~Laura's POV~

I have no idea what's going on right now. I was ready to end it all, finally. I was done, nothing left holding me to this world.

Except for Jaime Preciado's arms.

I still can't believe this is happening, as I lead the guys on the short walk to my apartment. I can see Vic and Mike tense up a little as we enter the, well, not-so-nice part of town. Undaunted, I pace onward, frightened and excited at what the future holds.

Entering the building, Craig, the landlord, is unfortunately there. He arches his eyebrows at me before calling me over. Fuck my life.

"Laura, excuse me, can I speak to you for a moment?"

I give my keys to Mike and send them off to my apartment, telling them to get comfortable and I'll be there as soon as I can. I know what's coming, and I'm frightened. I don't want to do this. I can't do this anymore.

I step inside Craig's office and he slams the door shut behind me, making me jump and everything in the small room rattle.

"What the fuck do you think you're doing, you little slut? Running around with all these other men. I think you need a little reminder of who you belong to." He grins wickedly before tying my hands behind my back and grabbing the lighter.

With contemplative eyes, he pulls down the front of my shirt and starts the familiar pattern of burning his initials into my skin. I tune the world out, slowly growing numb.

But then he does something unexpected. Usually, he either rapes me or hurts me. Never both at the same time. All the same, he's unbuckling his belt and pushing me down on my knees.

"Help," is all I can think, even though I know it won't do any good. "Someone, something, just make this stop."

Of course, nothing does. Luckily it's over in a relatively short span of time and he's shoving me out the door with not another word. I feel disgusting, used, like trash.

I need a shower, is all I can think when I reach my apartment and realize I don't have my keys.

And that Pierce the Veil is inside my apartment, waiting for me.

~Jaime's POV~

We take a silent walk to Laura's apartment. Walking inside, it's dingy, cramped, awful, but clean. Everything's in it's place. It looks like she barely lives here. We make our way into the 'living room' and take over her couches.

For a few moments, there's nothing but a heavy silence. Then Vic breaks it.

"Well fuck. Guys, what do we do?"

"First, we invite her on tour. Then we talk to her about the suicide and such. It will put her in a better place and a clearer frame of mind to talk about the important issues." It surprises even me that these words are coming out of my mouth. Since when do I know anything about helping people? That's always been Vic's thing.

"Sounds smart Jaime. By the way, does anyone else have a really bad feeling about that guy in the lobby?"

Just a little apprehension. Healthy I guess. Laura didn't react much to seeing him, so I don't know. I figure I don't really need to say anything now anyway.

"She's been gone a long time." Tony points out.

"Well if she's not here in 5 we can go down and see if we can find her. But I'm not leaving for tour without her." Mike says, surprising us all.

"Yeah, I thi-" Vic's cut off by a knock on the door.

Even though Tony's closest, I jump up and run to the door, holding it wide for Laura. She seems really upset and I don't know why. Instinctively, I bring her into a tight hug. She seems shocked and reluctant at first but then just gives in, falling to pieces in my arms. I coo in her ear, hoping to just get her to calm down.

"I'm sorry." She says.

Vic snorts. "For what? For being kind and an incredible musician? You're fine sweetie. Come here."

I reluctantly release her from my embrace and she stumbles over to Vic who also wraps her in his arms. He whispers in her ear and her eyes grow wide.

"Really? No fucking around?"

"I swear to it. We really want - need - you on this tour."

"Well, if I won't be a burden, yes! That sounds wonderful, like the chance of a lifetime."

"I'm glad you see it that way. Most people would look at it as four months on a bus with a bunch of smelly guys."

"Better than this place." She says harshly.