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[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]

[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.]