**Sang**

"Sang! Baby wake up! Sang!" I hear North calling out to me, pulling me out of the fog. "Baby what the hell happened?"

I know he's gonna worry, he told me to tell him about my nightmares. I don't think I can do that to him. I try to play it off by moving off the covers and saying, "Liam Neeson dream" and getting out of bed.

"Sang."

I walk over to the window while saying, "We had kidnapped his daughter and he just would not stop." I try and laugh it off.

"Baby."

"They've made three of those movies. Sometimes you just have to wonder if he's a bad parent."

"Sang!" North puts his hands on my waist and turns me around. "Baby, talk to me." His eyes pleading with me to listen, to trust him. "Please."

I step closer to him, laying my head on his chest, putting my arms around his waist, listening to his strong heartbeat helps center my mind.

"Baby please."

"You weren't here."

**North**

She looks so broken. I can't stand seeing her like this.

"Baby what happened? What did you dream about? What happened with Kayli?"

"In my dream, we were all together and having a good time. Even Kayli and her guys. I turned around for like 2 seconds, and then you were gone. All of you were gone. I was all alone again."

She then goes into what Kayli said to her without knowing the reason behind it. With Kayli knowing the issues Sang has with her step-mother and what she's done to her; that shit is unforgiveable.

**Kayli**

Waking up between Corey and Marc, on their floor, feeling deliciously sore, is amazing. Unfortunately, the feeling is short lived when I sit up to look at the time and remember why I was here last night in the first place. That horrible fight with Sang. In retrospect, I wasn't even mad at her. I was taking my frustrations with the skank squad out on her. She doesn't deserve that from me, or anybody. I hope one of those boys of hers were there for her. Knowing them, they were probably there as soon as I left. I have to find a way to talk to her, to apologize for being such an idiot.

"Bambi? Babe, you ok?" I hear Marc ask me.

"What am I going to do guys?" I ask while rolling into him. "She must hate me. God, the things I said to her! How am I going to apologize to her?"

"I'd be more concerned about getting anywhere near her." Corey says while wrapping around me. "The Blackbourne team are seriously protective of each other, and they consider her one of their own now. Depending on what happened after you left, they probably won't let anyone near her."

Oh great. How on earth am I going to fix this now? Sang is the only person, besides my brother, that I consider family. I can't believe how royally I fucked this up. I get dressed in one of Corey's t-shirts, and Marc's boxer briefs and basketball shorts and put on my sneakers, before we head out to class. I really hope I can fix this.

**Marc**

Damn, I hate seeing Kayli like this, I really wish I could fix it for her, but my mind is still stuck on what happened last night. That shit was incredible! And to find out Corey's not gay, but in fact bi? That just opened the door to so many possibilities. I mean, don't get me wrong, I've always thought Corey was good looking, but he's on my team. He's family. I'd never thought of going there with him because of what it could do to the group, but now...now that I've kissed him...now that we've been together, even with Kayli...I'm not sure if I can just let this go back to what it was. There's a connection there, and I think it's about time I explored it.

**Victor**

I'm grabbing my books for Japanese from my room, when I get pulled into a group text from North.

Group Text

North: Who has class today with Sang Baby?

Me: I do.

Owen: I do as well.

Sean: Technically I do. How is she feeling?

Silas: Is Aggele Mou ok?

Kota: Did she tell you what happened?

Gabriel: Luke's in the shower, but is there anything we can do for her?

Nathan: How is she?

North: I hate seeing her like this. She told me what happened, I don't want her to be alone longer than necessary. Si, she had another nightmare. I think instead of the guy's night we had planned, we should just have a FM and keep Sang close. What Kayli did to her was fucked up.

Me: What did she do to Princess?

Owen: While I don't know exactly what went on, I'll agree with your assessment North. I'll bring Sang to the house after our class, where she will stay in my room while we have our family meeting in the dining room. Does 6pm work with everyone?

North: That's fine, baby says she only has those two classes today so her schedule is clear.

Nathan: Works for me, North and I will head over after we get out of shop.

Kota: I finish class at 12:30 so I'll wait at the house.

Sean: Silas and I finish class at 2:15 so we'll be at the house after that.

Silas: What Doc said. Did she tell you what the nightmare was about?

Me: My last class is with Sang, so I'll head to the house after that.

Gabriel: I get out at 3 so t works for me.

Luke: I'm out at 2:30 so I'll be there.

Nathan: How often does she have these nightmares?

North: We'll talk about it at the meeting. Vic, get over here so we can take baby to class.

Me: On my way.

Owen: Stay focused gentleman, see you at 6.

After reading Owen's last message, I grab my books and head over to Sang's room. What I see when North opens the door breaks my heart. She's wearing black sweatpants with a grey t-shirt and black sneakers. Her hair is in a messy ponytail, and her eyes aren't filled with the joy I'm used to seeing in them. She's still beautiful, she's always beautiful, but she looks so miserable. Now I know what North was talking about.

"Hey Princess."

"Hi Victor." Even her voice is dead.

My poor Princess. I pull her into a hug, where she holds on tighter than ever before. Almost like she's afraid I'll leave her. Oh Princess, I'd never leave you. I place a kiss on her forehead and hold her tighter.

"Come on Princess, let's get to class."

I grab her hand and interlace our fingers, and North moves to her other side after locking her door. We get to the classroom with a few minutes to spare and I see Kayli, Corey, and Marc, sitting in their usual seats. North hands me her books and goes to talk to Sean while I steer Princess into the seats closest to the door. When North gets back to us, he tells me that he had Sang leave her phone in the room. From all the finger tapping Kayli is doing on her phone, I can see that was done for the best. North stays with us in class, and together we form a barrier between Sang and Kayli. I know that eventually they'll need to talk this out, but right now is not the time.

**North**

The professor ends class a few minutes early, which gives Victor time to get Sang Baby out of here while Sean and I run interference with Kayli, Marc, and Corey.

"They need to talk North." Marc tells me while wrapping an arm around Kayli.

"And I agree." Sean states, "But not right now. I haven't heard the exacts of what happened after I left Kayli, but the girl that walked in this classroom today was not our Sang."

"Your Sang?" Kayli questions angrily. "Before a few weeks ago, you didn't even know she existed! You know NOTHING about her, or what she's gone through. I do!"

"Which is exactly why I can't fathom why you would ever say such hurtful, hateful things to her!" I but in. "Sang told me what she's been through and what you've done to help her. So I can't understand how you can call her your friend, hell your sister! And still say that to her."

"Don't you think I know that!" She screams back. Thankfully the class has cleared out by now, or we'd have a whole shit show on our hands. "I'm trying to apologize! I know what I did was wrong! I know that I don't deserve her forgiveness, but I still have to try! And no one is going to stop me."

"You'll talk to Sang when we deem it safe for her stability." Sean interjects.

"Who are you to deem anything about Sang's stability!?" Kayli yells out.

"A doctor, in case you missed the memo. Corey, Marc, I suggest you take Kayli someplace to cool off while we try to fix the mess she created. Let's go North."

Without another word, and without waiting for their reaction, Sean and I turn away and leave the classroom. I've never seen Sean so passionate about anyone outside of our family. Which I suppose is still true. Somehow, this strong little girl has managed to wiggle her way inside of our family and our hearts. I think it's time to put in for adoption.

**Owen**

After walking into my business class, I get a text from Sean.

Sean: I'm not sure if Axel knows about what happened with Kayli and Sang, but Marc and Corey were extremely defensive about it in class. She looks broken Owen, protect her.

Me: With my life.

I haven't had the privilege to be privy to Sang's life before coming here, but even without that knowledge, I can tell that she is carrying the baggage still. I can only hope that my brothers and I will be able to help her with it. This darling, daring, stubborn little slip of a girl has managed to get under the skin of every member of my team. How? And how is it that she has managed to get under mine as well? She just pops up one day and bam! How is this possible?

Victor brings Sang into class, and I can see what Sean meant by her looking broken. The light from her eyes has disappeared, and it saddens me immensely. Victor whispers something into her ear, to which she nods, before he places a kiss on her lips. Are they together? Officially? I'll have to get the story on that tonight at the meeting. I would hate to impose on my brother, but I do want to know more about this bird. Everything if possible. Victor gives me a nod, to which I return, before he glances once more at Sang in her seat and leaving.

"Miss Sorenson." I greet her while walking up to her desk.

"Mr. Blackbourne." She returns our customary greeting without any of the spark that usually accompanies our interactions.

"I don't know exactly what happened with Miss Winchester, but please know that my brothers and I are here for you."

"Thank you Mr. Blackbourne. That means a lot to me. More than you'll ever know." She tells me.

Looking into her eyes, I can see tears gathering in their corners before she looks back to her desk to get her books in order. I go back to my place beside the teacher's desk, waiting for Professor James to come in. When Axel comes into the classroom, he takes one look at Sang and walks over to me.

"Owen? What's wrong with Sang?"

"Perhaps you should ask your brothers or Miss Winchester."

"Which brothers? And what do they have to do with Sang looking like someone stole her puppy, ripped its heart out, and then proceeded to run it over with a tractor, in her face?"

"While I agree with your assessment, I don't have all the details. To the best of my knowledge, Miss Sorenson and Miss Winchester got into an altercation where hurtful words were exchanged. Mr. Weiland and Mr. Corey Henshaw seem to know more on what happened."

Axel is stopped from asking any further questions when Professor James walks in and announces a pop quiz. All throughout the class, I can see Axel sparing glances at Sang, in between texting with someone; most likely one of his brothers.

**Axel**

As soon as the quiz is over, I immediately start texting my team, including Kayli.

Group Text

Me: What the hell happened with Sang?

Brandon: Why would we know anything that happens with Sang?

Raven: Is something wrong with Malen'kaya ptitsa?

Kayli: We got into a fight. I said some really hurtful things and now I'm trying to fix it, but the douchebag Taylor and the Doctor won't let me.

Brandon: Do or do not. There is no try.

Me: Wise words bro.

Kayli: Don't you think I know that?

Corey: Kayli, no one is saying you don't. Please calm down.

Me: What exactly happened?

Kayli: I was upset, furious really. And I took my anger out on her in the worse way possible. I accused her of all of the things her mother used to say to her. I know her past and I know how she feels about it and I did it anyway.

Marc: All you can do now is fix it Bambi. We're all here for you.

Kayli: Aren't you in class with her now Axel?

Me: Yea...

Kayli: How is she?

Me: Not good. Owen's being a pitbull. She's hurting Kay.

Kayli: This is all my fault. What am I going to do?

Me: You're going to do what any one of us would do in your position. Talk to her. Work it out.

Me: Why exactly are you friends with Sang?

Me: What does she do for you?

Kayli: I love how she makes me feel. Like anything's possible, or like, I don't know. Like life is worth it.

Kayli: I was in such a bad place before I met her. If you think I'm abrasive and opinionated now, I was way worse before I met Sang.

Kayli: She makes me better. And now I've messed it all up.

Me: Remember those reasons. If she really is that close to you, and she really means that much to you, then you owe it to yourself and to her to fix this.

Kayli: Thanks Axel, you're the best.

Marc: Hey! What about the rest of us?

Kayli: You guys are amazing. I don't know what I would do without you.

I exit out of the text and try to focus on the lesson, but all I can do is look at Sang and think of Kayli's last text. She's gotten really close to me and my team. I think that it's time to put in for adoption.

**Owen**

After class is over, I immediately go over to Sang, where I walk into Axel talking to her.

"Sang, I don't know what exactly happened, but I want you to know that Kayli is really sorry."

I see tears gathering in her eyes again at the mention of Kayli's name, and Axel's eyes widen exponentially.

"Come on Sang. We're going to the house. A few of the boys are waiting for us."

"Ok Mr. Blackbourne." She says in that dead voice again.

Oh God, please don't tell me she's pulling away. I take her books and walk her to the door. Before we go out I hear Axel call out to me. I look back at him, and the look in his eyes tell me to take care of her. I give him a nod while telling him with my eyes, that I always will.

**Sang**

When we get to the house, I see all of my boys except for Gabriel, Nathan, and North. A little bit of the hurt chips away when I realize that they are all here for me. We all go down to the game room in the basement once Gabriel arrives. I know that North and Nathan are in class right now, but I like to believe that they would be here for me also, if they could. North more than proved that by staying with me last night and blocking Kayli, Corey, and Marc from cornering me earlier.

As we settle onto the beanbag chairs and couches, I come to the decision to tell them what happened. To tell them everything. And hope they don't think less of me for it.

"Guys." I say softly. "I'm ready to talk now."

**Kota**

When Sang finishes telling us what happened with Kayli, and what's happened in her past, for those words to have such an impact on her, I think we're all stunned. Sang somehow ended up next to Victor, who by the unsurprised look on his face already knew of her past, and is sobbing silently. Silas looks murderous, but unsurprised as well. Leading me to assume that he knew as well. Gabriel and Luke look like someone just took their favorite hair product and chocolate dessert away. Owen looks disgusted, and Sean looks calculative. If I had to venture a guess, I'd say that he's wondering if ridding the world of her parents would be against his oath to do no harm, or if he would be upholding it by removing the plague unleashed on this poor girl. Because that's what they are, a plague. And me? I'm wondering how she could ever go through all of that and still wake up smiling. Counting no longer works. How on earth, could someone that she calls a friend, say those things to her? I don't understand it. After giving us all a moment to reflect on what was said, Owen takes the floor.

"Sang. I want to be the first to thank you for sharing your past with us. In light of this, I think it would be a good idea for us to share with you, our stories as well."

"That's really not necessary Owen. I wanted you all to know." Sang tells him.

"Like when North hid all the chocolate in the house for a week?" Luke asks, drawing a giggle out of Sang.

That's one of the reasons why he is such an important part of our team. He can always change the mood of any room, doing what he does best. Making people smile. All of our faces light up at hearing her giggle. I think we may just get through this.

"Owen's right. This is a good idea. That was a pretty bad example, but this is a good idea." I laugh out. "Sang, I've already told you my story. If you ever want to talk, please know that I'm here. We're all here."

"I know that, and I appreciate your willingness more than anything. But I'd hate to be the reason you all are digging up past hurts, just to make me feel better."

"We wouldn't be trying to make you feel better Princess." Victor tells her. "We'd be giving you the opportunity to know who we were before coming here."

"I just don't want you all to hurt more because of me."

"Sang, if I may?" Owen interrupts, "The past can hurt. But you can either run from it, or learn from it. And in our experience, talking about it helps the healing process. Isn't that right Doctor Green?"

"He's right Pookie." Doc tells her. "Studies show that talking about the things that cause us pain, actually helps us in understanding and dealing with the problem in question. I should know, I am a doctor after all." He finishes with a wink, earning another giggle. "Pookie, if you insist on giggling, I'm going to be forced to give you the cure."

She stifles her giggles and we proceed in telling her about our pasts. I ask North and Nathan if they would be ok with us telling their stories, and they both respond in the affirmative. Anything to help Sang.

Victor starts us off by telling her how his parents treated him, how he was forced into concerts he didn't want to do. How his father belittled him every chance he got; how his mother was more focused on the fame and image than her son. Gabriel tells her about his mom and little brother, how they died in a car crash caused by his father, and subsequently how his dad ended up killing himself from the grief after drowning his sorrows in alcohol and beating Gabe senseless. Silas tells her how his brother inadvertently killed their mother by setting what he thought was an abandoned church on fire, and how he stopped his brothers suicide attempt. I tell her about Nathan's mom leaving when he was young, and how his father would get drunk and beat them both any chance he got. I tell her about how he got worse after his mom left.

Luke tells her about his mom dying after giving birth to him, and how his dad left right after. How he was raised by Uncle, alone, until they found out about North. He tells her what North has told him about life with their dad. How his mom left a few years after he was born, and how bad of a drunk his dad could get. Sean tells her about being left in a basket on the steps of the hospital he now works at, by his birth parents. And finally, Owen tells her how he watched his father kill his mother, before trying to kill him too. Then he tells her something I'm sure most of us weren't even aware of; how he killed his father in self-defense, trying to get away.

After Owen finishes his story, Sang is in tears again.

"How on earth can you be so happy after everything you've all been through? How can you still imagine and believe in this world?" She asks us.

Luke shocks us all by saying, "Imagination is the only weapon in the war against reality."

We all may accuse Luke of joking around and daydreaming too much, but he always comes through when we need him.

"I use to think about all the bad things my dad did all the time." Gabe tells her. "Not anymore. Now, I never look back, it distracts me from the now. And now, I have an incredible family. One who I know would never intentionally hurt or belittle me. One I can confide and trust in. I hope we can be that for you Trouble."

"I think I'd like that." She tells us. "No, I'd love that."

**Sang**

It felt like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders after I told the boys what my life had been like. It felt amazing to finally have the support that I needed my entire life. All it took was moving away and going to college for me to get it. I'm glad I did it. If not for the me I am now, then for the little girl I use to be who longed for friends of her own.

It's been an extremely emotional day, leaving me drained and tired. The boys could see how I was dragging, so Victor took me up to Owen's room to rest. Apparently it didn't matter that it was only going on 6 o'clock, they wanted me healthy. They cared, for me. That brought a smile to my face. Victor gave me his phone since North had me leave mine in my room, and his headphones, telling me to just relax and they'd check on me in a little while. I appreciate how considerate they've been.

Remembering that Victor's phone was somehow connected to mine, I looked in his music library, on the off chance that my songs would be in there. By the love of all things electronic, all of my songs were there. I put in the headphones and took off my sneakers to lay down on Owen's bed. Settling on the pillow, with my knee up, I looked around the room and let the music take over. I inhaled deeply and noted that his room smelled like him, fresh spring soap. My eyes skimmed over everything his room contained. It was a pretty average room; queen size bed to the left, desk against the far wall in the center, a dresser and closet, a bookcase next to the door. No T.V, no stereo, no distractions. It was simple, but perfect in its simplicity. Everything had its place. I looked over at the bookshelf to see the books in alphabetical order by author's last name.

I closed my eyes and drifted while listening to the Dangerous Woman album. I floated on a cloud as I listened to moonlight. The beautiful violin and piano meeting to create something beautiful. I wish I could play an instrument. When the next song comes on, I find my thoughts drifting to Kayli. I'm hurt that she said such awful things to me, but I know her. I know that she'd never do something to hurt me. But then why would she say that. She'd already been mad before coming into the room. She wasn't mad when I saw her earlier in the day. What could've possibly happened to make her angry enough to try and take it out on me? She's my best friend, why couldn't she just talk to me? Why did she have to lash out?

I decide not to let myself get worked up again. The boys did a great job of helping put me back together again. I won't take all of their hard work for granted. I change the setting to shuffle through everything and land on Sometimes by Ariana Grande. I smile while listening to the song and looking around the room again. My thoughts settle onto what Owen told me earlier, how he told me that they were there for me. It reminds me of what Kota said after our date. That he hopes they can be my family. They explained it to me earlier, how they are always there for each other. That it's the people who always have your back who are really family. I think I found the perfect song for Owen's ringtone. A few songs later I find the perfect song for Sean. After hearing about his parents abandoning him and how he was adopted by Japanese parents, it makes this song resonate within me. I make a mental note to set Sometimes for Owens ringtone and Powerful for Sean's. I drift off to sleep with a smile on my face, thinking of my new family.