"WHAT?!" Veronica's voice, despite being transported from the other end of the phone and was probably quieter here then wherever she was, echoed around the room and left a dull ringing in Shiro's ear.

He winced, rubbing his ear and switching which side of the head he held it at.

He had just given her the news, and she was outraged, probably shaking with anger.

"Shhh, Veronica." He chided, glancing around the room.

He was currently in Keith's room, busy taking the black thing Keith had saved and putting it on the bed.

"Sorry, sorry." Veronica grumbled…though she didn't sound sorry. "But, seriously, what?! What happened?!"

"Keith got into some fire trouble. But the hospital staff is taking care of him now." Shiro told her, trying to sooth her. Despite his efforts, she was still yelling.

Another reason why they broke up.

"Alright, that's it." Veronica hissed, her footsteps sounding. She was obviously matching in anger. "I'm booking an early flight."

"That's really not-"

"Mom, I've got to-" Veronica's voice cut off as she hung up, busy making the arrangements.

She was stubborn like that.

Shiro sighed at the thought, dialing Matt's number.

It went to voicemail, so he tried again.

That time, Matt instantly picked up. "'S'up." He said, his voice showing a lack of disinterest. Before Shiro could speak, he forged on. "Look, can this wait? My sister and I are busy plaiting Dungeons, Dungeons, and More Dungeons."

"That's an actual thing?" Shiro blinked, forgetting himself.

"It's fake…some fans made it several years ago, and-"

"Yeah, never mind." Shiro shook his head, ignoring Matt's sound of pain from the other side of the line. He opened his mouth to speak when a tiny, female voice sounded through the wire.

"Maaaaatt. You'd say you'd play with me."

"Yeah, yeah, I know Pidgeon, but my friend," he said the last word accusingly, "won't hang up and let me."

"Tell him you can talk later!" The girl persisted, begging.

"How about you tell him to go away?" Matt sounded amused.

"Wait, Matt-!" Shiro protested.

"Go away!" The girl yelled, but it was ruined by her for of giggles, followed by the click of the phone as they hung up.

Shiro waited for five seconds then called again.

The phone rang for a bit, and then there was a click and Matt responded. "WHAT. I locked myself in the bathroom, but it's only a matter of time before Katie unlocks it. So hurry up."

"Keithgothurtandhe'sinthehospitalward." Shiro spoke in a rushed mess, not wanting to waste anytime.

"I'm sorry, can you repeat that, but slower? Something about Keith and a hospital? Did he punch James again?"

"No, it's more serious, he-"

There was another click and the sound of a door flying open.

"I've got you!" Matt's sister's crooned in victory, laughing.

"Oh no! You got me!" Matt giggled, probably tussling with her.

"Matt, it's Keith who's in the hospital." Shiro said blankly, wondering if it was possible for Matt to have a two way conversation with him and his sister.

"Wait, what?" Matt perked up, holding the phone closer. (Well, probably.)

"Keith's in the hospital. He got injured pretty badly."

"Matt?" The girl whined.

"Not now, Katie." Matt shushed. "Do you want me to come over?"

Shiro didn't mention that he really needed to comfort. "That'd be great, Matt. But only if you can manage it. I understand if you need to hang out with your family."

"The only snag is that my parents need me to babysit Katie tonight." Matt hissed, his voice unsure. "Um… give me a moment."

He murmured something quietly to his sister, who responded with a loud "YEAH!"

"Alright, Katie's going to come along, Shiro." Matt said, returning to the phone. "She likes playing in the lab and if I can get someone to watch her while she's in there I can stay with you for a few hours."

"Are you sure? Your parents might not approve…"

"What they don't know can't hurt 'em. Com'n, Katie. The sooner you get ready the sooner we can be there."

"Okay!" Katie laughed, the sound of feet retreating following her.

"Alright, Shiro, I'll be there in an hour, half that time at very least."

Ah, yes. Shiro forgot how far a drive Matt's house was. "Take your time."

"Remember to feed Gunther!" Matt called, probably to Katie. To Shiro, he added, "Our dog. He's been around since before Katie was born. Anyway, bye! See you later."

With that, Matt hung up.

Again, mostly filler, but I had to introduce Pidge!