Keith screams, falling to the ground, holding his head tightly.

"Keith!" Lance yells, helping lower Keith to the ground.

The yelling draws a crowd and Lance struggles to pull Keith's hands off his head without hurting him.

"Out of the way!" Pidge kicks one of the other soldiers in their shin, dragging Hunk behind them.

"Sorry!" Hunk apologises awkwardly and spots Keith. He charges past Pidge and kneels down beside Lance, "Keith!"

Hunk takes Keith hands into his own, managing to pry them off. He frowns, seeing blood on Keith's tougher than human nails. He lifts one of Keith's hands to his chest and begins to take exaggerated breathes. Hunk makes sure his hands cover the blood.

"Breathe with me, bud," Hunk says, "In. And out."

He nods at Lance. Lance pulls out some wipes and bandages.

"I'm going to wipe your head," Lance keeps his voice even, "It might sting a bit."

Keith doesn't react, but his breathing is better. Hunk can see the tears he is holding back and can finally hear the muttering between the gasps under his breath.

"Tavo," Keith whispers.

Hunk's eyes widen with realisation, just as Keith's eyes slip closed and he collapses against him. Hunk pulls him into his chest and stands up, cradling Keith close.

"What are you all looking at?!" Pidge yells at the crowd, "Don't you all have work to do? This isn't a show! Do you want me to beat you all up?!"

"How does he look?" Hunk asks Lance, ignoring the running crewmates and Pidge's growls.

"Looks like he just breached the skin," Lance answers, moving Keith's hair to look at the self-inflicted wounds, "We should get him checked out by professionals though."

Hunk nods and turns to Pidge, "He mentioned Tavo."

Pidge and Lance stiffen and share a look, understanding passing between them.

Pidge looks at Hunk, "I'll go."

———

"Allura?" Keith stands before the door and it opens.

"Keith!" Allura squeaks, sitting up suddenly and falling off her bed onto her back.

Keith blinks and cocks his head to the side, "Why do people like to exchange spit so much?"

Veronica starts laughing, despite her suddenly pink cheeks, and Allura's face matches her outfit.

"It's-snrk-It's called kissing, kid," Veronica manages.

Keith blinks, "I thought that was lips to skin?"

Veronica chuckles, "Lips are technically sk-OW."

Allura smiles innocently, acting like she hadn't just punched Veronica, "There are two types of kissing. Lips to skin is for family. It's platonic. Lips to lips is for romantic partners."

"Ohhh," Keith's eyes widen in understanding, "I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."

"It's not your fault," Allura assures, smiling.

"Someone forgot to lock the door," Veronica teases.

Allura punches her again. Veronica sticks her tongue out and rubs her arm.

"Did you want something?" Allura asks, looking at Keith.

Keith picks at the dirt under one of his nails, "Tavo..."

Allura's eyes widen and exchanges a look with Veronica. Veronica leaves, leaving the two alone.

Allura rubs the skin between her eyes, "We think we know how Honerva is able to connect to the Alteans. I... I removed it."

"I felt it," Keith whispers, hands clenching into fists as restrains himself from going for his head again, "I felt it scream and I felt him fading and I still feel it."

"I know what you mean," Allura says, looks down, rubbing her arm, "I can feel it buzzing in the back of my mind, trying to communicate with me."

Allura startles as a pair of arms wrap around her. She freezes, before relaxing, slowly lifting her arms to wrap around Keith. She hurt him so much and he's still willing to comfort her? Forgive her? He's too good for this universe. How could she ever hurt him?

Allura is a monster, but she will make amends and protect her family.

For now, that means holding Keith close and comforting him. After all, she's the only one that truly understands, somewhat.

———

"You sure you're up for this?" Shiro asks Keith, human hand positioned under Keith's elbow.

Keith rolls his eyes, "I'm fine, Dad. Stop hovering."

Shiro backs off, hands raised, "Sorry! Wait... when did you learn that phrase?"

"Hunk says it when Pidge and Lance are in the kitchen," Keith shrugs.

Shiro chuckles and shakes his head fondly, "Of course."

"Have fun with your boyfriend!" Keith calls, running after the other three Paladins and Coran.

"Keith! He's not- and I'm yelling at empty air," Shiro sighs, rubbing the bridge of his nose, "Why did we explain romance to him?"

A snigger comes from near him, "I don't know, but I think it's cute. I've never dated a Dad before."

Shiro goes bright pink and Curtis falls to the floor laughing. You flirt with a guy one time.

Shiro regains his composure and smirks as he helps Curtis to his feet, "We should probably actually have a date then."

This time, their positions are reversed.

———

Keith watches Hunk, Lance, Coran and Pidge run around with a soft smile. Pidge plays a game that consists of whacking a bunch of small fake Corans. Coran goes to join a screeching contest. Hunk goes for the food, offering Keith some, but he declines, deciding to go check out one of those ride things. Hunk insists he will be a second and will join Keith, even if he's not a ride person. Lance has been tasked to find something sparkly for Veronica's girlfriend.

Are you happy?

Keith glances at the figure next to him that's not there in the physical realm, "They can be loud and annoying and too energetic, but..." Keith glances at a waving Hunk as he gets closer and waves back, "Yes. I think I am happy, Lotor."

Lotor smiles.

"Sorry!" Hunk huffs, "You were talking but I couldn't hear you! What did you say?"

Keith smirks and steals one of the meats on a stick, "Is some of that food for me?"

Hunk lets out a scandalised gasp, "How dare you steal my food?"

Keith just grins.

Hunk shakes his head, "You're lucky I got extra."

———

Keith has decided that rides are torture machines of the highest quality.

———

Coran has been busy. That's all anyone could say about that. The others have gathered their prizes and Keith just lets Hunk give him a piggyback.

Shiro and the Warden put on quite the show.

Shiro refuses to lose for his family. Keith is glad to meet a reformed Empire soldier and enjoys petting his pet. It gives him hope that there is a future for his people. Shiro insists on giving him a piggyback back to Red and Keith can't help but smile at his new commcode. Any chance he gets to talk to another Galra is incredible.

———

Allura and Veronica are found unconscious by Sam. Veronica is injured and the entity is gone.