I love how Tegan asks so unapologetically of Annalise to open up a little, and treat her in a way that allows Annalise to actually feel progressively at ease to do so.
Tegan is well aware of and accepts Annalise's genius and need to lead. When the situation commands it (read: when Annalise needs it), Tegan follows, and helps in all the ways she can, even if she disagrees with the measures taken. She also knows that Annalise's past is full of skeletons and that, even if Annalise did not directly cause their deaths, her involvement in the events that followed is undeniable. Despite it all, Tegan's loyal to a fault to Annalise. Annalise is aware of this, as she consistently defends her against Nate's accusations.
However, Tegan's support does not mean she accepts anything that comes from Annalise. On the contrary, she is not afraid of standing her ground against Annalise's questionnable decisions, or against her temper and usual behaviour. She speaks her mind when she believes it is necessary to do so. That is another characteristic of their relationship that is incredibly precious. She experiences how difficult it is to be around Annalise, but she doesn't let anything deter her from trying to get to know and understand Annalise better, to build an honest relationship with her. This persistence in being herself, in bringing her opinion on the table, in worrying about Annalise and the consequences of Annalise's actions on the woman's own future, is something that Annalise needs in her life. Someone who, whilst willing to follow her lead, opposes her when necessary, and, despite their own opinion, still let Annalise make the final call when it concerns her directly.
Another thing about Tegan is that she isn't only here to admire Annalise's genius or help her fix her issues with the law. She's also here for Annalise herself, the woman behind the image of that "big boss" lady. Tegan often tries to crack a joke, or to initiate closeness between them. An invitation to come dance at the Dominicano, bringing lunch the day after that first outing, coming to Annalise's apartment after officialising her divorce, asking for a high five "just this once" after their hearing for a motion in Annalise's case, those are the examples that come to mind right now. Tegan does all of this despite knowing how hurtful Annalise can be to those close to her (Bonnie, Frank, the kids). She puts herself in a vulnerable position, holding faith, or holding on to the hope, that Annalise will reciprocate. She offers joy, love and care, if Annalise is willing to accept that.
Over time, that insistance on growing closer to Annalise has an impact on the latter, as shown by the fact that she called Tegan at 3 in the morning to discuss pre-trial strategy. For once, it is Annalise that initiates contact, in a moment that doesn't require it. That call could've waited, and Annalise admits verbally, during that very call that she doesn't want to involve Tegan any more than she already is, but she still calls her. What provokes the end of the call isn't that they have come up with an answer to Annalise's interrogations, no, it is simply Annalise that comes to the conclusion that she doesn't want to bother Tegan any longer. Her emotional walls are still high, but they begin to crumble before Tegan.
Annalise, in the ruins of what her life has become, still has Tegan to hold onto, to trust. That trust isn't infallible, but every time it shakes, which is only really one time, when Annalise is at the height of her angst, during her trial, the doubt is met with Tegan understanding what is happening inside Annalise's head, and trying to put that worry at ease. In that moment of the trial, it works. It brings Annalise back in the room, outside of her own head. Then, suddenly, she speaks, and spills her worries to Tegan.
Annalise's emotional barriers are great, but Tegan dismantle them softly, little by little, by showing up and involving herself continuously and willingly in the dangerous messes that are Annalise's life and character.
