A/N Very short interlude. Next chapter will be the first of the second arc. This time, with a confirmed release date of one/two days from now!

INTERLUDE

I know that I'm never going back. I know that it's impossible.

I know that.

So why can't I let them go?

They're still here. They come every time I'm alone in the house, away from Michael and Lindsay, away from everyone else. Sometimes they reappear in random places, where I'll be happily talking to Millie or Gavin.

They'll smile and cut in with a joke or pun that'll make me want to burst out laughing. They would hug me, tease me and ruffle my hair knowing that they can't do a thing to me.

They'll constantly force me to do better than I thought I could ever achieve, and watch me with a proud smile knowing that I'm finally doing things.

They'll sit quietly, maybe even read a book, while I talk aimlessly for hours. Or sometimes we'd just sit in silence.

I want to ask them why they're doing this. Why they're making me laugh until my sides hurt, work until I fall asleep on my desk and cherish my freedom.

But I know the answer. I know why they're here.

It's because I miss them.

Sometimes I'd find myself repeating our names together, to make sure I'd never forget how I said it and how they said it, even if there was an entire show that revolved around us. It wasn't accurate. It didn't show how many times Weiss helped with my work. It didn't show how much Yang cared for me. Hell, it didn't even show Blake and me interacting since our first meeting.

It didn't show how much I loved them. How much I needed them.

I wanted to remember the little things.

I didn't want to forget us.

Ruby, Weiss, Blake and Yang.

I'm sorry. I'm sorry I almost forgot you.