[Kaliko]

Nic didn't say anything more, still playing with Laurel's hair a little.

[Rinrou]

"Something broke inside of me, Nic." Laurel continued quietly, "I don't think I'm much like your brother anymore..." she paused, "Will you still care for me... even if I don't remind you of your brother?"

[Kaliko]

"... Will you still care for me even though I always make the wrong decision?" he asked her quietly.

[Rinrou]

"I'll always care for you." Laurel whispered without hesitation.

[Kaliko]

"Then why do you think I'd stop caring for you?" he continued.

[Rinrou]

Laurel was silent for a good while, "I'm not sure." she replied honestly. "... I know you'd never hate me." she reasoned quietly, "But... I think I've done something to make you angry enough to leave for awhile."

[Kaliko]

"What have you done that would make me do that?" Nic asked.

[Rinrou]

Laurel paused for a long moment. "Promise you won't leave again. At least not right away." she said quietly. She wouldn't be able to take it if he disappeared right now.

[Kaliko]

Laurel could feel Nic nod. "I promise," he vowed quietly.

[Rinrou]

Laurel paused again, trying to figure out how to phrase it. After a long moment she finally stated bluntly, "I let him beat me."

[Kaliko]

"... What do you mean?" he asked, not understanding.

[Rinrou]

Laurel swallowed, "My father's abusive, Nic." she explained in a slow, tired voice, "He started after my mom left and it only got worse with my sister's death. I've been dealing with his violence for years and I let it keep happening because I... I thought I deserved it."

[Kaliko]

Nic slowly froze until it seemed like even his heart beat might come to a stop too. After a very long time he whispered, "... Why?" There was a deep pain in his confused voice.

[Rinrou]

Laurel slowly started to let go of Nic, "I-I'm sorry, Nic." she said in a heartbroken voice, "I'm so sorry. I never wanted to hurt you. I just... I'm the cause of my father's unhappiness. I thought that maybe I could... atone for that by letting him take it out on me. I'm sorry." she repeated with a small sob, "I know now how wrong I was."

[Kaliko]

Nic didn't let go. He remained silent and after a minute it became clear why as drops started falling on Laurel's shoulder.

[Rinrou]

Laurel's eyes widened in shock and after a moment she slowly pulled away enough to look at Nic's face.