Kinktober Day Two: Forniphilia

Shiro - Keith (Voltron: Legendary Defender)
Human furniture/ self doubt/ bondage/ posture collar/ physical stress/ encouragement
968 words

NOTE: Keith in this scenario is aged up to be 18+

Patience, determination, self control.   
 
The point of course, was to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. He needed to remain still, keeping a perfect, straight line between his shoulders and the heel of his feet so that none of the coffee cups would tip or shake against the glass top. He could hear them clatter occasionally if he dared take took deep a breath or tried to adjust the amount of pressure on his elbows. He closed his eyes and tried to accommodate by moving cautiously, if he had to move at all.   
 
It was better if he could maintain this position on his own. But occasionally, Shiro liked to give him a few helpful accessories. They really were for his own benefit. This could be straining if one had to do it for long periods under their own self control and muscle power. So really, Keith knew he ought to be grateful for Shiro's guidance and instruction. He wasn't ready to lead the Paladins. Not yet. But he would be soon.   
 
Patience, determination, self control.   
 
Three things Keith never thought of himself as having. All the more reason to embrace this unorthadox training method.   

The spreader bars were both a bane and a blessing. The main bar ran from the posture collar about his neck to right between his ankles, a secondary bar crossing between them keep them at exactly the right place to balance the table top on his heels. A similar one was latched on to his wrists so that his hands can hold the other side up. This both restricted and supported his placement, and as Keith settled into it, finding just the right placement for his elbows and knees, he found it almost meditative.   

But then he'd always sucked at meditation.   

A bead of sweat rolled down his forehead, tickling down his eyebrow and making him blink to try and get rid of it. How could such a small thing make him feel so claustrophobic? He tried to blink it away, but the salty droplet threatened to get into his eye.

A hand came into his vision and a soft cloth dabbed at the forehead, mopping up the wetness. Shiro knelt down and brushed back Keith's hair with a gentle touch. He met Keith's strained, concerned expression with a considerate smile and leaned forward, kissing his cheek. 

"Your biggest difficulty is your impatience. Your tenacity and determination works to your advantage, but only when you operate on your own. This makes you an ideal solitary paladin if you're stuck in battle. But when you lead, you have to consider your team. You have to look out for all of your people."

Four corners. Four Paladins. Four points of balance. 

And Shiro was increasing the weight. There was no longer just a cup, but a pitcher of tea, and now a tray of cookies sitting there, jiggling around as he tried to keep himself stationary. The light clatter of the dishes echoed in his ear like a reminder of his own instability. Keith closed his eyes and knew he was trembling. 

How could he ever expect to lead the Paladins? It was foolish! Shiro was the only one who deserved the position. He knew how to balance their individual temperaments and personalities. He knew how to keep them all emotionally stable and cooperative. He was Space Dad for pities sake! He just had those qualities that make for a good leader!   

“You're doing really well.” Shiro promised him.

Well? How could he be doing well? He felt his ever muscle hurt! His knees and elbows were killing him! His thighs hurt his shoulders hurt his head felt dizzy and when he closed his eyes all he could see with the inevitability of his own failure! It didn't matter if he was old enough. It didn't matter that he'd been training for this. He was weak. He didn't deserve the position. He didn't deserve Shiro's trust and devotion.   

“Keith.”   

He didn't realize he had begun to cry. Shiro took a cloth and cleaned his face with cool water, helping to refresh him from the internalized doubt and guilt. 

“You're doing fantastic. Only a few more hours. You can do this.” 

His voice was so calm and crystallizing. Keith closed his eyes, letting Shiro pet him with tender touches, the echo of that calming voice in his ears, the confidence with which his leader told him that he was good, competent, capable.
  
Patience, determination, self control.   

“Take a deep breath. Let yourself find stability. You're not just supporting your teammates. You're supporting yourself. You have to do your best to find a balance in your own life, and support your own mental health first.”

Keith immediately glared up at him, one eyebrow arching up in clear derision.   

“Heh. I expect you to be better than me.” Keith explained and ruffled his hair. “You are better, Keith. You have what it takes to lead this team. I know you do.”   

Everything in him stirred and Keith closed his eyes, blocking out the distractions and pushing himself to level out the table. It ached. He couldn't remember how long he had been stuck in this position. But he made himself push forward, spreading his thighs to create a more stable base. The sharp clattered stilled, and he breathed a sigh of relief to know he'd gotten himself one step closer to balance. 

“There ya go.” Shiro brushed his cheek gently with his thumb, letting the content of his friends expression fill his chest with a strange, warm feeling. “Now. You're going to hold this. Take your time. We'll go for an hour. After that, a nice relaxing bath?”

Kieth nodded, smiling to himself. If Shiro believed in him, was there anything he couldn't do?