soon enough, he’s back to it, slugging through murky, unhappy thoughts. he does, however, finally do something about keith’s reluctance to look at him. he can’t force him to look, no, but he can draw his hand back to brush his knuckles against the underside of keith’s chin. shaving off another inch by nuzzling his face closer might help too, especially with him now brushing hair from keith’s face to behind his ear. ]

We’re still a team.

[ he reminds gently, voice tired, like he’s had to say this one too many times. he hasn’t though, not aoud. he’s reminded himself of this many times instead. they’re still a team, even though none of the other paladins are from shiro’s timeline and none of them run drills or check in with each other on the daily. they’re still a team because: ]

We still look out for one another. We know we can depend on each other when it counts.

[ and then he’s stalling on the next word, the shift in his expression speaking the contradictory word before he breathes life into it. ]

But maybe you’re right. I’m not leading any of you anymore. The other three seem to be doing fine. You, too.