“She hasn’t eroded shit, Tee. I promise. You just need to remember who you are. You’re fucking Kanien’kehá:ka,” he said, hoping he didn’t butcher it, hoping he remembered the way they taught him how to shape his mouth to make the correct sounds. “She doesn’t get to take that and what being you means. The power it gives you. I should have said that sooner.”
“Baby no, that’s not true. Finn’s choices are his.” He squeezed them tight before pulling back slightly to see their face. The devastation there broke his fucking heart. Broke him even worse that he was part of the reason. Leo stroked their cheek with his thumb, kissed their forehead too for good measure. “Like mine are mine. But you save me every day.” He knew it wasn’t enough. They probably weren’t even talking about him at all. But he needed them to know it.
"I should have just gone to who the fuck ever in the first place instead of putting it on you. I know it’s fucked. I’m going to try my best to fix the parts that can be fixed.”
Fuck. He was always so good at finding the right thing to say. And what's more, somehow, Tee believed him. They sat up just a little taller. "You're right. You're right. They take advantage of my shame. They always fucking do. When they have absolutely none."
The tears were coming in earnest now, but they felt good. Comforting even. "You save me, too, Leo. You always do. I wouldn't be with you if that wasn't true." They let out a dark laugh. "You're family's too fucking scary otherwise."
Their hands slid to cradle both of his perfect cheekbones. "I'm glad you went to me first. I wouldn't have it any other way. It's an honor, Leo. We just both panicked. For different reasons. But that's mutual. And honestly, when it comes down to it... I think most people might have. Most people our age anyway. So maybe we just rest on that. People will understand. Especially if we put him away."
They sniffed. "It's also really fucking hot when you pronounce stuff correctly."
