[open network - video] backdated to beginning of August

[ruevealing]

Who: Delloso de la Rue
Username: rue
Warnings: mentions of murder/dissection, non-human

[After the last few difficult months here, is it any surprise that the first network message from Rue in some months now comes with none of the cheerful optimism and excitement of their last? Instead, the owlbear looks exhausted, tightly wound and deeply troubled.

Something they have recently learned has set them on edge.]

I am afraid I must be the bearer of unfortunate news.

Though our numbers have dwindled greatly these last few months, there are still those of us non-humans simply trying to live in this world. But I have recently been informed by Nia that there is a greater chance of danger coming for us. My worst fear about being seen by humans was the terror the sight of me would incite, but now I have learned that was only the beginning.

Pray, if you are weak of constitution, I beg of you to turn this off. I do not wish to distress anyone, only to inform.

To put it plainly, Nia said that if we were discovered by those government forces outside of ADI, that we would very likely be killed and dissected. Such news has weighed heavily on my heart, I can not think how any of us are meant to reaction to such horror.

Comments

[ruevealing]

What luck, because I am much more talented at magic than anything to do with machinery in the slightest. I would hardly know where to begin.

But truly, I thank you, Steve. If you - if you should see this person, please will you let me know where to find them? I should like to speak with them myself.

[punched_hitler]

Well, we all do definitely have our strengths.

But I will, yes.

[Although he may not get the chance before said person starts wandering around outside... but such is the nature of life, sometimes.]

How are things going here, for you? With all the recent changes.

[ruevealing]

[a gentle pause]

May I speak candidly?

[punched_hitler]

Of course, Rue - always.

[ruevealing]

I am miserable, but I do not know what to do about it. I simply continue on, because I must and there is no other option, but I have never felt such grief within me before.

[punched_hitler]

[Well. That's utterly heartbreaking, isn't it.

And he kind of knows the feeling, but this isn't about him.]

Rue, that's - very brave of you, [he says, quietly.] I think you should know that.

Can I do anything to help?

[Of course, he suspects:] It's Hob, though, isn't it.

[Or, really, Hob's absence.]

WTF I THOUGHT I RESPONDED TO THIS IM SO SORRY

[ruevealing]

Indeed. I know it is the predictable answer, but I have felt as if my very heart has been missing since he... [the word sticks in their throat, rue so hates to say it, but it is the truth of what happened]

Since he left. I have been too fearful for his safety to sleep. Too heartbroken to eat. I will persist because it is what I must do, but I feel as if the whole world around me is duller.

<333 it's okay!!!

[punched_hitler]

Just because it's predictable doesn't make it any less true.

[He thinks of their wedding. How nice it was. How happy he was for them.

And he hears what they're saying, and - Jesus.]

I know what you mean, [he says, softly. He does. That's how everything felt after the ice. For a long time. He wouldn't wish that on anyone, let alone Rue.]

I know I can't replace him, I would never dream of it. But - could we meet sometimes? Maybe a few times a week. Have lunch or dinner or - something. Maybe it'll be less bad to get through, if you've got someone to distract you for a little while?

[ruevealing]

[It feels natural to brush the concern off, to staunchly proclaim that they are just fine and need nothing. But Rue is just hurt enough and trusts Steve that much, that they can scarcely deny him this.]

I - I think that I should very much like that. I do not want to take up all of your time, but - but if you are free, I will meet you anytime. It would mean so much to me. The apartment is so lonely as of late.

[punched_hitler]

You're not taking up my time, it's something I want to do, [he says, gentle but sure.] I like spending time with you, and it's definitely no fun, puttering around an empty apartment.

Fortunately for you, I take up a lot of space.

[ruevealing]

Dearest...

Thank you. Yes, I would enjoy having my space filled by a presence as warm and caring and funny as you. I quite enjoyed going to the cinema with Hob, but it seems so sad to go on my own. Perhaps we could see a film together next.

[punched_hitler]

[Well, now you're just making him blush. Steve is The Worst at taking compliments, and that was a lot of compliments.

So he just focuses on the rest of it, because,] Yeah, that sounds really nice. I'd love to take you to the movies. Let's definitely do that.

[He will also be a gentleman about it, and insist on paying and buy them snacks.]

[ruevealing]

Then it is a date!

[Steve better prepare for a nice new winter sweater showing up at his doorstep before too long.]

And thank you. Again. Truth be told, I feel a little better now.

[punched_hitler]

[Rue you are the best. He will be sure to wear it a lot!]

Good. I mean, I know it's not a magic fix, but - I'm glad I could help a little.