[He doesn't want to look away, either, doesn't want to stop touching him-- and how strange it is that it feels so familiar, so typical for them, and yet feels completely different in this new context. He runs his fingers through his hair, his touch gentle, his heart racing all over again. God. You love him. You love him back.]
I didn't guess. I-- [pauses, frowning thoughtfully for a moment as he studies Keith's face, feels utterly overwhelmed by how fondly Keith looks at him.] I... convinced myself it was wishful thinking. But, Keith--
[What the words around the said is still true, for him. It's still something he knows they'll need to unpack. He still believes he isn't worth this. But the idea of not saying it back to Keith, to letting him say that without responding, to lie to him and let him think he isn't loved back-- that's an impossible thing for Shiro to ever consider.]
[That night feels much more clarified now. It makes so much more sense, and--] That night...
[They almost kissed. They-- he remembers the way Keith looked at him, like he was heartbroken. And-- god. That's what it was, wasn't it?]
Oh, Keith. [There's that flicker of guilt in his expression again, his touch on Keith's cheek gentle, pressing his forehead to his.]
I'm sorry. [How many other times has he carelessly hurt you like this?]