Work Text:
"Calming Keith"
Keith was hurrying down the corridors as fast as his short legs could carry him. He had been napping but was awakened by a nightmare. He knew Shiro, Pidge, Hunk, and Lance were busy on the training deck and Coran was there observing them, which left the princess as the only one who was available to comfort him, which was good as the four-year-old saw her as a mom. He knew she wasn't his mom, but she was warm and caring, and that was important for the boy. He just had to get to her.
He wasn't alone though. He had his red blanket and a stuffed Red Lion with him, and it was the only reason he wasn't completely scared. However, he was getting a little more scared the longer it took to find Allura.
"Keith? What are you doing here? I thought you were sleeping."
Keith turned around and nearly dropped his blanket and stuffed toy, tears coming to his eyes. "Mama!"
Allura hurried over and scooped up the little Red Paladin, blanket and all. She felt his little arms go around her neck as he hugged her and wasn't as surprised to feel tears against her neck. "Shh. It's okay, Keith. I'm here. I've got you. You're safe."
Allura realized that Keith was very shaken about something, most likely a nightmare considering he had been taking a nap. He had his head tucked under her chin and was murmuring "Mama" over and over and whimpering. The Galran kit noise broke her heart. She wiggled his blanket loose and wrapped it around him, gently rubbing his back soothingly.
She tightened her arms around him and hoisted him a little higher, his nose placed next to her scent gland. He tentatively took a few sniffs and nuzzled her. Thankfully, his whimpers ceased, replaced with the purr of a kit, who knew he was safe. She gently rocked him as she walked towards the bridge. "That's right, baby. You're safe."
She settled into the Red Paladin seat. The soft red lights seemed to soothe the tiny Paladin and lull him back to sleep, nestled in the protective arms of a caring mother, something he never had before.
Fin