[He raises an eyebrow. Well, can't say he expected the laugh or what he says after.]

Pretty sure it wouldn't be the same.

[He knows it wouldn't. Time changed them all so much, it's true, but... Keith sighs. It's one of those times he wishes he could talk to Hunk and figure out how to approach this, or Shiro. But he has to do this his way and try to connect like he would.]

Look, Lance. I'm a fighter with loner tendencies. Always will be. That's why of all the paladins, I admire how you're able to bring others together and ease tension with humor. I can't do that. Pidge and Shiro can't, either. [They can certainly try, but it's not the same. So, Keith forms his hand into a fist, lightly bumping it against Lance's upper arm. It's barely a tap, but still.] You're my second and the right hand of Voltron, but more importantly, you're like a brother to me. Not worrying isn't gonna happen.

[It's just even worse since he's pretty sure he's the only one without the capability to heal your sorry asses.]