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[Even a brief hurt sucks, but maybe there's no helping it. What Rue feels, what Peter feels... both are valid. Doesn't make it necessarily right - a lot of what Peter said isn't all that healthy, he thinks - but he feels what he feels and that's that. They can only work with, and around those feelings, until or unless they change.

With a quiet sigh he lowers his hands and slumps against their side instead, arms sliding around them. Brief hurts get long hugs, that's the rule.]

It's hard... not being able to do more. When there's no easy cure or fix for this stuff.

[Especially when he wasn't actually supposed to hear any of that. Even if his excuse is a good one!]

What should we do?

[There will be zero complaining from Rue at being gifted that long hug, the owlbear all too eager to return it with enthusiasm, pecking a kiss into Casey's hair.]

We give him space to calm down and brush away any lingering embarrassment he might feel. And then, I suppose the best thing we can do is simply show him we love him. Prove our words with action, without overstepping the way that I already have.

[They can see it now more clearly. It doesn't make what happened any less surprising and hurtful, but Rue will know better than to make the same mistake again.]

Peter will get there. We just have to keep proving that his trust in us is worth it and that we are all here to support him.

[He nods slowly. That's the sensible option, going slowly and carefully to avoid a repeat of that panic. Meeting him on his level and working on his fears at a gentle pace. It's more what Rue and Leo can do than the rest - they are the closest to him - but as his friend, Casey can try to do his part, too.]

If you need me for anything, please tell me? I'll be there right away. If not me, at least someone... you carry a lot on your own already.

[Leo would be the best candidate, admittedly, but he can't volunteer anyone else, only himself. Rue deserves support too, and there are definitely things he can do.]

[Rue hardly knows what to do with that offer, it surprises them.]

Casey, you are so generous and caring. [The best of them all, Rue thinks, so young and so wounded, but still so good.] But I promise, I am just fine. Shouldering anything with you boys is never a burden. I am only taking enough to help you all breathe easier.

[Their wings settle around Casey like they always do, long feathers trailing down his back, engulfing him in their soft warmth as Rue squeezes him.]

What Peter needs is friends too. Not just this family that has elbowed their way into his life, but friends willing to have fun with and do different teenage activities together. Peter and I can have fun, certainly, but it's impossible to erase how much more of a parent than a peer I am. And Leo and Peter can do things certainly, but Leo is his partner, it paints the whole interaction differently.

If you do not mind it, maybe offering to hang out more often with planned activities might be good for him.

[He shakes his head at once.]

I don't mind at all! I like hanging out with Peter. He's really nice, and it's fun... he doesn't even get annoyed when I ask a million questions.

[Nobody does, technically, but Peter tends to get the bulk of his dumb inquiries about past/modern Earth, since he lived the human-on-the-surface life. He has insights even the turtles wouldn't be able to provide.]

[Even wrapped up in their arms, Casey can probably tell his parent is squinting above him.]

Has anyone gotten annoyed with you for simply seeking clarification?

[Casey's eyes widen. He can smell danger in the air.]

Um. No?

[And they relax just as easily, right back into the cuddle.]

Good! I'd be terribly cross if anyone had. Asking questions is never something to be shamed for.

But either way, I'm glad. If that's the case, just keep going forward with how you've already been spending time with him. That's the best way to remind him that he doesn't have to face this alone, he has an entire community, ready to lift him up.

[Thank goodness, his nonexistent critic is spared their wrath. And at their continued suggestion, he smiles brightly.]

Yeah... yeah, got it. Okay. Teamwork!

[They can do this together. Smash those anxieties, collectively. It'll work out somehow, surely. They all deserve to be happy.]

Want to stay over? We can have dinner, and Hunter'll want to see you when he's up. You're always hosting us, we can finally return the favour.

[oh!!!!

Rue pulls away just enough to beam down at Casey, as if afraid they might have misheard him.]

Truly? Are you certain he wouldn't mind?

Not at all! He'd be happy for sure. He loves the heck out of you too.

[He's not subtle about this. Neither of them are, really. Any time spent with Rue is a good time.]

[It's true. Their boys are fairly obvious in all things, but Rue adores it.]

Then I would be delighted to stay. I can not remember the last time I was a guest anywhere. I hardly know what to do!

You don't have to do anything. Just let me do it all! I learned from the best already!

[He's gonna host the heck out of this. You will be soooo hosted.]

[Rue can not wait! To sit back and see exactly what Casey has learned from them, their heart may just burst!

After the earlier hurt with Peter and the hunt from before even that, a touch of easy conversation and good companionship would be a perfect way to spend their day. And Rue can think of no one they'd rather spend time with.]

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