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[ruevealing]

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[ruevealing]

[Well! There's no just taking one selfie with Rue. They let Casey clamour up against them, wrapping a wing around his waist, dragging him close before they are snapping a few pics - heads tipped together, one beaming at the camera, another with Rue pecking a kiss against Casey's cheek. They'll have an assortment to choose from for the photo wall.]

You absolutely will, while we keep working on the other. [One day, he'll wake up and it will just click. Until then, that's what magic is for.]

You let me know when you want to go fishing and I'll make sure Hob and I are there. Otherwise, I think your lesson has wrapped up for today.

[apuckalypse]

[Plenty of pictures to satisfy. He gives them one final nuzzle and a loving trill (and "Mom" one more time), before he exhales and focuses on shifting back. Within a few seconds, Rue has a very human child back in their arms, which he takes advantage of by stealing one more hug.]

Thank you for my lessons... we'll definitely have more. Fishing, too! I'm excited.

[ruevealing]

[One more hug? Rue does not think so!]

There's my perfect boy. I so love you as an owlbear, but nothing quite beats your smile.

[And since Casey is already in their arms, Rue is just gonna scoop him up and cuddle him, just a few moments longer.]

I'm excited too. I am so spoiled with all of the time we've spent together as of late.

[apuckalypse]

[He is scooped! And happily cuddled, freely offering up that smile they so love. The human body may be weaker and scrawnier than an owlbear but you can't beat the dextrous arms for hugging, or the enjoyment of hands feeling soft feathers.]

We're all spoiled! Since you opened the shop we can see you practically every day.

[ruevealing]

It makes my every single day so wondrously happy.

[One more big squeeze and kiss before Rue finally untangles themself from Casey, moving to rise back up on their feet from the floor.]

You know, dear, it has almost been two months exactly since you agreed to be my son. Is there anything I could be doing better? Any constructive criticism for how I'm doing as a mother?

[apuckalypse]

[What a question to ask.]

I don't know what a mother should be like. As far as I can tell, you're perfect.

[Rue passes with flying colours at being mom, this is fact.]

[ruevealing]

[whew!]

What a relief! I admit, I do not know how parents are meant to act either, besides what I've seen on television. But if you are quite happy, then so am I.

[apuckalypse]

Well, what about me? Any constructive criticism for your son?

[He has technically been that before, but only briefly by name, and he doesn't remember it, so.]

[ruevealing]

[Casey, when will you learn.

Rue tips their head up thoughtfully, raising a talon to delicately tap at the bottom of their heart-shaped feathers, before they bending a little to more on Casey's level. A paw moves to his shoulder, giving just the softest of affectionate squeezes.]

Casey, I could not ask for a better son. You have given my life more meaning than you will ever know. Every single time that I am graced with your presence, I feel more and more alive, as if the Delloso de la Rue of before had never truly lived. I have nothing but praise to offer you.

A five star son.

[apuckalypse]

[Oh no, he has not learned, and now he's getting teary-eyed again.]

Oh... um... you didn't have to give a full report card... [He lifts a hand to rest over their paw at his shoulder, squeezing gratefully.] Thank you... I'll do my best to keep being the best son ever!

[ruevealing]

Just do not rush to grow up. That is all I could ever ask.

[At the very least, they can be grateful Casey hasn't been hit by the same growth spurt Peter has. Let their baby boy stay small just a bit longer!]

May I walk you home before I return to Willow?

[apuckalypse]

I'll grow as fast as I will and no faster.

[He grins, scrubbing a palm at his eyes. No weeping, he's fine! He's perfectly fine. A little hiccup in the middle, but good on both ends. He's glad he did this.]

And of course you can. It's closer to the train station anyway, right? So it's on the way.

[ruevealing]

[Rue will just take Casey's hand in their own, walking him to the front of the store, pausing only once they are outside so they can lock up.]

By the way, that red ribbon is a darling look on you in either form.

[apuckalypse]

[Casey blinks and looks down, his cheeks immediately turning pink.]

I forgot I had that on...!

[ruevealing]

No! It's darling! Don't be embarrassed, you look so cute.

[apuckalypse]

[He gives his neck an idle scratch under the ribbon, but refrains from taking it off at least.]

It was supposed to be cute for the owlbear, not me.

[ruevealing]

[Once the store is fully locked up, Rue takes Casey's hand again and begins to walk towards his apartment, smiling to themself along the way.]

Well, it was very cute for the owlbear. What I need to do is make another flower crown for that form, think how cute you'll look!

[apuckalypse]

[He accepts their hand, walking alongside them down the path they know well by now.]

A flower crown and a ribbon might be too cute a combination.

[ruevealing]

[oh NO]

Next lesson! We must take a dozen photographs!

[apuckalypse]

That's a lowball estimate. Two dozen at least, and you should wear one too.

[ruevealing]

[Casey saying the magic words.]

Matching outfits. [That isn't what he said at all but go off, rue.] I will start on them immediately.

[apuckalypse]

...Are you trying to dress up my owlbear form?

[Mom,]

[ruevealing]

You can't possibly object!

[Look at them, Casey! Why wouldn't an extremely fashionable owlbear think another owlbear could wear clothes?]

[apuckalypse]

[He does look at them. And even with his new wardrobe it's hard to imagine wearing anything so fancy... on the other hand, he does trust them.]

I guess not. I'll leave myself in your capable hands, then.

[ruevealing]

Easily my favorite words every spoken. Just wait, you'll love what I come up with.

[Ruffles and laces and florals, oh my!]