ruevealing | folkmore inbox.

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.]

[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.

[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!

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?

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.

[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.

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

I forgot I had that on...!

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

[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.

[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!

[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.

[oh NO]

Next lesson! We must take a dozen photographs!

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

[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.

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

[Mom,]

You can't possibly object!

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

[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.

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

[Ruffles and laces and florals, oh my!]

[Rue's lucky this one's leaning into the genderfluid side of fashion these days, he'll probably wear anything.]

At least you'll be working with a similar, uh, shape.

[Just scaled down a bit? ...Okay, more than a bit.]

I do have much experience creating to my, ah, shape.

[Teasing, naturally. He didn't use the words big or giant or strange so Rue is perfectly content.]

You see my struggles as a cub even better now, don't you? Just imagine wearing your regular clothes on your owlbear form.

[They did just play with building blocks. All different shapes and sizes.]

I really can't. My shoes and gloves would end up with holes and my mask wouldn't fit at all.

[Running a shop is fulfilling and profitable and honestly very fun, but Rue's heart will always be in providing clothing for those struggling to find things that fit them.

There should never be another baby owlbear squeezing into human-sized clothing.]

I can't wait to surprise you with something fabulous.

[Once they come to a pause at the front door to Casey's apartment building, they give his hand one more squeeze before releasing him.]

Thank you again for the lovely surprise. I can't wait to get home and read my letters.

[Casey glances down at that, quiet for a moment as he shuffles from foot to foot, then moves to give them another big hug, one final for the road.]

Thank you for everything else. I had a lot of fun... and I can't wait for the next lesson. I love you.

And I love you. [Rue is all too happy for that hug, squeezing just a touch tighter than normal.] Give Hunter my love. I'll see you both soon.

Of course! [Sorry Mom did you just give him an excuse to hug the (secret) boyfriend? Hello? Thank you, he will give Hunter some love.] See you later, Mom!

[And off he goes. He even takes the stairs this time.]

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