ruevealing | folkmore inbox.

[blink. blink. blink. oh no, they are thinking]

But you no longer have asthma now, yes?

Yeah, I haven't had it since I was bitten. [He is getting an inkling Rue is thinking about something given the look on their face.] Why?

Peter! [let them GRIP his hands] You should take dancing back up again!

[It's Peter's turn to blink, be it in surprise. He doesn't fight against Rue's grasp.] I... should?

[He hadn't even really thought about that as an actual option.]

It would be such fun, don't you think? A chance to get back into something you loved so dearly as a child! Think of how much better your coordination must be as a young adult too. You're already so strong, so that kind of strength would only benefit you as you learned.

Oh, I- I guess it could be? [He's trying to think of when or how he would fit dance back into his schedule. It wouldn't really be hard. He has time here.] I dance sometimes, but just for fun with Leo or at a party.

It feels like a perfect opportunity, to start again now that you're stronger.

[One more big squeeze of their paws around his hand before Rue pulls away, but their expression is still beaming with excitement.]

Only if you'd like to, of course. But I would consider it, Peter. It might be fun.

[Peter is mulling over the suggestion still before he nods a little.]

I think you're right, it... would be really fun. I guess here I don't have to worry as much about hiding my secret identity like I did back home.

Wonderful! You never know, it might still be a passion of yours. Maybe even something you might like to pursue professionally one day.

Oh, I- professionally is not happening. [He seems flustered by the idea.] Probably gonna be a hobby forever since, my weird mutation shouldn't trump people's actual talent and skill, you know?

[owlbear STARE]

You could have talent and skill of your own even without your powers, Peter. Besides, nearly every single individual I've spoken to in this realm has special powers or abilities or latent magic of their own. You are no longer a part of a secret minority. You can celebrate your gifts without fear of pushing someone else aside.

You deserve to take up space too.

Now, having said that, if you do not wish to make it career, then you shall hear no complaint from me. I just don't want to see you limit yourself. Do whatever makes you most happy. Follow your dream, wherever it leads you.

[A pep talk, in his life? Never.]

Still, its not like I earned these powers or anything. I kind of broke into a lab I wasn't supposed to be in... [Even Rue's most mild manner son has committed crimes.] I do want to dance though, it'd be fun. Maybe I'll ask Leo if he wants to do it with me. If he has the time anyway.

I dunno if its a dream, I mean, I wanted to be a superhero really bad. Now I guess I don't want that.

[Look, your parent just wants you to be at your happiest, Peter. They have big dreams of their grown happy children!]

Whatever you do choose to do, you know that you have my support. Always.

Thank you, I appreciate that. I just... dunno what I want right now. [He's honest about that much to Rue. He's at a crossroads of there being so many options and all of them feeling like too much.

He also doesn't want to enjoy something, then have to stop doing it when he goes home with Leo to the turtle's dimension.]

[Rue is coming in to press a kiss to his temple, before gently brushing the hair from his face.]

You are still so young. You have plenty of time to figure out what you might like to do. It is nothing to stress about yet.

[They turn their head to peer at the Spider-bot at their shoulder.]

Don't you agree, my friend?

[Peter is relaxed under Rue's touch, content under the owlbear's care.

Spider-Bot full of betrayal trills or attempts to in agreement with Rue. Peter huffs a little at that.]

I see you're immediately taking their side, huh? [The Spider-Bot just wiggles its front legs as it settles into Rue's feathers more deeply.] I guess you're right, I just... wish I knew what I wanted. Everyone else seems to know what and who they wanna be more than I do.

[It's two versus one now!

Their paw remains there, brushing back his hair, their heart-shaped expression soft and adoring.]

It took me many millennia to figure out what I wanted, dear. I promise that you are not lagging behind anyone. You're just growing up. Your views on the world and on yourself, as well as your priorities will continue to shift for the next decade or so as you continue to mature and grow.

So I would ask that you give yourself some grace. In my eyes, you are doing exactly what you should be right now. The rest well come when you are ready.

[Peter is quiet for the moment, just taking in Rue's words.] Yeah, that is true... I just don't want to be left behind I guess. [He rubs the back of his neck uncertainly.]

Sometimes it feels that way. I stopped doing a lot of stuff I liked because of Spider-Man, and it feels hard to actually pick anything back up again.

I promise, none of us are going anywhere. You have all of the time in the world to figure out where your new path will take you. And know that especially Leo and I will be right there cheering you on, no matter what you choose to do.

[Spider-Bot helpfully adds its own agreement in a few beeps and boops. Peter just rolls his eyes a little, but fails to hide a smile at his creation seemingly deciding to just copy Rue.]

Hearing that does make me feel a lot better. I just... need to actually repeat that to myself to make it stick, I think.

[A united front! Spider-bot and Owlbear!]

I'm happy to remind you as many times as you need. Always. Here, finish your sandwich and I can show you some of the photo albums I've begun to work on.

[Peter has doomed the household's visitors to Rue having a little robotic sidekick.]

I feel like you, and Leo, if, I guess when I bring it up definitely won't let me forget. [He jokes softly back. He is going to inhale the rest of his sandwich, give him a minute or two.] I definitely need to see the albums!

Do not fret, love. Leo and I will always be right on your heels to never let you forget it! It is not a job we take lightly.

[Peter manages to not choke on his sandwich as he laughs.] I'm glad you two are not taking it lightly. Keeping me in check has to be a really hard job. [He has to joke a little about it.]

[Spider-Bot beeps from its perch on Rue's shoulder, eyes flashing from red and blue before dimming to something lighter. Peter wonders vaguely if its trying to copy him badly, but the thought doesn't linger.

He just finishes up the sandwich.] Okay, lemme- wash up before I touch the albums.

Edited 2023-12-19 22:05 (UTC)

Take your time, I'll bring the few I've finished so far to the couch.

[A peck of a kiss at Peter's cheek and Rue is gracefully sweeping away to pull out their two new, thick, already perfectly decorated, photo albums.]

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