[ funny, how it’s that easy. eight steps away from the picnic table and shiro already feels better. more relaxed, more sure of himself -- it’s silly perhaps, only in that so much of this circus is questionable and holds all the potential to go wrong at any given moment. but right here, right now, he lets himself be unconcerned, instead finding comfort in keith’s chatter.

shiro peeks at him with a corner gaze and smiles to his laugh, looking forward again with a shake of his head. ]

Not high striker. [ a beat and a crunch, his foot coming down on a half-eaten bag of popcorn. wrinkles his nose but keeps right on walking. ] Already beat it. [ naturally. there’s a ring toss game to the left, but shiro’s stride doesn’t break; the prizes aren’t that great anyway. ]

I don’t want to wind up with another banana to pawn off on some kid.

[ … after trying to harass a larping wizard into taking the banana first. shiro was, unfortunately, unsuccessful. he laughs now though, twisting around to walk backwards for a moment, facing keith as he stretches his hands out wide. what is that? three feet? four? ]

It was this big, Keith. It was terrible. [ such a negative prize; imagine that, punished for succeeding. ]