@palidinus Heard The Call

@palidinus heard the call

"Shiro!" Keith called over the comms, frantic, really. "Come on, someone!"

Keith was pretty quiet during the walk to the canteen, not responding very quickly to the question. His eyes seemed glazed over, thoughts racing every direction but this one. "I think I might train, like usual...depends on where my head's at after some 'food', though." The implied air quotes around food came with a slight laugh, a rumble in his throat.

"You're welcome to join me, if you want," he offered, idly grabbing a tray of the strange green goo they all ate. It was still steaming hot from whenever Hunk had cooked it. "I'd love to see that arm of yours in action without the threat of actually dying."

"Of course! Always in a good mood when good friends are returning," the hand was met with a firm shake, pulled into a one armed hug. He radiated warmth, one of the many good days he couldn't not thank the Galra for - they'd fixed quite a lot about him in their exploits.

Get it off your chest. Send my muse an anonymous confession that's been bothering yours for a long time. I can't say anything...only publish.

"Yeah, let's get out of here," Keith agreed, guiding Red back towards the castle with a gentle nudge of the controls - she knew the way. "I definitely don't want to be around when their body guard shows up." The shudder to his voice was almost evident.

Returning to the castle was a breeze, thankfully, no other wild patrols of Galra. Keith's mind wandered as they traveled, responses short and choppy. During the final stretch of their trip back, the red paladin turned on autopilot and pulled his knees up to his chest, resting his chin on the tops of them.

"Your room's just how you left it, and no, not gruel. You go change and do whatever you need to do, I'll get the food ready." Shiro placed a hand on Keith's shoulder, smiling brightly at him. He was happy the younger paladin was back, the team hadn't been the same without him.

"I'm sure the lions miss you, too, bud." He then left Keith to change and went off to the kitchen, whistling quietly. Definitely in a good mood today.