"And I... think you care about me. The-- the same way I care about you."

Which is distinct from the way they already admit to caring for each other. Which is beyond the bonds of the close friendship they have and into the realm of that terrifying word people their age either throw around too often or never say at all.

"And--" His throat catches only briefly. His smile gets only a hair shakier. "--and I know you-- also care about-- about Elliot, yeah?"