Chapter Text
“S-Shiro…Why is there a mushroom on your head?”
Shiro stopped on his tracks and lifted his hand up to his head to check. Obviously, there wasn’t anything there but… just in case. “There isn’t, Keith. You’re just seeing things.” Shiro assured the young man and continued walking.
“Oh…” Keith mumbled, clinging to the Black Paladin’s arm tightly.
Shiro sighed as he led Keith back to his room so he could rest. Apparently, Lance had dared Keith to drink some Altean drink he had found in the kitchen. The effects were very much similar to alcohol, but stronger. Coran advised that Keith needed some proper rest and he’ll be back to his old (brooding) self in the morning. And being the responsible leader he was, Shiro opted to take him back to his room, making sure he doesn’t end up ejecting himself to space or something.
“Shirooooo.” Keith hiccuped.
“Yes, Keith?” Shiro asked softly as they entered Keith’s room.
Keith yawned and suddenly buried his face in Shiro’s shoulder, mumbling something incoherent before finally saying, “Y-You smell nice…”
The corner of Shiro’s mouth lifted in a small smile. It wasn’t everyday that he heard the Red Paladin passing a complement. “Thank you.” He said sincerely. “Now let’s get you to bed. You need rest.”
Keith nodded as Shiro helped him lay down and took his shoes off, setting them aside. Keith groaned at his sudden, pounding headache and rubbed his temple.
“Get some sleep. We have big day ahead of us tomorrow. Goodnight.” Shiro turned around and was about to leave when a hand shot out to grab his wrist. He looked back at Keith, who was looking at him with pleading eyes.
“Stay…” Keith whispered.
Shiro was surprised at how desperate Keith sounded. Shiro nodded because he would turn down a friend who needed him at the very moment. He was about to grab a chair but Keith stopped him again. This time, looking down shyly with a soft blush painting his cheeks.
To Shiro, that image was so unreal.
“I-I don’t wanna sleep alone…” Keith mumbled.
Shiro realized what Keith was trying to say. Something he thought he would only hear Keith say in his dreams. It suddenly made his nervous.
Yet, he couldn’t find it in himself to refuse.
“Okay.”
Keith scooted a little to make some space for Shiro, who hesitant for a moment but lied down. The bed was too small for the both of them so Keith was literally pressed up against Shiro’s body. He didn’t mind though, as he was sleepily snuggling into Shiro’s chest. The warmth was making his eyes droop.
Shiro gazed down at the Red Paladin, who had already fallen asleep. He could hear Keith’s soft snoring and felt the young man unconsciously cling to his shirt. It was a precious sight. A rare sight even.
Shiro smiled and lifted his hand up to run through Keith’s hair, making Keith mumble and hold on to him tighter. Shiro sighed and rested his chin on top of Keith’s head. He closed his eyes,trying to enjoy the moment while it lasted.
And somewhere along the way, Shiro had fallen asleep too.
Keith was the first one to wake up next morning. His mind was racing faster than Pidge’s Lion as he realized the predicament he was in.
When did Shiro…?
As if on cue, memories of last night came back. The Altean drink. Shiro walking him back to his room. Him uncharacteristically asking Shiro to sleep in his bed.
He wanted to kick Lance’s ass. It was all his fault that he… said and did those things.
Yet…
Keith couldn’t help but blush. This was such a surreal moment for him. It was something that he would lay in bed at night and think about, brushing it off afterwards because he knew it would never happen.
But right now…
Keith slowly laid back down to not wake up his leader and snuggled into his broad chest. The crimson hue never leaving his cheeks.
It was happening… and he wanted to enjoy this moment for as long as he could.