[Oh, Peter, now there's just no hiding the sparkling gleam of Rue's delight the moment that jacket is pulled over his shoulders.]
You were not joking! I'll need to take out the shoulders and arms a touch. It won't be any trouble at all, but -
Rue slips a paw into their pocket, withdrawing a tape measure that floats up on it's own and stretches out against Peter's side, from the top of his head to where his feet are planted on the ground.]
It's just as I thought. It wasn't at all an accident. Peter, darling, you've grown!
....Grown? [He echoes back, actively just looking confused by the prospect. He awkwardly looks down at himself, like this is the first time he's ever seen his body.]
I... guess? [He has no idea what to think about this whole Taller Than Before thing. Maybe his parents were tall.] Being taller than May- before this was already weird.
[He blinks a little before laughing as Rues words settle over him. He peeks up at Rue, his smile returning. Be it an amused one on his part.] You think so? I hope he's not too bothered by it or anything.
[Then he better be prepared for the kisses pecked on top of his head while he clings, Rue's wings wrapping around the teen's shell so that they can spin him gently in place.]
I will drop everything I am doing and contact you immediately. On my honor. Though truly, Donnie, I can not think of a single improvement or change that I could make. It is as if you thought of everything, considered exactly what a being of my height and shape would need. I can not put into words how touched I am by this.
[a gentle inhale, as if they can barely remember to breathe after all of this excitement]
[It delights the owlbear, being able to drag a smile out of Peter.]
Oh, Leo will be thrilled for you. We both know that it will only urge him on to try even harder for his own growth spurt. That boy is far too competitive and he will see this as a friendly challenge of his own.
Now! I am afraid there is little I can do for your tee-shirts- [A little too much emphasis on the word tee] - But I may be able to save your pants and jackets, at least until the next surge in growth.
[Peter huffs a little at that. His smile warming up a little more.] He can be as competitive as he wants, I'll still be able to pick him up and carry him around anyway. He weighs like nothing to me. [He jokes easily after a moment.] I could probably pick you up too, Rue.
I'd really appreciate that, since, I feel like I just got most of my stuff, now I have to like get new stuff.
[Now it is Rue's turn to gently laugh, reaching out a giant paw to affectionately brush the hair from Peter's forehead. They feel it is only a joke or an attempt to politely include them in. But they know well enough by now that no matter how they dress or present themself, Rue will never be as dainty and delicate as they wish to be.]
Now that is too generous. I am not as weightless as my light-feet sometimes suggest. It is embarrassing to admit, but I can not count the number of chairs that have lost their lives at my attempt to sit upon them.
[Embarrassing, yes, but the Rue's long made peace with it.]
And certainly, dearest. Bring me anything you'd like taken out and I will do what I can to save it.
[Peter realizes in that moment he hasn't told Rue about his whole- super strength thing. Oops. He has no idea how to properly explain it.]
Well, no, I can pick you up. [He shrugs out of the varsity jacket carefully, half afraid of tearing it. He folds it gently and places it in his backpack again.] Its- one of those things the ADI did to me. Like, how it took away a lot of magic from you, Leo and Donnie, it took away my strength. Dunno why.
[Rue's gaze goes unblinking. It does not feel very real, that someone so tiny could pick up nearly half a ton of an owlbear, but Peter is not the type to prank and jest like the turtles may.]
It was the same way with my Hob. He lost a great deal of strength there as well. But Peter, how could you lift me? You are but a human, are you not? I did not know any with the strength to pick up a bear, I thought such a thing impossible.
Well, I kind of got mutated at one point, so, yeah I could. [Surprise, he's another weird little mutant in Rue's pocket.] I've picked up a car here, so I know everything should be back.
Would it be okay if I picked you up? [He is a polite little menace at least.]
[Rue's collection of strange sons continues to get stranger.]
Oh, yeah, I'll be good. [He eyes Rue, debating how to approach before stepping forward to very gently scoop up the Owlbear into his arms. He doesn't struggle with the gesture or seem bothered by Rue's weight. At most, he's getting feathers in his face, which makes him laugh a little.] Your feathers are really tickly.
It's not that Rue was expecting Peter to lie, it was more that they assumed, no matter how strong he really was, that a being of their size would just be too much to move. But somehow, defying all expectations, one moment Rue is on their feet and the next they are scooped up as if weightless.
Their head turns to him, searching the boy's face for any sign of strain or hurt, but Peter looks fine. More than fine, he is laughing.]
I can barely believe it. [Their own laugh chases after his, shocked and thrilled in equal measure.] Peter Parker, you amaze me.
[Peter blinks a little at the praise, but doesn't try to deny it.] Oh- uh, thank you.
[He moves to very carefully put Rue back down on their feet. Wary of somehow dropping the owlbear.] Here. I don't wanna like- make you uncomfortable or anything.
[Too bad! The moment that Rue is back on their feet, Peter is getting a proper hug from them, complete with a kiss to the very top of his head.]
You never could, you sweet boy. You leave me in such awe! Hob was the only one I've ever known with such strength before. I spent my whole life believing an owlbear of my size could never be delicate enough to be picked up and I have been proven wrong twice now! Thank you.
[Honestly, if Donnie wants to stay clung to them like a koala, Rue will happily go about their day with this giant turtle pressed into their feathers.]
While you are here, shall you like some of my bland, inoffensive cookies? Or anything else?
[He obviously didn't expect that reaction given the surprised sound that escapes him and the blink he gives Rue as he peers up at them. He's lost amongst the feathers even with the additional height he's gained.]
I mean, you are delicate though. [He wonders if that's weird to say and fumbles a little verbally.] There's- strength in being delicate, in being open and stuff. You're always so open with people and gentle.
Page 5 of 128