ruevealing | folkmore inbox.

[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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