[ It would be very easy to tease him again, for his phrasing, but this time Val does have mercy on him, both because he's not looking to discourage him and also because the intent there is sweet, clumsy wording or not. He just can't tease for that. ]
You do not want to give a term that may one day conflict with my presentation, yes?
Partner. [ another squeeze of his hand ] You can call me your partner.
Otherwise, talk about me as I am now and we can cross other bridges if they arise.
[ The shifts that drive him towards real change are not overly frequent, but they are unpredictable. And that's not even getting into that Kazu is one of relatively few that has been in his life through a transition, who has known him and has stories of both Valentina and Val. That he considers the problem at all, when he had once been the most confused about it all, makes something in Val warm. ]
no subject
[ It would be very easy to tease him again, for his phrasing, but this time Val does have mercy on him, both because he's not looking to discourage him and also because the intent there is sweet, clumsy wording or not. He just can't tease for that. ]
You do not want to give a term that may one day conflict with my presentation, yes?
Partner. [ another squeeze of his hand ] You can call me your partner.
Otherwise, talk about me as I am now and we can cross other bridges if they arise.
[ The shifts that drive him towards real change are not overly frequent, but they are unpredictable. And that's not even getting into that Kazu is one of relatively few that has been in his life through a transition, who has known him and has stories of both Valentina and Val. That he considers the problem at all, when he had once been the most confused about it all, makes something in Val warm. ]