"Okay..." Nic replied, trying to think through the logic of her previous statement after clearing that up. "... I suppose you wouldn't try to figure out what was causing the reaction unless it was bad enough that it prompted you to do something about it."

Laurel nodded, "And wasn't punching a wall bad enough?"

Nic blinked, not thinking so.

Laurel was silent for awhile, "... Then how about hurting me?" she muttered, "You left again, boulder."

"No, I didn't," Nic replied.

Laurel rolled her eyes a little, "Not mentally. You walked out physically. So much better," she snapped.

Nic was very confused. "... I left the pool because if I punched James you'd get upset."

Laurel blinked, "Then why didn't you just say that yesterday? Why did you storm off to the gun range without a word?" she demanded.

"... If you would have heard me say something in an angry tone, you'd get upset," Nic replied.

"Less upset than when you completely ignore me! I hate it when you treat me like I don't exist! I've had enough of that in my life," Laurel replied hotly.

"... You'd rather I yell at you," Nic clarified.

Laurel paused to think about that, then she looked right into Nic's eyes. "Yes," she stated seriously.

Nic didn't seem too happy, but he nodded.

Laurel continued to stare at him, "Why did you want to punch James?" she asked next.

"I don't know," Nic replied, getting tired of this conversation.

Laurel grunted and pulled away, swinging her legs off the edge of the bed. "Fine," she muttered.