Allura watched Keith from across the camp, trying to be discrete and succeeding, for the most part. Had the other Paladins not been so busy trying to recharge the lions she probably wouldn't have succeeded. Keith was helping Shiro walk, trying to strengthen his connection to his new body. Keith's eyes showed concern but at the same time, happier than she'd ever seen him. She didn't have the chance to really notice the changes in the red paladin on his return, things had been so chaotic, but she studied him now.

He was taller now, broader. Still shorter than Shiro and not as muscular, but it was obvious his body had matured. His hair was longer and the scar on his cheek marked him in a way that resembled the Galra markings of his mother's race. The scar didn't take away from his beauty however, and he had gotten more beautiful.

I wasn't his the changes in his body that caught her attention, however. Sure he was pleasing to look at, but he stood a little straighter now. Seemed easier to laugh and smile. He was more confident and open. It was like someone had drained the anger from him and replaced it with something else. It was shocking and it looked good on him.

Keith and Shiro paused to laugh at the Wolf's excited antics. The Wolf seemed to sense his master's joy and was enthusiastically echoing it, circling the two friends with excited barks. As she watched the Wolf teleported from one side of Keith to the other and her eyes widened. What kind of amazing beast was this?

She caught herself staring when Keith turned back toward her and caught her gaze. She quickly turned away a flush coloring her cheeks. She turned back up when Keith sat Shiro down next to her. "Relax for awhile. I need to take take this crazy mutt for a walk before he gets under foot." He gave Shiro a half smirk and Shiro grinned back.

"He is a little rambunctious right now." He laughed.

Keith straighten once he got Shiro settled and caught Allura's gaze. His smile fell away as his eyes met hers.

Uncomfortable, Allura turned her eyes to Shiro. "Don't worry." She spoke, "I'll keep an eye on him."

"Thanks," Was all Keith said as he turned and called to the Wolf. Her eyes followed him as he left the camp.

Shiro cleared his throat. "Princess?" Allura turned to Shiro with a start.

"Did you need something Shiro?"

"Not right now thanks, but I think you need something." Shiro's wise eyes met hers.

Allura colored again and she sat up straight. "I don't know what you mean."

"Really? Because you've been watching Keith all afternoon like you had something to say."

Allura sighed and slumped, "Not something to say so much as trying to figure something out." She met Shiro's eyes again. "He's changed. I'm just trying to get my bearings around him. When he left for the Blades we weren't on the best of terms." She paused. "I don't think he likes me and I don't know how to address it."

Shiro's eyes widened. "Why would you think that?"

"I'm sorry. It's just that…" She sighed and shrugged helplessly. "I haven't always treated him well. When I learned he was half-Galra, it felt like a betrayal. We were friends, I think, before then but after…" She looked down, "I don't like the way this feels. I apologized but I don't think he ever opened up again."

Shiro put a hand on Allura's shoulder prompting her to look back up, "That's not true at all Allura. Keith does like you. I know that."

"How do you know? Did he say as much?"

Shiro chuckled, "No… No. He would never talk about it but I know him."

He stared off into the distance. "Yes, you hurt Keith, but it was because you got in. Through his walls. It took A LOT for me to get through to him back when I was recruiting him to the Garrison. In comparison, you slipped right in."

He turned back to her and smiled kindly. "Keith hadn't had the best life before the Garrison, and he developed defence mechanisms to protect himself from the hurt; he let his anger protect himself from his loneliness. Someone would hurt him, and he'd lash out." He took a long pause and Allura thought he wasn't going to say anything more before he spoke again. "Keith used to fight people who questioned his parentage, long before he knew that he was half-alien. If Keith didn't like you, or if you hadn't gotten through his barriers he would have lashed out in a similar way, or just cut you out. He's never done that. Not to you, not really. The Keith I knew back then wouldn't have let you hurt him again. Besides, I think it was a shock to him too."

Allura turned away as her eyes became thoughtful. Shiro continued, "Keith has always treated you differently but it isn't because he doesn't like you. When you apologized he really forgave you. He doesn't hold grudges. But your right about one thing. He has been more cautious around you. I think he's just trying to figure out where you fit."

"I don't understand."

Shiro smiled kindly. "I think you do." He paused as Keith came back into view of the camp and they both watched him talk with his mother. "I know one thing though, the woman who finally gets him to open up his heart will be a lucky one. He fights hard for what he loves."

Allura blushed and stood, turning away. "I don't know what you are talking about." She started to walk away when Shiro caught her attention again. "Allura? Just talk to him. Ask him about his time with the Blades, what he saw in the Abyss, about the Alteans, anything. Just talk to him and everything else will come. Don't lecture, don't command, just talk. Give him a chance to open up again."

Allura studied him for a moment and nodded. She turned and left to her Lion, needing a moment alone to think.

Shiro smiled and shook his head. "What's so amusing?" Keith questioned as he made his way back to him.

Shiro looked up, and gave a short laugh as he noticed Keith's eyes were watching Allura retreating back. "Just offering Allura some advice."

Keith looked down at him. "About what?"

Shiro cocked and eyebrow and said nothing as Keith turning back to Allura. He watched as Allura entered the Blue Lion. "She hates me you know." He sighed. "I can't figure out why. I know it isn't my Galra side anymore but she's avoiding me." He scowled. "I don't understand her."

Shiro laughed and Keith glared at him. "Did you just try talking to her?" He met Keith's gaze. "Just talk to her. Don't get defensive, just talk."

"She'll just give me another lecture."

Shiro snorted. "You just may be surprised." He smiled, "I think all you need is a little understanding."

When I had this thought, it was conceived as a one-shot. As I reread it, it seemed to call for more. There may be another chapter or so in the future, but for now, enjoy.

And I'm moving on to another story... for now.

Like it, hate it? Please review it!