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
[A sharp question nets sharp relief from the answer; Casey's shoulders slump a little, relaxing a tension he hadn't noticed had emerged when the thought came to mind. It's safe, then. Not that he'd ever, ever imagine himself possessing the sort of power Master Michelangelo had access to, even so, it's better to know than assume and get yourself killed doing something reckless. ...Or heroic.]
Okay... I think that makes sense. Thank you. That kind of makes it easier- like there's one less thing to worry about.
Okay... I think that makes sense. Thank you. That kind of makes it easier- like there's one less thing to worry about.
[Gently, their big eyes unblinking down at Casey, just the tiniest pinch of their own concern there on their feathery brow.]
What worries are on your mind, my love?
What worries are on your mind, my love?
[Casey fidgets. He knows what's coming, it's yet another "my life is full of tragedy" moment, because, big shock, his life is in fact full of tragedy. This one was admittedly pre-loaded, though.]
You remember... when you opened your shop, we were talking about travel from New York and I had something I would tell you later? Well... I guess it's later now.
[He'd forgotten about it in the time since, but the subject is more relevant this time.]
Master Michelangelo was the greatest mystic warrior in the world, but I think I mentioned before... overusing his powers made him age faster. He was only a year younger than sensei, but the last time I saw him, he looked like an old, old man. And when he opened the gateway to send me to the past, it... took everything that was left. [He looks deeply uncomfortable.] That's why I was worried about Donnie making portals. And why I wanted to make sure fae magic was different. I don't want anybody to get hurt.
You remember... when you opened your shop, we were talking about travel from New York and I had something I would tell you later? Well... I guess it's later now.
[He'd forgotten about it in the time since, but the subject is more relevant this time.]
Master Michelangelo was the greatest mystic warrior in the world, but I think I mentioned before... overusing his powers made him age faster. He was only a year younger than sensei, but the last time I saw him, he looked like an old, old man. And when he opened the gateway to send me to the past, it... took everything that was left. [He looks deeply uncomfortable.] That's why I was worried about Donnie making portals. And why I wanted to make sure fae magic was different. I don't want anybody to get hurt.
[processing...]
You mean Caleb's moved out? Already? He did not even say goodbye!
You mean Caleb's moved out? Already? He did not even say goodbye!
[So very cheerfully,]
No, no, he's still there. I left him this morning with his nose deep in a book as usual.
No, no, he's still there. I left him this morning with his nose deep in a book as usual.
[Sarajane grins] Oh, you are gonna be sorry you said that. Now you're never getting rid of me.
[There is just no way of brushing over it.
After seeing the intense thought and care put into the shop strictly for their own comfort and use, Rue trembles so much with emotion they simply have to sit down and cry. It's just too much - too thoughtful, too sweet, too caring. They don't know if they'll ever get used to having a family who cares so deeply for them after so many millennia alone, but they'll clutch all of this love close to their chest and never risk letting it go for even a moment.
But next time they slip into Donnie's apartment with dinner to find him tinkering at his workbench, they'll press a lingering kiss to his forehead and murmur their thanks to their boy, letting him know how happy he's made them and how proud they are. And truthfully, he probably already knows all of that, but Rue won't risk such things going unsaid ever again.]
After seeing the intense thought and care put into the shop strictly for their own comfort and use, Rue trembles so much with emotion they simply have to sit down and cry. It's just too much - too thoughtful, too sweet, too caring. They don't know if they'll ever get used to having a family who cares so deeply for them after so many millennia alone, but they'll clutch all of this love close to their chest and never risk letting it go for even a moment.
But next time they slip into Donnie's apartment with dinner to find him tinkering at his workbench, they'll press a lingering kiss to his forehead and murmur their thanks to their boy, letting him know how happy he's made them and how proud they are. And truthfully, he probably already knows all of that, but Rue won't risk such things going unsaid ever again.]
Nonsense.
[They give his cheek a little pat, all affection and warmth behind the action, not at all condescending.]
You are my family and I will worry about you just as much as everyone else. Yes, even Leonardo and Donatello.
[Raph may not get into as much mischief as those two, but he's still son-shaped and therefore, he'll live in Rue's head forever now.]
You're a lovely young man, Raphael. I'm so proud to know you and your warm heart.
[They give his cheek a little pat, all affection and warmth behind the action, not at all condescending.]
You are my family and I will worry about you just as much as everyone else. Yes, even Leonardo and Donatello.
[Raph may not get into as much mischief as those two, but he's still son-shaped and therefore, he'll live in Rue's head forever now.]
You're a lovely young man, Raphael. I'm so proud to know you and your warm heart.
Oh! You are friends! How lovely.
Truth be told, I'm quite relieved to hear you say that. I was worried about him and the state of that cottage.
Truth be told, I'm quite relieved to hear you say that. I was worried about him and the state of that cottage.
Hmmm.
[Cue a deep, gravelly "trying not to judge" noise, even as he judges.]
He does tend to lose himself in his books a lot. We've been travelling together in the same group for a while now, usually he's got one or two people to drag him back to reality. Guess for now that's me.
[Cue a deep, gravelly "trying not to judge" noise, even as he judges.]
He does tend to lose himself in his books a lot. We've been travelling together in the same group for a while now, usually he's got one or two people to drag him back to reality. Guess for now that's me.
[Rue hears that noise and quirks their brow at the man, quietly urging him to continue.]
I can see that easily. Not to speak ill on your friend, but he has seemed rather lost since he arrived. I'm grateful he has you now to lean upon.
I can see that easily. Not to speak ill on your friend, but he has seemed rather lost since he arrived. I'm grateful he has you now to lean upon.
He's a good man who doesn't always believe that he is, and who has the potential to become great. He's also best not left on his own, so thanks for lending him a hand while we were separated.
[Poor Caleb. "Lost" is not a word he'd normally use to describe him (he's always been too fixated on his goals, whether they be good or bad), but then, he'd never seen the man alone before. At the very least he always had Veth.]
[Poor Caleb. "Lost" is not a word he'd normally use to describe him (he's always been too fixated on his goals, whether they be good or bad), but then, he'd never seen the man alone before. At the very least he always had Veth.]
I did the very best I could, I promise, though as I've said, my heart will rest so much easier knowing you will be there at his side to help him where he might need it.
[One last little snip of blooms to tuck into the basket before Rue turns to Caduceus with a smile.]
--And if I may say, I'm absolutely thrilled to have you as a neighbor.
[One last little snip of blooms to tuck into the basket before Rue turns to Caduceus with a smile.]
--And if I may say, I'm absolutely thrilled to have you as a neighbor.
[Rue can feel it coming before the words even spill from his mouth.
To their credit, in comparison to some of the other Casey Lore they've learned, the owlbear doesn't jump to coddling or gentle apologies or blinked back tears. But the moment they see the path this is taking, Rue reaches out to take Casey's hand in their paw. Just a reassuring tether, they are right here at his side, listening, offering their strength. He can do this.]
I've heard of magic like that before. He must have been so immensely powerful to have to give up so much of himself in order to use it. That's well beyond anything any fae has ever been able to do. I can see exactly why you speak so highly of him as you always have, he clearly earned those titles.
I understand now. I do. I apologize if my comments about Donnie felt utterly insensitive. Of course, I didn't mean them that way, but I understand if that is how you felt. But I promise above all, Casey, this magic will not hurt you in the same way. It simply isn't powerful enough.
To their credit, in comparison to some of the other Casey Lore they've learned, the owlbear doesn't jump to coddling or gentle apologies or blinked back tears. But the moment they see the path this is taking, Rue reaches out to take Casey's hand in their paw. Just a reassuring tether, they are right here at his side, listening, offering their strength. He can do this.]
I've heard of magic like that before. He must have been so immensely powerful to have to give up so much of himself in order to use it. That's well beyond anything any fae has ever been able to do. I can see exactly why you speak so highly of him as you always have, he clearly earned those titles.
I understand now. I do. I apologize if my comments about Donnie felt utterly insensitive. Of course, I didn't mean them that way, but I understand if that is how you felt. But I promise above all, Casey, this magic will not hurt you in the same way. It simply isn't powerful enough.
[Casey gives their paw a grateful squeeze. It does make him feel a little better again, that reassurance. Doesn't necessarily help with Donnie, but that's a bridge they can try to cross when they get there. As before, the urgency is different. Unless he starts trying to open portals to New York here, that problem can wait until they all go home.]
Thank you... and I don't think you were insensitive about Donnie, either. I know you'd never want any harm to come to him, or to any one of us. I'm not really sure if anyone would have guessed that portals could do that, since sensei can make them so effortlessly. I'm sorry I kept quiet for so long.
[It's understandable, sure - he hadn't wanted to think about let alone talk about that loss any more than the rest - but it's important that the warning be shared.]
Thank you... and I don't think you were insensitive about Donnie, either. I know you'd never want any harm to come to him, or to any one of us. I'm not really sure if anyone would have guessed that portals could do that, since sensei can make them so effortlessly. I'm sorry I kept quiet for so long.
[It's understandable, sure - he hadn't wanted to think about let alone talk about that loss any more than the rest - but it's important that the warning be shared.]
[Let's be honest with ourselves. There's always going to be a Donnie problem. That's just how he is. They have time to figure this one out.]
You never need to apologize for not telling me something, Casey. I'm just so grateful you felt willing to tell me today. It helps me to understand and to be a better parent to you, which is always my goal.
[It's a learning process for both of them, but one that has always been more fulfilling than anything.]
Tell me, darling, how are you feeling now after having spoken?
You never need to apologize for not telling me something, Casey. I'm just so grateful you felt willing to tell me today. It helps me to understand and to be a better parent to you, which is always my goal.
[It's a learning process for both of them, but one that has always been more fulfilling than anything.]
Tell me, darling, how are you feeling now after having spoken?
[They say not to apologize for it, and in his heart he knows, but he still feels compelled. Maybe someday he'll get his head on straight about all of this. Right now it's just not in the cards.
Regardless, at their question, he chews on his lower lip with the snaggle and mulls over his own thoughts a moment.]
...Better? [Maybe try again with less of a question.] Better. Mostly for the fae magic... I'm not worried about practicing it now. Which is nice, I wanted to stay excited about it.
[Some anxieties are easier to alleviate than others, but this one at least was relatively simple. Different rules, different magic... no risk of getting himself wrecked by using it. He's in no hurry to grow up (or become an old man!) due to enjoying a bit of power for the first time.]
Regardless, at their question, he chews on his lower lip with the snaggle and mulls over his own thoughts a moment.]
...Better? [Maybe try again with less of a question.] Better. Mostly for the fae magic... I'm not worried about practicing it now. Which is nice, I wanted to stay excited about it.
[Some anxieties are easier to alleviate than others, but this one at least was relatively simple. Different rules, different magic... no risk of getting himself wrecked by using it. He's in no hurry to grow up (or become an old man!) due to enjoying a bit of power for the first time.]
[Better is a perfectly acceptable answer.
Rue gives Casey's hand a gentle tug so they can wrap him up in their wings without warning, hefting the boy up into their arms and up off of the ground completely.]
Casey, I'm excited as well! Yet another sign of the bond between you and I. I feel that it grows stronger and stronger every single day. [A nuzzle of their cheek to his, anything to get their boy smiling and laughing and excited all over again. No more sadness, no more worries. Not today.]
Verily, my heart is so very happy.
Rue gives Casey's hand a gentle tug so they can wrap him up in their wings without warning, hefting the boy up into their arms and up off of the ground completely.]
Casey, I'm excited as well! Yet another sign of the bond between you and I. I feel that it grows stronger and stronger every single day. [A nuzzle of their cheek to his, anything to get their boy smiling and laughing and excited all over again. No more sadness, no more worries. Not today.]
Verily, my heart is so very happy.
[He laughs as he's lifted, the enthusiasm he'd started with trickling back into his expression and body language, as if Rue's own shift had given him permission to echo it. His arms sneak above their wings to hold the back.]
I don't know what verily means. [His tone is playful, like that is the least important thing to him right now.] Do you think it'll keep changing? First the owlbear, now this... what else could it do?
I don't know what verily means. [His tone is playful, like that is the least important thing to him right now.] Do you think it'll keep changing? First the owlbear, now this... what else could it do?
It is the same as truly or certainly. [get cultured] Such as, verily, I love you with all my heart. Or, look there, I verily believe that is the ugliest sweater I've ever seen!
[His smile always makes everything worth it. While the rest of the city is staying warm in their homes, Casey and Rue have all of this space alone, so prepare to be just gently spun in the owlbear's arms. They don't mind being silly when it's just the two of them to see it.]
I think the answer is quite obvious, dear.
[His smile always makes everything worth it. While the rest of the city is staying warm in their homes, Casey and Rue have all of this space alone, so prepare to be just gently spun in the owlbear's arms. They don't mind being silly when it's just the two of them to see it.]
I think the answer is quite obvious, dear.
Well, hopefully we'll be better neighbours here than the last time we had a house.
[They have yet to put the Exandria equivalent of a sunlit Christmas tree on the roof to irritate all their drow neighbours, so already it's an improvement.]
I'm happy to have you for a neighbour, too. You've been nothing but gracious, thank you! [He lifts the basket.] And thank you for this, too. I'll put it all to good use.
[They have yet to put the Exandria equivalent of a sunlit Christmas tree on the roof to irritate all their drow neighbours, so already it's an improvement.]
I'm happy to have you for a neighbour, too. You've been nothing but gracious, thank you! [He lifts the basket.] And thank you for this, too. I'll put it all to good use.
[Lo, he is cultured. And their examples and casual swinging have him shifting into giggles, protesting playfully.]
Is it obvious? Tell me, you have to tell me!
[Without warning he dissolves into light in their arms, reappearing perched on their shoulders instead, leaning over to hug them around the neck. This new power is just begging to be used for shenanigans.]
Is it obvious? Tell me, you have to tell me!
[Without warning he dissolves into light in their arms, reappearing perched on their shoulders instead, leaning over to hug them around the neck. This new power is just begging to be used for shenanigans.]
[It is enough to drag one of those true, absolutely unfiltered laughs from Rue, their feathery shoulders shaking, giant eyes light up with utter bliss.]
Now that will take some getting used to. [Since he's leaning in for hugs, it only means Rue is in perfect smooching his face position. So they will, a shower of pecked kisses for their son.]
I think the most obvious thing to happen next would be you growing to be even taller than me!
[Silly in the extreme, but since he's already on their shoulders, Rue only has to straighten their posture to full height to make it a reality, at least for this one single moment.]
How's the weather up there?
Now that will take some getting used to. [Since he's leaning in for hugs, it only means Rue is in perfect smooching his face position. So they will, a shower of pecked kisses for their son.]
I think the most obvious thing to happen next would be you growing to be even taller than me!
[Silly in the extreme, but since he's already on their shoulders, Rue only has to straighten their posture to full height to make it a reality, at least for this one single moment.]
How's the weather up there?
Aren't I taller than you right now?
[The cheek on this kid, following their lead. His face scrunches in a wiggly smile at the kisses, and he burrows his face into their feathers as if hiding. Embarrassing! So embarrassing! Yet-]
The weather's very... warm.
[It's nice and cozy, this Mom-hugging.]
[The cheek on this kid, following their lead. His face scrunches in a wiggly smile at the kisses, and he burrows his face into their feathers as if hiding. Embarrassing! So embarrassing! Yet-]
The weather's very... warm.
[It's nice and cozy, this Mom-hugging.]
The sass on you. I can only imagine where you learned that from.
[Leo. Duh.
But he's right, isn't he? Even in the cold weather, all Rue can feel is the warmth beneath their feathers, the happy flush at their cheeks, the familiar tiny face burrowing so sweetly against their plumage. Every single day there are more and more memories for Rue to keep close to their heart, more reasons to make their previous hurt feel like so much smaller in comparison.]
I find myself agreeing wholeheartedly with you. United, the chill can not touch either of us. The power of our love overpowers even the weather!
[Leo. Duh.
But he's right, isn't he? Even in the cold weather, all Rue can feel is the warmth beneath their feathers, the happy flush at their cheeks, the familiar tiny face burrowing so sweetly against their plumage. Every single day there are more and more memories for Rue to keep close to their heart, more reasons to make their previous hurt feel like so much smaller in comparison.]
I find myself agreeing wholeheartedly with you. United, the chill can not touch either of us. The power of our love overpowers even the weather!
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