Little Peach *Completed*

Chapter 10

"How long were you with him?" Jungkook asks.

"To be honest I'm not even sure anymore, but I'd say it's been at least 3 years. He wasn't always like that, he was so sweet the first few months..." I remember back to when he used to surprise me with flowers at work, cuddling on the sofa with a glass of wine as we watched a film.

"Why didn't you leave?" Jimin asks confused.

"He slowly cut me off from everyone, friends, family...he made me give up my job so I had to rely on him for everything, all my savings being transferred to his accounts under the guise that it would be shared. Things changed so quickly after that, it's like he knew I had nowhere to go, and I didn't have the courage to stand up to him."

It feels weirdly freeing to talk about what had happened to me, I'd never had anyone around to talk to, and now I have seven.

"How did you get away?" Questions Jin.

"I was allowed out into the back garden for half an hour each day if I'd been good. I'd just walk around it, there wasn't anything to do but I just liked the fresh air. The other day I noticed one of the fence panels was loose, I tested it and it was just enough of a gap for me to get through. So I did, and I just ran."

"Good for you Grace, that was so brave." Hobi smiles proudly.

"He had rules, every rule was to be followed exactly, and if it wasn't there was a punishment waiting. Sometimes he'd punish me for silly things when I'd managed to follow the rules. I remember once I didn't look at him quick enough and that's all he needed, claiming I disrespected him as he took off his belt." I continue.

"He beat you?" Tae finally speaks.

"Not always, it depended on his mood. Some days he wouldn't let me eat and I'd be given one cup of water for the day. Some days it would be him forcing himself onto me, other days he'd make me have a cold shower and leave me with no towels and take my clothes. His favourite was beating, that happened often."

"I don't understand how anyone could do that to another person." Yoongi says through gritted teeth, fists still clenched tight.

"New rules should help you forget his. Try not to think about them as rules, more guidance, and we won't enforce them unless it's to keep you safe." Namjoon explains.

"It's ok, I know you're trying to help, and I want to learn how to be normal..." I smile.

"Grace you are normal, it's him that isn't." Jimin spits.

*-*

"Right ok, let's read through them now we're finished and check we all agree." Namjoon says putting down the pen.

Rules but not really rules:

- Always help yourself to food and drink, or ask someone to make you something (Not Namjoon).

-If you have a bad dream or feel upset, you come and find someone and tell them.

-Everyone is to be honest and correct behaviour in a constructive and kind way.

-Ask if there is something you need or want, you can have anything if it's within our means to provide it.

-Be little whenever you feel you need to, don't fight it.

-Discuss problems with the people involved and come to a solution.

-No hurting yourself in anyway.

-We agree to care for and look after Grace, giving her attention when she's little, and providing what she needs at all times.

"Sounds good to me." Jin agrees.

Murmurs of agreement and nodding heads surround me. There's this weird warm feeling in my heart and it's making me smile as I look at them all.

I feel happy...

*-*

I walk into the kitchen looking for something to snack on, feeling more confident now I know I'm allowed to help myself. I grab myself an apple and head back into the living room, sitting back down next to Hobi. I go to take a bite and notice he's staring at me, I quickly lower the apple and look down.

"No! No, Grace I'm not cross! I'm proud that you went and got yourself food when you needed it!" He pulls me into a tight hug pressing a kiss to the top of my head.

"Oh...thank you..." I say blushing as he lets me go, his bright smile brighter than ever.

I take a bite from the apple now that I know I've done the right thing, enjoying the sweet tangy taste.

"Jin guess what Grace did!" Hobi practically shouts as Jin walks into the room, pointing excitedly at me as I try not to choke on my apple from laughing.

"She's eating an apple?" Jin asks.

"Ya Hyung, she got the apple herself!" Hobi explains.

"Oh! Grace that's great!" Jin exclaims finally realising what a big deal it was, beaming at me.

"Thanks." I reply shyly, all the praise making me feel...good? That's a feeling I hadn't experienced in a long time.

"Hobi?"

"Yes Sunshine?" He answers looking at me expectantly.

"Could...could I have...cuddles?"

Without even blinking, he pulls me into his lap by my waist, curling his arms around me as my head rests on his shoulder. "So, so proud Sunshine..."

Jin's POV

I sit watching the program on the TV, occasionally looking over to look at Grace sat comfortably in Hobi's lap. Every time I look, I can't help but smile. She asked to be there, she asked for cuddles, she asked for what she wanted. I know what a big step that is for her, and I know that's because she finally feels comfortable with us. I feel tears of joy in my eyes, blinking quickly to make them disappear.

"Uh guys...anyone want to give me a hand with this delivery?" Comes Jimin's voice from the doorway, his hand scratching the back of his neck, a coy smile on flushed his face.

"What have you ordered now Jimin?!"