[As they walked down the hall, Billy had gradually shifted his iron grip on the hoodie to a loose, almost relaxed one, until finally he felt prepared enough to let it go and put it on, instead. It had taken some effort - his arm was mostly healed and out of the sling as of the last day or so, but it was still stiff and uncomfortable to move most of the time, so he tried to avoid it for the most part. Still, he was stubborn about wearing it, and of course if he struggled too much Teddy was there to help him along. How symbolic, really, of the journey they'd taken thus far. Before long it's on him, a fluffy red cocoon of warmth and safety. He had the hand of his injured arm tucked into a pocket to ease a bit of the weight off of it, and he'd considered putting the other in a pocket as well, but it was the side closest to Teddy. And he still wanted to... but he couldn't...
...dammit...
When they reach the door, Billy falters, half-stumbling and very nearly stopping. This is it. This is the eleventh hour, the last chance to turn back. Once they're outside, he won't be able to go back so easily. He's so afraid of what could be waiting outside that door for him, what the world could be like, what he'll have to do when he finally becomes a part of it again. He almost, almost turns.
But then Teddy's hand brushes against his, and he doesn't even think- he just moves, twisting his wrist to let his fingers make a wild grab for Teddy's, clinging desperately, unable to conceal the way they're trembling. He does stop then, going completely still, holding his breath. Waiting for a reaction, a rejection, waiting for Teddy to pull his hand away or scold him or...
He's so scared. When has he ever been afraid of holding Teddy's hand?
[Action, October 21st]
...dammit...
When they reach the door, Billy falters, half-stumbling and very nearly stopping. This is it. This is the eleventh hour, the last chance to turn back. Once they're outside, he won't be able to go back so easily. He's so afraid of what could be waiting outside that door for him, what the world could be like, what he'll have to do when he finally becomes a part of it again. He almost, almost turns.
But then Teddy's hand brushes against his, and he doesn't even think- he just moves, twisting his wrist to let his fingers make a wild grab for Teddy's, clinging desperately, unable to conceal the way they're trembling. He does stop then, going completely still, holding his breath. Waiting for a reaction, a rejection, waiting for Teddy to pull his hand away or scold him or...
He's so scared. When has he ever been afraid of holding Teddy's hand?
Please don't let me go...]