Hunk tried to lighten the mood, "At least he isn't dead... right?" Lance gave Hunk a half smile for his effort, "Right Hunk." Hunk let out a breath of relief. Shiro hoisted Keith up to put him to bed. Keith made a small noise of discomfort. They all looked hopeful at the noise. Keith's head lolled to one side, eyes opening to barely a crack, "S-Shi..." He said softly, barely discernible. Keith's head was pounding and his whole body ached. "Keith." Shiro whispered back, his voice cracking. Keith made a slight hum, "'ts me...."

"You gave me a heart attack."

"S'rry..." Keith took in a deep breath, "Think... you... were... right....s'too much..."

"I don't care about that now Keith. You are alive." Shiro wiped his face. Keith nodded a little, eyes shutting again. "Don't fall asleep again Keith. I know you are tired and you hurt but I need to know you are still with me." Keith hummed again, opening his eyes. "M'wake." Shiro tucked the blanket around Keith, Keith smiling just a little. Pidge sat down on the bed placing a hand on Keith's leg, "Don't scare us like that again."

'When he gets to a better state I am going to punch him.' Shiro thought to himself but he just watched Keith closely. Keith gave a small barely there laugh, "I won't."

"You had better not." Pidge gave a reassuring smile. Lance came over, "Yeah Mullet. Shiro nearly had a heart attack." Shiro nodded, "But we all were terrified. You gave us a scare Keith, but here you are." Keith nodded again, but he stopped smiling, too tired to put forth the effort. "Do you think you could take a sip of water?" Shiro questioned. Keith vaguely wondered why but nodded all the same. "Pidge, can you go get a water pouch?" He asked turning to Pidge. She nodded and ran off. Hunk moved aside for her as she ran out, coming over and standing by the bed.

"Hey buddy." He smiled. Keith's lips twitched upward for just a second, "Hey Hunk..."

"I am glad you are still here. You would have loused on our bargain." A slight huffing laugh parted Keith's lips, "Right..." Hunk was happy he got Keith to smile a little. Pidge came back with the water and handed it to Shiro. Shiro helped Keith sit up enough to drink but Keith didn't have much and pushed it away. He shook his head as he pushed it away, "No more..." Shiro moved it to the floor and laid Keith back down. Keith closed his eyes, utterly exhausted. Shiro decided to let him sleep but kept an eye on him. The others stayed for a while before asking Shiro if he'd be okay watching Keith by himself.

"I'll be fine. Thanks guys." They nodded and left quietly. Shiro looked at Keith and said quietly,

"This is my fault again. If I had only stayed, you wouldn't be as bad as you are now. I lost it. I never do but I got so annoyed you didn't want help so I lost my head. Leaving is the worst thing to do to someone sick."

Shiro went silent as he listened to Keith's breathing, wishing he would get better soon. 'Please let us find a person or planet soon. Please...' He pleaded internally. The night passed slowly, Keith definitely out for the count. Shiro tried to sleep but he constantly woke up with the vision of Keith pale and unconscious in his arms.

The next morning came, Keith still asleep. Shiro was also exhausted from a long night but he was awake. Keith slept through the entire morning. Shiro watched him and though, 'at least no spasms.'

By the mid afternoon Keith still hadn't woken up. Shiro began to panic a little and he shook Keith a little. Keith stirred a little, but ultimately remained unconscious. That was enough to satisfy Shiro's worry about whether the boy was alive or not. He sat back, breathing a sigh of relief, "Thank goodness." Pidge came by with some food for Shiro. "How is he?" She asked quietly, looking at Keith apprehensively.

"Still alive but he hasn't moved at all. No spasms and boy am I happy about that." Shiro relaxed slightly. "Maybe that means he's getting better?" She asked hopefully. "Maybe. I don't want to get my hopes up though." She nodded calming down a little, "Do you want to take a break? I could watch him for you." Shiro shook his head, "A lot of times if something happens it is because I have left. Like he can sense I am gone. I'll feel better if I stay. But could you bring me the cards you guys made? It may keep my mind busy." He inquired.

Pidge smiled, "Sure!" She left and came back after a few minutes, "Want me to keep you company?"

"It would be appreciated Pidge. Thanks." She nodded, sat down and dealt out a game of rummy.

"Matt told me once that you guys used to play rummy a lot back at the Garrison." Shiro nodded, "We did. Matt and I did after 'lights out' because we couldn't relax much before then." Shiro looked at his hand and then looked up at Pidge, "He loved you a lot Katie. Talked just about non--stop about you."

Pidge looked up from her hand, eyes slightly misty, "He did?"

"Mhm. I felt like I knew you because of all he said. She was kind, smart, determined, strong-minded. Everything I know you are. We'll find them both, they were good friends of mine Katie." Shiro said quietly and honestly.

Pidge took her glasses off, wiping her eyes before lunging forwards and giving Shiro a hug. Shiro smiled and hugged her back, "Promise me you'll be careful so you get to meet them again in one piece." Pidge nodded, "I promise. If you promise to do the same."

"I'll try." Shiro squeezed her, "Katie, you were your father's biggest treasure and they both wanted to be back for you." She sniffed, "I miss them. I miss them so much!" She hugged him tighter, fighting back tears. "You can just let them go Katie. I know how much you missed them." Shiro rubbed her back. Pidge bit her lip, finally letting her tears fall with quiet sobs.

Shiro smiled a little because Katie didn't have anyone else who understood what she was going through and he wanted to be there for her. Pidge sniffled and pulled away after a few minutes, "Thanks Shiro."

"I am always ready to talk Katie. If you need it." She nodded, picking her hand back up as she put her glasses back on, "Back at you big guy."