( keith has never been a self-conscious individual, because of all the things he has to worry about, his looks have never made it onto the list. when he was a kid, he was a little more concerned with his next meal than if people found him attractive - and now, he's more concerned with the fate of the universe than how pretty people think he is. but even he feels a little choked up, looking at noctis' face while he eyes the scars and just. wishing he was different, mostly. wishing he dodged attacks better, wishing he had eyes on the back of his head to has seen the blows that struck him, wishing he had any tool to wipe that angry, upset look off of noctis' face.

he really doesn't. he just swallows thickly and nods to the question - he didn't want to kill anyone, regardless of what they did to him. he wanted surrender, something bloodless and easy. but. galra have a saying, victory or death, which means that keith's victory meant their death. )

Baby, come here.

( he's already about as close as he can get, but keith wraps his arms around his middle, just holding him for a little while. hugging him, soothingly rubbing his hand up and down his spine in a repetitive motion. )

I know. ( when he leans back, it's to push noctis' bangs out of his eyes, pulling him down so keith can kiss his forehead. ) I know. It's ... it'll take some getting used to.

( noctis will have to familiarize himself with the landscape of his body, and it'll take time before he can look at these scars and this body without getting angry, without feeling guilty. swiftly, keith plants another kiss on his pouty mouth. )

I can put my shirt back on, if you want. I don't mind.

( despite the offering, it's not keith he's trying to protect. this is their first night back together - maybe it'd be better if it wasn't stained with all the aches of old hurts. )