Archive of Our Own

“This is stupid, I don't even know the guy, let alone what he's like. Plus, your bad at describing people, Lance.” Keith scoffed to his ridiculous best friend, Lance.

“No I'm not - okay maybe I am - point being, you two could hit it off, ya know?”

Keith hasn't been in a relationship in about two years, and in his friend's eyes that's plenty of time to keep to yourself, instead of isolating your worth and cramming your time with college and a full time job at the flower boutique down the road.

He was in the middle of his afternoon shift when a wild Lance appeared.

With all of his nagging, it did get Keith thinking. Yet, all that thinking led to dead ends for him. He couldn't keep a relationship going currently even if he desired it. He had his job and school to keep him busy practically daily. Which, he did not find at all in his way of social activities, let alone his dating life - which in Lance's eyes were nonexistent, and that in his own words, “You need to get laid big time if you stress easily, man.”

Lance was another being entirely annoying. He never could tell what he would conjure up his sleeve.

Keith sighed in aggravation. “And, so, you're saying I would just basically text this random stranger -”

“-Shiro.”

“And get to the dating stuff? Like, hey, lets meet and screw?”

Lance blew an obnoxious raspberry between his lips and shook his head quickly. “Oh hell no! Not like that, no with that attitude!”

“Hey!” Lance and Keith looked behind and saw his co-worker, Pidge, in an annoyed pout and with her eyebrows tightly knitted. “Get back to work. Lance, quit bothering Keith. You need to get studying, because uh oh I know you're failing English.”

“Give me another minute, squirt, and I'll hand him back.” He acknowledged in his most soothing - yet stupid - tone and winked as Pidge muttered angrily under her breath, while rolling her eyes and Keith could've sworn he saw steam come out her reddening ears.

Continuing where he left off, Keith argued, “I have one because I think this is stupid and I can't believe you're convincing me to do this.”

Lance snickered loudly, almost devilishly so. “Ya know, you could've just said no.”

“But, you kept bugging me for days now!” Keith huffed deeply, and tried not to squeeze to a wilt the imported flowers he was holding to exchange with the old ones at the window display. “Now scram, I'm still working here.” He grimaces.

“Alright, whatever you say. But I'll message you his number later, okay?”

“Leave.”

“Bye!” He shouted before Keith watched him leave with the sound of the doorbell declaring it. He felt the cold air of winter hit him and was soon gone.

Still in his clouded mind set, Keith tried to imagine what kind of person Shiro would be. Keith had to admit, Lance had a great group of friends. But, he never really had the time to associate with them. He only stuck around closely with his friends from high school that surprisingly ended in the same community college as him. Even though, he knew Allura and Pidge could do so much better than that place. They usually would state that they would be homesick and much rather not pester with all of the packing and moving.

The way Lance described Shiro, the exact words: “A handsome dude with a killer scar across his nose!”

Mostly, that was all. He had a hard time even trying to explain if he was a good person, or how he acted; especially how they met one another.

Lance was useless.

He kept fearing the scar could be a bad sign in this situation. What if Lance befriended the wrong person?

“Hello?”

Keith was interrupted by his endeavoring reflections and looked up to see a tall man, dressed in uniform, waving at him. Immediately smiling, Keith routinely hovered toward the man who held up a brown box for him.

“Well if it isn't Takashi,” He greeted, recognizing the white name tag, and taking the electronic pen and pad to sign off for the package.

“One and only, kid.”

“Up to anything new today?” He asked in a amiable voice, handing the pad to its owner and crossing his arm over his chest with leisure. In a teasing voice, he added, “Being a mailman had got to have some strange situations.”

Takashi shrugged thoughtfully, and smiled from underneath the mask he wore for warmth in the unusually cold winter this year. He would seem threatening, since it did conceal half his face, but he honestly wasn't. Takashi was their new mail man, starting after the cold season rolled around. Quickly, Keith had become fond of the man. Keith enjoyed his large puffy coat the most; very quirky.

“Trying not to be chased by dogs is one.” He sarcastically replied and watched as Keith shook his head in disbelief with his joke.

“What a dad thing to say.”

“Keith, I'm like near the same age as you,” He stated as a matter of factly.

“Sure, your wrinkles under your eyes say a different thing.” He point to Takashi’s eyes and poked it lightly for good measure. “Or, maybe it's the white piece of hair,”

“It's a style.” Takashi assured.

“And you pull it off spectacularly.” He smiled radiantly, staring at the hair piece that was comically poking out from underneath his navy blue ear flap hat. “Now, hop on that bike, don't want the whole day getting ahead of you.” He friendly patted him on the shoulder.

“Okay, stay warm. Bye.” Leaving a final wink for Keith as he walked out the door and getting onto his bike. Keith watched as his bike left a trail from the shallow batch of snow on the pavement.

Keith hardly could bring himself to make fun of Takashi for always winking at him whenever he would drop off a package. It's not that he didn't mind, per say.

Really, it was harmless fun.

That night, Lance remotely kept to his word and texted Shiro’s phone number.

He made it clear in his texts back to Lance that he wouldn't start talking with him. He wasn't interested in dating right now. Lance ignored him and was still waiting for a reply with what his first message was to Shiro, and if Shiro responded back.

Keith ignored Lance for the rest of the night.

Some time after ten o'clock, Keith looked curiously at his phone and the new number he added to his contacts hours prior. About that, he did add him to his new contacts. And, genuinely he doesn't know why.

A single inquisitiveness mingled in his head and wouldn't leave him be. His fingers itched to his phone and hovered over ‘send a message’. It felt like more than curiosity, his whole body suddenly shifted to auto pilot and he typed up a most casual text he could muster.

It was simple and after he sent it, he laid his back against his pillow and reverted his mind back to his studies, with his books laid out on his bed and the packet of paper waiting to be finished.

He cranked his music louder to drown away any more speculating thoughts from distracting him. He was ordinarily immersed within his homework that he almost missed the notification on his phone.

It only occurred to him when he heard it a second time.

Abruptly, Keith sucked in his cheek, and looked down at his phone, nervously swiping over the new message. He did not find this feeling pleasant. Doubtlessly, it was from this Shiro.

‘Hi, Keith how are you?’ Followed by a, ‘Isn't it late into the night for messaging me?’

Keith gulped, and almost laughed at Shiro's response to him. He was a college student, and his usually sleep period was around two or three in the morning.

‘Late? Nah need to cram this homework’

‘Wish Lance was more like you than.’

‘Which means??’

‘Actually caring about his grades and not going after girls.’

‘Lance definitely is something else. Alien almost.’

‘Hahah, yeah. Enough about Lance, tell me about yourself :)’

Keith would be horribly lying if his heart didn't skip fitfully at that request. He really was rusty at his getting along with a potential hint of flirting game. But, it would help if Keith could picture his face, and not lowkey worry if this guy was somehow, in any sense, a fuckboy. Maybe worse.

‘If you end up being a killer or something, I'll be killin Lance from the grave.’

‘Understood, but dont worry im not a creep or anything.’

‘Honestly Lance didn't tell me much about you. I’m very skeptical.’

‘Don't blame you. But i dont mind talking with you so far, thats something.’

‘I'm guessing you don't flirt as much irl either??’

‘not very good at it ;; sorta better over text.’

‘I'm completely the opposite, i need to know how the person is irl before I even befriend them.’

‘Alright, i promise on my cat that you're not talking to a killer.’ He replied, followed by a cat emoji. Keith smirked.

‘You have a cat??’

‘Yeah, she's great, really cheers me up.’ Before Keith could reply, Shiro send another message with an image of a fluffy black and white cat attached, ‘mostly got her the same time i needed physical therapy, she's a keeper alright!’

With raised eyebrows, Keith could definitely imagine a blushing face of shyness of Shiro texting that out. He was thoroughly intrigued; Shiro was pretty okay.

‘Don't worry about lil me getting in the way of your romance Xp’

They messaged each other until it was half past four. Keith eyes were heavy with the desperate want of sleep and he let Shiro go as well. They both had the importance to wake up early in the morning.

Overall, they were getting along fairly well.

And, he didn't want to tell Lance this so soon. He rather not have Lance rubbing this in his face.

While waking up from a refreshing nap on his bed the next day, late into the evening, Keith checked his phone and noticed Shiro had sent him a few messages. His eyes lit up a bit, and his smile was sorta perky.

‘Hey whats going on?’ , ‘didnt mean to bother you or anything’ , ‘oh no dont tell me you're asleep, my bad ><’

‘No, its all good, and ya i was sorta sleeping’

‘Im sorry! Didnt know if i should leave you be’

‘Nah its no trouble, hows your day been?’

‘Pretty well, hated going into the cold day, but that's my duty’

‘Your duty? Is it your job requirement?’

‘Yup! But it's no big deal’

‘Well i hope your bundling up all warm and stuff?’

‘Sometimes I feel like a marshmallow, i never liked the cold’

‘I do, you ge to wear baggy sweaters and drink hot cocoa’, ‘okay so hot cocoa may not be the best example’

‘Whaa? I love hot chocolate!! How can you not?’

‘I just dont like it, idk its wayyy too chocolatey for me’

‘Welp more for me then’

‘Ya go ahead and stuff yourself with sins why dont ya’

‘Maybe i will, you're missing out~’, ‘what is something you like tho?’

‘Gummy worms’

‘Then ill make sure to get your POUNDS of gummy worms when its your birthday’

Suddenly, Keith's heart pounded, biting his lip as he tried to ignore the blush creeping up. Shiro seemed to be more open with his feelings more than himself. ‘Thats sweet but i rather not remember that im a year older thanks old man’

‘Old man?! Im only a few years older’

‘Still :) yet creepyyou know my age and i dont know yours’

‘You are difficult’

‘I get that alot’

‘Im 21 fyi. I like it really, kinda challenging’

‘Keep your kinky secrets a secret old man’

‘Okay okay!dashrhetesa’

‘???’ Keiths bros furrowed in confusion. He lifted himself up and decided to get a drink, bringing his phone in his solid grip. ‘You alright there buddy?’

‘Sorry my cat sat on my phone’

‘Right you have a cat, whats her name btw??’

‘Galra, kinda a stupid name I know T_T’

‘Hmm Galra sounds familiar somehow..’

‘Its a creature from a sci-fi movie back in the 80’s, i was kinda a total nerd for it when i was a kid’

‘Oh! Right that movie, been forever since ive watched it’

‘What about you? Any pets?’

The black haired boy grabbed a soda and headed to his room to continue the rest of his homework. ‘Once, but it was a hamster when i was like 4’

After a few minutes, Keith lost track of time and noticed he hadn't answered Shiro back in an hour and a half. He sighed, pulling his hair back and checked his phone in haste.

‘Hamster are so tiny and fluffy :)’ , ‘Keith?’ , ‘if you fell asleep with how boring im being im sorry ;;’

Keith held back another smile. ‘You're safe dude i was drowning in hw that's all’

‘Good. i was worried i was too boring’

‘Boring?? Nah, your just interesting’ Then Keith thought and replied, ‘since ive never seen you its like you're a mystery’

‘Mystery? Ohhh~ am I now?’

‘Yeah and for some reason i feel like a one man scooby doo gang’

‘Rur roo’

‘Wtf was that??’

‘Ya know scoobys ‘uh oh’ but its with R’s?’

‘Jinkies you’re weird’

‘Thanks :)’ The next text caught Keith off guard, just when he thought Shiro couldn't get stranger. ‘Whats your hair color?’

‘Black..’

‘*pat pat*’

‘Again, wtf??’

‘Im patting you! Like i pat my cat’

‘But why ask for the color of my hair??’

‘Trying to visualize what cat you'd be, a nice adorable silky black cat :3’

“Oh um … *purr*??’

‘Daww lilttle Keith kitty’

With heavy eyelids typing up the last of his texts, he had a faint smile on his lips as he let his body rest.

‘Ill talk with you later, good night’

‘Night meow’

That cycle went on for about two weeks.

Luckily, Lance hadn't pestered him about it after the third day.

Shiro was a great listener, plus incredibly funny, and that was a nice key factor in someone that Keith would date. They haven't crossed the line of deep flirting, and Keith was more than fine with that.

It was light, and sweet. Shiro never pushed Keith into saying anything and vice versa. They had a fine line of mutual understanding. He liked that the attempts of being friends first was the main target.

As once a person who hardly ever took his phone out during class, Keith became that person. Of course, he still focused on his school work and his job, but he now was always eager to check his phone and see if Shiro had answered him back.

This time around, for even Keith, he was invested in a person. He thought back to previous relationships and try to connect any similarities and most summed up to extraordinary differences with Shiro.

Embarrassingly, in such a short amount of time, he’d grown fond of this Shiro. He practically didn't want to admit it to himself, but he had. And, it was eating him out big time.

Shiro was far beyond what he expected him to be.

He was worried he would chat it up with someone who wouldnt care what his thoughts were, how he was feelings about certain situations in his day, or even how he gradually opened up about problems he never necessarily conversed with anyone else. Not even his closest friends.

It's not that Keith had any issues, he just had insecurities. He thoughts if he talked too much about himself to his group of friends, they were eventually stop talking with him - or worse - become awkward. ALthough, that hasn't happened, and a high chance it wouldn't, he still had fears.

Yet, with Shiro, they all made him feel more alive, created his mind to be a more clearer space; that the worries he had were completely normal and nothing to be ashamed of. There was even instances where Shiro would dig down his backstory and it would be relatively dark, even for Keith. It would usually be about his prosthetic arm.

He would talk about his history as honestly as possible, Keith would admire that. Sometimes a subject as sensitive as losing an arm could be a difficult thing to describe to another. They had cross the boundaries of creating a bubble of comfortable and acceptable set place for themselves. Surprisingly, they kept everything at the others own pace and full of patiences and respect.

If it was obvious, Keith hadn't met someone as special as Shiro. He was completely unique in his eyes.

Genuine would be a more correct description.

They talked, and the flirting barely evolved. They didn't send kissy face emoji or hearts here and there. Keith loved that. Shiro wasn't trying to win him over at all, he of course kept his intentions purely platonic until Keith was ready to take this a step further. And, he could see the signs too. You had to be stupid to not notice how much Shiro enjoyed Keiths company and texts.

So much so, that one day, out of the blue, Keith got this specific text from him.

He was having his morning cappuccino, typing away at his laptop at the campus library while waiting for his morning class to start. Lance had taken it up to himself to get back to concentration on his studies - thank fucking gosh - and was sat across from Keith with his homework and textbook laid out messily. While taking a tired eye away from the bright screen to sip his drink, he noticed his phone lightening up.

Without hesitation, he grabbed his phone and opened his messages.

And, he wasn't expecting the message from Shiro to say -

‘So when are we going to meet in person?’

Keith almost choked on his coffee.

“Hey, chill out there, almost got spit on my worksheet.”

“Sorry…” Keith apologized between his coughing. “Went down the wrong pipe.”

Lance rolled his eyes, but smiled anyway when he scooched his water towards Keiths fingers and the black haired boy took a generous sip.

“Thanks,” He gasped quietly, returning it to his friend.

Afterward, he re-read the text over and over again, making sure each word was exactly what he thought it was. His heart racing from his chest, and pounding in his ears. Shiro had not brought up the topic before, but, it was inevitable. It's just that Keith wasn't expecting it to be so soon.

Although, was a month enough already for them?

Sighing, he closed his laptop restlessly and in hesitation looked over shyly at Lance.

“Lance?”

“Hm, yeah?” He responded, not lifting his head up from his work.

“I wanted to ask you something,” He started, biting his lip in thought.

His friend quirked a brow. “What of?”

Keith brushed his fingers together and gave his phone one last fidgety glimpse before the words pushed out from his irritable lips. “About Shiro -”

“Shiro?” Lance eyed him, his gaze penetrating. “I thought you whined about not wanting any deal with that?”

“I- I did. It's that …” His chest felt tight, he didn't picture himself reacting timidly over this. He knew this would have to come some day; they would have to meet in person, face to face. Being able to really see what he looked like. Smell his cologne, and touch his skin, embrace his warmth. Keith shook his head sparsely from such fantasies.

“About Shiro,” He repeated Lance's words, before weakly smiling without his accorde. “I've been … talking with him.”

“Wait? You have?” He asked, his tone plastered with disbelief.

“Y-yeah. I didn't want to tell you -”

“Why not? You should've mentioned ages ago! Are you guys fucking already? Shit - have you met him yet?”

“Woah, okay. Big no to the screwing thing.” He halted Lance in his fruitful tracks, before it got out of hand and the questions would be too staggering for him. Honestly, he desired to get straight to the point. He gravely regretted this, but he had to inform his friend ultimately. “We’ve been talking, but we haven't met. Long story short - w-why are looking at me like that?”

Lance nodded, “Nothing nothing, go on.”

“...Long story short, he wants to meet me now.”

As if he been holding it in until this moment, Lance exclaimed - as much as being in a library would let him- “Yes! I knew you two would be good together! Whos the man? Me !”

Keith grumbled between his teeth. “Stop. I get it. You win.”

“I did, I did win.” He smiled brightly, his head held more confidently. Keith swore his nose was sharper with his obnoxious statement.

“I’m telling you because, I don't know what to do.” He confessed, eyeing his phone solemnly. “We’ve been getting along so smoothly, but now I don't know if I could do this.”

“Look, Keith I know you can do this.” He assured, his tone serious, watching Keith apprehensively struggle and fixed with affection for Shiro in the identical mix. Lance’s voice sent chills through Keith's skin.

Keith gulped deeply, “This is why I need your advice. I’m not good at confronting my fears. I want to meet him, and I need to overcome the stupid fear holding me back. I really like him.”

“Keith, I know I'm your best friend and all, and don't technically confined in me to tell all your deep dark secrets too,” Keith watched as Lance's eyes became solid and a light blush appeared on his cheeks. “But, I'm letting you know I’m here for anything.”

Keith was taken aback. His friend was famous of being plainly sentimental. Where did this new found, mature Lance come from? Otherwise, he was grateful for Lance’s concern. “Okay, where’s Lance and what did you do to him?”

Lance silently replied with a simple, large smile.

“Thats creepy,” Keith pointed out. “Stop.”

Lance was surprisingly very helpful with keeping Keith calm and collected with his worries of meeting Shiro for the first time.

He felt like he could be able to do this, no problem. He wanted it to be casual, but what if Shiro didn't like him in person? What if he smelled wrong? What if his laughing was too ugly and it would push him away instead?

Lance told him, the best thing to do was to keep cool, he could do this. And, of course keith could, although the “what if’s” were filling up his head.

“Hey, are you trying to drown those Stephanotis? Allura’s isn't gonna be happy.” Pidge snapped him back to earth and he looked over his shoulder to see the girl standing next to him.

“Oh, ah sorry.” He inspected the white flower and clicked his tongue upsetly when he realized he indeed poured too much water.  He wiped his brow. “I was distracted.”

“Figured much,” Pidge murmured, taking the watering can from his loose grasp. “Are you okay?”

Keiths heart reacted quite unexpectedly to her statement. Why doesn't his nerves just take a break for just one day? He gazed down and watched as the water on the white petals of the Stephanotis dripped down into the soggy soil.

“It isn't really that important -”

“Sure, I see you on your phone excessively. Whats going on?”

Keith noticed the concern in Pidges eyes behind her glasses and exhaled. “Well, there's this guy -”

“Way to go Keith, didn't think you were back on the market.”

“I-I wasn't, I'm not.  It's that Lance forced me to talk with a friend of his. And, I wasn't really in the dating stage. But, then I started talking with him and I sorta like him now.”

Pidge nodded, looking at his tense body from head to toe. “Whats got you worried though?”

“I haven't met him. But, I'm going to meet him. I'm nervous about what he’ll be like, and if i'm gonna be up to his expectations.”

“If he’s still talking with you I think that should shout plenty about his opinion of you.”

“Yeah, but what if -”

Pidge stopped him. “Keith, quit doubting yourself. You're are an awesome guy, okay? Any person would be lucky to date you. I promise, you're interesting- in a weird way, but that doesn't take away the attraction - and he’ll really like you.”

Keith was blushing from ear to cheeks as Pidge was finished with her pep talk. It wasn't a pep talk, but something to boost Keith's jittery nerves. His heart swelled with fond over the girl. He’s hasn't seen her be so honest and straightforward before, especially with her feelings. He usually thought they were tucked tightly under. Maybe didn't see a shed of sunlight.

“Quit looking at me like that.” She urged, biting her cheeks as she squinted her eyes at Keith, who was ready to envelope her in a warming hug.

“How can I? You're so adorable.” He grinned and ruffled her head - he guessed it was good alternative to trying to hug her; otherwise she would attempt to squirm away like a frisky cat.

“How do feel now after I said all that to you?” She checked, briskly turning around and walking to the counter to place the water bucket down.

Thinking about it, he was a bit more happy. He wasn't as in a foul negativity like he was a few minutes ago. He was quite surprised with himself at the change. Of course, it didn't completely get rid of his uncertainty, yet he felt a bit more ready to face them.

“Good, better even. Are you like a shrink or something, Pidge?” He teased.

Pidge nodded at his tone. “I didn't do much. You're welcome, though.”

The knowing sound of the bell chimed loudly as indicated that time, the mailman should be here.

Keith let out a final breathy laugh in Pidges direction and was walking over to the door. While cleaning off his hands over his white apron he heard the voice of Takashi.

“Hey, guys. Nice day right? Finally got to take off this extra layers.”

Laughing along with him, Keith finally looked up and stopped breathing almost entirely.

Takashi had a scar over his nose.

It was the first time he ever saw Takashi fully reveal his face.

And, the only person he knew that had a scar was -

“Shiro?”

“Hm? Oh yeah I guess you pretty much knew me as Takashi.” He beamed, Keith blushing over his bright composer.

“Wait, wait, wait.” Keith braced himself for overwhelming emotions. Takashi was really Shiro. Shiro, the man he’s been texting and who he was having a date with tonight. “Did you know this whole time? You know, about -”

“About the matchmaking? Yeah, I know it was you, Keith.”

“But-” Keith couldn't believe it. “I never knew it was you . Why didn't you tell me?”

“It was Lance’s idea really. He thought to reveal myself until we set up a date and then surprise you.” Keith was enthralled by the way his cheeks turned a light shade of pink. “I-Im sorry if this was too much. I thought you’d be happy.”

“No - I mean yes I am happy, I just -”

Shiro shyly rubbed the back of his neck. “Wasn't expecting it?”

“Yeah, like finishing each other's sentences wasn't coupley enough.” Keith responds, continuing to examine Taka- Shiro for the first time. His mind didn't process the small signs. Yet, when he means small signs, he meant the whole light flirting and playful winking from the mailman.

And, a small portion of himself was thrilled Shiro was hot. Like, really attractive. Especially when he can see his whole face.

“Well, who knew,” Keith heard from behind him. “The mailman. You scored.” Keith wished Pidge hadn't just witnessed all of the events transpire.

“I’m going to kill, Lance.” Keith muttered, non-threateningly under his breath.

Then, he felt a warm hand being placed on his arm. He peered at it and noticed it was the metal, prosthetic hand Shiro had. He bit his lip and looked up at Shiro. He was speechless at the gentle gaze he was reflecting off his eyes. All his worries were washed away at this point.

“Fuck, I feel stupid right now.” Is what he said, weaving his own hand onto Shiro's. “How did I not notice it was the mailman?” He felt rather ridiculous.

“At least I wasn't a killer.” Shiro stated.

“True.” He rolled his eyes in amusement. He enjoyed Shiro’s pleasant stare only on him.

“I’ll see you tonight.” He reminded and leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to Keith’s cheeks.

“Okay. Can't wait,” He giggled, trying to contain his ecstatic heart from leaping out of his chest.

“Gross.” Pidge called out.