[ For a moment Hunter wavers in the middle of that decision, his face going on a whole journey as Casey mentions the letter. Relief at first - letter is safe, that’s most important - followed by guilt and panic. He’s really done it this time, hasn’t he? February is NOT his month. ]

I - I’m sorry, I know I should have brought it right away - but I was afraid, and then it was late, and then it was later, and -

[ His ears droop as his shoulders shake. ]

I thought maybe you might like him better than me.

[ But Rue has their arms out and Hunter cannot resist. Whether he’s the inferior guard or not, he hesitantly steps forward to bury himself in Rue’s wings. ]

I’ve really messed up this month.