Closed to Nagato [Late April 6-Early April 7]

[thelittleprincess]

[The message comes in the dark hours of the morning, and the letter is written in jerky, clumsy handwriting, the ink warped and blurred in places that look like water drops. But that's crazy. Ami doesn't cry.]

N—

Is the big tower on the east side okay

I thought it was bursting like a balloon

there was too much I was drowning

everything was too much it was so heavy

I wanted to put it down but I didn't

I didn't

I didn't put it down, did I

I did my best but it was so much for so long

Is the big tower on the east side okay

I thought it cracked like an egg and there was 

there was screaming 

it might have been me

I hope it was me

Comments

[teachingpeace]

[He was awake. Most of the time since he'd returned to himself had been spent intensely sorting out how to resecure his borders, with naps to bridge the time. Admittedly, part of that had been a fear he'd wake up and be an isolated little girl again. It meant he was awake for the message.]

The tower is fine. You did not destroy anything in my village and I would like you to breathe, slow, careful breaths for me.

Then have something warm and go to sleep, thinking about good things.

Perhaps hug that soft toy of yours for a while if you can't?

[thelittleprincess]

[She is more rational in her next reply. slightly. But it's late at night and the nightmare is fresh and she is already hugging that huge purple alpaca.]

Nagato-sama,

I don't want to sleep. I didn't in your city. I was very careful, but overtime I sleep I—


I am you again, and I am drowning in it. How can I think of good things, when I know that it's going to be hell when I close my eyes? When I know the smothering will be back, when I feel like I'm going to crumble, when I see

[It cuts off there. The letters are watermarked again.]

[teachingpeace]

[He stared at the note for a long moment, and when he responded, it was carefully written.]

Ami,

I have barely slept since returning to myself due to similar fears. Being in your body was a nightmare to me that made me feel as though I had been trapped in a dark box that was far too small.

I focused on your teammate, and he remained with me through the entirety of the experience.

Perhaps he would help you as well in your recovery if you would permit him?

He is a kind boy.

[thelittleprincess]

Nagato-sama,

The last time I allowed myself to give him the benefit of the doubt, we ended up decking the entire village in toilet-paper. He is many things, but he is also a cancer upon my better judgement. He also believes all adults interested in me politely or otherwise are pedophiles.

[teachingpeace]

Ami,

For the entirety of the time I spent with him he was mature and thoughtful, with moments of protective displeasure direction at various parties. I cannot say that I know the side of him you describe.

[thelittleprincess]

Nagato-sama,

The last time I saw that side of him, I was collapsed and coughing blood. He is a cool head in a crisis, but my current condition is not one I wish to flaunt. Physical weakness is forgivable. This is...

[teachingpeace]

Ami,

I am curious then, if I am a comfort to you in your distress? It is not one of my better skills.

[thelittleprincess]

[There is a large space, and the writing is small and cramped, as if curling in on itself.]








Nagato-sama,

I just


I needed to know it wasn't real. I didn't sleep while I was in your body. I need to know that I didn't hurt anybody.

[teachingpeace]

All is well.

If there was more I could do to ease your distress, I would, but I believe any attempts would cause more issue, not less, so I shall only do this instead.