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It took awhile for Nic to break away. "What?" he asked.

Frei frowned slightly but repeated her question.

Nic's typical frown deepened a little. "As long as it takes," he replied before turning back.

"That's not fair to Raven." Frei said a bit sharply.

"Raven?" Nic asked, not looking away.

"Yes. He took care of her when she was with her father and during the aftermath. Now he's dealing with all the changes in emotional changes. Can't you see what Laurel's doing?" Frei demanded with a little force which was unusual, "She only falls apart around Raven since you're unavailable."

"I don't listen to lectures," Nic replied smoothly, still not looking at her. "There's a lot more at stake here."

Frei was silent for a long moment, "Don't insult me." she stated, "I care for Laurel. Do not get so wrapped up in the bigger picture that you forget the people right in front of you, no matter your good intentions."

Nic didn't reply, presumably getting wrapped up in whatever he was working on again.

Frei stared at his back a moment longer before continuing, "Don’t you ever wonder why she fell so easily into this role as your servant?" she asked harshly, "Cleaning and cooking, taking care of your every need, expecting nothing in return from you? She’s used to it." her voice raised slightly, "It’s natural for her because you’re acting just like her father, Nic."

"Get out," Nic suddenly snapped at Frei. "I need quiet to work."

Frei stared at Nic for long moment before slowly standing, "You're lucky it was Laurel who fell for you. No other woman would put up with this." she stated before leaving as he asked.

---

In the morning, Laurel woke with a rather large groan. The little light making it through the window irritated her as she rolled over and stuck her head under the blankets. She shivered a little as well, realizing she was cold.

--

Kale was waking for a final test before the move in two days. He slowly came around again, frowning as the pain came back.

It looked like Nic had been up all night working on his computer. He didn't notice Laurel stirring.

--

Like before, Blaze sat beside him, holding his hand.

Then suddenly Laurel shot out of bed and sprinted to the bathroom on unstable legs. From the sound of it, she'd barely made it.

Frei went into Raven's room without knocking.

--

Kale blinked his eyes open quicker this time, finding hers immediately. Again, he seemed content just to stare at her.

After a few moments, Nic went to check on Laurel with some water and a small bottle of tablets.

Raven was sound a sleep, snoring lightly.

--

Blaze didn't seem to mind.

Laurel was sitting by the toilet, it looked like she was too tired to bother moving as she rested her head against the cool wall. She glanced up at Nic approached but said nothing.

So Frei took a seat on his couch and stared at him.

--

Eventually Kale's mouth opened. It seemed very labored but eventually he got out the word he was trying to say. "S... ugar?"