[ Hearing her say that warms him down to the tips of his toes; he flushes pleasantly. ]

Thanks, Allura.

I came here--[ He feels like he should anchor this in time for her, because maybe he's missing a piece. ]--I came here right after we found Shiro, when we fought Lotor and formed Voltron with Keith in Black. We've got Shiro, Keith, you, me, Hunk and Pidge. That's six Paladins, and five Lions. [ He's not looking to rehash his conversation with Keith, not least of which because he's combed over it twice with the man himself already. He just wants to explain. ] And I felt like--like I should do better, you know?

[ He feels silly explaining it to her, now that the words are out. It was easier to tell Keith, somehow. ]