"You don't have to." Gabe's voice is sharp. Somewhat terrifying, and there's tears staining his face as he reaches over to the other's arm and grips. As hard as he can, as tight as he can. His chest is beginning to heave, he kneels down the other.

"Niles, you can't. You can't leave me like this. What'll happen? I've always been there for you. Always."

He can't lose Niles. He can't: doesn't even realize that he'd told the other he loves them, or that he's closer than normal. He's always been close, always been just a whisper away. And now? Now that's going. "You're going to let some snake skin dyke control you? Really?"