Disclaimer: Yeah, I don't own the Voltron. I would love to own some Voltron Paladin figures though. And would flipping appreciate knowing when the heck they're going to be found in stores! I think I read something about October, which makes sense because that's when "Season 4" is going to be released, but I'd really like a date! Also what is with them not putting up Pidge and Hunk's figures on the Playmates page? They're all supposed to come out at the same time!

Anyway, rant over. So concerning the fic, I'm implying that the "who should be the leader" discussion in season three happened, but no one is trading lions in this fic. Honestly, I love the way they did it in the show and how that evolved all the characters. But Shiro is just stuck as a cat right now, and Black is recovering too. So all they need right now is a new leader in the field. And Lance is subconsciously becoming Keith's impulse control and second in command.

Okay! That's all people! Enjoy!

~Feelin' Blue~

Shiro sat with Coran in the observation deck of the training area, watching the latest team exercise.

Everyone except Allura was present. She was busy flying the ship to a remote star system that may hold the key to restoring Shiro back to normal.

Keith was doing his best to step up and become the budding leader that Shiro believed him to be.

And while the Red Paladin excelled in many areas, working as part of a team wasn't one of them.

Shiro sighed, glancing forlornly at his Altean friend as once again Lance and Keith got into another argument. Keith had wanted to expand everyone's fighting expertise in the areas they were lacking.

Since most of the team wasn't adept at close range combat, Keith chose to focus on that first. Shiro had happily agreed. It was a skill that Keith had utter confidence in, and could readily share with the others.

Unfortunately, while Keith was an expert fighter; he was rather ineffective as a teacher. His assessments and corrections were overly blunt and stern. When one of his teammates failed, he visibly reined in his frustration before calmly telling them to get up and try again.

Keith was doing his best, and the others could clearly see that, even though his lessons really weren't sticking. His technique worked well with Pidge, who looked at challenges like stepping stones. Her pride might be wounded, but the painful sting would help her focus and only strengthen her resolve.

Surprisingly, Hunk got the hang of the basics quite quickly. That is, once Keith assured the Yellow Paladin that despite his natural strength, it would take a lot more than that to actually harm him. Which left the only hold out as...

"Lance!" Both Coran and Shiro flinched at harshness of Keith's tone. "Focus! We've been over this move eight times already!"

The Blue Paladin tossed his practice dagger to the floor. "Why do I even need to learn this?" He asked, throwing up his hands in frustration. "My weapon's a gun, not a sword! When am I ever going to use this?"

Angry visibly shook Keith's frame as he took a deep, cleansing breath, and tried his best to calm down.

"Well, let's hope you never have to." While more subdued, the Red Paladin's voice still had a sharp edge to it, "But one day you might not have a choice."

He walked up and stared Lance straight in the eyes. "You're the one constantly reminding me not to run in without a plan." His mouth curled up into a slight smirk. "Consider this a backup."

That was quite true. While Lance had been reluctant at first to accept Keith as substitute leader, he respected Shiro's choice. And had surprisingly become Keith's impulse control in Shiro's stead.

Lance better understood what it meant to be part of a team than Keith. Probably due to his large, expansive family. He could simply read people better and understood the importance of emotional stability as a whole. Shiro urged Keith to start listening to Lance more, especially when it came to his observations of the team.

The Blue Paladin had really stepped up, and Shiro was immensely proud of him. But arguments like these still crept up between Lance and Keith. Especially when it came to effectiveness in battle.

Lance released an irritated huff and glanced away. "Okay, you have a point," he relented. "Let's try again."

And try they did, at least four more times. Until Keith's newly found patience finally gave out.

"Damn it, Lance!" He snapped, having easily disarmed the boy once again. "This isn't that hard!"

Coran and Shiro physically winced, knowing that Lance wasn't going to take that very well.

"Keith-" Coran attempted to warn over the intercom, but it was already clear to Shiro that he wouldn't listen in this state. Immediately, the tuxedo cat leapt to his feet and quickly made his way down to the training floor.

All the while, Keith's heated triad echoed through the room. "Pidge and Hunk got it right away! Why can't you?"

"REOW!" Shiro yowled as his paws shuffled across the metal floor. Enough!

Unfortunately, by the time he reached them; Shiro could already tell the damage had been done.

Lance's bright, blue eyes appeared steely and cold. "You know what? No, forget this. I'm done."

The Blue Paladin spun around and stormed out of the room. "Lance! Hey-" Hunk looked torn, forlornly glancing between Keith and Lance's retreating form. "Hey, buddy! W-Wait up!"

"Real impressive teaching skills you've got there," Pidge drawled with a cynical edge. "Don't you even know the first rule?" She walked over and poked Keith in the chest. "NEVER say something is EASY. Just because it is for you, doesn't mean it is for them."

Pidge turned away and hastily walked towards the door. "That's one of the first lessons my father taught me, and I think you'd do well to remember it."

Meanwhile, Shiro already leapt on Keith's back and climbed up to his shoulders. The second his balance was secure, he smacked his metal paw against Keith's head.

"Ow! Shiro! That hurt!"

"HISS! RREOW!" The tuxedo cat angrily spat into his ear as Black connected them mentally, That is not the way you speak to your student! Let alone your teammate!

"I know! But- he just won't listen, Shiro!"

An irritated noise rumbled in the back of Shiro's throat. No, Keith. You just weren't explaining it in a way Lance understood.

Keith simply snorted at that. "Hunk and Pidge picked it up just fine."

Shiro's golden eyes narrowed dangerously. Lance isn't Hunk or Pidge. He's his own individual person, with his own unique needs. He isn't lesser because he didn't understand the lesson in the manner you explained. That was on you and your skills as a teacher, not him!

"I- I..." Keith stammered appearing stunned. "Lesser? No, I didn't mean for him to take it that way! I'm just frustrated, I don't want him to get hurt!"

It doesn't matter if you meant to Keith, he simply will. Some people need more validation and support than others... Shiro paused for a moment, debating if he should reveal what he knew. Lance... isn't as confident as he makes himself out to be.

The Red Paladin's eyes went wide with genuine concern. "Shiro? I- I don't understand, what do you mean?"

Shiro thought back to Beta Traz and the one-sided conversation he mistakenly overheard on the comm.

Look, he offered with a shake of his head, just think before you say something like that to Lance again. Shiro glanced back up at doorway. He takes this more seriously than you think...

Shiro spent the rest of ship's day hunting for Lance. He checked all the boy's usual relaxation spots to no avail. Even Hunk wasn't certain where Lance had gone after he'd spoken with him. The gentle boy wrung his hands in concern. The anxiety he felt for his friend utterly paramount. Shiro sent him off to aid in the search too. This was reminding Shiro of Pidge in the air duct all over again, except this time even the mice couldn't track Lance down.

However, Allura assured Shiro that the mice would inform him when they did. The former paladin sighed as he explored yet another dark and empty floor of the castle. He really didn't like these areas. They were an eerie reminder of the fate Altea and the original paladins suffered at Zarkon's hands.

Shiro had just turned another corner when he heard a surprised squeak. Chuchule suddenly barreled into him with such force that she bounced backwards and landed on her tail.

Oh! Chuchule, I'm sorry. Are you okay? The perky little mouse quickly shook off the shock and happily chirped at having found him. Reaching out her tiny pink paw, Chuchule excitedly tugged on Shiro's fur.

Ow! Hey, that's not very nice. He thought, but quickly realized that was the mouse's way of getting him to follow. Wait, does that mean you found Lance?

The pink mouse gave an enthusiastic nod of her head and scampered off down the hall.

A few turns later, the pair came upon a large viewing window that glowed with with the light of countless systems and stars. No matter what Shiro's journey into space had cost him, he still loved its vast mysterious beauty.

Since he was a child, Shiro had always been drawn to the stars. Their ethereal light attracting him like a moth to a flame. And while the innocent wonder of it had long gone, space would always be a part of him. For both better and worse.

Against the clear plane of glass lay a silhouetted figure. It was slouched and tightly wrapped in several blankets. As they approached, Shiro couldn't help but release a sigh of relief; it was definitely Lance. He'd know that hoodie anywhere.

But the question remained; what was Lance doing out here?

The teen shifted fitfully in his sleep, as something tumbled out of his lap. Shiro crouched down on all fours and moved forward cautiously. Chuchule simply rolled her eyes and bound up the blanket covered mound until she reached the perch of Lance's shoulder.

Shiro glanced around, trying to make sense of what Lance had been doing before he fell asleep. He knew the boy would deflect the question the moment he asked. That was one important thing Shiro had learned about the teen, for all the helpful openness he offered others, Lance never took the same for himself. He pretended certain things didn't bother him, when in reality they really did. Shiro knew the signs of a person who bottled up their unwanted emotions, believing that doing so was for the greater good. He was the foremost expert on the subject after all.

It wasn't until Shiro befriended Matt freshman year that he started to change. But yeah, most of the progress he made flew out the window when he entered the Galran Arena. His survival instincts kicked in and... it just wasn't healthy. Shiro knew that. But what other choice did he have? Any emotions other than hatred and rage were seen as weaknesses.

He sighed to himself and looked forlornly up at Lance. What happened to make him think the same? He pondered. Carefully, Shiro shuffled forward and sniffed at the object that had fallen from Lance's lap.

Is this... knitting needles and yarn? He gently pawed at the woven pattern. It's certainly what it looked like. Hunk really wasn't exaggerating when he said Lance excelled at crafts. The black and white pattern seemed rather complex.

Shiro remembered when he used to watch his grandmother knit when he was younger. She always loved making things with her hands. She had tried to teach him a couple of times, but Shiro was never any good at it. Much like with cooking... Honestly, he was just a tiny bit jealous of both Hunk and Lance for those skills. Shiro didn't really want to be a chef per se, but he'd love it if he could learn to make mac and cheese without starting a house fire.

Shiro was shaken from these thoughts as Lance began to stir.

"No, please..." he whimpered, curling in the sheets. "D-Don't, I can get better..."

Chuchule made a pitiful noise and nuzzled his neck in sympathy. "I know I'm not like the rest of you but... No! Keith! Shiro, please!"

Hearing his name, the tuxedo cat bound up the blanket pile and into Lance's lap.

"Yeow!" He mewled in concern, his pointed ears nervously twitching. "I'm sorry!" the boy finally cried, flaying out an arm.

"Meow!"Shiro cried as Lance's eyes flew open wide.

Immediately upon seeing the fluffy cat, Lance scooped him up into his arms. "Oh, Churro! Why can't I ever be enough?" he asked, burying his face deep into Shiro's black and white coat.

"Meow..." Oh, Lance. Shiro had been afraid of this. He knew Lance had been feeling insecure about his place in the team. He just hadn't known it'd gotten this bad. "No matter how hard I try, I'm always the screw up, the backup. The second, third, last wheel!"

Shiro's heart broke in two as he felt the boy's tears wet his fur. "What am I even doing here? T-They don't need me. Maybe it would be better if I just took a pod and left..."

"Mow!" No! Lance, that's not true! Black! I need you to-

Black rumbled in the back of his mind, I know, working on it.

"Allura could easily take my place. Bet she'd bring more to the fight than I ever did."

"Me-roow..."

"I just wish I could excel at one thing... instead of being mediocre at everything. Just something special the team really needed. I want to contribute more..." He sniffled. "I try so hard, but nothing ever works! I'm not smart like Hunk and Pidge. Or heck, not even like Coran and Shiro!"

Lance, no! Don't compare yourself to us! He'd glimpsed some of Lance's insecurities in the past when his facade momentarily cracked. But this was far worse than Shiro had feared.

His ears drooped as he nuzzled Lance's damp cheek in silent support.

After all the boy had done: Flying Blue, saving Earth from that first Galra ship, pushing Coran out of the way of a bomb, protecting Pidge and Slav with extraordinary feats of marksmanship... The list just went on and on. How could he think so little of himself after all that?

"I'm not a fighter like Keith, Shiro, and Allura," he continued, through bitter tears. "I'm just... Lance. A poor boy from Cuba, with a lot of silly dreams... I offer hardly anything of worth to them..."

Lance, we love you! None of us think of you that way! Oh, please stop! He cried out with all his heart. And that was precisely when Black connected the mental link.

Lance took a sharp, wheezing breath. "Wait, that was- Oh my god, Churro's still back on Earth."

The teen immediately dropped the cat like his fur had suddenly caught on fire. Chuchule let out an indignant squeak, tugging on Lance's hair to show her displeasure.

"Yeow!" Shiro cried, tumbling into Lance's lap."Oh! Uh, h-hi, Shiro." He nervously laughed, trying to cover everything up. "Wow! T-That was some weird, totally off the wall dream!"

Lance...

"I mean, yeah, why would I ever feel that way?"

Lance.

"I'm like, totally awesome!"

LANCE!

The Blue Paladin winced at the level of emotion vibrating through the last one. He frowned and began picking at the loops of his knitting. "S-Shiro... please, just let it go..."

"Mow!" No! I... Lance, I don't understand why you never told us you felt this way? He climbed up Lance's chest so he could look the boy straight in the eyes.

The teen visibly tensed under Shiro's determined gaze. He sighed and glanced away. "I... didn't want anyone to know." He shrugged, his eyes taking on the color of a stormy sea. "I'm already enough of a burden. I-I didn't want to drag the team down even more..."

Lance, he thought sternly, trying to get his point across. You have never been, nor ever will be, considered a burden to any of us. Is that clear?

The Blue Paladin's gaze shifted back. And honestly, Shiro had never seen it so cold. It sent shivers down his spine. "This isn't a participation game," he argued, fully aware of the weight of his words. "This is war, and we need the best soldiers on the frontlines."

Oh, Lance...

In the past, both Shiro and Keith had reprimanded Lance for his childish behavior. Over time, Shiro began to recognize what it really was... a defense mechanism. One that, in some ways, he found eerily similar to his own. While his humor was somewhat darker than Lance's; it was still meant to produce the same result. Even now, the unknown depths their Blue Paladin still hid surprised him. The teen had already grown so much during their adventure. And Shiro was immensely proud to see this thoughtful, pragmatic side taking shape.

But then again, it was also the same one that allowed Lance to fixate on his shortcomings. Shiro had to reassure Lance that he was vital to the entire team.

That... is very true, he admitted with a pensive nod. He felt Lance's body stiffen beneath him. Which is precisely why, you are remaining on it.

The boy's head shot up in surprise, causing Chuchule to let out another startled noise. The Blue Paladin quickly calmed the space mouse with a gentle stroke down her back.

"What? But Shiro-" He began to argue, but the tuxedo cat silenced him with a paw over the mouth.

"Mow." No, this is not up for debate. Shiro then warmly began to purr. We need our 'leg.' The one Blue chose out off all of us to be her pilot. Or else this entire team is going to fall.

"Sh-Heero-" He mumbled incoherently, trying to interject. But Shiro simply continued on, You remember that right? We were all there. And I trust Blue's judgment. I've seen you in action after all.

Lance blushed under his paw and glanced away.

While Hunk gives us physical support and sound judgment, yours is a different kind. You're the team's emotional support. And you deserve a lot more credit for the things you do.

The teen nervously picked at his knitting again. Thought I didn't notice, huh? The way you check on Hunk and make sure he doesn't stress bake all the time? When you drag Pidge away from her laptop to sleep or play games? The way you tease Keith so he can have an outlet for his emotions. Or when you seek out Coran and help clean so he doesn't get overwhelmed... This ringing any bells?

His pensive look became a glare, as he shoved Shiro's paw away."Yeah, but anyone could do that stuff..."

It may seem that way to you. But trust me Lance, empathy on the level that you possess is a rare thing in the universe. And you just being here is vital to all of us continuing to fight in this war.

"Pidge said I was 'the goofball' during the last meeting..." He refuted, once again trying to convince the former paladin.

Ah, yes. Shiro remembered that.

Pidge can be crass sometimes, he thought sadly, nuzzling head against Lance's cheek to help calm him. You know she was only teasing, right?

Lance's eyes shifted away, screaming with hurt."Yeah, sure." He shrugged a little, careful not to dislodge Chuchule from her perch.

Shiro's golden eyes narrowed. But that doesn't excuse her actions. She needs to be more mindful of the things she says. And the only way she'll learn is if you tell her how you feel.

"But I don't-"

What, 'matter?' He released an angry hiss. Because, yes, Lance; you do. You know, for someone who constantly validates other people's emotions, you certainly don't allow the same for your own...

Lance stiffly shifted beneath him, but didn't reply. That was another thing he noticed about the boy.

While on the surface he appeared arrogant and shallow, his actions showed the exact opposite. In all honesty, Shiro had never met someone so self-sacrificing. Which was both good and bad in their line of work. He and the rest of the team would have to help him work on that.

"When I said I was 'the ninja sharpshooter,' Keith laughed," he mentioned offhandedly. Once again, trying to brush off the sting. "Thought I was joking."

Shiro made an irritated grunt. During battle, Keith's so focused on the objective that he often doesn't notice what people around him are also doing to help achieve it.

Lance snorted into his hand. "That's an understatement."

The tuxedo cat's muzzle curled up into a smile. We'll talk to him about that, too. You've been a great asset to him in the field, you know.

Lance blinked his shining blue eyes in disbelief. "I... really?"

Keith can be quite stubborn sometimes, and fails to see another path after he sets his sights on the first one. Shiro's pointed ears twitched restlessly as he confessed, He's simply not as adaptable as you.

Chuchule cooed in agreement, rubbing her face against the lobe of Lance's ear.

But the teen didn't appear convinced. "Okay, so I can change tactics when needed. Big whoop!" He threw up his hands in frustration. "You and Keith don't listen to my plans or objections anyway!

This caught Shiro off guard. The former Black Paladin thought back to when he took Keith to visit the Blade instead of Lance. He'd been so worried about what was going on with Keith, that he really didn't address Lance's own concerns very well. That was on him. It was something the whole team needed to work on.

You're right, Lance. I'm sorry. He mewled. We should listen to you more. You have a very unique way of problem solving.

"Okay, sure..." The Blue Paladin answered warily, not fully believing him.

In fact, Kolivan said the same exact thing, Shiro added with a rather mischievous grin.

Lance shook his head and did a double take. "Wait, what?"

After we were finished planning the main battle with Zarkon, he took me aside and told me just as much.

Lance flushed red in embarrassment. "I... you're making that up."

"Nope. He said that while your thinking was rather 'unorthodox,' it led to interesting and creative ideas. In fact, he's the reason you keep getting sent on missions escorting the Blade. He frequently requests you."

"I... really? Even over Keith?"

Shiro gave a pensive nod. Even over Keith. You follow his orders to the letter, and only object when truly necessary. And while he thinks you are a bit too eager to prove yourself and often overcompensate for your mistakes- Lance flinched, nervously rubbing the back his head. -you have a great deal of potential. And I have to say, I wholeheartedly agree.

Tears filled Lance's eyes as he scooped Shiro up into another hug. "I-I don't know what to say."

He gave a supportive purr. You're a wonderful person Lance. And we'd be lost without you here. The only thing we need you to be, is yourself.

Lance bent his head and sighed into his fur. "And who is that exactly, Shiro? I still don't see it..." He snuggled the cat closer, confessing, "My entire life, I've lived in someone else's shadow. At home it was my siblings and then at the Garrison... it was Keith."

The former paladin stiffened hearing that, finally understanding the real reason behind their "rivalry."

"No matter what I did, I was compared to 'golden boy.' Couldn't even make it into fighter class, until a space opened up when Keith dropped out. It was something the instructors never let me forget." The corner of his mouth dipped into a frown. "I was just his replacement, nothing more. Day late and a dollar short, that's always been me. And I just... don't see why you'd want someone like that on your team..."

Carefully, Shiro pulled back just enough to look Lance in the eyes. I can assure you, not of us think of you that way.

Lance let out a bitter laugh. "Not even Keith?"

He snorted into the boy's shoulder. Nope, not even Keith. He felt his tail being to sway back and forth behind him. I know he might not always act like it, but he genuinely wants to connect with you... in his own blunt, socially awkward way.

"I guess," he replied, uncertainty ringing its tone. His signature grin still not quite meeting his eyes.

Do you know who I see when I look at you?

Lance shook his head as Chuchule climbed up behind his ear and patted it consolingly.

I see a loving, kindhearted person, who inspires and lifts up everyone around him.

Bright tears welled in Lance's eyes. "I..."

I see a young man brimming with untapped potential, desperately searching for a place he belongs.

"Sh-iro..." he croaked, voice straining with emotion.

The former Black Paladin simply pressed on, But you've already found it, Lance. You belong with us. You're our Blue Paladin, the sharpshooter; the light, and laughter that keeps us going. You adapt and become whatever the team naturally needs you to be. So you see? You're already capable of so much more than you give yourself credit for. We love you, Lance. And starting now, we'll tell you as many times as it takes until you believe it, too.

"I..." For a single moment, the Blue Paladin had been rendered utterly speechless. "Thank you..."

"Purr..."

They stayed like that for awhile, content in the shared quiet. Until Shiro asked, So who's Churro?

This made Lance snort in laughter as he told Shiro about the silly little cat he had left at home. Shiro dutifully listened to everything the teen had to say. As Shiro sat there, it dawned on him that he knew very little about both Hunk and Lance's pasts. With everything going on, there hadn't been time to learn. But since he was already stuck in feline form, he had the opportunity to do so now. Maybe Shiro could still help his team like this after all.

He and Lance shared several stories of home. When Shiro brought up the knitting project, Lance shook his head. "Nope! Nuh-uh. It's a surprise, you'll just have to wait and see!"

Oh, so it is for me! Shiro teased with a toothy grin. Thought it might, given all the black yarn.

Lance stuck out his tongue and playfully hid his work behind him. "No idea what you're talking about Mr. Nosy! It's uh-" He snapped his fingers in thought, eyes lighting up with an idea "- for Kaltenecker! So there!"

Shiro gave him his largest, most pathetic kitty eyes. So you're not making anything for me?

"GAHH! Shiro! Don't do that!" Lance scolded, grabbing dramatically at his heart. "It's LETHAL! Okay, fine! Yes, it's for you! But I've still got a long way until I'm done."

Shiro made a satisfied purr. That's okay. I can wait. The pair continued to talk until the last of Lance's tears began to dry.

Black rumbled a warning in the back of his mind. While her power was steadily returning, she still hadn't amassed enough to change Shiro back to his original form. He hoped Allura and Coran would find another solution soon.

Oh, okay. Hey, Lance. Black's getting tired. Ready to head back?

"Naw, you go ahead," he passed with a light wave. "I wanta stay here and watch the stars a bit longer." Chuchule squeaked and returned to her perch on his shoulder, implying that she was staying, too.

Okay... He hesitantly said, sensing Lance needed a little time on his own. We'll talk to the others about how you feel tomorrow. In a way that made it clear, Shiro wasn't leaving room for debate. Lance's insecurities needed to be addressed and he didn't have to face them alone anymore.

Lance frowned, apparently still worried about how the others would react. But he eventually agreed.

Shiro slowly left, wandering the dark halls lost in thought. It all made sense now; how Lance acted up until this point. He'd have to speak with Hunk tonight. Try and gain more insight before-

But Shiro was knocked from these troubling thoughts as he rounded the corner. Coming to a sudden, jarring halt.

Because sitting there,defensively curled up with the other mice... was Keith. The trio squeaked in distress, frantically trying to offering him their comfort. Shiro's mouth hung open in shock as the boy openly wept before him.

"Me-ow?" Keith... what?

The Red Paladin let out a wet gasp as he lifted his head. "I... the mice came and found me," he confessed, heartbroken. "I overheard you and Lance talking, and then Black..." A visible shiver traveled down his spine. Platt gave Keith's shoulder a consoling pat, while Plachu and Chulatt looked just as lost and distraught as Keith did.

Black rumbled in conformation. That was the real reason she was so tired. His lion had connected Keith to hear both sides of their conversation.

Black! That was private! You shouldn't have-

Keith needed to know how much Lance cares and respects him. She mentally growled. He'd never admit it otherwise. You know that.

Shiro sighed and shook his head. Still doesn't make it right, he argued back. He's entitled to his privacy.

In most circumstances I would agree. But as Lance himself pointed out, we are in a war. And we haven't the time for them to work through it on their own. Their misunderstandings need to be fully addressed right now, or it will tear the entire team apart.

Shiro frowned and solemnly stared at the ground. Black had a valid point... still didn't feel right though.

"I really messed up didn't I? To make Lance feel that way." Keith reached up a hand and roughly wiped his eyes. "I don't deserve to be the leader."

That's not true. Shiro stepped forward and rubbed his body against Keith's side. You both just need to be more open with one another. Friendships are hard work and they take a lot of time to mature.

"All this time," Keith growled in frustration, hands tightening into fists. "Iverson and the other teachers back at the Garrison. How dare they use me to hurt him! I-"

Shiro cut him off with a nod of his head. I completely understand how you feel. Now do you understand why I told you not to compare Lance to Hunk and Pidge? It isn't fair. Not to Lance or the others. It not only affects them individually, but their relationships with each other as well.

Keith's went wide in realization. "I- but I wasn't- I was trying to motivate him! To use that anger to drive himself forward! Not to become resentful of the others!" He threw up his hands in frustration. "Usually, he does well with competition. But... guess I was wrong."

Oh, Keith. The tuxedo cat placed a supportive paw on his leg. Just because that works for you, doesn't mean it will for Lance. He respects you a lot. And if you first praised what he got right, he'd be more receptive to your corrections of what he got wrong.

"I... you think so?" The Red Paladin quickly glanced away. "Because at this point, I'm pretty sure he just hates me..."

Shiro released an annoyed grumble. But before he could debate him any further... "Keith? Shiro?"

The pair looked up in surprise as they suddenly noticed Lance standing next them. He was wrapped up in several blankets, with Chuchule still curled protectively against his neck.

He stared at them in confusion. "Uh... what's goin-"

Being his impulsive self, Keith acted on instinct and dove for his friend, tackling him to the floor.

"GAWW-AHH!" Lance squawked, his arms pinwheeling, trying not to fall. But the force with which Keith slammed into him was too great and Lance landed on his back hard. The mice all squeaked in shock, desperately holding onto both paladins for dear life.

Shiro laboringly sighed. Why me?

Black's mirthful rumble was so not helping.

"Keith! What the hell, man?!" He screeched, trying to shove the suddenly clingy Red Paladin off of him.

But Keith merely tightened his hold. "Please don't leave! I'm sorry, Lance! I didn't mean to make you feel that way." He let out a grunt, scrambling for the right words to say. "Shiro's right. We need you."

"I-" he croaked. Lance's shocked blue eyes shifted to Shiro, asking for clarification.

The tuxedo cat's ears flicked in annoyance. Black connected him to listen in on our conversation. He averted his golden eyes in shame. Sorry, Lance. I didn't know.

"Oh... so. Oh." His voice heavy with the weight of realization. He glanced uncertainly between Keith and Shiro, unsure of what to do.

Then, slowly, Lance reached his arms around the trembling form of his friend.

"Hey, it's okay." He attempted to comfort with a sad smile. "That's all on me, not you."

"No! I made you feel that way!" Keith denied, clinging desperately to Lance's chest. His fists clenched tight in the other boy's jacket. "Shiro's right. You're so important to this team." He choked out, fighting back his tears. "I've lost enough people in my life, Lance. Please, don't leave because of me!"

"I..." The teen trailed off, searching for the right words to say. Shiro could tell Lance recognized Keith's abandonment issues were rearing up again.

And then, as always, the Blue Paladin pushed aside his own pain and comforted his friend. "Hey, it's okay," he reassured, softly. "It's going to take a lot more than that to get rid of me. I'm not going anywhere. We'll work on it, okay? Together." The mice squeaked their agreement and joined in the tackle hug.

The touching scene warmed Shiro's heart. It would take a while, with tons of give and take along the way. But he was sure that with time, they'd overcome their differences and become the closest of friends. Along with an incredible fighting force all their own.

And when that day came, the Galra were in for one hell of a surprise. Shiro couldn't be more proud.

Maybe being stuck as a cat wasn't so bad after all...

Author's Notes: So in case you missed it in the disclaimer, I'm repeating it here.I'm implying that the "who should be the leader" discussion in Season 3 happened, but no one is trading lions in this fic. Honestly, I love the way they did it in the show and how that evolved all the characters. But Shiro is just stuck as a cat right now, and Black is recovering too. So all they need right now is a new leader in the field. So the dynamic that's forming between Keith and Lance in season three will still stand. You know, that Lance is Keith's second in command/ impulse control. LOL!

Only that discussion happened, nothing more.

Okay! And now for next time! Allura and Coran try to return Shiro to normal with ancient rituals passed down from the Altean Sages. Will they succeed? Tune in next time to find out!

And as always: Please remember to read, fav, kudo and/or review! Feed the fan fic muse!