Different (Completed)

(A-N.

Hey quick note, it took me days to write this trash. The characters are super occ or what have you, so if your scratching your head in confusion, I'm sorry, but enjoy the ride to feels town. Haha. I'm sorry.)

LANCE

The pod opened and Keith staggered out. I caught him in my arms and held him close.

"Hmn, L-Lance?" He murmured burying his nose in my neck. His skin had faded back to its pale alabaster, though the purple tail, ears and yellow eyes remained.

He's still Keith.

I reminded myself as I enveloped him in a tight hug.

"I'm here." I murmured into his shoulder. I felt his fingers dig into my shirt. I felt a warm spot on my chest and drew back to see tears spilling over.

"What's wrong?" I asked concerned. I brushed his hair back from his forehead only for it to plop back into place.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry!" He cried shaking in my arms.

"Shhh, it's okay. You're okay." I cradled him in my arms as he sobbed. I looked to Shiro for help.

He cleared his throat. Keith drew back sniffling at the sound.

"We're glad you're alright Keith." Shiro smiled.

"I'm sorry Shiro. I almost got everyone killed. I wasn't thinking clearly." Keith's voice was rough from his crying spell.

"We're okay." Pidge smiled.

"Yeah, we're worried about you." Hunk spoke up.

"Why are you worried about me? Don't you hate me?" He asked looking at each of their faces. One did seem to hate him, but he already knew the princess didn't care for him.

"You're one of us. You're our friend. Without you there is no Voltron." Hunk spoke encouragingly.

I felt an overwhelming sense of pride bloom inside of me as everyone gave words of encouragement.

Allura stepped forward and I felt my stomach tighten. The feeling of pride was overcome by a wave of anticipation.

"Keith. I don't trust the Galra, but seeing how you were more afraid of me than I am of them put it into perspective for me. I haven't been acting like the peaceful people Altean's have prided themselves on being. I've let my own fear blind me, and I'm sorry. I am glad you are part of our team and fighting together to bring peace to the universe." Allura twiddle her hands before her as Keith stood still. His eyes wide in surprise.

I nudged him with my elbow.

"T-thanks." He stammered coming out of his daze. I placed a hand on his stiff shoulder. I felt him relax at my touch and bit back the smile that tugged at the corner of my lips.

"Great, so who's hungry?" Hunk clapped his hands together. Pidge snorted following him out of the infirmary.

Coran inclined his chin as he escorted Allura to the dining hall. Shiro scratched his chin uncomfortably before heading to the door.

"Don't take too long." He sighed leaving us alone.

Keith turned to me as Shiro left and rubbed his arm awkwardly.

"What do you think he meant by that?" He quipped. I chuckled and reached out pulling him back into my embrace.

"This." I spoke huskily before dipping my head and capturing his lips with my own. Keith's muffled noise of surprise brought a smile to my lips as I drew back.