Chapter Text
Time passed in a blur of healing and understanding.
It had been weeks since the chaotic, fragmented events that had shaken Haise's world. Slowly, the pieces of his life began to fall back into place, though some gaps remained, things he couldn’t fully comprehend yet. He had grown more accustomed to the presence of his alters, the voices in his head no longer as terrifying but rather... part of him. They weren’t just fragments of his trauma anymore; they were pieces of his survival, his identity.
Nishiki had forgiven him. The bite, once a point of anger and fear, was no longer an issue between them. Haise had apologized profusely for the moment of rage he had lost control over, but Nishiki, after a long talk, understood. He had his own demons, after all. They had found common ground. They were both survivors in their own way, and in a quiet, unspoken bond, they had come to an understanding. Nishiki had become a stable part of Haise's recovery, someone who knew the struggle, someone who didn’t judge.
Kimi, too, had learned of Haise’s DID. When Haise had explained it to her, the disbelief in her eyes had been palpable, but the sincerity had carried her through the confusion. They had sat down together, a careful conversation unfolding. Haise had been honest, too honest, maybe, but Kimi had listened patiently, trying to understand. She apologized for the things she had said in the past, not fully realizing how much Haise had been carrying, and they parted ways as friends.
Sassan takes hold of the body from time to time to hang out with Kimi. They had been friends first, after all. They went to cafés together, sometimes hanging out in quiet parks, and their conversations were light and easy.
Sassan had taken on the role of someone who didn’t dwell on the deep, emotional struggles that Haise was dealing with. Instead, she provided Kimi with a distraction, offering her a different kind of companionship, something more carefree. Even though she struggled with hypersexuality and dysphoria, she was strong, and Haise knew she would thrive.
As for Haise, his bond with Hide deepened during this time. The late-night conversations shifted from the pain of the past to the hope of the future. Hide never judged, never pushed him to open up more than he was ready to. He had always been there for Haise, but now, there was something more between them. A connection that, despite the complexities of Haise’s mind, felt natural and true.
Touka, too, remained a steady presence. She had truly become the ‘mom friend’ of their little group, her protective nature offering everyone a sense of stability. She wasn’t just there for Haise, but for everyone. She took care of them in the way only she could, unwavering, strong, and filled with warmth.
One evening, after spending time with Sassan and Kimi, Haise found himself sitting next to Hide on a park bench, the cool night air wrapping around them. Hide leaned back casually, but Haise noticed the small, thoughtful glance he sent his way. It was almost as if he had been waiting for this moment.
"Haise," Hide said softly, breaking the silence. "How are you feeling?"
Haise turned toward him, a small smile tugging at his lips. "I’m... better. More at peace with myself. It’s still a struggle, but I’m managing."
Hide’s smile was soft, full of understanding. "I’m glad to hear that." He leaned forward slightly, his voice quieter as he added, "You’ve been through so much, Haise. I think it’s about time you started giving yourself some credit."
Haise let out a soft breath. "Maybe... maybe I’ll start doing that."
There was a silence between them, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. It was a silence that spoke volumes.
"Haise," Hide said again, his voice filled with sincerity. "You’re not alone in this, you know. Not anymore."
Haise’s heart skipped a beat, the weight of his past and his disorder no longer felt as crushing as it once had. With Hide by his side, the future seemed just a little bit brighter.
"Yeah," Haise said softly, his gaze meeting Hide’s. Tentatively reaching for his hand. "I know. And... thank you. For sticking by me."
Hide smiled, a soft, knowing smile. Reached back, squeezing his hand. "You don’t have to thank me. I’ve always been here, Haise. I always will be."
“And what about the others?” He asked, suddenly insecure.
“What about them?” Hide frowned, confused.
“Will you be there for them too?” He looked down at their hands, he couldn't look at Hide.
Hide with his other hand and grasped his chin. His expression was open, and a sweet smile graced his lips. “Of course.”
“Really?”
Hide closed the distance between them. Their foreheads touching. He gazed into his friend's eyes.
“Really,”
“Okay,” Haise closed his eyes.
He felt Hide pull back and kiss his cheek tenderly.
And maybe just maybe things would be all right.