[The firmness of his touch on his shoulders is tremendously helpful to keep the magic-induced thoughts at bay, somehow-- focusing instead on Keith's presence, his touch, the intensity of his words. Words so intense, so much in line with his friendship with Keith that, as before, it makes him wonder for a second that...]
[... Well. Wishful thinking, really. Their friendship has always been so intense, since the beginning, and it's unfair of him to be wishing for more when he should be grateful to have his friend's loyalty. But in these moments, if he were to examine it deeper, then maybe-- but maybe it's just easier to say it's just Keith being Keith, as always.]
[He's overwhelmed. His mind feels all jumbled up and focusing on how desperately Keith holds to him is-- helping and not helping at once. Not that he's about to let go.]
Keith, I... [drags his thumb gently over the line of his scar, his words soft.]