My Imagination

Recovered With Love

No. of drafts: 31
No. of words: 26750

Draft 1:

Tae's pov:

When i woke up, i was nestled protectively between Mew and Thanit.

I smiled while looking at them sleeping soundly.

They didn't even ask anything.

I know Mew would have realised immediately why i switched to Eli.

I looked down at muself and noticed i was wearing Eli's bunny onesie and holding the stuffed bunny.

I slowly scooted out of their arms making sure not to wake them up.

I left the stuffed bunny between them and got out of bed.

I went to the closet and took some of my clothes before going itno the bathroom to take a shower.

After i finished, i decided to start on breakfast until they wake up.

Thanit's pov:

When i woke up the next morning Eli wasn't there in bed. It was only Mew and i.

I shot up and looked around the bedroom.

"Mew. Mew get up." I shook him.

"Hmm?" He frowned and slowly opened his eyes.

"Eli's not here. He usually doesn't get out bed before us." I said frantically.

With that he also shot up and looked around.

"Maybe he's in the bathroom?"

I went and checked the bathroom.

"He's not here." I said.

We rushed out of the bedroom and downstairs.

We stopped in our tracks when we heard sounds coming from the kitchen.

We slowly went there.

Wide smiles appeared on our faces when we realised who it was.

We went to him and hugged him tightly.

He was startled but relaxed when he realised it was us.

"Good morning."

"Good morning Tae." We kissed his cheeks.

He chuckled.

"Your breaths stink. Go brush your teeth and get cleaned up while i finish up the food." He loosened our arms and pushed us out of the kitchen.

We pouted but obediently went upstairs to get cleaned up.

"By the way." Mew spoke up while we were eating.

Tae and i looked at him.

"We have the next week off so we were thinking of going to the beach." He smiled at Tae.

I also smiled.

Tae blinked a few times.

He chuckled. "Ren is really excited."

We chuckled as well.

"We'll stay at the beach house right?" I asked.

Mew nodded.

The doorbell rang just as we finished doing the dishes.

"I'll get it." Mew went to open the door.

"Good morning!" Tae jumped and dropped the plate he was holding when we heard Bass yelling.

It fell to the floor and broke.

He jumped again because of the sound.

I pulled him back so he wouldn't get hurt from the broken pieces.

"You ok?" I looked at him worriedly.

"Yeah. I was just a little startled." He answered.

I looked at Bass, Ter, Tee and Kim who had come in with Mew.

"Bass i told you not to yell." I said sternly.

"I'm really sorry p'Tae. I got a little too excited." He looked at him guiltily.

"It's ok. Don't worry about it." Tae smiled at him.

He bent down to take the broken pieces but i stopped him.

"No. I'll clean this up. You go pack our clothes with them." I said.

He nodded.

I looked at Mew.

He nodded and took Tae's hand.

"Come on." He pulled him upstairs with Bass, Ter and Tee following behind.

I sighed and started cleaning up the broken plate with Kim's help.

"So what's with this sudden trip to the beach?" He asked.

"We have the week off after a long time. And some pesks still don't want to give up. So we thought it would be a nice get away trip. Tae said Ren has been wanting to go as well." I explained.

He nodded. "They're really stubborn huh?"

"Yeah. They don't know when to give up. I think I'll intervene. This is getting too much now. I've been holding back because Tae said so. But not anymore. He's in pain everytime they come and ends up switching. I've had enough." I growled.

"I'll help." He said.

I smiled and nodded.

After cleaning up the plate, we headed upstairs as well.

When we got there Mew and Tee were putting some clothes in a big duffle bag.

The door to the walk in closet was open.

I went there while Kim went to Mew and Tee.

"Since Ren will also be there, we need to take some clothes for him as well." Ter said.

Tae smiled and nodded.

I smiled and leaned on the doorframe and observed them choosing out some of Ren's clothes.

They kept taking out clothes one after the other.

"Guys that's too much. It's only a week. And we're going to the beach so no need for fancy clothes." Tae sighed.

Bass and Ter were about to say something but i spoke up before they could.

"We're only going for a week guys. Not a year." I chuckled.

They pouted. "Ok fine." They started putting back some of the clothes.

We finally decided on some casual wear and swimwear after a while and brought them out.

By the time we finished packing it was already 10:45 am.

"Ok. Let's go. It'll take around an hour to reach there. I already told them to get the beach house ready." Mew sighed.

"Did you guys bring your stuff?" Tae looked at the others.

"Yup. They're in the car." Ter nodded.

We nodded.

We headed out and got into our cars driving to the beach.

Tae frowned and leaned on my shoulder while we were in the car.

Mew was glancing at us from the rearview mirror.

"Tae? What's wrong?" I patted his head.

"Just a little headache." He muttered.

"You want some aspirin?" I asked.

"You have them?" He straightened up and looked at me.

"Yeah." I opened the backpack mew had packed and took out a card of aspirin and a bottle of water.

I took two pills and gave them to him with the water.

He swallowed them.

"Does it hurt a lot?" I massaged his forehead as he leaned back in his seat.

"It's bearable. Not that bad." He muttered.

I nodded.

He closed his eyes relaxed.

By the time we got there, he was asleep.

I took him into my arms and got out.

The others looked at him worriedly when they saw him.

"He had a headache so i gave him some aspirin. He'll be fine after he wakes up." I assured them.

They nodded.

We went into the beach house and into our rooms.

I laid Tae down on the bed and covered him with the duvet.

We sat down on the bed beside him.

"Blake has been awfully quiet hasn't he?" I mumbled.

"Yeah. It's odd. Tae said he usually shouts at him everyday to let him take over." Mew nodded.

I blinked.

He isn't hiding it is he?

"Why don't you go out with the others? I'll bring him after he wakes up." I looked at Mew after 30 minutes.

He looked hesitant.

"I'm sure he won't be pleased to know that you stayed inside because of him. And you know he won't listen even if you try to tell him not to feel bad." I added.

He sighed and nodded. "Call me when he wakes up."

I nodded.

With that he went out of the room.

He started stirring after around 2 hours or so.

He looked at me after he managed to open his eyes properly.

I blinked.

It's not Tae. His demeanor is different.

"Ren?" I asked slowly.

He slowly sat up.

"Who are you?" He asked.

"I'm Thanit." I answered.

He stared at me for a few seconds. "Trust."

I tilted my head. "You trust me?"

He nodded. "Tae said Thanit and Mew safe."

I smiled softly. "I'm glad you feel that you can trust me."

"Thank you for fulfilling my wish." He mumbled while looking down.

I smiled. "Of course. It's nice to finally meet you Ren." I patted his head.

He hummed softly.

He's just like Tae had told us.

A shy quite boy.

He looked down at himself.

"We brought some clothes we had bought for you." I got up and went to the bags.

"For me?" He tilted his head.

"Yup. We buy things for every alter. We haven't gotten to know you yet so we're not sure if you will like these though." I took out some of Ren's clothes.

He slowly got up and came upto me.

He took the clothes and observed them.

"These are really for me?" He looked at me.

"Yup." I smiled.

A small smile formed on his face. "I really like them. Thank you."

"No problem. Change into them and we'll go out." I said.

He nodded and went into the bathroom.

I took my phone and called Mew.

"Hey is he awake?" He answered after the second ring.

"Yup. Ren's awake." I said.

"He came out?" He asked.

"Yeah. Where are you guys?" I replied.

"We're near the beach house. The others didn't want to go too far without you two. You can see us when you come out."

"Ok. We'll be out in a few minutes." I said hanging up.

Just then Ren came out of the bathroom wearing a red t-shirt with a white wolf on it and black shorts.

He came upto me and gave me Tae's clothes.

I kept them in the bag.

"Let's go. The others are waiting for us." I gently took his hand and went out.

"Others?" He asked hesitantly.

I blinked.

"Don't worry. There won't be any strangers. Only our friends. They won't hurt you. I promise." I assured him.

He slowly nodded.

When we came out of the beach house, they were standing infront of the entrance.

They looked at Ren.

He immediately hid behind me and clutched onto my shirt tightly.

"Ok don't come at him all at once. Remember he's new so he doesn't know anyone yet. Don't scare him." I said.

They nodded.

"I'm Mew. It's nice to meet you Ren." Mew came upto us.

His grip on my shirt eased.

"Tae already told him that he's safe with you and me apparently." I smiled.

A smile formed on his face as well.

"These are our friends. They met a few of the other alters already." I said pointing at the others.

Ren peeked at them from behind me.

They smiled warmly.

"Hello Ren. I'm Bass." Bass spoke up.

Ren hummed and nodded.

He then turned to the others.

"I'm Kimmon. You can just call me Kim." He smiled.

"I'm Tee."

"And I'm Copter. You can just call me Ter."

He nodded observing them one by one.

"You think you can trust them?" I asked.

"I think so.... I don't see any bad body language..." He muttered.

I nodded.

Perceptive.

Another one of Ren's characteristics Tae told us about.

He observes the people around him and is able to tell if they're a threat or not.

"We won't hurt you. We promise." Tee assured him.

The others nodded in agreement.

I could feel his hold ease more.

"Tae said you love the beach. You want to look around?" Mew asked.

Ren immediately perked up at that.

We chuckled.

"Come on." Mew took his free hand.

*******
Draft 2:

Thanit's pov:

"Blake's been quiet hasn't he?" Mew spoke up after a few minutes.

He glanced at Tae.

I also looked at him.

He scoffed. "You think he would calm down so easily?"

We blinked.

"The only reason he hasn't been fighting to take over all the time is because Alex has been locking him in his room along with himself. I have no idea what they are doing though." He added.

We raised our eyebrows slightly.

"Whenever i talk to him it feels as if I'm talking to someone i know. Someone i should be scared of. Should fear greatly. I can't ever remember who though." He tilted his head confused.

We gulped.

"I've tried asking Ethan but he won't tell me. And he doesn't let me see any of our past either." He sighed.

I bit my lips.

"And because of that I've barely made any progress with Blake. Of course he wouldn't tell me anything. He just tries to come out and take control. No matter how much i try to talk to him, he won't listen." He groaned.

Mew glanced at me through the rearview mirror.

I didn't know what to say either.

The person he's thinking about is their main abuser. The reason for all the alters to actually come into existence. The reason why he almost died.

Blake is an uncanny resemblance of that guy.

That's why the littles who remember some of the childhood trauma are so withdrawn and afraid of every small thing.

But of course we can't do anything since Alex holds him back most of the time and he doesn't come out a lot. We want to talk to him but i guess Alex is doing that by locking him and himself up in the room.

********
Draft 3:

Thanit's pov:

My gaze wandered to a certain section of the closet.

All black clothes. There were spiked belts and battle boots there.

"Now that i think about it, he's been awfully quiet." Mew muttered while looking at that section.

"Yeah. Usually when Eli comes out he'll start crying and complaining about how he said mean things to him." I frowned slightly.

"I think this might be a good thing? Maybe he's slowly starting to warm up to the other alters?" Mew suggested.

"I hope so. It would be great if that's the case." I sighed.

We took out enough clothes and went out of the closet.

The door burst open as we were putting the clothes in the bags.

"You need to come downstairs right now! Something's wrong with Eli!" Tee yelled.

We ran out of the bedroom and downstairs.

Eli was on the couch curled into a ball and holding his head.

We ran upto him and i knelt infront of him.

"Eli?" I called him softly.

He spasmed and jerked his head right and left.

They're fighting again.....

I bit my lips.

"What happened?" Mew turned to the others.

"We were showing some bunnies to him on my phone. We came across a music video of a rock band i had on my phone. Eli got curious and turned it on before we could say anything. He dropped the bunny he was holding and curled into a ball after the first few lines." Ter explained.

We gulped.

Mew looked at me wide eyed.

Fuck.... If he comes out now...

Eli suddenly gasped and opened his eyes widely.

I quickly held him in my arms so he wouldn't move around too much.

He blinked a few times before looking up at me.

I observed his face trying to figure out who it was now.

"It's Tae." He smiled.

We blinked.

"What happened?" Mew asked.

"Blake tried to break out. Alex managed to lock him in his room." He answered.

I bit my lips.

Thank god... If he came out now, he probably would try attack all of them...

"Blake?" Kim spoke up.

Just then Tae seem to have noticed they were there.

"Uhh...." He glanced at Mew and i.

"Another alter. Not exactly friendly." Mew said simply.

They looked like they wanted to ask more but they got the clue and just nodded.

"So what did i miss?" He asked looking at all of us in turns.

"We're just planning on spending the week at the beach house." Mew answered.

He raised his eyebrows.

"The beach? What's with the sudden trip?"

"Nothing much. We got the week off so we thought we should just go somewhere. And since you said Ren's been wanting to go to the beach we thought why not?" I shrugged.

A smile formed on his face.

"Ok how about you go with Mew and get packing? The rest of us will prepare some snacks to take with us." I got up.

Mew seems to have gotten the clue.

"Come on." He took Tae's hand and helped him up.

I turned to the others after i heard the bedroom door close.

"Remember one thing from now on." I started.

They blinked profusely.

"Don't ever. Play any kind of rock or metal songs infront of him. Understand?" I said firmly.

"Um is Blake dangerous or something?" Tee asked slowly.

I sighed.

"Tae doesn't want us to tell anyone about him so i can't tell you anything. Just don't play any kind of rock music infront of him ok? Pop music is ok, just not any kind of rock or metal. And you already know he can't handle anything too loud."

They nodded.

"Good. Now help me with the snacks." I went into the kitchen with them following close behind.

"We also bought some snacks when we came." Kim said.

I nodded.

"What kind of snacks does Ren like?" Bass asked.

I tilted my head.

Ren is really shy and quiet. He doesn't talk a lot and just spends most of his time drawing.

I thought back to the last time i met him.

A smile formed on my face.

"Well he ate the whole box of chocolate chip cookies you had given in one sitting." I looked at Tee.

He raised his eyebrows.

"The whole box? In one sitting?"

"Yup. He lit up the moment he took the first bite. We didn't have the heart to stop him from eating since we never saw him that excited about something." I chuckled.

He smiled proudly. "But i can't make any now. We don't have enough time."

"How about we buy the ingredients on the way? You can make them at the beach house. We're staying there for a week anyway." Kim suggested.

Tee nodded in agreement.

I took out some snacks from the cabinets which Mew and Tae like to eat along with some i like as well.

"That should be enough. We can just buy some later if it runs out." Ter sighed.

We took them to the garage and put them in the trunk of my car.

We then went back inside and to the bedroom.

Tae and Mew were closing up the bags.

Tae had changed into some of his own clothes.

"Done?" I asked.

"Yup." Tae answered.

I went upto him and put my hand on his shoulder.

He looked at me.

"Headache?" I asked.

He smiled thinly. "As usual."

"I tried to give him some aspirin but he said he doesn't need them." Mew said.

I looked at Tae.

"They don't work anymore." He sighed.

We frowned. "Don't work?"

"Yeah. They don't do anything for the pain." Tae nodded.

"Maybe we should do some tests to find out why they aren't working." Tee came up behind me.

Mew and i nodded in agreement.

"Can we leave it for now? I just want to relax. It's been hectic week." Tae spoke up.

"Tell us if it gets too much ok?" I said.

He nodded.

"Ok let's go then." Mew took one bag and i took the other.

We made our way out of the house and to our cars.

Mew got into the driver's seat while Tae got in the passenger's seat and i got into the backseat.

******

Draft 4:

Mew's pov:

When i came home, it was deathly quiet and lights were turned off.

"Tae?" I called out as i turned on the lights.

No answer.

His car was there so he must be home.

I went upstairs and into our bedroom.

The lights in the bedroom were also turned off.

I frowned and turned them on.

I froze when i saw Tae laying on the floor.

"TAE!!" I ran upto him and took him into my arms.

"Hmmnn.... P'Mew?" He rubbed his eyes and looked up at me.

I blinked. "Eli?"

He nodded.

Ahh... That explains why he's on the floor....

I lifted him up and brought him to the bed.

"Why didn't you ask Alex or anyone else to switch with you and come to the bed atleast?" I asked.

"No one talking to Eli. Eli twied to reach them. But no one answew." He mumbled.

I frowned.

"How long were you lying on the floor?"

"Don't know.... When Eli came out sun was still up.." He pointed at the sliding doors.

My eyes widened.

It's 8 o'clock in the evening!

I put my palm on his forehead.

Thankfully he doesn't have a fever or anything.

Just then i noticed he was wearing Tae's suit.

He didn't even take a shower after coming home from work?

"Let's get you cleaned up and changed into something more comfortable." I helped him take off the clothes.

I then into the bathroom and put him down under the shower. I held him against me so he wouldn't fall while cleaning us both.

After i finished, i dried us both off before going out of the bathroom and into the walk in closet.

"Which one do you want to wear?" I asked Eli.

He pointed at a bunny onesie.

I took it and some clothes for me as well before going out of the closet.

I put him down on the bed and quickly put on my clothes before helping him put on his.

"P'Mew Eli hungwy...." He whined softly.

I smiled and lifted him up. "Let's go get something to eat."

He smiled widely.

We went out of the bedroom and downstairs.

I put him down on the couch in the living room and turned on some cartoons on the tv.

"I'll come get you when the food is done ok?" I patted his head.

He nodded.

I went into the kitchen and started on the food.

"I'm home!" I heard Thanit's voice just as i finished making the noodles.

I smiled and went out to greet him.

But i stopped in my tracks when I noticed what was playing on the tv.

It was a documentary.

About sexual assault victims.

My eyes widened and i ran upto the couch and quickly turned it off.

I looked at Eli.

He was staring at the tv blankly.

He wasn't moving. He was barely blinking.

"Eli. Eli look at me." I turned his head to face me.

He wasn't responding.

"Elijah." Thanit knelt from him.

Eli turned to him.

"You're safe bunny. We're right here. You're safe." He gripped his hands gently.

He slowly started blinking profusely and his eyes started tearing up.

Thanit got up and sat on his other side wrapping his arms around him.

I moved closer and wrapped my arms around him as well.

He started trembling in our arms.

"P-p'Mew?"He shakily looked at me.

"Yes bunny. I'm right here." I kissed his cheek.

"P'-p'Tha?" He turned to him.

"I'm right here bunny." He kissed his cheek as well.

"E-Eli scawed..... E-li do-n't know wh-y...." He cried softly.

We pursed our lips.

Tristan is taking everything again.

"Don't be scared bunny. We're here. We won't let anyone hurt our bunny." I snuggled closer to him.

Thanit did the same.

We rubbed his back whispered soothing words to him until he calmed down.

He turned to Thanit and buried himself in his arms.

"I'll bring the food here." I got up.

Thanit nodded and pulled him onto his lap.

I went into the kitchen and reheated the food before bringing them to the living room.

******

Draft 5:

Mew's pov:

I was pulled out of my thoughts when i heard a creeking sound.

I looked towards the house and noticed Thanit slowly opening the door.

I quickly went upto him.

We both froze when we saw the inside.

There was trash everywhere.

Destroyed furniture thrown around.

There was a worn out mattress in the middle.

"Tae?" Thanit muttered.

Tae looked up at us.

He was sitting on the small mattress rubbing his eyes.

My worry skyrocketed when i saw his face.

He looked completely exhausted. He had really dark circles under his eyes, his hair was a complete mess, his skin looekd really pale and his lips were dry.

We immediately rushed upto him and knelt beside him.

"What happened to you?" I asked frantically.

He tilted his head while looking at us in turns.

I blinked.

Wait....

His demeanor.... It's different....

Something's off....

"Who are you?" He asked softly.

Thanit and i froze.

"Tae what..." Thanit mumbled.

Tae looked at him.

"Tae? You know Tae?" He asked.

My eyes widened.....

No way.... It can't be....

"What's your name?" I asked him before Thanit could say anything.

He turned to me. "Lin."

I gulped.

So that's really....

"Lin. Where's Tae?" I asked.

"Sleeping. He's very tired." He answered.

"Are you tired?" I asked again.

He nodded.

"But i can't sleep. If i sleep then we will be too vulnerable."

I pursed my lips.

I turned to Thanit when i felt him gripping my arm.

He was looking at me confused.

I gripped his hand.

"We're Tae's friends. We haven't heard from him for 5 days. So we came here because we were worried about him." I looked back at Lin.

He slowly nodded.

I could tell he was barely keeping himself awake.

"Lin will you be willing to come with us?" I asked.

He tilted his head.

"You said you can't sleep because you'll be too vulnerable. If you come with us, we'll protect you and keep you safe while you rest. We won't let anything happen to you." I said firmly.

"Really? You'll keep us safe?" He asked.

I nodded.

"You won't hurt us?" He asked again.

"Never." I answered immediately.

"Ok." He nodded.

I smiled.

"Come here." I moved closer to him.

He instantly climbed into my arms and snuggled close to my chest.

I wrapped my arms around him protectively and lifted him up.

He snaked his arms around my neck and put his head on my shoulder completely relaxing in my arms.

Thanit looked really confused by now.

"I'll explain later. For now let's get him home. He needs a safe and warm place to rest." I said.

He nodded.

We went out of the house and into my car.

I got into the passenger's seat with Lin and he got into the driver's seat.

I could feel his steady breathing on my neck.

He was clinging onto my shirt tightly even after he fell asleep.

The ride back home was in silence.

"Um so can you explain what's going on?" Thanit asked after we tucked him into bed in our bedroom.

I sighed.

"I can't be completely sure right now but i think it's DID."

He blinked. "DID?"

"Yeah. Dissociative Identity Disorder. It's when he reaches his mental breaking point and his mind splits all the memories into different personalities to cope." I explained.

His eyes widened.

"So Lin is..."

I nodded. "Most probably one of the alters."

He bit his lips.

"I can't be sure though. I'll need more information to know for sure." I added.

He nodded.

He didn't wake up until the next day evening.

Thanit brought vitamin shots and an IV so his body would get better soon.

His complexion looked a lot better the dark circles were also a lot less visible by the time he finally woke up.

Thanit and i stared at him as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes after waking up.

He looked at us after a few seconds.

He blinked.

"Lin?" I spoke up.

He turned to me and nodded.

I smiled warmly. "How do you feel?"

"A lot better. Not tired anymore." He smiled.

"That's good to know. Are you hungry?" I patted his head.

He nodded.

"I'll go get you something to eat." I got up and went out of the room.

Thanit's pov:

He turned to me after Mew went out.

I smiled.

"My name is Thanit."

He tilted his head.

"Tha?"

I blinked profusely.

He looked down at hismelf.

His eyes widened when he saw that he was wearing different clothes.

"Wh-where are my clothes?" He looked at me panicked.

"Hey calm down. They're in the wash. They were dirty and i couldn't let you sleep in them so i changed in you into some fresh ones while they're being washed." I explained quickly.

"M-my wa-llet...." His eyes brimmed with tears.

I reached out to the nightstand and took his wallet from the drawer. "Here." I gave it to him.

He quickly opened it and looked inside.

He breathed a relieved sigh when he saw something.

"What is it?" I tilted my head.

He took out a small photograph.

My eyes widened when i saw it.

It was a photo of Tae and me when we were 5.

It looked really old and worn out.

Tears formed in my eyes.

"You still had this..." I muttered softly.

"It's Tae's treasure. It's the only thing that kept him going everyday. All of us have only one thing in common. And that is the need to protect this photograph. Because we know how important it is to Tae. It's his lifeline." He explained softly.

I bit my lips.

Tears streamed down my face.

I'm so sorry..... I'm so sorry....

If only i had found you earlier.... You wouldn't have had to go through such hell.....

I was jolted out of my thoughts when he gently wiped my tears.

"Tae talks about you a lot. He always says that you'll come back. Even though it's been so long he kept believing that you'll come back." He said.

I pulled him into my arms and hugged him tightly.

"I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry. If i had found you earlier... You wouldn't have to go through this hell..." I cried softly.

He kept quiet and rubbed my back.

"Who is that other person with you?" He asked.

I slowly let him go and wiped my tears.

"Mew. He helped me get a hold of you." I answered.

He nodded. "He's warm."

I smiled. "He is."

******

Draft 6:

Thanit's pov:

When I woke up the next morning, Eli wasn't there in bed.

It was only Mew and me. His stuffed bunny was between us.

I looked at the time.

7:30 am.

I sat up and looked around the room.

I stopped when I noticed him sitting on the floor on the balcony. He was hugging another one of his stuffed bunnies and was wearing a light pink hoodie with white shorts.

I slowly got out of bed and went to the balcony.

"Eli." I called him softly after opening the door.

He was staring up at the sky and didn't seem to have heard me.

I knelt beside him and observed his expression.

He's thinking about something.

"Eli?" I put my hand on his shoulder.

He blinked quickly and looked at me.

"Good mowning p'Tha." He smiled widely.

I smiled back and sat on the floor properly.

He immediately climbed onto my lap and snuggled close to me.

I wrapped my arms around him and patted his head.

"Why are you up so early?" I asked.

"Eli don't know. Eli just woke up suddenly. Eli twied to go back to sleep but couldn't." He answered.

I blinked.

"Did you hear anything from Tae?" I asked.

He shook his head. "Tae still sleeping."

I nodded.

"P'Tha Eli hungwy...." He looked up at me.

I smiled softly. "Wait for a while ok? I'll take a quick shower then we'll go down for breakfast."

He nodded and climbed down from my lap.

"Why don't you come inside?" I asked getting up.

He shook his head. "Eli wants to stay and look at pwetty sky." He pointed at the sky.

I looked up.

It was a clear day with a few clouds in the sky.

"Ok then. Don't go anywhere ok? I'll be out in a few minutes." I looked back at him.

He nodded.

With that, I went inside and took some clothes before going into the bathroom.

I took a quick shower and got cleaned up.

When I came out, he was sitting on the bed on Mew's lap. Mew was awake and sitting up.

"Good morning." I smiled.

"Morning." He smiled back.

"You guys go ahead. I'll join you after taking a shower." He patted Eli's head.

Eli nodded and stood up.

"Come on." I ushered him to come closer to me.

He came up to me and grabbed onto my hand.

We went downstairs.

I led him to the couch and turned on the tv before going into the kitchen.

I made some quick American breakfast and coffee for Mew and i. And then some cereal and apple juice for Eli.

"Eli come on. Food's ready." I called out as I served the food on the table.

He quickly came up to the table and sat down.

Mew came down just as he started eating.

We ate while Eli told us about the cartoons he watched yesterday.

He even asked Mew if he remembered something he had told him last night. Thankfully Mew seems to have listened to him and he was able to answer the questions with ease.

The doorbell rang just as we finished doing the dishes.

I looked at Mew.

"I asked Tee and Bass to come over to keep Eli company." He smiled.

I smiled back and went to get the door.

"Good morning p'." Bass and Tee greeted me the moment I opened the door.

"Good morning guys." I opened the door wider and let them in.

"Bunny!!" Bass ran to him right after taking off his shoes.

Tee and I chuckled and followed close behind.

"Ok, we're leaving now. Leave a text if anything happens." I said as Mew and I headed out.

"Don't worry. We'll be fine. Good luck at work." Tee smiled.

The other two were completely immersed in the cartoon they were watching.

We chuckled and went out of the house.

Tee's pov:

After they closed the door behind them, I turned to Bass and Eli.

They were both immersed in the cartoon they were watching.

I smiled warmly while watching them.

"Nah bunny." I spoke up.

They both turned to me.

"Tae isn't sleeping is he?" I looked at Eli.

He bit his lips and looked away.

"Bunny you know it's not good to lie. Especially to those two. They always take care of all of you." Bass said.

"Eli know. Eli don't want to lie. But Tae doesn't want them to wowwy. He made Eli pwomise not to tell them." Eli mumbled.

"Then can Eli tell us what happened?" I asked.

"Some bad people laughed at Tae. They made fun of ouw past. But Tae didn't say anything because they wewe people from the other company and he didn't want to do anything which would have a bad effect on the pwoject." He explained.

We frowned deeply.

"Made fun of your past?" Bass muttered.

Eli nodded.

Bass turned to me wide eyed.

I could feel horror crawling up inside me.

There are only 4 people other than us who know about his past......

No way... They can't be back....

I bit my nail.

"We need to tell Thanit and Mew about this." Bass said.

I nodded in agreement.

"No. If p'Mew and p'Tha know, Tae will get angwy at Eli. Eli don't want Tae to get angwy." Eli said frantically.

"He won't get angry at you bunny. You kept your promise. You didn't tell them. We told them. They need to know about this bunny. You guys might be in danger." I moved closer and patted his head.

"D-danger?" I could see immediate fear starting to form in his eyes.

Oh shit...

"No no no no. You're going to be ok. We're here. We won't let anything happen to any of you." Bass hugged him closer.

Eli whimpered and buried himself in his arms.

I pursed my lips.

I took my phone and texted Mew and Thanit asking them when they will come home.

"Did Tae switch while he was in the company?" I asked a question that popped into my head.

Eli nodded. "Alex took over for 2 hours."

"No one noticed anything?" Bass asked.

Eli nodded again.

We breathed relieved sighs.

"Do you remember anything about the person who made fun of your past?" I asked.

He frowned and thought deeply.

He then shook his head.

We nodded.

Dammit. I'm sure Tristan would have already taken the memories by now so Tae won't remember anything either.

Eli suddenly froze.

We looked at his eyes.

He was dissociating.

He stayed like that for a few seconds then blinked profusely.

He looked at us after a few seconds.

We stared at him trying to figure out who it was now.

"It's Tae." He smiled.

We smiled as well.

"Why do you guys look shaken up?" He frowned slightly.

"Nothing." I said reassuringly.

Bass nodded in agreement.

He looked like he wanted to ask more but he didn't.

He looked down at himself.

"I'll just go and change." He got up.

We nodded.

He went upstairs.

Bass turned to me after we heard the sound of the bedroom door closing.

"What should we do?" He asked worriedly.

I bit my lips and pulled at my hair.

"I don't know.... How can they be back...."

******

Draft 7:

Tae's pov:

The ride to the beach house was in comfortable silence.

My head was still throbbing but it was bearable.

40 minutes later we stopped infront of the said beach house.

We parked in the garage and got out.

The others were right behind us.

I could feel Ren getting really excited as we gathered our things and went inside.

I couldn't help but chuckle.

"I'm guessing he's really excited?" Mew looked at me.

"Yup." I nodded.

We first arranged the snacks and food we brought in the kitchen cabinets before going upstairs and into our respective rooms.

I went out onto the balcony facing the beach.

I could feel Ren wanting to come out.

Can you give me just a little while longer? I want to relax for a while. I promise I'll let you out soon. I said to him.

He settled down and nodded.

I suddenly felt two pairs of strong arms wrap around me.

I instinctively melted into the warmth.

They held me protectively and pressed their lips on my temples.

We stayed like that for a while in comfortable silence.

"Tae?" Mew called me softly.

I hummed.

"You look tired." Thanit brushed back my bangs.

"A little.... I guess all the work in the last week took its toll." I sighed.

They nodded.

"How about you take a nap for a while? We can go out after lunch." Mew suggested.

I smiled and nodded.

Thanit lifted me up and went inside.

He laid me down on the bed and got in beside me. Mew laid down on my other side as well.

I slowly closed my eyes and let myself fall asleep.

When i woke up, i was alone in bed.

I sat up and looked around.

Mew was talking on the phone on the balcony and Thanit was nowhere to be seen.

I rubbed my face trying to distract myself from the headache which was getting worse with each passing second.

Mainly because Blake was trying to force his way out.

Will you calm down? I'm not letting you out now. I said exasperated.

You really think you can keep holding me back? He growled.

Again. I could feel fear crawl up inside me.

I gripped my hands tightly together.

Blake. I would let you out more often if you stopped hurting our body and the people around us.

He clicked his tongue.

Why are you so hell bent on hurting yourself, the others, our family and friends? I don't want to keep you locked up either. But i can't let you out unless you stop being so violent. I asked.

He didn't answer.

I sighed and rubbed my forehead.

I really can't seem to make any progress with him no matter how hard i try.

Ren? I called out.

He perked up.

You want to come out?

Hm. He nodded.

Come on then. I said stepping back from consciousness.

He stepped forward while i went into my room in the back.

I seriously need a break.

Ren's pov:

I looked around after i came out.

P'Mew was standing in the balcony talking on his phone.

My gaze wandered to the scenery.

I slowly got out of bed and went to the balcony.

P'Mew was startled when i suddenly stood beside him.

But i was focused on the beautiful view.

"Yeah.... I'll talk to you later... Bye..." He quickly hung up.

He then turned to me.

He observed my face probably trying to guess who it is.

"Ren." I mumbled glancing at him before looking at the scenery again.

"You guys switched fast huh?" He muttered under his breath.

I blinked. "Tae is tired. Blake still won't listen."

He pursed his lips.

"Does he still bully you and the others?" He asked.

I slowly nodded. "We're used to it now."

He frowned "That's not something you should get used to...."

"Alex said Blake is also a protector. It's just that his way of doing it is misguided." I said.

He blinked.

"He says mean things but never really tries to hurt any of us. And the things he say are mean but true. I asked him why he hurts everyone around us when he does get out. He said we shouldn't trust anyone and that we will get hurt again. We kind of understand him but at the same time we can't accept the way he goes about protecting us. We can't keep ourselves isolated from everyone else forever. And P'Mew and p'Tha will never hurt us right? You promised you wouldn't let us get hurt either right?" I looked at him.

He nodded. "Yeah. We will never hurt you. We won't let anyone else hurt you either."

He wrapped an arm around my and pulled me close to him. I melted into the warmth and laid my head on his shoulder.

"Even though he's violent, we don't hate him either. We know that there's a reason why he's that violent. Under all that we can see his protectiveness towards all the other alters and even Tae. But as you said the way he tries to protect you guys is misguided. It's not the right way and it's hurting everyone including himself. Which we don't like."

Do you hear that Blake? I asked.

He didn't answer but i knew he heard everything.

I sighed.

"Let's go downstairs. The others are making lunch. We'll go out to the beach after eating." He patted my head.

I smiled and nodded.

"Do you want to change into some of your clothes first?" He asked after we went inside.

I looked down at myself.

Dark red button up with black jeans.

I frowned.

I really don't like Tae's style.

When i looked up again p'Mew was taking some clothes out of one of the two bags on the couch.

"Here." He gave me a light blue shirt with white paw prints on it and dark blue shorts to go with it.

I smiled widely and took them.

"Tae said you liked them over the other clothes so he specifically made sure to take them." He smiled.

Thank you Tae. I reached out to him.

I didn't get a verbal answer but i could feel his warmth.

Even if he was in his room he never really shuts himself out. He always keeps himself open for all of us no matter how emotionally drained he is.

I went into the bathroom and changed.

When i came out p'Mew was still standing near the couch.

I went upto him and gave him Tae's clothes.

He put the near the bags on the couch and took my hand.

We made our way out of the room and downstairs.

When we went to the dining room the table was already set and p'Bass, p'Tee, p'Kim, p'Ter and p'Tha were standing near it.

"Owh. I was about to come get you two." P'Tha smiled when he noticed us.

The others stared at me for a few seconds.

I started getting uncomfortable because of their gazes and squeezed p'Mew's hand. I moved a bit behind him.

"Yes it's Ren guys. Don't stare at him so much." He spoke up.

With that they snapped out of it and smiled.

"We're sorry for staring too much. Come on let's eat." P'Ter.

I smiled and nodded.

We sat down at the table and started eating.

After we finished eating, we decided to go outside.

I was barely keeping myself from running ahead.

If p'Mew and p'Tha weren't holding my hands i would definitely have ran ahead.

******

Draft 8:

Thanit's pov:

"Mmmnnn..." We were suddenly jolted when he started whining in distress.

"Tae?" Mew and I looked at him worriedly.

He looked really uncomfortable and was trying to bury himself in my arms.

"Tae baby what's wrong?" I asked softly.

He turned and buried his face in my neck.

I looked at Mew.

He looked just as confused and worried as me.

"Hurts...." Tae muttered in my neck.

"Hurts? Where does it hurt?" Mew came closer.

Tae put his hand on his stomach.

I put a little pressure on it.

He whimpered and curled in on himself.

"We should get him to the hospital for a checkup." I looked at Mew.

He nodded.

We quickly got out of the bathtub.

I was carrying Tae in my arms. He was clinging onto my shoulder.

We rushed out of the room after wearing clothes and went into the parking lot.

"I want to do an ultrasound on him." I said to the nurses after putting him on one of the gurneys.

They nodded and we rushed inside while Mew waited outside.

Tae was whimpering and squirming the whole time.

My jaw dropped when I saw the ultrasound results.

"Oh my god..." One of the nurses muttered.

Tears formed in my eyes.

I looked down when I felt Tae holding my wrist.

He was looking at me anxiously.

My face broke into a wide smile.

"Baby.." I moved the screen so he could see.

He blinked.

I pointed at a bean shape on the screen.

"That's a baby." I said.

His eyes widened.

They started brimming with tears.

"I-it finally worked?" He asked.

I smiled widely and nodded vigorously.

"It worked."

I looked back at the screen.

Why was he in pain though....

I moved the tube more on his stomach to find any abnormalities.

I froze when i saw it.

No..... Fuck....

"Tha?" He tugged at my sleeve.

I kept the tube aside and cleaned him up.

"Can you ask Mew to come inside? And please give us some privacy." I turned to the nurses.

They nodded and went out.

I looked back at Tae.

He looked really worried and anxious.

I sat down on the bed and gently pulled him sit on my lap sideways.

"Tha what's going on?" He asked.

I kissed his temple and put my hand on his stomach gently.

Just then Mew came in looking worried.

"What's going on?" He sat beside me on the bed and held Tae's hand.

"Tae's pregnant..." I started.

His eyes widened.

"Really?! It worked?!" He smiled widely.

I bit my lips.

His expression immediately fell.

"What is it?"

Tae gripped my shirt tightly.

I looked at him in the eyes.

His eyes were brimmed with tears.

"We can't go ahead with this baby.... I'm sorry...." I said softly.

He stiffened.

"W-what?"

"Thanit what's going on?" Mew asked anxiously.

"The reason he was in pain... There's a tumor growing inside the womb.... Pressing on the baby and the walls of the womb...." I explained.

Their eyes widened.

"It's in a way so that we can't remove it without taking out the baby." I pursed my lips.

Tae's grip on my shirt tightened.

"Can't we wait until..."

I shook my head. "We can't. The tumor will not let the baby grow properly. It will die before it can develop fully... And it will put your life in danger as well...."

He started shaking in my arms.

Mew shot up and wrapped his arms around Tae.

I also tightened my arms around him.

Tears were streaming down all of our faces.

"No.... Why...." Tae cried softly.

I bit my lips.

Why the fuck does this have to happen.... Why can't we have one wish.... Why...

We stayed like that for I don't know how long. Just crying silently.

I could feel Tae twitching.

He kept whimpering and holding his head.

He's switching rapidly.....

Even the others are not able to.....

"Tae love." I kissed his forehead.

His whimpers grew louder.

"Tae hey... Ssshhh..." Mew pulled his head so his face was buried in his neck.

His body wouldn't stop shaking.

Dammit.

"Mew, take him. I'll get some sedative." I said.

He nodded and pulled him into his arms.

I quickly went out of the room and got some sedatives from one of the wards.

When I went back, I could nurses rushing in and out of the room.

I ran inside.

Tae was on the bed unconscious.

There were nurses around him checking him.

Mew was standing further looking at him extremely worried.

"Dr. Thanit I think we need to do emergency surgery." One of the nurses turned to me.

I rushed up to the bed and looked at the ultrasound screen.

*****

Draft 9:

Tae's pov:

I blinked and looked around.

I was in a familiar mansion.

My eyes brimmed with tears when i realised where i was.

I frantically looked around.

"Blake?! Tristan?! Luke?! Liam?!" I yelled.

"We're here Tae." Tristan's voice came from behind me.

I snapped my head around.

Blake, Tristan, Luke, and Liam were standing there.

I immediately ran up to them and hugged Tristan tightly.

He also wrapped his arms around me.

"We're sorry for leaving for so long." He whispered softly.

I tightened my arms around him and cried my heart out.

I felt three other pairs of arms wrap around me.

"We're back now. We won't leave you ever again. We promise." Liam kissed my hair.

The others hummed in agreement.

"I missed you guys so much... Why did you take so long to come back?" I asked.

"We don't really have an excuse. We just didn't want to. We're sorry." Blake answered.

I pulled back and looked at them.

"Didn't want to? Why? Did I do something wrong?"

Their eyes widened.

"No!" Luke yelled.

I jumped and looked at him.

"You didn't do anything wrong Tae. We were just fed up with the bastards." Blake said softly.

I bit my lips and nodded.

"Have you been thinking that we didn't come back because of you all this time?" Liam asked.

I nodded again.

Their expressions changed into guilty ones.

"We're really sorry Tae. We didn't mean to make you feel like that. We promise from now on, no matter what happens, we'll never leave. We'll always be right here." Luke assured me.

I hummed softly.

They came closer and hugged me again.

I melted in their arms and relaxed completely.

I felt safe again. I felt complete.

******

Draft 10:

"You said our body won't wake up for atleast 5 months right?" Will asked.

Alex nodded.

Will looked at me.

"I'll go first."

"Will-" I started.

"Tae is right Ethan. We can't keep him in the dark forever. He needs to know. And right now we're all here with him. So we'll be able to stay with him and support him through the process. And when our body wakes up, Mew and Thanit will be there." He cut me off.

I bit my lips.

"I'll go slowly. If it gets too much for him, I'll stop immediately." He said.

I clenched my eyes shut and slowly nodded.

"I'll go get him." Alex got up and went to the backyard.

He came back with Tae a minute later.

Will's pov:

He looked at us waiting after he sat down.

I took another small chair and sat infront of him holding his hands.

"You said you want to remember didn't you?" I smiled.

He blinked.

"You're going to give me the memories?" He asked.

"I'll walk you through them. Giving them at once will be too much for you. We'll go little by little." I said.

He slowly nodded.

Ethan sat on his left side while Alex was sitting on his right.

"We're here. You're not alone." Alex whispered.

Tae took a deep breath and nodded.

"Close your eyes." I rubbed his hands with my thumbs.

He closed them.

I also closed mine and focused on my earliest memories.

I was playing in the playground with Thanit.

"Tae catch!" He yelled as he threw the ball to me.

I jumped and managed to catch it but fell on my back.

"Owww!!" I groaned in pain.

"Tae!" Tha ran upto me.

******

Draft 11:

Thanit's pov:

I perked up when I felt his finger twitch.

He was frowning.

I shot up and looked at him wide eyed.

"Tae? Tae can you hear me?" I asked softly.

He slowly opened his eyes.

"MEW!!" I yelled as loud as i could.

Tears were streaming down my face.

He blinked a few times before opening his eyes fully.

I smiled widely.

"Tae."

He looked at me.

"Tha....." His voice was really soft and broken.

He grimaced and held his throat.

I poured a glass of water and helped him drink it slowly.

Mew rushed into the room just as i kept the glass back on the nightstand and sat down on the bed beside him.

"What's-" He froze when he looked at Tae.

"Mew..." Tae looked at him.

With that he rushed upto the bed and knelt beside him taking his hand.

"You're finally awake." He smiled with tears in his eyes.

Tae hummed softly.

I blinked and tilted my head.

Something's off.

"Tae does it hurt anywhere?" I asked.

He looked at me and shook his head.

Mew was staring at him intently.

"You're not Tae are you?" He asked slowly.

"Blake." He turned to Mew.

We both stiffened.

Mew actually let go of his hand even.

A thin smile formed on his face.

We immediately felt guilty when we saw the hurt in his eyes.

"Blake?" I called him softly.

He looked at me.

"What's wrong?" I slowly took his hand.

I couldn't help the excitement when he didn't pull away or slap my hand away. He didn't really grip it either but the fact that he didn't pull away was a great thing itself.

"Nothing." He looked away.

I looked at Mew.

He looked just as clueless as me.

"Can you sit up?" He got up.

Blake tried to sit up by himself but he couldn't muster the strength. Which wasn't really surprising considering how their body has been sleeping for 5 whole months.

Mew and i helped him sit leaning on the headboard.

I checked all his vitals and removed some of the wires after i was sure he was ok.

"I'll go get you something light to eat." I went out of the room.

I went straight to the kitchen and started on some congee.

Mew's pov:

"Where's Tae?" I turned to Blake after Thanit left.

"In his room." He answered.

He was staring out the sliding doors and didn't even look at me while answering.

"If you're back, does that mean the others are also back?" I tilted my head.

He nodded.

I could tell he was different from before.

The past Blake would have punched me by now since I'm sitting so close to him. And would have punched Thanit when he held his hand even.

"Did something happen after you came back?" I asked.

"Nothing much. Just talked with the others." He replied.

I immediately lit up at that.

As far as i know, he never used to talk with any of the alters. He would always push away all of them whenever they try to approach him.

"Talk? What did you talk to them about?" I asked eagerly.

He finally looked at me.

My smile dropped when i saw the sadness in his eyes. And how he was on the verge of tears.

"Everything." He mumbled.

I moved closer and held both his hands.

"You can talk to me about anything Blake. I promise i won't get angry or judge you in anyway." I said reassuringly.

He sighed and shook his head.

I nodded.

"Ok. I won't force you. But remember. If you want to talk anytime, Thanit and i are always here."

He hummed. "Thanks."

I smiled and patted his head.

Just then Thanit came in with a small bowl of congee.

I took the small foldable table and put it on Blake's lap.

Thanit put the bowl on it and gave him the spoon.

We looked at him smiling while he was eating.

I wonder if the other alters have also changed....

He put the spoon down after a few minutes. The bowl was only half empty.

"Can't eat anymore?" I asked.

He nodded.

"It's ok. It's been 5 months so it'll take a while to get back to your usual appetite." Thanit took the bowl and kept it on the nightstand.

I took the table and put it away.

"How are things going in your headspace?" I looked at Blake.

"Not bad. The mansion is there now. Tae said it wasn't there after that incident. It was only a grassland." He answered.

We nodded.

"Ethan and Will are also doing fine. They took all the memories from that incident as well unsurprisingly." He sighed.

I pursed my lips.

"Have they been caught?" He looked at us.

We shook our heads.

"We couldn't find out what had happened in that house. Since it was secluded, there were no witnesses. And by the time we found Tae, they had already gone. They didn't leave behind any clues or evidence either. Alex also refused to say anything." Thanit explained.

He pursed his lips.

We looked at him intently.

"Not now. Later." He said softly.

We frowned but didn't push anymore.

Atleast he didn't completely refuse.

We helped him stretch and work out a bit in the following days so he can regain the strength in his body.

He was able to walk around on his own by the third day itself.

"Wow you improved fast." I muttered surprised.

*******

Draft 12:

Tae's pov:

Tae can i front for a while? Ethan reached out.

I smiled.

Yeah sure. Leo?

He hummed and let him front while i stepped back.

Ethan's pov:

I smiled while looking at the beautiful view from the balcony.

This house has a beautiful view of the beach and greenery.

It's not that far from the city but it's built in a way so it has a breathtaking view of nature.

I stayed like that for a few minutes before turning around and going into the bedroom.

Mew and Thanit were still fast asleep.

I went into the closet and changed into a long-sleeved light green t-shirt and dark brown sweatpants.

I then went to the bed and slipped in between them.

They snuggled close and wrapped their arms around me.

"Good morning, love." They whispered at the same time.

I smiled. "Good morning."

They slowly opened their eyes and looked at me.

"It's been a while, Ethan." Mew nuzzled my nape.

"We missed you." Thanit nuzzled my nose.

I hummed. "Sorry. It took a bit of time to get myself together."

"It's ok. No need to apologise. We understand." Mew.

Thanit hummed in agreement.

I relaxed in their arms.

I could feel a sense of safety settle in me.

Although that little bit of anxiety was still there in the back of my mind.

"We'll go get freshened up. Then we'll go get some breakfast together. Wait for a few minutes ok?" They sat up with me.

I nodded.

They went into the bathroom.

You're going to talk to Mew? Will asked.

Yeah. After breakfast. I answered.

He hummed.

We can't keep postponing this.

Our system is still not very stable. We all need to face the memories together to stabilise our system completely.

After Mew and Thanit finished changing, we went downstairs to get some food.

We made some light American breakfast together before sitting down at the table.

There was comfortable silence as we ate.

"There's something i want to talk to you about." I spoke up after we finished eating.

They looked at me waiting.

"While our body was in a coma these past 5 months, we talked about giving Tae memories. He wants to remember and face our past since it's been so long." I started.

They slowly nodded.

"I'm guessing you haven't given him any memories yet." Thanit.

I nodded.

"We said we'll talk to you then consider it."

"We'll have to take it slow. Go bit by bit." Mew mumbled thoughtfully.

"Yeah." I nodded.

I bit my lips while fiddling with my fingers.

They reached out and held my hands.

I looked at them.

"We're here with all of you. Our friends will also stay with all of you. You guys are not alone ok?" Thanit smiled.

I smiled back and hummed.

The doorbell rang while we were doing the dishes.

"Who could it be so early in the morning?" Mew frowned.

"I'll get it." I went to check it out.

I froze when i saw the person standing there.

"Good morning mr. Darvid. I'm sorry to disturb you so early." He smiled.

I could feel Will starting to get scared. Alex rushed to hug him and calm him down.

I automatically took a step back.

I clenched my fist trying not to show any emotion.

"I still have a few days off mr. Lim. If it is about work it will have to wait." I said.

"It is quite urgent mr. Darvid. If it were not, i wouldn't have disturbed you while you're still recovering." He insisted.

"Ethan? Who is it?" Thanit and Mew came up behind me.

"Mr. Lim? What are you doing here?" Mew frowned.

"Well i have some urgent matters to discuss with mr. Darvid." He answered.

He was looking between with a suspicious and questioning gaze.

I gripped and squeezed Mew's hand tightly.

He immediately got the clue and pulled me close.

"He's still recovering. He needs rest. So it'll have to wait." Thanit stepped infront of me.

"Kimmon is currently playing the role of Tae while he's on leave isn't he? Why do you need to come here when you could talk to him?" Mew asked.

Will wasn't calming down. And it was making the littles anxious as well.

Thankfully Tae was in his room so he hasn't realised it yet.

Ethan. Get inside. Let them talk to him. Alex said.

I turned and went inside quickly.

I practically ran upstairs and into the room beside our bedroom.

I jumped onto the bed beside the wall and hugged the big green teddy bear tightly.

The familiar scent of strawberries invaded my nostrils.

Will slowly started calming down. The littles crowded around him and Alex hugging them.

I flinched when i felt a hand on my shoulder.

I was about to slap it away but stopped when i realised it was Thanit.

He and Mew were sitting near me on the bed looking at me worriedly.

"Ethan? What happened?" Thanit cupped my cheek.

I moved and hugged him tightly.

He wrapped his arms around me as well.

I remembered that Alex said they don't know what had happened 3 years ago.

"H-he's one of the people.... From 3 y-years ago...." I mumbled into his neck.

I felt him stiffen.

"H-e tou-ched...." I tightened my arms around him.

He also hugged me tighter.

"Ok no need to say anymore. We'll take care of him. Leave it to us." Mew whispered in my ear and kissed my temple.

I nodded slightly.

I slowly pulled back.

Just then, i notcied something out of the corner of my eyes.

I looked at the big framed painting on the wall.

"Wait that painting...." I looked at Mew and Thanit.

They smiled warmly.

"Bass and Tee drew it. They left some empty space for the ones they hadn't drawn." Mew.

I got up and went closer to it.

It was a painting of us.

Will, Alex, Leo, Abbey, Lin, Eli, Ren, Len and i.

Not as Tae but as how we actually look.

We were standing infront of the mansion on a grassland.

Tears formed in my eyes.

Alex, Will, Leo, and the littles were also getting emotional.

*****

Draft 13:

My smile faded when I saw the drawing.

It was of a tree.

But that wasn't the bad part.

The bad part was the loop rope hanging from one of the branches and the boy standing near it looking up at it.

I knelt down and observed the drawing with increasing worry.

He usually never draws things like this.

His drawing are always very happy and bright coloured.

But in this one, he used dark colours.

Black, dark grey, dark red, and dark brown.

I looked at the ones near him on the floor.

The same dark colours.

A bird with it's wings cut off.

A boy hanging from a fan.

A rabbit with arrows in its eyes.

A cracked mirror.

A hand which was bleeding.

I put my hand near the paper.

He flinched and looked at me wide-eyed.

"P'Mew?" He mumbled.

"Why are you using dark colours tonight?" I looked at him.

He bit his lips.

I sat beside him and looked at him waiting.

"3 years ago... These things happened to us." He said.

I looked at the drawings.

I tried to find the meanings behind them.

"Who thought of killing themself?" I pointed at the one where the boy was staring at the loop rope.

"Will." He answered.

I took the ones on the floor beside him.

"Broken wings...." I muttered under my breath. "This is about you?"

Ren loves sparrows. And it was clearly a sparrow in the drawing.

He hummed. "I can't draw happy things anymore... I can't think of happy things to draw about...."

I bit my lips.

He hasn't once drawn in the last 3 years.

And now when he's finally drawing....

I looked at the one where the boy was hanging from a fan.

"Hanging boy...." I tilted my head.

I was scared to know who this one was about.

Because it could mean that that alter has shut themself off completely and has no intention of coming back.

"Who's not coming back?" I asked.

"Sam." He answered.

I bit my lips.

"How do you know that he's dead?" I asked.

"Because we all saw it. He hung himself in his room. That pace is dark now. No one can go there anymore." He answered.

Tears formed in my eyes.

"Does Tae remember him?"

He shook his head.

"Blake took the memory."

I turned to the drawing of the bunny with arrows in its eyes.

"It's not dead, is it?" I asked.

He hummed.

It can't be Eli because he was acting normal.

"Noah." I mumbled.

He nodded. "He doesn't want to see the cruelty anymore."

I gulped the lump in my throat.

Noah is only 10.

I looked at the last drawing.

The shattered mirror.

"Ethan." He spoke up.

I looked at him.

"He's too disgusted because of the stains those people left on him. He can't bear to see his reflection anymore. So he destroyed the mirror in his room."

No.....

******

Draft 14:

He suddenly stiffened after a few minutes.

I blinked.

"Lin?"

Worry crawled inside me when i saw tears forming in his eyes.

"Lin? Hey what's wrong?" I patted his head.

He suddenly got up and buried himself in my arms.

I wrapped my arms around him protectively.

"Lin. Please talk to me." I said softly.

"T-Tae...." He mumbled.

"Hm?" I tilted my head.

"B-Blake gave him all his m-memories....." He looked at me.

My eyes widened.

"Wait all?"

He nodded.

Shit shit shit.....

"What's going on now?" I asked.

"H-he's screaming and cr-ying...." He started sobbing.

I tightened my arms around him.

Fuck....

I was planning on taking things slow... Now this...

Thanit's pov:

When i got back home, it was quiet.

I noticed Mew sitting on the couch in the living room with Tae in his arms.

He was curled into a ball and crying.

I quickly went upto them and sat beside them.

"Lin?" I called him when i noticed his clothes.

He didn't react.

"What happened?" I asked softly looking at Mew.

"Blake gave Tae all his memories. He's panicking." He answered.

My eyes widened.

"We were going to take it slow. Why did he give him all the memories at once?"

"I don't know..." He muttered.

I pulled Mew's arm and looked at his face.

His eyes were blank.

"Rapid switching." Mew sighed.

I bit my lips.

"The littles are getting anxious so they're switching rapidly and i think the others are focused on calming Tae." He bit his lips.

I gently ran my fingers through Lin's hair.

We stayed like that in silence for a while.

He suddenly started blinking more.

We looked at him eagerly.

He straightened up and grimaced while holding his head.

I reached out and rubbed his temples with my thumbs.

He sighed and closed his eyes.

Mew was rubbing his back.

I stopped after his expression eased up.

He opened his eyes and looked at us in turns.

We stared at him trying to figure out who it was.

He didn't say anything and stood up going upstairs.

I sighed.

"Blake."

Mew nodded in agreement.

Blake is the only one who balantly ignores us like that.

We got up and went upstairs and into our room.

He was in the walk in closet changing into some of his own black clothes.

He stopped when he saw us standing there when he turned around after changing.

"What happened?" I asked.

He looked away.

We went closer to him.

"Blake talk to us. What exactly happened? Why did you give him all the memories at once?" Mew asked.

He sighed.

"I can't walk through them one by one." He mumbled.

We blinked.

My gaze wandered to his hands which were in tight fists and were trembling.

I took one of his hands and Mew took the other.

"You know first hand how painful those memories are. And i know it's going to be very painful to walk through them again. But it's needed to be able to move on Blake. You can't just dump everything onto him and expect it to be over like that." I explained gently.

Mew nodded in agreement.

He pursed his lips.

"How is he now?" Mew asked.

"He's in his room with Will and Alex." He answered.

We nodded.

"Come here." We pulled him to the bed and sat down with him between us.

******

Draft 15:

"The fuck is that?" Blake growled under his breath.

He had his eyes clenched shut.

We blinked.

"AAAARGH!!" He suddenly screamed and dropped.

We managed to catch him before he hit the floor.

We slowly sat down while holding him.

He was now gripping his head with both hands.

"Blake? Can you hear us?" Mew asked softly.

He slowly opened his eyes.

"What's going on?" I asked.

"There's some..... Monster..... There...." He mumbled.

We stiffened.

"In your headspace?" I asked.

He nodded.

I looked at Mew alarmed.

"Monster? How does it look?" Mew asked trying to keep calm.

"He..... Looks human but..... He's hurting others!!" He doubled over in pain.

We tightened our hold on him.

"A new alter?" I muttered looking at Mew.

He looked terrified now.

"Maybe..... It doesn't look friendly either...."

"Blake is it trying to front?" He asked.

Blake nodded.

"Tell Leo to let it front. That way we can talk to it and it won't hurt the others." He said quickly.

I nodded in agreement.

We pulled him to his feet and brought him to the living room.

He was dissociating.

He straightened up after a few minutes.

We looked at him warily.

He looked at us in turns and frowned.

He shot up and glared at us.

"I'm Mew. This is Thanit. We're Tae's fiancés." Mew spoke up.

"What's your name?" I asked slowly.

"Raven." He answered.

My jaw almost dropped when i heard his overly deep voice.

None of the other alters have such a deep voice as him.

Mew also looked equally surprised.

"Raven. Why did you hurt the others?" Mew stood up.

Raven growled when Mew tried taking a step towards him.

"Ok I'll stay back." He quickly stepped back.

That might be why.

"Did you hurt them because they were too close to you?" I asked.

Raven looked at me.

I knew instantly that i was correct.

"You don't like anyone being close to you." Mew said.

Ranven hummed.

"I don't want another scar."

I bit my lips.

"They're your headmates Raven. They also have gone through the pain you went through. Of course they won't hurt you." Mew.

He looked away.

"I'm sure they will stay away from you if you tell them that you don't like people getting close." I stood up.

He looked at me.

"They will understand Raven. All of you share the same body. They won't do anything to deliberately hurt you." I said gently

******

Draft 16:

Tae's pov:

Tae are you sure about this? Maybe we should wait till Mew and Thanit are home atleast. Tristan asked hesitantly.

Yes please. I've been running for so long. I don't want to keep doing that. And i don't want to keep relying on them all the time. I want to face somethings on my own. I sighed.

Ok. But I'll give you only one memory. That's it. And I'm not going to listen even if you want more. He said firmly.

I bit my lips.

Ok.

I clutched my hands together bracing myself for the memory.

"You're so beautiful baby. My little baby." She touched me all over.

She was smiling deviously while running her fingers on my body.

I was tied up on a bed and couldn't move.

My hands were tied to the headboard and my legs were tied to the leg posts.

There was a gag in my mouth which made me unable to say anything.

Tears were streaming down the sides of my face nonstop.

I could feel deep fear and pain.

That woman.

She was sitting on top of me with my length in her.

I felt so disgusting.

My own mother was doing this to me.

"-AE!! TAE!! TAE!!" I suddenly heard Alex yelling.

I blinked profusely and looked at my hands.

They were shaking badly and my tears were dropping onto them.

I couldn't control my body.

Panic was rising inside me.

My breathing was getting erratic.

Alex suddenly pulled me back and into his arms.

"Tristan."

Then everything went black.

Tristan's pov:

I clenched my eyes shut and tried to calm down after i came out.

I knew it was a bad idea to let him have any memories.... He's still too vulnerable...

I bit my hands trying to control my sobs.

All the memories were running in my head.

I clutched my chest tightly and slumped sideways onto the bed and curled in on myself.

"Tris...." Ethan hugged me tightly.

Eli, Ren, San and Liam also joined the hug.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!" I screamed at the top of my lungs.

All the memories were suffocating me.

I know it's my job but it's really hard.

Taking everything by myself.

Suddenly strong arms wrapped around me and i was pulled flush against a firm chest.

I opened my eyes and noticed it was Thanit.

"It's ok. Let it out. I'm right here. I'll catch you." He said softly.

I buried myself in his arms and cried loudly.

"-all Mew and tell him Tristan is here." I heard him say.

I looked to the side and noticed Bass and Tee were standing there looking at me teary eyed.

"Tee. Bass. One of you please call Mew and tell him to come home right now." Thanit repeated firmly.

They snapped out of it and Bass quickly took out of his phone.

I looked up at Thanit.

He kissed my forehead while rocking us back and Forth slowly.

My body wouldn't stop shaking. And i couldn't stop the sobs which were escaping my lips.

"It's ok to cry my brave boy. I know it hurts. I know you're in a lot of pain. Let it out. Cry as much as you want. I'll be right here. You're safe in my arms." He whispered softly.

I clutched onto his shirt tightly and cried louder.

"You're so brave. You're doing great love. You're doing great." He whispered in my ear.

His words made me cry even more.

The pain which i had been bearing and holding in was pouring out.

After a while i felt another pair of arms wrap around me.

I looked up and saw Mew.

He moved close and pressed himself against me as well.

I was cocooned protectively in their arms.

I kept crying for i don't know how long.

Tears kept pouring out until there was none left. I screamed until my voice wouldn't come out anymore.

They didn't loosen their hold even a little.

They kept whispering soothing words to me continously.

I relaxed in their arms after i finally managed to calm down.

I was still hiccuping.

"Can one you get a small towel from the bathroom? Make sure to dampen it with warm water." Mew spoke up.

I could feel warm hands wiping my tears.

Another one was gently combing through my hair.

"Can you get a glass of water?" Thanit.

The next thing i know, a small warm towel was pressed on my cheeks, eyes and forehead.

He gently wiped my neck as well.

"Here. Drink a little water." I heard Mew's voice.

A glass was pushed near my mouth.

I opened my mouth slightly and took a few small sips before pushing it away.

"Rest Love. We'll be right here. You're safe." Thanit mumbled soothingly.

I slowly closed my eyes and let myself fall into a deep slumber.

Mew's pov:

We laid him down on the bed after he fell asleep.

Thanit got off the bed and went into the walk in closet.

"Ter give me a hand." He said.

Ter quickly followed him.

I stared at Tristan.

His eyes were really swollen and he looked exhausted.

I pursed my lips.

I'll have to take a few days off...

He comes down with a high fever which lasts for a whole week everytime he has these episodes.

I put my palm on his forehead.

He was already getting warm.

I turned to Bass, Tee and Kim who were staring at him with tears in their eyes.

They never met Tristan before this.

He doesn't come out when we're together since Tae doesn't really get any negative thoughts during that time.

Just then Thanit came out of the bathroom with a bowl of water small towels.

Ter put some comfortable clothes for Tristan on the bed beside him.

I slowly lifted Tristan up and took off the shirt.

Thanit and i stripped him completely before wiping him down and putting the fresh clothes on him.

We covered him with the duvet upto his neck.

I turned to the others who had tears in their eyes.

"He's Tristan. The trauma holder. He remembers everything that Tae had gone through." I explained shortly.

Their eyes widened.

Bass, Tee and Ter covered their mouths with their palms.

"That wasn't just a normal depressive episode.... That was a full blown panic attack mixed with a depressive episode." Thanit muttered.

I nodded.

I wonder what happened....

"You think Tae tried to convince him to give some memories?" He looked at me.

I pursed my lips.

"He usually doesn't give in no matter much Tae asks him though..."

There was complete silence in the room after that.

.......

"Yes..... 2 weeks.... I already talked to dr. Suthee.... He'll take over my cases while I'm gone.... Ok.... Thank you...." He hung up and came back into the bedroom from the balcony.

He sat beside me and looked at Tristan.

His face was contorted in pain and he was breathing heavily.

His fever was really high by morning and it's not going down.

His temperature usually goes down only after like 5 days.

Thanit already connected an IV and heart monitor along with an oxygen mask.

We don't take him to the hospital because that would cause panic attacks. None of the alters can bear to go to a hospital while they're conscious. They don't really have any good memories related to hospitals. And we can't really predict when he will wake up so we can't risk it. Panic attacks will only make his condition worse.

We perked up when he started slowly opening his eyes.

We moved closer to him and looked at him.

He opened his eyes halfway and looked around.

I patted his head gently.

He looked at me.

I smiled.

His mouth moved a bit but i couldn't hear what he said. It was too quiet.

"What? I can't hear you." I leaned down.

"Co-ld......." His voice was coarse and barely audible.

"Cold?" I looked at Thanit.

He quickly took the AC remote and turned it off. He then went and closed the sliding door sto the balcony.

I looked down when i felt him rubbing against my palm.

He had his eyes closed and was leaning into my palm which was on his head.

I blinked.

I got the idea of what he was trying to do.

I looked at Thanit.

He nodded and scooted over.

I got up and let him get in under Tristan.

It would be too risky to lay on his other side because of the wires.

I snuggled close to him with Thanit's one arm wrapped around me as well.

Tristan slowly relaxed and fell asleep again.

Thanit's pov:

"I really don't want to go...." Mew bit his lips.

"Mew i promise I'll call you if anything happens. I'll be here with him. You just need to attend the meeting right?" I put my hand on his shoulder.

He sighed and nodded.

"I'll come back as soon as the meeting finishes ok?"

I smiled and nodded.

I went to the bedroom after he left.

Tristan was sitting up facinf the headboard.

I quickly went upto him.

"Tristan?"

He slowly looked at me.

He still looked exhausted.

"Why did you get up?" I asked helping him sit leaning on the headboard.

He didn't say anything and just scooted closer to me.

I wrapped my arms around him.

"I gave Tae one memory....."He muttered softly after a few minutes.

I froze.

"Is that why you had a panic attack?"

He nodded. "He was the one who had started panicking. And i couldn't calm down after coming out. Alex pulled him back when he started panicking. He hasn't woken up since."

I pursed my lips.

"Which memory did you give him?"

"The one where that woman was on top of him......."

I clenched my eyes shut.

Fuck.....

"I gave the one which was the least terrifying and traumatic to him. I wanted to wait till atleast you and Mew came home but he wouldn't listen." He tightened his arms around me.

I could feel my shirt getting wet.

"It's ok. I know you didn't want that to happen. It's not your fault." I kissed his hair.

Tae's pov:

I looked around.

We were in the bedroom alone.

I slowly got out of bed and went out.

I looked around after i was in the hallway.

I noticed the lights of Mew's study were turned on so i went there.

I slowly opened the door and peeked in.

He was sitting at his desk looking through some paperwork.

I was just about to go out when he looked up.

He immediately got up and rushed up to me.

I latched onto him the moment he opened the door fully.

He returned the hug and rubbed my back.

"Why did you get out of bed?" He asked softly.

"I was alone..." I muttered.

"I'm sorry. I wanted to get some documents. I was just about to go back to the room." He kissed my temple.

I hummed.

"Nah Mew...." I spoke up after we settled into bed in our bedroom.

I cuddled close to him.

"Hm?" He wrapped his arms around me protectively.

"Aren't mothers supposed to protect their children?" I asked.

He stiffened.

I could feel Blake's anger and Tristan's guilt.

Mew tightened his arms around me.

******

Draft 17:

Tae's pov:

I'll let you out on one condition. I said slowly.

He clicked his tongue but listened.

Do not. Hurt anyone. Especially our friends. They're trying their best to help you. To love you. Even though you say shit to them everytime. I explained.

He pursed his lips.

Blake. I know you want to protect me. To protect the other alters. But isolating ourselves is not the answer. So don't push them away. Ok? I held his hands.

He sighed. Fine.

I smiled widely.

I could tell he had softened a bit after all that talking for the last week.

Ok come on. I stepped back from consciousness.

He quickly went forward.

Blake's pov:

I looked around.

We were in the bedroom.

I got off the bed and went into the walk in closet.

Your taste in fashion really sucks. I groaned.

Hey. I look good ok? He sulked.

A small smile formed on my face.

I went to my section of the closet.

I blinked and tilted my head.

Why are there more clothes? I asked Tae.

Ren bought them for you. He answered.

Ren? I reached out to him.

They looked... Like ones... You like... So i bought them... He muttered.

I smiled and looked at the new ones.

Thank you. I do like them.

I could tell he perked up and was happy.

See? Now that wasn't so hard was it? Alex said satisfied.

I rolled my eyes.

I took off Tae's clothes and changed into the new ones.

It was a black long sleeve hoodie which was a perfect fit on our body. It wasn't baggy but it wasn't too tight either which i like. And some black ripped jeans.

I styled up my hair and headed out of the room.

Mew gets off work at 7. Thanit gets off at 9. Tae spoke up.

I nodded.

I went to the garage.

My bike was there next to the cars.

I took the keys and and helmet before getting on.

It's been a while since I've driven around...

I drove out of the garage.

There were bodyguards everywhere.

Those two are really protective huh? I scoffed.

Tae hummed.

I didn't have anywhere i wanted to go so i just decided to drive around.

I was just passing by a beach when i felt my phone ring in my pocket.

I pulled upto the side and took off my helmet before taking my phone.

It was Mew.

I picked it up.

"Hey Tae." He spoke up cheerfully before i could say anything.

"I thought you had work till 7." I said.

"Well the meeting got cancelled so i can come home early. I was wondering if you wanted me to buy you something to eat on the way." He replied.

I tilted my head.

"No not really. I'm not in the mood for any take out or anything. I'm fine with the food at home."

"Are you sure? I thought you wanted to eat some cakes today."

I blinked.

I know you want red velvet cake. Tell him. Tae spoke up.

I groaned quietly.

"Tae? Are you ok?" He sounded worried now.

"No it's nothing." I sighed.

Hey come on tell him. He'll buy it for you. Tae nudged me.

"Then can you buy some red velvet cake?" I asked after a few seconds of contemplating.

"Sure. I'll be home in around 30 minutes ok?" He said cheerfully.

"Yeah." I hung up.

He realised it didn't he? I asked.

No i don't think so. He's only heard your angry tone so i don't think he realises it's you. Alex.

I pursed my lips.

I kept my phone back in my pocket.

I put my helmet back on and started driving back home.

Mew was just coming out of his car when i got there.

I didn't realise i had gone that far.

He was staring at me while i took off my helmet and got off my bike.

"What?" I asked.

"Blake?" He mumbled slowly.

"Yup." I went into the house with him following close behind.

I went into the kitchen and poured a glass of water.

"Where did you go?" He put the cake box on the dining table.

"I just drove around. I didn't go to any particular place." I shrugged.

He blinked profusely.

He was looking at me intently.

He's never seen you calm like this before so this is new to him. Alex.

"Surprised because I'm not yelling and throwing things around?" I leaned on the counter.

A smile formed on his face.

"Tae did say he has been talking to you along with the others. I guess it worked. I'm glad." He came upto me and pecked my cheek.

I froze and blinked profusely.

I could feel the edges of my ears turning red.

Blake's shy.... Eli giggled.

I could hear the others chuckling as well.

Shut up. I groaned.

"I bought the cake you asked for. Come on." Mew took out a plate and fork from the cabinet.

"You don't want to eat any?" I asked.

"I'm not really in the mood for something sweet right now. Maybe later." He answered.

I nodded.

"You bought a whole cake?" I looked at him when he opened the box.

"Yup. Thanit also loves red velvet cake and i figured you wouldn't be satisfied with only one slice." He smiled.

A small smile formed on my face.

"You go ahead and eat. I'll get freshened up." He said taking out the cake and putting a slice on the plate.

I nodded and sat down after he went upstairs.

I looked around as i ate.

There were traces of the others in every corner of the house.

Stuffed toys, all kinds of books, video game consoles, painting supplies and tools and parts for what looked like a small robot.

One thing caught my eyes.

There was what looked like a guitar near the couch.

I blinked.

I don't remember seeing that before.

You've been wanting one haven't you? Tae.

I put the fork down.

You mean....

Yup. Go take a look.

I got up and went upto the guitar.

I took it and and sat down with it on the couch.

I slowly opened the bag.

It was a beautiful black one with shades of dark red.

I traced the letters on the bottom corner.

Blake.

A wide smile formed on my face.

Thank you.... I love it.

You're welcome. He smiled gently.

I took out the guitar and put it on my lap.

I tuned it before playing a soft melody.

I could feel myself relaxing as i kept playing.

If it makes you feel this much better you should have told me. I would have bought one for you so much earlier. Tae spoke up when i stopped playing.

I bit my lips.

I guess i was just too angry to try and communicate with anyone...

Blake is vewy good at playing guitaw. Can Blake play mowe? Eli wants to listen to Blake play guitaw mowe. Eli suddenly chimed in.

I chuckled.

I started playing an old tune i remember listening to a long time ago.

One i had listened to when my anger was at a boiling point and i had to somehow distract myself from killing that son of a bitch.

Some bad memories creeped up in my head but the strum of the guitar kept me calm and relaxed.

I could feel the others' contentment as well.

I stopped when i finished the song.

I took a deep breath and looked around.

I jumped when i saw Mew standing behind me smiling.

"Since when have you been standing there?" I asked.

"A few minutes. I didn't want to disturb since you looked like you were enjoying it." He came around and sat beside me.

I kept it back in the bag and closed it.

"I was wondering why Tae suddenly decided to buy a guitar." He muttered.

I looked at him.

"Hm?" He tilted his head.

I hesitated a bit.

He won't mind. He'll actually be happy. Go for it. Tae.

I slowly scooted closer and hugged him.

I could tell he was taken aback for a second but he recovered quickly and wrapped his arms around me as well.

I laid my head on his shoulder and closed my eyes.

His warmth was soothing. And his arms around me made me feel safe.

He pulled me even closer and kissed my hair.

"You don't hate me?" I asked softly after a few seconds of silence.

"I don't. Nor does Thanit. We know you were just trying to protect yourself and the others. Of course you wouldn't be able to trust people easily. We understand that. We did feel frustrated sometimes though. We've wanted to talk to you and get to know you. To earn your trust. But we didn't really get a chance." He answered gently.

"I'm sorry...." I muttered.

"It's ok. Will you let us earn your trust from now on?" He craned his neck to look at me.

I buried my face in his shoulder and nodded.

He pressed his lips on my head.

I could feel him smiling.

I couldn't stop the small smile that made it's way on my face.

Thanit's pov:

When i came home, the house was completely silent.

I made my way upstairs and into the bedroom.

A warm smile formed in my face when i saw Mew and Tae cuddled close to each other.

Mew was laying on his back while Tae had his head on his chest and was sleeping soundly.

The duvet was pulled upto Tae's neck so i could only see his head.

"Welcome home." Mew looked at me and smiled.

"I'm home." I said softly. "I'll take a quick shower ok?" I took off my jacket and kept my bag on the couch.

He nodded.

I took some clothes before going into the bathroom.

"Did you eat yet?" He asked as i came out of the bathroom.

"Yeah. I had takeout." I answered.

He nodded.

He was playing with his phone.

Tae shifted causing the duvet to slip off a bit.

I froze when i saw the clothes he was wearing.

I looked at Mew wide eyed.

"Yup. They managed to get through to him." He smiled.

I smiled widely.

"Check this out." He gave me his phone.

I took it.

It was a video.

I clicked on it.

My jaw dropped when i saw Tae- or more precisely Blake- playing a beautiful soft melody on a guitar.

He looked so calm and looked like he was enjoying it.

"So that's why he suddenly decided to buy a guitar...." I muttered under my breath.

"Yup. I've never seen him that calm." Mew patted his head gently.

"Hmmnn..." He frowned and nuzzled his face in Mew's chest.

We both chuckled at the adorable action.

I quickly went upto the bed and got in beside Mew.

He wrapped his other arms around me as well.

*****

Draft 18:

Alex's pov:

"Are you sure letting him front is a good idea?" I asked worriedly.

"It'll be ok. Remember how Abbey was also really terrified when he first fronted? But he's warmed up to them so much since then hasn't he?" Leo patted my shoulder.

"Yeah. But Abbey doesn't have all of Blake's triggers instilled into him along with all the fears." I frowned.

"True. But I'm sure Mew and Thanit will figure something out. Don't worry." He sighed.

I turned and looked at Blake who was standing beside us.

I could tell he was worried but was trying not to show it.

I knew he was kind of blaming himself for the new one's states.

They came along because of the triggered memories for him.

Will came close to him and hugged him.

"It's ok. It's not your fault." He whispered.

Blake pursed his lips.

"Triggers are not something under our control Blake. We can't blame ourselves for something we can't control." Leo went up to him.

Blake sighed and nodded.

Thanit's pov:

I blinked when I noticed he wasn't there in bed when I came out of the bathroom.

He was asleep when I went in to take a shower a few minutes ago.

I went up to the bed and looked around.

I stopped when I noticed him in the far corner curled into a ball.

Could it be...

I quietly went up to him making sure to keep some distance.

"Hey," I said softly.

He flinched and looked up at me wide-eyed.

I smiled warmly.

"My name is Thanit. What's yours?" I asked.

He bit his lips and curled in on himself even more.

"I'll stay here if you don't want me to come close." I moved back a bit further.

He blinked.

"I don't want to make you uncomfortable or scare you. I just want to get to know you." I said.

"Y-you're p'Tae's f-fiance?" He asked in a small voice.

"Yup." I showed him my ring then pointed at the ring on his finger.

He pursed his lips.

"If you feel uncomfortable wearing it, you can take it off. Or change it to another finger." I suggested.

He looked at me unsure. "W-would that be ok?"

"Of course. We understood that not all the alters will feel comfortable wearing the ring even when we gave it to him. Not all of you feel the same way towards us after all. You're all different people. We don't want to force any of you to wear something you feel uncomfortable wearing." I said reassuringly.

He visibly relaxed at that and slowly slipped the ring off his finger.

I extended my hand towards him.

He placed it in my palm.

"So can you tell me your name? If you have one that is." I asked again.

"I... don't have one..." He looked down.

I nodded. "That's ok. We can find one you like."

He looked at me surprised. "I-i can choose my own name?"

"Of course. If we don't let you choose it yourself, how would we know if it's something you like or not?" I tilted my head.

He blinked a few times before slowly nodding.

"Isn't it uncomfortable sitting on the floor like this? How about we move to the bed?" I suggested.

He nodded and stood up.

I moved aside and let him go to the bed and settled down comfortably on it before going there myself.

I made sure to keep a bit of distance between us to avoid making him uncomfortable.

He took one of the teddy bears and hugged it close.

"You like teddy bears?" I asked.

"It's soft..." He mumbled.

So he likes soft things.

"Ok." I took out my phone and went to Google.

I opened a few pages with some names which I think might suit him and showed them to him.

"Which one do you think would suit you?" I asked giving the phone to him.

He looked through the names seriously.

He suddenly perked up and stopped scrolling after a few seconds.

"This one." He showed the screen to me.

He had zoomed in on a name.

Arion. Which means melodious.

I smiled warmly.

"That's a beautiful name." I took my phone from him.

A small smile formed on his face.

"It's nice to meet you Arion," I said.

His smile widened and he nodded.

"So can you tell me a bit about yourself? What are the things you like or dislike?" I kept my phone aside.

He tilted his head and thought deeply.

"I don't... Know..." He mumbled after a few seconds.

I blinked.

He really doesn't know what he like and dislikes. Just like Will had told us.

"That's ok. We'll figure things out slowly." I said.

He hummed softly.

I then remembered something Abbey had told me.

I immediately took my phone and put it on silent mode.

I took Mew's phone which was on the nightstand and did that to his as well.

"First, how about we look around and get you familiar with this place?" I looked at him after i finished.

He slowly nodded.

I stood up.

He also stood up still holding the teddy bear.

But he moved to keep it when he realised he was holding it.

"It's ok. You can bring it if you want." I smiled.

"Really?" He looked at me.

I smiled and nodded.

A small smile formed on his face as he hugged it close.

"Come on." I gestured him to follow me.

I walked slow so he can keep up.

He kept a bit of distance but didn't stand too far.

We went downstairs first.

I decided to bring him to the comfort room first.

Even if they don't like our friends touching their comfort items, they're ok with each other touching them. So i think it should be ok to bring him there.

He was surprised when he saw the inside of the room.

"This is the comfort room. We keep everyone's comfort items here." I explained.

He slowly nodded.

"Once we get to know yours, we'll add it here as well." I added.

He blinked.

******

Draft 19:

Will's pov:

The rest of the drive was in comfortable silence.

I perked up when Alex suddenly reached out to me.

Alex? What is it?

He came out of his room. He smiled.

I smiled back widely.

First i need to tell Mew and Thanit before going back.

So i went back to consciousness and looked at them.

Mew had pulled up to the side and they were looking at me.

"He finally came out of his room. So I'm going to check it out. It will be better if we're all there for now. So..." I said slowly.

"Go ahead. We'll take care of your body." Mew smiled.

Thanit nodded in agreement.

I smiled back and stepped back from consciousness.

I quickly went upto the little guy's room.

Tae, Alex, Leo and Ethan were kneeling infront of the door.

The others were standing behind them making sure to keep a bit of distance.

I went closer and saw him standing at the doorway looking between all of them.

He looked really scared and was huggina tiger cub plushie.

"Hello." Tae was the first one to speak up.

He flinched and looked at him wide-eyed.

"My name is Tae. It's nice to finally meet you." He smiled.

The little guy opened and closed his mouth a few times.

He seems to be trying to say something but nothing seems to come out.

"Here. You can use this." Noah stepped up and gave him his sketchbook and pencil.

But he stopped when the boy flinched back.

"Put it near him." Alex patted his shoulder.

Noah put the sketchbook on the floor along with the pencil and slid it closer to him before stepping back.

He looked between the book and Noah a few times before slowly reaching out taking it.

He sat on the floor, keeping the plushie beside him.

We quietly waited while he opened the book and started writing something on a blank page.

He showed it to us after a few minutes.

Don't have a name...

The handwriting was kind of messy but we could understand what he had written.

We nodded in understanding.

"That's ok. I'm sure we'll be able to find something which you're comfortable with." Leo said.

We all nodded in agreement.

The boy blinked.

"A lot of us didn't have names when we first came here. It's ok." I smiled.

He slowly nodded.

"Can you tell us why you're so scared of us? So we can make sure to not do anything which will scare you in the future?" Ethan asked.

We all looked at him waiting.

He bit his lips and started writing again.

This time his handwriting was shakier than last time.

Scared of angry... Don't want hated... Better quiet and not talk... That way no angry...

We pursed our lips.

"We won't get angry at you. I promise. We will never hate you." Tae spoke up.

We all nodded in agreement.

Really? He looked at us hopefully.

"Yup." We said firmly.

He visibly relaxed at that.

Leo reached out a hand at him.

He hesitated for a few minutes before slowly coming closer and taking his hand.

Ok. He's NOT going anywhere in the real world. He's way too easily trusting even with the fear.

I could tell Ethan, Leo and Tae were thinking the same thing.

Leo pulled him into his arms and stood up.

"So until we get a name for you... How about we call you R?" I suggested.

He blinked.

"It's like an acronym. It's going to be awkward not knowing what to refer to you as. And it's just going to temporary. Until we find a good name for you." I explained.

He slowly nodded.

We all smiled warmly.

"By the way, who's fronting?" Tae asked.

"No one. I told Mew and Thanit before stepping back. They said they'll take care of our body." I answered.

He nodded.

I nudged his arm and gestured at Ren with my eyes.

He was fiddling with his fingers and looking down.

I knew he wanted to ask to front but he was hesitating because of what he had said to Blake. Even though he's already apologized for it.

"Ren." Tae looked at him.

Ren perked up and looked at him expectantly.

I chuckled.

"Go ahead." Tae smiled at him.

Ren smiled widely and quickly stepped to the front.

******

Draft 20:

Thanit's pov:

"Thanit have you seen Tae?" Mew rushed into the study.

I frowned. "No i haven't. Why?"

"I can't find him anywhere. I've searched all the rooms." He said anxiously.

I shot up and went upto him. "Did you try calling him?"

"His phone is on the bed in our bedroom." He rubbed his forehead.

I pursed my lips and wrecked my brain trying to figure out where he might have gone.

"His temperature had gone down not too long ago...." I muttered under my breath.

Just then his phone rang.

He picked it up.

I could see all the colour draining from his face.

"Mew?" I gripped his arm.

He hung up and ran out of the study.

I was confused but followed him nonetheless.

We went up to the roof.

Horror dawned on me when i saw him sitting on the edge.

"TAE!!" Mew and i both yelled at he same time.

We ran to him and pulled him away from the edge.

We fell to the floor with him in our arms.

My heart was pounding in my chest and Mew looked equally as terrified as me.

Tae looked at Mew and i in turns.

"WHAT THE FUCK WERE YOU THINKING?! YOU COULD HAVE FALLEN!!" Mew and i yelled at the same time.

Tae jumped and looked at us wide eyed.

I could see tears forming in his eyes.

"No no no no. I'm sorry for shouting. Please don't cry." I said more quietly.

"We were just scared. We're not going to hurt you." Mew added.

He curled into a ball but didn't say anything.

We blinked.

I looked at Mew.

He seems to be thinking the same thing.

Now that i think about it, he's wearing Eli's clothes....

"Eli?" I tilted my head.

He frowned and shook his head.

I frowned slightly.

He squirmed out of our arms and reached for the sketchbook which was on the floor near where he was sitting earlier.

That's Ren's sketchbook.

Mew and i looked at each other confused.

Ren doesn't like wearing Eli's clothes though.... He hates the colour pink....

He flipped to a blank page and took the pencil which was near the sketchbook.

He started writing something.

Mew and i moved closer and peeked to see what he was writing.

Noah. Eli's brother.

My jaw dropped.

"Eli has a brother?" Mew muttered.

Noah nodded and pointed at himself.

"Why did you never come out before this?" I asked.

Noah is new.

My eyes widened.

A new alter?

"How old are you?" Mew.

8.

So 2 years older than Eli.

"Why were you sitting at the edge?" I asked.

Noah like heights. The view is pretty.

We slowly nodded.

We'll have to add more safety measures around the rooftop....

I put my palm on his forehead.

He doesn't have a fever anymore.

"You don't talk?" Mew.

He nodded.

Eli said it would be ok....

He looked at us anxiously.

"Of course it's ok. We don't mind." I patted his head.

He looked relieved.

"Let's go inside. It's dangerous here." I stood up.

We helped him get up as well.

His legs gave out the moment he stood up though.

Mew took him into his arms and lifted him up.

"Do you feel sick?" I asked worriedly.

He shook his head.

"Maybe it's because his fever went down not too long ago?" Mew suggested.

Noah shook his head again before i could say anything.

"Then?" I tilted my head.

He wrote on the sketchbook.

Noah can't walk.

I blinked profusely.

"You can't feel your legs?" I held one of his legs.

He nodded.

I looked at Mew who looked equally surprised.

Noah is the first alter who has 2 disabilities.

The other 2 have only one.

"Then how did you come up here?" Mew asked.

Eli came here before letting Noah out.

We slowly nodded.

We'll have to buy a wheelchair for him...

We made our way inside and into our bedroom.

Mew put him down on the bed and we sat down on either side of him.

"So Noah. Can you tell us more about you?" I asked.

He tilted his head.

"Let's start with what kind of things do you like to do?" Mew suggested.

Noah thought deeply for a few seconds before writing.

Noah likes to make paper crafts.

Need to buy craft supplies.

"Then what's your favourite animal?" I asked.

Bunnies.

Mew and i raised our eyebrows.

"Do you like the type of clothes Eli has?" Mew asked.

He nodded.

But Noah like purple more than pink.

We nodded.

Buy some purple clothes.

"Is there anything you want us to do for you?" I asked.

He blinked.

Noah can ask for anything?

"Yup. We'll get you whatever you want." We nodded.

Noah don't want anything. Noah just want a family.

A felt a lump form in my throat.

I looked at Mew. He was biting his lips.

"Will you let us be your family?" He asked softly.

Noah looked at him wide eyed.

Really?

We smiled softly.

"Yup. We also have some friends who would love to be your family as well." I patted his head.

His expression changed into an uncomfortable one.

We blinked.

"Noah? What's wrong?" Mew took his hand.

Strangers. Don't like.

"But you're ok with us?" I pointed at Mew and i.

Eli already told Noah about you two. The others also said Noah can trust you.

"They didn't tell you about our friends?" I asked.

He frowned and tilted his head.

They told Noah many names. But Noah can't remember many names at once.

We nodded in understanding.

"Our friends have already met a lot of the alters. They will never hurt you in any way. You can trust them." I said gently.

He slowly nodded.

"Hey guys." I smiled when i saw Tee, Kim, Ter and Bass standing at the door when i opened it.

They smiled back just as wide.

I opened the door wider and let them in.

"Before you go in." I stopped them at the entryway.

They looked at me waiting.

"A new little came out. His name is Noah. Eli's older brother." I said.

Their eyes widened.

"He dissociated again?" Bass.

I nodded.

"Noah is mute and can't walk either. And keep a little distance from him for now ok? Slowly warm upto him before getting close to him."

They slowly nodded.

I led them inside.

Mew was sitting on the floor near the coffee table with Noah who was immersed in the paper crafts he was making.

He didn't even notice us come in.

Mew looked at us and smiled.

"Hey."

They smiled back and approached them.

Noah looked up at them when they were close enough to appear in his peripheral vision.

"Hello Noah." Bass waved.

Noah blinked a few times before looking at Mew.

"They're the friends we told you about." He smiled.

Noah nodded and looked back up at them.

"I'm Bass."

"I'm Tee."

"I'm Copter. You can call me Ter or Cop. Whichever you feel more comfortable with."

"And I'm Kimmon. You can just call me Kim."

Noah frowned.

We blinked.

Tee tilted his head and observed his face.

He snorted softly.

We all looked at him.

"He's concentrating really hard." He mouthed.

We raised our eyebrows.

Oh yeah. He did say he can't remember many names at once.

I chuckled.

He's trying to memorise their names.

"He's trying to memorise your names." I mouthed at them.

They raised their eyebrows.

"It's ok if you can't memorise all our names at once." Ter spoke up.

Noah looked up at him.

"You'll be able to remember us as we slowly get to know each other. So don't try to force yourself ok?" Kim added.

Noah smiled and nodded.

They sat down near the table and started making some crafts with him.

******

Draft 21:

Mew's pov:

"Tae?" I called out as i went into the bedroom.

I couldn't see him anywhere.

I had spent the last hour in the study doing some paperwork.

"I shouldn't have left him alone..." I muttered under my breath as i went out of the bedroom.

I stopped in my tracks when i notcied light coming from under the door of the room beside ours.

I quickly went there.

He was on the bed surrounded by plush toys and was hugging one close to him.

He was wearing a pale pink sweater and white shorts.

"Abbey?" I called him softly as i went closer.

He flinched and looked at me fearfully.

"Sssshhh.... It's just me." I whispered soothingly.

I sat on the bed and gently patted his head.

He curled in on himself more and whined softly.

"Want a hug?" I asked.

He looked at me expectantly.

"Come here." I smiled and patted my lap.

He slowly moved and climbed onto my lap.

I wrapped my arms around him gently and kissed the top of his head.

He held my shirt and relaxed in my embrace.

I rocked us back and forth slowly while humming softly.

I could feel him trembling slightly.

"You're safe here. No one can hurt you. There are no loud things here. Only your toys." I said firmly.

I looked up when i noticed the door being opened.

Thanit was standing there with the others looking at Abbey worriedly.

"Abbey." I mouthed to Thanit.

He turned to the others.

"Guys why don't you wait downstairs? I'll be there in a while ok?" He asked softly.

They got the clue and went out.

Thanit quietly closed the door and approached the bed getting on.

Abbey looked up at him when he felt the bed moving.

Thanit smiled gently at him.

"Hey baby." He leaned in and kissed his temple.

Abbey reached out to him with both hands.

Thanit took him into his arms and he immediately buried himself in his arms.

He always feels more comfortable with Thanit than me.

"I'll go talk to the others ok?" I whispered softly.

He nodded.

I slowly got off the bed and went out of the room making sure to close the door behind me.

I made my way downstairs.

They were sitting on the couches in silence.

"Hey." I called out getting their attention.

They stared at me waiting as i sat down.

"That was Abbey. He's a little the same age as Eli." I started.

They blinked.

"He's extremely sensitive to every kind of sound. That's why we always make sure to only whisper while he's out. And that room was made soundproof so he could be comfortable there." I explained.

"Does he hold any memories?" Kim asked.

"Yeah. He holds the memories of the shootings." I nodded.

They pursed their lips.

"So that's why he's sensitive to sounds." Tee muttered.

I nodded again.

"If you want to talk to him, you'll have to do it one at a time. He'll get overwhelmed and panic if more than two people come close to him at the same time. Since he won't move away from Thanit even for a second, that leaves only one more person. And you have to talk quietly and keep your tone soft." I spoke up after a few seconds of silence.

They nodded.

"Bass you go first. The littles always like you more than us." Kim turned to him.

The others nodded in agreement.

He smiled and nodded.

Bass and i went upstairs and to the room.

I slowly opened the door.

Thanit was sitting leaning on the wall now.

Abbey was on his lap playing with a plush toy.

His mood seems to have improved. He was smiling while playing with the toy.

I smiled relieved.

Thanit looked at me.

I let Bass in.

"I already explained everything." I mouthed.

Thanit nodded.

He gestured for him to come closer.

Bass slowly went closer making sure to be quiet.

I went in and closed the door behind me quietly. I stayed there leaning on the door.

Abbey jumped and whimpered when he noticed Bass.

Thanit immediately hugged him and patted his head.

"Ssssshhh.... He's a friend baby.... He doesn't have anything loud...." He whispered softly.

Abbey looked between them hesitantly.

I could see tears starting to form in his eyes.

I bit my lips.

"Abbey?" Bass called him softly.

He flinched and looked at him wide eyed.

"Look. I don't have anything." Bass raised his hands and turned showing his body.

I could see that Abbey eased up a bit but still didn't look very comfortable.

"I just want to friends with Abbey. I will stay here if Abbey doesn't want me to come close." He took a step back.

Abbey was staring at him silently.

"No.... Loud?" He mumbled softly.

I smiled widely.

He never talked to anyone other than me or Thanit. Even that is rare itself. He usually never says a single word when he's out.

Thanit was also smiling widely.

"No loud." Bass smiled and shook his head.

"Ok...." Abbey muttered.

Bass looked at Thanit.

He patted the bed near them.

Bass's smile widened and he went upto the bed and sat down.

Abbey gave the toy he was holding to him.

"Thank you

*******

Draft 22:

Mew's pov:

"Are you sure this is the right place?" I asked while staring at the house.

"Yeah... The address is correct..." Thanit muttered while looking between his phone and the house.

"This is where he lives?" I frowned deeply.

The house looked like a small abandoned hut.

The doors looked old and really rusty. They looked like they would fall off any second.

The paint was also peeling off the walls and there was graffiti all over them.

We slowly got out of the car.

I looked around.

There were very few houses in sight. Mostly just grassland.

"Let's go." Thanit spoke up.

We slowly went up to the house.

He knocked on the door a few times.

We were startled when a high pitched shriek came from inside. It was followed by loud sobbing.

We looked at each other wide-eyed.

"Doesn't that sound like Tae's voice?" I muttered.

He nodded and stepped back a bit.

I knew what he was about to do so I stepped away from the door.

He charged towards the door and broke it down with one kick.

My heart almost stopped when I saw the inside of the house.

There was trash and broken furniture everywhere.

It literally looked abandoned even on the inside.

"Tae?" Thanit called out.

Just then I noticed something in the far corner.

He was curled into a ball and shaking badly. His face was buried in his knees which were pulled close to his chest.

I immediately rushed up to him.

"Tae?" I knelt in front of him.

He flinched and curled in on himself even more.

"Tae." Thanit knelt beside me.

He still didn't lookup.

"Tae we're not here to hurt you," I spoke up after a few seconds.

He stiffened.

"We want to help you. We don't want to harm you in any way." I added.

He shakily looked up at me.

He had dried tear trails on his cheeks and his eyes were red and swollen.

"No hurt?" He asked in a small voice.

We blinked.

"No hurt." I answered after a few seconds.

"No scary things?" He asked again.

"No scary things." I said firmly.

He looked between me and Thanit a few times.

"Lin don't like pain..." He muttered softly.

We froze.

"Lin? Who's Lin?" Thanit mumbled.

Tae looked at him and pointed at himself.

Thanit looked at me confused.

I observed his expression.

"Lin."

He turned to me.

"Where's Tae?" I asked.

"Tae really scared. So he's in his room." He answered.

I bit my lips.

This sounds very familiar.....

"How old are you Lin?" I asked.

"10." He answered.

"There's no adult with you?" I tilted my head.

He nodded.

"Everyone is gone. That man made all of them go away."

I gulped.

Wait don't tell me...

"He tried to kill them?"

He nodded.

I bit my lips.

Fuck... Who the fuck tried to kill off the alters?

"Ok. Do you guys live here?" I asked gesturing around.

He nodded again.

I frowned and looked around.

"This place looks abandoned. It's not suitable for someone to live in." Thanit muttered.

I nodded in agreement.

"Lin don't know what to do. Lin don't know how to get food. Lin can't find any money. Lin tried to reach Tae but he's too scared. He won't answer. Lin don't want us to die. Please help Lin." Tears started forming in his eyes.

I bit my lips.

He's just 10 years old... Leaving such a little alter alone...

"Does Lin want to come with us?" Thanit asked.

Lin looked at him.

"We will give Lin food and keep you guys warm and safe. We won't let anyone hurt you." I added.

Even more tears formed in his eyes.

"Really? Lin won't be hungry? Lin and Tae will be safe? That man won't try to kill Lin?" He asked hopefully while clutching onto my sleeve.

I could feel tears forming in my eyes but managed to hold them back.

"Yes. We will give Lin all the food you want. And we won't let anyone hurt Lin and Tae. That man won't come anywhere near you. I promise." I gripped his hand gently.

Thanit moved closer and pulled him into his arms.

Lin immediately clutched onto his shirt and hugged him tightly.

"Let's go home." I said.

He nodded and got up with Lin in his arms.

We went out of the house and into my car.

He got into the back with Lin and I got into the driver's seat.

I glanced at them through the rearview mirror while driving.

Lin had his head on Thanit's shoulder and was staring out through the windows.

He was clutching onto Thanit's shirt tightly as if he was scared that he might go away.

Thanit was rubbing his back gently which seems to ease him up a little.

I pulled up in the garage of our house 30 minutes later.

We got out of the car and made our way inside.

"How about you help Lin get cleaned up and changed into something more comfortable while I make something to eat?" I turned to Thanit after we were inside.

Lin was looking around silently.

He nodded and went upstairs with him.

Thanit's pov:

I went straight into the bathroom of our bedroom.

I set him down on the counter.

He clutched onto my shirt tightly and whimpered softly when I tried to move away.

"I'm not going anywhere. Don't be scared. I'm just going to prepare a warm bath so Lin can get cleaned up." I said softly.

"R-really?" He looked at me teary-eyed.

"Really." I smiled reassuringly.

He nodded and let go of my shirt.

I quickly prepared a warm bath

"Come on. Take off your clothes." I went back to him.

I helped him take off the clothes he was wearing.

The t-shirt was worn out and actually had some holes in it and the jeans also looked really old.

I froze when I saw his body.

Multiple scars all over.

They looked like ones you get from getting beat up really badly on a daily basis.

And he looked too thin as well.

I could make out his ribcage.

"Does it hurt anywhere?" I asked.

He shook his head.

I nodded and lifted him up.

I slowly put him down in the bathtub.

He immediately relaxed when he was in the bath.

I gently washed his hair and let him stay in the bath for 20 minutes.

I then washed him and lifted him out of the tub.

He looked a lot more relaxed by the time I finished drying him off.

"Feel better?" I asked.

He hummed and nodded.

He rubbed his eyes.

"Don't sleep yet ok? You can sleep after eating." I said gently.

He nodded again.

I took him to the bedroom and sat him down on the bed before going into the closet and bringing some comfortable clothes for him.

Mew was sitting at the table with food on it when we went downstairs.

He smiled warmly when he noticed us.

"Sleepy?" He asked.

Lin nodded.

I sat down on one of the chairs and fed him while he kept clinging onto me.

He couldn't eat a lot though.

"He probably hasn't been eating properly for a while. So we'll have to go easy on the portion sizes for now." I said.

Mew nodded.

I took him back to the bedroom after giving him a glass of water.

He curled in on himself and fell asleep the moment I tucked him into bed.

He kept clinging onto my hand though.

I sighed and gently ran my fingers through his hair with my free hand.

Mew was looking at him worriedly.

"What is it?" I asked.

"Things might have gotten really bad now." He sighed.

I blinked. "What do you mean?"

"Someone tried to kill off all the alters. That is something that should never be even attempted in DID patients. Alters can't be killed. They will never disappear forever. Now they've gone into hiding because they were threatened. We don't know when they will come back. And it leaves permanent scars and creates more trauma leading to, even more, alters coming into existence. And from the looks of it, the experience has terrified Tae to the point where he refuses to even communicate with the only remaining alter, Lin." He massaged his forehead.

I gulped and looked at him.

He was sleeping soundly.

"What should we do?" I turned back to Mew.

"First we need to get through to Tae and bring him to the front. He's the host. He needs to be able to feel safe so the other alters can also be assured. Lin is a child who obviously trusts people very easily, So they can't trust his sense of safety. And judging by how Tae won't answer Lin even, I don't think it's going to be easy." He answered.

I bit my lips.

Tae's pov:

Tae.... Tae please wake up.... Lin is lonely... Lin don't know what to do... I could hear Lin crying.

I bit my lips.

I know I'm being selfish by leaving him alone to fend for himself.

There is no way he can take care of himself properly.

Lin is hungry Tae.... We will die if Lin don't get food.... Tae please help Lin...

I really want to reach out to him and help him but a bigger part of me thinks it's better to just die like this.

And adding the deep fear in me because of that incident, I can't gather the courage to talk to him.

That man.... He made all the others disappear....

Without them... I can't...

I whimpered and clenched my eyes shut.

Tae.... P'Mew and P'Tha are here... We're not alone Tae.... Please come back....

I perked up.

Mew and Thanit?

His mood immediately improved when he heard my voice.

Hm!! P'Mew and p'Tha!! They brought Lin to their home and gave Lin food and toys even!! He said excitedly.

I quickly reached out.

Lin let me come to the front for a while ok?

Ok.

He stepped back.

I blinked profusely and looked around.

The first thing I saw was Mew's face.

He was kneeling in front of me looking at me eagerly.

I looked to my side and saw Thanit looking at me just as eagerly.

"Tae?" Mew asked slowly.

My eyes brimmed with tears and I nodded vigorously.

They smiled widely and hugged me tightly.

I clung onto them tightly and clenched my eyes shut.

Tears streamed down my face nonstop.

I couldn't stop the sobs that escaped my lips.

Their arms around me tightened.

"It's ok now. You're safe. We won't let anyone lay a single finger on you ever again." Thanit whispered in my ear.

Mew nodded in agreement.

*******

Draft 23:

Tae's pov:

I slowly opened my eyes.

I blinked a few times trying to clear my vision before looking around.

I wasn't in a hospital.

It was a familiar bedroom.

A smile formed on my face when I saw a picture of the three of us together on the wall.

But there was medical equipment everywhere in the room.

They must have moved us home when we didn't wake up for so long. Alex.

I hummed.

I took off the oxygen mask on my face.

I tried to sit up but felt really lightheaded and weak.

Our body hasn't moved for 5 months straight. It's no surprise that we can't move. Will.

I looked around.

I tried to bring out my voice but it came out barely above a whisper and broken.

My throat was painfully dry.

I held my throat and grimaced.

I could feel anxiety brewing inside me. Tears started forming in my eyes.

I really need them here right now.

The memories are still fresh in my head.

Where are Thanit and Mew? Ethan asked worriedly.

I could feel the other's worry as well.

As if on cue, the door opened and Mew came in.

He froze in place when our eyes met.

I slowly reached out towards him.

He immediately rushed up to the bed and held my hand.

I managed to move a bit closer to him.

He got the clue and gently pulled me into his embrace.

I buried myself in his arms and relaxed.

"You're finally awake." He kissed my temple.

I hummed softly.

"Tha..." I looked up at him.

"He's taking a shower. He'll be here in a while. He was really worried about you and hasn't taken care of himself that much." He answered.

I wanted to say something but ended up coughing because of my dry throat.

He reached out to the nightstand and took the glass of water that was there. He pushed it to my mouth.

I gulped it down in seconds.

"Better?" He asked.

I nodded.

"Tae?" He called me after a few minutes of silence.

I looked at him.

He was staring at me intently.

He noticed your odd behavior. Alex.

"I got back some memories." I muttered softly.

I could feel him stiffen.

But he kept quiet.

"Will's memories. Only some." I added.

"Will? He's back?" He asked.

I smiled. "They all are."

A wide smile formed on his face.

"I told you they'll come back, baby." He kissed my forehead.

"Yeah." I sighed softly.

There were another few seconds of silence.

"Do you want to talk about it?" He asked.

I bit my lips and shook my head.

He nodded and pulled me closer.

I breathed in his scent and found comfort in the sound of his steady heartbeat.

He moved a bit and sat down leaning on the headboard with me still in his arms.

He made sure not to move any of the wires too much.

We stayed like that in comfortable silence.

He kept running his fingers through my hair gently while humming a soft song.

A purr escaped my lips before I could stop it.

I blushed deeply.

He chuckled softly and pecked my lips.

I smiled shyly.

Just then the door opened and Thanit came in.

He stopped in his tracks when our eyes met.

My chest tightened when I saw the dark circles under his eyes and how he looked paler and thinner than I remember him to be.

"Tha..." I reached out to him.

He rushed up to the bed and got on.

Tears started forming in his eyes.

I smiled and reached up gently wiping them away.

He bent down and hugged me tightly.

I patted his back gently.

Mew now had his arms around the both of us.

"I missed you so much..." Thanit cried softly.

"I'm sorry I took a while to wake up." I replied.

He buried his face in my neck.

******

Draft 24:

Tae's pov:

I was reading a book in the bedroom.

I had the day off so i could relax.

Mew was taking a shower and Thanit was at the hospital.

I blinked when i felt familiar arms wrap around me.

"Tae I'm sorry." Ethan whispered into my ear.

I frowned while hugging him back.

"Why are you apologising?"

"I'm sorry for this. I can't do it anymore. I'm so sorry Tae." He cried into my neck.

I could feel anxiety and worry brewing inside me.

"Ethan what-"

"Ethan stop! Please don't!" Will ran into the room.

Before either of us could say anything more, suddenly hundreds of images invaded my brain all at once.

My breath hitched and my head felt as if it was about to split open.

My body started shaking badly.

I dropped the book i was holding.

They weren't just random images.

They were memories.

Ethan's memories.

All of them.

Starting from the first time that man touched us up until Thanit found us.

My breathing was getting more and more erratic.

I couldn't take breaths properly.

Tears started streaming down my face.

I held my head tightly and curled in on myself.

No... No!! Stop!! Please!!

Mind numbing fear gripped my whole being.

Will quickly pulled me into his arms.

Alex, Blake and Leo also came upto me.

But i pushed them away.

"Don't touch... Please.... Don't touch me..." I cried.

"Tae. We won't hurt you." Alex stepped closer.

I flinched back making him stop in his tracks.

I was pulled back into the real world when i felt myself being pulled against a strong chest.

I immediately recognised him.

Mew.

My body was shaking even more than before.

I could see that he was saying something but i couldn't hear anything over the ringing of my ears.

Nothing was registering in my head other than the torturous memories which were replaying in my head over and over again.

"Leo!!" I heard Alex yelling.

The next thing i know i was pulled back from consciousness and Alex started fronting.

"Sleep." I heard Blake whisper in my ear.

Then everything went black.

Alex's pov:

I clutched onto Mew's shirt tightly and clenched my eyes shut trying to calm down.

"It's ok. You're safe. No one can lay a single finger on you. You're ok love. You're ok." He whispered softly while hugging me protectively.

I whimpered and buried myself in his arms.

It took a long time before i finally managed to calm down.

Mew didn't ease his hold even for a second. He kept whispering soothing words until i calmed down completely.

I sniffled and just laid in his arms comfortably.

He gently wiped my tears and pecked my forehead.

******

Draft 25:

Thanit's pov:

"-eah. Can you take care of the work for today?... I think he'll be back to normal by tomorrow... Yeah... Thanks Kim... Yeah... Bye..." Mew hung up and came in from the balcony where he was standing.

I looked at Tae who had his head on my lap and was curled into a ball. He was staring at nothing and holding my hand tightly. As if he's afraid I'll leave the moment he lets go.

I'm sitting on the bed leaning on the headboard. My free hand was gently combing through his hair.

Mew came and sat beside us.

"Tae, love." He patted Tae's head gently.

Tae slowly looked at him.

"You should eat something. Just a few bites. You haven't had anything all day." Mew said.

But Tae just shook his head tiredly.

"Not hungry..." He muttered under his breath.

It's already noon. He hasn't eaten anything the whole day.

He even skipped dinner last night.

Forcing him to eat isn't an option.

He'll immediately throw up everything right after swallowing. Or most of the time he won't even swallow and just let the food fall from his mouth without chewing.

Mew looked at me.

I nodded.

He got up and went to the cabinet on the other side of the room.

He brought a syringe and a small bottle.

I lightly covered Tae's eyes with my palm.

He was startled at the action.

"It's ok love. It's just us. No one else is here." I whispered gently.

He relaxed at that.

I tried to take my hand from his grasp but he tightened his hold and whimpered softly.

"It's ok. I'll do it." Mew filled up the syringe.

I started singing a soft song to distract Tae.

Mew took his arm and slowly injected the vitamins.

Tae has a really bad fear of needles.

He'll have a full blown panic attack if he sees one close up.

But as long as he's kept distracted and doesn't see the needle he's ok.

Mew put a small bandage on the spot after he finished.

I stopped singing and removed my hand from his eyes.

His eyes were closed and his breathing was steady and rhythmic.

Warm smiles formed on our faces.

He falls asleep in seconds whenever i sing that song.

We do this whenever he has these episodes.

At first we tried to force him to eat but as i said, it doesn't work.

So i figured this would be enough to keep him from getting lethargic until he starts feeling better and eats something.

These episodes don't usually last for more than a day so it hasn't been that hard to deal with them.

"This has been happening more frequently hasn't it? The last time was only 3 days ago." I looked at Mew.

"Yeah. This will happen a lot for a while since he's regaining the memories from Blake. He needs time to process and accept everything after all." He sighed.

I nodded.

"But we can't keep giving him nutrient shots like this every 2 days or so. His health will start to decline at this rate." I said.

He pursed his lips. "Yeah. But it will take time for him to overcome years of trauma. And this is just the beginning. We'll have to really patient with this."

"I know. I think I'll buy some IV's." I mumbled.

He nodded.

*******
Draft 26:

Alex's pov:

"Are you sure letting him front is a good idea? He's so easily terrified. And when he sees that we don't have wings and can't fly in the real world, he'll get even more anxious." I said worriedly.

"Don't worry so much. Even Abbey was terrified at first wasn't he?" Leo patted my shoulder.

"Yeah, but he's not a fairy." I frowned.

"I'm sure Mew and Thanit will figure something out. Don't worry." He squeezed my shoulder reassuringly.

I sighed. "I hope so."

Thanit's pov:

I was looking through some documents with Mew in his study when i got a text from Tae.

I frowned slightly remembering that he's in our bedroom.

Why did he text me?

I opened the text.

He was saying that he's letting someone new front and to be careful with him.

I immediately showed the text to Mew.

We shot up and went to the bedroom quickly.

When we got there he was on the balcony leaning over the railing.

We ran upto him and pulled him back from the railing.

I was going to scold him but stopped when i noticed how he was looking at us terrified and how his body was shaking slightly.

I immediately let him go and took a step back. Mew did the same.

"It's dangerous to lean over the railing like that. You could fall and get hurt." Mew said gently.

I tilted my head when i saw the disappointment on his face.

"Do you have a name?" I asked.

He looked at me and shook his head.

I nodded.

"I'm Thanit. And he's Mew." I pointed at Mew.

He looked between us silently.

"We're Tae's fiancés." Mew clarified.

He slowly nodded.

"Do you not want to talk?" I asked.

"Tal... King... Di... Ffi... Cult..." He mumbled softly.

I could tell it was hard for him to form those just two words.

Mew and i nodded.

"Let's go inside." I pointed into the bedroom.

He frowned and shook his head.

"You want to stay out here?" Mew asked.

He nodded.

"Ok then let's sit." I gestured at the chairs.

He went and sat down with Mew.

I went inside and took a notepad from the nightstand drawer along with a pen before going back.

I gave them to him.

He took them.

"So can you tell us a bit about yourself?" Mew asked.

He tilted his head and thought for a few seconds before writing.

Mew and i peeked at the notepad curiously.

My jaw dropped when i saw what he had written.

I'm a plant fairy.

I looked at Mew who looked equally surprised.

A fairy?

This is the first time a nonhuman alter appeared.

And his handwriting is absolutely gorgeous.

It's a beautiful cursive.

"Is that why you were leaning over the railing?" Mew asked.

He nodded and wrote again.

I want to go see plants and flowers.

Warm smiles formed on our faces.

"Then how about we go now?" I stood up.

He looked at me excitedly.

I smiled and extended my hand.

He took it without hesitation.

We went into the bedroom, downstairs, and out into the backyard.

He let go of my hand and ran to the flowers.

We chuckled seeing how excited he was to see the flowers and plants.

"This is the first time a nonhuman alter appeared..." I muttered.

"Yeah. And it's going to be difficult." Mew sighed.

I looked at him.

"Fairies have wings and can fly." He looked at me.

Oh shit.

I bit my nails.

That's not good.

"And even their size. Fairies are like the size of our palms." He ruffled his hair.

I pursed my lips.

"For wings we could have fake ones made?" I suggested.

He nodded. "That would be a good idea."

"But for the other things we'll have to talk to him about them." I sighed.

He hummed.

We slowly went upto him.

He was sitting infront of the plants and flowers playing with them.

We sat down on the ground on either side of him making sure to keep a bit of distance.

He looked at us.

"We want to get to know you. Can you tell us more about yourself?" I smiled.

He smiled and nodded.

Mew gave him the notepad and pen.

"What's your favourite colour?" I asked.

Dark green.

He wrote.

We nodded.

"Favourite animal?" Mew asked.

Swans.

"What kind of clothes do you want to wear?" I asked.

He tilted his head and thought for a few seconds before writing.

I don't know... I'm ok with anything as long as it's comfy and warm.

We nodded.

"Ok. I'm sure you've realised that here you won't have your wings." Mew said slowly.

His expression changed into a sad one.

He slowly nodded.

"We can get you some wings. But you won't be able to fly." I added.

He lit up a bit at that but didn't cheer up completely.

"Your body is of a human's here. So a lot of things will be very different. But we'll try our best to give you everything you want and make sure you're happy ok?" Mew.

He smiled and hummed.

"As for your name..." I took out my phone and went to google.

I read out a couple of names which sounded like they would suit a fairy.

But he didn't seem to like any of them.

I was about to go to another website when i saw a name which stood out to me.

"Arion?" I looked at him.

He instantly lit up like a light bulb.

Mew and i smiled warmly.

"It means melodious." I said.

He smiled widely and wrote something very quickly.

I love singing.

"Seems like you found the perfect name." Mew chuckled.

I nodded.

"It's almost lunchtime." I looked at the time.

"You're right." Mew looked at his watch.

"What do you want to eat?" I looked at Arion.

Pudding!! He showed me the page after writing.

He looked really excited.

"Nope. First you need to eat a proper meal." I shook my head.

He frowned and pouted.

"How about i buy you some pudding after lunch?" Mew suggested.

Promise? Arion looked at him expectantly.

"Promise." Mew smiled.

Arion smiled widely and nodded.

"So what do you want to eat for lunch?" I asked.

He thought deeply.

Spaghetti and meatballs.

He showed it to us.

"Spaghetti and meatballs it is." I got up.

"You want to stay out here?" I asked.

He nodded.

"Mew you stay with him. I'll cook." I looked at Mew.

He nodded.

I went into the house and into the kitchen.

Mew's pov:

I turned to Arion after Thanit went inside.

He reached up to his head but his hand stopped midair as if he realised something.

His expression changed into a sad one as he fiddled with his hair.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

I have a crown... But it's not here...

"What kind of crown?" I tilted my head.

He drew something on the notepad before showing it to me.

It was a beautiful flower crown made out of roses.

"What colour of roses?" I looked at him.

He wrote it down.

Many colours. Yellow, white, blue, red.

I nodded. "Can you draw your wings as well so i know how they look?"

He drew them.

It was a beautiful pair of fairy wings.

"They're green?" I asked.

He nodded.

Dark green.

"I'll get a crown and wings like these for you ok?" I patted his head.

Really? He looked at me wide-eyed.

I smiled and nodded.

A bright smile formed on his face.

******

Draft 27:

Tae's pov:

I looked around the room anxiously for the nth time.

There was no one with me.

Mew was busy with work and so was Thanit.

I tried contacting the others but it was the same thing.

I bit my nails trying to calm down.

I could feel it coming.

And it wasn't going to be a mild one this time. I can tell that much for sure.

I whimpered as i rocked back and forth on the bed while holding my knees close to my chest.

Panic and anxiety rose inside of me.

The others were shut down completely after that incident yesterday so i don't even have their company.

The memories Blake had given me started ringing in my head.

Tears formed in my eyes.

My breathing started getting erratic.

I stood up from the bed and paced around the room.

It was getting harder and harder to breathe with each passing second.

I flailed my hands around when I couldn't breathe in.

I shakily went back to the bed and slumped onto it.

I clutched my chest tightly trying to breathe and calm down.

But it wasn't working.

I whimpered and cried into the sheets wishing it would stop.

I can't calm down without having someone else with me. I need to feel another person's warmth to feel safe.

I jumped and yelped when my phone ran suddenly.

I scrambled to take it.

It was Mew.

I quickly answered it.

"Hey, love. Did something happen? I saw your missed calls." He said worriedly.

I tried to say something but not being able to breathe properly was making it hard to form words.

The only things that came out were whimpers and broken sobs.

"I'm on my way. I'll be there in 2 minutes ok?" He said quickly.

I could only hum softly.

I don't know how much time passed.

I think it would have been only a few minutes but it felt like an eternity.

I was getting really dizzy because of not being able to breathe properly.

By the time Mew came and pulled me into his arms, I was barely conscious.

"Tae. Love look at me." He cupped my cheek.

I could make out his worried expression through the black haze forming in my vision.

*******

Draft 28:

Sky's pov:

I looked at p'Alex confused.

Fronting?

What does that mean?

He smiled and lifted me into his arms.

"Fronting means that you're going to meet some new people. In another world." He explained.

I blinked.

New people?

I could feel anxiety brew inside me.

"They're very nice people. They have protected and taken care of all of us for the last 8 years. They will never let anything happen to you." P'Leo spoke up.

I bit my lips and held onto p'Alex tightly.

"It's going to be ok. I'll be there with you." He patted my back.

I looked at him teary eyed. "Pr-omise?"

"Promise." He nodded.

I nodded. "Ok..."

P'Alex looked at the others who smiled and nodded.

He let me down and pushed me forward.

I was a bit confused as to what to do but went forward.

I suddenly felt as if i was being pulled into a body.

I jumped and looked around wide eyed.

I was alone in an unfamiliar bedroom.

Tears started forming in my eyes.

"P-p'Alex?" I mumbled.

But i jumped again at my voice.

It sounded different from my own.

I held my throat and looked down at myself.

Why am i so big?

I looked at myself anxiously.

I was a grown up.

Like p'Alex.

I whimpered softly.

I don't like this.

I don't want to be a grown up.

I want to be small.

It's ok. I'm right here with you. I heard p'Alex's voice.

I looked around.

But i couldn't see him.

But now i could somehow feel that he was with me.

Sky don't like being grown up... Sky want to be small... I cried.

It's just our body in that world is like that. Sky doesn't need to act like a grown up. Sky just act like Sky. He whispered.

I bit my lips.

But grow ups should act lile grown ups...

I looked towards the door when i heard it open.

Immediate fear formed in me when i saw a man come in.

I scooted back against the headboard and pulled my knees close.

It's ok. That man won't hurt Sky. He's p'Tha. Remember how Eli, Abbey and Lin told you about him? P'Alex said reassuringly.

That man stared at me for a few seconds before slowly stepping closer to the bed.

But he stopped when i curled in on myself even more.

"Ok. I'll stay right here. I won't come close." He took a step back.

I blinked.

He... Won't come close?

He respects everyone's wishes. If Sky doesn't want him to come close, he will stay away. He will give Sky what he wants. P'Alex.

I remembered what the other 3 had told me.

They said he is so kind and caring and that they love him.

I stared at him silently.

He was smiling warmly at me. He stood there waiting patiently for my permission.

I hesitantly reached out to him.

He immediately lit up and came upto the bed.

He sat down on the edge and held my hand gently.

He made sure to keep some distance.

I frowned while looking at our hands.

My hand is so big...

"Sky, right?" He asked softly.

I looked at him surprised.

"Abbey told me. He said they got a new friend to play with. That Sky is so cute and shy just like him." He smiled.

I blushed at his words.

He chuckled softly.

"Your body is very different in this world, I'm sure you've noticed."

I bit my lips and nodded.

"Do you know why?" He tilted his head.

I shook my head.

He turned to face me fully.

"Well in this world, all of you share the same body. You are all in this body. Of course you need to take turns to come out. Which is called fronting." He explained.

I blinked.

"Come here." He gently pulled me to stand and led me to the closet.

*******

Draft 29:

Tae's pov:

I whimpered softly as i curled in on myself.

My body was shaking badly and i could feel panic rising inside of me fast.

I hugged my knees tightly as i rocked back and forth on the bed.

Tears were steaming down my face non stop.

The memories were very vivid in my head were being replayed over and over again.

Worst part is that I'm alone.

Mew and Thanit are at work.

My breathing was getting more erratic.

I bit my lips as i tried not to break down.

I-it's too much... H-help...

It was getting overwhelming.

Everything was coming at me at once.

It felt as if the walls were closing up on me.

I bit my hand really hard trying to muffle my sobs.

I slumped onto my side and curled into a ball.

Why isn't any of them responding?

Why can't i feel them?

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!" I screamed at the top of my lungs as i felt as if my chest would burst because of myriad of emotions coming at me from all directions.

I cried loudly and pulled at the sheets trying to find something. Even the smallest remnants of their scents.

But then i remembered that they had changed the sheets today.

I whimpered and started sobbing uncontrollably.

I pulled the sheets wrinkling them and making a mess.

But i couldn't care less right now.

I needed someone.

"HELP ME!!!" I yelled as loud as i could.

But then i finally felt it.

Ethan, Will, and Blake.

They were crying as well.

They were also in pain.

I knew Alex, Leo, and the others would be getting agitated by now.

That would mean no one can control who fronts anymore.

And they can't hear me.

I'm cut off.

I got up from the bed and on shaky legs, went into the bathroom.

The taunts, insults, humiliation, degradation, everything was ringing in my head.

And i desperately needed it to stop.

I opened the medicine cabinet and took out a card sleeping pills.

I popped 3 of them out and swallowed them dry.

I then shakily went back to bed and got in.

My body wouldn't stop trembling.

Tha and Mew are probably going to get worried when they come back.

My eyelids started getting hewvier and heavier until i couldn't keept them open anymore.

I curled into a ball hugging one of the pillows and closed my eyes.

Mew's pov:

I stopped in my tracks when i saw that all the lights in the house were turned off.

I turned them on before looking around.

Not here.

I went upstairs.

There.

He was curled around a pillow on the bed.

Worry crawled up inside me when i saw how the sheets were a mess and the bathroom door was open.

I quickly went upto the bed and got on beside him.

"Tae?" I patted his head gently.

He didn't move. Didn't even flinch.

I looked towards the bathroom.

I got off the bed and went there.

There was a card of sleeping pills on the counter.

3 were missing.

I bit my lips.

He had an attack?

He hasn't taken any pills for a while.

I went back to the bed and pulled him into my arms.

"You should have called before taking pills..." I mumbled.

*****

Draft 30:

Ethan's pov:

I uncurled myself and took a deep breath.

Turn. Off.

I felt everything disappear in an instant.

All the pain, panic, fear. All of it. Gone.

I wiped my cheeks and pulled myself together.

I got out of bed and went into the closet.

I still can't get used to how you manage to do that so easily... Will muttered.

I smiled thinly as i changed into my clothes.

It's a new skill i developed not too long ago. Mostly out of need. I don't know how i do it either. It just works.

After i was done changing, i went out of the room and downstairs.

I went straight into the comfort room and sat down on the floor with a book in hand.

I smiled seeing how there were more books than i remember.

I immediately got immersed as i started reading.

Even if I'm able to turn off emotions easily, it still has some after effects.

For one, there's a huge void in my chest. I feel completely empty.

And that feeling is not too comfortable.

*******

Draft 31:

started feeling drowsy lulled by his voice and gentle touch.

I slowly fell asleep while holding his hand.

Mew's pov:

The door opened just as he fell asleep.

Thanit froze when he saw us.

I smiled warmly.

He quickly came upto the bed and got on beside us.

I put my finger on my lips.

"He fell asleep just now. Let's not wake him up." I whispered.

He nodded.

He quietly checked all his vitals.

"Nothing out of the ordinary." He sighed relieved.

I also breathed a relieved sigh.

I helped him gently remove some of the wires without waking him up.

He leaned in and kissed his forehead after putting away the wires.

Tae seems to recognise his touch and reached out to his hand unconsciously.

We chuckled softly as he curled into a ball while holding our hands.

Thanit sat beside me and leaned his head on my shoulder.

"Finally..."

"Yeah. He said Will and the others also came back." I said softly.

A wide smile formed on his face.

"He also got back some memories." I muttered.