how could a heart like yours (ever love a heart like mine)

 Whatever Keith expects when he comes back to Earth, James Griffin apologizing to him is definitely not it.

Well, aside from the whole Galra-attack-Atlas-is-another-Voltron thing, Keith doesn't really expect anything to happen except more attacks and meetings with aliens and whatever.

Keith's in the open field, talking with Lance–listening to him, more like–after another battle-when Griffin comes up to them and says, 'Keith. Can I talk to you for a second?'

As if he's asking for permission, Keith's eyes drift towards Lance, and he thinks he sees a flash of annoyance, but Lance smiles and waves him away, walking off to bother Hunk or Pidge. Or flirt with Allura.

There's a not quite awkward silence, but Griffin is looking at him critically, and Keith wants to squirm under the other's inquisitive eyes. He doesn't, though. He hasn't come this far, fighting Galra and Shiro himself to cower under Griffin's gaze.

'So,' Griffin starts.

When he doesn't continue, Keith raises his head to look at him. 'What?'

At this point, Griffin sighs, and, pinching the bridge of his nose, says, too reluctantly, 'Look, hear me out, okay?'

Keith opens his mouth, but Griffin's interrupting him before he can say anything. 'Okay, just listen to me first? You can yell at me or punch me after I'm finished.'

Keith nods.

Taking a deep breath, Griffin starts. 'So, I owe you an apology. I treated you like shit during middle school and the garrison, and I bullied you for the most of it. Officer Shirogane – ' Keith's lips quirk up into a small smile – 'pulled me aside that day you punched me and explained what happened, and I've been feeling like shit about you. And when you were expelled from the garrison, I though you could be gone and I wouldn't see you ever again, which was what I had been hoping for, honestly.'

Griffin laughs bitterly, and Keith knows his own eyes are widening in surprise. 'Then McClain and Garett disappeared into space and it was quiet for some time. But then – then the Galra attacked us, and then Professor Holt told us about you, about the Paladins of Voltron and – and I was jealous.

'That's the main reason I hate you so much, actually. You were-are-good at flying, and you're intelligent, though you never put it to use and you were acting like nothing ever mattered – I guess it made me angry and I just lashed out at you because of that.'

Keith can almost feel his eyes popping out of his head, as Griffin continues, hands fiddling with each other, 'But – I'm sorry, okay? I know you probably won't forgive me for anything, but an apology was way overdue.' At this, Griffin meets Keith's eyes, and repeats, 'You probably wouldn't forgive me for anything, but I truly am sorry for everything. And – this is probably hoping for too much, but – if you do forgive me – though that's probably never going to happen – can we at least try to be friends?'

Keith stares blankly. All through his life, no one's ever actually apologized to him. Sure, there's an offhand apology here and there, but never a sincere and thought-out apology like this. And-maybe the best thing to do is refuse, but Keith's learned a lot during his years in space, and if there's one thing he knows, keeping grudges is never really going to have a good outcome.

'Well? Say something, Kogane.' Griffin stares at him, arms crossed, almost in indignation, while he waits for a reply, and Keith can't help the smile that spreads across his face.

'Might as well call me by my first name if we're going to be friends.'

Griffin's eyes wide, and he looks really surprised, but this time, Keith cuts him off before he can start.