[The last thing Teddy wants is to force Billy to do something he doesn't want to do, but he feels like enough is enough, and this is what Billy needs to do. The Malnosso know he has that power now, and just because he doesn't use it doesn't mean it isn't there anymore. He could be taken advantage of and not be able to defend himself, and Teddy might not be able to protect him, just like... last time.
Their powers are not the same, but their situation is similar; if Teddy never got off the bed, never learned how to control his strength as best as he could, then where would he be today? Causing careless mistakes, no doubt. Hurting much more than he ever did. His nightmares wouldn't just consist of a kid's scream and bones breaking in his hands. And he'd never be able to trust himself around anything or anyone again. He'd never want Billy to feel that way, not ever. And so he hopes, hopes to God that Billy understands.
It takes a long moment, but Billy finally hunches his shoulders and responds. At first, Teddy feels a little disappointed. But he spends another moment to go over that in his head, to analyze Billy's posture and tone.
He doesn't know if he's ready. It's not an "I'm not ready", he just doesn't know. And... there's an unspoken "yet" at the end. Teddy's sure of it.
So his smile comes up again, thumb stroking along Billy's jawline.]
Whenever you feel like you are. I'm here.
[He leans in to give Billy a tender kiss on his forehead, the rest of what he wants to say remaining unspoken. And even if you aren't, I'm here. And I'll love you either way.]
[action, february 1st]
Their powers are not the same, but their situation is similar; if Teddy never got off the bed, never learned how to control his strength as best as he could, then where would he be today? Causing careless mistakes, no doubt. Hurting much more than he ever did. His nightmares wouldn't just consist of a kid's scream and bones breaking in his hands. And he'd never be able to trust himself around anything or anyone again. He'd never want Billy to feel that way, not ever. And so he hopes, hopes to God that Billy understands.
It takes a long moment, but Billy finally hunches his shoulders and responds. At first, Teddy feels a little disappointed. But he spends another moment to go over that in his head, to analyze Billy's posture and tone.
He doesn't know if he's ready. It's not an "I'm not ready", he just doesn't know. And... there's an unspoken "yet" at the end. Teddy's sure of it.
So his smile comes up again, thumb stroking along Billy's jawline.]
Whenever you feel like you are. I'm here.
[He leans in to give Billy a tender kiss on his forehead, the rest of what he wants to say remaining unspoken. And even if you aren't, I'm here. And I'll love you either way.]