Streams of light illuminated the room as Sam stirred, his long lashes fluttering open. He felt himself moulded a mattress, he frowned in confusion. Glancing up at the open door his frown deepened, more unanswered questioned filled his head. One thing was certain, he hadn't been dreaming, it was real, he was free. He felt a surge of excitement rush through him and he couldn't supress the smile from sprouting on his lips, but it faltered at the realisation of how mad his keeper would be, he would be in for it when he found him, he would be forced to leave his new home, to leave Marcus and Connie. He felt his heart sink at the thought of that, he liked it here, they took care of him. His head snapped up to the open door of his bathroom at the sound of a woman's voice "Why so gloomy, little rabbit?" he jumped at the sight of Connie leant against the doorframe, an amused smirk on her face. Sam opened his mouth in an attempt to speak, but failed to make a sound. She laughed at the boy, "Here, catch!" she threw the clothes at him. "H-how long have y-you been there?" he stuttered out, still in shock. "Long enough to know you talk in your sleep." she chuckled as Sam's face flushed beet red and he gaped at the woman in horror. "C'mon, your pancakes will either go cold or someone will eat them." Sam gasped and dashed out of the door leaving Connie shaking her head.

Sam stumbled into the common room, freezing when he saw four pairs of eyes on him. Suddenly he felt very small and wanted to disappear, a blush blossomed on his cheeks. He flinched as he felt a hand rest on his trembling shoulder, "I see you've met little rabbit." Connie introduced Sam eliciting chuckles from her friends. Sam remained uneasy, he subconsciously hid his small frame behind Connie. A man he recognised as Judas tried to catch his eye as he slowly approached the pair, "Hello, I'm Judas. It's nice to officially meet you." He held out his hand urging Sam to trust him. Sam looked to Connie as if asking for permission and upon seeing her encouraging smile he took Judas' hand, "Sam." Judas puffed out a laugh and pulled him in for a hug, "We're huggers!" Sam stood stiff in the embrace, still unsure. He was warm, he felt affection, he didn't know what to do, so he followed his instincts and hugged back. Just as he did this he was yanked into another cuddle, "I'm Oliver! I hope you don't mind, I ate one of your pancakes." Sam laughed assuring him that it was fine, "These guns will wither if I don't get my big boy portion!" Oliver exclaimed, in his strong Scottish accent, as he proudly kissed his biceps with absolutely no shame, gaining him a whack on the back of his head. He groaned and pouted like a child, grumbling at Connie who simply blinked "Aw come on Connie-bear, you know you love me!" he whined as he tried to kiss her, "In your dreams, Leprechaun." she held him at arms length as he struggled to plant a kiss on her. "Hey! What did I say about calling me that!? I'm from Scotland, not Ireland!" he whinged, pouting again, "Ok Blondie." she retorted, he groaned in defeat. Sam giggled, fondly watching the pair, but his joy was killed when he was mocked with a scoff. His head snapped in the direction of the interruption, he remembered the source, she was the tall lady he had crashed into the previous night. Sam returned to his quiet state, suddenly unsure of himself. He glanced around the room they were all so close; they were like a family, he didn't belong there. Sam's thoughts spiralled and he felt himself drift from the room into the dark abyss of his mind, slowly sinking. An arm being thrown over his shoulder wakes him from his daze, "Why so quiet little rabbit? C'mon cheer up! You're part of the family now!" Oliver chuckled as he squeezed Sam closer briefly in encouragement. Sam smiled up at him gratefully, he had a family, he did belong... until they find out about his past.

Sam took another look around the room as he dug into his half-eaten pancakes, he spotted another man, quietly sat across from him, sipping tea as he observed his friends. Sam watched him curiously until their eyes met, he waved anxiously in an attempt to be friendly, but the man just stared coldly back at him before rolling his eyes and pushing himself out of his seat. Sam sank into his seat, disheartened. "Don't worry, he's like that with everyone," Judas comforted him watching the quiet man leave, sadness in his eyes "and so is she, so don't let it get ya down." he signalled to the hostile lady with pink hair. "Who are they?" Sam questioned. "That charming woman is Jess and that was Tate. I suggest you steer clear for now, they aren't too keen on newcomers." he explained with a sympathetic smile. "Why-" Sam was cut off by a pained yelp, he turned to find Oliver clutching his arm with a pout, he giggled, shaking his head, "What's up with them two? They seem close." Judas raised his eyebrow at him, "You mean Connie and Oliver? Yeah, you could say that. I don't know how she puts up with him," he shook his head "to be honest, he does my head in." Sam and Judas shared a laugh, "I love him though, he's like a brother to me and she keeps him out of trouble as best as she can, she puts up with all of our drama, she's like a mother hen. You wouldn't believe it, but she used to be so cold, a bit like Jess, then she met Oliver and I guess he was so annoying that she couldn't help but to loosen up a bit." He smiled at the couple with pride. "Trust me, I can believe you, she's scary." They giggled again. Their laughter was cut short as Jess slammed her hands onto the table, "Why are you even here? Who are you? Oh, and don't bother acting all shy, we knock you aren't when they come knocking." Jess mocked as she looked Sam up and down in disgust. He struggled to form any words, "We don't need any rent boys leaching off of us." Sam sat, lost for words. "What? Cat got your tongue? Or is an old man's dick too far down your throat? Listen, little rat, why don't you go back to whatever whore house you came from and leave us the fuck alone." she prodded his chest with her freshly manicured nails. "That's enough Jess!" Everyone turned to see Marcus stood at the door enraged, "Just remember where I found you! If I remember right, you yourself had a mouthful!" he bellowed, his jaw clenched. "Now Jess, if you must know Sam won't be living here without working for it, he will be helping wait tables with you tonight and every night after until he decides to leave, and until then you will treat him with the respect you would treat me. He is no different from you a year ago!" he huffed . The silence in the room weighed heavy on everyone. "Hey! The tension in here could be cut with a knife! Am I right?" Oliver chuckled nervously, looking around at everyone's disapproving faces. Jess simply scoffed and sauntered out of the room, barging past Marcus. He sighed and sat beside Connie, she took one glance at the dark circles under his eyes and his dishevelled hair before giving him a knowing look and passing him a mug of coffee. She patted him on the shoulder and slid out of her chair, she then ushered Sam upstairs, to get ready. Marcus stared blankly at his mug, he dragged his hand down his face in annoyance before muttering to himself "The last thing I need right now is drama." He then continued to sip his coffee in silence.