(no subject)

[bigbrained]

[Being core members of the Voltron coalition meant that sometimes the team had to spread their forces thin in order to take care of everything that required their attention. Sure, they had other allies who could hold their own -the Blade of Mamora for example- but it had a little more impact if the paladins themselves saved a colony or planet, as opposed to more Galra.

In other words: politics.]

I mean, I understand what Coran was saying but I still think it's kinda dumb, right Keith? [Undeterred by Keith's noncommital 'uh huh's and 'yeah's, Hunk continues on as he follows Keith's lead and slows down his approach. They're going to have to try and sneak up on this installation or risk the Galra retaliating against the captured techs for calling for help.] They've been around way longer than we have, and fighting for way longer too! It kinda feels like we're shoving them out of the way to get all the glory. Not that that's what we're doing, but it sure feels like that's what we're doing. I guess in the end it doesn't really matter who gets the job done so long as the people are saved, but it still leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Right? Do you have a bad taste in your mouth too, Keith?

Comments

[whatsacactus]

[IT SHOULDN'T BE COMPLICATED BUT IT IS.]

Yeah. Yeah, that. Definitely. [Right that'll make it easier. Just go to his own room and change.

So why can't he bring himself to let go of Hunk's arm.]

[bigbrained]

[Maybe for the same reason Hunk can't seem to take his arm off of Keith. They share a look for a moment, considering and reluctant, before Hunk makes an executive decision and leads the way into Keith's room.

Fuck changing. He doesn't want to be separated from Keith any longer than he has to, at least not for a long while.]

[whatsacactus]

[Keith blinks slowly and follows after him, still not letting go of his arm. He isn't entirely sure what the plan is now because it seems like the plan's changed.

He's so relieved Hunk is okay. That they both came out okay. He was so scared for him back there, that he wouldn't have been able to protect him from all the guards there if he had let himself fall.

If he let himself think too much about it, he's convinced he was going to die there too.]

Hunk? What's happening?

[bigbrained]

[Hunk waits for the door to close behind them before he takes both of Keith's hands in his own, looking down at them as he rubs his big thumbs over Keith's calloused knuckles.] I don't wanna be dumb or complicated about this. I've never, like, y'know...dated anybody before, but in the end it's just you and me, right? We don't have to be worried about stuff if we just talk about it.

[whatsacactus]

[He's ready to agree, to admit that no, he's never dated anyone either but he doesn't want to be complicated about this too.

But ultimately? Keith spends the minute or so when Hunk is done talking just watching him. It's almost ridiculous how surreal it feels to him. Less than a week ago they were fighting for their lives in a generator, camping on a cliff eating whatever they could find, now they're back in their home and. Dating.

And they're fine. They both want this. Keith gives Hunk's hands a little squeeze.]

Then we'll just talk about it. Not make it complicated. Right.

[Right.]

...I was going to change. Is that... Okay?

[bigbrained]

Uh- yeah, that's cool with me. I'm- I'm gonna look away. Just...I mean, I know I've seen you like mostly naked before, but it's different now that we're dating right? Because- I mean, I don't- It's kinda soon but eventually, you know, we, but maybe, I mean there's no reason to do it now, so, [maybe talking was a bad idea]

[whatsacactus]

[Oh boy. Hunk is really nervous, and Keith has a simple solution. He gives Hunk's hand a little squeeze before going to grab his usual clothes - t-shirt and jeans - while Hunk rambles.

And all he has to do is step into the bathroom, leaves the door cracked a little so they can still talk while he changes.]

Hunk, we can just. I dunno, go whatever pace works. Don't rush if you don't want, all right?

[bigbrained]

[He is, he's so nervous and he's screwing it up with that.

But Keith disappearing from view helps a little bit. Makes him a little braver. Makes it a little easier to say what he wants to say without tripping all over himself.

Hunk sits down heavily on the edge of Keith's bed, fiddling with the catch on his bodysuit.] ...I really like you. I just. Like you a whole lot.

I'm worried you'll just, I dunno. See what you're getting into and decide it's not worth it.

[whatsacactus]

[Keith listens while he changes, comes back out once he's done and watches Hunk. The guy looks so torn sitting there, afraid Keith won't like him. That won't do.

Keith moves to kneel down in front of him, watching Hunk's face.]

Hey.

You know how many people I actually like spending time with? How often I hang out with anyone after a mission?

[As much as he adores Shiro, even Keith leaves well enough alone when he's done for the day. Socializing is exhausting when he has to figure out social cues and nuance and shit.]

Not many. I wouldn't be sitting here right now if I didn't know you and know that you're more than worth it. You're a great guy. You're kind, you care about everyone. No one else makes me laugh. And I know that you've always got my back.

[bigbrained]

Mom did always say people love a guy who can make 'em laugh, [Hunk jokes weakly, even as he stares anxiously down at Keith. This is so stupid too, like, Keith was the one who accidentally confessed down on the planet's surface. Why is Hunk getting all self-conscious like this? He never does this. He's comfortable with who he is.]

[whatsacactus]

[He smiles a little. Yeah, that's Hunk, trying to lighten things up. Keith takes his hands and rests them on Hunk's knees, gives a little squeeze.]

Well. You make me laugh a lot. And I always feel good around you.

[bigbrained]

Always, huh? [Squeezes back, tracing over Keith's own fingers with his own.] That's a pretty big compliment. That's a lot of time, 'n all.

[whatsacactus]

It sure is. [He smiles a little bigger, shifts on his heels.]

Well, we're around here all the time. So it works out. [And just carefully, like he isn't sure, Keith takes one of Hunk's hand and kisses his knuckles.]

Did you still want to change?

[bigbrained]

[Hunk shakes his head, slowly.] I don't wanna be away from you. For even a second. Like...if I am, you'll disappear on me.

Can we just get in bed?

[whatsacactus]

[Well that... that says a lot. Both about how serious Hunk is, but also how flighty Keith must seem to him. Or maybe it's something else.

Keith nods and moves to sit next to him, still not letting go of one hand.]

Yeah. Yeah, c'mon. Scoot, Big Guy. [He isn't expecting much but he's only realizing now how exhausted he is.]

[bigbrained]

[Oh geez, what a relief.

Hunk obediently scoots, swinging his legs up and shuffling back so he's against the wall, holding out an arm for Keith to lay on and adjusting the pillow. This is what he'd wished they could do at that campfire, and even if they'd held each other at the crash site it just isn't the same.]

Hey, this is nice, right? Nobody's bleeding this time.

[whatsacactus]

Keith scoots in with him and settles his head against Hunk's arm. He's unused to this, but it's nice. Being close like this to someone he cares this much about. And it's a stark reminder of how easy it could've been for this to not happen at all, just a few days ago.]

Yeah... Yeah, it's real nice. You're okay? [Gosh, his face is real close to Hunk's. Maybe Hunk won't notice that he's holding his breath.]

[bigbrained]

Yup, I'm okay. [Hunk reaches up- slowly, but unhesitatingly, and brushes some of Keith's hair behind his ear. Gosh; he can hold so much of Keith's head in just one hand. He'd never noticed before.] You're okay too?

[whatsacactus]

[He's watching Hunk's face trying not to think too much about the size of Hunk's hand. But he's so touch starved, he sort of leans into it with a little nod.]

Just kind of tired still, but not like before. ... Thanks. For not laughing. [Except that first time he totally did laugh.]

[bigbrained]

Laughing at what? [Smooths Keith's hair...honestly, it's some really nice hair. And it's kind of amazing that he's allowed to do this now, but his incredulity isn't going to stop him.] Oh- like, down on the planet? I wasn't laughing at you or anything, y'know?

[whatsacactus]

No, I-- I know. [He didn't.] It just felt weird.

[What doesn't feel weird is how warm Hunk is against him. It's becoming a problem as he scoots in closer against him.] Not used to just talking.

[bigbrained]

Yeah. [Mr. Go-Get-'em isn't used to talking; that's hardly a surprise.] I can uh, I can tone down the nervous laughter, if you want. Or like, explain myself if it happens. [He curls his arm up to stroke his other hand through Keith's hair too when he scoots closer.]

[whatsacactus]

Hey-- [Oh, he's getting moved closer, and the hand in his hair feels nice. He takes a breath trying to slow his brain down. Make the words go.]

You don't have to do that. It's part of you, y'know? The nervous laughter. We'll figure it out.

[He's so glad they're in a bed and not the hard rock ground. Or in the Lion. Or in pain. If he blinks too fast, he can still see Hunk collapsing in front of him. Keith was so scared then, and he's scared to think of it happening again. He was right there, he should've kept Hunk from being hurt.

He's bad at words, can't make them work right without second-guessing himself. So instead, he leans a little, wrapping an arm around Hunk to pull him close. Hopefully Hunk gets that he was worried. He was scared, he doesn't want anything to happen to him.]

[bigbrained]

[Maybe he was thinking stupid stuff about all the other nervous tics he has that might annoy Keith, but then the guy wraps an arm around him (well, tries) and pulls him closer and Hunk just props his chin up atop Keith's head. He gropes around for the sheet, yanks until it's out from under them and pulls it up over them both.]

...we're gonna be alright. Yeah. [Keith is all grit and gumption and teenage wreck in his arms, just like Hunk is all nerves and neuroses and teenage wreck in his. But they like each other. They do. And they have each other's backs and they've proven that no matter what, Hunk wants Keith to be okay and Keith wants Hunk to be okay. Those are the basics, right? They've got the basics down. Better than usual.]