ruevealing | folkmore inbox.

No, no! I mean, yes, but you're not subpar at all. All your food is delicious.

[Again, truly the lowest of bars for this kid, but he's sincere about it.]

I'd love to try and make those foods with you. I don't know what his should taste like, but... I'm sure he'd be happy if I got to try them.

[Honestly, low bar or not, Rue looks so pleased with the compliment.]

You are far too kind. Thank you, Casey. I have much improved certainly and I no longer burn everything I touch, but I still want to be even better. It feels very good to no longer set the microwave on fire anytime I use it, but I suppose that is less to do with cooking and more my understanding of how that machine works now.

[He grins at that.]

You've got lots of us around to steer you right with tech now, at least. And lots of mouths to feed if you want the practice.

[A whole gaggle of teenage appetites that need filling.]

I am so taken care of on every end by all of you. After a lifetime of being alone, it can be so overwhelming at times. But it is always overwhelming in the best of ways.

[It thrills them a little to see how the family has grown since ADI.]

Would you like more coffee? Or perhaps some water to wash all of that syrup down with?

[He's a breath away from apologizing for the overwhelming part, but holds his tongue as they finish. The best of ways? He can't possibly apologize for that.

He picks up his mug to check if all of his coffee is gone (it is) then reaches for the water jug instead.]

Water's a good idea. If I drink any more coffee I'll end up like Uncle Tello.

[eyebags for days, up all night, muttering to himself about this or that project in code lingo.]

Your Uncle Tello was quite the coffee addict?

[It isn't difficult to see, though it seems so silly considering their Donnie seems much happier with a juice box at this age.]

He was when we had coffee.

[Not a guaranteed thing in the apocalypse, but somehow Donnie had his ways.]

He ran all of our security systems- and I mean all of them. It meant he was usually getting up at weird hours to handle problems before they became, uh, situations. [He says each in such a different tone they might as well be night and day. Problems can be managed. A situation is very bad.] You know Donnie, he's really particular about his work. Hard to get him to delegate something that's supposed to protect his family.

[It sounds so much like their Donnie that Rue can not help the soft adoration that brightens their expression. Hearing about the turtles of the future, this family that must be so proud of Casey for how far he has come, Rue is so very grateful that he finally feels free to share these memories of them. In a way, it keeps their legacy alive within both of them now.]

Some things never change, hm?

[Rue's own eating is much slower, tiny, polite bites for their size, slow and thoughtful and always giving every flavor a chance to settle on their tongue.]

Casey, I do not know if I thanked you for sharing these memories of your family with me. It means a great deal that you trust me with something so precious.

[He's trying to emulate their speed, though he's slowing down in part because he's getting full. Definitely not adding anything to his plate now; three quiche slices and the fruity waffles make for a hefty stomach.

He glances over at their comment, brows lifting at first, but his expression is quick to soften, a shy but pleased smile crossing his lips.]

You don't have to thank me for that... but you're welcome. Thank you for listening. It's... really nice to be able to talk about them again. It's been kind of tough keeping quiet about everything.

[Kind of. His poor tongue, getting bitten all the time.]

[It's so nice to see Casey looking so fully open like this, not having to hold himself back in the slightest. Memories like these should be shared and treasured with the world.]

And I would like to hear about all of them. [And because he is slowing down-] There's plenty of food to take home too, so don't feel that you must stuff yourself sick.

[It'll take some getting used to, after months of keeping so quiet, but he'll be glad to share more stories over time. Although today may have been overwhelming, it's still such a good feeling.]

I know! I'm gonna clear my plate and then I'm done, promise.

[He would die a little bit inside if any food was wasted because he got too greedy shovelling it onto his plate, okay. A few more bites and he's done anyway.]

And I'll clean up, too! You made everything, and since you're sending some back with me, it's only fair.

[dishes!? they have a son who does dishes???! rue has been BLESSED.]

You do not need to do that, Casey, but the offer is so very kind.

[No room to slack off at the end of the world, Rue!! Everyone does their part. He swipes the last bite off of his plate and pushes away from the table, eager to help.]

Don't worry, I've got this! You just relax and finish up whenever.

[With how quickly he eats, he'd rather not rush Rue when they said they prefer a relaxed pace. Now watch him go! Collecting dishes like a boss. This kitchen will be so clean.]

[Casey has been their son for like a week and already Rue is going to cry over how grown he is!!!!

And since he hops up to begin the dishes, Rue won't stop him. This is a kindness from him to them and Rue should never take such acts for granted.]

Well then, I will pack all of this up for you to take home. And we shall be finished in half the time!

[Please he was doing dishes in his pre-teen years this is nothing

Breakfast seems to have fully energized him, at least. Gone are the eyebags and the sleepy lethargy he'd had pre-and-post-nap. He's primed for chores, and then for whatever else the day has to offer. And today is going to be great.]

Am I even going to be able to carry it all?

[They made so much... he's grateful, but gosh.]

[It's so nice to see Casey bouncing around like normal again, looking exactly his age with that carefree, infectious happiness.]

Well, I suppose you'll just have to let me walk you back home. I think the two of us should be able to handle it, don't you?

[Casey opens his mouth to protest - they don't have to go out of their way, that isn't what he meant at all - but as he begins stacking dishes next to the sink, he reconsiders. Things have... fundamentally changed between them, now. Rue has ever been giving and kind, offering their kindness and attention and services to most people so openly. He was no exception. But now with this change there comes something altogether new. It's... a privilege, in a way. It isn't out of their way to walk with him, any more than it's out of their way to make him breakfast or pet his hair until he falls asleep or sit with him and curl up for a movie. Any more than it's out of his way to do their dishes or preen their feathers or randomly bring them TVs. It's family. It's giving. It's love.

And so, in a quietly pleased tone, he answers,]

I'd like that.

[Because he would. He'd like to spend more time with them, any time, any day. Their presence in his life brings such warmth, and he's missed that.]

[It is something they both will have to get used to, stepping back to let the other dote on them in their own special way. Never before would Rue ever have let Casey so much as wash a single dish in their home, but helping out was important to him, so for the first time, it does not feel like Rue is putting their guest to work.

It is just their darling son wanting to thank them for breakfast. And Rue could hardly deny Casey that.]

Then it's decided. Would you mind if I stepped away to clean myself up? I will be quick.

Of course! I'll try to be done by the time you are.

[Then they can continue on together, that'd be perfect. (Also it's their house, they can literally do whatever they want and he'd get no say-)]

[As if they have not been wrapped up together all morning, Rue is just going to pop over and drop a quick kiss to the very top of his head.]

Let's see if I can beat you then, hm?

[And off they go, sweeping away to their bedroom.

(Also how dare, this is basically his second house now, Casey gets equal say in everything but decor.)

[He watches them go with a smile, that same warm, overwhelming rush of emotion bubbling up in him again. Hard to believe that all of this started with a nightmare. (And. Yeah. It was a nightmare. He was in denial before, but it was a nightmare.) Now it all feels like a very beautiful dream. As soon as they turn the corner he exhales softly, still tasting sweet syrup against his teeth. Did all of that really just happen...?

...Feels good. Feels better than good.

-And then he speed-runs those dishes because he was just issued a challenge-]

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