"Hey, Shiro - happy ani no hi," a smile takes over his face at mention of the holiday they'd made, something better fitting of their relationship. Keith hadn't had a father to celebrate the day with, and Shiro had deserved a day of appreciation (not that he wasn't appreciated every day) - so, ani no hi. "Thanks for all you do."
兄の日 ➣ @lnstinctive / @grimesucker
Drawn to a pause by the call of his name, Shiro lifts his head inquiringly and finds himself greeted by Keith and the wish of a happy ‘big brother’s day.’ For just half a tick he blinks in surprise before all trace melts away, replaced with an affectionate – if slightly embarrassed – smile. Ani no hi, a day that Keith had invented years ago to replace Father’s Day ( which neither of them had ever had much reason to celebrate, Keith’s dad gone and Shiro never having met his own ). It’s flattering when your little brother decides that you need a day to be celebrated, and Shiro does appreciate the recognition for the things he’s done, but he’s always told Keith that it isn’t necessary. All that matters to him is that Keith is doing okay, that’s all that’s ever mattered, and that’s all the satisfaction he’s ever needed to get for taking care of him.
—But Keith has always been stubborn, and he has yet to let Ani no hi die.
“ Thanks, buddy, ” he replies, a breath of a self-conscious chuckle following the words. Smile widening a touch, Shiro considers saying what he always does, that he really doesn’t need a day like this, but ultimately decides against it. His brother hasn’t stopped celebrating this day yet, and it’s unlikely that his mind will be changed now. Maybe this year he can just… let it go. Appreciate it without fighting it.
It’s been too long since he’s seen Keith anyway.
“ I don’t know how you remembered or how you know what day it is on Earth, but… thanks. ” Laugh more affectionate this time, Shiro reaches out and ruffles Keith’s hair, playfully but intentionally mussing it up. Somehow he thinks this is something that his little brother is not so thankful for him doing. “ I love you. ”
















