[ this seems familiar. it carries the same notes of reassurance that keith’s given him before. it always comes in the form of gentle notes and steadfast holds. since reconnecting all those weeks ago, there’s been talk about shiro taking his time, about them being a team, about how keith will always be there for him and never give up on him. knowing that keith has ultimately decided to always have shiro’s back is a comfort, of course it is, but here, it carries jaded undertones of how that loyalty is too freely given.
he does trust keith though, especially when it comes to understanding his own needs and limits.
even so, his lips remain sealed to protest and his gaze unlifted despite the buzzing awareness of keith’s squeeze and palpable desperation for shiro to engage. there’s a slight nodding of his head as the silence settles and then he lifts his hand. no, not one -- he’s going for both. he can silently admit to himself that he still has no idea what he’s doing and that he still doesn’t feel solid footed in the least, but palms brush and then he curls his fingers, wrapping them around the low end of keith’s forearms for two loose clasps.
if he can’t give keith words to hold onto, maybe answering holds will do? honestly, it’s more selfish than that. it’s grounding for shiro and a physical tapping of strength that he draws from keith in order to finally drive his gaze up to peek at the other man. ]
Okay.
[ quiet, yet resolute, at least his voice has strength to it that can be depended on. there’s a pause there, as though the thought isn’t complete and he’s going to clarify something beyond a one word answer. however, the moment lapses and then he obviously changes route by abruptly abandoning the somber air for his shitty defense mechanism. ]
Listen to Keith more and stop being a moron… [ his head is still slightly ducked, as though he hasn’t centered himself enough to fully level it for his usual confidence. a smile touches his lips though and it’s crooked. playful, maybe, albeit slightly strained. ]
The second part might be a bit of a tall order but I think I can manage.
yes. one day there will be kisses................... "one day"
he does trust keith though, especially when it comes to understanding his own needs and limits.
even so, his lips remain sealed to protest and his gaze unlifted despite the buzzing awareness of keith’s squeeze and palpable desperation for shiro to engage. there’s a slight nodding of his head as the silence settles and then he lifts his hand. no, not one -- he’s going for both. he can silently admit to himself that he still has no idea what he’s doing and that he still doesn’t feel solid footed in the least, but palms brush and then he curls his fingers, wrapping them around the low end of keith’s forearms for two loose clasps.
if he can’t give keith words to hold onto, maybe answering holds will do? honestly, it’s more selfish than that. it’s grounding for shiro and a physical tapping of strength that he draws from keith in order to finally drive his gaze up to peek at the other man. ]
Okay.
[ quiet, yet resolute, at least his voice has strength to it that can be depended on. there’s a pause there, as though the thought isn’t complete and he’s going to clarify something beyond a one word answer. however, the moment lapses and then he obviously changes route by abruptly abandoning the somber air for his shitty defense mechanism. ]
Listen to Keith more and stop being a moron… [ his head is still slightly ducked, as though he hasn’t centered himself enough to fully level it for his usual confidence. a smile touches his lips though and it’s crooked. playful, maybe, albeit slightly strained. ]
The second part might be a bit of a tall order but I think I can manage.