[Oh hell. Oh hell, he let go. Billy feels a wave of panic, and he reaches out to follow, the movement, but he has to force himself to stop. Teddy pulled back. Teddy pulled away. It shows that he's uncomfortable, it shows he doesn't want it. Billy has no right to force him to hold on if that's the case. He wants to, god he wants to, but...

...It's not right... you've already taken so much.

So he deflates, hands grasping one another, rubbing awkwardly together as if seeking that contact again, even a facsimile of it. It's not enough, but if Teddy's unhappy, it'll have to do.]

I... I can't think about that now. I have more important things to deal with. More important people to think about.

[He looks at Teddy then, wanting to focus on him; if they can't touch right now, then at least he can have eye contact.]

I need to... help you, first. Without magic. Without- anything but myself. Because that's who you-

[He hesitates, looking away for a second, fighting it, then looking back again. Does he still...? Has he done too much damage...? Maybe he shouldn't- he can't assume, he-

Don't assume. Don't take. Just give.]

...Because... because I love you. As yourself. And I want that to be how you love me, if... if you...

[Don't take don't take don't take]