It took a few moments, but realization set in. That was what this was all about. Teddy thought that he was losing interest. Billy pressed his head against Teddy's chest and wrapped his arms tightly around the other teen's torso.
"I didn't realize..." he whispered again, fingers stroking lightly across the fabric of Teddy's shirt. "I wasn't trying to push you away, I swear." I was trying to figure out a way to keep you. "And I promise, in the extreme unlikelihood that my feelings change, I will tell you."