[video] now with extra dragon hugs

[renegadedriving]

[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.

Comments

[Video]

[renegadedriving]

[Shepard's eyes go wide and after a moment, a wild sincere smile appears.]

Finally, some good news.

[There's a hint of pride in her voice.]

You sound really happy.

[Video]

[headup_stickontheice]

[Is that a blush on Cam's face? Perhaps. Probably. But well, this is a good thing, he's not going to focus on it.]

I am. [Isn't that a wonder?] ...But it's even better now that you're back. You should get, rest, or something, you look tired.

[Video]

[renegadedriving]

I'm going to expect you to introduce your girlfriend to me, kid, just so you know. And I want to hear the story behind the arm too. Need to know if a lecture is called for.

[She smiles and laugh, sounding as tired as she looks.]

Garrus is feeding me, then I'm showering and doing the rounds to check in on everyone. Looks like I've missed a hell of a month.

[Video]

[headup_stickontheice]

[Awww, look at that little half-smile.] Neku already lectured me. And Seifer. And Marley. And everyone. But I'll...invite Maya to morning breakfast. Uh, if you...still want to.

I'm just glad you're back. [And you'll stay back, if Cam has anything to do with it.]

[Video]

[renegadedriving]

[It's so good to see that at least one of her kids is doing better than the last time she saw them instead of worse.]

Alright, you get out of the lecture this time. I've done worse things to protect people I care about.

[Her eyes are soft when she nods.]

I'd love that. You know what her favorite breakfast is? We'll make an occasion out of it.

[She grins.]

Missed you too, Cam.

[Video]

[headup_stickontheice]

[Every time he looks at his arm, unlike last time, he gets this odd relief in his chest, because this time, well, this time he didn't mean to. So well, having the lecture skipped is...sort of nice.]

Honestly, I think if we just bring ketchup she'll make it work. [Maya Matlin loves ketchup and Campbell Saunders loves watching her smother everything with it, more news at eleven.] I'll bring 'er over tomorrow. ...If you don't want time with Garrus instead.

[Video]

[renegadedriving]

[Shepard laughs.]

She's a condiment lover. I'll keep that in mind.

[Hashbrowns are a pretty ketchup-friendly food, she's pretty sure she can pull that off as part of breakfast.]

And when have I cancelled breakfast for romance?

[Answer: Never. Food.]

[Video]

[headup_stickontheice]

[Cam laughs in return; the moment takes him a bit by surprise, because when he's really thinking about it, since then, those moments always take him by surprise.]

Never know! The wilderness can change a person.

[Video]

[renegadedriving]

[She grins, and it's a playful sort of look.]

The only thing that's changed is my level of appreciation for hot showers.

[Video] html stop failing

[headup_stickontheice]

[Is that a hint?]

Go shower. We'll all be here when you're done.

[Video] html refuses

[renegadedriving]

[Shepard is going to continue grinning at you, Cam.]

Before I go, though... Should I get a hold of some 'intimidating dad' clothes to go with my dysfunctional shotgun?

[Video]

[headup_stickontheice]

[There is no more grin on this end.]

M-Miss Shepard, I don't wanna scare her!

[Video]

[renegadedriving]

[Alright, alright, she'll be nice.]

I promise I'm kidding.