Accidentally put this in the Submission box because I’m a bit of a tool. Can we see EarlyRE!Haise having nightmares about his past life, and the Quinx Squad hearing and going to comfort him?

Aw, you’re not a tool! You’re awesome!

“Kill me, please!” Haise cries out. 

Choose! Choose! Choose!

“Choose my son!” begs the woman.

But how can he let her die?

“Kill me,” Haise wails.

“Sensei?” A voice interrupts Haise. Someone’s shaking him awake, and he feels hands on his wrists, untying him.

Haise leaps from the chair – and realizes he’s sitting up in bed, at the Chateau. There’s no pleading mother and son. There’s no torture. 

Mutsuki has his hands on Haise’s shoulders, and Shirazu’s clutching Haise’s hands. Saiko runs up to him and throws her arms around him, and even Urie is there, hanging back in the corner.

“Are you okay, Maman?” Saiko wipes Haise’s tears with her pigtails.

“Really?” Shirazu demands. 

“Yes!” she shoots back.

“Do you want to talk about it?” Mutsuki asks, his eyes wide.

Haise shivers. “It felt so real.”

“Horror always feels more real, doesn’t it?” Urie shrugs. “You’re not alone, I guess.”

“I had to choose between killing a mother and their child.” Haise’s eyes fill again. “I just wanted him to take me instead, but he wouldn’t.”

“That’s horrible!” Shirazu gasps. “And way too nice of you. I’d choose the kid.”

“But wanting to sacrifice yourself – you’re so sweet, Maman.” Saiko hugs Haise again. “We’re here. None of us will let you get hurt.”

“I’m not that lucky,” Urie says, with a smirk to assure Haise he’s joking.

“Come on. Go back to sleep. We’ll be here.” Saiko snuggles at his feet, and Shirazu flops by his side. 

Mutsuki hesitates.

“It’s okay,” Haise says, and Mutsuki’s face blooms. He settles besides Haise’s other side and holds out an arm to Urie, who joins after a moment.

And though Haise still fears his mind, at least if he dreams again, he can pretend the Quinx are fighting with him.