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

"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?"

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

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

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

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."

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

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.

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

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

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

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."

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.

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."

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

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