ruevealing | folkmore inbox.

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.

[Leo takes a breath at that, burying his face in their feathers. It's... fine. It's going to be fine. His voice comes out muffled from their downy feather.]

Just company's fine.

Then company it is.

[Just let Rue drag Leo a little closer, tickling their talons playfully up and down his arm, before they are settling back into the couch cushion beside him.]

Reality television tonight or one of our lovely dramas?

Think uh. Reality tv's fine. [He isn't sure he could mentally keep up with the twenty different storylines in their dramas.]

[You know what? That's fair.]

Perfect. [Let them just pull up their favorite to watch] My whole day is free, so I can stay as long as you'd like.

[He feels some genuine relief at that. Leo sinks a little more into their feathers with a heavy exhale.]

...Thanks, Rue. Seriously.

It is what family is for. I learned that from you.

[CRITICAL HIT. Double damage.]

Well. You're a good student.

Only because I learned from the best.

[Take another smooch as Rue starts the show, tipping their head in to bump affectionally against his as they settle in to watch.]

folkmore inbox.

inbox

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject