Keith had skipped out on a mission. Again. Usually, the team let it slide, because they know how important the work he’s doing with the Blade of Marmora is. But, lives were almost lost today. Thank god for the Black Lion letting Shiro pilot it again, because the rebels might have been killed otherwise. The team was standing in the Castle of Lions, staring off into the sunset. Lance leans against the back wall, away from the others, feeling torn. Keith was their best friend. They knew how much his Blade training meant to him. But him not being there for the team was disastrous.

The door to the bridge opens, and Keith, in his Blade of Marmora uniform, steps in. He looks…subdued? Ashamed?

Keith: “Guys, i-“

The tension in the room could be cut with a knife. Everyone was glaring at Keith. He hangs his head.

Keith: “I heard what happened. I’m sorry I wasn’t there to help.”

Allura (angrily taking a few steps forward): “You keep saying you’re sorry, but your actions say otherwise. Do you realize that your absence put the team in jeopardy?!“

Lance: “And not just the team! The refugees as well!”

Pidge: “Matter of fact, the entire quadrant was in danger!”

Keith flinched back, not expecting such hostility from his friends. His eyes, wide and vulnerable, peek out from under his bangs to look at Shiro pleadingly. If anyone would understand his sacrifice it would be the man he sees as a brother, right? Shiro stared down at him, angry and disappointed, saying nothing.