Work Text:
"Eclipse"
Keith wanted to roll his eyes at the conversation his team was having over the comms. For some reason, they decided to name his wolf Cosmo, despite Keith telling them that his wolf would tell him his name when he was ready. Lance had immediately scoffed at that idea. He knew the others had no clue that he had a mental link with his wolf like he did with Red Lion and Black Lion. Over the two years in the Quantum Abyss, the link strengthened from just images and feelings to little words to sentences, and now, Keith could have full conversations with his wolf.
The wolf laid down beside his master's seat. He mostly ignored the inane chatter that came from the comms. He despised the name most of the others gave him. They didn't even ask if he liked it or even had a name already! At least his master refused to use it and was willing to wait until he was ready to tell him his name. The wolf let out a growl when he heard the name Cosmo again. His master's hand lowered and petted him, trying to ease his annoyance. "I know, boy. I don't like the name anymore than you do, but until you tell me your name, we have to deal with it."
The wolf looked at Keith and sent through their link, "My name is Eclipse."
Keith tilted his head. "Eclipse?" Keith grinned. "I like it."
"Keith, what are you talking about?" Lance asked.
"My wolf just told me his name was Eclipse."
Lance scoffed again. "You just don't want to use the name we decided."
"No. Eclipse and I have a mental link like my bonds with Red and Black. He told me his name."
"You do? That's fascinating," Allura commented. "You seem to be more in tune with the quintessence that all living beings share."
"Yeah. I noticed that too," Shiro chimed in.
"Uh, guys, can we get back to the matter at hand?" Hunk asked. "Keith's wolf already had a name, and we all assumed he didn't! I'm sorry!"
The other Paladins chimed in with their apologies.
"I'm sorry, Eclipse!" Pidge apologized next.
"Me too, Eclipse," Lance agreed.
"My apologies, Eclipse," Allura sounded sincere.
Eclipse's head perked up at their apologies. He headbutted Keith's leg and sent, "Apologies accepted."
"He accepts everyone's apologies," Keith relayed.
Eclipse let the rest of the conversation wash over him as he settled back down against Keith's feet and legs. He closed his eyes and relaxed, happy that his master had rescued him two deca-phoebes ago.
Fin