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[ruevealing]

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[pyrighteous]

And you're amazing, Mom.

[ He nuzzles back in again. ]

I really am sorry I didn't tell you. I won't let it happen again.

[ruevealing]

Not nearly as amazing as my sons.

[No one will ever be as proud of their children as delloso de la rue]

Thank you, darling. Why don't you go clean up and I'll get our dinner ordered? Then, we'll start on our pillow fort for tonight.

[pyrighteous]

I - I will. Yeah. Sounds good.

[ He reluctantly extracts himself from their wings, but not before giving them a lil kiss. ]

[ruevealing]

[a son kiss!!! Rue's absolute favorite!]

I love you, Hunter. And I'm so very happy to be your mother.

[pyrighteous]

I - I'm really happy to be your son. I love you too.

[ Buoyed up by relief and good feelings, Hunter heads to the kitchen to get cups and plates and cutlery. ]

[ruevealing]

[And what a wonderful night it turns out to be. There's grilled cheese and chocolate eclairs and cuddling late into the evening in front of the television with both of their darling sons, the whole atmosphere of the apartment warm and loving and wondrous.

Rue is happily settled in with Hunter and Casey in the perfect cuddle pile while the boys doze, content to listen to their soft breathing while they rest.]

[pyrighteous]

[ Hunter is quick to slip off into full sleep as they cuddle on the couch - it has been a VERY stressful day, followed by the most incredible relief imaginable - and it isn't too long before his body shifts again, eyes fluttering open. The process of awakening is slow, muddled by the sheer unfamiliar comfort he's surrounded in. The soft PJs he's wearing. The blanket tucked around his shoulders. The pillows making a test of comfort around him, and the great big bed of feathers his head is nestled into ...

The guard freezes a moment, breathing gone still. Oh. He's intruding, isn't he? He's not sure why Hunter isn't in his bed or alone on the couch, but his counterpart has clearly fallen asleep in the middle of something that the guard wasn't supposed to interrupt.

And yet - he can't help but selfishly drink all of that delicious comfort in for just a moment. It's so nice. He's never felt anything this wonderful in his entire life. Can it hurt to steal a few seconds from his brother? Just a minute, really ... ]

[ruevealing]

[It's the change in breathing that alerts the owlbear to the fact their son is awake again, a paw moving to gently pet through his hair.]

Hunter, darling? Did I wake you, sweetheart?

[pyrighteous]

[ The guard freezes at that. He doesn’t dislike the sensation of being petted - quite the opposite - but until they know who’s in their son’s body he feels like he isn’t allowed to lean into it. Not yet. ]

You didn’t wake me. But I’m not Hunter.

[ He turns his head slowly to look at them. Nervous, uncertain, and longing all at once. The last time he saw them was in the mindscape. This is reality. ]

[ruevealing]

[There's a soft realization there against Rue's feathery face, but the soft affection and warmth that comes immediately should hopefully ease the guard's worries.]

Oh, I am so happy to speak with you again.

[And Rue was already cuddling Hunter, but time for the guard to get the biggest squeeze and nibbling kiss to the cheek.]

My darling, there you are.

[pyrighteous]

[ It absolutely does. All the doubt he was feeling melts away, bringing sweet relief in its wake. He’s still uncertain - physical affection is SO new for him - but he manages to lean in just a little, and only be MOSTLY stiff instead of completely still. Kind of like how Hunter was back at the beginning before he figured out how to be loved. ]

I - I’m here. Yeah.

[ What does he say? He can’t think of anything. ]

—- Did he finally deliver the letter?

[ruevealing]

[As long as he does not hate the feeling, Rue is all too happy to be patient and understanding while the guard gets used to the attention, nuzzling their feathery cheek to his before pulling away just enough to catch his eye.]

He did. And I am so very sorry that it took so long, but Hunter was struggling deeply. He did not mean to silence you for so long, so please do not be too cross with him. He's still so young and still so hurt.

[He's growing and healing, certainly, but they all know trauma does not disappear overnight.]

But you, my love, how are you feeling about all of this? I've heard so much has evolved since you wrote that letter, are you quite excited for the chance to live a life of your own?

[pyrighteous]

[ He stairs back at them, just drinking in the sight. This owlbear loves him. This owlbear adopted him. This is Mom.

Just the thought of it is enough to make him tear up a little. ]

I know. I don't blame him. I've - yelled at him enough.

[ With increasingly passive aggressive notes but you know. He can't hide a small sniffle ]

I - um - wasn't expecting to get to see you before this. I was excited to do that after I got my body.

[ruevealing]

Well - [at that sniffle, rue presses a kiss to the boy's brow, brushing their talons through his hair.] Now you have me for the whole night, for as long as you want me, I'm right here, dear.

[If he wants to stay up cuddling and whispering until morning, Rue would happily oblige.]

To think, now we can be together forever as a family. I'm so happy.

[pyrighteous]

[ A whole night if he likes. The guard may not be able to stay awake that long, but it's a nice thought. ]

Yeah? You don't regret all of this happening?

[ruevealing]

[Regret? Something pinches at the owlbear's brow.]

Whatever would I have to regret? I will have both of my boys with me now, nothing could make me happier.

[pyrighteous]

Well - yes but - I mean all of this. The whole situation.

[ He rubs at the back of his neck. ]

I know this is dangerous for Hunter.

[ruevealing]

Hear my words, love. Hunter is strong and he knows himself and what he's capable of better than anyone. He's also loving and good and more generous than he has any right to be.

Being able to give you a life of your own away from that monster, I know it means so much to Hunter. And you deserve all of the love that he's found here with us too.

[Let mom just dip in close to peck a quick kiss to the very end of that nose.]

I don't regret a thing. I will fuss and worry over my Hunter, but I'm proud of him for making this choice too. Between all of us, this will work.

[pyrighteous]

[ The guard ducks his head a little, blinking back more tears as they kiss his nose. ]

I - I believe it. Yeah. It's taken a while to believe it but...

[ He does now. ]

Casey showed me the body he built for me.

[ruevealing]

[He deserves that peace of mind.]

And what did you think?

[pyrighteous]

... I've never seen anything more beautiful in my life.

[ruevealing]

[Oh, just to hear it makes their heart melt. Rue squeezes him close, a paw rubbing gentle, soothing circles against his back.]

Agreed a dozen times over. I'm so happy you love it. It represents a new start for you, one I am so honored to be a part of.

[pyrighteous]

[ It's SO nice being hugged. Casey has been rightfully cautious about physical affection, so this is a real first for the guard. ]

They told you then? You're okay with me living in your garden?

[ruevealing]

[The hugs will have to be a little more careful when he's smaller, but you can bet, Rue will be cuddling and nuzzling and preening him every single day once he has his body proper.]

My love, you do not need to simply live in the garden. My whole home is open to you. I'll set up a nice nest for you inside, so you can come and go as you please. And anything else that you want, it is yours.

I have wanted one of the boys to live with me for as long as I've been here in Folkmore, so you are giving me such a gift.

[pyrighteous]

[ He can't help but brighten just a little. He was going to restrict himself to the garden so as not to be in the way but... ]

Really? You - don't mind?