Keith.

( gently, but firm. he needs keith to listen to him on this. he knows what he must think, knows that he blames himself, and he knows that none of it is right. the details of what shiro knows is limited, but if keith had left the team. . .

shiro's screw-up had been massive. )

Inexperience doesn't make you a bad leader, but having someone kick your legs out from underneath you can only make you feel that way.

( he should have been there to guide keith instead, showing him how to come to the right answers and prioritise. keith has the making of an amazing leader, but he's got to stumble before he can walk. shiro had always hoped to be his support during that time and he's so furious with himself that he hadn't. )

If the Black Lion accepted my command again, I think it's because you didn't feel you should be piloting her anymore.

( naturally. he had seen how easily black accepted keith before. he presses a hand to keith's hair then, holding him against him. )

I don't think you did. I'm the one who made the mistakes. I'm sorry for not supporting you, but I am here now. I'll make it right.