[Billy feels the way Teddy's fingers curl, and it makes him pause for a long moment, thinking carefully if how to handle this. He understands what Teddy is probably thinking of- he'd been there himself, after all, when he'd first arrived and met this version of Tony Stark. Who knows how long he'd have hidden his true identity if he hadn't been sent out on the draft? Maybe he wouldn't have revealed himself at all. Maybe Susan's arrival would have triggered some sort of domino effect. Or Teddy's. He wouldn't have been afraid if Teddy had been here.

What-ifs don't really matter now, though; it's the future he'd rather focus on. And if making Tony understand the effects of this possible future might actually prevent it... it's worth the attempt.

He angles himself a little, just enough to press a gentle kiss to Teddy's collarbone, one hand sliding down to rub soothingly up and down his side.]

Nothing's going to happen. Whether it's him or the Malnosso or anyone else they want to throw at us- we'll figure something out.