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[video] now with extra dragon hugs

[Well, there's a face we haven't seen in a while. Shepard is holding the D-Terminal fairly close to her and looking rather grim, and not just her facial expression. Her hair badly needs a trim and a wash, there's dirt on her face and what's visible of her clothes, and she even appears to have lost weight.]

Commander Shepard reporting in.

[Her voice is the same strength as ever, though.]

Looks like randomly ditching me all the way across the damn island by myself is this place's idea of a joke, so I'm going to need an update. And preferably a check in from a few of you, just to make sure nobody's gotten themselves blown up while I was gone.

[This means you, heroic-type friends and boyfriend. There's a quick flash of purple at the bottom of the screen, and Shepard's expression shifts from solid irritation to a sort of rough affection.]

Stop nuzzling me, Cadet.

I've been looking everywhere for you, Commander!

[Shepard pauses before reaching down to pat her partner on the nose. She looks back at the screen.]

I should go.

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[There's a soft sniffle from Marley as she finally lowers her hand away from her face.]

W-We just Fluttershy back, too. She...She was gone a while. Broke her wing, but Donnie--he helped patch her up.

[The solemn look is moving in for a long visit, it seems.]

How bad did things get while I was gone, Marley?

[She's reluctant to ask about fatalities.]

A-A lot of people got hurt before. Cam, me, Donnie, Ed, Leatherhead...Fluttershy and Hiccup they were gone for a while, and Fluttershy came back. Hiccup is still...we don't know...

[Marley sighs and looks off screen.]

Who knows what's happening out at the Castle...

[Is that more muttered swearing? I think it is.]

Nobody's reporting in?

I don't...think so. I haven't been keeping track with the D-Terminal network. I... [She swallows hard and takes in a deep breath.

Can I just say what everyone is thinking? ]

I-I'm sorry...

[Well, that's not what she expected.]

Hey... As long as you're okay, alright? I can lecture you about stupid risks later.

Y-Yes Ma'am...

[Residual effects of the Dark Field. It's making things a little more difficult for the usually active girl to get back to normal. She takes in a deep breath, trying to calm herself down. </ small>]

Sorry, it's just... A lot had happened and... And I'm REALLY glad you're back

[She could really use a mom right now. ]

[Oh no, the maternal protectiveness is growing. She nods.]

I'll come over, okay? We can talk it out.

[Marley only nods her head as she wipes her eyes again. ]

It's going to be okay, Marley. Everyone's still alive, right? So things will get better.

Yeah, they're... They're alive.

[She takes another deep breath, calming herself down just a little bit. ]

Get... Something to eat, okay? I'll be here. I was going to check up on Fluttershy, but... I'll wait here for you.

[Shepard nods and frowns.]

You can go see her, we can meet at my place afterwards.

No! [It's said rather quickly, and immediately Marley is trying to backpedal.] No, no, it's...it's fine. I'll wait, just--You'll tell me when you get back?

[She's not about to admit to one of the reasons she needs to talk to Shepard actually lives in the same apartment as Fluttershy, and with Shepard being back, Marley really REALLY wants to talk to her first.]

[Shepard raises an eyebrow.]

Yeah, sure... Do you want me to shower first? I doubt you want to be within two feet of me at the moment.

I-If you need a shower, then that's okay. I'm fine here for a while. Honest.

[She tries to reassure Shepard as best she can. She sees that raise brow. She'll be okay for now!]

[Shepard gives her a look before nodding.]

I'll be over ASAP.

Yes, Ma'am.

[She'll just stay curled up on the couch until Shepard gets there.]

[It's a little over an hour and a half when Shepard arrives at Marley's door, fed, washed and in clean clothes. Monodramon is nowhere to be seen, still in Neku's room with Terri's egg.]

[She knocks on the door.]

[Marley is immediately to her feet and at the door, swinging it open to stare up at Shepard wide eyed. She's back. She really is back.

It doesn't take but a second more before Marley is throwing her arms around Shepard, crying into the woman's shoulder. There's no sense in trying to fight it.]

Y-You're...really b-back!

[Shepard was expecting both the hug and the waterworks, so she rolls with it, hugging Marley close.]

Hey there.

[Marley continues to cling to Shepard, as if afraid the woman is going to disappear again. She cries and cries, leaving behind a wet spot on the shoulder of Shepard's clean shirt. She feels stupid for crying so much, but after everything that's happened, she can't seem to stop.

It's actually several minutes later before Marley's sobs give way to quiet hiccups. She still doesn'twant to let go of Shepard. Not in the sslightest. ]

[Shepard is starting to get used to being a shoulder to cry on, and it's also getting easier. She lets Marley cry, rubbing gentle circles into her back. Once the crying seems to calm down, she speaks.]

Feel a little better?

[She doesn't mind the wet spot on her clothes-- offering support is more than worth it.]

[Marley nods her head slowly against Shepard's shoulder. She did feel better, if only slightly.]

Y-Yeah...Sorry, just...[She takes a deep breath and lifts her head to wipe her eyes with a hand lightly scarred by burns.] Been a rough...a rough month.

[Shepard smiles understandingly.]

I'm not mad. You pulled through, now we can put the pieces back together, okay?

[ A bright, shining light suddenly appears, drawn into existence by Shepard's unyielding loyalty. When the light fades, a tag and crest are visible, both clearly meant for Shepard.

It is the Crest of Reliability meant for only those who shoulder burdens while earning trust from others. ]

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SORRY FOR MY HTML FAIL

IT'S COOL MAN

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Action!

Lights and Camera?

shit i think we have these out of order

I think we're fine

excellent

:3

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