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[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?

[ Hunter manages a laugh at that as he leans into Rue's feathers and nuzzles them back a lil. ]

I guess the guard could? But only if I somehow napped at your place.

[ Although - speaking of which. An idea occurs to him. ]

Do ... you want to talk to him?

[oh. the chance to speak to him? that would be so incredibly kind and wonderful but -]

Later, perhaps. I came here to speak to my Hunter and I will not waste a single moment of our time together.

[If he is so fearful of replacement, Rue will do all they can to prove how much he himself means to them.]

R-right! I don't mean right now. I don't even know how I would do that.

[ Seems like a BAD IDEA if he's being honest. ]

I just meant ... if you stay with us tonight, he'll probably be awake.

[ A glance back towards Casey to confirm that's okay. He ASSUMES that inviting Rue over is always okay, but he gonna check. ]

[Casey's quick to nod, of course.]

I don't mind. He's definitely due for some conversations... especially before this all happens.

[It would feel weird to just shove him into the bird bot without checking in for fine-tuning the plan.]

[Within that big, feathery chest of theirs, Rue's heart just swells up with love for these boys.]

Please, I would love to stay. You both know I'm a bit of a night owl - [heehee] - So nothing would make me happier than to sit with him all night, talking. I'd be able to pass along any messages you might need me to.

[Will it be a little weird? Sure. But soon the guard will have his own body and everything will be back to normal-ish]

[ Hunter was having much the same thought himself. Like - the Guard would cope? But also.

He laughs a little at the night owl comment, relieved to have Casey's approval too. He had a good idea!! Honestly he needed a bit of a win. ]

Then - stay. Please. We can make it a sleepover, and then you can talk to him all you want.

As if I could ever turn down a sleepover invitation from you two. Of course I'll stay. [For all three of their boys, the guard included.]

And when you wake up in the morning, we'll make a breakfast feast!

I really like the sound of all that.

[ Hunter really relaxes now, shoving his face in Rue’s feathers. ]

… I’m sorry it took so long to tell you. I’m - really glad you brought them the letter, Casey.

[It takes so much self-restraint not to burst into relieved tears on the spot.]

Really? You're not mad...?

[He'd been so worried.]

[Time to be fully wrapped up in all of those feathers. There's still much on the owlbear's mind, but so much of it doesn't need to be spoken aloud. So they'll give Casey and Hunter a chance to speak while they sort out their own feelings.]

[ Hunter blinks a little at Casey at that. It hadn’t occurred to him. ]

Why would I be mad…?

I knew you were putting it off for some reason... but I stole it, and went behind your back.

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