Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Rain's pov:

I was just coming out from my las class for the day when i noticed a familiar person standing near the gate.

My heart skipped a beat when our gazes locked.

But not in a good way.

It felt as if my blood had run cold.

I could see the anger simmering in his eyes even from this distance. And things never ended well for me when he got angry like that.

Oh god...

"Rain?" I flinched when i heard Sky's voice from beside me.

He was looking between that man and i with a questioning gaze.

"What's wrong? Do you know that person?" He looked at me.

I bit my lips and nodded slightly. "Th-that's... My f-ather..."

He blinked, obviously surprised. "Your father?"

I nodded again.

He looked at him before looking back at me with an intent expression.

"Do you want to go with him?"

I clutched the strap of my bag tightly in my hands.

"Rain, be honest with me." He stepped closer, squeezing my shoulder.

I slowly shook my head. "N-no... He's angry... I-it never ended well when he got angry... I'm scared..."

"Ok, come on." He took my hand and pulled me with him as he went back inside.

I was just relieved to get away from my father.
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He sat me down on a chair in an empty classroom before pulling his phone out.

I wrapped my arms around his waist, hugging him tightly and pressing my face to his stomach.

I don't want to be locked in that dark storage room again... I don't want to be hit again... Please... I'm scared...

I could feel his hand patting my head gently.

"P'Pai?.... Um, can you come pick me and Rain up? We're at the campus... No, we were planning on going together, yes but someone is standing at the gate... And Rain is scared. I don't know what he might try if we get near him... And we can't leave without nearing him... He parked his car in the outer paeking lot today since the inner one was full when he got here this morning... No, we're in a classroom right now... Yeah... Ok... Yeah, we'll wait here until you come... Ok... See you in a while..."

I could feel him putting his phone back in his pocket and then his arm wound around me, the other not stopping the patting on my head.

"It's ok. P'Pai is coming to get us. That man won't get anywhere near you as long as I'm here. I promise." He spoke in a firm tone.

I whimpered softly, clutching at his shirt at the back tightly.
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We stayed like that for i don't know how long.

He just kept patting my head and running his fingers through my hair gently.

He didn't try to push me away or make me let go even when a few tears escaped my eyes and wetted his shirt.

But finally, after what felt like and eternity, his phone started ringing.

He took it out of his pocket and picked it up, bringing it to his ear.

"Hello, p'Pai... Yes, we're still in the classroom... Entrance?..... Ok. We're coming there... Yeah..." He hung up and looked at me.

Entrance? But he's there at the gate...

I looked at him anxiously as i felt fear rise in my chest yet again.

"It's ok. P'Pai is inside the campus at the front door. Not the gate. He said he's parked in the inner parking lot so we can get in his car and leave."  He assured.

I felt a bit relaxed at that. Inner parking lot... Then i won't have to get near him... He can't reach me...

"Come on. Don't worry, if he tries anything, p'Pai said he will kick his ass." He smiled, pulling me to stand.

I couldn't help the small smile that formed on my face at that.
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When we got to the front door, p'Pai was standing there.

He perked up when he noticed us.

I was glued to Sky's side, clinging to his sleeve tightly. He had one of my hands in his in a firm grip.

P'Pai had a soft expression on his face as we approached him.

"It's ok, nong. No one will hurt either of you while I'm here. Let's get you to the garage, hm? Phayu said they're having a slow day today so he'll be able to give you some cuddles as well." He patted my head gently.

I immediately perked up when i heard that.

I can spend time with p'Phayu?

"Let's go then. That guy is giving me the creeps." Sky sighed, glancing at my father who was still standing at the gate, glaring straight at me.

I scooted to the side slightly so i was hidden behind p'Pai and out of his sight.

"Come on." P'Pai wrapped an arm around me and they led me down the stairs and toward the inner parking lot.

I kept my gaze on the ground the whole way, too scared to look up.
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When we got to the garage, p'Phayu was at the front, talking about something with p'Nui.

"Rain." I looked at Sky who was sitting next to me in the backseat.

"Tell p'Phayu about your dad ok? Don't hide it from him." He spoke firmly.

I bit my lips.

But i don't want to trouble him... He already has so much work on his shoulders...

"I don't want to hear anything about not wanting to trouble him or something. Because we all know he would never consider something like this a trouble. So you better tell him everything rather than just bottling things up." He pointed at me.

I cowered slightly under his heated gaze and nodded obediently.

"Good. Now it seems that he's noticed us. Why don't you get going?" P'Pai smiled.

I looked in the direction and sure enough, he was gazing at the car silently.

"Th-thank you for taking me here." I looked at p'Pai.

"You're hurting my feelings by thanking me for something like this, nong." He pouted.

I couldn't help but chuckle at his expression as i got out of the car.
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Sky's pov:

I got out of the car and got into the passenger's seat as he went toward p'Phayu.

P'Pai and i watched silently as he barrelled into p'Phayu who caught him while laughing happily.

"Can you do something about his father? I don't want to risk him getting targeted when alone or anything." I spoke, not taking my eyes off the scene.

"Already on it. I told Namtan to look into him before coming to pick you guys up." He replied also without averting his gaze from them.

P'Phayu was now peppering his face with kisses and nuzzling him.

He had his back to me but i could imagine the wide and contented smile he would have on his face right now. And he's probably purring or preening too.

Physical contact always makes him melt so easily.

P'Phayu reached under him, picking him up easily, before turning and walking inside.

He seemed to notice the car as he propped his head on his shoulder as he walked.

A smile formed on my face as well when he smiled and waved at us.

He couldn't really see us since the windows were tinted though.

"His mood seems better already." P'Pai chuckled.

"P'Phayu has that effect on him." I sat properly in my seat and put on my seat belt as he started the car.

He hummed in agreement and started pulling out onto the road.
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Rain's pov:

I sniffled and hiccuped softly as he pulled me into his lap, letting me nuzzle into his neck.

The tears were starting to slow down but my body was still trembling slightly.

But i felt so safe in that moment. Wrapped up in his strong arms, his hand rubbing my back so gently.

"It's ok, baby. I'm right here now. No one will be able to do anything to you again. Not even your parents." He spoke in a soft but firm voice.

I had told him about my father.

About how i used to get locked up in the dark storage room if i acted out. About how he would beat me up sometimes if i was too loud.

About how he came to the campus today.

And now, he's really mad.

But i knew the anger wasn't directed at me.

I knew i would be safe in these arms. In my home.

I'm safe with him.

Unlike in that house.

I don't need to be scared here.
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I frowned and rubbed my eyes as i sat down on the bench.

I couldn't seem to focus properly no matter how hard i try.

My mind felt hazy. It felt as if my head was filled with cotton.

I don't feel sleepy or anything though.

Just unfocused.

It wasn't this bad when p'Phayu and i went to bed last night.

I felt a bit disconnected after talking about my father with him, but i was able to go on with the rest of the day without too much trouble.

I thought it would go away after a good night's sleep.

But it's worse today than it was yesterday.

I wasn't able to concentrate in any lectures today. I don't remember anything any lecturers said.

I don't know why I'm like this.

Sky had to go to his dad's since he got a call that he was sick. So I'm by myself today.

The rest of the gang are also busy with some other things.

So here i am, sitting at a bench in rhe courtyard by myself.

I don't think it's a good idea to drive while I'm like this. I might end up crashing. I don't want to worry anyone.

I shook my head and slapped my cheeks lightly, trying to get rid of the haze.

But instead of clearing it up, the stinging in my cheeks made me tear up instead.

I felt really sensitive. Even though the pain wasn't that much, i felt my bottom lip quivering.

Hurt...

I could feel the haze getting thicker even.

It was getting harder and harder to think straight.

P'Phayu... I need p'Phayu...

I took my phone out of my pocket, fumbling with it for afew seconds.

I tapped the first number in my list that started with a 'p'. Hopefully it's p'Phayu.

I rubbed my eyes and a small whine escaped my lips as i brought the phone to my ear.

I'm scared... It's so hard to focus... I don't know what's wrong... And I'm alone...

More tears formed in my eyes as those thoughts rang in my head.

Fear started crawling up inside me fast.

"Hello, n'Rain?"

It's not p'Phayu.

Noo... But i want p'Phayu...

A soft sob escaped my lips as my vision blurred with tears.

"N'Rain? Are you ok? Why are you crying? Did something happen?" The voice asked quickly.

I tried to wipe the tears in my eyes but more and more kept forming, making my efforts useless.

And that just made me more frustrated.

Why is everything so hard?!

I don't like this!

I want p'Phayu!

"Want daddy..." I sobbed as tears started streaming down my face.

"Daddy? You mean Phayu?" The voice muttered.

I nodded quickly. "Yeah! Rain want daddy! Rain scared! All alone! Not safe! Can't do anything right! Everything so hard! Rain feel cloudy! Daddy fix it and keep Rain safe!"

There was a few seconds of silence.

Even more tears formed in my eyes and a loud whine escaped my lips.

Frustration and fear bubbled in my stomach making a louder sob escape my lips.

"Hey hey hey. Rainy don't cry. How about you first take a deep breath ok?" The voice spoke.

I whined even louder, flailing my free hand and legs around. "No! Rain want daddy! Rain don't like this!"

"Hey, Rainy." I flinched and snapped my head to the right when i heard another voice.

I frowned when i saw Sig and Por standing there, giving me worried looks.

"What's going on huh? Why are you crying so loudly?" Por asked.

"Rain just want daddy! Why daddy not here?!" I yelled, dropping my phone as i brought both my hands to cover my face.

"Hey hey, Rainy. How about we calm down first, hm? We'll call your daddy for you ok? Just take some breaths." Sig moved closer putting his hands on my shoulders.

I looked at him hopefully. "Really? Call daddy for Rain?"

He smiled and nodded. "Yes, of course."

Por took my phone from the ground and brought it to his ear.

"Hello p'.... I'm no sure either... But we can take a guess by his behaviour... I think it'll be better if you come pick him up as fast as you can... He had told us earlier today that p'Phayu will be going to a site today and won't be reachable till tomorrow... Ok... Yes, of course. We'll stay with him till you get here... Yes..."

Eh? Daddy not come?

I whimpered as more tears formed in my eyes.

"Daddy not coming for Rain? Why daddy not coming? Rain want daddy! Not p'!"

"Dammit, i forgot about that detail." Sig muttered.

"Your daddy just has a lot of work today. He will come home tomorrow, remember?" Por came closer.

I sobbed and shook my head, pushing them away.

"Rain want daddy now! Call daddy!"

"Rainy, we can't call him. The area he is doesn't have signals. You told us that." Sig sighed.

But... But...

Daddy keep Rain safe...

If daddy not here...

Then Rain not safe...

Rain get hurt...

That man...

He take Rain to dark place...

Rain don't want!

Rain don't like!

Rain need safe!

Rain need to hide till daddy come!

That way that man not find Rain!

Hide!

Chapter Text

Pai's pov:

I gripped the steering wheel tightly as i drove as fast as i can.

Fuck... This is not something i was expecting to happen...

And it couldn't have happened at a worst time even...

Honestly, I'm not very surprised. But still.

The timing and place is the worst.

Fuck.
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I rushed inside after pulling up near the campus.

I called Rain's number, knowing his friend would pick it up.

And i was proven right when it was picked up after the 2nd ring.

"I'm at the campus? Where is he?" I asked quickly.

"In the courtyard. Come quickly." He replied.

I hung up and dashed in the direction of the courtyard.

The place was mostly empty since most classes had ended.

I could see a few students roaming around but the courtyard wasn't occupied.

Good. He didn't draw attention.

I looked around, trying to find him.

I spotted his friends, i think their names were Sig and Por, near a tree at the far corner.

They gestured for me to come when they noticed me.

I didn't waste any time before rushing to them.
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"Where is he?" I asked as i approached them.

"He dashed here and hid behind the tree not long after you hung up. He panicked when we told him we can't call p'Phayu. We kept a distance since we didn't want him running off again." Sig explained, pointing at the tree.

I pursed my lips.

Great.

"Why did you have to tell him that detail while he was already crying?" I groaned.

They looked guilty at that.

I took a deep breath anc composed myself before slowly going around the tree, peeking behind it.

There he was. Curled into a tight ball, with his face buried in his knees.

He was visibly shaking and whimpering softly.

I stepped to the side more so he would be able to see me more clearly but kept a bit of distance so he wouldn't get spooked.

"Rain? Can you hear me?" I asked softly as i knelt to match his eye level.

He flinched and peeked at me from between his arms and knees.

I smiled warmly. "Hi there. It's just me."

"Daddy?" He mumbled, in a small, shaky voice.

"Daddy is not here right now. But he told p' to take care of his sunshine while he's gone." I answered.

That's a lie, but whatever.

He told that to Saifah.

But that's an issue for another time.

"Daddy keep Rain safe. Daddy not here. Rain not safe. Rain scared. Rain don't want to go to dark place. Rain don't want hurt." He whimpered.

Of course, Phayu is his safe space.

Both in his usual headspace and now.

"P' will also keep you safe. Will you let p' keep you safe until daddy comes?" I asked.

He lifted his head a bit more, giving me a searching look.

He had tear trails on his cheeks and his eyes were red from crying.

"I promise i will not let anyone hurt you. No one will take you to the dark place or hurt you. You can stay with p' where it will be safe. Until daddy comes." I assured.

"P'... Safe?" He asked softly.

I nodded. "Of course. I will always keep our sunshine safe. Remember i told you before?"

I could see as his cheeks flushed and he hid his face a bit.

Awww... He's still shy with pet names...

I smiled softly. "Will you trust p'? P' promise p' will keep you safe and away from anything scary."

"Daddy come right?" He asked.

I nodded. "He will come, definitely. Rain can wait with p' until he comes."

"Sky trust p'... P' safe..." He muttered, obviously to himself.

My heart softened as i heard his words.

"That's right. P' is safe."

It does sting a bit, knowing he's this unsure about me being a safe person.

But we haven't really had any chance to get close, so i can understand a bit.

But it still stings.

Especially when i see how close he's gotten with Saifah recently.

Sky had told about their bonding.

Yes, i am jealous. Sue me.

But i can't really show that right now. Can't make the situation worse.

I perked up when he slowly uncurled from the tight ball he had formed himself into.

"P'Pai... Rain sorry... Rain feel so cloudy, Rain not recognise... Rain thought stranger..." He fiddled with his sleeves as he looked down.

I blinked.

Oh?

He didn't recognise me until now?

"Rain know p'Pai safe... P'Pai keep Sky safe... Sky said p'Pai keep Rain safe too..." He muttered.

The sting disappeared instantly.

Well then.

"I'm glad you know p' is safe. Can you come with me? We can go to my place and you can stay there until your daddy comes." I spoke softly.

He nodded. "Ok. Rain trust p'Pai. P'Pai help Rain get away from the mean person too."

I knew he was referring to his father.

"Good boy. Come here." I reached out toward him.

He reached out and put his hands in mine, letting ms tug him toward me.

"I'll always keep our sunshine safe, ok? You don't need to be scared with me." I whispered as i gently scooped him up in my arms as i got to my feet.

He snuggled into my embrace nuzzling against my neck.

My heart did a small leap at the adorable noise he made as he settled down.
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"Sunshine?" I looked at him after we were in my car.

He was curled up in the passenger seat that was slightly reclined.

He blushed as he gazed at me shyly.

So cute.

"Can you tell p' how old you are?" I asked gently.

He frowned slightly.

"Rain is... Rain feel... Small?"

So he hasn't realised that he's slipped yet.

Ok.

"How small?" I encouraged.

He looked at his hand, seeming to count on his fingers.

His concentrated expression was adorable.
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"This many." He showed me 4 fingers after a few seconds.

Ok. Not very small. Good.

"Is that so? You're so smart, figuring that out by yourself." I smiled, ruffling his hair gently.

He giggled softly, leaning into my touch.

"Rain smart?"

"Yup. The smartest." I chuckled.

"Sky smarter than Rain though!" He pouted.

"Nope. Rain is the smartest." I shook my head.

He giggled, squirming a bit in his seat.

I started the car, settling down in my seat properly.
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I tapped my arm impatiently as i listened to the line ring.

But it went unanswered.

Great. Phayu is unreachable.

I guess the signal comes and goes there. Now it seems to be there, but he's probably busy if he's not picking up.

Hopefully i can keep Rain distracted until tomorrow without another crying episode.

I left him a message, briefly explaining the situation to him.

I looked at the couch, where Rain was.

I had helped him change into one of my sweaters, which was oversized on him and reached his mid thighs.

He refused to wear pants so i just let him be like that. Thankfully i did manage to convince him into keeping the throw blanket over his legs so they won't get cold.

He was curled up, watching pink panther on the tv.

He was chewing on one of the chew toys Namtan had given to me as a joke after seeing me nibble on a pen once.

He kept nibbling on his clothes the whole way here so I'm glad i had those.

I pocketed my phone and went to the couch, sitting down beside him.

He was completely engrossed in the cartoon and didn't notice me.

I took my phone out and snapped a few pictures.

I wonder what i can make Phayu do by using these as a bribe?

I grinned as i looked at the pictures.

I looked at Rain when i felt him poke me.

"P'Pai, can Rain have hot chocolate? Rain little hungry..."

"Oh. Did you have lunch yet?" I asked.

He shook his head.

"Then we shoukd get some food in you too. Not only hot chocolate. Wait here. I'll make something quickly." I got up and ruffled his hair.

I was about to go tward the small kitchen but was stopped by his hand clutching the edge of my shirt.

"Rain is ok with only hot chocolate too. Rain don't want to trouble p'Pai." He looked at me anxiously.

I frowned slightly.

"It's not any trouble, sunshine. P' wants to feed you food ok? You can have some hot chocolate too. But not only that. You need to have food as well. It's not good to skip meals." I reached out and patted his head gently.

"Really? But Rain ok, you know. Rain won't be needy. Rain will be good. Rain can be quiet." He tugged at my shirt lightly.

I could feel a tightening in my chest as i heard his words.

Did his parents teach this shit to him?

Needy? For asking for food when he's hungry? Fucking seriously?

I took a deep breath to compose myself before looking at him again.

I sta down on the arm of the chair, tilting his head so he was looking at me.

"Rain is not needy at all. Rain don't need to be quiet either. P' won't mind at all if Rain is loud even. And p' will be so happy if Rain asks for the things he wants. And not keep quiet." I spoke in a gentle but firm tone.

"P'Pai really mean that? Promise? Not joke?" His eyes widened as he looked at me hopefully.

I had to forcefully stomp down the rage that boiled inside me hearing the raw pleading and hope in his voice.

I'm not going spare those shits...

But for now...

I smiled reassuringly, trying my best not to let my anger show.

"I really really mean it. I promise. It's not a joke."

I guess i succeeded in masking my rage when i saw a bright smile forming on his face.

I could feel my eyes sting slightly as he giggled happily and wrapped his arms around my waist, pressing his cheek to my stomach.

The bare minimum... And it makes him smile this brightly... And makes him this happy...

I wrapped my arms around him as well, patting his head gently.

His stomach growled loudly just then, snapping me out of my thoughts.

He whined softly, tightening his arms around me.

I could see how his cheeks flushed in embarrassment.

"It's ok, sunshine. I'll just make something very quick ok? Can you wait a little?" I combed back his hair slightly.

He pulled back and nodded. "Rain good. Rain wait."

"I know Rain is always such a good boy." I ruffled his hair as i got up.

He giggled softly.
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I sat down next to him on the couch with a plate of simple egg fried rice i had put together along with a glass of orange juice.

He looked at the plate as i set down the glass of juice on the coffee table.

I didn't miss the disappointment in his expression.

"Did you want to eat something else?" I asked.

He bit his lips and shook his head quickly. "No. Rain ok with anything."

"Rainy, what did i say earlier?" I chided gently.

He looked down at his lap, fiddling with the sleeves of the sweater as he mumbled in a soft voice which i almost couldn't hear.

"Want bibimbap..."

Ahh. Korean.

"How about this? You eat this now, and for when you're hungry again, I'll order some bimbap for you. So you can eat that then. If we order it now, it'll take a while to come. And i don't want you to stay hungry for that long." I suggested.

He perked up at looked at me wide eyed.

"Rain can eat again when hungry again?"

I blinked.

What?

"Of... Of course you can eat again when you get hungry again. Did you not eat dinner before?" I asked slowly, dreading his answer.

He shook his head. "Daddy always tell Rain to eat 3 time everyday. He lets Rain eat snacks too. But before, Rain only get food one time everyday."

....... I'm going to fucking ruin them...

Even if it's the last thing i do... They're going to fucking pay...

I stomped down the rage again, putting on a smile again.

I put the plate on the coffee table and turned to face him fully, taking his hands into mine.

He was giving me a curious look.

"Sunshine, remember this for me ok? Listen carefully." I spoke gently.

He nodded. "Ok. Rain listen."

"Good boy." I squeezed his hands gently.

He smiled proudly at that.

"Now. Your daddy always makes sure you eat 3 meals a day, and get snacks between meals too, right?" I asked.

He nodded.

"So. When you're with Sky, Saifah, and i too, we will do the same. You won't ever have to stay hungry when you're with us. Never. If you're hungry, you tell us. And we'll always give you something to eat. I promise you that." I spoke firmly.

"Rain know. P'Saifah and Sky scold Rain if Rain not eat. Rain never hungry now. Rain always have full tummy." He smiled.

I smiled as well, giving his hands another squeeze. "I'm very happy to hear that. But keep in mind in the future too ok? Never hesitate to tell us if you're hungry. It will never be any trouble and it's not needy either."

He nodded. "Rain will remember. Tell when hungry."

"Such a good boy, hm?" I reached up and patted his head.

He smiled proudly, purring softly.

"Rain good."

"Yes, you are. Now it's time for our good boy to eat. We need to fill that tummy." I took the plate from the coffee table.

"P'Pai feed Rain? Rain want p'Pai feed." He looked at me hopefully.

My heart all about melted at those words.

How can i deny him anything when he asks like that?

"Sure i will. Now, open wide." I brought a spoonful of rice to his mouth.

He opened his mouth obediently.

Chapter Text

Pai's pov:

Thankfully, he finished all the rice without trouble.

After washing the dishes, i ordered some bibimbap to be delivered for dinnertime so i wouldn't forget.
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I smiled softly as he snuggled close to me when i sat down on the couch next to him.

I wrapped an arm around him, tugging the blanket securely around him as he laid his head on ny chest.

He had a content smile on his face as he watched the cartoon. He had the chew toy in his mouth again.

He's so cute.

I brought my other hand to his hair, combing my fingers through it gently.

He leaned into the touch, melting against me.

He's quieter when he's little.

Much less hyper than normal.

From what I've observed, the regression seems to have brought back the bad memories from his childhood as well. Which is why he's so quiet.

I took a few deep breaths to control my anger yet again.
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I looked at him after a while when i felt him lean his whole weight against me.

His eyes were now closed and his breathing was steady.

I chuckled as i realised he had fallen asleep.

I slowly straightened up and scooped him up in my arms, before heading to the bedroom.
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He whined and tugged at my shirt when i tried to get up after laying him down.

"P'Pai don' go 'way..." He opened his eyes halfway and looked at me.

"Ssshhh... P' isn't going anywhere. It's ok. I'm right here." I whispered gently, laying down next to him and pulling him into my arms.

He snuggled into my chest, relaxing against me. "Safe..."

"Yes, safe. Always safe with me." I smiled as i pulled the duvet to cover us.

He didn't react. I could feel his steady breathing against my skin again. He had fallen back asleep.

I closed my eyes and let myself fall asleep as well.
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I was woken up when i felt a poke on my cheek.

I slowly opened my eyes, blinking quickly to adjust my vision.

The first thing i noticed was that my arms were empty.

But before i could panic, i noticed him sitting next to me on the bed, looking down at me.

Oh, so that's the poke i felt.

I noticed it was dark out.

We slept for a while, huh?

"P'Pai, Rain hungry again. Can Rain have food?" He asked.

I sat up, stretching my back and arms.

I looked at the time on the digital clock on the nightstand before looking at him with a smile. "Of course, you can. The food will be here in a while. I already ordered bibimbap for you."

He smiled widely. "Yayy! Rain can have bibimbap!"

I chuckled, ruffling his hair gently. "Yes, you can!"
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After eating, we played different games.

Hide and seek, tag, tickle war, pillow fight, even some light wrestling. (yes, i let him win everything. What kind of person do you think i am?)

His loud giggles and squeals rang in the air the whole time.

It was so adorable and warmed my heart so much.

Seeing him be so open and hyper was a breath of fresh air after how it had started off.

Plus, i got so many videos and pictures i can use as bribes.
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I was woken up the next morning by the ringing of my phone.

Rain whined and buried his face in my chest as i blindly reached out to the nightstand and took it.

I had to blink a few times to clear my vision and see the caller ID.

Phayu.

Finally got a proper signal and time, huh?

I picked it up and brought it to my ear. "Glad to hear from you, friend."

"Is he ok?" His worried voice came from the other end.

"You just woke him up by calling, but he's fine. Like i said in my text." I sighed.

He was nuzzling against my chest and obviously just starting to wake up.

I patted his head gently with one hand.

I could hear Phayu breathing a relieved sigh. "I had a few suspicions about that happening since the day before yesterday because of how he was acting, but i thought i was just over analysing it."

I couldn't help but scoff at that. "Obviously, you weren't over analysing it."

"Yeah, no shit. I should have trusted my guts and stayed home with him." He groaned.

I yawned softly. "Just get here now. He's fine and unharmed. You two can talk about it and figure things out together."

"I'm on my way. I'll be there in 3 hours." He said and hung up.

I looked at Rain as he sat up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

I did hear about how he's definitely not a morning person.

Phayu would sometimes grumble about how it took so long for him to actually wake up every morning.

It's adorable.

"Good morning." I smiled when he looked at me.

He blinked a few times.

He's back to his normal headspace.

"P'Pai? What am i doing here?" He frowned as he looked around and down at himself.

"What's the last thing you remember?" I asked instead of answering.

He thought for a few seconds before answering. "I was sitting at a bench in the courtyard.. I was scared because p'Phayu wasn't there... Then nothing."

I nodded.

I guess that's about the time he actually slipped fully.

"You slipped into little space yesterday." I said simply.

He froze and looked at me wide-eyed. "I... What?"

So he's not completely clueless about what it is. That's good.

I hummed. "You called me, thinking you were calling Phayu. And panicked when you realised he would be unreachable yesterday. Thankfully, your friends Sig and Por found you and stayed with you till i got there."

I could see as he visibly tried to process the information.

"Is that... Why i felt so foggy and unfocused?"

I nodded. "The initial slip always tends to be like that. I wouldn't know personally but It's what I've heard from a lot of the littles I've known. And since you've never experienced it, it's no wonder you panicked."

He slowly nodded. "S-so... You brought me here?"

I hummed. "I couldn't just drop you off at Phayu's when i know neither of them were going to be there."

"Plus, it was absolutely adorable, seeing your 4 year old version. You're so cute normally, but even cuter when you're little. You trailed behind me wherever i went, and clung to me like a baby koala." I grinned.

His face flushed a deep red as he lowered his gaze.

I scooted closer to him."I've been so jealous of Saifah you know."

He looked at me surprised. "Eh? Why was p' jealous of p'Saifah?"

"Because he was getting so much attention and love from our cute sunshine." I pouted sadly.

He blinked, flushing even deeper at the pet name.

"Wh-what?"

"I want another cute baby brother too, you know. But only Saifah got one. I didn't get any attention even. I felt so lonely." I muttered in the saddest tone i could muster.

"I... I didn't mean to make p' sad. P' didn't say..." He looked down again.

I could tell he was conflicted between panicking and being happy.

Sky had told me about how happy he was when he realised Saifah had become his big brother.

"Hmmm... You're right. I didn't say anything. It's my fault for not being direct enough. But now... Will n'Rain become my baby brother too?" I smiled sweetly.

A shy smile formed on his face and i could see tears prickling his eyes as he nodded without hesitation.

"I-if p' wants me... I would love to have another big brother too..."

I immediately wrapped my arms around him, pulling him down on top of me.

He landed with a small yelp.

"Of course i want you. You're the cutest baby brother i have." I peppered kisses on his cheek and temple.

He giggled softly, leaning into my touch.
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Phayu's pov:

"........ Seems like we missed another few episodes....." Sky muttered as we stared at the scene infront of us.

"It seems so..." I mumbled.

We had met infront of the building and come in together.

He said his dad was doing better so he decided to surprise Pai by coming to his condo.

We used his spare key to come in.

And the scene we were greeted with was surprising to say the least.

Pai and Rain were curled up together on the couch, Rain wrapped up in Pai's arms and a soft throw blanket.

Rain was literally in Pai's lap and leaning against his chest.

They were engrossed in a movie that was playing on the tv and didn't even notice us come in.

Since when were they this close?

Is Rain still little?

Is that why they're cuddling like that?

I stepped inside a bit more, successfully catching Rain's attention.

He immediately lit up when he saw me.

"P'Phayu!"

Ok, so not little.

Pai let him go as he scrambled to get up.

I watched as Pai chuckled fondly and unwrapped the blanket from around him when he struggled with it.

He was wearing what was obviously one of Pai's t-shirts judging by how it was so big on him and shorts.

"Welcome back!" He barrelled straight into me after he was finally free from the blanket.

I caught him easily, wrapping my arms around him. "I'm back, baby."

"Seems like you two were having fun." Sky stepped up next to me.

Pai perked up at quickly got up as well, coming up to him.

"Welcome back, my Sky. How's your dad?"

"He's much better now. But since when have you two been this close?" Sky pointed between him and Rain.

Rain pressed himself against me, burying his face in my chest.

I knew he was embarrassed without even looking at him.

"I was just cuddling with my baby brother." Pai grinned.

Baby...

Really?

On the day I'm not here again?

"P'Pai took care of me when i was little. We played many games and had so much fun." Rain giggled, looking up at me with shining eyes.

I could feel as my heart melted seeing how he was radiating happiness.

"Little?" Sky looked at him surprised.

"I didn't know about it before either. But i slipped when i was in campus yesterday. I accidentally called p'Pai when trying to call p'Phayu. So he picked me up and brought me here." Rain explained.

Pai had explained that much in his text.

"I'm glad you didn't get hurt." I kissed the crown of his head.

"P'Pai kept me safe." He smiled.

"Of course, i kept our sunshine safe." Pai gently caressed his cheek with his finger with a fond smile.

Rain giggled softly, nuzzling into my chest to hide his face.

Sky and i glanced at each other.

I knew we were thinking the same thing in that moment.

Why can't cute developments like this take place when I'm here too?