[ This earns another look of surprise. Matt knows Paul is important to him--he's the person who pulled him out of helpless misery in the cavern and helped him recall his purpose. He's integral as a pillar. But when it comes to what Paul might think of Matt, he's tried not to think about it. He always prefers to give love without thinking what he might get in return; it saves a lot of painful accounting. ]

Oh, [ he says. ] Well, um ... I'm glad you did say it.

[ If he doesn't seem wholly pleased by the reveal, it's mostly due to guilt. He could've gotten them both destroyed just now. Are those the actions of somebody who deserves to be thought of as important? The rest of Matt's hesitation is an old wound: a gentle certainty that all connection is fleeting and no intimacy can really stay. If even your family doesn't want you, who else would?

Still, he does like Paul. He likes him a lot. His expression softens slightly as he adds, ] You're important to me too.

So ... I really am sorry. I'll do better next time.