[It's as if the realization that Casey does not have to carry all of this on his own takes their young son by the shoulders and shakes him until every last bit of the weight he's been shouldering the last year just flies off of him, leaving the teenager shuddering and gasping for breath. Unable to meet ther gaze, but curling around his fingers around their talons anyway, a small sign that he needs Rue and doesn't want to be left alone with this.

Rue doesn't scoop him up, but they do wrap Casey in a wing, drawing him close to their feathers and soft fabrics and familiar floral scent, just hoping to envelop him fully.]

Then you won't. I promise, Casey. We will handle it. That way you can simply focus on your own feelings and growing a new relationship with her. The rest is off your shoulders.

[And how grateful Rue is that he's accepting the help, though of all of their children, Casey's always been the best at it. Still, this is a big one and it's so significant that he can trust his family to pick up the pieces in his stead.]

Breathe it all out, my love. I'm right here. You don't have to face any of this alone.