Without hesitation Natsuki let herself fall on the bed. She cuddled into the soft sheets and closed her eyes. When Nagato started to laugh, she shot him a playful glare, which softened quickly. "It took me some time to recognize you when you were so cold." she said seriously. Nagato stopped laughing and looked at her with the same severity. "Same goes for you. But… a lot has changed since then. Nothing has been the same since Yahiko's death." The sadness in his eyes didn't surprise her. She hadn't been with the young group, Nagato, Konan and Yahiko, for a long time back then but she knew how hard Yahiko's death must have been for Nagato above all. "I didn't expect you to remember me." mumbled Natsuki. A little smile appeared on Nagato's face. „Back then you were like my sister. If you hadn't been, I probably would have gone crazy…"
~~Flashback~~
Clothes torn to pieces, scratched, cut and bleeding she lay in front of him. Instead of the expected fear, there was only insensibility in her face. How could it be that a girl her age already had to live the nightmare of this world? He turned away and intended to leave. Here was nothing to fetch. However suddenly he heard a quiet laugh. Astonished he turned back. The little girl seemed to be thrilled by the puppy, which was following him around. She reached out with her bloody little hand and caressed the dog carefully. But when she noticed that her hand left bloody traces in the soft fur of the puppy, she flinched away. Her head sank on her breast. Slowly Nagato took again a step towards her. Could it be that she wasn't lost just yet? Carefully he seized her hands and wiped away the blood and dirt with his shirt. Surprised she looked at her clean hands. Then her eyes met his and once again he was surprised at her lack of fear when looking into his eyes. Instead of fear$ or horror there was gratitude and affection. Her cold, small hands moved from the puppy to his cheeks and wiped away his tears. At last she leaned forward and placed a kiss on his forehead. "Everything will be alright." Her clear, warm voice didn't fit into this cold place. However at the sound of her voice something snapped inside of him. Hesitantly he reached out to her. With big eyes, showing astonishment and surprise, she looked at him. Then, uncertain, she put her little hand into his.
~~Flashback End~~
For a long time Nagato stayed at the bed and looked at the sleeping Natsuki. Even when Konan came and sat down next to him, no words were used. Konan hadn't got to live with Natsuki, but it had been easy to understand just how important she had been for Nagato. Though every time her name was mentioned, sadness had crossed Nagato's face, which had kept Yahiko and her from asking about her. As Pain finally got up to settle down on the couch Konan followed him. For a second she put her hand on his shoulder, showing him that she understood very well how much Natsuki's return meant to him. Then he left quietly.