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[ruevealing]

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[ruevealing]

If it really is no bother, I would love to stay. I'm happy to help cook, whatever you both need.

[As long as they get a son on each side to cuddle after, Rue will be in heaven.]

I'll just need to let my Hob know soon, so he isn't left wondering where I am.

[apuckalypse]

We should cook for you for once! I'm actually getting pretty good at it, and Hunter's learning too.

[As long as they stick to the recipe, meal times go smoothly enough at their place.]

And of course, gotta tell Hob. Wouldn't want him to worry.

[ruevealing]

[Alright, their pace will speed up just a little now that the end of the night does not feel quite so inevitable.]

And perhaps a nice movie after dinner, hm?

[apuckalypse]

Or even during. [They're teenage boys, of course they don't always sit at the table for mealtimes.] Hunter's been interested in a bunch of human movies lately, so I bet you'd have some good recommendations.

[He can really only pass along stuff he's absorbed through other people and like, sci-fi or Lou Jitsu movies at this point.]

[ruevealing]

[scandalous! ..but rue will allow it]

We both do have a fondness for romances. I'll have to think of the perfect one.

[apuckalypse]

[it's at least partially because he's not 100% the dinner table has a chair that is Rue-worthy, sorry Mom.]

Oh, does he? [Casey scratches a bit shyly at his cheek. Romance + Hunter now has extra context for him.] We could pick a romance, then.

[ruevealing]

[mother will just sit on the floor like an animal, it's fine....]

Mmhmm, it's been the subject of many of our conversations. We both so enjoy reading, sharing books only makes sense. I will ponder a good one for us three to enjoy!

[apuckalypse]

[Mother has a perfectly comfy couch to sit on!!!]

Oh, yeah, that tracks. [He pauses, considering for a few moments.] Did you know he liked me?

[ruevealing]

Of course!

[As simply as anything. Mothers are all-knowing, Casey.]

[apuckalypse]

[....Mom please.

Another pause, and Casey presses his face against their feathers, muffling an embarrassed laugh.]

I think everyone knew but me...

[ruevealing]

[Even perched on their head as he is, there is just no way he can not feel the smile radiating off of the owlbear. They are beaming with every step forward.]

Casey, my love, my darling, heart of my heart, do not be offended, but you were even more obvious than he was.

[apuckalypse]

[That has him lifting his head up and leaning over to look down at them, eyes wide.]

What, really!? I didn't even know what I was feeling!

[ruevealing]

[They must look absolutely ridiculous like this, but Rue only has eyes for their boy, pausing in their walk to tip their head just to meet his gaze.]

Of course I knew! I'm certain I knew long before you even did. You're my son, I know you better than anyone.

[apuckalypse]

[aaaauuuuuuugh]

So you were waiting to see if we figured it out?

[ruevealing]

I knew you both would eventually. It was only a matter of time.

[best to let it happen naturally, just the way it did.]

But Casey, dear...

[apuckalypse]

Hmm?

[He settles back down, resting his chin on their head once more.]

[ruevealing]

[Their paws squeeze affectionately at the skinny legs hanging over their shoulders.]

You're happy?

[apuckalypse]

[That makes him pause, and he stews on it for a moment- not because he doesn't know the answer, but because he doesn't know how to express it.]

I... I think so, yeah. It's new, and a little scary because I don't know what I'm doing, I don't want to mess it up. But I'm really happy to be with him. I wanna do whatever I can to make him happy, too. And I really like him...

[ruevealing]

[While Casey thinks, Rue resumes walking, politely passing by a couple on the path heading the opposite direction.]

Then that is what matters the most, my love. I'm so very happy for the both of you. You deserve to be overwhelmed with your joy.

[apuckalypse]

Overwhelmed is a good word for it.

[Sometimes it feels like he's drowning, just filled to the brim with this happy, bubbly feeling. It's similar to when he was adopted, but from a different direction, one he genuinely hadn't expected.]

Is that how it's supposed to feel?

[ruevealing]

Sometimes, yes. Not all of the time, but especially in the beginning, it can feel like a tidal wave is crashing down, like you are constantly under assault of these feelings you have absolutely no control over.

That will change in time, and it will settle down into something softer, but no less wonderful. I know it is still so early and you are not asking for any advice, but allow me to say this one thing:

There will come a time when Hunter's presence feels like an unshakable constant in your life, when you can reliably know he will always be there when you call him. He will feel as routine as anything else in your life, as constant as homework from school or the mail arriving daily. Break the mold in those moments, remind him you care in new ways, surprise him, never let him think you've taken his presence for granted for even a second.

[apuckalypse]

[Casey listens quietly to all of that, taking it in with a contemplative noise. Routine, constant... to him those still kind of sound like alien concepts, after so many years of watching people come and go throughout his life. The only true constant he could remember was sensei. Here, things are beginning to shift, and Rue has made a considerable dent in that uncertainty, and he's beginning to feel similarly with Leo and Hunter, the rest falling into shifting places around him. But that unease is a truly difficult thing to shake. Is it possible? To lose that, to gain that certainty with someone else at last? His new family?

He hums again, softly, chewing on the words over and over.]

...I won't... take him for granted. I can't. Every day is so important...

[Every day he could lose everyone again. He won't live in fear of it, but he'll never let himself forget, either.]

[ruevealing]

Every single day is the most important.

And I know you won't, you're such a sweet boy. I only wanted to give the perspective, since this is your first relationship. But I have faith you both will be just fine. And anytime you need advice or someone to listen to your worries or hurts or even just your excitements, there is nothing more important to me than coming when you call.

[Rue wants to be that positive, supportive parental force in his life. Which means Casey better prepare himself for the day Rue comes over to talk to him about the birds and the bees.]

[apuckalypse]

Right, um... I appreciate it. Especially knowing how much you love Hob, even with the troubles you both have had to go through. Who would have better advice than you?

[They're both so devoted and happy, surely they've overcome any obstacle! He's gotten advice from Leo, too, and he seems to do great with Peter. Casey has wonderful people in his corner. He just has to manage to not screw up so badly that advice can't save him in the aftermath.]

[ruevealing]

Problems are only natural. No matter how much you care about someone, you're still two entirely different individuals. Even my Hob and I butt heads on occasion, though only if I end up pushing him enough.

[It's a push he often needs though, to seek out his own place in this world, without simply trailing along at Rue's heels. He did not leave one oppressive court just to follow Rue around and wait for new orders. They want him to find his own happiness in this newfound freedom without them, just as Rue has done in his absence. It's a lot of learning on both ends.]

Don't shy away from those kinds of conversations, no matter how frightening they may seem. You'll only become stronger for it. I fully admit, I am no expert, but I will always tell you exactly how I feel and what I think.