Those words stabbed at Tavros like icy cold knives in his stomach, and he almost recoiled from the physical pain he felt. No, no, no. No. That- no. He felt sick- absolutely nauseous, and he could have thrown up any minute if he'd actually eaten before coming. Fortunately, he'd been too afraid to eat. He opened his mouth to speak, but he was just... too stunned to speak. He couldn't formulate anything in that moment.

This wasn't happening. He couldn't let this happen.

He drew in a shaky breath and opened his mouth again. "Do you have any idea," he said slowly, trying to sound as solid and confident as he could. This wasn't a game, Karkat had to know just how strongly he felt. "how many times that I thought the complete opposite of that? I went so long thinking... thinking that I just didn't deserve someone as awesome and amazing and brave as you."

He let out a small sob, because damn it this was hard and he was feeling so much. He took in another breath and continued, "Don't... don't tell me that I deserve someone better. Because... that's bullshit." Tears were falling down his face, and he was shaking. "I love you. So much."

Tavros reached up and wiped at his eyes. "Please don't do this to me," he said and this time his voice was shaky as he pleaded, "Please, Karkat. Please. I love you," he said again, "Please let me help you... please..."