[Shiro responds to Lance's tightening hold, his own arms closing a little closer too. Like he's going to hold on forever. Like he's not going to let anything take Lance away.

Being called dad... he doesn't know if he's ever going to take that for granted. It's not something his kids usually call him, at least not seriously, but when they do, he knows what it means and -

and there's no feeling in the world like it.]

It's never going to change. [His own voice is a little gruff.] I promise that, Lance. I will always your dad. No matter what.

[He has to swallow, throat tight and he huffs out a sound and scrubs his hand gently against the back of Lance's head.] Okay. But if you were, crying would be okay too. You know?