"You know he didn't mean what he said."

Shiro looks behind his shoulder to see Pidge standing by the door of his bedroom. He sighs and rests his head in his hands.

"He never yelled at me like that before." His voice comes out hoarse, and Pidge winces at how hurt he sounds. She takes a few steps and sits next to him on the bed.

"Look- I don't know Keith as well as you do," she starts, "I know he's got a hot temper, at least. But he loves you like a brother Shiro." Shiro's head lifts up and he finally looks like he's really listening. "I don't know what kind of past you had with him, but whatever it is, it's something he really values. He probably regrets saying those things now. I really think he didn't mean it."

Shiros head drops again, and his eyes look glassy once again. "But maybe he's right." Pidge suddenly looks confused. "He's not a kid anymore. He lived alone in a cabin in a desert for a whole year. He knows how to take care of himself and I can't just go back in time to when it was the two if us taking care of each other. I can't go back to be there for him when I wasn't."

"How can you say that?!" Pidge exclaims, and Shiro is startled by her sudden angry tone.
"You saw the same Keith I did, didn't you!? He didn't follow your advice and it went wrong!" She takes a deep breath before continuing. "Yeah, maybe he does know how to take care of himself mostly. But he still needs you, Shiro. Even if he doesn't realize it yet."

She turns away to leave, and hears a soft "thanks, Pidge".

"Can I come in?"

Keith rolls in his bed, groaning. His arm in back in the sling, an attempt to lessen the pain, and it's working, but a lot slower than he would like. He hesitantly lets Shiro in.

Shiro makes his way to the bed and sits down next to Keith's legs. He looks worried, and a little sad.

"Are you feeling any better? How's your arm?"

Keith shrugs, "Not too bad."

Shiro nods sincerely. "Good."

"I...I'm sorry."

The apology comes as a surprise for Shiro, and he watches as Keith shortens the distance between them, taking a seat on the bed next to him.

"I know you were only trying to make sure I was okay. That I would be okay. So I'm sorry." It seems to be hard for Keith to admit he was wrong. He's looking down, his face a little red and his hands balked in fists resting on his lap.

"You're like a brother to me, you know that?" Shiro chuckles. "Sorry if I was controlling and annoying. I just worry about you. Sometimes I forget you're already seventeen... You, and Lance, and Hunk and Pidge... I'll always be looking out for you. I feel responsible for you guys. I just want the best for all of you."

Keith reaches forward with his good arm and leans against Shiro, an attempt to a one armed hug. Shiro pulls him closer and wraps his arms around him.

Pidge, Hunk and Lance smile, faces peeking behind Keith's bedroom door. They know their little family can get over anything.