Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Texas sat with his head against the window. The sound of rain hitting soothed him. It also soothed the voices in his head. That was good. If the rest of the states found out about them, they’d think he’d gone mad. He knew that. He accepted that. This was something he’d have to keep to himself. 

Forever. 

“Texas!” the annoying voice of the sunshine voice screamed as he ran up and hugged Texas from behind; causing Texas to flinch. 

“Flo, we talked ‘bout this. Personal space sha’' Louisiana said behind him. Florida nodded, and let go of Texas. 

“You ok Tex?” Loui asked. Texas nodded.

“Headache” he replied, it wasn’t a lie, he did have a headache. He always had a headache. Loui and Florida both seemed to accept that and walked away. 

“We should rest,” The voice known as Austin said. Texas shook his head. 

“Can’t” he whispered, “have work to do” 

“Work can wait,” Austin responded, “Our health cannot.”  

“It's just a headache Austin..” Texas told him. 

“Headaches can worsen and can be dangerous” Austin argued. Texas shook his head again, and stood up. 

He woke up in his bed. When did I get here? He sat up and looked around. “Sha, you finally up?” asked Loui. Texas nodded. 

“Good, I was worried ‘bout you,” Louisiana replied. Texas rolled his eyes.

“I’m fine,” replied Texas. 

“That's not what you said earlier.” replied Loui. Texas looked at him.

“Ya said you were sick.” 

“I’m not,” Texas replied. 

“Tex please.”  Loui said, “ya know you don’t have to pretend not to be sick.” Texas nodded.

“I’m fine,” he said once more. He slowly got up and left the room. Upon arriving he noticed a letter on his door. What's that? He wondered. He walked up to his door and looked at the letter. It was addressed to…Austin? 

“Dammit.” 

Texas knew that handwriting too, it was hard to mistake California’s handwriting. Stupid Safe Space. Texas groaned. 

“He wants to help us” 

“He wants to make fun of me”

He hated those stupid voices in his head. Whatever they were. Just voices. That's all they are. 

Texas grabbed the note from the door and walked into his room. He tossed the note onto the floor and laid in bed. 

“What did the letter say?” asked Austin. Texas shrugged. 

“Didn’t read it.” he mumbled. He heard Austin sigh. 

“I wanna know what it says,” Austin said softly. 

“You wanted me to rest.” texas replied

“And we did, now read to note” 

“Why does what Cali say matter?” Texas asked the voice. 

“Because, he’s our friend.” 

“I am not friends with that fucking freak” Texas said loudly. 

“Quiet down.” Austin said, his voice staying calm. Texas groaned and rolled over. Fuck Austin. 

Chapter Text

Austin didn’t understand why Texas didn’t care about the body. He didn’t understand why Texas cared more about himself than anyone else. He pushed himself too hard and got mad if anyone else tried to intervene. 

Austin hated taking control from Texas but it was necessary a lot of the time. When they needed to eat, or sleep. Do a lot of things. Plus he got to actually hang out with California. Austin had told California about the issues they had. And he was open to try and help them. All of them. 

He wanted them to get help, and if getting them the help meant going against everyone else and being friends with California, so be it. Austin quietly walked up and knocked on California’s door. He waited a few moments for Cal to open the door. 

“Hello” Cal said, when he saw Austin.

“Hi,” Austin replied. California instantly recognized Austin. 

“Are you okay?” Cal asked. Austin paused before shaking his head.

“Tex, is being annoying again,” he said, laughing a little.

“Shit Austin..” California said softly.

“It's fine, he’ll get better,” Austin replied. Cal stared at him. 

“Do you want me to see about getting you a therapist?” he asked. 

“No” Austin replied, “Nobody else would let us go,” California nodded.

“You wanna come in and sit?” he asked. Austin nodded. California let Austin into the room. Austin took a seat in the bean bag chair California had in the corner of his room. The two sat in silence for a bit. He likes hanging out with Cal for this reason. He let them just sit silently, not talking. The two of them could do this for hours. California knew that Austin and all of them had issues communicating their feelings, and he accepted it. He helped them. He waited for them to come to him. That's what they needed. 

“We got your letter,” Austin said softly. “I haven’t read it though, Tex wouldn’t let me.”

“Ah” California said, “I understand.” He looked up at Texas’ brother. His brother? Our brother? 

Austin went back to staring at the wall. Not knowing what to say. Not knowing what to do. Texas didn’t get to see that side of California. And their amnesia was bad so he never really got to see it. One day he will. Austin hoped.