A Mother's Love Ch. 10
Rudo x Mother! Reader
Ch. 1 ... Ch. 9
Ch. 10 Ch. 11
A few hours have gone by since Semiu dropped you off with Bro, Dear, and Guita. They've explained a plethora of things to you that they deemed would be important for you to know about the Ground. So far, they've explained the Ground itself, the Sphere, the Cleaners, a group called the Raiders, Vital Instruments, Polluted and Safe Zones, Trash Beasts, and an energy called Anima. It was very educational and very active, more so on Guita end, as she was very animated in her explanations, she also tended to get stuck on a topic that really interested her, causing Bro to remind her to get back on topic or he'll just take over the explanation. Dear's way of explaining things was very silent and extremely visual, you truly did appreciated it as well, as his little drawings gave you a better understanding of what it was they were trying to educate you on.
By the end of the session, your lap, the table, the booth and the floor in your area was littered with drawings from both Dear and Guita, somewhere down the line she got distracted and began helping Dear with his drawings before she completely forgot why it was she even began to draw and just started doodling mindlessly. So Bro took over the rest of the explaining, while Dear continued to try and help by drawing more pictures of whatever Bro was explaining, but eventually he grew tired and began dozing off. Somewhere throughout the middle of Bro speaking to you, Dear found his way in Bro's lap, sleeping peacefully, while Guita was more energetic than Dear, also began to get tired, she somehow thought it was comfortable for her to sleep sprawl out on the table on her back, her head hanging off the edge.
You and Bro were quietly talking, minding your tone as you didn't want to wake the children, you were both sat back and comfortable in the booth. Dear was curled up against Bro's chest, his arms tucked against his little body, as he sat in Bro's lap, his soft snores filling the silence, when Guita's louder ones would soften into an exhale. You were silently busying yourself with collecting both Dear's and Guita's pictures, taking the time to admire each one as Bro continued to softly talk. "That's about all I know, honestly. Sorry I can't be of much help." He softly said, as he lazily watched you collect the pictures.
Your smile was soft as you looked over each picture, your heart clenching in slight sadness as you remembered the little drawings and little trinkets that Rudo would make you when he was little. You missed those days. At Bro's apology you looked over at him sweetly. "I think you did wonderful, Bro. I'm far more aware of what everything is now. I'm still a little confused, as it's all so new and foreign to me, but I'm not as ignorant as I used to be. So thank you." You honestly said, thanking him for his effort and time.
He watched you for a moment before he shot you a enduring smile before he closed his eyes tiredly. "You're one hell of a woman, a good mother too, I can tell. Semiu was right, your kid is in good hands. It's hard to be a parent." He fondly said in a slightly tired voice, he then looked down at the sleeping boy in his lap, a loving stare in his tired eyes as he took in Dear's freckled, chubby, sleeping face. His cheek pressed up against his chest, his pacifier was slowly falling from his mouth, allowing drool to stain his shirt. But he didn't feel disgust, he just felt nothing but love. One of his hands came up to gently rest on Dear's back, the gentle weight made Dear give a deep sigh of content.
"You know, I didn't realize, all the worries that came with being a parent. I didn't realize that I would be so worried for his and Guita's safety. I know that they're givers, and that they can protect themselves pretty well, but I can't help but to jump in and fight their battles for them every now n' then. It hurts when they don't want my help, because now that I've bonded and fell in love with them, I can't help but to wonder, 'What am I going to do when they're nothing but memories?'" He gruffly admitted in a tired voice. You stared at him with a somber stare, understanding deep in your heart. "Why do you let them fight then? Why let them be a cleaner, when you know how dangerous it is?" You asked, because you seen yourself in him in that moment. You've been debating with yourself on whether you were going to step back or stop Rudo from joining the cleaners.
Bro gave a deep sigh, as his hand gently rubbed Dears back in thought. "Because, they have a story to complete, they have scores to settle, and they have a point to prove. Not to the world, not to the cleaners, and not even to me, but to themselves." He gruffly explained. You stared at him in confusion. "Bro, that doesn't make any sense." You countered. You couldn't wrap your mind around it, letting your child throw himself into danger, and for what? All because he wanted to prove a point to himself? Bro didn't seem offended by your confused defense. Instead, he gave a slight chuckle, not at you but in understanding. "I know right? I was like you at one time. I couldn't bare to see them in danger." He said, his gentle gaze shifting from Dear to Guita tiredly. You stared at him in question before your gazed shifted down to Dear as he gently shifted, a little grunt leaving him as he got comfortable against Bro again.
"What changed?" You asked him, you couldn't picture this small child, out on a battle field, fighting one of those monsters. Bro leaned his head back against the booth tiredly, a deep gaze in his eyes as he seemed to go back to a deep rooted memory. "I seen the fire in his eyes... The desire to prove that he wasn't that same weak little boy, and that he could now fight back, protect himself and everyone around him. That he wasn't a burden and that he could pull his weight all on his own. But I had to let him know, that he could rely on me. That he didn't need to be strong forever, that he didn't have to carry the world on his shoulders. He's a child, and he should be allowed to enjoy his childhood just like any other child. So he falls back on me, to shield him from the harsh world, to back him up when he can't be strong, and to be the adult figure he needs to guide him. Guita's a bit of a different case, however. But she's still a child too, so that same ideology goes for her too. I just don't want any regrets when the unfortunate day comes, that I either get the news, or when I have to hold their lifeless, little body in my arms. I don't want to feel regret, in wondering 'What I should've done.' instead what what 'I didn't do.'." He explained, a fatherly love so deeply rooted into him flooding out deeply.
Your eyes slightly widen, his words resonated with you as you thought back to what Rudo said to you just a few hours ago. "I need to do this, so that I can get stronger!! I need to know how to use my powers, so that I can help keep you safe from anything that comes our way! I know you don't like it and neither do I, but this is our reality now, and I need you to understand and be on my side!!" His desperate voice, and that strong stare in his eyes, the fire within him. It was just as Bro said. He needed to prove to himself, that he was stronger now. He wasn't that same weak, and prone to rabid anger child.
That he could protect those that he cares for, so that a tragic repeat couldn't be committed. You wanted him to rely on you when he needed to. You wanted him to remain a child, and live out his childhood. It was his right, just like every other child. But you now know, that he wanted you to understand and accept the fact that he was now able to do more. He wasn't as weak anymore, he was soon going to be stronger, and that means he'll be stronger than you too... But that doesn't mean he still can't fall back on you too... You and Rudo were going to have to talk, so that you could both understand one another in a new found light.
Bro's gruff, tired voice broke you from your thoughts, and you looked up at him. His eyes were closed, and he looked like he was just about to fall asleep, but he was determined to help guide you on this new form of parenting. "It's going to be rough, and it's going to feel like the hardest thing you could ever do, but you gotta let him go, so that he can grow... But never abandon him, stay close enough so that he can reach out, but far enough so that he can choose to fall back on you." He explained, sleep thick in his voice. You stared at him thoughtfully before you gave him a small but grateful smile. "Thanks, Bro." You softly said, but he heard you anyways as he gave a slow nod, before he gave a deep yawn.
You chuckled fondly before you looked down at the drawing in your hand. His words from earlier, of him complimenting you on being a good mother rang through your head. "I could say the same for you, too. These kids are also in good hands." You softly said. The drawing was very simple, and you couldn't tell who drew it, but the love was real. Bro was in the center, Dear was on his left and Guita was on his right. It was made of mostly stick figures, poorly drawn hair, clothes, and their visible Vital Instruments. So far, it was your favorite one, so you made sure to place it on top of the neatly stacked pictures that you left on the booth next to a sleeping Bro and Dear for all three of them to find later, because as soon as you gathered up the drawings, Semiu came to collect you, telling you that Rudo was back.
On the walk back to the front desk with Semiu, she noticed that you seem warmer, relaxed, and simply more at eased. "Hmm... Seems like that session with Bro and them made you more at ease." She said, noting your new shift in energy. You walked next to her at an easy pace, your eyes locked ahead of you in determination. "It really did, he made me understand and realize that I'm a mother, and that'll never change but I have to step back and let Rudo grow in this new world... Because he has a point... What am I going to do, when he's nothing but a memory? I won't be able to go back and do what 'I should've done' when I can do it now, and not have any regrets just in case that day comes, and god forbid, but at least I'll have some peace with it." You said, your words deep in your soul, making you heart hammer with gentle desperation of what the future may hold.
She stared at you with admiration, she already respected you before, but now she truly could say that she admired you in a way. A small smile graced her face as she looked ahead of herself. "Well said, Little Mama, well said." She softly said, commending you. Your hummed at her words, appreciating them before your eyes widen with relief as you seen your son, wearing a new outfit, and standing around the front desk with Riyo and two other men. One was a tall blonde with slicked back hair under a hat, and the other was slightly shorter than the other man, with short, fluffy black hair stuffed under the same type of hat the blonde had. They were both facing away from you as they seemed to be speaking to Riyo. The closer you got the more you could make out the sadden and defeated look on Rudo's face.
Concern floods you as you hasten your pace, Riyo was the first to notice you, her eyes widening happily before she waved you down. "HI MAMA SPHERERITE!!" She shouted happily. At her words and reaction, the two men perked up and they looked back in curiosity. Once you were close enough you greeted her. "Hi, Riyo." You said kindly, your smile tight with concern as your gaze locked back on Rudo. Riyo, not bother by your reaction placed a hand on her hip as she huffed out an understanding sigh. "Yeeeaaaaah, he's pretty bummed out, his powers activated, but it didn't last too long, he thinks he got in the way and ruined the mission. We keep telling him that he didn't and that he in fact did a pretty good job, but he won't listen to us." Riyo explained lazily yet somberly as you marched past her and the men and straight towards Rudo.
You walked in front of him, his head still down as he stared at the floor intensely, his hands balled up into tight fists. You stared down at him sadly, you didn't understand what it is that he's going through, and hearing what Riyo said made you slightly sadden, as you now felt so far away from him yet so close. He has powers now, something you'll never be able to understand, but you were willing to try. You placed your hands on his shoulders gently. "Rudo... I don't understand what you're going through, and I probably never will ever again, but I want you to understand something - look at me, hun." You said tenderly as you slowly crouched down in front of him so that you could see his eyes, but they were casted low so you gently held his chin as you raised his head up some. At your order he timidly lifted his gaze into your own.
Immediately you recognized the shame and self blame. You sighed lightly. "I don't understand what you're going through, and that hurts, but just because I don't understand, doesn't mean I can't be there for you. I'm going to do my best to support you from a distance, but I'll still be close enough for you to rely on me. I want to see you grow, in ways I've never even imagined. Its scary, and god knows I want to stop you, I want to strip you of these... These powers, and I want to shield you from it all!... But I know that I have to pull back, and let you become strong, but Mama ain't going nowhere, okay? I'll always be right here." You softly said, gently trying to explain to him, that you're both still together but you're not the same anymore. His stare was still slightly sadden but now he was more confused than he was disheartened.
"What are you talking about, Mom? We're still going to be together, I'm not leaving you, and if that's what you're asking, then you can wipe it from your mind." He fussed, he didn't like what he was hearing. He didn't understand it, but it didn't sound very good. You didn't reprimand him for his small outburst, simply because you knew he didn't understand. "We are still going to be together, Rudo, I promise you, hun. We're never going to split up." You promised him, as you reached up to push back his bangs lovingly.
His stare softens just a tad bit. "Then what are you talking about? I don't get it." He softly says, sounding sadden and confused. You gave him a small but tight smile. "What I mean is, I'm willing to pull back, and I'm willing to let you fight, to become strong, to grow and learn your powers. I'm going to be right here, next to you. I can't be on the battlefield with you, and I can't protect you from those monsters either. But I can be there when you need me most. To support you, to give you comfort, to give you reassurance, to give you confidence... It's going to be hard, but we'll get through this, just like you'll get through - whatever this is -, you will, I know you will. Because you're my son."
You explained gently to him, your hands went down to hold his gloved one in yours. It took a moment, but eventually your words began to make sense to him, and his eyes slightly widen. "You're really going to let me!? For real!?" He asked shocked, he just knew he was going to have to fuss with you every time he had to go on a mission, but now, he didn't have to worry about that.
You nodded, smile still small but not as tight. It was more at easy but not my choice, but by obligation. His surprise melted into a more sternness as a small fire lit within him. "I don't want you to worry Mom, I'm always going to need you, even when I finally master my powers, I'll always come back to you." He said firmly. His words meant a lot to you. Rudo didn't always know how to express himself, he had a hard time with words, but sometime, he knew just what to say.
You your small smile widen into a more grateful one. "Thank you, Rudo." You gently said before you stood up and you pulled him into a tight hug, and he hugged you back just as tightly. You held him for a moment, soaking in these last few moments, because you knew, after this, you were going to have to step back more than you ever dreamed of doing at his young age. But this was your reality now. You then pulled back from him, causing him to loosen his own hold on you and his arms fell to his side.
Your gentle stare shifted into a more stern motherly one, as you placed both your hands on your hips. "Now that that's settled, guess who needs a bath!?" You stated more than asked, his loving stare quickly shifted into an embarrassed one. "WHAT!? But I already told you that I can take one myself!" He fussed as he took a step back. You took one step forward. "And I told you, that I am well aware and that I'm going to give you a good washing, as you had a patch of dung on the back of your neck and you weren't even affected by it. You need a good washing." You sternly said, your tone final as you pointed a finger at him.
Riyo and the young man with the black hair both snickered at Rudo's misfortune while the blonde hair man gave you both a fond but heartfelt smile. "Uh-oh~ Looks like someone needs mommy's heeeelllllp." Riyo teased while the young man hid his face with his cap. Rudo's eyes widen in horror before he snatched his head to look back at her. "S-SHUT UP!!" He stuttered, his face heating up into a bright red. "Come on! We're going right now, young man!" You said, as you grabbed his ear, he quickly flinched as he grabbed your wrist firmly but gently with both of his hands. "OW!! MOM!!" He fussed. You ignored his fussing before you smiled over at Semiu. "Can you point me in the direction of a bathroom please?" You sweetly asked her.
She's been quietly standing off to the side, listening to both yours and Rudo's talk, her arms folded comfortably over her chest. She lifted her arm and she pointed a thumb over her shoulder. "The showers are back that way, I'm sure that either Riyo, Follo, or Gris here can show you where they are." She casually said. You nodded at her before you looked over towards Riyo, ignoring Rudo's squirming. "Can one of you please show me the way, I'd greatly appreciate it." You kindly said.
Riyo gave you an apologetic smile. "I'd love to, but I've got a report to fill out. Follo or Gris here can guide you." Riyo explained, as she pointed to each man respectfully as she called their names. You smiled at her kindly. "That's okay, thank you for showing Rudo how to do his future job, Riyo." You said kindly, thanking the girl. She fanned you off as she smile gently at you. "Nah, you ain't gotta thank me, I'm just doing my job. See you after your shower, Rudo." She said causally before she winked at Rudo and she stalked off in the opposite direction.
Rudo's face flushed a brighter red as his eyes widen in slight panic at her words. The young man named Follo, rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "I would show you, but I've got another mission I needs to be getting to soon, I'm really sorry." He said sheepishly feeling guilty that he couldn't help you. You smiled at him sweetly, noticing just how young he really was. "It's okay sweetie, you don't have to apologize at all, hun." You said in understanding. His cheeks flushed at your words, he wasn't used to such sweet words being thrown in his direction. A heavy hand landed on his head, making his hat fall further over his eyes as he gave a soft grunt in surprise. Gris stared fondly at Follo for a moment before he looked over at you. "I can guide you to the showers, Miss." He said kindly.
You smiled at him in appreciation. "Thank you, Gris, was it?" You asked, as you let go of Rudo's ear, in favor for the scruff of his shirt. He grumbled at the new hold but he didn't complain, knowing that fighting with your grip was near impossible. You took in Gris's appearance, noticing that he seemed much older than, Follo, who looked to be just a few years older than Rudo. But Gris also looked younger than you, the jagged scare over his eye made you curious. Gris nodded his head, confirming your question.
Your smile seemed to brighten at this. "I'm Y/n, pleasure to meet you, Gris, Follo." You said in kind introducing yourself to both of the men. Follo nodded his head in greeting as Gris removed his hand from his head and Follo took this chance to readjust his hat. Gris's own smile brighten. "Likewise, Y/n. You best to get going now, Follo, you wouldn't want to be late now." He said, gently reminding the younger man. Follo looked back at Gris for a second before he nodded at him. He then flashed you one last smile before he rushed off past you and Rudo, heading down the same hall that Riyo went down.
You watched him as he ran past, you could tell that he was a sweet boy. Gris's voice caught your attention. "Come on, I'll guide you there." He said kindly. You turned back towards him, shooting him a grateful smile. "Thank you, Gris." You thanked him, following after him as he began walking down the hall that Semiu pointed down earlier, dragging a grumbling Rudo with you.
