[seen offscreen: rue crying in their backroom over such a special gift, belated or not]
My love, thank you so much for the gift. You didn't need to do anything for me, but I so appreciate you took the time to create something like this for me. It's beyond beautiful.
[Even if Rue can pick up that something is off, their greeting is as warm as ever, reaching gently for the man's hand in their paw and pecking a kiss to his cheek.]
My friend - [The rest of the world might be suffering from another one of Thirteen's less than pleasant trials, but Rue and Hob are blessedly still in high spirits from the wedding. No rainclouds trailing into their home today!] Seeing you always makes my heart so happy. Would you like to come inside? Or take a walk through the garden?
[No, no, no awkwardness with your mother. Come here for a soft, warm hug.]
I think that after the life you've lived, even a year might not be enough to fully be used to the change, don't you think? We've been through so much in these few short months here in Folkmore, but that doesn't mean we're always prepared for everything thrown our way. Or that we always know how to react once it's over.
It's alright if you aren't fully used to it yet. Honestly, I don't think even I am.
I find that cute and fun are some of my favorite styles too! Here - come take a look through some of the clothing racks I have over here. These are much more your style.
[There is a bottle of Fenris' favorite wine, a bouquet of fresh flowers, and a simple note in response to his beautiful letter.]
I am so endlessly proud of and happy for you. Please, my most darling friend in the world, know that I love you so dearly. Good luck to you both on this endeavor.
xxxxx - Rue
And don't forget to share all of the gossip with your favorite owlbear.
[THe dresses immediately remind her of the almost lolita type street fashion that she's seen before, though not as elaborate as those can get. Still her eyes are wide with wonder at the fashion.]
I've never really worn lace before, do you think it'll look okay on me?
[Her fashion has always leaned more simple cute, borderline tomboy for what she could afford, but she likes this, she just doesn't know if it will look good on her.]
[He turns it over appreciatively, looking well pleased at the gift. It's hard for him to even get buzzed these days thanks to a Mythic resistance to alcohol, so the quality and flavor of his wine matters even more than it used to.]
You spoil me. [He ducks briefly into the kitchen to fetch a pair of glasses for them, raising his voice so that it carries between the rooms.] Can you imagine if I'd called you here for something mundane? For all you knew, my news could have been as silly as achieving the top score on that dancing game I told you about at the wedding!
[At once Casey melts into the hug, quietly wallowing into their feathers as they speak, soaking in every word. He's quiet still for a little while after, thinking carefully on their words.]
I... guess that's true. There's still a lot of old habits I can't let go of. Maybe I never will.
[His mask, his gear- he doesn't feel safe, not entirely, unless he has them close by. Sometimes he can manage it without his grapple, and more often these days without his armour even under his clothes, like for parties or hangouts with Rue or date nights. But the mask, the chainstick. Always at his side. He needs it, or he can't breathe right, can't relax. Eight months can't undo a full lifetime of hypervigilance. The very basic concept of going barefoot still fills him with dread. (What if the Krang show up? What if they've spread their infection in the ground somewhere? It could be anywhere. On the street, in the woods, on his carpet- he can't. He can't. Socks or shoes, he needs a barrier.)
His fingers curl in Rue's feathers. He's not used to it, and... that's okay.]
...I'm... being too hard on myself again, aren't I. [It's not a question. Grace. He needs to give himself some grace.] You're not there yet, either?
[Their greeting is both a balm and a knife. Few others have ever treated him with as much kindness as Rue has, despite knowing his faults, but the topic he's come to discuss isn't a pleasant one. He hates knowing that the news he brings won't leave them happy for long.]
The garden, I think. [He brings his other hand about to clasp their paw lightly, but doesn't quite meet their eyes.] Your roses must be in full bloom by now.
[He'd noticed they were just coming in at Hunter's party a couple of weeks ago, the petals open but not yet unfurled. But more than appreciating their lovely color and aroma, he doesn't want to bring a storm and rain into Rue and Hob's home.]
[what is - oh spirits, what is even going on. a random text being called mama by their babiest son. it just sends rue's heart into a flutter, their face heating up beneath their feathers, happiness and affection and just utter love for Casey filling them up-]
Nah, the aesthetics are one thing, but they're also twin enchantments. That's too much to ask of anyone when I can just spend spoons to get a worthwhile version of it.
[ Or just the original, depending on how you look at it. ]
I have noticed that yes, that the community at large is very open and welcoming. It's certainly made getting my bearings a bit less harrowing than it could have been.
[Compared to some of his experiences, this was downright idyllic. Whatever the case he offered a smile to the owlbear at their offer, nodding their agreement.]
Case in point, I'll not forget your kind offer should the need arise. Thankfully for the moment, the only trouble I'm facing is these new horns of mine getting in the way, [With a wry chuckle, he offers his hat to Rue to inspect more closely if they desired, some manner of felted wool, the hat band a silk that while it was sturdy to the touch had an oddly delicate appearance.] Luckily the ends of the horns are the widest point, and aren't too curved- I've seen some configurations where a hat probably wouldn't even be possible to manage without some incredibly creative designing.
I know they will look beautiful on you! But - [they wave a paw towards their fitting rooms in the corner of the shop] If you'd rather see for yourself, you are free to try on anything you see.
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