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[Alright, enough of this. Time to scoop this boy up into their wings and shower him in a dozen reminders of their love.

So that is exactly what Rue does, gently nudging Casey's arms out of the way so they can wrap up Hunter and squeeze him close to them, moving across the room to settle over on the couch.]

There won't be, I'm certain. But even if there was, the way I feel about you can not be changed. And if there is anything you need from me to better reassure you of how I feel, you only need to say it. I would do anything for you, Hunter.

[ Hunter just nods at that, letting the comfort from Casey lap over him. The fear begins to fade, replaced by comfort that flows straight back to Casey. They love him. He's not getting replaced. Of COURSE he knew that, but it's just not a matter of trusting them? It's a matter of convincing his heart to trust...

And then he is SCOOPED!! Hunter lets out a startled squawk and clings to Rue's neck as they lift him bodily. ]

I - I don't think you need to do anything! Honestly!

[ He means that with his whole heart. ]

I'm the one who has to learn how to live with being loved.

[Oop- away Hunter goes with Rue. He's in good hands, in that case. Rue will know how to handle this, and since it's Rue's affection that Hunter worried about, they're best suited to comfort him. Casey follows them over, setting the package of snacks on the coffee table, and while Hunter is distracted by Rue just kinda. Points at himself, then the door. Should he go? Let Rue talk to him alone like they wanted? Is this the moment to bail, he has no guidebook for this.]

[There are no guidebooks for any of this! Casey makes a gesture to leave and Rue gives a gentle, but firm shake of their head, gesturing themself for him to come join them on the couch instead. He doesn't have to feel pressured to contribute to the conversation that must take place, but his presence is always a comfort.

Once settled, the owlbear pecks a slow, lingering kiss into Hunter's hair, right between his horns.]

I do not want you to think you are in trouble, dear, but we must talk about this. It can not go ignored, that would be a disservice to the relationship and trust we've built up.

[ Hunter misses this interplay for the most part; he just looks a bit alarmed at Casey maybe leaving. Why leave?? Of course Casey should stay.

Anyway, he pinks a bit at Rue's kiss. And ... well, tenses up a bit. He can't hel but feel a bit in trouble anyway. ]

How do we talk about it?

[Casey feels some relief and sinks down on the couch next to Rue, pressed up against their side. He reaches out and rubs his hand up and down Hunter's back, allowing their bond to gently reconnect, nothing too invasive, just a subtle background reassurance.

He keeps quiet for now, allowing Rue to take the lead on this.]

Well, I need to know what is going on.

[Straight to the point, really.]

[ Ah. Hunter droops against them; Casey's quiet reassurance is REALLY gonna come in handy here. ]

Something ... happened in my head. Draxum set that older guard free in his head, and you adopted him, and between the two I think ...

[ It sounds ridiculous. It IS ridiculous. ]

I think it sort of made him into a person. Or a ghost. More than just a memory left in my galdorstone.

[A nod of their head against him, one paw moving to softly run through his hair, urging Hunter on.]

It gave him agency in a way he didn't have previously. What else?

[ He leans into that, reassured by their steady support. ]

When I fall asleep, sometimes he wakes up. It's ... not all the time? But. Enough.

[ He ducks his head a bit. ]

I was terrified the first time. It felt like I was trapped in my head while he was out there.

[A soft, soothing coo slips from Rue's beak as they nuzzle a cheek to Hunter's, refusing to let him feel anything but the absolute and total full of their love.]

I can not imagine how scared you must have felt, little one. I'm so sorry. You were awake and aware while he was in control? Oh, my darling...

[ He winds up headbunting them just a bit. ]

Y-yeah. It's - not normally like that? Normally I'm just asleep. But the first time was bad.

[Tender little headbutts]

To feel out of control of your own body, that sounds terrible. But it sounds as if a solution has been found? To keep that from happening again?

[ Hunter nods a little bit at that. ]

I think ... the first time, he was as startled as I was. But he got better at it after that.

[That is a small relief, given everything else.]

And how do you feel now, my darling? Tell me what is on your mind most.

I ...

[ Hunter hunches his shoulders. ]

Nervous? We've got a plan to put him in a body, but it still feels weird having that be a reality.

... And Draxum thinks I should name him but I have no idea what to do with that.

[It still hurts something awful to think of this all taking place behind their back over the last month, but Rue can shoulder that for now to focus on comforting Hunter.]

Why does that feel weird? Do you not agree with the plan? [a gentle scoff] And do not worry about what Draxum thinks. Everything will be figured out beforehand, I'm sure.

Actually, uh. Update on that one. [They really do need to coordinate all this stuff better. Though in fairness this really is new info.] Once Draxum found out Rue adopted the others, he said their role should be to do the "Naming Ceremony", as his mother. To help him form his new identity in the new body. So Mom can pick the name, or you guys can pick one together... you don't have to tackle that one alone either.

Oh thank Titan.

[ INSTANT RELIEF FROM HUNTER. ]

I just - if I had to I would but - it would be weird! I'm not his dad!!

[oh no, hunter's absolute relief is felt! poor boy was really worked up over it]

We do not need to make things even more complicated than they already are! I am happy to take that responsibility on and off of your shoulders.

The guard seems pretty okay with the whole plan so far. I don't think he'd mind even if you did name him. [Casey glances up at Rue, thinking of the letter. Whatever it said, it was clearly deeply emotional.] But it'll probably mean a lot if it comes from Mom.

Thank you. I - I really appreciate it.

[ A little softer. ]

Casey's right. It'd definitely mean more coming from you.

[Rue can feel the weight of the letter they'd been given in their pocket. There's no doubt they'll read it enough times to memorize the whole thing one day, something so special from the son they never had the chance to truly get to know.]

I don't think it would mean any less coming from you, dear, but I'm happy to do it either way.

[All of their children have come pre-named, so it would be a little special to pick it out for themself.]

How are you feeling now, my love?

[ Hunter sniffles a bit, rubbing at his face. ]

Better. And - a little stupid?

[ He bows his head. ]

I worried so much for no reason.

[Time for another big squeeze and kiss. There's no shortage of motherly affection here.]

Never stupid, dear. Being scared often overrides absolutely everything else going through our heads. We try to do our best, but no one can blame you for struggling as you did. I wish you'd come to me sooner, only so that I could remind you of how much I love you and how that will never change.

Who else will come make messes in my home and eat all of the snacks in my fridge, hm?

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