therealmagicboy:

Billy laughed a little and nodded, quickly getting over his embarrassment at being caught by Eli and Nate as he slid his hand into Teddy’s and felt himself being pulled up and directly into Teddy’s personal space. Only this time, instead of worrying what Teddy would think over the lack of personal space between them, Billy smiled shyly and stepped back, leading the way to their stuff at the warehouse with Teddy trailing behind him - their hands still linked.

“An explanation would be nice, but I think you owe me McDonalds more.” Teddy didn’t owe him anything in reality, but he wouldn’t mind an explanation or McDonalds one bit. The hardest thing now would be not screwing this up by going too fast. Billy thought to himself. No matter how much I want to jump Teddy.

It wasn’t far to the closest McDonalds. Billy let go of Teddy’s hand when they neared the street, for which he was silently grateful. The warehouse was a safe space, but Teddy wasn’t sure he was ready to walk around in public holding hands with a guy. Not yet.

As they walked, Teddy practiced in his head what he was going to say.

Sorry I had a big gay panic and ignored you for a week after you took me into your confidence. No.

Sorry I almost killed you because I was distracted by your eyelashes. Oh god, double no.

When they arrived, he bought a little extra time to think by saying, “What do you want? I’ll go and order.”

“Just chips, please.” Billy smiled at him, sitting down in a red plastic chair.

When Teddy returned to their table with a tray of food, he still hadn’t decided how to begin. The silence stretched on, Billy picking at his chips and waiting graciously for Teddy to speak.

Show time. It was now or, well, not never, but no matter what Billy had said earlier, he deserved a medal for putting up with Teddy’s bullshit. An explanation was the very least Teddy owed him. He pushed his burger to the side.

“I’m sorry,” he said suddenly.”I’ve been so awful. When I dropped you earlier, when — when I ran away last week,” he babbled, before stopping abruptly, not knowing quite how to continue. He glanced at Billy, who was watching him patiently. Bright red, Teddy squeezed his eyes shut and bowed his head in shame. “And… I kissed you.” he forced out in a whisper.

He sighed defeatedly, and a few tears slipped down his cheeks. “How do you do it? I’ve never met anyone like you. You’re so strong. You don’t hide who you are, no matter the consequences. I can’t — I’m so scared, Billy.” He looked up at Billy, begging him to understand.