Allura and Lance returned to the castle ship from their diplomatic mission on the planet of Figgittug. Their ruler, Es Thonnirt was reluctant to join the Voltron Coalition but their support was absolutely essential to the cause. The planet could significantly shorten trade routes among the resistance, making commutes much safer and more efficient. The problem was that Es Thonnirt couldn't see the value in joining the Voltron Coalition. Figgitugans only lived for four Earth years and Thonnirt had already lived for three. Their shortsightedness could have cost the coalition entire systems. Fortunately Lance's and Allura's diplomatic skills proved strong enough to convince them to join the fight against the Galra Empire.
As soon as the pair stepped into the castle ship Allura let out a deep sigh and pulled off her shoes. "Oh my goodness I've never worn anything as uncomfortable as Figgitug heels."
"Quiznak Allura, they can't be that bad," Lance laughed.
"Oh yes they can! You would not be saying that if you had to wear them."
"Sure I would!" he grinned. "Here," he slipped off his shoes, "take mine."
Allura put on Lance's fleece lined loafers and sighed from the sudden relief her feet felt. He donned her flamboyant heels, grinning at the feathery tassels that decorated their exterior. He stuck out his leg and then strutted around like a model. "This is not that hard."
"You have your fun, I'll have mine by relaxing in the comfy shoes."
"Please, those have nothing on the Lion slippers. Wait … Allura do you have Lion slippers?"
"Indeed, I took Keith's."
Lance gasped, "You didn't. No wonder he left us for the Marmora, he never got his complimentary fuzzy lion slippers." As soon as Lance said it he'd realized his mistake.
Allura appeared to be holding back tears. "I wish he hadn't gone."
Lance embraced Allura in a hug. He buried his face in her shoulder so that she couldn't see the tears that poured readily down his cheeks. "I'm sorry. I miss him too."
They pulled apart. Allura was kind enough not to comment on the now wet spot on her shoulder. "When he returns," she smiled bittersweetly, "I will give him back the slippers."
Hearing Allura say "when he returns" had comforted Lance deeply. She sounded certain, it made him feel confident that Keith would return too.