Nic nodded a little back before turning to leave.

Laurel paused, "What time?" she asked his back.

"Usual," Nic replied without turning around.

So at the usual time, Laurel stepped into Nic's room.

Nic was there like usual. It looked like he was mostly ready to take off.

Laurel was acting strangely but it was hard to pinpoint exactly what it was. She barely touched the food as she stared at it the entire time.

Nic's appetite was the same as always. And like usual, he didn't speak unless he was spoken to.

There wasn't much speaking at this lunch. When Nic was done Laurel suddenly cleared her throat a little, "Do... you think secrets are as bad as lies?" she asked quietly.

"Depends," Nic replied.

Laurel was silent for a long moment, "On what?" she whispered.

Nic thought about it for a moment before deciding, "How guilty you feel keeping the secret."

Laurel froze for a moment before glancing off to the side.

Nic said nothing, expression blank and eyes non-judgmental.

Laurel was silent for a good while before whispering, "How do you keep so many s-secrets, Nic?" she asked quietly, her voice stammering a little despite her efforts to keep it firm.

"... I feel no guilt," he explained.

Laurel frowned a little before swallowing, "How?"