[Then pamper they shall, with soft, reassuring brushes of feathers and as many hugs as a teenage boy could ever need.

Rue fusses quietly while Casey speaks, giving him the time he needs to process his impossible feelings into words, to let him just feel the warmth of their presence at his side, knowing he isn't alone as he faces this.

The fact that she is a past version though... That does add more trouble, doesn't it?]

You will need to tell her. And soon. [Gently spoken, but there's a hint of firmness there.] These kinds of things shouldn't be left for too long or Thirteen will take matters into her own paws.