Mary
Dream nodded in relief as he saw that Ruby was unharmed, then touched his face with one finger. It felt wet... Drawing his hand back, he found Nightmare Fuel dripping off of it. Had he been shedding tears of the substance? That was new. He wasn't sure what had happened, he lost vision and consciousness so suddenly. He looked down at the body of the Dead Hand and bit his lip, thinking.

This was not good, and not something that should *Ever* Happen again. Dream *Hated* Not being in control of himself at all times, and the fact that this monster was somehow able to override his own will to keep fighting was honestly terrifying. He had to ensure that somehow, this couldn't happen again. He couldn't afford to lose himself to this threat. But it wasn't something he was sure he could do by himself. So as much as he hated to say it-

"I think..." Dream swallowed. "I think I need help. I don't think I can fight this by myself. At least, not yet."
Norma
That's okay.

There's some things that they need help with. There's a reason Dark has chosen to keep a step back aside from eliminating ReDead, they know their own nature too well- if they fall too deep into the hunt, others will be hunted. Sometimes there is things you need help with, as much as they hurt.

She's lucky she's had people to help, and she wants Dream to have that too.

It only takes her a moment to get out a piece of charcoal and some parchment. It's kept close in the same spot of his bag for a reason. The ease of access meant a lot in situations like this- and he needed to make a response. This was not good. Yet Dream needed to know someone was on his side for it.

- If you ever think it might happen, mention me. I'll find you.
Mary
Dream bit his lip again. He wasn't normally one to ask for help. Hell, he *Avoided* It if he could. But now... Did he have the luxury to be stubborn? Probably not. And Ruby was *Kind.* Kinder than most people he knew. Most of the time he was the one helping others: running into a den of moblins to save an old lady's pet, grabbing a stranded girl from a precarious position on a bridge and flying to safety on a hookshot, helping a lost soul find rest after death. It might be... Nice. To *Not* Be the one to save the day for once. 

So he swallowed his pride. 

"Can... Can I come with you?" He asked very tentatively. "I promise I can pull my own weight. I can fight good... I got a lotta things that can be useful. And..."

Oh this was going to sound corny. But it was absolutely true.

"...It feels nice to meet someone who understands."