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[He nods slowly. It makes sense, and it's admittedly (though somewhat guiltily) reassuring to know Rue feels the same way.]

It hasn't even been a whole year yet. For either of us.

[Despite everything that's happened here, those darker days still feel too close. He thinks too often of waking up to the sound of distant explosions or alarms ringing, checking the daily reports of casualties, injuries, ration levels, Krang movements. Tactical meetings, scout missions. No lazy mornings of boyfriend cuddling, full and hearty breakfasts, school days and motherly sleepovers. Rue would have been in hiding, stuck in ADI's facilities or forced to wear a disguise to hide in the human world, facing the awful things that happened there.]

I... wish it didn't take so long. But it does, so... we'll take our time. [He shifts in their grasp, turning enough to find their paw and hold it.] I'll keep working through it, with you.

[With them, alongside them. They're stronger together.]

I know I must wear out the words for how much I say then, but Casey -

[His hand finds their paw and there is no scenario in which Rue doesn't curl their talons lovingly right back around him.]

I'm proud of you. Facing what you've faced isn't easy, but acknowledging that recovery takes time, that it's alright if we are not perfectly okay every single moment of every single day, that's very courageous. You're giving yourself grace and that makes me so very happy.

[For Rue, he musters a smile.]

I'm proud of you, too. Even with everything you have to deal with, everything you're carrying, you do so much to support all of us. I'm sure you'd say it's something like a mother's job, but that's still worth celebrating. Not all of us are used to having encouragement like that. Thank you…

[Look, he's getting a look at that, but Casey is 100% correct.]

Well you have it from me now, from here to forever. Always.

[Rue will be there for every single celebration and every single hurt in Casey's life from here on out, there is no in-between.]

Come here, you must be so exhausted from everything. Do you want to rest in my wings for a bit, Casey? We can put on some nature videos and just relax together.

[Of course he'll indulge in the offer, cozying up close, resting his face against soft fabric and feathers. He'd come over for breakfast, technically, but he hopes it isn't all going to waste; the truth is, he has very little appetite. The idea of cuddling and watching mindless television is very appealing, instead.]

I... think I'd really like that, yeah. If you don't mind.

[He can eat later. Maybe get some counselling later. Right now he just wants some cozy time with Mom.]

[After the mix of last night and the stress of this morning, Casey deserves a little time to himself to simply process, before he worries too much about next steps. And his mother is all too happy to help.]

I never could.

[Within half an hour or so of cuddling, Hob would no doubt be bringing them breakfast, while the pair sleepily watch their favorite, calming shows together, all cuddled up beneath the thick, ocean-colored quilt Rue bought in honor of their adoption.]

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