[IC - update post]

[actualizedname]

 [Earlier this morning a tiny teenaged boy went out to explore ruins in camp.

Some time later, said tiny teenager reappears at the outskirts of camp, eleven inches taller, thirteen years older and very confused.]

Somehow, I think I'm lost.

Comments

[emergencyration]

Is this an effect? Something camp is doing?

[actualizedname]

No. I think it's a paradox, but this is who I'm meant to be.

[emergencyration]

[stepping a little closer and l-looking up]

You're going to stay like this, then?

[actualizedname]

I'm afraid so. I'm sorry. I know that it's unfair.

[emergencyration]

It's . . . weird, but you really don't have to apologize. I just—

[ You didn't forget. You remember me even thirteen years from now. ]

[actualizedname]

Take your time. There's plenty of it.

[emergencyration]

[nods]

[actualizedname]

It's strange for me as well. For me, you haven't changed at all. It's like you were caught in time.

[emergencyration]

Isn't that what being in camp is like?

[actualizedname]

Yes, though I can't say that I mind having an opportunity to see old friends once again.

[emergencyration]

[hesitates for moment, then—]

Are you all right?

[actualizedname]

Yes, of course! It's simply a shock, that's all.

[DAMN YOU NATSUME AND BEING PERCEPTIVE.]

[emergencyration]

I can imagine.

. . . Do you want to get some tea or something and sit down?

[actualizedname]

Yes. I believe I do. Don't worry, I still remember the way.

[emergencyration]

Mm.

[actualizedname]

Don't worry, Natsume. You do that too much already.

[emergencyration]

. . . Maybe.

[actualizedname]

You haven't changed at all.

[emergencyration]

It's only been a short while for me, though.

[actualizedname]

This is true.

[emergencyration]

[. . . is going to head for the mess hall, then]

[actualizedname]

[comes along with]

[emergencyration]

How tall are you now?

[actualizedname]

Five eleven. I'm taller than you expected, I assume.

[emergencyration]

Y-yeah.