pyrighteous | [OOC] Folkmore IC Inbox

[oh no. another traumatized teenage boy with self-worth issues. how does rue keep finding all of these sad boys.]

Hunter.

[Spoken softly, with a gentle affectionate emphasis on his name, as Rue rests a giant paw lightly at his shoulder.]

You do not need to be useful for me to want to spend time with you. I want to do it because I like you. And I would enjoy getting to know you even better.

[ Hunter goes a bit pink, tense under their shoulder. They sure did call out one of his biggest coping mechanisms. ]

W-well - I - isn't it better if you can have both? A-and if I'm useful, it's less likely you'll decide not to like me!

[ Hunter, ]

[HUNTER]

But I already decided that I like you and I promise that I am too stubborn for that opinion to ever change. You have already endeared yourself to me. You are sweet and curious and I see how easily you and Casey get along.

[ He bows his head a bit, the pink in his ears deepening. ]

If - if you're stubborn then. That makes sense. Thank you.

[ A deep breath. With a bit of trepidation: ]

My uncle wanted me to be useful all the time. I'm ... guessing that's not normal either, huh.

[ Casey's managed to crack that particular assumption just a little. ]

[Oh cool, another parental figure who Rue would happily rip apart for hurting these sweet boys. But their expression does not turn pitying or sad, the owlbear simply gives the boy a gentle, reassuring squeeze at his shoulder.]

I think if you are asking me, you already know the answer, dear one.

Edited 2023-11-09 04:14 (UTC)

[ Hunter's shoulders slump a little. ]

Yeah. I guess I do.

[ But this is depressing so - ]

I - uh - I'm ready for lunch, I think.

[This poor boy.]

First, may I say - [Rue's paw lifts so that they can reach up to brush their talons over his hair instead, careful as ever.] I know we are very new friends, but if you would like to talk to me about anything, including your uncle, I am always here to listen. It may sound silly, but oftentimes, just sharing your feelings can help.

[And because he has shared this and Rue should prove the very words they mean by reciprocating, they offer a very calmly spoken:] I do not speak of it often, but when I do speak to Casey or Leo or Peter about missing my husband, it feels as if I am less alone in sharing that hurt, that they are helping me carry it. So if I can do that for you, please know I am here.

[They won't push him to talk, just an offer, just a tiny piece of their own hurt in exchange to prove that being vulnerable is not being weak. Feelings are a gift.

But he has asked for lunch, so lunch it is.] I've made cucumber sandwiches and soft honey cookies with rose petal honey.

[ But then you'd have to help carry it, he nearly says, but catches himself before the words come out of his mouth. For all Hunter's issues - for all that Belos stunted him in key ways, socially speaking - he is a quick learner when it comes to figuring out what the right response is. He can figure out that Rue doesn't mean that to a burden to them, especially given that he doesn't think Rue's story is a burden to any of those names either. And Hunter had listened to Casey too ...

He takes a deep breath. And nods. ]

It - does sound silly. [ His uncle would never have approved. ] But we could talk while we eat? I like all those things.

[ He's slowly widening his food choices now that he's living with Casey. ]

Perfect.

[The kitchen table is all set up for a proper tea party, with Rue's fanciest tea kettle and matching cups and saucers, with freshly cut flowers at both of their table settings. As promised, there's cucumber sandwiches cut out into perfect star shapes and the most fragrant cookies and jam to help himself to.

Rue takes a little more time settling in, smoothing their cloth napkin in their lap and pouring Hunter's tea before they do their own.]

What food have you enjoyed most here so far?

[ It's so pretty. Hunter doesn't say it out loud this time, but EVERY time something nice happens, he can't help but compare this to his life with Belos. Did the emperor even own a tea set like this? Surely nothing so delicate and beautiful. Definitely no flowers, and certainly no sandwiches cut into star shapes.

He starts with those, enjoying the cool, crisp texture of the vegetables. ]

Does hot cocoa count? That was amazing.

[It's all about the presentation! Spend enough time with Rue and he'll learn some of their tips.

The mention of cocoa as a favorite food does draw a soft chuckle from the owlbear, as they take one tiny sandwich for their plate.]

It is, isn't it? I enjoy cocoa too sometimes, especially in the colder months.

It's great for warming up. Yeah. But it was sort of the first dessert I ever had that also didn't poison me.

[ Plus, you know, sharing it with Casey. Also important. ]

[A very slow, deliberate blink. Do they bring it up? Do they let it go? Sometimes Rue isn't sure!]

Is being poisoned something that happened frequently back home?

It - uh - basically happened whenever I tried eating something that wasn't in my diet. Like arsenic cookies.

[ Belos may have had a single point in amongst all the problems. ]

[oh sweet baby hunter =]

Well, I promise that none of the food in this realm is likely poisonous. So do not hesitate to try a little of everything when you have the chance. I'm certain you'll find many new favorites.

... Yeah uh. It's been going well so far. Casey's been showing me how to make things.

[ He tries the cookies and jam next. ]

We're both kind of - uh - [ criminally deprived?? ] - getting used to having things, so it's been helpful doing it together.

I imagine it helps to have someone experiencing it all as new at your side. And how are you liking your apartment? Is there anything either of you need there?

It's great! I mean - I'm sure there's still things we need but - I'm mostly just excited about having decorations.

[ Something neither of them really got to choose before. ]

[It's so darling to see him so excited.]

That sounds wonderful! I'm so delighted that the two of you are having such a good time together. Getting to curate your own perfect space to make it feel like your own?

If you need anything specially made, you must reach out to me. I'd be happy to help.

I - uh - y-yeah, it's been kind of the best. But also kind of intimidating?

[ He bites down hard on his next cookie. ]

I don't even know where to start.

[well, it just so happens -]

Largest to smallest. You will want to make sure your furniture is exactly as you like or need and then work down from there. It's simpler to replace those little touches than to do your entire home and find the furniture doesn't fit the aesthetic that you like.

Oh.

[ OH. That - he suddenly scrabbles for his jacket pocket. And pulls out a notebook. ]

H-hang on, I should take notes.

[They give him a moment to get that down before gently adding,]

And mirrors will help make the open communal space feel more open and larger. They also help to reflect light and make the room feel brighter during the day. Having lived in an apartment previously, I know how cramped that space can feel at times. So I think after furniture, a statement mirror might be the next item to focus on.

[ Hunter nods, printing the words "statement mirror" in precise block letters. Seems he also writes in all caps as a default. ]

It doesn't feel cramped though. Honestly, I like that it's cozy. My uncle's palace was too big and empty sometimes.

I suppose that makes sense considering our difference in size.

[human-sized apartments are just not built for an owlbear, let's be real]

But I'm glad! If you find a mirror is adding too much space, you can substitute that with art or photographs or some lovely hanging decor. I'm quite fond of plants myself.

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