[Brushes his thumb over his lip, quiet as he listens to him, turning his head slightly to duck his head against his shoulder, if only to wipe away those tears without having to pull his other hand free from his grip]
[Slides his hand into his hair, quiet for a moment because he doesn't trust his voice to not be wobbly as hell, nodding a little at his words]
I know. [Sob.] I know, I--
None of those people matter. [Those that mistreated him. He pretends they don't bother him, but of course it does, but--] None of that matters if I have you. If I get to wake up beside you, hold you, laugh with you. If I get to live my life with you - as my friend, my brother, love of my life, whatever you may be... [shakes his head] It's not a matter of deserving, you idiot.
I have that. And so do you. [Tugs a little on his hair, touch gentle] I love you. More than I'll ever be able to say.