Tommy winced inwardly. He wasn't looking forward to the part of this where he had to try to explain things to Billy and David. Or anyone else. He knew it wasn't going to make sense or seem ... healthy or whatever. But he'd been ignoring what was healthy for a long time anyway. He felt guilty and confused and nervous as hell. But beneath it, he couldn't help a steady little stream of happiness. Teddy didn't hate him. Teddy loved him. Teddy didn't blame him. It was like being able to breathe for the first time after years of dragging in shallow gasps.

"Uh yeah, sure. Whatever they're used to is good, I guess?" Tommy said. "I don't want to freak them out, Ted." The version of him they knew right now, they obviously loved. Tommy didn't want the real him to take that away from them.