As I was watching Belly of the Weblum (2.09), I found some interesting contrasts between the Sheith Hug⢠and the goodbye hug immediately after between Allura and Coran. Not only is the latter shorter, but thereâs less of an intimacy, and itâs more reminiscent of a familial hug. Allura wraps her arms loosely around Coran and lays a cheek on his shoulder, her face away from Coranâs neck. Keith seems to being nuzzling his head into Shiro, face tucked into his neck.
I usually see people compare the Sheith Hug⢠with the Reunion Hug between Matt and Pidge, mostly to showcase that the former is not like a sibling hug at all. However, I also think itâs interesting to compare the Allura & Coran Hug since theyâre both goodbye hugs before they are seperated on a dangerous mission. Not only that, but Allura and Coran are significantly close and see each other as family (âCoran, youâre like a second father to meâ). Shiro and Keith are in the same situation: saying goodbye to someone they are significantly close with as they part ways on a dangerous mission. However, they are much more intimate. I see many arguments against the Sheith Hug⢠saying that itâs completely normal to feel extremely sad and reluctant when saying goodbye to a close sibling, and they usually share an anecdote from their personal lives. And while itâs true that you can love a sibling deeply, itâs not the same as departing from someone you romantically love. Both Hugs showcase this sadness and reluctance to part, but they manifest in different ways based on whether the relationship is romantic (Sheith) or Platonic (Allura and Coran).
I think the contrast between these two hugs just shows that Sheith is far more than familial, especially when compared to a familial hug that occurred just seconds after.