[Allura waits, and only blinks to show her surprise when he doesn't just leave it as a vague answer, but an open one. To her, of all people. She looks to him, concern and sadness in her gaze - and not pity, but guilt.

Before she awoke on Mu, they hadn't really talked since before he left, and the two times they interacted without the fate of millions resting on their shoulders she didn't want to count. Both being by Shiro's side as the clone's body tried rejecting Shiro's consciousness and her snapping at him while they were lost in space are interactions he doesn't remember, and she's accepted this truth. It doesn't mean she doesn't still carry it with her.

If she closes her eyes, she can hear his voice wavering on the border of breaking. You can't do this to me again, he'd said or will say.

Allura hesitates, but reaches out to gingerly brush a hand across his upper back and pull him into a hug as they walk if he allows. It says so much considering how she guarded that side mere moments ago.

She may have trusted the others in that maze just enough that they could make it out alive, but she openly trusts him to leave a weak spot vulnerable.

The tattoo is gone, but the ghosts and lessons remain.]

Remember what I said on Mu, Keith? ...We are always here for you. [She smiles sadly; it doesn't quite reach her eyes.] And, for as long as I am here...if you need help to get out of your head? All you need to do is ask.

[She'll spar with him if Shiro isn't here. Something she realizes now that she should have offered him decaphoebs ago.]