#Sheith #angst
Not sure how this one will turn out... but we will see.
~~~~
Shiro walks through the park every day. and every day there is a guitarist there, playing to his hearts content. every day it's rarely the same tune. and every day Shiro takes his time to listen to the+

new piece, the new creation that this beautiful young man can make on an instrument that is literally wood and strings. he could always tell when the guitarist was in a good mood just by the music he played. and today, he is most definitely in a good mood. and so, Shiro stays +

longer, actually moving to sit on a bench as he finds himself swaying and bobbing his head to the well mastered beat. Shiro takes note how the guitarist has his eyes closed while he strums and plucks the strings to his instrument. like he is the only one in this park right now.

when the music comes to an end, Shiro is greeted with beautiful purple eyes. he's stunned where he sits on the bench, not sure what to do but just stare right back, in aw. when he finally gets sense back into himself he gets up and walks over, giving a shy smile.
"That was -

beautiful. though, every piece you do is beautiful..."
Shiro starts to blush, looking away from Keith's piercing gaze.

"Thank you."
came a soft, raspy voice. Shiro looks down at the guitarist and smiles brightly.

"Do you just make up what you play? or is it some music that you-

know from memory?"

The guitarist blushes now, taking a minute to answer the question. it has been a while since he actually had to use his voice besides humming along to certain songs he plays.

"S-some are from memory... most i-"
he coughs a bit, Shiro noticing how the other +

voice cracks. but remains silent, waiting for him to finish.

"most i just make up and go with what i'm feeling."
he finishes. Shiro couldn't help but smile at that.

"Well, it is very beautiful with what you can do."
another blush, and Shiro feels like a winner here.

to not make the guitarist feel uncomfortable, he says his thanks and then continues his walk through the park.

Shiro continues his routine, but now adding in to sit and talk with the guitarist, now knowing his name is Keith. he learns what he can of the younger male and in turn+

he shares his life story as well.

when the weather starts to get colder, Shiro will bring hot beverages and a pastry every day. he didn't care if it was a little more money spent. but he was starting to believe Keith didn't have anywhere to go. they never talked about homes or +

where the other lived.
Shiro walks to the bench where Keith always seems to be, playing a calm tune today and finally taking notice how Keith wears the same clothes almost all the time. taking in how worn and frayed they are. but he stays silent until Keith finishes and smiles,

handing over the hot beverage as Keith happily takes it and says his thanks as Shiro watches how Keith warms his hands on the small paper cup and taking a tentative sip and makes a content hum sound.

"Hey, Keith... is it alright if i ask a question?"
Keith looks up at Shiro, a +

chuckle leaving his lips.
"Of course Shiro."

Shiro blushes but smiles softly.
"Okay, well... it is a bit personal... but... do you have a home to go to for winter?"

Keith is still at the question, hands a little tighter around the paper cup.
"not really..." he finally says.

Shiro is silent at this truth, or mostly truth.
"okay... what do you mean by 'not really'?"
he asks calmly, though internally panicking. it's being predicted to be a harsh and freezing winter this year.

Keith lifts a brow as to why Shiro would be concerned but shrugs.
"I am on +

the wait list for a shelter."
Shiro lets out a slow breath and nods,
"Okay. when will you know if you got in?"
Keith is silent a moment longer to answer as he takes a sip of his drink.
"I have a phone. they said they will call when a bed opens up."
Shiro nods again.
"okay..."

Shiro wanted to offer his home to Keith, let him know he is always welcome, but fears he will cross a line with the guitarist and will never see him again. so he doesn't push it. at least not today.

the days started to get colder and before Shiro knew it, there is the first snow

fall. Shiro is afraid Keith wont be at the park, but seeing him there, in the same spot. and same worn clothes, he sighs with relief but also concern.

"Hey, do you need gloves? and... maybe a jacket?"
Keith stares at Shiro a minute, just to make the other uncomfortable before +

finally smiling.
"it would be nice, but you don't have to get me anything."
Shiro smiles at the accepted yes, though not a direct yes, it was still an okay thing to do.
"Okay. i'll bring you gloves tomorrow and a jacket."
Keith blushes at this but gives a shy smile.
"Thank you."

the next day, Shiro follows through on his word. he presents a paper bag stuffed with a thick comfy looking red sweater, a large black jacket and thermo fingerless gloves that have a finger flap to keep his fingers warm when he wasn't playing his instrument.
Keith stares at the 3

items in shock. he doesn't even realize tears had fallen from his eyes as he looks up quickly when he felt Shiro gently brush a tear away.
"Keith, are you okay?"
Keith manages a nod of his head, sniffling.
"Yes... I just... i wasn't expecting this..."
"Do you like them?"
another

nod and before Shiro knew it, he was getting the biggest bear hug from Keith. Shiro happily returns the hug. after a minute of hugging, Shiro finally leans back and offers the sweater first.
"Please put them on, you are making me cold just looking at you."
a wet laugh leaves

Keith's lips and he happily discards the thinned, frayed and many holes sweater and puts on the warm red one and just seems to melt with the new garment and warmth it can hold in. next were the gloves as he tests them out and happily finds he can play his guitar just fine with

them. and lastly, the big winter black jacket. once it is on Keith practically hides his head in it before popping back out of the hole meant for the head as Shiro laughs.
"I purposely got you a bigger jacket so it's easy to move with your sweater on."
"Thank you Shiro, so much."

"i was more than happy to. and, if it ever gets too cold, and the shelter hasn't called you yet, please, call me. I am more than happy to open my home up to you."

Keith stops at that, another stunned look on his face.
"I-I couldn't do that... i don't want to be a burden. this is

more than enough. thank you, Shiro."

Shiro bites his bottom lip.
"you could never be a burden, Keith. just... please, message me when you need a place a sleep. okay?"
Keith hesitates, but finally nods his head, giving Shiro his cell to put in his number.
"Okay. I will. promise."

//and that is it for tonight folks! will try and continue tomorrow! goodnight! //

//good morning everyone! ready for the angst? no? me neither but i live for it. XD//

The days started to get colder. with each passing day Shiro gets more and more worried when he doesn't hear from Keith. he hopes, prays he has somewhere to go on the colder, most frigid days. and every day he looks at his phone, hoping to see that message from Keith, hoping +

that text or call will just pop up asking if he could come over. but it never comes.

the next month comes, colder than ever as they reach the middle of winter. Shiro still manages to go to the park and there, in the frigid cold on the bench is Keith, playing his guitar with out+

a care in the world. Shiro shakes his head, making his way to his normal spot and always with something hot to eat and drink when Keith finishes. when Keith finished up his piece he sets his guitar between his legs and puts the flap on his gloves over his fingers before his+

attention turns to Shiro, and a small smile graces his lips.

"Good morning."
Shiro smiles back, offering the hot beverage as Keith always says thank you as he takes it. as Shiro watches, he notices the dark circles under Keith's eyes and his skin seems paler than normal.

Shiro waits to speak, noting how Keith just seems exhausted and the hot drink was what he needed.

after a few minutes Shiro smiles.
"Are you hungry?"
there was a nod from Keith, his eyes closed while he took another sip of the drink and Shiro pulls out a container holding +

hot stew. Shiro waits until Keith opens his eyes and Shiro offers the hearty meal over with a spoon. Keith tilt his head for a moment before taking them both and smiling a little more.
"This looks amazing... thank you Shiro."

"Of course. I hope you actually like it though."

Keith makes a small laugh as he blows on the still hot stew before taking his first bite and hums in delight, eyes closing again.
"'s good..."
Keith says softly, his voice soft, almost fragile as he sniffles. but Shiro couldn't tell if it was his emotions or just from the cold.

"I'm glad..."
they sit in silence while Keith eats the food and finishes his drink. another sniffle from Keith and Shiro wanted so badly to pull the guitarist into a hug and hold him there, or even better, somehow coax him home to sleep and have a nice hot shower, or bath. he +

really didn't care. all Shiro would see was that Keith is struggling and no one is helping.

"Keith... did you get into the shelter?"
Shiro asks softly. he didn't want to ask him to come home, not yet. but Keith stills for a second before he shakes his head, looking down.

"no... not yet..."
he says softly.
Shiro slowly lets out a breath.
"Where have you been staying on these frigid nights?"
another pause.
"coffe shops and gas stations that stay open 24/7..."
Keith whispers, still looking down.
Shiro this time wraps his arm around the other, +

pulling Keith close to his side. he was starting to worry more but didn't want to push the subject.
"Will you still promise to call me if it gets too bad and you don't get into the shelter soon?"
another silence, another sniffle then a nod from Keith. Shiro nods his head, holding

Keith as close as possible now. he doesn't know why Keith wont just reach out, but he knows he can't push it and he prays that he will reach out soon. a cold front is coming in and it scares Shiro that Keith will be stuck outside.

the cold front comes and some businesses close down because of it. pipes freezing, heating systems shutting down. the news telling everyone to stay in doors, or if they have to go out to dress warmly and to not stay outside more then 15 minutes.
the news has also reported deaths+

of the homeless that weren't able to find shelter. names are never rivield and Shiro is scared. his heart races every time he hears this or even reads it in the papers when at work or home. but every chance he gets he always runs to the park to make sure Keith is still alive.

Shiro always knows Keith is alright when he hears the guitar playing first before actually seeing Keith. but today, Shiro doesn't hear any playing and his heart is in his throat before he sees a familiar figure on a bench, but is hunched over. Shiro runs as fast as he can, +

Sliding to a stop in front of Keith as panic grips his heart and he shakes Keith gently, hoping he wakes up. when he hears a small intake of breath and sees those beautiful eyes flutter open, Shiro can't help but pull Keith into a hug, tears prickling his eyes.
it takes Keith a +

minute to fully wake, realizing he fell asleep on the bench. but it took him longer to realize he was being held by someone as he panics, moving a little before he is moved at arms length and sees it's only Shiro. he blinks slowly but manages a smile. his nerves calming down.

"hey."
Keith says weakly. Shiro just manages a wobbly smile.
"Hey to you..."
Shiro says softly, sniffling, looking Keith's face over and notices the circles under his eyes are darker.
"Keith... please come home with me... please."

Shiro looks Keith in the eyes to see the fear of going to someone's house sink in. it was also that realization to Shiro that something bad, if not horrible happened to Keith when he got an offer like that. and it broke his head.
when he didn't get the an answer right away, Shiro

just pulls Keith back into a hug, hoping he can at least add more warmth to him. but also hoping to get an answer.

"i-if... i d-don't get a call... f-from the s-s-shelter tonight... i'll call..."
Keith finally says through chattering teeth. Shiro hugs the guitarist a little +

tighter, a smile making it's way to his lips.
"Thank you Keith, thank you so much."
Keith manages a nod before wrapping his arms around the other, giving a gentle hug back. after a minute of silence, Shiro finally pulls away.
"want to go eat lunch somewhere? my treat."
Keith is +

silent a moment, as if thinking about it then finally nods.
"Okay... somewhere warm?"
Shiro nods his head.
"Yeah, somewhere warm."
he manages to lead Keith to his car, having his guitar lie in the back seat as he turns the heat to full blast, just for Keith.
"burgers and fries?"

Keith finally has a smile as he nods his head again.
"yes please, thank you, Shiro."
Shiro smiles fondly.
"Anything for you Keith."
he gets rewarded with a light blush and finally heads to his favorite burger place where he knows the owner really well.

Shiro spends as much time as he can with Keith. he was delighted when the other ate, even fell asleep for a few minutes in his car, just driving around town. when the park comes back into view Keith wakes up, yawning as his jaw pops. Shiro cringes a bit at that but smiles when +

those purple eyes look to him, Shiro just melts a bit.
"Sleep well?"
Keith blushes but nods. he looks out the window and notices they are back at the park.
"uhm... is it alright to see where you live?"
he asks softly. Shiro just smiles and nods.
"of course!"

Keith takes in the surroundings and what streets they go down. when nice apartments come into view.
"whoa..."
he says softly as he looks around. Shiro then pulls up to the complex he is staying in.
"i live in this building here. up on the top floor."
Keith nods his head.

when Keith was ready, they went back to the park. there Keith has the energy to play his guitar. Shiro requesting he play his favorite songs and this time, Shiro records them all with his phone, smiling when Keith would smile and the two just having the best day.

Shiro reluctantly makes his leave to head home when it started to get dark, and much much colder. the wind starting to pick up and that worried Shiro all over again. once in his car he looks back to see Keith heading off into the woodsy area and soon disappears behind the trees.

while Shiro got ready for bed, he had the volume turned up high on his phone and sets it on the charger. he didn't want to miss a call from Keith in case he called tonight. it was supposed to be the coldest night of this cold front and then it would break.

Shiro tosses and turns all night. the wind howling and Shiro's sleep was fitful and full of fear, for Keith...

~

Keith is shivering. the type that seems to reach to the bone as he makes his way to the shelter. it's getting late at night and he still hasn't heard from them, but+

hopes they have an open bed tonight. he desperately wants sleep, a warm place to sleep without being a burden to Shiro. after such a fun day, he could tell Shiro wouldn't hurt him, wouldn't take advantage of him in any way.
he finally had some hope and something to look forward +

to every day, and that was Shiro.

the door opens to the shelter, Keith looking up at the large male that stood behind it slightly. he sighed and sadly shook his head. Keith holds back a sob, letting out a shaky breath and gives a curt nod before turning and heading to one of the

24 hour cafe's, only to see they are closed because of the cold front that broke their heating unit and frozen pipes. a small whimper escapes his lip. heading to the next one then only to find the same thing there. he was not going to cry. he was not going to break down and cry.

the gust of wind almost knocks Keith over. he gasps, gripping his guitar tighter, stumbling a bit as he looks around. not seeing much options left for him, he would head back to the park and call Shiro to get him. he had at least a 20 minute walk back and he already couldn't +

feel his toes very well, or feet in general. his fingers were also going numb. he covers his face as much as he can and starts his track back to the park.

it felt like forever, but Keith can see the park in view. he makes his way across the street. teeth chattering and face half

numb. everything hurt and felt numb. his focus on getting to the park that he didn't see the car coming, didn't hear the squeal of tires to react fast enough.

it happened so fast. he remembers some yelling, being moved which hurt more and then a car driving off.

it hurt to breath. everything felt numb yet warm. Keith lets out a choked sob. he couldn't move and knew he needed help. he fumbles for his phone with shaky hands. he cries to see the screen shattered, but he still hopes it will turn on. it does, but Keith couldn't call Shiro.

the screen wasn't working. Keith still tried even as his body shakes uncontrollably. even as he starts to lose focus...
Keith was so tired. he finally closed his eyes and thought of Shiro, his hugs and his laughter, his kindness, his warmth...

~

Shiro started his day feeling +

off. that he already dreaded today before it even started. it started with the restlessness all night, and the fact Keith didn't call. maybe he was able to get into the shelter like he had hoped. if so, he knew he would see Keith later today.
He gets into his car and starts his +

route to work. he drives by the park every day and as expected the bench was empty. soon he comes up to traffic and was a bit confused to why there would be a back up this early in the morning. but he realizes after a minute he is still close to the park then notices the police +

car, fire truck and ambulance. Shiro's pulse quickens but ice fills his veins with every beat. he parks his car with the 4 ways blinking and runs. runs to where the vehicles are and prays to whatever god is out there that Keith is okay.

Shiro some how manages to get through the crowd of people and up to the front where an officer stops him.
"Sir, please stay back."
"what happened?"
Shiro asks, trying to keep his voice calm but failed. the officer looks at Shiro a moment, taking in how he looks and dread in his +

eyes. he takes a moment to respond.
"Do you know anyone by the name of Keith?"
the officer asks gently. when Shiro doesn't speak, just the look of pure dread says it all. the officer sighs softly. he knew Keith, as did everyone in the department.
"it was a hit and run."

Shiro covers his mouth. his heart shattering in that moment. he doesn't even feel the tears falling as the officer guides Shiro to the firetruck so he can sit down. another officer taking over to keep everyone else back.
Shiro looks over what he can. he sees Keith's guitar, +

broken and splintered in the gutter. not far from the guitar is a large lump covered with a white sheet. his breath catches in his throat. he looks up at the officer, his voice cracking as he speak.
"can i see him...?"
the officer hesitates.
"you really shouldn't..."

"then how do you know it's Keith?!"
he asks, practically shouts in almost hysterics. the officer lets out a slow breath.
"alright... but try to remember him when he was alive..."
he says softly before taking Shiro over to the white sheet. one of the medics there looking to +

the officer. he just gave a slight nod. the medic then looks up at Shiro and sighs, moving the sheet back, just far enough to reveal the head.
Shiro drops to his knees. it is, was, Keith.
Shiro reaches out with shaky hands. Keith was like an ice cube. but he looks so peaceful.

he then takes note of the phone in Keith's hand. the screen shattered that it most likely wouldn't work.
Shiro cries. he knew, without a doubt that Keith was trying to call him. he cries and screams as he huddles over Keith's body. the officer and medic give him as much privacy+

as they can. after what feels like forever, they finally had to pull Shiro away.
the rest of the day felt like it went by in a blur. Shiro spent the entire day in the park, on his and Keith's bench. his phone out as it plays the recordings he only just did yesterday.

new tears come when he hears Keith's laugh on the recording.
"i love you..."
he whispers to the empty spot on the bench.

-

Shiro never felt like himself again, but he had made changes. to the town and parts of the world. shelters that could take in any homeless person in +

need without there ever being a waiting list. food was always available and a bed always open. Shiro wanted to be sure the homeless has somewhere to go, always.

on the anniversary of Keith's death, Shiro heads to the park, and with him, he brought a guitar. he sits down on the+

bench that got dedicated to Keith. he pulls out his phone and plays those recordings and manages a ghost of a smile and starts to play along on the guitar he brought.
if he keeps his eyes closed, he sometimes believes he can hear Keith right next to him, laughing and playing +

along, despite the recording playing on the other side of him.
'i love you too, Shiro.'
Shiro startles his eyes open, looking around before he looks beside him. just barely there, he swears he sees an outline of Keith and a glimps of a smile before it disappears. Shiro couldn't +

believe what he saw, but it brought new tears to his eyes, smiling, he takes a moment before playing again. but this time, a piece of his own from the heart, and with a little help from Keith.

End

//and that is it!! i hope you all enjoyed it! and before you yell at me, i did have the angst warning! anyway, i truly hope you guys liked it.//