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
Leo - [Rue follows him up with a laugh.]
It's yours! Of course you may. Even better to make sure there's no alterations you'd like. I kept it very basic, but you know me. If you'd like to bedazzle it, I wouldn't be at all opposed.
It's yours! Of course you may. Even better to make sure there's no alterations you'd like. I kept it very basic, but you know me. If you'd like to bedazzle it, I wouldn't be at all opposed.
I didn't wanna suggest bedazzling your hard beautiful work, but if you're offering-
[He smiles and heads the direction they pointed, to the back where clearly only the most trusted of models can venture. Or family. Or just super amazing awesome turtle customers. Whichever Rue wants to count him as.]
I'm sure it'll be beautiful no matter what you do.
[He smiles and heads the direction they pointed, to the back where clearly only the most trusted of models can venture. Or family. Or just super amazing awesome turtle customers. Whichever Rue wants to count him as.]
I'm sure it'll be beautiful no matter what you do.
[he's such a nerd, it's just their craft room omg!! as if leo does not have free rein of their cottage already!]
You're correct, but I'll still add points for the flattery. And please, there are very few things in this world that do not look improved with rhinestones.
[Just going to guide him back to the craft room. It's more cleared out than normal, mostly because Rue has moved most of their sewing supplies to the shop, but they still have more than enough to embellish a santa suit. And just as they promised, when they pull said suit out, it is perfectly replicated from any hallmark movie version of santa, from the white, furry trim to the black, buckled belt to the draped, pointy hat.]
You're correct, but I'll still add points for the flattery. And please, there are very few things in this world that do not look improved with rhinestones.
[Just going to guide him back to the craft room. It's more cleared out than normal, mostly because Rue has moved most of their sewing supplies to the shop, but they still have more than enough to embellish a santa suit. And just as they promised, when they pull said suit out, it is perfectly replicated from any hallmark movie version of santa, from the white, furry trim to the black, buckled belt to the draped, pointy hat.]
[There is a very gentle tap-scratch on the door of Rue's shop, after school and close to the end of their work day. Should they open the door, they'll find a familiar little owlbear cub, sitting patiently on his haunches, with a bright red ribbon around his neck as if he's a present, and two envelopes held in his beak. Hello!]
[Could there be a better gift than this? Rue sincerely doubts it.
Their expression melts at the sight of Casey in his owlbear form, all wrapped up like a gift at their door, before they are reaching out to delicately pluck the envelopes from his beak as they usher him inside.]
It's so chilly out there, please come in quick and then I will sweep you up into a proper hug.
Their expression melts at the sight of Casey in his owlbear form, all wrapped up like a gift at their door, before they are reaching out to delicately pluck the envelopes from his beak as they usher him inside.]
It's so chilly out there, please come in quick and then I will sweep you up into a proper hug.
[He scampers in at once, giving one full-bodied, exaggerated shiver as if trying to shake off the cold itself. Once they've closed the door and turned back to him, he lifts himself to rest his front paws lightly against their dress, reaching up. Hug, please and thank you, he's ready when you are.
The envelopes are 1) the format of his usual letters, labelled with today's date, and 2) a simple cardstock that is sealed and has written across the front:
owlbear lessons?
do not open until I go home
<3]
The envelopes are 1) the format of his usual letters, labelled with today's date, and 2) a simple cardstock that is sealed and has written across the front:
owlbear lessons?
do not open until I go home
<3]
[Rue loves a good surprise.
They'll just tuck both envelopes into their pocket so they can turn their full attention to the owlbear balancing on two feet, a delighted laugh already bubbling up out of them as they wrap Casey up in their wings. After so many months of scooping this human boy up for hugs, it's still such an odd feeling to feel these downy feathers and such strong, broad shoulders.
But it's a feeling Rue loves, if their soft trill in greeting means anything.]
My boy.
[Casey in any form is their favorite, but maybe seeing him like this alights something especially warm in their heart.]
Feel ready for a few lessons, do you?
They'll just tuck both envelopes into their pocket so they can turn their full attention to the owlbear balancing on two feet, a delighted laugh already bubbling up out of them as they wrap Casey up in their wings. After so many months of scooping this human boy up for hugs, it's still such an odd feeling to feel these downy feathers and such strong, broad shoulders.
But it's a feeling Rue loves, if their soft trill in greeting means anything.]
My boy.
[Casey in any form is their favorite, but maybe seeing him like this alights something especially warm in their heart.]
Feel ready for a few lessons, do you?
[Casey returns the trill eagerly, melting into the hug and butting his head affectionately against Rue's. He's definitely ready! As soon as they're ready to close up shop and give him their full attention. (RIP to whatever customer might've wanted a custom order tonight.)]
[Rue has never been the type to take an early afternoon off in their life, but there is just no way they can wait the last half hour of the day before giving their son their full attention.
So they return those headbutts with a few affectionate preens at his feathery cheek before Rue's releasing Casey with a squeeze and turning to flip the boutique's 'open' light in the window off.]
I imagine the movements will come easier than the speaking, but with consistent practice, you'll get there in no time. You already have a leg up considering you've spoken before. I imagine my difficulty in learning laid greatly in my lack of practice. Oh! And here -
[Just a few things to tuck away and Rue is his entirely, but while he's waiting, they hum out a quick tune and cast Speak with Animals.]
There! I should be able to at least understand you through owlbear chirps now.
So they return those headbutts with a few affectionate preens at his feathery cheek before Rue's releasing Casey with a squeeze and turning to flip the boutique's 'open' light in the window off.]
I imagine the movements will come easier than the speaking, but with consistent practice, you'll get there in no time. You already have a leg up considering you've spoken before. I imagine my difficulty in learning laid greatly in my lack of practice. Oh! And here -
[Just a few things to tuck away and Rue is his entirely, but while he's waiting, they hum out a quick tune and cast Speak with Animals.]
There! I should be able to at least understand you through owlbear chirps now.
You're always important, then. Because you're stuck with us.
[They're not going anywhere. Even if some of them are confused or stubborn, even if sometimes they panic and run away, even if they can't let themselves be adopted for one complicated and understandable reason or another. They'll come back. Rue's provided a home, a nest, a fixed point. For Casey, Rue is a base. You always know where the base is, no matter how far you wander. The base means safety, security, shelter. The base is where your family is.
When things go bad, you run back to base. He goes to Rue. Same thing.]
How important are we to you?
[It sounds like a self-serving question, but he does have a purpose, honest.]
[They're not going anywhere. Even if some of them are confused or stubborn, even if sometimes they panic and run away, even if they can't let themselves be adopted for one complicated and understandable reason or another. They'll come back. Rue's provided a home, a nest, a fixed point. For Casey, Rue is a base. You always know where the base is, no matter how far you wander. The base means safety, security, shelter. The base is where your family is.
When things go bad, you run back to base. He goes to Rue. Same thing.]
How important are we to you?
[It sounds like a self-serving question, but he does have a purpose, honest.]
[Casey follows them along on all fours, dutifully watching the closing-up steps with interest and sharp eyes, just in case. You never know what knowledge might be useful in this world. Occasionally when Rue is standing in one place fiddling or fussing with something, he'll push himself up onto his back legs, seeing how long he can balance himself without falling. (Harder than it looks, turns out.)
When Rue hums and casts their spell, his ear tufts perk up, recognizing the tune. The turtle spell! Oh, that's smart. He trills and chirps curiously.]
Understand? Me, understand?
When Rue hums and casts their spell, his ear tufts perk up, recognizing the tune. The turtle spell! Oh, that's smart. He trills and chirps curiously.]
Understand? Me, understand?
[Leo looks absolutely in awe of it. The work of it from his simple not-the-best sketch to the details of the stitching and embroidery happening in all the right places. Rather than jumping for joy excited like he normally would be, he's awestruck.]
It's perfect.
It's perfect.
Believe me, I will follow you boys anywhere. I have no fears there.
[Whether that is to remain in Folkmore, to return to New York, or to journey on forward to another realm entirely, Rue will be right there following at their heels, dragging Hob behind them.
But then Casey asks the most important question and the owlbear doesn't even hesitate in answering.]
In the life I lived before, I was completely untethered. An honored member of a court I had no love for, raised in a place that never once felt like home, with fae who never felt like family. I thought of myself as orphaned, forever drifting between parties so that I never had a single moment to myself to realize how I felt like a stranger within my own home. After thousands of years of wanting nothing but family and connections, I found I was still bound to no one, adrift with nowhere to land.
And then, out of pure luck during a Bloom, I met Hob and finally I had a single tether to cling to, someone who understood, how lost and aimless and alone I'd felt the whole of my life. And then I lost him too.
But in the wake of that, I realized my connections with Donnie and Leo and Peter had grown stronger than I ever thought myself capable of, and then there was you and Raph and darling Hunter. Then suddenly, I had not one but six ties stretching back to me, a cottage of my own but one that I could share with each of you, a place made into a home by all of the love you all brought into it.
[It's a very roundabout answer, but Rue feels the history is important. Rue did not grow up like the Hamatos or Casey, deeply loved and cared for. For many a millennia, Rue was just simply alone.
Their talon hooks gently under Casey's chin, angling it up just enough where Rue can meet his gaze. It must be no surprise that they are radiant in their joy getting to answer this.]
You all are my heartbeat, my every happiness, the very reason the sun rises each day in my life. There is nothing I wouldn't do for any of you. I can not think of a single thing more important.
[Whether that is to remain in Folkmore, to return to New York, or to journey on forward to another realm entirely, Rue will be right there following at their heels, dragging Hob behind them.
But then Casey asks the most important question and the owlbear doesn't even hesitate in answering.]
In the life I lived before, I was completely untethered. An honored member of a court I had no love for, raised in a place that never once felt like home, with fae who never felt like family. I thought of myself as orphaned, forever drifting between parties so that I never had a single moment to myself to realize how I felt like a stranger within my own home. After thousands of years of wanting nothing but family and connections, I found I was still bound to no one, adrift with nowhere to land.
And then, out of pure luck during a Bloom, I met Hob and finally I had a single tether to cling to, someone who understood, how lost and aimless and alone I'd felt the whole of my life. And then I lost him too.
But in the wake of that, I realized my connections with Donnie and Leo and Peter had grown stronger than I ever thought myself capable of, and then there was you and Raph and darling Hunter. Then suddenly, I had not one but six ties stretching back to me, a cottage of my own but one that I could share with each of you, a place made into a home by all of the love you all brought into it.
[It's a very roundabout answer, but Rue feels the history is important. Rue did not grow up like the Hamatos or Casey, deeply loved and cared for. For many a millennia, Rue was just simply alone.
Their talon hooks gently under Casey's chin, angling it up just enough where Rue can meet his gaze. It must be no surprise that they are radiant in their joy getting to answer this.]
You all are my heartbeat, my every happiness, the very reason the sun rises each day in my life. There is nothing I wouldn't do for any of you. I can not think of a single thing more important.
Edited 2023-12-22 09:01 (UTC)
[Christmas Eve, Rue gets a delivery to their doorstep (next to a box for Hob as well). Inside: Rue-sized sketchbook and tools for design ideas, Rue-sized kitchenware for baking, and a group of photos in an elegant frame from the holiday party of everyone, including Rue and Hob together.]
[Rue returning to New York with them admittedly makes the idea of going back there far less daunting. Leo, Donnie, and Raph want to go home and see the rest of the family, but Casey doesn't have a home there, and the family aspect is nebulous without this place and the memories made here. Rue and all the connections gained in this world could make it a home, if they all go together.
He listens to their words with wide eyes - though he was clearly asking for it, placing such a question at their feet to be considered - his mind spinning with how much of an answer it was. It takes him a long moment after they finish to remember what the heck he meant by that question.]
W-well... think about all of that, and imagine it's us feeling it instead of you. A lot of us have lost people, or been isolated, or gone through terrible things. We came from different worlds, different timelines. Now we're connected to you, and to each other. It's... overwhelming. So we don't always handle it like we should. And maybe sometimes we freak out and have to run away, or we have to think about it before we let the connection stick. And...
[He trails off, quiet for a long moment.]
...And, I forgot where I was going with this. [A fluster rushes to his cheeks, and he covers his face with his hands.] Everything you said was too good! I should've gone first! Um- I just wanna say we love you!
He listens to their words with wide eyes - though he was clearly asking for it, placing such a question at their feet to be considered - his mind spinning with how much of an answer it was. It takes him a long moment after they finish to remember what the heck he meant by that question.]
W-well... think about all of that, and imagine it's us feeling it instead of you. A lot of us have lost people, or been isolated, or gone through terrible things. We came from different worlds, different timelines. Now we're connected to you, and to each other. It's... overwhelming. So we don't always handle it like we should. And maybe sometimes we freak out and have to run away, or we have to think about it before we let the connection stick. And...
[He trails off, quiet for a long moment.]
...And, I forgot where I was going with this. [A fluster rushes to his cheeks, and he covers his face with his hands.] Everything you said was too good! I should've gone first! Um- I just wanna say we love you!
[It isn't until later that afternoon after family activities are over when Rue has a chance to make their own delivery.
The package comes wrapped in glittering paper and an oversize bow, and once the box inside is opened, a tiny poof of magical confetti will shoot up and gently scatter right back into the box (mess-proof!) The gift inside is a dozen hand-painted glass ornaments in shades of blue with streaks of gold running through them. Along with the gift, there is a brief handwritten note inside as well.]
My darling friend,
Wishing you a wonderful holiday with your dearest loved ones and an equally joyful New Year! As we inch ever closer through the harsh winter towards the spring, I hope that you have the chance to rest and recover after the long year we have all endured. With spring comes replenishment and rebirth, the chance for new possibilities and new delights, but among all of the beauty of the new, we must remember to tend to ourselves as well. (What I mean to say plainly is to give yourself a break! You very much deserve it.)
I look forward to enjoying your friendship into the new year.
Affectionately yours,
Delloso de la Rue β‘
The package comes wrapped in glittering paper and an oversize bow, and once the box inside is opened, a tiny poof of magical confetti will shoot up and gently scatter right back into the box (mess-proof!) The gift inside is a dozen hand-painted glass ornaments in shades of blue with streaks of gold running through them. Along with the gift, there is a brief handwritten note inside as well.]
My darling friend,
Wishing you a wonderful holiday with your dearest loved ones and an equally joyful New Year! As we inch ever closer through the harsh winter towards the spring, I hope that you have the chance to rest and recover after the long year we have all endured. With spring comes replenishment and rebirth, the chance for new possibilities and new delights, but among all of the beauty of the new, we must remember to tend to ourselves as well. (What I mean to say plainly is to give yourself a break! You very much deserve it.)
I look forward to enjoying your friendship into the new year.
Affectionately yours,
Delloso de la Rue β‘
[Maybe it's silly how such a gentle, quiet reaction almost touches Rue more than his normal over-the-top ones, but it makes the moment feel infinitely more powerful.
They nudge the hanger into his hands.] Go ahead and try it on. We can add whatever embellishments we prefer after.
They nudge the hanger into his hands.] Go ahead and try it on. We can add whatever embellishments we prefer after.
[His whole face feels warmer than usual, and maybe that's because Rue is taking his silly little holiday idea seriously. He wants to do this, wants to be bright and joyous at their party.
(And maybe it'll remind him of his promise to Rue, to be festive and welcoming to Hob despite his thoughts.)
Leo takes the hanger with the suit in his hand, trying to gather it all up so it doesn't drag on the floor.]
Yeah, no uh. Definitely. Trying that on now. [Don't mind him carefully setting it on the nearest chair or coat hanger so he can start working it off with the one hand and get it on. Not like he showed up wearing clothes.]
(And maybe it'll remind him of his promise to Rue, to be festive and welcoming to Hob despite his thoughts.)
Leo takes the hanger with the suit in his hand, trying to gather it all up so it doesn't drag on the floor.]
Yeah, no uh. Definitely. Trying that on now. [Don't mind him carefully setting it on the nearest chair or coat hanger so he can start working it off with the one hand and get it on. Not like he showed up wearing clothes.]
There you are!
[Rue turns back from locking up the register to catch Casey up on two feet, so they cross the short distance to grab each of his front paws in their own, helping to hold him steady.
Though the memory of learning to speak is a little more fuzzy in their mind, they do remember how physically strenuous it was to learn to walk exclusively on two feet. Bears just weren't built for that kind of continued balance.]
I understand you perfectly, darling.
[Rue turns back from locking up the register to catch Casey up on two feet, so they cross the short distance to grab each of his front paws in their own, helping to hold him steady.
Though the memory of learning to speak is a little more fuzzy in their mind, they do remember how physically strenuous it was to learn to walk exclusively on two feet. Bears just weren't built for that kind of continued balance.]
I understand you perfectly, darling.
[He sets free a series of quick, happy chirps - the owlbear equivalent of "yaaaaay" more or less - and curls his claws around Rue's, toddling forward with more stability now that he has their weight to lean on if he starts to lose balance.]
Hard. Bottom... heavy.
[He's got more junk in the trunk like this than the scrawny human mode. It is way harder on two legs than four.]
Hard. Bottom... heavy.
[He's got more junk in the trunk like this than the scrawny human mode. It is way harder on two legs than four.]
[With their paws curled around his - and what a feeling that is, to feel another owlbear's feathery-soft, taloned paw within theirs - Rue gives a playful squeeze, laughing as they take a small step backwards, leading Casey along with them.]
Now you know how I feel!
[I'm sorry, Casey, but you've got a Pixar mom.]
Even with such practice, owlbears were never made to walk for such extended periods on their back legs. But still, you will learn in time, just as I did.
Now you know how I feel!
[I'm sorry, Casey, but you've got a Pixar mom.]
Even with such practice, owlbears were never made to walk for such extended periods on their back legs. But still, you will learn in time, just as I did.
[Casey hums, amused and apologetic.]
Mom is strong. Underestimated! All the time, like this!
[He's impressed. Even with practice, it's such a strange feeling that it's hard to imagine getting used to it. But Rue makes it look so effortless. If he had a thousand years, he's still not sure if that would be enough.]
Mom is strong. Underestimated! All the time, like this!
[He's impressed. Even with practice, it's such a strange feeling that it's hard to imagine getting used to it. But Rue makes it look so effortless. If he had a thousand years, he's still not sure if that would be enough.]
[Rue has been called many things before, but strong? It feels like it may be a first for them.
But they are, aren't they? That's something that they've finally learned about themself in this world, while fighting the fae and allowing themself to run on all fours, a piece of themself they'd tucked away for too long.]
All of the time, like this, [Rue repeats with a smile, happy to keep leading Casey around on two legs until the strain begins to feel like too much.
Though they can not help but ask,] Would you say that again? Mom?
But they are, aren't they? That's something that they've finally learned about themself in this world, while fighting the fae and allowing themself to run on all fours, a piece of themself they'd tucked away for too long.]
All of the time, like this, [Rue repeats with a smile, happy to keep leading Casey around on two legs until the strain begins to feel like too much.
Though they can not help but ask,] Would you say that again? Mom?
[Casey blinks his big owl eyes at them, then seems to smile, chirping extra loud. He was about to run out of steam, strained muscles in need of a break, but the request gives him a burst of joyful adrenaline, taking more stumbling steps forward.]
Mom! [And a few more times, for good measure.] Mom! Mom!
[So that's what it sounds like as a chirp... he hadn't noticed, but now he'll never forget.]
Mom! [And a few more times, for good measure.] Mom! Mom!
[So that's what it sounds like as a chirp... he hadn't noticed, but now he'll never forget.]
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