S2 SCREAMING [Spoilers in the comments probably]

[vermil_lion]

We... [Keith swallows, clearly holding back...something, but looks more determined than ever] We'll find him.

I swear we will.

Comments

[cadventuretime]

I think so too!

...maybe!

[inventivepaladin]

We will. We have to.

The paladins always win in the end, right? I mean, obviously the ones before us didn't, but we're different! We're going to find him and get him back, and then everything will be alright.

[vermil_lion]

Yeah. [He nods almost automatically.]

Yeah, you're right. At least, I hope so. We'll definitely find him.

[But the lingering pause he gives afterwards still speaks that he's not sure.]

Thanks, Pidge.

[assess]

[ There's a lot he could say to this, but in the end, he opts for something simple. ]

I know you will.

[vermil_lion]

Shiro...

[His expression immediately softens, maybe more than he meant it to. Relief and confusion choke his words -- there's so many, so many he could say.

With effort, he finally pushes out something familiar.]

Hang in there. [Please.] I'm on my way.

[assess]

I know.

[ There's really not a whole lot Shiro has faith in these days. The Galra really did a number on his optimism. But he does have faith in Keith.

He smiles fondly. ]

I trust you.

[vermil_lion]

[His brows furrow at the smile.]

Just stay alive for me.

[He could fight through anything. However long or far, he'd do it. But no amount of fight would bring back the dead, if it came to that.]

[assess]

Don't have any plans not to.

[ And then, because it always pays to have a sense of humor; ]

See, I knew it was time to name you leader in my place.

[vermil_lion]

[Keith's serious nature often ruined humor moments for him anyway, but he also really isn't in the mood for joking right now.]

I'm not replacing you! [It comes out more forcefully than he meant it to. He can't bring himself to feel bad. He can't understand the nagging feeling of desperation underneath the surface of his words.]

Just until you get back. You're still with us. You're still the Black Paladin!