Bunny's Asylum (a fan-made BATIM AU)

Chapter 40- a final reunion

Bendy's POV:
I stood inside my home, pouring myself a nice hot cup of coffee. I kept thinking about the day ahead of me. After some communication and a lot of convincing, the other five I met in the Asylum agreed to meet up.
It had been four years since the incident. I still keep in touch with Boris and Alice, but sadly not in person. All of our conversations are online. The other three, however, I lost contact with. This is probably because they all moved to a different state in order to have a fresh start in life.
I don't blame them. After what we experienced, who wouldn't want to restart?
All I knew was that they were living in the same house, unable to afford their own. Makes sense, honestly. Boris lives about three hours away from me. Alice lives even further. It would take five hours for her to get to me. The other three surprisingly wouldn't take long. A drive would take 14 hours. However, they managed to afford a flight, which lowered the time to two hours.
Either way, I was going to be waiting a while. I picked up my essentials. My wallet, my phone, my keys, and of course a taser just in case. I guess you could say that Asylum traumatized me. Why wouldn't it?
I constantly find myself looking over my shoulder to make sure nobody was watching me. After that one nurse listed my phone number and address, I never feel safe.
With my coffee in one hand, I snatched my jacket from the coat rack and slipped on my boots. It was chilly outside due to it being late November. I don't mind the cold, anyways.
I put my jacket on and stepped outside, closing and locking my door to be safe. We had decided to meet up at a local café, not too far from my home. Unlocking my car, I hop in. With the gentle press of a pedal and the turning of the wheel, I backed out of my driveway and onto the busy road.
I quietly thought to myself while I drove. I hadn't seen these people for years. I wonder how they're doing.
The Asylum burning down gained the attention of a lot of people. Normal citizens, people of authority, journalists, crime solvers, and many more. A crime documentary was published, and I was even interviewed on the matter.
I was glad we were getting the attention that was needed. I'm also relieved that damn place burned down. If it didn't, patients would most likely still go there.
A donation was held for me, and any other patients affected physically. It was to help pay the hospital bills and any therapy sessions. I personally didn't feel like it was necessary, but I accepted the help anyways.
I spent another three weeks in hospital. Once I recovered physically, I was allowed to go home. However, I constantly needed to go back for checkups. I needed physical therapy because the burns caused some motor issues. I also had to go back often due to a blood disease I gained from the experiments.
I was put with a therapist. A real therapist. She actually helps me get through my issues, unlike those at the Asylum. It took me six hours just to explain how the Asylum affected me negatively. Plus, she genuinely cares about my mental health and we've been working on controlling my anger.
I've recovered since then, but sometimes I still have flashbacks of the hell I went through. My physical scars may have faded, but the mental ones remain.
Boris' POV:
I merged into an exit lane as I got off the freeway. I was excited to meet up with the others. I haven't seen them in so long! I just hoped they didn't forget me or anything.
Wait, why would they?  Ah whatever.
I pulled into an unfamiliar road. I didn't live in the same town as Bendy. The one I lived in was much smaller. This town seemed huge compared to it. Still, it was gorgeous. Trees varying in orange, brown, yellow, and red. A soft breeze made it chilly but not cold. 
Sadly, I wasn't wearing my usual overalls. It was too cold for that. Instead, I wore solid black sweatpants and a jade green sweatshirt. A black scarf was tucked around my neck.
I couldn't stop thinking about the meetup. I had so many questions.
How's Bendy doing? Is Alice feeling better? Did Charley learn to control his anger yet? Did Barley keep his face shaven? What's Edgar's opinion on all of this?
I hope these questions will soon be answered.
As nerve-racking as it was, I was also excited. I spent so long with these people, then we just kinda split. It would be nice to have a little reunion. I was especially excited to see Edgar. I haven't seen him in forever. He was my play buddy in the asylum.
I was devastated when he left, but I was glad he was free.
I'm just glad I'm out of the wheelchair. The recovery progress was difficult. Physical therapy three times a week to help my motor skills and my walking. Once I was allowed to leave, I was still being checked on. Thanks to those nurses I have a blood disease. In fact, I think everybody does.
I'm not blaming Charley in any way though. I know it was forced, even if I wasn't there to see it.
Speaking of Charley, he's a lot weirder than I thought. I'm not trying to sound rude in any way, but he's just... strange. Last week he shipped me a box of bagels. No letter or email explaining why. Just... bagels.
I wonder how he got my shipping address.
That's a question I should probably ask him.

Alice's POV:
I sat in the passenger seat while my friend drove. I had asked her to pick me up, as I was too nervous to drive myself. Yes, it's a problem, but I can't help being afraid. That stupid Asylum didn't help either. It only made me MORE afraid. Constant flashbacks and panic attacks waking me up at night.
Still, I couldn't help but say that I made some pretty good friends there.
The people were mostly nice. Some were awful. But, most I enjoyed being around. I was excited to meet up with everyone and see how they're doing. Haven't seen them in forever!
"Sooo what are your friends like?" my friend Alyssa asked.
"Oh they're just lovely!".
"And their names are?".
"Hmm let me see. There's Bendy, Boris, Barley, Charley, and Edgar.".
"Yikes. All of them are men?".
"Yep.".
"Sorry about that." she said jokingly.
I chuckled. "Oh, its fine. They're actually really nice!".
"How so?".
"They just are! They're nice and patient and funny-".
"Sounds like you got a crush on all of em!".
"What! No!".
"You sureeeee??".
"Yeah, I'm sure!".
"Alrighty then! But in all seriousness, what are they like?".
"Let's see... Bendy is determined yet patient and kind. He sometimes has anger issues but it's barely noticeable. Boris is anxious like me but he's fun to be around. Then there's Charley who is somehow both impatient and patient at the same time... yeah, hes strange. Next is Barley. He was quiet at first but eventually became more talkative. Finally, there's Edgar, who is ADORABLE! And I don't mean that in a romantic way, he's just the cutest little thing!".
"Aww they sound fun!".
"I know!" I sighed happily.
"Can't wait to meet them.".

Charley's POV:
This plane reminded me of how much I hate flying. I should've just drove, but Edgar just had to insist we fly!
So now im sitting here with a puke bag and having to run to the bathroom in order to empty it out! I hate air sickness. At least Edgar is happy though. I'm so relieved he didn't have to go through the things I did.
Ever since the asylum, our lives have never been the same. After years of hospital visits, night terrors, emotional outbursts, and panic attacks, we're finally starting to recover. 
Not all of it has been horrible, though. Barley's doing a lot better mentally. He's two years clean! Edgar also graduated high school. Though he still has troubles but I'm there to help him. This whole recovery process was NOT fun.
After the asylum I had to stay in the hospital for a week or two. Some physical therapy here and there, followed by some anger management. It kinda worked, I guess. Thankfully I don't have a blood disease.
But besides all that we've been fine. Living together isn't that bad. It's actually pretty comforting. Barley got a job as a fisherman and is doing pretty well for himself. It makes me nervous that hes alone most of the day, but I'm just glad he's happier. I don't have a job, but I have a good reason not to. I have to stay home and watch Edgar to make sure nothing happens.
...
...
...
Yeah, there's nothing else to really mention. Our lives are boring.

Five hours passed that day. The six toons had finally arrived at the same café. After some warm greetings and ordering drinks, they were ready to catch up with each other.

Bendy's POV:
"...so, who wants to start?" I asked the others. I could tell that everyone wanted to speak but didn't know where to begin. Boris and Alice were fidgeting and rocking in their chairs. Charley kept taking sips of his coffee. Barley glanced around, seemingly nervous. Edgar was distracted and playing with a leaf.
"I will. Hey Charley?" Boris interrupted.
"Yeah?" Charley responded.
"Why did you send me bagels?".
"The hell you talkin about?".
I was equally as confused, so I listened.
"I got a package of bagels in the mail, and it said it was from Charley Walsh. You're Charley Walsh.".
"I didn't send you anything. I don't even have your address...".
Suddenly, we could hear Edgar's faint giggle. Boris cracked a smile.
"Edgar did you have something to do with this?" Charley questioned him.
Edgar couldn't stop giggling. "maybeeeeee...".
"Out of everything you could've sent, why bagels?" Alice chuckled.
"Boris told me he liked them!".
"You got that right. But how did you find my address?" Boris wondered.
"Magic!" Edgar snickered.
I was surprised he managed to find it. Yet again I didn't question it too much. I took this opportunity to start a conversation.
"Speaking of Edgar, how have you three been? You live so far away so I haven't got to check up on ya." I asked them.
"Not much has happened, honestly. After we moved, we had to live in a one-bedroom apartment for a bit. Barley got a job and I stayed home with Edgar-"
"So like a stay-at-home mom?" Alice said, though obviously joking.
"Oh hush!" Charley snickered back. "But yeah, it was kinda like that. Edgar finished school and learned to drive. We saved enough money to afford a home. At first, we were gonna live separately but after a while we decided it was more fun to stick together."
"Oh well that's nice!" Alice cheered. "How's the fisherman job going, Barley?"
Barley shrugged.
"Why are ya bein so silent, pal?" Boris asked with worry.
"I dunno. There isn't much to say.".
"There's plenty to say! We haven't seen each other for years!"
"Eh."
"okay, how about this. Tell me your best catch so far."
"Tiger shark."
"See?! That's interesting!".
"I guess.".
"Anyways..." Charley interrupted. "How have you three been?"
Alice spoke first. "I've been alright. I started off by singing on the streets to earn some extra money, all while living in a motel. Eventually I got a job as a singer and moved into a beautiful home. It felt a little empty so I adopted a few guinea pigs!"
"Ooh I love guinea pigs!" Edgar cheered.
"What are their names?" Charley asked.
"Well since I got them around Christmas time, I named them after my favorite Christmas song! I have a male named Jingle, and a female named bells!".
"Now that's adorable. You gotta send me a picture sometime." Charley commented.
"I would if I had your number." she joked.
"Heh. I'll give it to you in a minute.".
"How come we don't have your numbers, anyways?".
"Well, our original plan was to restart completely. We didn't want to contact anyone from the asylum. I don't know what I was thinking at the time. I was just upset. But when Bendy invited us to a get-together, I realized that it aint worth it."
"That makes sense." I ensured them. I wasn't offended thankfully.
"Anyways, that's enough about us. What about you two?" Charley asked Boris and me.
Boris spoke before me.
"Well, I had to live with my parents for a few months until I found a job.".
"Where do you work?" Charley questioned.
"I work as a waiter in a local restaurant. Not the coolest job, but it'll do. Oh, I also volunteer at animals shelters too."
"Well, that's nice!" Alice commented.
"Thanks Alice." He smiled at her.
"Now, what about you bendy?" Charley asked me.
"I mean, it's been alright. The second I got out of the hospital I was flooded with questions from people who heard the stories. It was overwhelming so I kinda hid in my parent's house. Eventually I was able to move out but I'm always paranoid. The last thing I need is the general public to know where I live. But besides that, it's been fine. I got a job as a cashier but I'm currently studying to become a vet."
"Interesting... so you're not the only one dealing with the media hmm?" Boris stated.
"You are too?" I asked.
"Yep."
"So am I. It's bothering me." Alice cut in.
"Happening to us too." Charley mentioned.
"Jeez. Looks like none of us can catch a break, huh?" I chuckled.
"Apparently not!" Boris and the others giggled.
"I'm honestly surprised nobody has come up to us yet." Charley mumbled.
"Well don't jinx us!" Alice joked.
"It might be because the whole asylum thing was four years ago. Most have found other things to pay attention to." I told them.
"Yeah. Like the guy that went missing recently." Boris added.
"Oh? Who?" Alice wondered.
"I don't know them personally. All I know is that it was a tall man around my age.".
"When did he go missing?".
"Seven months ago."
"Aw. I hope his family is doing well."
"Matter of fact, someone went missing in my neighborhood around the same time as that other guy. He was way older than me, though." I added in.
"Jeez, so many missing people... well, I guess I should mention a woman I work with also went missing. She was almost the exact same age as me!" Alice exclaimed.
"Wow, what a coincidence." Boris wondered.
"There was a trio of brothers who lived on our street. Around the same age as all of us. They went missing 7 months ago, as well." Charley mentioned.
"Okay that's really weird. A woman went missing where Alice lives. Two men went missing where Boris and I live. And, a trio of men went missing in your guys' neighborhood!" I shouted with surprise.
"We better be careful or we'll be next!" Boris joked, causing the rest of us to laugh.
.
.
.
Our conversation was going smoothly. We were laughing, joking, and having a good time. That's when a man in a suit, similar to the one Charley was wearing, and a top hat approached. He was holding a briefcase.
Our talking stopped when he got close. I was already weirded out. 
"Can we help you?" Charley asked, clearly irritated by his presence.
The man cut straight to the point. "Aren't you six the ones who caused the asylum to burn down?".
"Now hang on a minute it was for a good reason!" Charley snapped, now defensive.
"Why are you asking?" I questioned, being a little more polite.
"Well, I was wondering if you would be willing to star in my interview, which will be posted as a TV show for the general public to watch.".
I personally wasn't very sure. For money? Sure, why not. "Depends. What will you pay?".
"$10,000. Each.".
We all glanced at each other. It sounded like a really good offer. 
"I'm not sure if that would work. These two and I live pretty far." Charley informed him.
"I will gladly pay for a hotel. The highest quality one around." the man stated blankly.
"Then who's gonna watch over our home?" Charley snapped back.
"I can call my sister. She doesn't have anything going on." Barley suggested. Sadly, he didn't know that Charley was trying to think of excuses. He didn't trust it.
"Wonderful. Do you need some time to think it over?" he asked us.
I took a few seconds of thought before turning to the others to discuss. We made sure to do it in whispers.
"I personally don't trust it. This is suspicious." Charley mumbled.
"How so?" I asked him.
"You don't just walk up to a crowd of people and ask if they want to be in a TV show. Plus, his tone of voice is... off.".
"I get what youre saying. I don't think he's from around here either."
"What makes you say that?" Alice wondered.
"Not trying to sound rude but he doesn't look like... 'one of us'. His eyes are a little strange, and his skin is like a peach or tan color." I informed her.
"He's probably not from here then...".
"Yeah. That's what im saying.".
"I may take it. He's offering a lot of cash that I could use." Boris informed us.
After a bit of talking, and a lot of convincing the stubborn charley, we agreed to take the offer.
"Alright. We'll do it." I told him.
"Wonderful." he held out his hand. 
I politely shook his hand.
"Oh, you can call me Bendy. And you are?" I asked politely.
A smirk formed on his face as he snickered.
"You can call me Joey Drew.".

Hooray! My first story finished! Sorry it was delayed, things got really busy. 😅
This doesn't mean I'm done writing. I have many more story ideas! I just have to pick a favorite to do, lol.

More will come! Just you wait!