[The touch makes his eyes and smile soften, like a cat who's being petted in one of the right spots.]
Mm... nothing.
[...]
Growth, I guess.
[...
Teddy's still not really used to talking about what all might be on his mind. But more and more lately, he's been sharing them with Billy, to the point where sometimes, it just feels kind of wrong to hold it back. So he moves one hand back, fingers brushing against Billy's temple, toying with his hair occasionally.]
You know... it's my birthday. I'm eighteen today. And I was just thinking, two years ago from today... how different I used to be.
[Before he met the Young Avengers. When he still thought it was okay for Greg to use him the way he did, because as long as he had friendship, as long as Greg kept him around and thought highly of him, it had to be okay. Even if he didn't agree with any of what he did... he'd do what it took for validation. Someone to tell him that he was okay the way he was... even if it wasn't who he really, truly was.]
[action]
Mm... nothing.
[...]
Growth, I guess.
[...
Teddy's still not really used to talking about what all might be on his mind. But more and more lately, he's been sharing them with Billy, to the point where sometimes, it just feels kind of wrong to hold it back. So he moves one hand back, fingers brushing against Billy's temple, toying with his hair occasionally.]
You know... it's my birthday. I'm eighteen today. And I was just thinking, two years ago from today... how different I used to be.
[Before he met the Young Avengers. When he still thought it was okay for Greg to use him the way he did, because as long as he had friendship, as long as Greg kept him around and thought highly of him, it had to be okay. Even if he didn't agree with any of what he did... he'd do what it took for validation. Someone to tell him that he was okay the way he was... even if it wasn't who he really, truly was.]