[It's not like danger's ever stopped Keith from doing something he needed--or really wanted--to do, but there was something frenetic about flying without Shiro, when half of them were adjusting to new Lions and to each other.

So this, having Shiro at his back, broad hands beneath his palms...it feels safe. It feels like home, somehow.

Keith doesn't answer Shiro's question until they press the controls forward and launch out of the Castle and into the stars, lets the lights and noise of take-off swallow any attempt at conversation before they're just left with the quiet of space around them. This still doesn't feel real, sometimes--the vastness of it all.

And Shiro was almost lost to it.]

Yeah. Us and Allura. [Tough to avoid a question when you're basically on top of the guy who asked it. Keith's shoulders go taut for a moment, tense when he continues.]

I didn't want it, you know. I thought I could deal with it being anyone but me, but I really just--

[The tension releases on a quiet sigh and he tips his chin down, gaze falling on their hands.]

I just wanted it to be you.