Work Text:
"Black Lion"
Shiro hadn't realized where he was at first, but that had been awhile back...or had only a little bit of time passed? He couldn't tell. He couldn't believe he had died. Black Lion consoled him and helped him work through it, not that he was okay with being dead, but at least he wasn't completely alone.
Suddenly, the other Paladins, Allura, and Coran were gathered in front of Black Lion. What were they doing? He watched as Allura entered Black Lion. She grasped the controls and looked around. She closed her eyes but then opened them a few doboshes later and glanced to the side. Shiro shook his head. "I admire you, Princess, but the role of leader isn't for you."
Allura left Black, looking a little dejected. Pidge entered the lion next and sat down in the seat. "Hmm. I wonder if I can adjust the seat." She looked under the seat as if it had a way to adjust the seat. Shiro shook his head. Pidge stood up, took off her helmet, put it on the seat, and sat down on her helmet, crossing her arms. "Alright. Now, I'll form the head." She stretched out, trying to reach the controls, but her arms were too short, causing her to rock back and forth.
Suddenly, a fluffy Black Lioness appeared next to Shiro. She nudged Shiro's legs. "Why is everyone trying me? Didn't you tell them it's supposed to be Keith?"
Shiro's eyes widened. "I only told Keith. The others don't know."
Black huffed. "The Green Paladin needs to get out. She's cute but not leader material."
"Agreed," Shiro said, petting Black Lion. Pidge frowned, slid off her helmet, and took it with her as she left the lion.
Hunk sat down and looked really uneasy. "No. Not it." He left quickly, only to return and pretend he was issuing orders. "Pidge, go right. Lance, go left. Keith, make me a sandwich STAT. Yes, you heard me. I'm the leader now dang it."
Shiro face palmed, and Black Lion laughed. "He's funny. I can see why Yellow likes him."
Hunk left Black, and Lance showed up. Shiro watched him curiously as Lance looked more serious than Shiro had ever seen him.
"Okay. You can do it. This is your moment." His eyes were closed, and his hands rested on the controls.
Shiro stared at Lance. "Black, I have never seen Lance so serious before. Are you sure he doesn't have it in him?"
"He has potential, but he has insecurities that need to be addressed before he could step into a leadership role."
Shiro watched with a little sadness as Lance left. It was a dobosh later when Keith finally set foot into Black. He sat down in the pilot's seat. "I know you wanted this for me, Shiro."
He put his hands on the controls. "But I'm not you. I can't lead them like you."
"You shouldn't try to emulate me. You have to find your own style of leading," Shiro said, even though he knew Keith couldn't hear him.
Black Lion's screens lit up. "Please no." Keith sounded desperate as he closed his eyes.
As the lion stood up and roared, Shiro could feel the despair rolling off Keith in waves. All of a sudden, Shiro wasn't entirely sure forcing Keith into a leadership position like this was such a good idea.
"I'm sorry, Keith."
Fin