[Beneath him, Rue laughs, giving a pat to his leg. Casey, breathe!!!!]

If my saying not to be cruel to one another is setting off such nerves, perhaps we should be having a very different conversation, little cub.

[such nerves! as if rue could ever ground either of them ever]

Truly, my love, my words are not meant to frighten. Hear these instead: I am deeply happy for you and nothing could make me happier than to hear you are overwhelmed with joy. You deserve happiness, my Casey. You deserve this feeling always.