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[ruevealing]

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[ruevealing]

[Cad literally just walking around folkmore deflecting every kind of problem ever.]

Yes, for the most part. The others are much more accepting. [a beat] And most do not know what happened either, which helps.

[steepwithdead]

["Helps". Or just completely avoids the same problem by leaving them uninformed... well, he can't say that would be better, either. It's a complicated situation.]

I regret to tell you, my friend, that you've found yourself so loved that your son will likely resent your husband for hurting you for a long, long while. This isn't the worst problem to have, but it means that Hob will have to prove his loyalty to Leo just the same as to you. That takes time.

[ruevealing]

[no dont look there!! its my hidden worries]

Ah, I had a feeling. [and really, it's a bittersweet happiness, because Rue knows the only reason that Leo's reaction is so big is that his feelings for them are even bigger.]

Of course. I don't mean to rush him ever. I just worry, you know, there's that fear that he will never forgive him.

[steepwithdead]

[perceives with unnatural insight like always, deal with it]

Children have a tendency to adopt and mimic the behaviour of their parent, in an effort to make them proud. Things get more muddled with teenagers, however- those habits end up in conflict with the child's self-discovery of their own needs and behaviours. He may follow your lead and find forgiveness for your husband sooner. Or he may follow his own lead and decide for himself.

I think your best practice would be to continue to demonstrate to him your own practice in forgiving Hob, and let him see the steps taken on both sides. It might inspire him to see Hob differently.

[ruevealing]

[Adopt and mimic, hm? That isn't something Rue has ever heard about, but it does make sense, doesn't it? Even though they aren't children, but teenagers, the boys are all so sensitive dears, so in-tune with both one another's and Rue's moods. It only makes sense they might pick up on the unease there within them and turn it on Hob instead.]

My friend, that is quite the insightful advice. Thank you. I hadn't considered that I might be a bigger part of the problem than I ever intended to be, but maybe by being quiet, I've hurt Hob's previous chances of growing closer to the boys.

[steepwithdead]

Mm... I hope you don't think of it as a problem that you've caused. What happened to you was unkind and unfair. You are still wounded. All of us curl in on ourselves to protect what is wounded. To expect yourself to act perfectly in the aftermath, even many months later, is not reasonable.

[ruevealing]

[If nothing else, at least Rue has the decency to look a pinch ashamed at that. They know he is right, though it's so difficult to know they aren't as perfect in this as they are in most everything else they do.]

Is it shameful, do you think? To still be so hurt by it, nearly a year later?

[steepwithdead]

There's nothing shameful about pain. It tries to trick you, the same way negative emotions often do. That you shouldn't feel it, or share it. Bad things like to hide in the dark. But they're not meant to be in charge of your heart, are they?

[ruevealing]

No, of course not. I can not imagine the kind of world it would be if we allowed darkness to rule our every emotion.

[steepwithdead]

Mmm. The expectations you place on yourself are too high, my friend. Be as kind to you as you would one of your children.

[ruevealing]

You make it sound so simple!

[but maybe it is that simple, and rue has been going about it all wrong.]

[steepwithdead]

Like with many things, I expect you'll find it simpler than you think, but harder than you'd like.

[But he believes in them!]

[ruevealing]

Oh, is that all? [Rue laughs, at least a little big more lighthearted than before, their eyes softening into a smile.]

I will do my very best.

[steepwithdead]

Of that, I have no doubt.

[Rue has the sort of indomitable strength he's seen before, something he deeply admires. For their family, they'll overcome anything.]

[ruevealing]

[Somehow, they are unsurprised by his full confidence in him. But that doesn't lessen how nice it is to hear.]

I didn't realize how much I needed to let all of that out.

[steepwithdead]

[Hey Rue guess what that's ~COUNSELLING~]

I'm honoured to have been chosen to hear you.

[Nevermind he halfway bullied them into it.]

[ruevealing]

[What kind of friend would he be if he didn't bully. it's a love language]

You're simply too much, but thank you, Caduceus.

[steepwithdead]

[Thank goodness they understand each other.]

You're so very welcome, Rue.

[ruevealing]

Now, if you are done lecturing me, I would love to gossip about what I saw our neighbors to the south wearing the other day.

[steepwithdead]

Please do, I'm all ears.

[Time for tea, veggies, and gossip!]