Chapter 16

FLAT ON HISback, Laurel brought his knees up as he stared at the ceiling. He was fairly certain there must have been some psycho out there that could look their therapist in the eye as they talked, but he couldn't imagine such a thing. At least the chaise was comfortable.

"Half of me wishes we'd already done it so it could just be over with and it wouldn't feel so important, but then again I don't even know if I'm doing the right thing at all," he finished. He'd been babbling out a long-winded rant about his inevitable upcoming intimacy with Ash for what felt like a good handful of minutes, but Katharin was always good about not interrupting.

"Are you afraid of sex with Ash?"

"I'm not afraid of him. He's not the kind of guy that could hurt anyone." He trusted that above all else.

"Then what is it you're afraid of?"

"Just all of it, I guess. There's a lot about it that's freaking me out."

It was satisfying to her, on a professional level, how far Laurel had come under her treatment over the better part of the last year. She could remember with complete clarity how, in the beginning, he would have snapped at her for suggesting that he could feel fear for anything.

"It's not surprising that you feel apprehensive about intimacy when your first sexual relationship revolved around pain and humiliation."

"Yeah, but I don't even… I don't know why that has to be part of it. I've fucked other guys after Malory. It sucked, but I wasn't scared or anything."

"But you've admitted that you weren't seeking or expecting pleasure from those encounters. They didn't feel real to you," she pointed out, using his own verbiage.

"Well, yeah. I didn't care about those guys. I just wanted to make sure I could still do it."

"Because you were still hoping, on some level, to have a healthy sexual relationship going forward."

"I-" Breaking off, Laurel frowned. "I guess I must have. I didn't think about it. It just felt like something I had to do."

"And now you've reached the point with someone where you're ready to try again. This feels real to you."

Too real, Laurel thought, but didn't voice it. "Yeah. But I can't tell if wanting to do it is enough. Like… I want to, but I don't want to disappoint him."

"Disappoint him in what way?"

Miserably, Laurel groaned, curling onto his side. "I'm not good at… having sex."

"Is that what Malory told you?"

"Well, it's true. I know it's not supposed to be… how it is for me. It's supposed to feel explosive and earth-shattering and all that."

"But we've discussed this before, and you've accepted that your ineptitude for intimacy was because of your partner."

"I know that. But what if that's just how it is for me? What if it doesn't change just because it's someone else now?"

"You're worried that you're incapable of feeling passion and desire. But you've told me that you feel those things when you're kissing Ash."

"Sex is different," Laurel insisted. "Isn't it?"

Keeping her voice very light and very mild, Katharin shifted. "Why do you think people have sex with each other? Forget the obvious, the need for physical stimuli. What do you think two people that care about each other are showing one another when they're being sexually intimate?"

Giving a long pause, Laurel considered. "They want to make each other feel good, I guess."

"Is that what you try to do when you're kissing Ash? Do you think that's his intent towards you?"

"I think so. Is that really all it takes?" He wondered out loud. "If I want to make him feel good, and he wants to make me feel good, then the sex is just automatically good?"

"That's about the gist of it. If it's the actual physicality or technique of the act you're concerned with being familiar in, that's something that should develop as the two of you become more familiar with each other's needs and wants."

"It can't really be that easy," he scoffed, bringing himself to a sitting position. "Plus, there's other stuff. I don't want to ruin all the progress I've made with you."

"Why do you think sleeping with Ash would ruin any progress you've made with me?"

"I don't know. I want to know if you think it will. And don't ask me how I feel," he warned, finally glancing back to her. She smiled a bit, wryly, remembering how frustrated he would get in their early sessions with that particular answer.

"There's nothing shameful or destructive about being intimate with someone that you care about, and that you're attracted to. So, no, I don't see how allowing your relationship with him to evolve into a physical one would be detrimental to your mental health."

"So I should do it, then."

"You know I can't answer that for you. I can only tell you that you shouldn't let your past stop you from enjoying a healthy, productive life."

"I know that," he insisted, sighing. "In my head, I know. I left Malory, and he can't hurt me anymore. But he's still… he's still controlling me, I think. A little. But I can't let him ruin what I have with Ash."

She allowed herself just one moment of satisfaction from his words. "As long as you allow yourself to love, and be loved, then you aren't letting him win."

Spite was as good a motivator as any, Laurel knew. "No," he agreed with a low murmur. "I'm not letting him win."

ON THE WALKfrom Katharin's office building to the swanky little café he'd developed the habit for stopping into after their appointments, Laurel considered her words to him. She'd seemed pleased when he'd told her about how he'd spent the night with Ash after the healer had discovered what Malory had done to him.

He'd been surprised to wake in the morning with an arm slung over his waist, and Ash's snores grinding out from somewhere behind his head, amazed that he had fallen asleep in the other man's presence. He'd never been able to stomach it, never been able to turn off his fear and trepidation at being so vulnerable after that first night with Malory. But it had been days since they'd gone to the concert and slept together, and he could still feel, and yearn for, the memory of Ash's warm arm hooked around him. So it seemed some things could be fixed after all.

And he'd been so gentle, so understanding of everything. That part wasn't a surprise. Ash seemed to have a never-ending supply of patience and generosity, and he'd never been stingy about sharing the benefits of those traits. He hadn't pushed for details, which Laurel was unendingly grateful for. It was enough, having the secret out between them. He wasn't ready to give the play-by-play. He certainly wasn't ready for the mental viewing party he knew they'd tumble into eventually.

And he hadn't pitied him, Laurel remembered, nearly sighing with relief. That would have been the worst part, he thought. If something had changed between them. If the healer had treated him differently after, like he was fragile or unsteady, he wouldn't have been able to stand it.

"L-Laurel!" A hesitant voice he didn't recognize pulled him from his musings as he approached the little coffee shop he'd stop in to sip tea and read a few chapters of the book he had tucked away in the bag at his side. Glancing up and around, his stomach sank as he took in the appearance of Malory's fiancé.

In the bright sunlight, Laurel could see Avi's features more clearly than he had at the concert hall. His skin had a dusky, golden hue, and his hair and eyes were blacker than obsidian, made even deeper and more mysterious by the dark makeup artfully smudged around them.

He was attractive, but he wasn't the type Malory would typically be interested in, Laurel thought. He remembered the man would always bring up Cedar's clothing, mocking his tattoos and piercings and dark eyeliner. He'd never liked alternative fashions, or anything that stuck out from the norm, really.

Seated at a table alone, Avi raised a hand tentatively, seeming to wave him over. With his guts pitching inside him, Laurel felt his legs, seeming to move of their own accord, carry him there.

"I don't know if you remember me. I'm Avi. Um, we met the other night at the concert my orchestra put on."

"Malory's not here, is he?" He hadn't known a more subtle way to ask.

"No! It's just me. I, uh…" Looking painfully awkward, Avi lowered his darkly lined eyes. "I asked around and a few people said you come here a lot, so I… I've kind of been hanging out here the last few days hoping I would run into you."

"What do you want?" The bluntness in Laurel's words seemed to hit Avi with a physical force, and he recoiled a bit from them.

"Sorry! This was a really dumb idea, I know. I just didn't know how else to get in touch with you, and I… Anyway, I can just leave, actually." He stood hurriedly, preparing to scurry off. His hands wrung together fretfully, drawing Laurel's eye to them. On his wrist, he wore a hemp bracelet with wooden beads woven into it. It was well-crafted, but didn't look particularly rare or expensive. For whatever reason, the sight relaxed his muscles a little, and let the guilt for his harsh reaction seep through to his brain.

"Wait," Laurel ground out, suppressing a sigh. "Don't leave. What did you want to tell me?"

Eyeing him cautiously, Avi cleared his throat. "I guess I just wanted to apologize. For the other night. I could see you just wanted to be left alone and enjoy your night with your guy. I asked him not to bother you, but… Yeah, I'm not sure what he was thinking. I'm really sorry if he ruined your night."

The lack of polish to the apology, and Avi's way of speaking in general, shocked Laurel. He seemed surprisingly… normal, for someone who had been dating Malory long enough to become engaged to him.

"You don't have to be sorry for that. I didn't think it was your idea or anything."

"Yeah, I know, but…" Fidgeting again, Avi leaned his body weight onto the back of a chair. "Still. I didn't want you to despise me. And your sister's always been really great to me and everything, so… I guess I didn't want to leave things weird between us. Just in case."

"Understood." And he did understand it, somewhat. He and Malory didn't share any social circles, but it seemed that he and Avi could, or maybe already did. "I wouldn't have any reason to despise you, anyway. All I know about you is that you're with Malory and you work with Ingrid."

"Well, there's not much more to know," he admitted, running a hand through his soft-looking, inky hair. "I just play my flute, and, um, I like to fix things. Watches and music boxes and stuff like that. I'm not all that interesting or anything. But thank you for hearing me out. Really. It means a lot. I know it's kind of random and everything, me showing up here."

"It's okay. It's nice of you."

Avi gave a nod, and a hesitant smile. "Okay, well… Now that that's done, I'll get out of your hair. Have a good one."

The words in Laurel's head, a question he couldn't ignore, swelled and swelled until they threatened to bubble from his lips. "Ah, Avi. Wait. Can I ask you something?"

He turned, looking a little surprised. "Sure. What's up?"

"You seem really nice, and well-adjusted and all of that. Why are you with him?"

He watched Avi's face change, slowly, as puzzlement washed over it. "What do you mean? With Malory?"

Bewildered by his reaction, Laurel gave himself a moment to gather his thoughts. Either Avi had missed his calling as an actor, or he genuinely didn't seem to understand why the question had been asked.

"I mean…" Mustering up his courage, Laurel wiped his damp palms on the thighs of his pants. "He doesn't ever get… rough with you?"

Avi's dark brows drew together in an expression of perplexity. "Are you asking if Malory… hits me?"

"Anything like that."

Shaking his head, Avi made his way back to the table so he could speak in a hushed tone. "Why would you ask me that? Are you trying to make him look bad or something?"

"You think I care about making him look bad?" Laurel couldn't help but scoff out the phrase, before pinching the bridge of his nose with his fingertips. "Forget I asked."

Avi stared at him for what felt like a long time before answering. "I know Malory isn't perfect, but I love him. The good parts, and the bad. I don't know why I'm even answering this, but no, he's never hit me."

"Okay. That's good. Sorry for making you uncomfortable." As miserable as he felt under Avi's bewildered gaze, Laurel could at least be relieved that he seemed to be telling the truth.

Bracing his hands on the table, Avi peered down at the sorcerer, looking conflicted. "Are you saying…" He broke off, looking revolted. "Why did you guys break up, anyway?" When Laurel only stared, he shook his head a little, as if in disbelief. "That's… No. He wouldn't do that. He loses his temper sometimes and snaps, I know, but I don't think he could…"

"I don't really want to debate about it or anything. I just needed to know."

With his dark eyes clouded with chaos, Avi pushed off from the table, tucking his hands in the pockets of his shorts. "Well, I gave you your answer, so… I have to go."

Laurel watched him disappear around the corner, and sighed, stomach churning with nausea. With his appetite obliterated, he headed home.

HELIO'S FINGERS TAPPEDan agitated, edgy beat on the edge of the desk in the center of his home office. It only took his brain a moment to register the unseemly habit and still them. Sustaining the charade of working would only result in more wasted time.

Capping his fancy fountain pen and setting it in the eccentric little pen stand Minael had picked out for him years prior, two hummingbirds crafted from silver, with outstretched wings to hold it, he pushed his chair back from the desk.

He paced the length of the room a few times, restlessly. He'd mapped out the discussion he wanted to have with Laurel, highlighting the key points in his brain with pinpoint accuracy. But he knew very well that conversations with Laurel rarely followed the logical path he would like them to follow, so it was doubtful his plan would be followed to the letter. Never a fan of spontaneity, his lips pursed as he struggled to accept that very obstinate fact.

It wasn't that he didn't love Laurel. Though he'd secretly been unsure in the early years of he and Minael's marriage if he possessed the gene inside him that would allow him to feel paternal love, he knew it would have been cruel to deny the domestic man a family. To his relief, he'd found himself slipping into the role of vatra with relative ease.

The love and protectiveness had bloomed in him, powerfully, and none of the resentment he'd wondered if he would feel at uprooting the established routines in their life. Even if he hadn't loved them at first, it would have been impossible for him to harbor any kind of animosity for the beings he'd created with Minael, and particularly when they brought his gentle husband so much joy and elation and purpose.

But his children were adults now, with their own identities and goals and mindsets. Mindsets he couldn't fully comprehend, despite considerable effort on his end. Laurel worried him the most. Ingrid was sweet, like Minael, with a doll-like fragility to her looks. It wouldn't be a chore for her to find a man or woman that would shelter her, defend her, provide for her.

He'd once thought the same of Laurel, but there was a wounded sort of hostility in him now. Helio had begun seeing the change back when he'd been with Malory. Unnerved by it, he'd attempted to understand, and had been unceremoniously pushed away, time and time again. Particularly after they'd broken up, he and Minael had tried getting their son to open up and talk about what was so obviously haunting him, but he'd been like a different person, so angry and bitter.

It was hardly an excuse, but he'd had absolutely no idea how to proceed in the face of the person Laurel had become. He was beginning to see glimpses of the son he was accustomed to, but… He was unsure if too much time had passed for reconciliation, or if Laurel even desired reconciliation with him. He wouldn't have blamed his son for flat-out refusing his attempts, as he'd made such an uncharacteristic mess of their relationship with his inadequacy. It was a harrowing sensation, swallowing his pride even enough to privately admit he was failing at being a parent, but the pain was deserved.

The door to his office was partially opened, but Minael lightly rapped his knuckles on it, waiting for a response before opening it. Mildly embarrassed to have been caught pacing, Helio sank back down into the executive chair at his desk as he called for his husband to enter.

Pushing open the heavy door, Minael eyed him for a moment before coming inside, his pale eyes slightly widened.

"You're not working," he said, with a slight frown.

"Not at the moment."

"And I heard you pacing."

"I was thinking."

"You only pace when something is bothering you." As Minael moved toward the desk, Helio turned his chair outward to allow his husband to settle on his lap, another long standing habit. "Did your idiots at work drop balls on a project for you again?"

Helio blinked, raising a brow. "Drop the ball," he corrected, after a moment.

"Oh, yes. They messed up something for you?" Comfortable with his legs stretched out over the arm of Helio's large chair, Minael let his arms slither up and around the dark-haired man's neck as he spoke.

"No, nothing to do with work."

"I could run a bath for us," Minael offered, tilting his head thoughtfully as his fingertips toyed with the ends of Helio's short hair. Pleased as always with his compassionate, devoted spouse, Helio felt some of his tension ebb away at the suggestion. "I could wash your back while you tell me about what's a bother to you. That would make you feel better, no?"

"And then?"

The corner of Minael's pretty little mouth perked up at the question. "Talk first. Then after talking, I can put something pretty on and we can…" Leaning his head up to ghost just over Helio's ear, he breathed out a highly inappropriate suggestion for relieving any tension that may have remained in Helio's body after the talking phase of their evening was finished.

"That… Would certainly take care of it, yes."

Giggling a little, Minael tilted his head back to allow Helio access to his smooth, pale neck. "But you'll have to wait until tonight. I still have things to do around the house."

"Of course." As utterly tempting as the naughty suggestion was, it wouldn't do for one of the children to interrupt them. Minael would have known that, but Helio was acutely aware there was nothing the nymph-like male enjoyed more than teasing him, and injecting erotic implication into his mind when there wouldn't be an outlet for it until a later time. "Until later, then."

"You'll think of me?"

"I could hardly do otherwise."

Delighted by the telling huskiness in his husband's voice, Minael pressed a very chaste, very brief kiss to his lips. "And then after, you can carry me to our bed." Before Helio could come up with a retort to express his pleasure at the idea, the sound of the front door's lock disengaging, and then opening, drifted in to them. "Laurel is home early," he observed. "I wonder if he is leaving again to be seeing Ash."

"If that's the case…" Scooping an arm under Minael's legs, Helio stood, enjoying the gleeful little purr that escaped his husband as he was lifted so effortlessly. He supposed there had to be a biological explanation to Minael's appreciation of his superior size and strength, but he wasn't altogether interested in musing it. He would simply reap the benefits. "It's time I had my talk with him."

"You're going to talk to him now? The important talk?"

"Yes. Where would you like me to take you, in the meantime?"

"I can walk to the kitchen," he laughed, wiggling a bit in Helio's secure grip on him.

"You could, but I would be remiss if I didn't utilize every resource I have to help conserve your energy for tonight. I'm thinking you'll need it."

"You're so very generous to me."

CROSS-LEGGED ON HISbed, Laurel eyed a ticket stub for a play he'd seen with Ash the day before. It'd been a romantic play about star-crossed lovers, with lots of familial drama. He'd enjoyed it somewhat, but he'd gotten even more enjoyment from the way Ash had casually linked their hands together over the armrest between them, intertwining their fingers. He'd been so worried that the healer would feel awkward about being with him in public, but it was obvious now that concern had been completely unwarranted.

He jumped at the sound of a knock on his bedroom door, shoving the ticket stub into a drawer and sliding it closed like a teenager guiltily hiding their pornography. Assuming it to be Ingrid, he called for her to come in, then felt his mouth drop open a little at the sight of Helio in his doorway.

Tall and powerfully built, the brighter light from outside his room seemed to envelop his vatra in a fluorescent halo for a brief moment before he stepped inside. As he leaned over to flip up the dimmer switch by his bed, Laurel heard Helio clear his throat.

"There's something I'd like to discuss with you. Are you opposed or otherwise unavailable?"

"No," Laurel answered honestly, feeling a bit awkward. It had gotten better between them recently. They hadn't argued, but it had still been a really long time since Helio had come into his room, let alone for some important talk. "You can come in and sit down… If you want."

Nodding in agreement, Helio pushed the door behind him closed with a light click before sitting in the armchair Laurel usually lounged in to read.

"There's a lot I need to say to you, and it's my fault for allowing so many conversations to fall to the wayside. But before I can try to explain myself, I need you to understand something. I love you."

Uncomfortable, Laurel barely resisted the urge to squirm under Helio's dark, heavy gaze. "Did Dad tell you to say that?"

"You're my son, Laurel. My love for you and your sister has always been unconditional, regardless of whether you want or need it. It's my fault that I haven't been consistent in showing that to you, and I'm sorry for that. But your father has nothing to do with this. Is it really that easy for you to believe that I don't?"

"I… I've disappointed you, I know. I embarrassed the family. I'm not the son you want."

"That's absolutely not true. I was disappointed in your decision, and it's true that I didn't understand the decisions you made after. But I never once wanted you to be someone else. I only want what's best for you."

"You've been disappointed in me ever since I broke up with Malory. Don't deny it. I know you have."

"As I said, I was disappointed in your decision. I believe Malory is a good match for you, and that he could take care of you, and provide for you. It's my job to make sure you're taken care of and provided for."

"Do you think I'm some clueless idiot that can't stumble through life without a man holding my hand to guide me through?"

"Of course I don't. You're incredibly intelligent, Laurel. You always have been. I don't want someone to hold your hand and baby you through life. I want you to have a secure, healthy partnership that fulfills you, like your father and I. That's what I want for both you and Ingrid."

"You…" Suddenly understanding, Laurel shook his head. "You wanted Malory and I to have what you have with Dad."

"Of course I do. I would do anything for Mina, and for you and Ingrid. I could never settle for anything less for my children than what I have."

Guilt, dread, and another emotion that was harder for Laurel to identify swirled in his stomach. "And you thought he would be like you."

"He's from a good family. He has money, so you'd be taken care of. He's cultured, and well-educated. We're from very similar backgrounds. That's the kind of husband you deserve, that I feel is worthy of you, Laurel."

He'd never considered it from Helio's point of view. Malory was a master of deception, doting on him in public where everyone could see. He understood now that part of the reason for that was so that he'd be less likely to be believed if he were to ever tell anyone how the older male was treating him behind closed doors. And it had worked mostly, though even without the threat of not being believed, Laurel had never quite been able to stomach the idea of being known as someone who allowed himself to be victimized.

He'd only broken down to Ingrid because she'd caught him returning home late in the night, so many months into the downward spiral of their relationship, after a particularly terrible session. He'd been sore beyond belief, throat raw from crying, and terribly bruised.

Malory had been incensed about something he'd done, some minor disrespect he'd shown that he couldn't even recall now. Maybe something to do with Nero, he thought, unsure.

And when Malory was angry, he craved validation. Proof that he was the authority, the dominant force in their relationship, that he had all of the power. Even forgoing the obvious cruelty, it was a redundant and unnecessary endeavor, because even before he'd ever been subject to the older male's violent tendencies, Laurel was certain he'd never possessed an ounce of power within their dynamic.

She'd been so strong, he remembered, nursing him and coddling him, though she'd only been 15 at the time. She'd begged him to leave Malory. He hadn't realized it then, wouldn't understand until years later, in therapy, that he'd been waiting for permission to leave, from someone, anyone. And so he'd ended it shortly after. He sometimes wondered where he'd be if she hadn't seen him so low, so pathetically wounded, and hadn't pleaded with him so fervently to end things.

"I can understand why you see it that way," Laurel said carefully, pushing the morbid memories from his mind. "But Malory isn't like you. He wasn't good for me."

"I understand now that what I want for you isn't necessarily what you want… Or need. That isn't easy for me to admit, Laurel."

"Yeah, I know. I know that you want the best for me. It's just… I'm doing what's best for me right now."

"With Ash, you mean?"

"I…" Surprised that Helio would bring him up, Laurel's eyes flicked down to his bedspread. "I know to you he probably doesn't seem like an ideal partner. But if you're wanting someone that's going to take care of me… He's it."

"If he's as ideal for you as you claim, then you should allow us to get to know him. It would thrill your father, you know."

"I know. I will. It's just… I don't think you're going to like everything you find out about him. But you have to give him a chance. He's a good person. He's good for me."

"What is it that you're so afraid of me finding out?"

Laurel shook his head, fingers twisting knots into the hem of his shirt. "It's not fair to him if I tell you now. You'll judge him. I know you will."

"Then tell me what you like about him. Something to make me understand why you're so endeared to him."

"It's hard to explain. He's just different." Sighing, embarrassed by Helio's request, the blonde dropped his forehead into his hands. "I feel smart with him, and attractive, and interesting. I didn't feel like any of those things with Malory. I just felt nervous all the time."

"Laurel, you are smart and attractive and interesting. You don't need him to make you feel that way."

"No, I know that. I'm not explaining it right," he growled, frustrated. "It's just different with him than with anyone else. That's all I can say."

"I saw the way he kissed you at Ingrid's concert."

Even in the absolute depths of his depression, Laurel wasn't sure he'd ever considered suicide quite so seriously. "Sorry. He's just… Like that. It wasn't meant to be disrespectful or anything."

"I didn't find it disrespectful. But I hope that your relationship goes beyond… Hormonal chemistry. That would be an unhealthy foundation for you to grow an attachment upon."

Coughing, Laurel felt his face turn hot in his hands. "Please don't make me talk about sex with you. You didn't even do that when I was a teenager."

"I'm not relishing this moment any more than you are, believe me. It's something I have to be concerned about."

"Well, don't. Your concern is totally superfluous."

Glancing up to the ceiling, Helio could feel himself grimacing. "Your father and I made sure your hormones were suppressed with the shot, so it's not that I worry that you aren't being safe. But you have to understand, you're very desirable, Laurel, and there are men out there who would have no qualms about taking advantage of-"

"We haven't had sex." The words shot from his mouth before he could stop them, intensifying the heat he felt pumping under the skin of his face, spreading all down his body. "He… We wanted to wait and get to know each other first, so… Yeah. Just shut up about it, okay? You're killing me."

Despite the acrid embarrassment he felt discussing the subject, Helio felt a cool wave of relief at Laurel's words. "He's patient with you, then."

"Perpetually, eternally, unendingly patient. Do you feel better now?"

He did, but to say so now would only intensify the sting. "Bring him to the house so we can get to know him more. It would ease my concerns, seeing as you're determined to spend so much of your free time with him."

"I'll bring him," Laurel promised again. "I'll talk to him about it tomorrow."

When Helio rose, he cast one last look at his son before heading to the door. "I'm going to try my best, Laurel, to keep a communication open between us. I'm not perfect, particularly with that skill, but I'll do my best. I don't want you to forget what I told you."

"I won't," Laurel answered softly, watching his retreat. Despite everything, he could feel that Helio was trying. And there was a part of him that understood better now, the distance between them. It wasn't completely patched, but the first step had been taken. And though he wouldn't have believed it an hour earlier, he still wanted Helio's approval. Talking to him now only reminded him of that mildly painful fact. Even worse now, that he was reminded that his vatra actually did love him, at least on some basic level. "Thank you for… Explaining how you feel. I know you don't like talking about feelings or whatever. I don't either."

"That's why, I think, it's been so easy for us to let our relationship deteriorate. But I will do my best not to let that happen anymore. So you may have to suffer through more of these talks, to prepare you in advance."

"I-it's okay. I don't mind that much."

"Goodnight, Laurel."

"Goodnight."