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[He looks so lovely in his jacket, even if it’s still a few sizes too big, just a skinny teen swimming in an orchard of greenery.]
I’m quite built for the cold, so I am just fine. As long as you can manage, I certainly can too.
[They are dressed much more lightly, though still with a thick scarf wrapped around their elegant neck, but their feathers and fur and natural bear build keep them cozy enough for this temperature. When it drops again and snow finally hits, they’ll have bundle up proper.]
I do enjoy how quiet it gets this time of year, even here in the city. Everyone else have raced home to get inside.
I’m quite built for the cold, so I am just fine. As long as you can manage, I certainly can too.
[They are dressed much more lightly, though still with a thick scarf wrapped around their elegant neck, but their feathers and fur and natural bear build keep them cozy enough for this temperature. When it drops again and snow finally hits, they’ll have bundle up proper.]
I do enjoy how quiet it gets this time of year, even here in the city. Everyone else have raced home to get inside.
[He glances around, hushed for a moment as he takes in their comment and the scenery to accompany it.]
Oh... it is nice, isn't it? I'm not used to the outside being so quiet.
[He'd gone from chaos, fights, and frequent explosions to the steady buzz of an active city/town/pocket dimension in the middle of summer. This being his first winter, the quiet is new, though he'd had smaller pockets of it during his commutes to Thoth for school. That was usually a quick walk from the train to the school, though, which was noisy in its own way.]
Oh... it is nice, isn't it? I'm not used to the outside being so quiet.
[He'd gone from chaos, fights, and frequent explosions to the steady buzz of an active city/town/pocket dimension in the middle of summer. This being his first winter, the quiet is new, though he'd had smaller pockets of it during his commutes to Thoth for school. That was usually a quick walk from the train to the school, though, which was noisy in its own way.]
It’s so nice. My favorite part of living in Willow is being able to hear the birds every morning.
[Their paw gives Casey’s hand a gentle squeeze.]
What is it we’re doing out here, dearest?
[Their paw gives Casey’s hand a gentle squeeze.]
What is it we’re doing out here, dearest?
[They've reached their destination, and it's acceptably empty, so with a nod Casey turns to face Rue, still holding their hand, brows furrowing in a focused look, more serious than before, though not worried so much as unsure. Looking for answers.]
Do I feel, um. Different to you? Since the Christmas party?
Do I feel, um. Different to you? Since the Christmas party?
Different?
[Their head tips to the side inquisitively, studying him with an unblinking owl stare. It helps that Casey doesn’t look particularly distressed, just serious, so they don’t grip at his hand with worry, though after that terrible trip to detention the idea of missing something else gnaws at them.]
Whatever do you mean? Have I missed something?
[Their head tips to the side inquisitively, studying him with an unblinking owl stare. It helps that Casey doesn’t look particularly distressed, just serious, so they don’t grip at his hand with worry, though after that terrible trip to detention the idea of missing something else gnaws at them.]
Whatever do you mean? Have I missed something?
[Hm. Okay, so Rue hasn't noticed. He trusts that if they'd done anything intentional, he would have been told, so it's either not from Rue or something subconscious or unintentional...
Either way is fine with him, he's still working through it.]
It's easier if I show you. Here- [He withdraws his hand from theirs, resting a piece of paper with one of Hunter's drawn light glyphs into their paw before backing away to the opposite side of the clearing.] Tap that and hold it, okay? Right over there.
[They should be able to hold the little ball of light that the paper turns into. They're magical after all.]
Either way is fine with him, he's still working through it.]
It's easier if I show you. Here- [He withdraws his hand from theirs, resting a piece of paper with one of Hunter's drawn light glyphs into their paw before backing away to the opposite side of the clearing.] Tap that and hold it, okay? Right over there.
[They should be able to hold the little ball of light that the paper turns into. They're magical after all.]
[They certainly can!
So Rue will - recognizing Hunter’s glyphs immediately, of course - holding out a paw to cradle that ball of light like it’s as familiar as anything to them.]
So Rue will - recognizing Hunter’s glyphs immediately, of course - holding out a paw to cradle that ball of light like it’s as familiar as anything to them.]
[Okay. Okay! Moment of truth. From across the clearing Casey narrows his eyes, focusing on the ball of light, willing himself to go to Rue. It takes a moment now that he's trying to do it intentionally, but within a few seconds he vanishes in a flash of light and reappears in front of Rue, directly where they're holding the glyphlight.
He blinks a few times, still finding it a little dizzying, and there's a distinct vibe of fae magic clinging to his body in the aftermath.]
He blinks a few times, still finding it a little dizzying, and there's a distinct vibe of fae magic clinging to his body in the aftermath.]
[Even before he reappears, Rue feels it.]
That's...
[It is less the effect that leaves them shocked and more the feel of their own magic blanketed over Casey as that spell is cast. It makes their son feel exactly the same way to Rue that he did after they first spoke their binding vow to him, the sprinkling of familiar fae magic that had covered him then.]
Casey, my love, that is fae magic you've used. How did you do that?
That's...
[It is less the effect that leaves them shocked and more the feel of their own magic blanketed over Casey as that spell is cast. It makes their son feel exactly the same way to Rue that he did after they first spoke their binding vow to him, the sprinkling of familiar fae magic that had covered him then.]
Casey, my love, that is fae magic you've used. How did you do that?
I don't know, that's the problem!
[He looks up at them, eyes wide.]
We were flying home after the sleepover, and I randomly started teleporting all over Satori! I thought someone might've been messing with me, but Hunter said it was definitely me teleporting, and when I tried doing it myself, it worked. And then I thought maybe it was temporary, like your Halloween potions, but it's been 3 days and it's only getting stronger. Is this a thing that can happen?
[He looks up at them, eyes wide.]
We were flying home after the sleepover, and I randomly started teleporting all over Satori! I thought someone might've been messing with me, but Hunter said it was definitely me teleporting, and when I tried doing it myself, it worked. And then I thought maybe it was temporary, like your Halloween potions, but it's been 3 days and it's only getting stronger. Is this a thing that can happen?
[Something there leaves Rue's expression softening with realization.
Their own magic manifested in such a way - wild and uncontrollable at first, a juvenile owlbear popping off random spells until the magic settled more fully over them - so is this the same thing happening to Casey? He's certainly not becoming a fae, he didn't spend nearly enough time within the Fae Realm before Rue pulled him out, but if he's been exposed to their own magic for this long, what if it's begun to manifest within him now?
Any human ever brought to the Fae Realm always took on the magic eventually, is Rue - who had been remade beneath that same magic - spilling it all over others now too?
Or is the vow specifically, a fae promise given freely to a human, settling over his skin and tingling at his fingertips?]
Oh dear. [They can't possibly know what else this could be from.] I think this might be my fault.
Their own magic manifested in such a way - wild and uncontrollable at first, a juvenile owlbear popping off random spells until the magic settled more fully over them - so is this the same thing happening to Casey? He's certainly not becoming a fae, he didn't spend nearly enough time within the Fae Realm before Rue pulled him out, but if he's been exposed to their own magic for this long, what if it's begun to manifest within him now?
Any human ever brought to the Fae Realm always took on the magic eventually, is Rue - who had been remade beneath that same magic - spilling it all over others now too?
Or is the vow specifically, a fae promise given freely to a human, settling over his skin and tingling at his fingertips?]
Oh dear. [They can't possibly know what else this could be from.] I think this might be my fault.
[Casey pauses at that. He'd come looking for an explanation, not a place to lay the blame. The idea of it being Rue's fault had not occurred to him. On the other hand, Rue sounds maybe concerned? And he has no idea about the implications of fae magic, aside from Rue's abilities and what was done to him by the changeling.]
...Is... is it bad? It doesn't feel wrong or anything, I just. I didn't know what happened to me, so I thought you might know...
...Is... is it bad? It doesn't feel wrong or anything, I just. I didn't know what happened to me, so I thought you might know...
No no! [They reach over to take Casey's hand in their paw, trilling out a little musical song before that same fae magic would settle unseen over him again, this time Rue casting an experimental boost of agility within the teen.
The fae magic is undeniably the same.]
It isn't a bad thing, darling. You are in no danger or anything like that. It must be proof of our bond, the fae vow I left upon you, growing as the magic takes root. I'm certain the magic will become more predictable once it fully settles. When I was first fae touched, the same spontaneity affected me.
The fae magic is undeniably the same.]
It isn't a bad thing, darling. You are in no danger or anything like that. It must be proof of our bond, the fae vow I left upon you, growing as the magic takes root. I'm certain the magic will become more predictable once it fully settles. When I was first fae touched, the same spontaneity affected me.
[Casey closes his eyes briefly, feeling that fresh wave of magic take hold. It feels familiar yet again, warm and enveloping. He feels stronger.]
...Am I going to turn into a fae?
[Because he is not sure how he feels about that and would have to give it a good thinking. Not a bad thing, per se- as a familiar, he's already not entirely human anymore, and he's felt the changes. But- well. He wants to be sure.]
...Am I going to turn into a fae?
[Because he is not sure how he feels about that and would have to give it a good thinking. Not a bad thing, per se- as a familiar, he's already not entirely human anymore, and he's felt the changes. But- well. He wants to be sure.]
No. [And that is fiercely uttered, Rue is certain of this.] I would never allow what happened to me to happen to you.
[If Rue was worried for even a moment that they could possibly change their children in such a way without their explicit consent, they would leave to keep them safe.]
A touch of magic manifesting within you is not the full and constant exposure of the Fae Realm's magic needed to transform you.
[If Rue was worried for even a moment that they could possibly change their children in such a way without their explicit consent, they would leave to keep them safe.]
A touch of magic manifesting within you is not the full and constant exposure of the Fae Realm's magic needed to transform you.
Oh.
[So, it's not dangerous. He's not becoming fae. And it's likely because of his connection to Rue? He's not seeing any cons, here. Something flutters in his chest, eager and excited, some part of him he'd stamped down and silenced since childhood. He loves magic, he's always loved magic. But at some point he'd grown aware enough of the differences between himself and his family to understand that he never would, because of what he is. This world has changed so much. He'd been wary of letting himself get too excited about it in case it was dangerous, or temporary, or it would have to be taken away from him-
He looks down at his hand, still resting in Rue's gentle grasp.]
I wonder if that's why... magic started working for me all of a sudden.
[So, it's not dangerous. He's not becoming fae. And it's likely because of his connection to Rue? He's not seeing any cons, here. Something flutters in his chest, eager and excited, some part of him he'd stamped down and silenced since childhood. He loves magic, he's always loved magic. But at some point he'd grown aware enough of the differences between himself and his family to understand that he never would, because of what he is. This world has changed so much. He'd been wary of letting himself get too excited about it in case it was dangerous, or temporary, or it would have to be taken away from him-
He looks down at his hand, still resting in Rue's gentle grasp.]
I wonder if that's why... magic started working for me all of a sudden.
[Rue's gaze follows Casey's down to their clasped hands, where they give him another careful, reassuring squeeze.]
It very well could be. And I will apologize, if it truly is my influence, as I never would have done such a thing without your permission. It was absolutely unintentional, but still - I hope you won't be too upset with me for it.
It very well could be. And I will apologize, if it truly is my influence, as I never would have done such a thing without your permission. It was absolutely unintentional, but still - I hope you won't be too upset with me for it.
That's quite rude of you to assume I'd allow any plant to die on my watch.
[But even only knowing one another for a brief moment in time, Cad can absolutely tell the owlbear is bullshitting him completely by that shining smile of theirs.]
But trimmings I would be happy to share. Let me grab my shears and a basket and you can take whatever you'd like.
[But even only knowing one another for a brief moment in time, Cad can absolutely tell the owlbear is bullshitting him completely by that shining smile of theirs.]
But trimmings I would be happy to share. Let me grab my shears and a basket and you can take whatever you'd like.
Oh- no, no! [Hastily, he squeezes their paw back.] I'm not upset. You don't need to be sorry. I- I'm sorry if I seem upset about it. It's just...
[He looks down again, his voice quietly awestruck.]
I've always- always wanted it. My whole family had it, they were so strong and amazing, and I couldn't... [He trails off for a moment, then looks up again, his voice stronger.] It was a dream of mine. You and Hunter made it come true. Even if it was by accident- thank you! I'm really happy...
[Even borrowed magic is such a beautiful thing to him. Gifted through their bond... makes it extra special.]
[He looks down again, his voice quietly awestruck.]
I've always- always wanted it. My whole family had it, they were so strong and amazing, and I couldn't... [He trails off for a moment, then looks up again, his voice stronger.] It was a dream of mine. You and Hunter made it come true. Even if it was by accident- thank you! I'm really happy...
[Even borrowed magic is such a beautiful thing to him. Gifted through their bond... makes it extra special.]
[It's entirely unfair he has to go through this at all, but it warms Rue's heart that Peter trusts them with this. They don't know if he would have if it had been a few months prior. Their relationship has blossomed so much in the last few months.]
Of course, darling. Leo and I have your back in this, always. But I would be happy to take them from you and keep them safe elsewhere. You wouldn't have to think about them at all. And I promise, they will not be lost. No one else will touch them.
Of course, darling. Leo and I have your back in this, always. But I would be happy to take them from you and keep them safe elsewhere. You wouldn't have to think about them at all. And I promise, they will not be lost. No one else will touch them.
Oh my friend, my heart has never felt such an intense sense of warmth mixed with such sadness. I'm so heartbroken the two of you are apart, but I can only hope, it will not be for long. You deserve to find one another again.
[Look, all Rue hears is the breakup was so dramatic their entire friend group is in shambles.
Also what the fuck, how does this keep becoming even more complicated. Peter, you are making Rue's head spin.]
Alright, that is enough. I think I understand exactly. [They do not] I'll speak with Steve and Tony after the holidays, just to feel things out.
Also what the fuck, how does this keep becoming even more complicated. Peter, you are making Rue's head spin.]
Alright, that is enough. I think I understand exactly. [They do not] I'll speak with Steve and Tony after the holidays, just to feel things out.
[Look, Rue, Peter is just on the fringes of all of this. And explaining it very badly.]
I- if you want to? I was gonna leave it alone. [Beyond hacking FRIDAY with Donnie.]
I- if you want to? I was gonna leave it alone. [Beyond hacking FRIDAY with Donnie.]
I trust you. I just... I promised Mr. Stark I'd keep them. He's trusting me with them. I want it to work this time. Even if I never use them. [He would rather make them disappear.]
If, if we keep moving them between places, do you think that'd be okay?
If, if we keep moving them between places, do you think that'd be okay?
It's the nature of plants to live and die, there's no shame in it. It's a beautiful thing.
[His smile doesn't falter in the slightest, indeed recognizing the comment for what it is. And some people have perennials, that's okay too.]
I'm happy to take anything you've got. Trying to build up a garden myself, I just need something to start with.
[He needs dead things to grow, that's kind of his thing.]
[His smile doesn't falter in the slightest, indeed recognizing the comment for what it is. And some people have perennials, that's okay too.]
I'm happy to take anything you've got. Trying to build up a garden myself, I just need something to start with.
[He needs dead things to grow, that's kind of his thing.]
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