[ Hunter stares down at the lil chart for a moment. Lifts his pen? It's just a mark on paper, but ...
But it feels like a lot. It IS a lot. Hunter's come a long way, but he's always referred to Belos as his uncle. He's never denied their relationship, as cruel as it was.
He gulps in a deep breath. Then scribbles out Belos's name. ]
[Casey watches quietly, waiting for him to decide, fully prepared to not judge if Hunter decided he wasn't ready. It's one thing to decide Belos is evil, it's another thing entirely to cut him off.
When Hunter does cross the name out, he smiles gently and offers his arms out. He's with you, BF. Time for a hug?]
Uh-huh. I've never had to do what you've done, but if I did, I dunno if I'd have the courage. You had to look at your whole life and change your perspective to get where you're at now. Admitting that things were wrong, when you always thought they were normal... that takes a lot of strength.
no subject
But it feels like a lot. It IS a lot. Hunter's come a long way, but he's always referred to Belos as his uncle. He's never denied their relationship, as cruel as it was.
He gulps in a deep breath. Then scribbles out Belos's name. ]
no subject
When Hunter does cross the name out, he smiles gently and offers his arms out. He's with you, BF. Time for a hug?]
no subject
You're - right. I can just cut him out. He's not family any more.
no subject
Yeah, exactly. He doesn't deserve you. [One hand lifts, brushing soothingly through Hunter's hair.] I'm really proud of you.
no subject
Yeah? You are?
no subject
[He kisses the top of Hunter's head.]
That's the kind of strength you've got.
no subject
He nods, sniffling a little. ]
I never thought of it as a strength... just that it was hard.
no subject
[He keeps petting through Hunter's hair, holding him close. It's good to be strong but also okay to need to be coddled sometimes, too.]
no subject
Thank you - um - thank you. And sorry.
no subject
Sorry for what?
no subject
no subject
You're not! Not even a little work!
no subject
no subject
He's had his share of breakdowns and disaster moments too! Mutual non-destruction, it's part of why they function well.]
no subject
I don't mind putting in the work for you if you put in the work for me.
no subject
[Casey smiles brightly.]
So, should I apologize for being work, too?
no subject
no subject
Then you don't need to apologize, either! We should be saving those for when we actually mess up.
no subject
[ Oh. he gets the point. it took him a second. ]
I ... I guess you're right, huh...
no subject
[They probably wouldn't have bonded so well if they weren't.]
no subject
[ No. Not his uncle. Not his uncle EVER AGAIN. ]
... Being perfect seemed good. I'm glad it's not.
no subject
He wasn't perfect, either. For him to expect you to be is crazy.
no subject
no subject
Sorry. I'm supposed to be helping, not making you feel worse.
no subject
I don't feel worse. At least, I don't think so. It's just sore? Like healing.
[ He looks down at his left hand, waggling those new fingers of his. ]
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)