[Billy lifts his hands, eyes still closed, and feels his way up to brush his fingers over Teddy's arm, following the skin until it shifts into a texture not unlike hard leather, plated scales as tough as rock. He keeps his hand moving until he reaches Teddy's hand, he twines his fingers through Teddy's, squeezing firmly, showing no fear or concern when his skin brushes against talons, or the way his own small hand is dwarfed by the size of Hulkling's. His expression doesn't even change, looking as calm and content as he had the moment he made his request.

He holds Teddy's hand like that in silence for a bit, drawing comfort in the strength he can feel beneath that sturdy armored skin. Finally, he speaks up again.]

You remember that time during practice, back when we hardly knew what we were doing- when I lost control of my powers and fell out of the sky?