Nic thought about it a long time as he kept cleaning before nodding slightly.

Laurel paused, thinking that over, "Is it always... the same memories?"

Nic had to think even longer about this question. In the end he shook his head.

Laurel nodded a little, "So something I said... triggered a bad memory?"

Nic shrugged a little, not sure himself.

Laurel paused for a long time, "So... I say something which triggers a memory... which triggers a continuous flood of bad memories and to escape you black out," she summarized before falling deep in thought.

Nic didn't seem to like how that sounded, but he remained silent.

"I can't imagine..." Laruel suddenly whispered, "having memories so horrible... they overwhelm your spirit." She realized her hands were shaking so she clamped them together, "It makes me not want to say anything to you, I don't want to put you through that again."

Nic said nothing, the thought not appearing to have any effect on him unlike Laurel.

"Nic... what's haunting you so badly?" she asked quietly, "Is it about the set up?"

Nic didn't reply.

Laurel was silent for a long time, "Does it have to do with your scars?" she ventured quietly.

Still nothing.

Laurel shook her head a little, keeping herself calm. "Nic, this whole relationship thing would go a lot more smoothly if I knew where your sensitive points are. I seem to be doing a excellent job of hitting every one of them."

Yet he remained silent. Maybe he was already mostly emotionally spent for the day.

Laurel stared at the table for a long time, perhaps it was time to do some research on her own. "Can you carry me to my room?" she suddenly asked.