Nic didn't say anything more as he turned back to his work.

--

Yue looked away, voice still lost.

Laurel left and music could be heard from one of the dance studios.

--

James' frown deepened, "Every time I'm with you I end up hurting you. I don't understand why you're so friendly." he continued.

Still nothing from Yue.

James was silent for awhile longer before sighing, "I'll leave then." he finally just stated as he turned to leave.

Yue stood, but she didn't try to go after him. She looked, rather embarrassed.

James paused at the door as he noticed she had stood. He glanced back at her, even more confused than before. "... What?"

Yue was really struggling with... something. She looked away again, face pretty red. She played with her hands for a long moment before telling him quietly, "... Yeah... I've forgiven you already."

James let out a long sigh, "The more I come to know you... the more I come to realize I don't know you at all." he said with a bit of a complaining tone. Then he seemed to peer at her more closely, "You... aren't drunk, right?" he asked suddenly, eyes squinting a little.

"No," Yue snapped at him before shaking her head a little. "No," she repeated, but without the unnecessary anger.

James sighed again as he turned and slowly walked back over to her, stopping about an arms length away. "And... what happens with it happens again?" he asked quietly, eyes serious and a bit sad.

Yue took in a deep breath and let it out slowly, looking very uncomfortable and perhaps a bit scared. "... I'll... I'll try not to let it," she replied quietly.

James looked at Yue for a long moment, "Yue, you don't have to do this you know." he said quietly, "You don't have to be around me. I was designed to mimic and cause chaos and pain, it will come up again... I... don't know when but it will. I don't want to hurt you again, Yue." he whispered, real pain breaking through his controlled expression, "D-Dirt... Do you realize how much you were screaming in fear?" If Yue looked close enough she could see that James was actually shaking slightly.

After a long moment, Yue slowly reached out and grabbed James' arm lightly. She was shaking a little to. "... It's... not you that I'm afraid of," she whispered, not looking at him.

James blinked before frowning again, "... Then who?" he asked quietly, "Dominic?"

Yue's silence was confirmation enough.

And suddenly Yue was enveloped in James's arms, "Why?" he asked, pain clear in his voice, "Why does he scare you so badly?" Then he paused, thinking back over Nic's words as he arms tightened around Yue.