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[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?

[He wonders if he's ruined things now. His nervous fidgeting is becoming more obvious from how he's picking at his sleeve.]

Yeah, Tony Stark. He was my mentor back home before he died. I dunno if mentor still counts here? I told him I have a boyfriend, and he wanted to meet Leo.

He kind of showed up at our apartment for breakfast. He got kinda weird about Leo being a turtle. He said Leo was 'A choice' and stuff.

He did apologize, though, so- I'm probably being dumb. Sorry.

A choice!

[Rue does not ever truly raise their voice, but there's a certain sharpness to their tone.]

Peter - [and somewhere in their bubbling fury, Rue realizes Peter is growing anxious and lays a gentle paw to his shoulder, squeezing softly.] You must never apologize for caring about your partner and being offended and hurt that some - [oh, they are angry now, feathers ruffling up around their neck and face.] -sleazy, small-minded man spoke so cruelly out against someone who does not look like him. I will not stand for it.

[and because they can not get over it:]

A choice!!!

I told Mr. Stark Leo isn't a 'choice', and I don't care if he 'minds', I just... [He stops his fidgeting under the gentle paw, worrying his bottom lip between his teeth.] I don't want anyone else from my world treating him weird, or me making it weird by over thinking it?

[Rue sighs, letting their anger cool as they press in closer to Peter, allowing themself to shake off their own irritation to soothe him instead.]

And you did wonderfully, darling. Thank you for speaking out against your own mentor. I can not imagine that was very easy.

I can not speak for Leo, but as someone who has experienced the same heartless bigotry the whole of their life, I understand why that would be a fear for you. I too wish that when anyone looks upon Leo, they see his caring, generous heart over fixating on the fact he is not human. We both know what he is matters so little in comparison to who he is.

[The direct contact seems to actively take the nervous fidgety edge down several degrees. Peter releases a short breath as he tries to relax a little.]

It was awkward, yeah, but, I didn't really like how he was talking about Leo. I wasn't going to just let it happen. [Its a simple sentiment on his part.] I know, he's a turtle, but that's- not the first thing that comes to my mind when I think about Leo.

I'm sorry you guys have to deal with any of it. It's- stupid and unfair, but, I'm just stating the obvious.

[good. the very last thing they want to do is stress this sweet boy out. peter has already had this weighing on his mind, clearly. he does not need to carry rue's fury too.]

It is quite unfair, but the people like you more than make up for it. Even though I can be quite intimidating to behold, I have never once seen fear in your eyes and that means more to me than you will ever know.

[a quiet pause, rue reaching up to brush peter's hair from his face]

I think my advice would be to ask Leo what would make him most comfortable, in regards to how to approach Tony or any other future incidents. He will tell you honestly how he would like them to be handled, whether that is dropping the subject completely or standing up for him.

I mean, you're not scary to me. You're just Rue. [He says with a half of a shrug given Rue is holding onto him.]

Yeah, asking is... a good idea. I just worry he's going to want to protect me from stuff. [He manages to not outright fidget again and ruin more of the stitching in his sleeve.] Sometimes he just keeps stuff inside and I don't want to push him super hard about things.

Speaking as someone married to someone quite similar, I know what a stress that can be.

[It was all too easy for Hob to bury his own hurt and insecurities down and simply follow orders. It took Rue some time to know just what was an appropriate line for them to cross when bullying the man to stand up for himself. Peter will get there in time too.]

Just don't forget that sometimes the ones we love need a little push at times. We both know that Leo would thank you for it. And open communication, even if it feels like an uncomfortable conversation to have, will always end up better for everyone. Leo likes to hide his hurt, but being able to feel and understand the full of one's emotions is a gift. Burying that down just leads to resentment and anxiety and, sometimes, a deep feeling of loneliness.

[Peter listens with an uncertain frown, wishing he was as confident as Rue is about this. He feels like he isn't really helping Leo with a lot.]

I feel like, when I do push it doesn't work...? He just takes it as a reason to bury everything more and focus on me. After he learned I died back home when we were in the ADI, he kind of changed a little. Like- changed how he treated me, I mean.

[Peter isn't sure if this is too private of a detail to talk about, but their brief argument about Leo's nightmares is still something on Peter's mind. Something that doesn't feel completely resolved. Leo still isn't sleeping that well at times.] I tried asking him to talk with me about the nightmares he was having, and it just... made everything worse for a little while I think.

[Rue does not try to hide the way their feathery face pinches, big eyes narrowing in concern. Very quickly their paw finds Peter's shoulder, giving the teen a reassuring, but gentle squeeze.

None of this sits very well with Rue, not the news that Leo has been treating Peter differently nor the news that he is having terrible nightmares.]

If you do not feel it is productive and you do not feel comfortable pushing, then please, my dear, ignore my well-meaning, if sometimes pushy advice. But, Peter, may I ask what has changed in how Leo treats you? Does Leo have difficulty sleeping most nights?

I dunno, it could help, depending on the topic. His nightmares are... iffier, I think. [He doesn't explain what Leo's nightmares are of. Erring on the side of some privacy for his boyfriend.]

As long as we've been together, neither of us really- sleep a lot? We'll get comfortable, he'll wake both of us, or I'll wake both of us up. It's been Leo more often, though. It just feels like it's gotten worse for Leo recently. [He can't really lie about his own issues. Rue would likely get it out of him anyway. The owlbear has a talent for that.]

He's more protective, I guess? [Peter shrugs a little uncertainly.] He's always really worried about me. So, it's nothing bad. I just... notice? Sometimes he just wants to protect me from how he's feeling.

None of it is bad or anything, I'm probably worrying too much.

[oh peter, you break rue's heart a little.]

Would Leo say that you are worrying too much?

I dunno. I don't want to assume or anything, I know I'm just... prone to being kinda anxious. [He is aware of his own tendencies at least.]

[At least there is power in knowing why one feels the way they do.]

I think that Leo would tell you that your feelings are as important and valid as any one else's. Truth be told, he likely would not hesitate to tell you that your feelings mean even more.

[Rue can not help the warmth in their face at that. Leo cares so deeply for those he loves.]

He loves you, Peter. He trusts your opinion, wants to be a good partner to you, and I truly believe he would want to hear if anything he was doing, intentional or not, was causing you anxiety.

[Peter is quiet for a moment, mulling over the owlbear's words.]

I know he loves me, I also know he loves me enough he's trying to shield me from how he's feeling sometimes. He doesn't like worrying people, so he tries to just avoid it-? [Peter knows his words aren't perfectly articulated here, but it is just him trying to get his thoughts in some kind of coherent order.] He redirects to hype everyone else up, but...

[He shakes his head a little, sighing at himself.]

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