A/N: Warning! Expressions of pure love, and a bottoming Shiro are afoot!

-21–

For the first time in what seemed like ages, all inhabitants of the castle were scattered. Kolivan, Allura and Coran occupied one of the higher levels. The larger Galra actually wanted to explain about her heritage, but she chose to not be part of it. The last Keith saw of her before the 3 of them disappeared was the removal of her earrings. Their deep violet and fuchsia outlines reminded him of Galra color schemes. He thought back to his mother want wondered if they were amplifiers to her magic, as well. What she wound up doing with them, he may never know.

He loitered in the halls nearest to Shiro's room. His other wasn't there, and hadn't been in a while, it seemed. Keith wanted to talk to him. After 10 minutes of waiting, he wandered down the corridor with no place in particular in mind. Nearing the path to his own room, he caught tail end of what seemed like Hunk following Lance into his before the crisp click of the door's lock sparked into the air. Well, whatever may be unfolding there was none of his business.

Slav was still on the bridge, and Keith hadn't seen Lotor since right after the speech when he announced he was going to regroup some soldiers. The flirtatious man had dared a glimpse back at Shiro, prompting Keith to stand defensively in front of him. He was certain there would be yet another chance for he, Shiro and Lotor to all have a chat when the situation weren't so life or death.

After meandering around with no direction for another 15 minutes, Keith believed he heard Pidge's voice speaking to someone. She was the only other he hadn't seen occupied with another engagement, so he followed. Before long, he came upon the pod hangar. Peeking in, he saw Pidge and Shiro sitting atop a wing in conversation. He thought he heard her mention her brother and how she would be spending the remaining days.

"But, I'm so glad you're back with us, Shiro," she concluded, leaning into him and encircling her little arms around his broad frame. Shiro smiled gently, and patted her shoulder, "So am I."

"It's good to know we all are," Keith finally revealed himself. Both Pidge and Shiro looked up to greet the newcomer. Immediately, Pidge distanced herself and hopped down onto the floor. "Well, I should get going."

"Hey, no need to leave, on my account Pidge," Keith surmised, a few feet away from them now. A curious scent laced the air and he lifted his head to sniff it. It was a citrusy, clean smell. Idly, his vision fell on Shiro, who raked a hesitant hand through his snowy fluff. Huh? Did he take another shower after the meeting? Well, he did have a habit of taking more than one shower once returning to the Garrison after the two of them had been out overnight. Perhaps that was all it was. And if so, why did he suddenly appear sheepish about it?

Noticing the odd ambiance between the two males, Pidge adjusted her glasses in nervous habit and promptly began to see herself out, "Um. Well. I'm gonna get to bed. I've got an early start ahead of me in the morning, after all. G'night, you two."

"Good night Pidge," Shiro waved, looking anywhere but at Keith, while the other stared straight at him.

"...Shiro?"

"...Uh. Hi there, Keith."

"Hey," he managed a tiny smile, "You smell nice. Did you just come from the shower, again?"

There was, oddly, more avoidance on Shiro's part. "Um, yeah. I did..."

"What is it? Should I not have asked?"

"Ah, no it's fine."

"Oh."

Poorly hiding his embarrassment, Shiro slid off the wing and kept his sights glued to the floor, "Well, it's gotten pretty late."

"It has."

"I think… " Shiro trailed off. He wanted to invite Keith to his room, despite the fact Keith had practically already moved in there anyway. He just wanted to talk, but he wasn't stupid. He didn't want things to escalate too quickly; possible final moments or not. He knew he cared for Keith. He was even in love with him—at least, that's what he believed these unclear feelings were towards him. No matter how grim the situation, he shouldn't rush what they have now into something that could backfire. He had more respect than that. However, whatever Keith chose to do would be exactly that.

"... I think I'ma...just goto bed, now."

Keith paused. Then, he nodded, moreso to himself than the statement, "I see. Well, mind if I come with you?"

Shiro blanched and prayed the gigantic intake of air he just gulped down was not very noticeable.

Only one of two things could happen if he agreed to this. One: they would just talk and goto sleep in the same room as they've done in the past. Two: they would have a very deep conversation, but not at all with words. The possibility of both made him nervous. And yet…

"That choice is upto you."

"Okay."

As Shiro passed by Keith, he could feel indigo burrowing beneath his skin that warmed a blush to his cheeks. It was in that moment he came to understand how much he had wanted to hold Keith—in both the American and Japanese meanings of the term. Just as his heartbeat sped up at the thought, the curl of Keith's fingers against his palm caused his entire body to bloom with heat. Without thinking, he held Keith's hand firmly as if in agreement. Wordlessly, they exited the hangar and took their time to Shiro's room.

–

The very moment the door shut behind him, Shiro's mind ran wild with possibilities of the infinite. He knew exactly the type of visit this was going to be; and the reality of it mercilessly crashed down atop him. In the same instant, he felt affirmed hands cup his upper arms, slide up to loosely encircle his neck and his back fell against the door as Keith practically threw all his weight into a hug. Instinctively, Shiro's arms raised, but only halfway. He was in cognitive limbo of pulling Keith closer, and just waiting to see what Keith himself wanted to do.

"I've missed you so much. I… Shiro, I'm actually terrified about confronting my mother again." Against the pressure of what was to come to pass, uninhibited honesty tumbled from Keith before he could process it all. "Today was basically the first time I actually met the real her. The one who taught me to fly and fight wasn't the same person."

"Keith..." Shiro began just above a whisper. Earnestly, he slid his hands along Keith's back and hugged him like the preciousness he was. Enamored, Keith had to stand on his toes to ensure he received the entirety of Shiro's affection. A little noise scampered from him as he clung to Shiro like a life requirement. Gently, Shiro calmed him while rubbing along his shoulder blades; his other hand coiled Keith's waist, "Shh. It's okay. I know this is a difficult time, but what you saw were different shades of the same thing. You don't have to agree with her views, but there's no reason to throw away what you've learned. You can still see her as a mother, if you want; it's completely upto you."

"I know..." Keith replied, anguish muffled within the crannies of Shiro's collar. He really did have an inviting scent. That, coupled with the encompassment of his strong embrace rendered Keith lightheaded. "I think the most of it is...I can't believe this is happening."

"With your mom or..."

"Both," Keith informed, slightly tugging himself backwards. Shiro understood the hint and lowered his arms so Keith could greet him at normal height. The turmoil that once highlighted his liquidy irises had long faded. In its place was a longing that Shiro, at first, did not feel worthy of witnessing. Is this how Keith truly felt towards him?

"Keith?" The airiness barely left him, and transformed into a gasp instead. Stunned, he watched as Keith lifted a palm near his jaw. Shiro's lashes peppered his cheeks in surprise and the unknown while Keith guided that hand to the back of Shiro's head, fingers tickling the clipped follicles there.

"...Keith..." The word was shaped without a drop of sound. He did not move. He allowed Keith to explore as he saw fit. Indigo never parted from sienna. Gradually, Keith rose to his toes once more. Quietly agape Shiro watched, lids dimmed just below half-mast, as Keith inched forward.

Then, Keith paused. But unlike each time at the Garrison when he got too close, he didn't recede and did not pull away. He could tell Shiro was hesitant to continue. In favor of his other's wellbeing, he questioned this, "What's wrong…?"

"...You...can tell?" The question just fell from him; Shiro hadn't meant to voice it.

"Yeah… Do… do you want me to stop?"

"No," Shiro clarified, truthfully, "I'm just worried. I mean...we were just given an ultimatum and there's a chance we might not survive. Every battle is like that, I know but..."

"?" Keith failed to understand Shiro's meaning for beating around the bush.

"Keith, you don't need to rush anything. I want you to be honest with yourself...that what you might be feeling right now is genuine," Shiro explained. Despite sounding amazingly calm, internally, he was wrought with fear. The already questionable line dissecting friends and more was burning even shorter and Shiro had to be sure this was what Keith wanted.

"I'm not rushing; I've wanted to be this close to you since we started going out at the Garrison."

"I thought those were non-dates." Shiro's attempt at mirth was weak, but appreciated as Keith returned the humor with a tiny smile.

"Oh no, we were totally low-key flirting. I hate to say this, but I didn't think you were really that oblivious. I constantly dropped hints, but you never caught on. Or did you think doing so would be taking advantage of me?"

"Honestly, I thought I was the one in the wrong falling for you. We were best friends, and I was your superior."

"You were also still a student."

"I know… But, I guess I'm not very good at receiving passes."

"But, we're not at the Garrison anymore. We don't have ranks to hold us back, Shiro."

"I just want you to be sure, that's all."

"I've never been more sure about anything in my entire life. ...But it's okay. I get it. Too little, too late, huh?" Keith surmised with a bitter huff. He looked away from Shiro, slowly shrinking back. No matter what he did, it was like Shiro was always turning him down. Being cautious and caring was one thing, but no one could be on the safe side forever. Still, he should be used to this by now. He had no one to blame but himself, "I guess the joke is on me. No phone calls needed to interrupt a moment, this time. I guess I'll just...see myself out."

"Keith..." With a candid demure, Shiro delicately grasped a hand and brought it to his chest. From the contact, Keith peered up at Shiro immediately. Every hope that lie dormant in his heart thrived from anticipation within one skipped beat.

"Listen. You and I have a wonderful friendship together. If we become more than that, it's got to work. I've lost you too many times, already...I wouldn't want to lose my boyfriend, too."

Keith's entire being froze at the word. Just what was Shiro insinuating? Did he actually…?

"Then… you aren't rejecting me?" Keith wondered in a small voice.

"Oh, Keith…" The breathy phrase tapered off into a hush. Gingerly, Shiro encircled his arms around Keith and brought him flat against his body. Keith reciprocated the embrace tenfold, burrowing his head against Shiro's shoulder. Immersed within cherishing warmth and affection, Keith felt his heart rise into the heavens. Shiro's scent, and the welcomed safety of his arms were what Keith synonymized with where he belonged. His house may have been in the desert, but his home was with Shiro. Keith curled his fingers along the fabric of Shiro's tight shirt, bracing himself mentally with the validity of this reality.

In mutuality, Shiro's hand smoothed upwards along curve of Keith's back, his fingers gliding delicately along the material. The puff of a sigh fell from Keith and he arched into Shiro's exploratory touch. Understanding the encouraged signal, Shiro led his palm into the thicket of curls at the back of Keith's head. He grasped, kneaded and gently pulled at it; the airy mewl that rose from Keith was given openly without filter. A light gasp crept along Shiro's tongue from the display. This was a side of his Keith he never dreamed he'd be the culprit of unleashing. He was the one causing Keith to come undone from his ministrations like this; it was he who, from a minute gesture, could strum such truthful noises from the one before him. No one else.

All they were doing was sharing a hug, and both of them loitered on the verge of exceeding into more. As an attempt to slow himself down, Shiro lightly gripped a handful of coiled raven to guide Keith in tilting his head back. With wanton pants emerging seconds apart in anticipation, Keith avidly obeyed. His hazed vision slipped in and out of focus as his lids proved uncertain with closing fully or not.

"… Shiro..." Keith rasped, hollowly, "Keep going…"

A quiet expletive dropped from Shiro in weight of how much they both wanted to continue. His heart certainly held no objection. In hesitant innocence, Shiro cupped Keith's cheeks with both hands and brought their foreheads together. There, he sought control of himself, and steadied his desires. He waited for his emotional high to crumble into some artifact of common sense. Mere seconds lay in ambush towards the borders of friendship and lover. Whichever was chosen regarded the utmost responsibility.

"Shiro…?" The very need in that whimper was enough to drive him crazy.

Lured by the sound of it, Shiro dipped his head; the breathlessness of Keith's name came almost as a suppressed whine before it was enveloped by a feathery kiss. A resonating moan reverberated in Keith's throat and he followed after Shiro's taste with potent earnest. Despite the fullness of their first, its longevity burned for only a few seconds. A light, moist sound wavered between them as they separated, catching upto what just happened. Wordlessly, they crossed gazes, lingering within the other's momentarily for any context. Joy and acceptance returned to them both, and they pleasantly leaned in to claim their second kiss.

Soon, tones of rapid breath and involuntary moans shaded the room. Exploited by emotion, Keith's fingers balled into taut fists at Shiro's clothed back and his hips pressed into something he quickly thought it shouldn't have. Ashamed by the mistake, Keith pulled back, placing two flat palms to Shiro's chest. "I'm...um...I'm sorry. I didn't mean to..."

He hadn't removed himself all that much, but even so Shiro respectfully dropped his arms to his sides, not touching Keith.

"Do you want to stop, Keith?"

"No."

"...Good." Only with confirmation, did Shiro make a move. Suavely, he dug his thumbs in the waistband of Keith's pants and pulled him close. He kept his focus entirely on Keith, while assuredly brushing evidence of his own his own craving against him. The certainty offered was well received. A deep gasp emitted from Keith. His lashes dimmed to taut crescents as Shiro rolled his hips delectably forward. Without question, Keith laced his arms around Shiro's neck and clung to him. Another string of kisses whispered between them, accompanying and thickening their body motions.

"...Yes, Shiro..." he egged on with rasped breath, while matching Shiro's rhythm. It felt incredible to be able to this with Shiro on an emotional level. It was ironic how Keith had often wished to receive this level of trust from Shiro, while at the same time it seemed unobtainable and forever out of reach. But, there was no misreading what was unraveling here, and Keith was overdue for indulgement in all of it.

"I want you..." The phrase tiptoed frailly between them; Keith hardly recognized the prurient pitch of his own voice rich with need, "...Shiro."

The older paused, muting their kiss and beholding Keith directly. Carefully, he studied the stray locks that had already begun to decorate Keith's features adhered by sweat, as well as the hungry half-lidded invitation. The tip of Keith's tongue peeked out and salaciously curved the semblance of a smirk. Keith was beyond prepared for this, but of course Shiro wanted to be extra certain before they went any further. Just as he was about to ask, Keith halted his unborn question with a finger, "Yes. I'm sure."

"...Keith..."

"Stop talking. Bed. Now."

This behavior surprised Shiro, but he surely did not discourage it. He always believed Keith were a natural leader. He never thought he'd live to see it firsthand in the bedroom, however. It was highly enticing. Gradually, a lopsided licentious grin overtook Shiro and he suckled down the length of Keith's finger before releasing it with a wet pop.

"Yes, sir~"

With not another word, Shiro lifted his impatient Keith into his arms. He didn't have to go very far to reach the mattress and once he did, he tossed Keith into the sheets before hastily crawling in after him. Keith laughed freely at this, then rolled onto his back. Shiro's bed always seemed to be a little larger compared to his. When he was the only one using it, it felt too empty. But in the next few minutes, he was positive he'd be quite grateful for the extra space. Tempestuous cobalt, full with smolder, draped onto Shiro. At the foot of the bed, the one being seduced waited on his knees while simply stunned watching Keith. As he propped himself on his elbows amongst the pillows, Keith reclined. Mussed segments of ebon matted his forehead, and lightly skirted the width of his shoulders. Confidently, he beckoned with a finger.

In almost an instant, Shiro was upon him, sliding and squeezing his hands up Keith's haunches, while moving up his body. Meeting him halfway, Keith dug his fingers through Shiro's bangs, down into his trimmed tresses and groped at his shaved scalp while devouring him in a relentlessly starved kiss. The melange of sounds that flew from the both of them sweetened the mesh of their clothed bodies together.

After ravenous minutes of becoming tangled amongst the other, the urge to breathe was actually required and they separated. Shallow pants poured between them, but only for a moment; Keith pulled Shiro down for one more kiss before lightly pushing him backwards until Shiro was straddling him.

Hot.

It was much too heated in here. Something needed to give. While neutral colors did look good on Shiro, the idea of him still with clothing had become unsightly. Keith was having none of it.

"Shirt. Off."

"Yes, sir," Shiro winked; he crossed one arm over the other at the hem of his top and yanked it over his head. Dewy sweat dappled his half bared body, their tint reflecting off the room's lighting and heightening Keith's thirst to explore it. He sat up as best he could, leaving a hand down within the cushions for balance and lifted the other near Shiro's chest. Wordlessly, he peered up at Shiro, silently requesting to touch him; his scars. He was met with a nod and faint smile. To further add to the consent, Shiro gently placed his hand over Keith's and brought them both to his heart. Keith studied Shiro's vulnerable expression; Keith's irises rimmed with a softness only shown to the man before him. A tender, trusting smile warmed Shiro's visage and he nodded. Reassuringly, Keith rubbed Shiro's sternum before gingerly nuzzling into it.

"It's ok," Keith uttered, words tickling Shiro's chest, "You're perfect to me, no matter what, Shiro."

"I know."

A light kiss sparked between them, and they shared a short hug. Soon after, Keith began undoing Shiro's pants. Experimentally, Keith slid his hand down while allotting very close attention to Shiro's reactions. Lashes wavering, Shiro's breath tightened, as did something else as Keith suddenly paused. Through fuzzy vision, he witnessed Keith lift a quizzical brow and Shiro swiftly felt his cheeks burn. Entirely flustered, he could not bring himself to look directly at Keith. Now, it was Keith's turn to grow abashed as he realized a certain something was not worn. Mentally fitting the pieces together, Shiro's reason for that 2nd shower made all the sense in the world. Had Shiro expected them to get this far?!

"Shiro-?" Keith squeaked in disbelief. The other gave no response, and dared not even glance in Keith's direction. The rosy blush spattering his features was definitely a giveaway he was aware that Keith was onto him. He only wanted to prepare himself, in advance, for what might happen! And knowing Keith, anything could!

"Hey, look this way, Shiro."

He did so on command.

Entertained, Keith hooked a finger in the top of Shiro's pants, "I'm taking these off, now."

With a nod, Shiro obediently accepted this and lifted from Keith to sit atop the bed so his slacks could be removed. A shock of cool air gained a rise out of him immediately as he was exposed, and Shiro tensed from the rush. In the span of a blink, Keith was on all fours between his legs. Embarrassment throbbed within him and he poorly tried to not ogle Keith while he stared at his prize.

"Don't… don't look at it so hard."

For some reason, Keith saw it fit to insert a harmless joke here, "I didn't have to, you're already-"

"No," Shiro covered the lewdness that was to scamper from Keith with a palm, "It's bad enough you left my socks on. There's no reason for puns, please."

Keith snickered a little throatily at that while lowering Shiro's hand. "Sorry. I'll make it better. Here, keep yourself occupied for a while."

Uncertain to what Keith was upto, but enjoying being ordered around Shiro curled his fingers around himself and began to steadily stroke. His focus followed Keith as he leapt off the bed, dashed to the dresser's 3rd drawer and retrieved a bottle of lubricant. He then ran back to the mattress and hopped atop the sheets. Keith flipped the cap and eagerly squeezed a small enough amount of it, causing Shiro to jolt from its coldness before he could ask how Keith knew where to search.

"Keep going," Keith stated, fishing in his pocket he plucked a ringed band from it. The very image of Keith tying back his thick locks into a ponytail earned a low moan from Shiro and quickened his incentive. He thoroughly enjoyed that style on Keith; he was about to appreciate it even more within the next few seconds. Experimentally, Keith lowered himself to Shiro's ministrations and curiously poked his tongue out. A sudden gasp spiked from Shiro and his hand paused. This gave Keith the perfect opportunity to strike. Confidently, he dragged his tongue along the pulsing underside of Shiro's girth and strongly slurped in the tip.

A guttural cry rang out from Shiro, mellowed by a delectable hiss. Within a split second, his dry hand found purchase along Keith's scalp and bounced with every bob of his head. Thank goodness this room was on the opposite side of the ship from most of the others' and that the only neighbor wasn't even there. It crossed Shiro's fogging mind to wonder if Keith had ever done this before, but he dared not ask. Actually, as time went on, he could start to tell that Keith was possibly about as inexperienced as he was. A few bites got in the way, but they weren't too serious. Before long, Shiro had aided Keith's motions with his hand, meeting the rhythm as best he could. Somewhere throughout Keith's variance of pace, and head twists, he smoothed an ebon strand behind an ear.

And that was when Shiro had to draw the line.

"Wait...Keith…. That's enough..." he cautioned, carefully resting both palms along Keith's shoulders to gently give him the message. Confused as to why he'd want things to end here, but still being mindful, Keith removed himself. A tethering of saliva bridged between him and what he had just feasted upon. Shiro forced himself to look away as a testament to his self control. Lids tautly shut, and fists wrinkling the covers to clumps, Shiro had to do this. If he wanted to continue their activities, he would need to calm himself down.

Witnessing this, Keith easily understood. He didn't want this moment to end just yet, either.

After about a minute, Shiro had regained the majority of his respiratory flow. As he dragged his weary vision to Keith, his entire being flushed and he hastily bit a knuckle to prevent himself from making a very scandalous sound. Exactly when did Keith have the time to fully undress and splay atop the bedsheets?

Keith kept his attention on Shiro while he tended to himself. Slicked and sloppy noises soon occupied the silence; Keith bucked his hips into both hands. The bottle of lubricant lay not too far from him.

"Ah… Shiro… Shiro….come here..."

Whatever Shiro was going to mumble it failed to communicate with his brain. Keith was waiting for him and all that lined his thoughts were multiple ways of pleasing his partner. Such a rare sight was very much an esquisse he wanted imprinted in memory. Entranced, Shiro made his way over.

"Good," Keith complimented airily, "Do you like this?"

What was he referring to? Watching him, or being on the receiving end of what he was doing?

Sensing the inner monologue, Keith giggled slightly and altered the subject, "You're staring…."

"I can't help it. You're incredible, Keith."

"Am I? I want to see how incredible you can be."

Awaiting instructions, Shiro positioned himself between Keith's legs, but kept both hands on either sides of him. He would not touch unless Keith allowed him to.

"Here, open," Keith guided, arching enough off the bed for Shiro to get the hint. He did, and with ease, Shiro took Keith over his tongue and partially into his throat. The most luscious scream shook Keith to his core and he grasped desperately at the sheets from the sensations. He needed to grab on to something, anything. Shiro wished Keith had held onto him instead...until the unmistakable rip of fabric tore into the room. He was almost positive that Keith did not notice and was far too focused with controlling his feverish thrusts so that Shiro did not gag.

A volley of coarse language cascaded from him as his head thrashed from side to side. Rugged breathing interrupted his flurry of gibberish and he fought to regulate that instead. Someplace between all of that, was Shiro's name being frantically praised gravelly or through grit teeth. Shiro had no idea of how much Keith could take before a limit was reached, so he released him, slowly, one moistened inch at a time before leading his tongue to the pulse beneath and ventured lower. As he suckled the curves there, he heard Keith throatily cry out, followed by another tearing of the bedsheets. It wouldn't be too long before he'd wind up lapping at a lot more if Shiro didn't stop Keith soon. And while Keith wanted them to keep going, even he wasn't aware of how long, or briskly, he would last from a technique like that.

Shiro lifted his head away from temptation and firmly curled his fingers around it instead. Instantly, Keith froze and had no choice but to simmer down. His body shuddered involuntarily and he heavily dropped his haunches to the bed. The rapture of his once impending ultimate rapidly subsided and dispersed. A lone whimper bubbled from him, but Shiro had started massaging his size to its fullest once more. While Keith was a bit distracted, he positioned them both so that they were on their sides towards the other. Shiro quickly reached over Keith to grab the lube. After it was reapplied, Shiro held them both in one hand.

"Keith…?" he whispered, leaning in to deliver a soft peck to Keith's forehead. When Keith finally returned to his senses, Shiro beamed and lowered his head to kiss the tip of Keith's nose, "You still with me, baby?"

A tired nod was all Keith could answer with, initially. Baby, huh? Had he not been falling in and out of a plot to get back at Shiro for indirectly robbing him of climax, he would be able to match the nickname with something equally as sweet. But the best he could come up with was, "Yeah, Takashi, I'm here."

Shiro blinked, then blushed, and finally smiled. "You haven't called me that in forever."

"Don't you like your first name, Takashi?"

Shiro shivered, and squeezed them both, causing Keith's back to bow and his toes to curl. Returning his disorientation to his other, Keith couldn't tell if Shiro were grinning at him tauntingly or not.

"I love hearing it from you..."

"Takashi..."

"Keith..."

As they inched closer for a cute smooch, Keith gingerly began rocking himself into Shiro, reminding him to start moving. Chuckling knowingly, Shiro began sliding his grip up and down. As they ensued, Keith snaked an arm around Shiro's neck and ducked his head against Shiro's chest. They started with a simple pattern, but it didn't take long for Keith to get the hang of it and challenge Shiro's rhythm. Soon, they had a playful bout happening, goading the other to move as impassioned as possible without it breaking contact.

Once it reached the point their ecstasy had fuzzied their vision and their sonorous moans coated the air around them, they both knew they were close. But before it happened, there was one request Shiro felt he had to surrender.

"Keith…?"

"Ah… huh?" He hardly heard anything.

"I-"

"Mm?"

"I...I really want you..." he swallowed, "...inside of me."

Whatever daze Keith had been steeped in, he briskly snapped out of, "What?"

"You...you don't have to..."

Keith cut him off with a quick, but searing kiss.

"I'd love to."

Shiro was stunned to silence. Once he recomposed himself, he he drew Keith in for a rather uninhibited kiss. As Shiro pulled back, a bit of open tongue- play ensued and then he brought their foreheads together. Keith adored being able to share this type of emotion with Shiro. It was something he had dreamed about becoming a part of, and now it was real.

Taking their time, they shifted around the bed. Shiro rose to his hands and knees, and moved the lube down to Keith. It may not have be needed, since a good amount still coated Keith, but more was never a bad thing. Normally, it would be ideal to use fingers first, but Shiro let him know he needn't do what he had already taken care of...

Keith positioned himself; both hands grasped fistfuls of Shiro's supple bottom while his eagerness slid freely between both halves. Patiently, Shiro welcomed long, deep breaths to help him relax his body. When he felt he was readied enough, he signaled to Keith to begin. Delicately, Keith used a hand to angle himself, and gently pushed in. He'd started a tiny rhythm of carefully moving back and forth. The entire time, he checked Shiro's reactions-whether he exhaled easily, or tensed and gestured for him to pull out temporarily so he could readjust.

Once Keith was able to fully sheathe himself within Shiro, the beautiful arch of Shiro's back and the carnal mewl that scampered from him struck a chord within Keith. A carnality was summoned from within him; he clutched at Shiro's tresses and secured them within a fist. Shiro gasped in surprise, but did not discourage this. In fact, he pressed backwards into Keith and taunted him to do something. With a challenged growl, Keith obliged; his fingers clawed at Shiro's scalp while he moved himself at a very controlled, and agonizingly slow, pace. He couldn't help the triumphant smile that claimed him as the rawest of whimpers tumbled from Shiro from being teased.

While it was nice, he didn't want to keep Shiro waiting for too long. Steadily, Keith glided through the silky confines that ensnared him. Each shade of sound that peeled from Shiro ascended Keith's senses to unexplored heights. Sweat curved his brow, breaths grew ragged and he feverishly delved into Shiro. He didn't realize how carnal he had become until Shiro's moans, muffled by the pillows his head was pressed down into, sparked within Keith's ears.

More.

Keith could have sworn that was what he heard.

"Do you want more, Takashi," he jeered, "I can't hear you."

The fact Keith saw it fit to goad him to respond while pinning him to the bed was as enthralling as it was unexpected. But Shiro earnestly invited it. Rounded pants staggered from him in the place of ardent shouts, drizzling the sheets with saliva; he clawed at the bed while mirroring the vibrancy Keith pulsed into him.

"More...Keith…!" Shiro rasped, "Give me all of it!"

Lost in the moment, Keith fell into a sporadic rhythm that resulted in him slipping out several times. After the fourth, he went to realign himself, Shiro rose fully to his knees with a force that toppled Keith onto his backside atop the sheets. He didn't remain there long, as strong arms grabbed him by the shoulders and literally flung him onto his back amongst the pillows.

Alarmed by the sudden change, Keith blinked almost blamelessly up at Shiro. The larger male leered down at him; cheeks pinked, his chest heaving with staggered pants. A thin shimmer of sweat outlined his muscles as he crawled up to Keith, legs on either side.

"T-Takashi?"

"You're too impatient. You need to center yourself, so..." he trailed off, reaching down behind him to gradually sink himself onto Keith. Both males expelled sharp airy gasps and raucous grunts alike from the new stimulation and were rendered stilled to relish it.

"So.. I'm taking over. Y'got that, sir?" Shiro taunted; he even had the nerve to playfully mimic Keith's old accent. Highly entertained by this, Keith spread his palms sturdily along Shiro's hips and bucked his own.

"Giddyup, then pardner."

"Mmm, yeehaw," Shiro jeered, huskily.

The bed contained no springs, yet still managed to loudly squeak. Hands clutching the headboard, Shiro lowered himself onto Keith as hectically as Keith was attempting to keep up. The slap of wet skin echoed about the room as the two were entirely enthralled within the other. Expletive and accolade alike erupted from both of them inbetween shouts of euphoric gibberish. Neither would last for much longer.

"Keith..." In strained gasps, Shiro managed to piece together the name, "Keith, I'm..."

"Me too, Takashi."

"Inside, Keith. Please!"

"Takashi!" Keith forced out, pitch hitching. A new speed struck them unanimously; their bodies slid in synch, motions blurring. One final expulsion of ecstasy shot from them as their worlds collided and they clung to one another as if for dear life.

As they gradually recovered from their plummet and rolled to their sides, a round of exhausted kisses were shared until the two were an entanglement of limbs, hugging the other serenely.

"I love you. I always have, as far back as I can remember," Keith confessed. A budding of tears threatened to break free from the emotions that shook him. Delicately, Shiro kissed the trembling lids and met foreheads with Keith.

"I love you, too. For a long time."

"That...really makes me happy," Keith utter, entirely relieved and snuggled impossibly closer into Shiro's chest.

"Good. Now, how about we get cleaned up and get some sleep?"

But Keith had already eased into somnolence. His newfound bliss was a potent lullaby.

-Mel