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[ruevealing]

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text; sometime after hob's departure

[neonleon]

primetimechampion: i sense something changed
primetimechampion: u ok?
primetimechampion: need any company?

text | un: rue

[ruevealing]

[how does he know.]

I would never say no to your company, but please, do not put yourself out for my sake.

[neonleon]

[He's just good like that.]

primetimechampion: pls its not putting myself out
primetimechampion: its me checking my friend

[ruevealing]

[LEO

It takes them a good solid minute or two to respond, fighting against their very nature that tells them to keep everything they are going through only to themself. But in the end, these bonds they've made are too strong to hide away from.]

Please come. My heart is not well.

1/2

[neonleon]

primetimechampion: yep omw

[neonleon]

[Then about half an hour later.]

primetimechampion: are you home ?

[ruevealing]

Yes, I currently am. But you are not at the door. Where are you?

[And almost IMMEDIATELY after:]

Spirits!! I forgot to announce it more publicly, but before the wedding, we moved! I am in apartment A-1 right now. Oh dear, I hope you are not knocking at the old place.

[neonleon]

primetimechampion: oh
primetimechampion: ok yeah ill head that way
primetimechampion: wondered bc u didnt answer the door the last few weeks
primetimechampion: gimme another ten minutes

[ruevealing]

[goodbye rue is just going to throw themself off the balcony now]

I can not apologize enough for this, Leo.

[neonleon]

primetimechampion: its all gucci no biggie

[KNOCK KNOCK.]

[ruevealing]

[But also consider, all of the biggies.

But just as promised, the owlbear is indeed home and answers right after that first knock, already stepping aside to let Leo in. As for them, of course he is spot on in his worry, Rue looks out of sorts, reserved and dulled, a touch more shimmery-eyed than normal.

The living room, however, is picture perfect, not a thing out of place. Rue has been finding any way they an to keep busy.]

I'm so sorry for that roundabout trip.

[neonleon]

[Oh boy. He can recognize someone on their last thread easily as he looks between them and the living room.]

Seriously, it's fine. Figured you were busy the whole time. [But he holds up a bag that's just full of different flavored pint ice creams and drinks.]

I come bearing gifts.

[ruevealing]

[Oh.

Ice cream and drinks. Unexpected gifts just for them. Rue is not used to this kind of treatment from anyone but Hob.

Their beak trembles.]

Leo, I do not understand. How did you know?

[neonleon]

Know what?

[ruevealing]

[Well, that just makes them suck in a breath, trying to keep from bursting into tears.]

That - That I was in such desperate need of company? That I was feeling hopelessly alone?

[neonleon]

Couldn't sense that, but I could sense I wanted to hang out with my trusted adult friend and have ice cream and drinks with them.

[ruevealing]

Oh.

[they feel terribly ridiculous]

Certainly, my friend. Please, come in and sit. I'll get us utensils.

[neonleon]

Sure...

[But that he can pick up on easily.]

Hey- Something did happen though. Didn't it.

[ruevealing]

[The most astute turtle Rue has ever met.

They pause briefly, before giving the slowest nod of their head.]

Yes. I have been unable to find any respite from this heartache.

[neonleon]

[Oh no.

There's only one thing that could cause Rue heartache right now. He sets the bag down on the coffee table and comes to rest a hand on their arm.]

...What happened to Hob?

[ruevealing]

[Rue positively melts under that touch, the straightness of their posture just dissolving, shoulders slumping slightly, the exhaustion and hurt they've been carrying around suddenly all too obvious.]

He left! He left! With nothing but a letter and a promise to return, he just left. Without me.

[neonleon]

[Leo never got to meet the bugbear. From the way Rue talked about him, Hob was the utmost gentleman and loved them profusely. Rue was genuinely happy at that wedding, happier than Leo thought anyone could be.

To leave them behind with just a note?

He's on watch now. It'll be on sight, Knickolas Hob.

Leo squeezes their arm gently before pulling them into a hug.]

That sucks. I'm sorry.

[ruevealing]

[The second he begins pulling them into a hug, Rue is throwing their wings around Leo and absolutely squeezing him, crying softly at his shoulder.]

He was terrified after the artifacts. So worried he would have accidentally harmed me while under their influence - I know that we both had such fearful experiences with them. But I still would have taken that over being left behind. I'm -

[The noise that falls from their beak is the softest, saddest hoot of a sound.]

I'm so hurt.

[neonleon]

[THAT SOUND IS SO SAD. It hits right in his heart, his chest tightening under his plastron. He gives Rue a squeeze not moving out of that hug yet. No reason to just yet.]

I'm sorry, Rue. I wish I could fix it, but- You've got a lot of folks here who care about you. And I have zero plans tonight except to hang out with you.

[ruevealing]

[He'll be trapped here for at least a few more long, squeeze seconds.]

Thank you, Leo, but I do not think I shall be very pleasant company tonight. I'm afraid I'm having trouble thinking of anything else. But I very much appreciate your company.