07 Butterflies | Video

[strengthinkindness]

[The feed buzzes to life, and a nervous-looking Fluttershy appears on the screen. She hesitates, not quite looking at the D-Terminal.]

H...h-hi...um...I...I-I'm sorry if I...worried anyone. I...I just wanted to let others know that I'm...s-still here...

[Because it seems, there are many others who are not.

It looks like she wants to say something more, but instead the video cuts out.]

Comments

[changelingdude]

Aw sure I did. I wanted to make sure you had plenty to pick from!

[strengthinkindness]

[That makes her smile a little, ducking her head slightly embarrassed for some reason.]

Thank you...

[Looking at her choices again, she then reaches in and picks out an ice cream sandwich.]

[changelingdude]

Great choice!

[He plucks out a thing called a "Choco Taco" while Rita chooses an Ice Cream shaped like a Palmon with gumball eyes.]

I'll put the rest in the freezer...do you guys have a freezer in here?

[strengthinkindness]

O-Oh yes...It's not very big, but Donnie made one just in case we needed to refrigerate things...

[She pointed to the small box in the corner of the living room.]

[changelingdude]

Perfect!

[Beastboy trots over and puts the excess ice cream into the box before closing the door]

Bet it feels good to be back home huh Fluttershy?

[strengthinkindness]

[She hesitates for a moment.]

I am...glad to be back.

[changelingdude]

Well we're glad you're back that's for sure.

What's on your mind?

[It seems Rita is better at picking up subtle hints. Trust it to an actress]

[strengthinkindness]

[She ducks her head, letting her hair hide her face.] O-oh, i-it's...it's nothing...

[changelingdude]

[She looks worried and gently puts a hand on Fluttershy's back rubbing gently]

Come on now...

Is something wrong?

[strengthinkindness]

[Glancing at them both for a moment, she then sighs softly as her gaze lowers.]

I-I am...glad to be back, but I...I...miss being home too...

[Home. Her world.]

[changelingdude]

Oh...

Aw yeah? I feel the same way.

[He takes a seat next to her smiling warmly]

If I can just take a guess...I'd say you miss your friends the most?

[strengthinkindness]

[Glancing up at him, she nodded slightly.]

Wh...Wh-When two of my friends from my world came, I...I-I was so happy. And th-then Rarity disappeared, so....I l-left to try and find her...Th-That's why I...disappeared...How I b...b-broke my wing...

[changelingdude]

Oh sweetie...

[Beastboy hugs her gently]

Hey I would have done the same thing.

[strengthinkindness]

[There's something about the hug...something about the warm presence, the feel of comforting arms around her, that she isn't able to hold it back anymore.

She's quiet at first, the only indication was the slight shake in her shoulders. But she sniffles, and she can't hold it back as tears start running down her face.]

[changelingdude]

[It's not the first time he's held a crying girl, and it won't be the last that's almost a given in his line of work. So he gently holds her close being careful of her wings and giving her something solid to hold onto. Gently rubbing her back to try and sooth her.]

It's alright Shy. Let it out. Get it all out.

[Rita surprisingly looks more worried then he does and fumbles with her paws for something to do.]

[strengthinkindness]

[Hold on to him she does, almost clinging to him as she cries, burying her face in his shoulder to try and stifle some of the sobs.

She had been holding it in too long...and she hadn't wanted to break down like this. But once the gates were opened, there was no stopping it.]

[changelingdude]

[Despite his small frame Beastboy makes a very good rock to cling to when you're crying. His touch is gentle, his breathing slow and steady like his heartbeat, and despite his slender arms there's a comforting firmness to the way they keep her close.]

I'm right here Shy. It's OK. As long as it takes just...let it out.

[strengthinkindness]

[After what feels like a long time, she finally seems to calm down, her sobs trickling down to smaller sniffles as her body only just slightly shudders.

A few more moments and she finally pulls away, wiping at her eyes even though there were some tears still building up in them.]

I-I'm s-sorry, I...

[changelingdude]

No way, no need for sorry.

[He holds out his hand and Rita helpfully hands him a box of tissues. He takes a few and helps dab at her tears]

You've been holding that in for a while huh?

[strengthinkindness]

[She sits still as he wipes away her tears, sniffling softly.]

I-I...y-yes...

[changelingdude]

[A knowing nod, a rare moment of wisdom from Beastboy]

Crying is a good thing when you know how to do it. Helps get some of the stress out so you can think better.

[Soft smile]

But I'm right there with ya. You know how I don't eat meat right? But every day when I stop at the mini mart for a snack I stop by the jerky and just take a deep breath. All because it reminds me of my best friend back home.

I even bought some candles and other stuff to keep around the apartment because I miss them so bad.

But having friends like you around makes it easier to be so far away from home.

[strengthinkindness]

[She sniffled softly, nodding.]

I-I...I've been...r-reading more, and...m-making clothes...like T-Twilight and R-Rarity...'cept I...I'm not as good making clothes...

A-And I've been...working hard and...trying to make people smile like...A-Applejack and...Pinkie Pie...but I-I'm...not very good at doing those either...

A-And now...with my wing broken, I can't...I-I can't fly...[She sniffles again.] R...Rainbow Dash would be...disappointed...

[changelingdude]

That's a lie.

[Laugh]

You're really good at making me smile. See?

[Big toothy grin]

[strengthinkindness]

[She glances up at him, and though her eyes are still a little watery, she at least manages a small smile.]

[changelingdude]

Whatever happens Shy, your friends are with you right here.

[puts a fist to his chest]

And that means me too.