ruevealing | folkmore inbox.

[oh his confusion is rather adorable]

You know as well as I do that familial characteristics can skip generations at times. Perhaps you were always meant to be a giant among yours.

[The tape measurer winds itself and Rue slips it back away, before dropping a paw affectionately against Peter's shoulder instead.]

I will not own up to such words to his face, but I think you shall be quite a deal taller than Leo.

I... guess? [He has no idea what to think about this whole Taller Than Before thing. Maybe his parents were tall.] Being taller than May- before this was already weird.

[He blinks a little before laughing as Rues words settle over him. He peeks up at Rue, his smile returning. Be it an amused one on his part.] You think so? I hope he's not too bothered by it or anything.

[It delights the owlbear, being able to drag a smile out of Peter.]

Oh, Leo will be thrilled for you. We both know that it will only urge him on to try even harder for his own growth spurt. That boy is far too competitive and he will see this as a friendly challenge of his own.

Now! I am afraid there is little I can do for your tee-shirts- [A little too much emphasis on the word tee] - But I may be able to save your pants and jackets, at least until the next surge in growth.

[Peter huffs a little at that. His smile warming up a little more.] He can be as competitive as he wants, I'll still be able to pick him up and carry him around anyway. He weighs like nothing to me. [He jokes easily after a moment.] I could probably pick you up too, Rue.

I'd really appreciate that, since, I feel like I just got most of my stuff, now I have to like get new stuff.

[Now it is Rue's turn to gently laugh, reaching out a giant paw to affectionately brush the hair from Peter's forehead. They feel it is only a joke or an attempt to politely include them in. But they know well enough by now that no matter how they dress or present themself, Rue will never be as dainty and delicate as they wish to be.]

Now that is too generous. I am not as weightless as my light-feet sometimes suggest. It is embarrassing to admit, but I can not count the number of chairs that have lost their lives at my attempt to sit upon them.

[Embarrassing, yes, but the Rue's long made peace with it.]

And certainly, dearest. Bring me anything you'd like taken out and I will do what I can to save it.

[Peter realizes in that moment he hasn't told Rue about his whole- super strength thing. Oops. He has no idea how to properly explain it.]

Well, no, I can pick you up. [He shrugs out of the varsity jacket carefully, half afraid of tearing it. He folds it gently and places it in his backpack again.] Its- one of those things the ADI did to me. Like, how it took away a lot of magic from you, Leo and Donnie, it took away my strength. Dunno why.

[Rue's gaze goes unblinking. It does not feel very real, that someone so tiny could pick up nearly half a ton of an owlbear, but Peter is not the type to prank and jest like the turtles may.]

It was the same way with my Hob. He lost a great deal of strength there as well. But Peter, how could you lift me? You are but a human, are you not? I did not know any with the strength to pick up a bear, I thought such a thing impossible.

Can you truly?

Well, I kind of got mutated at one point, so, yeah I could. [Surprise, he's another weird little mutant in Rue's pocket.] I've picked up a car here, so I know everything should be back.

Would it be okay if I picked you up? [He is a polite little menace at least.]

[rue and their unhinged, mutated, weird little boys!]

Oh - you are certain you will not hurt yourself? I do not mind in the slightest, but do not strain your poor back...

[Rue's collection of strange sons continues to get stranger.]

Oh, yeah, I'll be good. [He eyes Rue, debating how to approach before stepping forward to very gently scoop up the Owlbear into his arms. He doesn't struggle with the gesture or seem bothered by Rue's weight. At most, he's getting feathers in his face, which makes him laugh a little.] Your feathers are really tickly.

[?????????????

It's not that Rue was expecting Peter to lie, it was more that they assumed, no matter how strong he really was, that a being of their size would just be too much to move. But somehow, defying all expectations, one moment Rue is on their feet and the next they are scooped up as if weightless.

Their head turns to him, searching the boy's face for any sign of strain or hurt, but Peter looks fine. More than fine, he is laughing.]

I can barely believe it. [Their own laugh chases after his, shocked and thrilled in equal measure.] Peter Parker, you amaze me.

[Peter blinks a little at the praise, but doesn't try to deny it.] Oh- uh, thank you.

[He moves to very carefully put Rue back down on their feet. Wary of somehow dropping the owlbear.] Here. I don't wanna like- make you uncomfortable or anything.

[Too bad! The moment that Rue is back on their feet, Peter is getting a proper hug from them, complete with a kiss to the very top of his head.]

You never could, you sweet boy. You leave me in such awe! Hob was the only one I've ever known with such strength before. I spent my whole life believing an owlbear of my size could never be delicate enough to be picked up and I have been proven wrong twice now! Thank you.

[He obviously didn't expect that reaction given the surprised sound that escapes him and the blink he gives Rue as he peers up at them. He's lost amongst the feathers even with the additional height he's gained.]

I mean, you are delicate though. [He wonders if that's weird to say and fumbles a little verbally.] There's- strength in being delicate, in being open and stuff. You're always so open with people and gentle.

[Peter!!!!!]

That is the single most kind thing that anyone has ever said to me. Thank you, Peter. I am so very touched.

[Well that answers his question about if its too much, clearly it isn't. Peter smiles back, be it a little shyly at Rue's response.]

Oh- um, you're welcome. [He thought Rue knew all of this already, so it feels weird to say 'you're welcome'.]

[He has given them a great gift with these words. Even still, Rue struggles to see themself as anything but a giant beast, so to have the words delicate and gentle - even if it truly is such a good descriptor towards them - it is everything they have ever wanted to hear.

Accept one more peck to the top of his head before Rue is giving Peter his space again.]

Now, back to the matter at hand. Bring me whatever you like to have altered and I would be happy to make the adjustments. Or, if there's anything you'd like that you do not have, you only need ask. Besides that, you must tell Leo your good news!

[The lack of owlbear is missed, but, Peter doesn't chase after it, assuming Rue wanted their space back.]

Right- [Peter is trying to think of any clothes he absolutely wants to keep around.] To be honest, the jacket was like the biggest concern I had since I thought I shrunk it. But... [He runs a hand through his hair absently.] I could probably bring a couple jeans or shirts I guess? My flannels are big enough they're kind of fitting normally now I guess.

[He huffs a little.] I mean, knowing Leo, he probably already noticed. Its probably changed how I hold him and stuff.

And whatever you bring that can not be salvaged, I will do my best to replicate it, just with a touch more give since I assume this will not be your own growth spurt.

[also??????? that is the cutest thing rue has ever heard.]

That is so darling. It always brings me so much happiness to know the joy you both have found in one another. Do you quite enjoy living together?

I appreciate it, though I can't get any taller than this, that'd be weird. [Peter answers back initially, baffled by. Peter blinks a little at the compliment, not sure what to make of it. In his mind those two topics are connected given how often he and Leo hold each other.]

Yeah, I do, I think he does too. It's comforting to be together.

Though we've had practice sort of back in the ADI. [He laughs a little nervously.] Leo just kinda kept staying in my dorm with me and not leaving a lot? Hunter, my roommate, didn't mind too much.

[It warms Rue's heart to hear that, to know that moving in together had not been as huge a jump to Leo and Peter as it may have been to others. But then again, Rue isn't entirely surprised. Peter is so calm and Leo is so eager to keep him smiling, it just makes sense the transition would be easy.]

I'm so glad. I know I have said it before, but the two of you give me such hope in love.

[Something that had been shaken for Rue before they left ADI.]

Would you like to stay longer? I only just received my previous phone from Massachusetts and all of my photos and videos are intact! I would love to look through them with you, if you are not busy.

That's always still nice to hear. I know he and I are still figuring each other out in a lot of ways. [The thought slips out before he can catch it completely. He rubs the back of his neck absently.] And I don't wanna... have our relationship made weird by people treating him weird. I dunno.

[The distraction from fashion is enough to make Peter blink a little, then smile. His brief uncertainty shunted aside.] Yeah, I'd love to see them! Do you have pictures from the wedding and stuff-? I'm more than fine to go anywhere. I mean, I can always ask you for fashion help.

[uh oh. pictures who? rue hears the strange commentary and their big eyes go very intense.]

Peter, forgive me for interrupting, but what do you mean about others treating Leo weird? Is that something that has happened?

[Rue being intense throws Peter off considerably. He's not used to intense owlbear.] Oh- uh. Yeah.

This is like- probably me overthinking it. [He fidgets absently with the hem of his sleeve.] Like, he apologized to Leo, so its over, but, Mr. Stark wasn't really... nice to him when they first met?

[A very slow, deliberate blink.]

You mean Tony? Tony Stark? He was rude to our Leo because of his appearance?

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