Shiro sensed that Keith was trying to win him over or convince him and he pulled a face, scrunching up his nose and looking unsure. He knew that Keith was afraid of the water and Keith couldn’t convince him otherwise. He wondered whether there was something he could do to help him realise just how afraid he was and to perhaps help him lose some of that fear. He pondered, looking at their hands.

Keith’s hands were so soft and gently, it felt as though his own skin could rip through it. It felt nice to hold onto something soft, to brush against something delicate, not like the walls of meat and muscle that he was used to taking on. He frowned, instinctively and unconsciously gripping onto Keith’s hand tighter. Perhaps there was good reason for him to stay out of the water after all. It was the only way Zarkon could keep his hands off him.

He looked back to Keith’s eyes and felt himself melting inside a little. Imagine Keith here in the water with him, imagine him exploring the coves with him. He debated the idea in his head before sighing and clicking softly. [i]Fine.[/i] he decided. On the one condition that Keith started to lose his fear of the ocean. He pulled his hand away somewhat reluctantly and gestured for Keith to follow him into the water. He swam back just a stroke and pointed to the shore. He pointed to Keith’s toes and then again to the tiny waves that broke on the shore. He then pointed to himself and pointed further up onto the beach. [i]’You step into the water. I’ll come onto the beach.[/i] He offered, wondering whether it was a good enough swap for Keith.