I get it. [It takes some effort, but Casey does manage somehow to muster a smile. It's small and tremulous, but it's there. He appreciates the attempt, for sure.] I'll take some time, but... maybe neither of us have to get up for a while. Uh, metaphorically speaking.
[Leonardo sees the smile and feels his heart ease, if only a little bit. It will be a long journey to being okay again for Casey.
Things will work out, though. He'll be here for Casey as long as he can be.
The turtle shifts Casey in his hold and just moves to flop back on the couch onto his shell. The worn in couch has complaints at the sudden shift in weight, but Leo doesn't care. He just keeps Casey close, and leans in to playfully nose at the top of his head. There is an affectionate chirrup in there somewhere. It is a love attack if there ever was one.]
Not as metaphorical now, so, it's saved.
[He says this with easy conviction, as if he didn't just flop back and cuddle his son like a fool.]
[Casey makes a surprised noise as they're shuffled around, abruptly sprawled across Leonardo's plastron. He scoots and shifts a little so all limbs are out and comfortable. After a moment, enjoying the familiar brush and noise from his childhood, he bunts his head gently against sensei's chin and chirps back, the closest human equivalent possible thanks to years of practice, an obvious and echoed sound of affection.]
[He can't help but happily chirrup back at Casey's return sound. Just coaxing a hand gently through the teenager's dark hair. Whilst Casey isn't as small as he used to be when Leo would hold him like this, the boy still fits comfortably there. Casey is still growing up, becoming a young man, but-
He's still Leo's baby. There isn't any changing that.]
Good, cause you're stuck with this. ['For as long as this place lets me, or as long as you need me' thankfully goes unsaid. Leonardo at least has some common sense.]
[Casey hums, not quite happy - it's still a difficult, tragic day - but at least content. He's lost someone again, but... this time, it's temporary. And this time, his dad is here, he can call him Dad. This time he's not alone.]
Good. Stay stuck.
[He sure as heck isn't moving. Cuddly turtle pile official: pet him so he doesn't cry again. He's so tired of crying.]
[The turtle continues to pet Casey's hair, careful, and measured. Leonardo is happy he can offer Casey a reprieve. Even if just for now. A moment to take a breath before the grief crushes the air out of his lungs.]
[He closes his eyes, allowing the nostalgic sensation of having his hair stroked by those three big fingers carry him away. It's nice, familiar but different, unpracticed. He loves it, but he already misses the way Rue would pet him, too. Can he endure without it? Can he find ways to mimic it somehow, when the loss chokes him? Maybe if he turns into an owlbear, and pets his own feathers... it won't be the same, though. He knows that immediately.
...Might do it anyway. Sometimes. Just to remember.]
Hey, you told me I was retired. [He offers back, a gentle reminder of one of their earlier conversations. He continues to stroke his fingers through Casey's hair. Only occasionally brushing some hair away from the boy's face.]
I'd rather you be the boss, unless you want to see your uncle go mad with power.
I'll give you at least a practice round or two. Cause I love ya. [If anyone deserves to go a little off the chain, its Casey. That and Leo would do anything for the boy.]
[-Oh. Oh, that was far too sincere a thing to say in a vulnerable moment. Casey stops short and lifts his head to look up at Leonardo, eyes wide, obviously not expecting it.]
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Things will work out, though. He'll be here for Casey as long as he can be.
The turtle shifts Casey in his hold and just moves to flop back on the couch onto his shell. The worn in couch has complaints at the sudden shift in weight, but Leo doesn't care. He just keeps Casey close, and leans in to playfully nose at the top of his head. There is an affectionate chirrup in there somewhere. It is a love attack if there ever was one.]
Not as metaphorical now, so, it's saved.
[He says this with easy conviction, as if he didn't just flop back and cuddle his son like a fool.]
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I like this better than metaphors.
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He's still Leo's baby. There isn't any changing that.]
Good, cause you're stuck with this. ['For as long as this place lets me, or as long as you need me' thankfully goes unsaid. Leonardo at least has some common sense.]
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Good. Stay stuck.
[He sure as heck isn't moving. Cuddly turtle pile official: pet him so he doesn't cry again. He's so tired of crying.]
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Well, if Casey Jones Jr says so, I can't say no.
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[He closes his eyes, allowing the nostalgic sensation of having his hair stroked by those three big fingers carry him away. It's nice, familiar but different, unpracticed. He loves it, but he already misses the way Rue would pet him, too. Can he endure without it? Can he find ways to mimic it somehow, when the loss chokes him? Maybe if he turns into an owlbear, and pets his own feathers... it won't be the same, though. He knows that immediately.
...Might do it anyway. Sometimes. Just to remember.]
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I'd rather you be the boss, unless you want to see your uncle go mad with power.
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[Again. Because it's definitely happened before, multiple times.]
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I can wrangle your uncle if he gets any inclinations.
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What if I go mad with power instead?
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[At least let him get a few practice rounds on the madness.]
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[He may go off the chain and the rails and a little bit the deep end!]
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Leo just smiles a little gently back at Casey, tucking some hair out of the boy's face.]
Hey, just needed to remind you. Even when you go a little mad with power, I won't have any regrets.
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...love you...
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