Hey guys, I'm back from camp, so I thought I'd update! Thanks for reading, feel free to comment, and hope you enjoy!

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The next day the two had met in the library for the last time. Tomorrow, Shiro would be leaving for Kerberos. Because of this, Keith hardly left his side that day.

The two had a couple of books scattered across the desk, a few for last minute info about Kerberos and the mission there, and the rest for Keith's upcoming test.

Keith hated paper tests. He hated the simulation tests too, but he hated the paper tests the most.

Shiro couldn't help but laugh as he watched Keith try to study in frustration.

Tired of Shiro's snorts and chuckles, Keith shoved the book in front of him. "Here, if you think it's so funny, then what the hell is the answer to this?"

Shiro then flipped to a page in one of the other books with the exact equation or answer for Keith's question. He would then laugh and nearly fall out of his chair from Keith's dumbfounded and furious expressions.

Keith slumped over against Shiro with a long sigh.

"Tired of astrophysics?"

"Tired of life," Keith grumbled back.

"What do you mean by that?"

"Well, I didn't need to know all this stuff when I was on my own," Keith shrugged as he sat back up and tried to continue to study.

"Do you honestly miss being alone?"

"Not really," Keith muttered, averting his gaze. "I have you now."

Both boys' faces reddened again, and Shiro looked down at the small red gift bag hidden under the table at his feet. Maybe now would be a good time to bring it out.

Neither spoke for a moment, until Shiro pulled up the gift. "Hey, here."

"W--What's this?" Keith couldn't help but stutter when he awkwardly took the gift.

"I had seen that your birthday was today, on your background check," Shiro explained. Keith tensed. "I figured that you probably didn't celebrate it, but, well, I couldn't stop myself from buying them for you when I was in the nearby town for the last time before the launch."

Keith reached in, and pulled out a pair of black, fingerless gloves. "I hope they fit," Shiro smiled.

Keith slid them on, unable to suppress the small smile that made its way across his face.

"It fits great, thank you," Keith murmured happily. He suddenly found himself in Shiro's arms, the older of the two leaving a light kiss on his pale forehead.

Keith couldn't help but flinch and squeeze his eyes shut.

Shiro chuckled, and the shorter glanced up at him. "Happy Birthday, Keith."

"T--Thanks."

After that, they were able to study more effectively, but neither were able to focus with their attention often drifting to the other.

"All cadets report to the simulators for evaluation," Iverson boomed over the intercoms.

Keith and Shiro both sighed before heading to the simulators. Shiro wasn't required to perform a simulation, but he had decided to stay with Keith nonetheless.

Iverson strolled confidently between the rows of cadets, glaring at Keith and giving Shiro a nod of respect as he passed. "All students will be assigned to a respective simulator surveyed by one of our instructors for closer examination. We expect no less than a clean simulation performance. Results will determine if you can remain in your current classes..."

Keith started growing both uneasy and angry.

He didn't want to end up like Lance and just barely miss the margin. Keith was high up in the fighter class, maybe even at the top, but he didn't want to drop down-- he couldn't drop down.

One mistake, and he'd miss spending more time with Shiro before the launch since his schedule would then change.

Shiro looked at the teen out of the corner of his eye, and noticed his trembling fists. Shiro reached a hand out, fishing for some fingers to hold. Keith reluctantly opened his hand, just enough for Shiro to grab his pinky and ring finger.

"Hey," Shiro whispered with a smile. "It's just us, alright? Besides, I know you'll do great. You always do."

Keith blushed slightly, and looked away with a small smile before stepping forward for his test.