[Elliot doesn't think he's acting cool. He feels quite flustered, but he's tired of hurting Leo and himself by trying to protect them, and wasting his time with misunderstandings. Mostly, despite all of his inner conflict, he's elated and relieved to know it's mutual. Leo wants to stay with him. He gives his hand a squeeze to wordlessly tell him he can take his time.
But what Leo hits him with next nearly has him stagger back. He feels like he just ran a marathon, but his heart feels more whole and put together than it has since he can remember. Leo loves him. He loves him and he wants to admit it, so Elliot needs to be honest too. They're equals, after all, best friends and now...now something else as well.]
I--I-- [It's embarrassing how much his voice shakes, his face hot and matching the hue Leo's was. But Elliot is stubborn, and he won't finish until he expresses his true feelings.]
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But what Leo hits him with next nearly has him stagger back. He feels like he just ran a marathon, but his heart feels more whole and put together than it has since he can remember. Leo loves him. He loves him and he wants to admit it, so Elliot needs to be honest too. They're equals, after all, best friends and now...now something else as well.]
I--I-- [It's embarrassing how much his voice shakes, his face hot and matching the hue Leo's was. But Elliot is stubborn, and he won't finish until he expresses his true feelings.]
I love you too, Leo!