[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]
[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.]
Almost there. Technically it's finished enough to be usable, I'm just attaching the last of the feathers and fine-tuning it to make sure it moves properly. And, uh. Installing artificial lungs? [That part's a newer feature, but he's mostly figured it out by now.] A few days at most, and we'll be good to go.
[As far as he knows now, the biggest complication is picking a ritual date and actually getting everything together to pull it off.]
I got a palistrom tree seed from home. And Draxum can grow it into a full tree with magic? So - we can use some of the wood to give the guard's new body a little more life to it.
[A gentle tap to Hunter's chest before he's smothered with a kiss again.]
I see. Well, if Draxum needs any help, I am able to do the same. And of course my garden is yours, just the same as the cottage. I would be happy to grow such an important tree there.
[There's a laugh. Something that has refused to loosen until now within Rue finally settles. Their boy will be alright.]
It sounds like a perfect fit to me, doesn't it? Of course, Hunter. It is settled. The tree will be planted at my home. I would be so honored to care for it.
[Meanwhile, Casey looks up at Rue as well, his smile broad and grateful. He mouths, thank you, Mom, as an echo. This could have gone so poorly, or been delayed even further, but their gentle patience and willingness to help has made everything so much better.]
[There is just no world in which the owlbear doesn't melt between the attention of both of their boys. They reach out to drag Casey into their cuddle pile, so Rue can press tickling kisses to both of their cheeks.]
Always, my heart. Know that I am always in your corner, no matter what. Now, who am I borrowing pajamas from?
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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]
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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.
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And when you wake up in the morning, we'll make a breakfast feast!
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[ Hunter really relaxes now, shoving his face in Rueโs feathers. ]
โฆ Iโm sorry it took so long to tell you. Iโm - really glad you brought them the letter, Casey.
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Really? You're not mad...?
[He'd been so worried.]
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Why would I be madโฆ?
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[ Like, Casey is SO valid for worrying and Hunter is very touched but also. ]
I'm pretty sure the guard is the one who should be mad, and not at you.
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[He scoots a little closer, winding his arm around Hunter again.]
I really didn't want to end up in another fight. I just- I couldn't sit by and watch you hurting anymore.
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... Thank you, Casey. I'm sorry for making you do this.
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It's okay. I'm not angry, either... I'm just glad it's done now.
[So neither of them have to keep stressing about it, finally.]
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How close is the robot to being done?
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[As far as he knows now, the biggest complication is picking a ritual date and actually getting everything together to pull it off.]
Did you and Draxum figure out the palistrom tree?
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[ That's all, huh? It feels like it's been forever, but also no time at all. ]
I need to talk to him again about that. He sent me a letter about it, and I already have the seed, so... it's just picking a spot.
[ Here, Hunter turns to Rue. ]
Is there room in your garden?
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Of course there is room in my garden. What are you thinking?
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[ He taps his own chest. ]
Grimwalkers are mostly made out of wood.
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I see. Well, if Draxum needs any help, I am able to do the same. And of course my garden is yours, just the same as the cottage. I would be happy to grow such an important tree there.
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[For the guard, too. But he wouldn't mind giving it a try one day.]
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I-I think if you both did it that would help a lot. Yeah. It's supposed to be a big tree so...
[ Rushing it like this needs to be done carefully. ]
Palistrom trees are beautiful. They have these blue trunks and pale whitish-yellow leaves? And some of them grow flowers too.
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It sounds like a perfect fit to me, doesn't it? Of course, Hunter. It is settled. The tree will be planted at my home. I would be so honored to care for it.
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[ He shyly leans up to kiss their cheek. ]
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Always, my heart. Know that I am always in your corner, no matter what. Now, who am I borrowing pajamas from?
[just kidding]
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Except for the pajama question UH. ]
I - uh - I don't think anything will fit?
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