[ oh keith… -- shiro’s expression says it all. it collapses. one breath to the next, the furrow forms and his brows lower, gaze growing soft and sympathetic, while his lips part on a rush of breath not quite a sigh. the following silence is just as telling. the inopportune heart to heart over happy meals came with its own revelations, mostly in that they might not even survive the war, but while neither of them said it then, they both know there’s no going back even if they win back the universe.

it’s a horrifying thought. and while shiro would argue his next move is purely for keith’s own comfort, shiro largely benefits from it as well. he slips his arms around and tugs keith into his chest. no, into his body, because shiro holds him tight with his arms and then folds into him, shoulders rounding forward, head dipped down and cheek pressed to the side of keith’s head. he encompasses him in that moment and shiro refuses to let go.

so much changes. so much is lost. but. ]

There’s one thing that’s endured. [ a beat, then a softer: ] Us. [ together and apart, their bond has withstood the trials and that’s encouraging. it’s something shiro has continuously drawn strength from, especially lately, now that it’s just the two of them in an unfamiliar time, amongst an array of strangers. he shifts his cheek against keith’s head, seemingly nuzzling for a moment before he breaks the connection by lifting his head. ]

Even if everything else changes, you’ve still got me in your corner, calling you my best friend. [ he’s taken to rubbing his hands along keith’s back, hoping to sooth away some of his distress. ] I know it doesn’t amount to much but it counts for something, right?