"I have an autoimmune disease. A type of Amyloidosis. My body is attacking my organs and killing them." Or, rotting, it felt like. He didn't know exactly what has happened to him in that lab but... something had activated it. "I take medicine to slow it down but... it progressed for too long untreated to be cured."

A lot of people knew he was sick, but Leon Vercetti was one of the rare few who would know exactly what was wrong with him. It wasn't easy to talk about. It wasn't fun. He didn't really like to think about it. His bad days were worse because he could feel himself inching closer to the edge.

"That's why I told you I didn't love you back, Leon. I couldn't knowing... I would just end up leaving you. You deserve someone better. Someone you can spend your life with."

"Leon..." Chu-e tried to glance away, shame bubbling in his chest.

The relief that Leon Vercetti didn't have him, wasn't going to throw him down, it was palpable. Chu-e tried to lean against the other again, curl up against him and into his embrace. He squeezed his hand lightly in return.

Even if it felt lighter to be honest with the other it was bittersweet.

"I think I lied to you before." Quiet, whispered just between them. His face flushed, lower lip wibbling. When had he become such a crybaby? He had killed people, for heaven's sake.

"I think I do love you." One tear, that's it, it slides down his nose until he wipes it away. "I just don't want to hurt you."