Shiro watched with a firm stance as a Galra walked Keith out of their ship. He had his hand over Keith's shoulder. Keith was looking down, his hair covering his face.

It's gotten longer, Shiro realized. Lance and the others stood beside him. "Hey, Mullet!" He exclaimed, teasing lightly. Both the commander (as Shiro assumed) and Keith came to a stop, the taller male looking down at Keith. "Be gentle." Was his only warning as he gently nuzzled Keith.

Keith had a strong grip on his free hand. Lance noticed but said nothing.

Keith whispered something to him, leaving the Paladins unaware of what he had to say. "I'm Liam." The mystery Galra introduced, pulling Keith into a hug. Liam let his chin rest on Keith's head, sadly feeling the shudder that ran through Keith's body as he suppressed a sob.

"You'll be okay." Liam gave him a small head kiss. "나는 너를 사랑해." Keith whispered, making Liam's heart break.

"We need a moment." He spoke, still holding a trembling Keith. Shiro nodded and the team exited the room.

"What am I gonna do without?"

"I don't want to find out. Stop them." Liam blinked back tears. "I can't. You know that."

"After everything–" Keith's voice cracked. "– I need to be with you."

Liam let out a longingly sigh. "They think we'll do too much damage if we're close. It's only for a month, two tops. I'll call every chance I get." Keith gave a teary nod. "Hey." Liam softly stated, making Keith look up. Liam kissed him delicately, Keith savoring every moment as tears run down both of their cheeks.

"Times up!" A hoarse voice called to them, making them separate.

"나는 너를 사랑해." Keith repeated, "As do I." Liam told Keith, giving him one last forehead kiss before jogging to the ship. Keith winced, the others started to come back.

The ache in his chest started up again.

"So, why're you back? Did they seriously kick you out?" Lance questioned, getting closer to Keith than he was comfortable with. Keith swallowed the saliva gathering in his mouth and stayed quiet. His eyes landed on his feet as his hair fell over his shoulders.

"Long hair." Pidge commented, trying to create a conversation.

The tension was thick. Hunk bit his lip and glanced at Shiro. The older man cleared his throat and started to talk.

"Welcome back Keith."

Keith didn't reply.

"Let's go to the lounge!" Hunk suggested, giving a shaky smile.