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
[oh. That is what it sounds like.
Casey must see it, the way Rue's lashes flutter as they blink rapidly, their backwards steps around the shop slowing to a gentle sway in place, their gaze a million miles away...]
I remember that. Calling out for my own mother using the same chirps. I - I didn't realize I even had any memories of her still. I thought they were gone.
Casey must see it, the way Rue's lashes flutter as they blink rapidly, their backwards steps around the shop slowing to a gentle sway in place, their gaze a million miles away...]
I remember that. Calling out for my own mother using the same chirps. I - I didn't realize I even had any memories of her still. I thought they were gone.
[Casey pauses, standing still as Rue stops. He tilts his head to the side, trilling quizzically.]
Want to talk? Share?
[He didn't know this was possible, either, but that's so important! As someone who's also lost most of his memories of his mother, he's extra invested in this.]
Want to talk? Share?
[He didn't know this was possible, either, but that's so important! As someone who's also lost most of his memories of his mother, he's extra invested in this.]
[It takes Rue only a moment to shake themself out of that brief spell, their attention fluttering right back to Casey. They gently help him lower back to the ground, as they try to understand just what their swirling thoughts mean.]
I don't know if there is much to say.
I remember in flashes, in fleeting memories of senses. The press of her body curling around me, the tickling of feathers against my beak, the way her rumble was so powerful it shook me to pieces... She was warm and, for an owlbear, she was soft and caring. I remember calling out to her, and while I can not remember what she called me back, I can recall feeling the power behind her call. That is all, but it's more than enough.
I don't know if there is much to say.
I remember in flashes, in fleeting memories of senses. The press of her body curling around me, the tickling of feathers against my beak, the way her rumble was so powerful it shook me to pieces... She was warm and, for an owlbear, she was soft and caring. I remember calling out to her, and while I can not remember what she called me back, I can recall feeling the power behind her call. That is all, but it's more than enough.
Edited 2023-12-23 06:31 (UTC)
[Once he's back to all fours, he sits down to rest his back legs, listening quietly as Rue remembers. Warm, soft, caring... that sounds like a good mom to him. He shuffles closer once Rue finishes speaking, leaning against their skirt and the leg behind it, pawing his way gently into an attempted hug.]
Missed you...? Wanted you.
[They are so kind and caring and at peace more often than not, it's easy to forget that Rue was stolen. Surely their mother cared for them and wanted them safe, especially as a baby. To have lost a child and be powerless to find or bring them home, perhaps not even know where they went at all, must have been so terrible.]
Missed you...? Wanted you.
[They are so kind and caring and at peace more often than not, it's easy to forget that Rue was stolen. Surely their mother cared for them and wanted them safe, especially as a baby. To have lost a child and be powerless to find or bring them home, perhaps not even know where they went at all, must have been so terrible.]
[Rue is hardly aware of the soft hoo, hoo that slips from their beak as they slip down into a kneel, to make it easier to wrap Casey up in a proper hug.]
I think so. She must have. I only hope she did not look too long.
[To disappear without a trace like Rue had, no scent trail to follow, not even a body to find, without the intelligence to understand where her child might have gone.
It pings a newer memory for Rue, their grip around Casey going just a touch tighter, more desperate, their head nuzzling against his.]
To think that could have been you...
I think so. She must have. I only hope she did not look too long.
[To disappear without a trace like Rue had, no scent trail to follow, not even a body to find, without the intelligence to understand where her child might have gone.
It pings a newer memory for Rue, their grip around Casey going just a touch tighter, more desperate, their head nuzzling against his.]
To think that could have been you...
[Casey makes a soft, sad chrrrr noise, learning to manoeuver his arms to hug them in return. He's clumsy with it, but getting there.]
Sorry, so sorry. Glad you are you, sad you lost her. Saved me...
[If Rue hadn't been stolen, they wouldn't be the wondrous owlbear they are today, the one they're all fortunate enough to know and love. But it's hard to be entirely happy about what happened when he knows how terrified he'd have been if he had never been able to go home from the feywild of this world, if Rue hadn't found him and brought him back. With everything he'd have lost in the process, how would he feel? Would a thousand years be enough to change his mind? Would he forget them?
The thought of it is too wretched. He feels the same ache Rue does, frightened by what they'd both come so close to losing.]
Sorry, so sorry. Glad you are you, sad you lost her. Saved me...
[If Rue hadn't been stolen, they wouldn't be the wondrous owlbear they are today, the one they're all fortunate enough to know and love. But it's hard to be entirely happy about what happened when he knows how terrified he'd have been if he had never been able to go home from the feywild of this world, if Rue hadn't found him and brought him back. With everything he'd have lost in the process, how would he feel? Would a thousand years be enough to change his mind? Would he forget them?
The thought of it is too wretched. He feels the same ache Rue does, frightened by what they'd both come so close to losing.]
[There isn't even a second of hesitation before Rue answers,]
I will always save you. I am no feral owlbear mother. No matter what, no matter where you go, I will track you down and bring you home. Always.
[A clumsy hug is still strong, feathery arms wrapped around Rue, the strange familiarity tugging at their heart in a way they aren't at all prepared to process.
They take just a moment to press against Casey and breathe, before finally huffing out a mirthless laugh.]
Forgive me, little cub. I did not meant to take this down such a dark path. It just struck me, both the memory and the realization, but I am quite well, especially right here with you, in my beautiful shop, getting to spend this lovely afternoon learning to owlbear. I am alright. I did not scare you, did I?
I will always save you. I am no feral owlbear mother. No matter what, no matter where you go, I will track you down and bring you home. Always.
[A clumsy hug is still strong, feathery arms wrapped around Rue, the strange familiarity tugging at their heart in a way they aren't at all prepared to process.
They take just a moment to press against Casey and breathe, before finally huffing out a mirthless laugh.]
Forgive me, little cub. I did not meant to take this down such a dark path. It just struck me, both the memory and the realization, but I am quite well, especially right here with you, in my beautiful shop, getting to spend this lovely afternoon learning to owlbear. I am alright. I did not scare you, did I?
[Proverbial bullet dodged.]
Yeah, I think Steve mostly wants to be friends now. So no fist fights in the future. [He hopes.] Donnie and I will probably keep a vague eye on things, but Tony should figure it out. I mean, he and Steve knew each other for a long time before I knew either of them.
Yeah, I think Steve mostly wants to be friends now. So no fist fights in the future. [He hopes.] Donnie and I will probably keep a vague eye on things, but Tony should figure it out. I mean, he and Steve knew each other for a long time before I knew either of them.
[Casey trembles a little as those words hit home. He knows, of course, knew beforehand. But to hear it with such conviction is nonetheless touching. Going forward he'd like to be wise enough not to get himself in trouble and make them worry for him, though knowing this world and the sort of life he leads, it might be inevitable. Still, he can try.]
Not scared. [He shakes his head, nuzzling against them, his head bumping over and over not unlike a cat.] Sad for you. Feel, yes? Feel. Lessons wait.
[His speech is clumsy even with the auto-translation, made worse with his eagerness, and he knows he's fumbling his way through it, but hopefully they can get the gist. They so often rush through their emotions and end up waving them off before too long, while the rest get to languish and explore in depth under their tender and loving attention. Pressed close like this, with hundreds of bare and sensitive feathers feeling everything around him, he can sense their tension. He's no stranger to dark paths, and he's not afraid to walk them with Rue.]
Not scared. [He shakes his head, nuzzling against them, his head bumping over and over not unlike a cat.] Sad for you. Feel, yes? Feel. Lessons wait.
[His speech is clumsy even with the auto-translation, made worse with his eagerness, and he knows he's fumbling his way through it, but hopefully they can get the gist. They so often rush through their emotions and end up waving them off before too long, while the rest get to languish and explore in depth under their tender and loving attention. Pressed close like this, with hundreds of bare and sensitive feathers feeling everything around him, he can sense their tension. He's no stranger to dark paths, and he's not afraid to walk them with Rue.]
Spirits. [on the other end of this conversation, the owlbear sighs deeply, the softest hoot slipping from their beak]
Oh my friend, I am so deeply sorry. I can only hope that he joins us here, sooner rather than later.
Oh my friend, I am so deeply sorry. I can only hope that he joins us here, sooner rather than later.
[He brought this upon himself.]
First, do you have a favorite kind of tea?
First, do you have a favorite kind of tea?
[Oh. Hm.]
I do not have much experience with teas, so I will leave the choice up to your expertise.
I do not have much experience with teas, so I will leave the choice up to your expertise.
[Fenris will find his own gift waiting for him on his doorstep early Christmas morning.
Unsurprisingly, Rue's gift comes wrapped in rose gold wrapping paper with an obnoxiously giant golden bow. Upon opening the box, confetti will shoot up in a gentle poof, before slowly raining back down into the box. Maybe unsurprisingly, they've gifted Fenris a few books back as well.
The Green Hunter and it's newly released sequel by the infamous Airry Pearry, a highly secretive author from Rue's home world.
Along with the book, Rue's included some parchment and quills with ink, as well as a letter of their own, so that Fenris can practice writing now that his reading skills are growing stronger.]
My dearest Fenris,
Thank you so dearly for the new books to read! I can not wait to dig into them and learn more about the world you arrived from.
As for my own gifts, please enjoy two of my favorite books from home, as well as some writing implements you can use at your own discretion. I think writing letters to your friends might be a fantastic exercise, but I leave that up to you, dear. Do what feels best.
I can not thank you enough for the gift of friendship that you have given me since the very day we met. I could not ask for a better friend and conspirator in you, my darling Fenris. May the holidays treat you well and the coming year treat you even better.
Affectionately yours,
Rue β‘
Unsurprisingly, Rue's gift comes wrapped in rose gold wrapping paper with an obnoxiously giant golden bow. Upon opening the box, confetti will shoot up in a gentle poof, before slowly raining back down into the box. Maybe unsurprisingly, they've gifted Fenris a few books back as well.
The Green Hunter and it's newly released sequel by the infamous Airry Pearry, a highly secretive author from Rue's home world.
Along with the book, Rue's included some parchment and quills with ink, as well as a letter of their own, so that Fenris can practice writing now that his reading skills are growing stronger.]
My dearest Fenris,
Thank you so dearly for the new books to read! I can not wait to dig into them and learn more about the world you arrived from.
As for my own gifts, please enjoy two of my favorite books from home, as well as some writing implements you can use at your own discretion. I think writing letters to your friends might be a fantastic exercise, but I leave that up to you, dear. Do what feels best.
I can not thank you enough for the gift of friendship that you have given me since the very day we met. I could not ask for a better friend and conspirator in you, my darling Fenris. May the holidays treat you well and the coming year treat you even better.
Affectionately yours,
Rue β‘
I have no doubt that Steve and Tony will figure it out on their own in time. Most do, even the oblivious ones.
But as I said, if there's no improvement in a few weeks, we can give a few supportive pushes towards one another. Just to get things rolling.
But as I said, if there's no improvement in a few weeks, we can give a few supportive pushes towards one another. Just to get things rolling.
Then I will surprise you. I'll see you shortly, dear Caleb!
[and as promised, give them a few hours and Rue will be striding over the short distance to Caleb's new home, a basket tucked beneath their wing, wearing a gorgeous knee-length gown of lavender with a matching, fitted bolero jacket.]
[and as promised, give them a few hours and Rue will be striding over the short distance to Caleb's new home, a basket tucked beneath their wing, wearing a gorgeous knee-length gown of lavender with a matching, fitted bolero jacket.]
[Caleb opens the door for them, and inside is... well.
It's a bit of a mess? An organized mess. There are random items strewn about (spell components he's trying) and papers. And every single flat surface is stacked with books. He may have picked up some reading material. But furniture seems to have been an afterthought as there isn't anything more than ...well actually there isn't any. It's only been a few weeks but Caleb seems perfectly content to have been working on the floor this whole time. But his purple coat is hung up on a hook and boots set aside out of the way. He looks very scrawny under the coat, much scrawnier than one might have guessed previously. And along his hands and forearms up to his elbows are a geometric pattern of scars.]
Ah. Welcome.
It's a bit of a mess? An organized mess. There are random items strewn about (spell components he's trying) and papers. And every single flat surface is stacked with books. He may have picked up some reading material. But furniture seems to have been an afterthought as there isn't anything more than ...well actually there isn't any. It's only been a few weeks but Caleb seems perfectly content to have been working on the floor this whole time. But his purple coat is hung up on a hook and boots set aside out of the way. He looks very scrawny under the coat, much scrawnier than one might have guessed previously. And along his hands and forearms up to his elbows are a geometric pattern of scars.]
Ah. Welcome.
Edited (forgot descriptor bc I have no icons of his arms) 2023-12-24 10:35 (UTC)
[oh no.
Rue pauses at the entryway, peering inside with that judgmental owl stare.]
You live like this? Truly?
Rue pauses at the entryway, peering inside with that judgmental owl stare.]
You live like this? Truly?
[He steps aside so they can come in but pauses.
Looks from them to the rest of the cottage. Then back to them.]
It suits my needs so I can work.
Looks from them to the rest of the cottage. Then back to them.]
It suits my needs so I can work.
[ Not jealous of his brothers being formally adopted or resentful that they've added a whole other parent to the party, but a secret third thing: extremely guilty (and slightly insecure) about all the stuff he missed by just... not being there with them.
It's a weird feeling to have, because being the one who's there is like his whole thing. At least it feels less terrible with someone's big warm paw on his face. Raph is pretty sure the novelty of not being bigger than everyone who matters will never wear off. This is insane. He can't even remember the last time his face was little enough to be fully cradle-able. If he turns his face into it a tiny bit, that's his business. ]
Okay. [ Or as much of an okay as he can feasibly manage. He knows trust has been a whole thing for him, historically. And the learning to lean on people. And the overinflated sense of responsibility. And the helicopter de facto parenting. A bunch of stuff that's felt like he took one step forward only to end up two steps back after the Shredder.
But that's all on him.
Trust has to be a choice for a while before it comes easy. People can't prove it's worth getting there if he doesn't actually try. And they knew it was wrong, and they apologized, and it's not really their fault that they don't know how he gets.
Anyway Barry got a chance when Mikey started shoving him into the family unit whether anyone else liked it or not, and he literally tried to kill all of them. Compared to that, Rue should get at least fifty chances. That's just science. ]
It would be nice to have another wrangler on deck.
[ He can say that because his brothers aren't in the room to Perceive any theoretical spiritual tiredness. ]
It's a weird feeling to have, because being the one who's there is like his whole thing. At least it feels less terrible with someone's big warm paw on his face. Raph is pretty sure the novelty of not being bigger than everyone who matters will never wear off. This is insane. He can't even remember the last time his face was little enough to be fully cradle-able. If he turns his face into it a tiny bit, that's his business. ]
Okay. [ Or as much of an okay as he can feasibly manage. He knows trust has been a whole thing for him, historically. And the learning to lean on people. And the overinflated sense of responsibility. And the helicopter de facto parenting. A bunch of stuff that's felt like he took one step forward only to end up two steps back after the Shredder.
But that's all on him.
Trust has to be a choice for a while before it comes easy. People can't prove it's worth getting there if he doesn't actually try. And they knew it was wrong, and they apologized, and it's not really their fault that they don't know how he gets.
Anyway Barry got a chance when Mikey started shoving him into the family unit whether anyone else liked it or not, and he literally tried to kill all of them. Compared to that, Rue should get at least fifty chances. That's just science. ]
It would be nice to have another wrangler on deck.
[ He can say that because his brothers aren't in the room to Perceive any theoretical spiritual tiredness. ]
[The way Rue is phrasing that just makes Peter pause for a moment.] Wait, like- towards one another like...?
Edited 2023-12-24 17:37 (UTC)
[Wait a second]
Like, you mean they're- you know?
[Peter what does that mean?]
Like, you mean they're- you know?
[Peter what does that mean?]
Like- [He tries to make a kissing hand gesture that looks absolutely nothing like the intent.]
But wait, Mr. Stark is married and has a daughter back home. Is that weird? Is that cheating?
Well, no, he's like dead back home, so, I guess this is like- fine? I mean, its not even my business. I don't even really know Mrs. Potts or his daughter.
This is like a love on a battlefield thing...?
[Sorry Rue, you agreed this is your son already. No take backs]
This is like a love on a battlefield thing...?
[Sorry Rue, you agreed this is your son already. No take backs]
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