πΉππππππ πΉπ ππΆ πππ (they/them) (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
ruevealing) wrote2023-08-05 10:44 pm
ruevealing) wrote2023-08-05 10:44 pm
[He makes a quiet, contented noise and buries his face against them, smiling softly into the feathers. The candle's nearly burned down, the light of the room dimming, but this is the first anniversary since Uncle Tello died that he feels brighter at the end of it, the first year where things will get better. He's no longer facing the end of the world, but the beginning of life.
Next year, maybe he'll feel excited for November 17th. Fireworks for Uncle Tello... real fireworks, real explosions. Yeah, he'd love that.]
Thank you... I love you.
[He's so fortunate to have a family here, people to share a memorial with, to share stories and grieve in his own way. And to think, he'd started this day intending to hide away and keep it to himself. How foolish of him! This is so much better. He never, ever wants to take this kindness for granted.]
Next year, maybe he'll feel excited for November 17th. Fireworks for Uncle Tello... real fireworks, real explosions. Yeah, he'd love that.]
Thank you... I love you.
[He's so fortunate to have a family here, people to share a memorial with, to share stories and grieve in his own way. And to think, he'd started this day intending to hide away and keep it to himself. How foolish of him! This is so much better. He never, ever wants to take this kindness for granted.]
[Rue might not understand the full extent of it, but they know that Casey turned to them in his moment of need and they were able to help him manage the hurt associated with such a difficult day. The mere fact that their darling boy is leaving this impromptu memorial with a smile means the world to Rue.
And truly, it is exactly what Donatello would have wanted.]
What do you say that we make some especially bland food in his honor? And perhaps watch some of the movies he loves most. I feel that would be a perfect way to end this day.
And truly, it is exactly what Donatello would have wanted.]
What do you say that we make some especially bland food in his honor? And perhaps watch some of the movies he loves most. I feel that would be a perfect way to end this day.
Oh- [That assurance at least makes the teenager relax a little.] I know you wouldn't, I'm just- all over the place, I guess.
I don't know what kind of bond you guys did, to be fair. I'm just kind of assuming wildly on my part.
I only ever really did like one bond with Leo.[He only draws his hand out of Rue's to gingerly roll up his sleeve on the other arm, revealing a mark on his arm. A heart meter telling him just how Leo is doing now.]
I don't know what kind of bond you guys did, to be fair. I'm just kind of assuming wildly on my part.
I only ever really did like one bond with Leo.[He only draws his hand out of Rue's to gingerly roll up his sleeve on the other arm, revealing a mark on his arm. A heart meter telling him just how Leo is doing now.]
[Not the first time he has been judged, nor the last.]
The recipes usually give you the right amount of eggs. May did a full twelve for some reason? [The texture was mysterious thanks to those eggs.]
Fire is kind of more... normal? Not good, but normal. Ned and I like ruined a microwave once at a sleepover.
The recipes usually give you the right amount of eggs. May did a full twelve for some reason? [The texture was mysterious thanks to those eggs.]
Fire is kind of more... normal? Not good, but normal. Ned and I like ruined a microwave once at a sleepover.
It's alright, Peter. You have nothing to fear. It is only me.
[And Rue's love for him is endless.]
I would be happy to explain anything you like, you need only ask. [If he does want the particulars, Rue will give them easily, but they also don't want to info dump on him if he's uninterested.]
And another bond of that kind is not something you want, correct?
[And Rue's love for him is endless.]
I would be happy to explain anything you like, you need only ask. [If he does want the particulars, Rue will give them easily, but they also don't want to info dump on him if he's uninterested.]
And another bond of that kind is not something you want, correct?
[He grins at that.]
As long as it's not rats or leaves. [Even Uncle Tello would be offended by that memorial meal, and most of that bland food they had in the future was generated in his greenhouse/storage facility.] Apple juice, and Atomic Lass. That's what we need. ...Oh! How about plain pancakes? Without any syrup.
As long as it's not rats or leaves. [Even Uncle Tello would be offended by that memorial meal, and most of that bland food they had in the future was generated in his greenhouse/storage facility.] Apple juice, and Atomic Lass. That's what we need. ...Oh! How about plain pancakes? Without any syrup.
Zero rats and zero leaves. Plain pancakes, however, we can do.
[Rue bends down to peck a kiss at the top of Casey's head before pulling away, offering instead, a paw for him to take. Time to take this celebration out into the kitchen.]
[Rue bends down to peck a kiss at the top of Casey's head before pulling away, offering instead, a paw for him to take. Time to take this celebration out into the kitchen.]
I do not wish to speak ill of your aunt, but I do not think I would ever allow her to use anything in my kitchen.
[joking!! sort of.]
[joking!! sort of.]
Yeah. Carver...she's grown up a lot over the years. For the longest time, he was comparing himself to me, using me as an excuse to be angry because I have magic and he doesn't. And maybe it's not just that, mom was the only one in the family other than him who had no magic. So dad spent a lot of time with me and Bethany, his twin sister, and I think Carver felt left out.
[which in retrospect is so very clear and she wants desperately to make up for it. but unless he comes here, there's no way of knowing to do so]
He isn't. I miss him so much. He's...complicated. He's the youngest of three brothers and he didn't really fit in because his parents already had the heir to the throne and the spare. So Sebastian...acted out. Partied constantly, fucked anyone who seemed vaguely interested, drank too much...basically everything he could to take his mind off the fact that his parents didn't love him.
Eventually, his parents got sick of him acting out and sent him to become a Chantry brother in Kirkwall. He had guards all the time to make sure he didn't succeed at running away. Even to the point where if he tried too hard, he'd be killed by his guards slash babysitters.
He did manage to run away once...but his parents had broken him down so much that he didn't feel like he had a choice but to stay at the Chantry. He learned to love it there, but it's kind of like a captive learning to love its captor.
[which in retrospect is so very clear and she wants desperately to make up for it. but unless he comes here, there's no way of knowing to do so]
He isn't. I miss him so much. He's...complicated. He's the youngest of three brothers and he didn't really fit in because his parents already had the heir to the throne and the spare. So Sebastian...acted out. Partied constantly, fucked anyone who seemed vaguely interested, drank too much...basically everything he could to take his mind off the fact that his parents didn't love him.
Eventually, his parents got sick of him acting out and sent him to become a Chantry brother in Kirkwall. He had guards all the time to make sure he didn't succeed at running away. Even to the point where if he tried too hard, he'd be killed by his guards slash babysitters.
He did manage to run away once...but his parents had broken him down so much that he didn't feel like he had a choice but to stay at the Chantry. He learned to love it there, but it's kind of like a captive learning to love its captor.
Well, I want to know what kind of bond you, Leo, and- everyone else has? Is it like different?
Leo and I can kind of tell how the other is doing with this. So if he's hurt or in danger I can tell. [He's obviously not sure how most of the magic in this place actually works for the most part.]
Leo and I can kind of tell how the other is doing with this. So if he's hurt or in danger I can tell. [He's obviously not sure how most of the magic in this place actually works for the most part.]
It is very similar to that in a sense. I've picked certain comfort items out with each boy for each of us. So for example - [Rue lifts their wrist and parts some of their feathers to show off the bracelet nestled there.] Leo and I have matching bracelets. Anytime that one of us touches one, both of us are enveloped in a gentle feeling of comfort. So anytime I think of him, I can brush my talons over it and he will know he is in my thoughts.
They also let us know if the other is in danger, as well as leading us straight to one another. When I was attacked, it is the only reason Casey was able to find me in time.
They also let us know if the other is in danger, as well as leading us straight to one another. When I was attacked, it is the only reason Casey was able to find me in time.
[Peter is quiet as Rue speaks, just taking in the information.] That's really useful honestly. Now I'm like... second guessing myself. [He laughs a little self-consciously.]
Leo and I just- have a soulmate bond. We talked about a familiar and legend bond briefly, but the soulmate thing felt right. I think anyone can have one though? If- you'd want to do that.
Because, I do consider you my parent. I never knew my birth parents, I don't even remember their faces or voices at this point, but... I had May and Ben. I'm afraid I'll lose you too if I'm like... officially your son? If that makes sense.
[They talked a bit about it before, but Peter feels better just laying it out plainly.]
Leo and I just- have a soulmate bond. We talked about a familiar and legend bond briefly, but the soulmate thing felt right. I think anyone can have one though? If- you'd want to do that.
Because, I do consider you my parent. I never knew my birth parents, I don't even remember their faces or voices at this point, but... I had May and Ben. I'm afraid I'll lose you too if I'm like... officially your son? If that makes sense.
[They talked a bit about it before, but Peter feels better just laying it out plainly.]
[They huff out a soft laugh.] You are quite right. That was never my initial intention with my asking, but it is quite the added benefit.
[A constant reminder of their love, a way to track them down if things go terribly wrong - the bonds they've made with each boy are so precious to them.
But the owlbear's brow pinches at Peter's words, the same way they always do whenever he brings this one particular fear of his up.]
Peter, I promise I am not trying to challenge you or change your mind, it is not about that. But I do not wish for you to hold back out of fear simply of me getting hurt. Forgive me for being blunt, but I was near dead when Casey found me. I - if he had been only a minute later, I would not have lived. I was not yours then and it still happened. Tragedies can, unfortunately, happen out of nowhere. To refrain from something you want out of fear of some unknown happening, only for it to happen anyway - I just don't want you to be left in regret.
[A feathery palm finds his cheek, cupping it.]
That does not mean I'm asking you to accept my offer. I just want you to reject it because it is not what you want or are ready for, not because you are afraid. As I have told Casey, fae are notoriously difficult to kill and that goes for me. I let my guard down once around a human with iron and I paid the price, but I never will again.
[A constant reminder of their love, a way to track them down if things go terribly wrong - the bonds they've made with each boy are so precious to them.
But the owlbear's brow pinches at Peter's words, the same way they always do whenever he brings this one particular fear of his up.]
Peter, I promise I am not trying to challenge you or change your mind, it is not about that. But I do not wish for you to hold back out of fear simply of me getting hurt. Forgive me for being blunt, but I was near dead when Casey found me. I - if he had been only a minute later, I would not have lived. I was not yours then and it still happened. Tragedies can, unfortunately, happen out of nowhere. To refrain from something you want out of fear of some unknown happening, only for it to happen anyway - I just don't want you to be left in regret.
[A feathery palm finds his cheek, cupping it.]
That does not mean I'm asking you to accept my offer. I just want you to reject it because it is not what you want or are ready for, not because you are afraid. As I have told Casey, fae are notoriously difficult to kill and that goes for me. I let my guard down once around a human with iron and I paid the price, but I never will again.
[Peter is relaxed under Rue's paw, just releasing a soft exhale. He's glad fae are hard to kill, but knowing the extent of how hurt Rue was... it leaves Peter's stomach feeling like it's tangled in a knot.
It will always be a struggle against his want to protect everyone and the obvious fact he can't do that. He's not some shield meant to take harm for everyone else. None of them would want that. He wishes he could do more, could help, but he's starting to understand some of his limitations.
He's not sure where he stands as Spider-Man right now, but as Peter.
Maybe he's getting a better idea of being Peter fully. He's not sure yet.] I know tragedies can still happen. I... I'm trying to remind myself that I can't stop those, I can't magically fix everything. I'm not responsible for everyone's well being, even if I feel that way sometimes. [He's just trying for honesty, directness with Rue. He's heard them, he wants them to know that.]
I just wanted to talk with you first, I'm sorry I brought that up again, it felt like- I needed to just say it. So you know why I am saying yes, but, framing it a little differently. I'm just... kind of a tangled mess sometimes.
I want to accept the offer. I am accepting the offer. Just a little differently, if, you're okay with a soulmate bond...?
It will always be a struggle against his want to protect everyone and the obvious fact he can't do that. He's not some shield meant to take harm for everyone else. None of them would want that. He wishes he could do more, could help, but he's starting to understand some of his limitations.
He's not sure where he stands as Spider-Man right now, but as Peter.
Maybe he's getting a better idea of being Peter fully. He's not sure yet.] I know tragedies can still happen. I... I'm trying to remind myself that I can't stop those, I can't magically fix everything. I'm not responsible for everyone's well being, even if I feel that way sometimes. [He's just trying for honesty, directness with Rue. He's heard them, he wants them to know that.]
I just wanted to talk with you first, I'm sorry I brought that up again, it felt like- I needed to just say it. So you know why I am saying yes, but, framing it a little differently. I'm just... kind of a tangled mess sometimes.
I want to accept the offer. I am accepting the offer. Just a little differently, if, you're okay with a soulmate bond...?
[Now that all of that is beside them, Rue is just going to draw Peter in close for a proper hug, wrapping him up in their wings.]
You do not need to apologize. For what it is worth, I understand where that fear comes from and I would never say your feelings are not valid. I'm just butting myself in and gently reminding you to not let fear make your decisions for you. That is all. You know all I have ever wanted for you was your happiness, Peter.
[And the chance to grow up and find out just who he wants to become, without all of the pressures of his former superhero life.]
You're not a mess, tangled or otherwise. You are my darling boy and I appreciate you speaking so openly with me. I would like to call you my son, but if that makes you uncomfortable, I will refrain. Tell me how you would like me to navigate this relationship and this new soulmate bond, because I would be so joyful for anything you would be willing to offer me.
You do not need to apologize. For what it is worth, I understand where that fear comes from and I would never say your feelings are not valid. I'm just butting myself in and gently reminding you to not let fear make your decisions for you. That is all. You know all I have ever wanted for you was your happiness, Peter.
[And the chance to grow up and find out just who he wants to become, without all of the pressures of his former superhero life.]
You're not a mess, tangled or otherwise. You are my darling boy and I appreciate you speaking so openly with me. I would like to call you my son, but if that makes you uncomfortable, I will refrain. Tell me how you would like me to navigate this relationship and this new soulmate bond, because I would be so joyful for anything you would be willing to offer me.
[Peter peers up at Rue through the embrace, but returns it readily enough. He misses May, desperately at times. Other times he can forget he'll never see her again. Rue's presence helps, a comforting figure who listens to him in the way May does.
Shakes him out of funks in a similar way too, though May has less patience for it than Rue does.]
I do want you as my parent, I mean, I keep calling you my parent, or mom, which I'm sorry if that's like unnecessarily gendered or something, it kind of just happened like a few times. I think a soulbond thing would make me feel better too.
[He is now getting a little sidetracked.] I think I like accidentally convinced Steve Rogers, the bigger one, that you're like actually my mom, so, I don't know how I'm going to explain that, because I don't super know the guy. He's Captain America, an Avenger back home and its like weird, since he doesn't know I'm Spider-Man, and I know who he is, its-
[Good luck, Rue.]
Shakes him out of funks in a similar way too, though May has less patience for it than Rue does.]
I do want you as my parent, I mean, I keep calling you my parent, or mom, which I'm sorry if that's like unnecessarily gendered or something, it kind of just happened like a few times. I think a soulbond thing would make me feel better too.
[He is now getting a little sidetracked.] I think I like accidentally convinced Steve Rogers, the bigger one, that you're like actually my mom, so, I don't know how I'm going to explain that, because I don't super know the guy. He's Captain America, an Avenger back home and its like weird, since he doesn't know I'm Spider-Man, and I know who he is, its-
[Good luck, Rue.]
[Let's be honest, Rue being accidentally mistaken as Peter's true mother is about the highest compliment they could be given.]
Well - [politely cutting him off.] I'm happy to let Steve believe it as long as possible. [Look, it could be real!!!] Speaking of, I do not mind the term mom or mother at all. That is what Casey and Hunter have taken to calling me and I adore it dearly. If you should like to call me the same, you may.
[Rue imagines that Hob's great, fuzzy ears must be unintentionally listening in and he is likely melting on the spot at Peter referring to Rue as 'mom'.]
Then that is what we shall do. A soulbond.
Well - [politely cutting him off.] I'm happy to let Steve believe it as long as possible. [Look, it could be real!!!] Speaking of, I do not mind the term mom or mother at all. That is what Casey and Hunter have taken to calling me and I adore it dearly. If you should like to call me the same, you may.
[Rue imagines that Hob's great, fuzzy ears must be unintentionally listening in and he is likely melting on the spot at Peter referring to Rue as 'mom'.]
Then that is what we shall do. A soulbond.
[alright, now he's going to get smothered in owlbear kisses and gentle tickles of their talons up and down his side.]
You're right! My life would be utterly boring without you.
You're right! My life would be utterly boring without you.
[His words certainly were not intended to hurt, though to hear Casey might be more willing to lie to them if he was more capable leaves a strange ache in Rue's chest behind. Do they stick their beak into everyone's business more than they should? Is it coming off too overbearing, even for a parent?
Another stray tear or two get lost against the feathers of their face, but Rue quickly blinks the rest back.]
Healing does not always take the most logical path. I know Leo and Peter still struggle with their hurts, but you and I and the rest of the family will be there to remind them of their strength and how dearly loved they are, and support them however best we can.
[For however long they must. Rue knows all too well that some things just do not heal with time.]
And darling, though you do not have to share every problem or burden with me, I hope that you know none are too heavy for me to help you carry. No matter what, if you will allow me, I will be there.
Another stray tear or two get lost against the feathers of their face, but Rue quickly blinks the rest back.]
Healing does not always take the most logical path. I know Leo and Peter still struggle with their hurts, but you and I and the rest of the family will be there to remind them of their strength and how dearly loved they are, and support them however best we can.
[For however long they must. Rue knows all too well that some things just do not heal with time.]
And darling, though you do not have to share every problem or burden with me, I hope that you know none are too heavy for me to help you carry. No matter what, if you will allow me, I will be there.
[Leo loves Rue, Leo knows Rue would never hate him for this so he's portaling directly into their living room with such a specific energy]
Rue, Rue rue rue rue I gotta tell you somethin- [Don't mind him half climbing over whatever furniture is in front of him, he's got one arm and he's gonna use it]
Rue, Rue rue rue rue I gotta tell you somethin- [Don't mind him half climbing over whatever furniture is in front of him, he's got one arm and he's gonna use it]
Leo!
[He's absolutely right, Rue only brightens at his sudden appearance in the middle of their home, moving over to join the turtle immediately. They aren't quite capable of the same exact energy, but with Leo, they certainly lean a little into that nasty gremlin vibe.]
What is it, darling? What's going on? I simply must know!
[He's absolutely right, Rue only brightens at his sudden appearance in the middle of their home, moving over to join the turtle immediately. They aren't quite capable of the same exact energy, but with Leo, they certainly lean a little into that nasty gremlin vibe.]
What is it, darling? What's going on? I simply must know!
Well, of course, but he told you this? He did not speak to me!
[betrayal!!!!]
[betrayal!!!!]
He told me while I was still stuck at their place after the whole arm thing, all the stuff that happened then is starting to come back to me.
I dunno when, but he's gonna do it and I said I'd help so I have the inside scoop.
[He thinks he does. He has no idea what happened at Detention.]
I dunno when, but he's gonna do it and I said I'd help so I have the inside scoop.
[He thinks he does. He has no idea what happened at Detention.]
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