( he needs to explain something, definitely - but in all his time spent pining, he never once thought about what he'd say to noctis whenever they were finally reunited. sorry i'm clingy, but it's been two years without you and i'm touch starved ? he almost can't think beyond the embrace they're in, shuddering as noctis holds him close and tight and just right, because he knows keith like the back of his hand, knows what he likes, how he likes to be touched. keith hasn't let anyone get close enough to let himself feel this good in so long, and it's honestly addicting, just having some body near that isn't trying to kill him, that he doesn't have to kill.

he takes a shaky breath and pulls back, nodding softly to the beat of noctis' heart. a hand cups his face, thumb running against the bone of his cheek. )

I'm okay, now.

( he hasn't realized how fucking sad he's been, how miserable he is without noctis. coming home to him is like rediscovering happiness, and keith never wants to leave again, honestly. fuck voltron. let them find a new leader. he wants to cuddle his boyfriend.

the tenderness eases up, and keith knows explanations are oncoming, so he pulls away and bullies noctis into sitting at the foot of the bed, cupping his face before sliding down onto his knees before him. )

We didn't know what we were getting into. The situation there was so bad, it was like the planet itself was at war. ( keith shrugs, staring at noctis' knees. ) It was supposed to be a quick in and out, so the time difference wouldn't have mattered. Once we got caught up in the fight ... well. One month here was two years there. That's how long it's been for me, kitten.

( an apologetic, somewhat misplace smile. )

I missed you. Bad. Real bad.