[Video] Nebula 17

[silver_eyes_rose]

[The video kicks on showing Ruby in the Quiet Cab, looking a bit nervous]

Uh, yeah... h-hi, I'm Ruby Rose, I just got here and, um... I had a.. crazy idea. I'm sure you'll think I'm silly and all that, but...

[Deep breath, Ruby.]

Before I came to this world, I was brought to another world called Prismatica. Because of how I was brought in, I was given strange abilities by being "Moonblessed". One of those is being able to make energy I can use within myself called "Chroma" that fuels both the powers from my world and the powers from that world... among other things. And we make this by "Moonlacing", which is willingly touching another.

All I really need to do is to touch someone with their permission or vice versa, but Prismatica preferred more affectionate touches. Hugs, kisses... th-things that I would probably get yelled at for saying because there's kids here.

[Another deep breath and...]

I guess what I'm trying to say is that, well... a lot of you are hurting because of what this train does and... I want to help. Boy or girl, taken or not, I'm here if you need someone to give you affection and it also helps me not feel drained!

Does... that make sense? It makes sense in my head and...

Oh, I probably screwed this up...

Comments

[marvelous_murderbot]

[Which is a question. The illusions had left her in some doubt as to her own feelings on a range of issues, not least of which the matter of feeling affection and who for.]

That is a complicated question. But in either case, I hope you consider me a friend from here on. I would so wish to have more of those.

[silver_eyes_rose]

Of course! I always love new friends! No matter what, we’re friends and if you need anything, please tell me!

[marvelous_murderbot]

[Oh, she does, and it's Guri so she asks it without any mental filter.]

Oh, good - in that case: how can you tell when you are physically attracted to someone? Rather than just noting features?

[It's been on her mind lately, and she has all the subtlety in interpersonal conversation of an on-fire truck.]

[silver_eyes_rose]

Hmm… I would say how they look at you as well as wanting to touch you more. Especially the touching - they like you like that, they’ll want to do things like hug you or hold your hand.

[marvelous_murderbot]

[She nods, brow furrowed.]

That is good to know. But how about the other way around? How do you, yourself, know when you are attracted to someone? What are the initial signs?

[silver_eyes_rose]

How do I...?

[Ruby thinks this over a bit, before ultimately nodding]

You can't stop thinking about them. Being around them makes you happy. You have confused feelings about them that you'll realize may be happy ones.

[marvelous_murderbot]

[She withdraws her hands from a moment, if only to take out a small notebook and write those things down. She can remember them, but notes are important.]

Well. That is fairly thorough. The trouble for me, I was - in a previous mission - told I had feelings for someone, but all that turned out to be a lie. It has been difficult to sort reality from fantasy ever since.

[silver_eyes_rose]

WHAT?! That’s wrong! No one should ever force you to believe such a thing! Love isn’t determined by what someone says or commands; it’s determined by you yourself!

[marvelous_murderbot]

I am quite aware. But the illusions were arranged regardless. It was...

[Any hesitation from a robot is a sign, really.]

A difficult time.

[silver_eyes_rose]

Oh… I’m sorry…

[Ruby goes to take Guri’s hands again, this time trying to entwine her fingers through hers.]

I wish I could help you…

[marvelous_murderbot]

[She sighs, accepting the gesture.]

I know. It is a matter now of figuring out what to do with all the information. Imagine admiring a person before, being placed with them in a dreamscape with feelings, then being reverted to the real world.

It leaves one with questions.

[silver_eyes_rose]

[Ruby closes her eyes and sighs]

I wish I could fully understand it, but I know it hurts. Emotions are such fickle things, you know?

Do you… want me to help you calm down a bit?

[marvelous_murderbot]

[Her head tilts]

How would that work?

[silver_eyes_rose]

[Ruby lightly shrugs.]

Take your mind off of it. Just… hold you or hug you or whatever you wanted.

[marvelous_murderbot]

Oh. That works?

[silver_eyes_rose]

[Ruby smiles a bit.]

It does. Unless you had another idea.

[marvelous_murderbot]

[She shook her head.]

No, I am open-minded on the subject. I'm still learning all this.

[silver_eyes_rose]

I understand… c’mon…

[And she’ll lead Guri back to the seat, urging her to sit close to her.]

[marvelous_murderbot]

[And she is gently, and curiously led, sitting down next to Ruby.]

[silver_eyes_rose]

[Ruby smiles gently as she starts to pull Guri close to her, wrapping her arms around her to hold her close in a warm embrace.]

You need anything from me, just ask, okay?

[marvelous_murderbot]

[She settles in, with a nod.]

I can do that, thank you.

[silver_eyes_rose]

You're welcome, Guri...

[She leans forward, planting a small kiss on her forehead.]

We're gonna be great friends, I can tell.