[At that, his breath completely rushes out of him in a way he can't even disguise, everything inside him coiling up and flipping all over itself. The words are at once relieving, reassuring-- and terrifying for their implication. Because, no, he didn't know that. Or, at least, didn't let himself know it-- didn't let himself imagine how deeply he was solidified in Keith's life. He doesn't know now how to take those words following after such a brittle moment between them, when he's feeling so ripped open as it is.]
[Instinctively, his hands tighten on Keith's to keep from shaking apart further, desperate to hold onto him. Desperately to hang onto those words, no matter how selfishly he wants them. Wants him. How desperately he doesn't let himself imagine it again. He looks at Keith for a long moment, expression open and vulnerable, because those words, that tone, the way Keith's looking at him-- in any other circumstance, it'd be enough to undo him. It takes everything in his power not to just say it then, because then he wouldn't be able to take it back, and he's already made Keith too uncomfortable in this, already projected too much onto him. And yet... maybe against his better judgement, the tiny thought sparks in the back of his mind. Maybe...]
Keith... [He can't even disguise how raw his voice sounds, rough and overwhelmed even as his voice tips quieter, softer. He shifts forward a little, moving closer to Keith.]
Me too. Me too, I-- [...] You're... the most important person in my life.