Thread by @vague_feelingz

#sheith #fluff
Jealous! Sheith AU | After S7 no S8 | maybe NSFW we’ll see |
Ok I’ve never written anything before so uh here goes nothing:
“So...” Hunk started.
“I don’t wanna talk about it.” Keith cut in, pushing around some of his food. He knew what Hunk wanted to discuss.

Hunk sighed, “Come on Keith, you’ve been avoiding all of us. You can’t just throw yourself into work because of this.”
“Watch me.” Keith barely stopped himself from stabbing into his potatoes with his fork.
“Keith we care about you.” Hunk sighed. Again.

“We? Huh, wonder if that includes everyone.” Keith knew he was being petty now. “Hey! Shiro cares about you too. He’s just.. busy right now.”
Keith finally looked up, “Busy? Is that what people are calling it these days?”

Keith knew he was being petulant but- Curtis had asked Shiro on a date exactly 6 days ago and Shiro.. Shiro had said yes.

And, well, Keith was still in shock. He hadn’t necessarily expected Shiro to fall in love with him all of the sudden but Keith definitely thought they were getting somewhere. Shiro had spent so much time with Keith after his crash in the black lion that Keith was

beginning to hope that Shiro felt something too.
But it was obvious to Keith now that Shiro was just being a good friend and looking out for him. Shiro would never love Keith. Why would he? Keith would always just be the kid that chased Shiro. Even across the universe.

Hunk’s “Keith? Keith you’re spacing out on me dude.” stopped his moping. There was no point in throwing himself a pity party now.
“Huh? Sorry Hunk,” Keith tried to give him a smile. “You’re right I shouldn’t be pushing y’all away. I’ll work on it ok?”

The smile that Hunk gave him actually made him feel a little better.
They were just standing up to leave the cafeteria when a tall galra approached them.

“Revrik.” Keith nodded. There must be some business regarding the Blades. Revrik nodded in return and bent down to one knee. Somewhere in Keith’s mind he realized that they were finally at eye level.

“Paladin Keith, I have come to request a formal courtship with you. You are a fierce warrior and I would like to prove myself to be your equal.”

Keith stood in shocked silence- he didn’t know what face he was making but it must have prompted Revrik into continuing.

“If you shall accept I understand that this is a courtship and you could choose any of your other suitors over me. May the best galra win your affections.” Revrik was staring into his eyes and hadn’t blinked once. Keith knew Revrik wouldn’t leave until he gave him an answer.

“Uhh,” Keith paused, he was about to reject Revrik simply on principle but... the love of his life is dating someone else and would never see him as anything but a little brother. That and Revrik was one of the more handsome galra he’d seen.

Not as handsome as Shiro but he was at least 8 feet tall with the bulk to match. The dark purple stripes running down his cheekbones made his harsh features somewhat.. pretty.

Keith licked his lips, “I accept your courtship Revrik.” Revrik’s ears pitched forward and when the big galra smiled, it was all teeth.

(btw this does have a happy sheith ending! shiro just has to get his head out of his ass first! more later!) (also if y’all have any writing advice pls lmk! i’m new to this and i’d love to know where i can improve!)

“Uhhh what just happened?” Hunk was walking right beside him and kept looking back to the entrance to cafeteria.

Keith shrugged, “I have no idea.”

“Keith we were literally just talking about Shiro. You know, the love of your life!”

Keith stopped walking and crossed his arms. “Yeah? The same love of my life who’s currently falling in love with someone else?”
Hunk huffed “Oh please they’ve been on three dates.”

“Yeah, in SIX DAYS! Ugh anyway I don’t want to talk about that again. I’m just gonna try and um.. I don’t know try something else. Why not?” Just then Keith realizes how tense he is and tries to relax his shoulders.

Keith sighs, “Hunk, I think I just need something to take my mind off all of this.”

“Ok Keith,” Hunk paused, “I think you need some rest. I know you’ve been running yourself ragged trying to avoid all of this.”

Keith could feel a headache coming on, “I think you’re right.”

•••
Except Keith didn’t get any rest. Even though he’d walked right into his apartment to take a nap- he still just ended up staring at his ceiling. He couldn’t stop his mind from replaying the moment he found out about Shiro and Curtis.

It was right after an officer mentioned it in passing when he saw them sitting together during lunch. Curtis said something to make him laugh. And the sound that usually made Keith’s day better caused his breath to fall short.

Shiro had looked beautiful as he smiled and Keith’s chest ached.

It felt like everything had stopped and surprisingly Keith had felt like he’d gone through this before. Like Shiro was slipping through his fingers. Except there was nothing he could do this time. He could bring Shiro back from death but couldn’t make him fall in love.

And now he just had to keep reminding himself. At least he’s still alive. He’s still here. Even if he’s not yours.

If anyone deserves happiness it’s Shiro. Especially after everything he’s been through- imprisonment, torture, even death. And if Curtis can make him happy then.. then Keith is happy too.

******
Shiro was having a great day.
Both of his meetings had gone the way he wanted them to and he had Monsters & Mana night to look forward to as well. Last week he’d even managed to get Keith to try it out and he’d ended up enjoying it.

His phone dinged with a message from Keith (he had a special ringtone for him). He opened the family group chat and his heart sank as he read.

Keith <3 -‘Hey guys I won’t be able to make it tonight. Sorry.’-

Keith wasn’t sick was he? A wave of guilt hit him all of a sudden. He hadn’t actually talked to Keith in about a week.

To be honest he’d been avoiding him but he’d been avoiding all of the feelings he has for him as well. If he ignored them they’d go away right?

The pull in his gut every time he looked at his best friend was concerning to say the least.

He just.. didn’t want to fuck things up by confessing. After Allura brought him back into his new body he’d decided to slowly distance himself from Keith. Shiro has already put him through so much.. hell how many times would Keith have to save him?

Agreeing to a date with someone who’s completely different from his soulmate had to work. It had to. Worrying, he decided to text Keith.

Shiro: ‘Hey are you feeling ok? Lmk’
Keith <3: Read 4:17 PM

Ok Shiro was definitely worrying now. Keith has NEVER left him on read before. Luckily it was at that moment that he saw Lance walk around the corner.

“Lance! Hey do you know what’s going on with Keith? He’s not answering my texts and I’m getting concerned.”

“Hm? Oh, he probably has a date with that galra that asked him out the other day.”

Shiro's whole body tensed. He couldn’t have heard that right. “What?” He almost growled.

“Uh yeah,” Lance was rubbing the back of his neck. He wouldn’t hold eye contact with Shiro. “He actually got down on his knee and asked to ‘court’ Keith. Who the hell says court anymore?”

Unclenching his teeth he asked, “Who?”

Lance shrugged, “Some big guy named Revrik.”

Shiro knew Revrik. Or at least had heard of him. Revrik was a hard galra to miss since he was usually the tallest in the room and supposedly quite hard to beat during a spar.

He heard a cracking sound and looked down at his prosthetic hand. The screen to his phone was cracked. Fuck.

Well, there goes his good day.

(Yay some Shiro! It’s Revrik’s time to shine next! 😘)

After Revrik’s public proposal of courtship it seemed like the floodgates had opened. At least a dozen blades had approached him during the last three days (a few of which were women which Keith had to ​politely​ turn down).

Even more garrison officers attempted to talk to him as well.
And Keith.. didn’t know what to do with all of the attention. So far he’d turned down most of them and had spent most of his time getting to know Revrik.

He’d gone on a few missions with him in the past and the taller galra had always been an asset. Strong and smart and apparently interested in Keith.
Revrik had been incredibly polite so far and had even approached him everyday just to talk.

And Keith.. was surprised to find himself enjoying the galra’s company.

“I just don’t get it?” Keith waved his hands around as he paced in one of the flight hangers Revrik had found him in. “Why is everyone asking me out all of a sudden? Is it because I’m the Black Paladin?”

“Paladin Keith, you are one of the most impressive galra I have ever met. You must know of your appeal?”

Keith couldn’t stop his blush. “Uh you can just call me Keith,” saying this made Revrik’s eyes light up and his ears perk forward.

Keith watched as Revrik shifted from foot to foot before reaching into his pack.

“Keith,” a smile after his name, “As an official courting gesture I’d like to gift you a courting trinket. I’d be honored if you would accept.” Revrik’s tail wouldn’t stop curling back and forth.

Reaching out for it Keith asked, “Uhh what is this?” It looked like a braided leather cord with.. rocks in it?

“When a galra has decided to entertain a courtship it’s typical to make and present a claiming trinket of some kind. If a galra is to accept, he would wear the trinket somewhere on his body to display his courtship.”

Keith’s eyebrows shot up, “Oh, ok um..”

“Do not worry, this does not mean that you have accepted me as a mate. Just a potential one.”

Well, that made Keith feel better at least. And.. it really was beautiful. The cord was about 6 inches long with dark almost black-red gems braided into it.

“What’s this made out of Revrik? I don’t think I’ve ever seen stones like this before.”

“Those are Xilaren crystals. I discovered them while on a mission. They can only be found on horns of the Drelalak beast, and they are one of strongest stones throughout the universe. I was saving them for,” a pause, “A special occasion.” He was staring right at Keith.

Keith blushed. “Oh! I.. um thanks Revrik it’s beautiful. I’ll put it into my braid.” Keith couldn’t help but smile.

Revrik sucked in a breath. “Thank you Keith. I would also like to ask you to accompany me on what you would call a date. I have planned a meal for this evening.”

Keith froze. Definitely wasn’t expecting that. And well, he had Monsters & Mana night tonight but.. Shiro would be there and he didn’t really want the hurt of seeing him right now. His chest aches all of the sudden. He wasn’t used to avoiding Shiro..

But Keith definitely didn’t want to think about that right now. “Ok Revrik let’s go on a date.”

(Hi everyone! So I’ve decided that this will be #NSFW towards the end so if you’re uncomfortable w that I just wanted y’all to know!)

“He’s going on a date with him Allura. A /date/.”
Shito could feel Allura’s eyes on him as he paced inside her room.
“Yes, you’ve mentioned it a few times so far.”
“I just don’t know what to do? This has never happened before.”

Allura began to fix her hair. Monsters & Mana had been cancelled and she was getting ready to go see Lance. “Shiro, why would you need to /do/ anything exactly?”
“I don’t know. I’m just worried about Keith’s safety.”

Allura raised an eyebrow. “His safety? Shiro, you do realize you’re talking about Keith correct? Plus, from what I’ve heard this galra is an excellent Blade you shouldn’t need to worry.”

She shrugged. “And besides, it’s just a date Shiro. It's harmless. Haven’t you been on a few this very week?” Shiro crossed his arms. “Well, yeah but that’s not dating that’s just... feeling things out. Seeing where something could go.”
A distraction.

She turned towards him. “Shiro, that sounds a lot like what Keith’s trying to do.”

“But what if he gets hurt Allura?”

“Shiro no. Isn’t this what you wanted? For him to become the man he was always meant to be?”

He’s meant to be with me.

“And Shiro, maybe this is something he needs to explore in order to grow?”
“Yeah, but not like this- not with.. him.” Shiro finally sat down.

Allura reached out to pat his hand. Softly, “You need to talk to him.”

Shiro couldn’t help but sigh.

She was right. He knew exactly who he needed to talk to.

“Krolia!” Shiro felt his stomach turn in knots as Krolia's face flashed across his screen.

“Shiro? Is everything alright with Keith?”

“Yeah he’s fine. He’s great. I just have a few questions for you.”

Krolia looked surprised. “Go ahead.”

Shiro cleared his throat, “Is there anything you can tell me about traditional galran courting rituals?”

Krolia gave him a flat look and Shiro desperately tried not to blush.

“Does this have anything to do with the fact that my son called me earlier to ask what to expect out of a galran courtship? The same son who is currently on his first date?”

“Oh Keith’s on a date? He didn’t tell me.”

Krolia sighed. “If there are more than one serious suitor attempting to mate with a galra then it is usually tradition to have a fight to the death.”

“What?” Shiro’s going to have to kill Revrik. Well that would certainly upset the blades.

Krolia crosses her arms, “I know what you’re thinking and let me stop you there. The Blades have attempted to move towards a more peaceful alternative. A sparring match between the two that only ends once an opponent yields.”

She ticked her head to the side, “Though there are still some galra who are Very traditional.”

Hopefully Revrik wasn’t. Shiro didn’t feel like reminding everyone why he was the Champion.

“Ok thank you Krolia.” Shiro nodded his thanks.

“Oh and Shiro?” She gave a slight smile. “Good luck.”

Shiro smirked. He wasn’t going to need luck.

He was going to win.

“You made this Revrik? It’s delicious.” Keith spoke around the food in his mouth.

The fur around Revrik’s ear puffed up and he smiled. “Thank you Keith.” His tail flicked. “My mother taught me how to cook before she passed. This was her favorite meal.”

They were sitting across from one another at the table. The Garrison had provided apartments for many of the blades stationed at Earth and Revrik’s was scarcely decorated.

Keith lowered his fork. “Your mom?”

Looking down, Revrik gave a sad smile. “Yes, I was rather young when I lost her.”
“I’m.. I’m sorry Revrik.” An ache pulsed through his heart as he thought about his dad. Revrik didn’t deserve that hurt.

He hummed, “I like to think that she was the reason I joined the blades.”

Revrik frowned. “The Galra had invaded my home planet. And I was the result. A halfbreed.”

Keith hadn’t known that. Revrik looked like a full blooded galra.

“Once my galran traits started to appear, the soldiers tried to take me away to join their ranks. My mother died trying to stop them.”

Revrik gave him a small smile. “I managed to escape and eventually found my way into the Blades. I was lucky to find a family.”

A memory flashed in Keith’s mind of Revrik rescuing a fellow Blade from a burning warship.

“She’d be really proud of you Revrik. I know it.”

Revrik’s face lit up with a smile. “Thank you Keith.”

*****
Shiro had to focus on unclenching his fists. He had to stop Keith from going on this date. That’s why he was walking through the halls of the garrison at 7:48 PM trying to figure out where Keith was.

He hadn’t been at his apartment when Shiro stopped by to check and Shiro was getting anxious.

He HAD to find Keith.

Shiro couldn’t lose him to this.

Just as he was about to slip into a spiral- he smacked right into a firm body coming around the corner.

“Hunk?”

“Shiro, hey how’s everything?” Hunk paused, “Not to be, uh, rude or anything but you’re not looking too great man.”

Unaware of his actions, Shiro started to wave his arms. “Did you know that Keith was being courted by some galra? He’s supposed to be on a date right now Hunk! We need to talk some sense into him we can’t just-”

“Shiro,” Hunk interrupted. “What are you doing?”

Shiro froze. “I was,” he cleared his throat, “looking for Keith.”

Crossing his arms, Hunk looked right into his eyes. “You’re gonna let this date happen Shiro.” It was honestly disconcerting to see Hunk look so serious.

Shiro shook his head, “You don’t understand Hunk, I have to talk to him. I can’t let him do this.”

Hunk sighed as he pulled him into the next empty room.

“And why not Shiro? Hm?” It was worrying Shiro how much Hunk was frowning now.

And, well, he didn’t know what to say. “I…”

Hunk threw up his hands. “Oh come on! You’re picking NOW of all times to try and get Keith?”

Shiro took a step back. “What do you mean?”

“You’re so easy to read Shiro. What? You want Keith now that you can’t have him?”

“No!” Shiro cut in. “I’ve always wanted Keith.. always.” and softly, “I love him. And sometimes.. sometimes I think he’s the only reason I came back.”

The room was quiet.

“I can’t lose him Hunk. Not like this.”

Hunk shook his head. “Shiro.. How do you think Keith has felt this whole time? Seeing you with that guy. He said yes to Revrik cause he needed a distraction from how horrible you made him feel.” a pause, “You’re hurting one of my best friends right now.”

“I’ve hurt Keith.” Shiro said in a small voice.

Hunk sighed. “You have to know how Keith feels about you right? The guy chased you through the stars Shiro. That's some dedication.”

“He loves you Shiro.”

Shiro felt his heart soar. He had hoped Keith felt the same but this felt different. He never thought he would be allowed to have this.

“Keith loves me?”

“Um I’m pretty sure he’s loved you since he was like, sixteen.”

Shiro couldn’t stop his grin. Keith loves him. He felt like crying. Keith loves him.

“And,” Hunk grabbed his arm before Shiro went off to search for Keith again. “I’m happy that you’ve finally managed to figure things out but you’re going to have to wait to confess. Doesn’t he deserve something a little more romantic than a ruined date?”

Shiro paused. Hunk was right- Keith deserved the world. And Shiro would do anything to give him.

Nodding, Shiro said, “Ok, tomorrow. I'll talk to him tomorrow.”

“Finally! Thank you.”

Shiro smiled. He couldn’t wait.

(ok i’m realizing i said that this would be fluff in the beginning but it’s turning more into angst with fluff extract so i just want to reiterate that this will have a happy sheith ending! we just have to get there lmao)

*****
After helping Revrik with the dishes, Keith decided it was time to head back to his own place. Kosmo was probably hungry.

Keith was just grabbing his jacket when Revrik asked, “May I walk with you back to your apartment?”

Blushing, Keith looked up. “Uh, it's right across the Garrison.. you don't need to.”

“Yes but I would like to.” Keith couldn’t help but notice Revrik’s hand twitch. Almost like he wanted to reach out.

Keith gave a shy smile. “Ok.”

They walked back in comfortable silence and Keith let his thoughts wander. He had always hoped that his first date would be with Shiro. But this.. this was nice. He’d had a good time getting to know Revrik; the galra was great company.

The only problem was that Keith was in love with someone else.

Keith shook his head. He didn’t want to focus on that now.

“I hope to see you tomorrow.” Revrik interrupted his thoughts.

“Huh?” Keith looked around and recognized his apartment door. “Oh..”

Keith watched as the galra’s left ear twitched. “Keith may I give you a kiss before I leave?”

Freezing, Keith didn't know what to do.. this had never happened before.

“Uhh I’ve actually never um..” he cleared his throat. Don’t freak out Keith, don’t freak out.

“Ah I see,” a pause then, “Maybe another time.” Revrik smiled down at him. “Goodnight Keith.”

Keith let out a breath. “Goodnight Revrik.”

*****
The next day Keith sat on a crate in the flight hanger as he went over the newest specs of the new fighter jet the Garrison was building.

Catching movement in the corner of his eye, he looked up to watch as Revrik approached him.

“Keith,” Revrik nodded and cleared his throat. “I came across these flowers earlier during my run and their scent reminded me of yours.”

His tail flicked as he paused. “May I groom you?”

Keith’s eyebrows shot up. “Groom me?”

Another tail flick. “Yes, it is a sign of trust to let a fellow galra near your hair and, with your consent, I wish to braid these flowers into it.”

“Oh!” Keith couldn’t stop his blush. No one had ever gotten him flowers before. Looking up, he bit his lip. “Um yeah ok.”

Revrik smiled. “May I sit behind you?”

Keith scooted over. “Sure.”

He could hear the smile in Revrik’s voice when he spoke, “You’re wearing my courting trinket.”

Keith smiled. He felt like he was in school again. Sitting cross legged with the other kids as they played games. As Revrik’s hands began to undo his braid- he felt his shoulders relax. This was nice.

The soft breeze carried the smell of the various flowers being woven into his hair. And for the first time in what felt like days, Keith’s mind was finally silent.

A petal gently landed in his lap.

Looking down Keith recognized it for what it was. Jasmine. Shiro’s favorite.

Shiro. Keith felt his heart stop. He missed him.

Fuck, he missed him.

Tears welled up in his eyes as the thought struck him. He would always be in love with Shiro. Always. There would never be a distraction big enough to get him to forget.

Even when he was being courted by the sweetest galra he’d ever known, all he could think about was how he wished it was Shiro instead.

A block of ice wedged itself into Keith's heart as he realized that he needed to talk to Revrik.

“Revrik I need to tell you the truth..”

Keith’s chest tightened and he felt like he couldn’t get a deep enough breath. “I.. I’m in love with Shiro. It feels like I’ve always been. And I can’t keep,” he sighed, “I can’t keep seeing you. It wouldn’t be fair to you.”

The galra’s hands paused. “Ah, I understand.. I was aware of your feelings for the Captain when I first asked to court you and I thought this might happen.”

“Wait,” Keith turned around. “Really? And you still asked me out?”

Revrik smiled, “Of course I did Keith. As I’ve said before, you are the most impressive galra I have ever met. I had to at least attempt to win your affections or else I would have regretted never trying.”

Keith sighed, “You’re too good for me Revrik.”

“No.” Revrik didn’t quite snap. “Keith, you deserve to have happiness in your life. And if Shiro makes you happy then I will gladly rescind my affections.” He paused and bared his teeth, “But if Shiro EVER compromises your happiness please let me know.”

Keith tried and failed to give him a smile. “But that’s the thing Revrik... I don’t think I make /him/ happy. Hell, he hasn’t even talked to me in a week!” He shook his head. “And now he’s seeing someone and I feel like I'm just clinging on and hoping he doesn’t leave again.”

Keith clenched his hands as his voice wavered. The ache in his chest made Keith want to hug himself.

Quietly, “I just wish he wanted me.”

Revrik placed a hand on his shoulder as he leaned in.
“Keith,” he whispered. “It must be exhausting to constantly believe that you’re not good enough for him.”

It felt like all of his air was forced out of his lungs.

“I don’t know that I am.”

“If there is anything that I have learned during these past few days Keith, it is that you are the purest person I have ever known.” He smiled.

“You are enough. And you deserve him Keith. You deserve it all.”

Keith’s eyes began to burn. He wasn’t going to cry but- “You’re going to make someone very happy someday Revrik. I know it.”

“Hm, yes I will. Thank you for showing me what characteristics I desire in a future mate Keith. I will miss our time together.”

Keith straightened up. “Wait, wait can’t we still be friends?” Keith felt like he was begging. He’d grown so close to the galra in such a short time and they’d connected. He absolutely wanted to keep Revrik in his life.

“Oh?” Revik tilted his head. “Of course Keith. My only concern would be that of Captain Shirogane. When you two end up together, would he be comfortable with my presence in your life?”

Keith blushed at Revrik’s confidence in them and shook his head. “It doesn’t matter if Shiro’s comfortable with it. Though I think he will be once he realizes how much I value our friendship.”

“I appreciate that Keith. You have become a dear friend of mine.”

Keith leaned forward and gently kissed Revrik on the cheek.

“Thank you Revrik. For everything.”

The smile Revrik gave him made him feel like everything might just turn out all right.