ruevealing | folkmore inbox.

[hm]

Are you saying that you rarely think of yourself in such terms, because there are so few times when all of us are truly safe and whole?

[He lets out a slow breath, focusing a little. Not blurting out the first thing that comes to mind, really thinking about it.]

Even before Dad made me the leader, I was always keeping an eye out for them. Not like Raph does, Raph-

He's got the big brother protector on lock, I'm not taking that from him. But like. They wanna go out finding a spine-breaking bandit for our first mission, I talk them down to eh, low danger paper thieves. Raph gets separated from us, Dee and Mikey wanna goof, I get them back on track to finding Raph because we can't leave him alone for too long. That kinda thing. So... So it's easier when I know they're all gucci.

[A gentle pet of their paw over his arm, soothing and slow.]

That makes perfect sense to me, Leo. But what about in this place? How do you feel here in Folkmore? Though the trials can be stressful, there is not quite as much danger as it seems there was back home, is that true?

[He tries to focus on that attention, the feeling of their large, soft paw stroking down his scales.]

...I dunno? Like I keep waiting for the next thing to happen. The downtime's nice, and I love spending time with Peter and my brothers and you but.

How long until we're expected to save this world too?

I couldn't agree more. Getting to spend this time with you and the other boys, Leo, it has made me the happiest I've ever felt in my entire life.

[Nothing has ever felt as right to Rue as being a parent to these wonderful teenagers.]

And I understand that fear, worrying about when things will finally tip over, but you know what brings me so much relief whenever I think of it?

[Well. If Rue's happy then Leo has either been doing things perfectly or doing things absolutely wrong. Or maybe there's just that sad reality their father had other problems.]

...What does?

We will never have to fight alone.

[After a lifetime of Leo and his family being the only protectors of the city, here in Folkmore, there is almost the opposite problem.]

So many here were heroes back their own realms, individuals who have dedicated their lives to saving the day. Each with unique strengths and skills of their own. It no longer has to all fall completely upon your and your brothers' shoulders anymore, darling. There are so many who will leap to step in should the need arise.

But it's still just us when we go back home.

[He wants to relax, he wants to kick his feet up and say none of this is his problem. Except Hamato blood is thick with heroism and needing to do what he can. Even in this place with its overabundance of heroes at every corner.]

There's gonna be stuff we can do that no one else can though.

Not only just you boys. There will also be Peter, Hunter, Knickolas and I as well. And that is quite the force, if I do say so myself.

[Rue can see it. That stubbornness in their son. It's the same thing they saw in Peter the last time they had this conversation.]

I do not know if he told you himself, but I told Peter that if he no longer wanted to, he did not have to play the role of Spider-Man again. That he did not need to take on every single problem and make it his own.

[Ah...

Peter had a similar conversation with Rue. He can only imagine it turned out the same way his did when Leo had this talk.]

I told him the same thing. I don't want him stressing if he doesn't have to.

[Peter can still have a normal life back home. Leo and his brothers? They never will considering their whole situation.]

[Then he will not like what Rue is going to say next.]

And same applies to you, Leonardo.

I really wanna believe that.

But unlike Peter, this isn't a costume I can take on and off.

[A touch of delicate feathers brushing against his arm, Rue's head tipping to the side curiously.]

I'm afraid I do not understand what you mean, dear.

Peter doing superhero stuff is when he's in a costume. Like - full red and blue body suit, that isn't Peter. That's a costume hero under a different name.

But... This? Whole situation? This is how I just look. I can't just decide I'm someone else to be a hero.

[The confusion in their expression does not disappear, though there's a new pinch of concern on their brow.]

But you are Leo, just the same. You are not a costume, dear. What you are has nothing to do with needing to be a hero. It is a choice all the same as it is with Peter, is it not?

[It's even harder to explain. But maybe Rue hasn't seen Peter in costume. Maybe they haven't seen 'Spider-Man' in action that's making this harder to explain.]

Fact of the matter is, Peter's human. Majority of our worlds are human so he can fit right in without trying. I can't do that.

[It is confusing, because from what Rue has known of Leo and his world is that they have to hide who they are from humans simply because of their non-human appearance. Which is a problem, absolutely, but what does that have to do with having to play the hero?

They tip forward to press their forehead to his, needing to get it through to this young man that he can live the life that he wants, without having to dedicate his very existence to saving the world.]

I understand that, but New York is what you want, so we will do our best to make it better for all non-humans. That is my goal. I know it will not be easy or quick, but anything that will make yours and your future children's lives easier, I will fight for until my last breath. I vow this to you, Leo.

[For his worth, Leo doesn't back away from the forehead touch or the affection. He focuses on listening and taking those words in.

Though he does turn an interesting shade at 'future children', first their dad now Rue- ]

...We'll figure it out.

[hehehe]

We shall. Together. I'm afraid you are stuck with me forever.

Please, more like you're stuck with me.

Then we are stuck with one another.

[And Rue has never sounded happier about anything in their life]

But I promise you. We will make a life for you and your brothers and Peter and all of the rest, where you will have the choice to choose how you want to live. I will my dedicate my life to it if I must.

[It's admirable, how devoted Rue is to the idea. He hopes they can do it.]

Hopefully we can make it happen in time enough you can enjoy it.

I believe we will. I have so much hope for our future.

[It will be better. It will be so much better.]

Now, is there anything else on your mind? You know I will hear all of it.

That's-

[Is there anything else on his mind? He's been so focused on just getting by, getting used to not having his arm anymore. It's hard to really think about anything else bothering him more than just that and feeling stuck.]

No? I don't know.

[oh, their poor boy.]

I promise, love, 'no' is a full answer. And so is 'I don't know'. Both are fine, Leo. We can continue to talk about it or we can simply enjoy one another's company. Or you can change your mind later and we can talk about it again. I only ask so that I don't switch subjects while you are waiting to speak about something. I worry that I have silenced you enough in the past, and I won't stand to let myself do it again.

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