[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

[wall_flower]

[Marley nods her head slowly, her arms moving to wrap around Shepard.]

I...don't know if I'm--if I can tell him now...

[Or ever, but baby steps.]

[renegadedriving]

[Baby steps are still good!]

There's no rush. You can tell him whenever you're ready.

[wall_flower]

[There's a sigh of relief before Marley cuddles more against Shepard. She's glad she doesn't have to speak up now. Or soon. She probably couldn't, not with everything going on. Not after everything that's happened.]

I've missed you, Commander.

[It's a hushed whisper, but one that hint at Marley getting ready to cry again.]

[renegadedriving]

[Shepard gives Marley an affectionate squeeze.]

Missed you too, kid.

[One of these days, she'll probably think through the implications of adopting all these kids. For now, she's just glad they're all still here.]

[wall_flower]

And you're here to stay? At least for a little while longer, right?

[renegadedriving]

I'm not going anywhere.

[wall_flower]

...Okay.

[It's a comfort, despite the fact that Marley knows that anyone can leave at any time. She closes her eyes as she rests against Shepard, trying not to fall asleep, but it was really hard to do when Shepard was so comfy.]