[ shiro’s been off keith’s radar for the most part, but keith’s been on his. shiro’s tried to keep his ear to the ground and keep tabs on keith to sooth his own concern for the boy. unfortunately, keith isn’t big on the social media and adi isn’t the gossiping sort that the galaxy garrison used to be. aside from a few rogue, network posts that overshare information that really shouldn’t be put there, the majority of agents and off-worlders seem to have a higher maturity than a bunch of teenagers in orange uniforms. shiro has largely relied on their mutual roomie on any insight for keith’s comings and goings. in short? shiro’s concrete knowledge is limited.

he’s sort of hoped that keith’s spent a lot of it in his room, resting and letting his hands heal. stupid him, huh?

he’s out of guesses; he doesn’t contemplate for more either. there’s a disconnect in his concern, one that has it momentarily taking the backseat as a rush of deranged, somewhat manic humor skips to the forefront of his mind. how is that possible? how can that truly be a concern to keith? shiro's voice comes out on a disbelieving note, smile twisted on bitter self-loathing. ]

I broke your hand and you’re worried what I’ll think of you.

[ why does shiro’s opinion still matter? why has it always mattered so immensely to keith? keith’s regard has always felt a little undeserved but especially now, after the horror shiro’s wrought on him. he might have a suspicion. it’s a fragile idea though, one that he hardly dares to breathe life into beyond the darkness of his room when he’s two hours into staring at his ceiling. the way they’ve been circling each other these past months, weaving ever closer from hugs to forehead kisses to sleeping together after twice kissing on the lips.

it’s far too bright in here to consider any of this now though and shiro dismisses it as quickly as it comes, continuing with warmer words of encouragement. ]

However you’ve been handling this… I’m to blame for it too. [ he leans against the shower doorway, still keeping his distance. he’s tempted to crane up and twist the shower knob to shut off the water but as much as it pains him to see keith huddled in a puddle, he’s more hesitant to disrupt anything here. he’s fearful that keith is one wrong move away from completely collapsing in on himself and hiding away. he can be patient. he can wait this out and see what it is keith needs from him before he makes any bold moves. ]

So I promise, Keith – I promise to listen to whatever it is you want to tell me, whether I disapprove or not.