ruevealing | folkmore inbox.

[Leo!! Such high praise. It makes Rue's heart absolutely sing.]

Nor would I have without you. You were such a dear friend to me all through that mess. To think you are my son now, it fills me with such pride to see how far we've come.

Heh. Yeah, I uh. Honestly wouldn't have pictured it back then.

But I'm glad you got here too.

[Time for mom cuddles!! The food will still be there after Rue gets their fill of wrapping their son up and nuzzling their head to his.]

I do not think I could ever thank you enough for all you have done for me. You know me on a level that few others ever could.

[AND THAT'S WHY HE'S THE FAVORED SON!!! if he knew there was any competition to be had, that is. As it is, he'll lean in to the cuddling with a grin.]

Well, you did a lot for me! So- call it even.

[shh!! don't tell anyone else!]

May I ask what memories of ADI you keep closest to your heart? There are so many that are much easier to forget, but among them, I feel there are those worth holding on to as well.

Oh, definitely that first time we piled up with ice cream like this. First time I knew you were really safe and I didn't have to worry.

[He takes another squeeze in that hug burying his face in. That was really the first time since before the krang showed up that he felt like he could stop worrying so much.]

[Oh. It warms Rue's heart to hear that one. Their paw rests over the bracelet hidden beneath their feathers, giving them both a lovely blossom of warm comfort within them.]

That is one of mine as well! I am so grateful I was able to make you feel safe and that obscene amounts of food have become our special way to take care of the other.

Hey, you shouldn't handle a lot of stuff on an empty stomach is all.

[It's easy to relax like this. Rue's big enough he can just lounge casually across them or on them like he can Raph.]

Oh, is that one of your life lessons, Leonardo?

Not even that, just a fact of life.

And what other facts of life have you gathered thus far? Let me bask in your brilliance, darling.

[He's being buttered up for something. Why is Rue playing up his ego.]

I've also learned to be cautiously suspicious about some things.

Is everything okay?

[Rue pulls away enough to smile down at Leo, before leaning in for another owlbear kiss to the top of his head.]

Of course. I am with you. [And maybe just a touch more warmly] And you said yes. My heart feels so very full.

[he doesn't even flinch or anything at that kiss! But he still watches them.]

I- yeah. Felt right.

[Rue's head tips to the side, big eyes blinking as Leo watches them.]

You have no regrets, do you? I'm not coming on too strongly, am I? Moving too fast?

What, no? No regrets at all. Just had to sort out my own thoughts about it, but I got there.

[Ah! Prepare to get squeezed!]

You know I do not fault you for the time at all. I just wanted to be certain this truly was what you wanted. Just in case.

[But now that he is certain, Rue is elated!]

I was thinking of hosting another big party for the winter holidays. How do you and your brothers normally celebrate?