[What a relief. With Teddy at his side, Billy feels less like he's about to fall to pieces; he's still tense, and refuses to say much- something he knows is going to earn him even more family therapy sessions with Dr. Mom later, but screw it, he doesn't feel like talking. Right now he just wants to sit quietly and soak in the presence of his family. When Teddy takes his hand he holds it tight, his breath evening out a little more each time. The mantra is perpetual and hushed at the back of his mind, home, home, home, home. It's incredible. It's like a dream, and if he hadn't walked right out of a nightmare that day he'd have wondered if it was even real. But no- he's seen enough dreams and illusions to recognize it, now.
Eventually he grows too weary of it- the awkward silences, the urgent, fretful gaze of his parents, the questions from his brothers. Half an hour or so into poking disinterestedly at his dinner, he murmurs about feeling tired and not the slightest bit hungry, and his mother immediately rises and brushes a hand through his hair, over his forehead.]
Of course, sweetheart, you must be exhausted. Why don't you go to bed, and we'll talk in the morning?
[Normally such a comment would be halfway a threat, but right now it's all care and concern, and he loves her all the more for it. He nods, leaning in automatically as she kisses his forehead and steps away to let him rise.
Before he moves, though, he glances at Teddy, to see what he'll do. He doesn't want to ask, but...]
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Eventually he grows too weary of it- the awkward silences, the urgent, fretful gaze of his parents, the questions from his brothers. Half an hour or so into poking disinterestedly at his dinner, he murmurs about feeling tired and not the slightest bit hungry, and his mother immediately rises and brushes a hand through his hair, over his forehead.]
Of course, sweetheart, you must be exhausted. Why don't you go to bed, and we'll talk in the morning?
[Normally such a comment would be halfway a threat, but right now it's all care and concern, and he loves her all the more for it. He nods, leaning in automatically as she kisses his forehead and steps away to let him rise.
Before he moves, though, he glances at Teddy, to see what he'll do. He doesn't want to ask, but...]