Kat and Nex fell into a comfortable rhythm of her going to class, auditions and work then coming home to Nex pulling her into the bedroom and making her feel more than she ever thought possible. Being close to him was a different experience every time and every day, she grew more attached to him. Every day he brought up home less to the point he didn't bring it up at all.

He left her randomly smiling much more than she ever thought she could, even when he was being a pain. But right now, she didn't feel much like smiling. It was the opening day for her play and she could not find her mother's bracelet anywhere.

Nex walked in after helping Lucian with a mission to see the house incredibly messy. It concerned him because he quickly learned Kat was very particular about how things were organized and cleaned. The house was always spotless and everything was always in "its spot", as Kat referred to it. If he so much as put a glass in the wrong spot in the cupboard, she would be there in a second fixing it. For there to be drawers emptied out and things lying around on the counter, the table, even the couch, it was very unlike her.

Nex hurried into the bedroom where Kat was sitting on the floor surrounded by tons of tiny cardboard jewelry boxes of varying sizes and colors. Several were open and lying on the floor with the jewelry hanging out haphazardly. She didn't even notice him come in, just picked up another box and opened it up, tossing it on the ground in frustration.

"Katherine," Nex said, startling her. She looked over at him briefly and mumbled a quiet 'hi' before picking up another box only to throw it down after opening it. "Are you... All right?" He asked uncertainly.

"I'm fine," she muttered, moving boxes aside in the messy pile as she searched for a box she hadn't checked yet.

Nex narrowed his eyes and stepped around the mess. He stopped in front of her and bent down, catching her wrist as she reached for another box. "What is it? What's wrong?"

"I can't find the bracelet," she said, seeming much more upset than he'd ever seen anyone about a piece of jewelry. "I can't find it anywhere."

"What do you need a bracelet for? I thought you would've left by now, aren't you supposed to be there early?" He asked, cocking his head to the side.

"Yes but," Kat paused, biting on her lip and looking like she was about to cry.

Nex frowned and crouched down, gently grabbing her chin and turning her to look at him. "What's wrong, Katherine?"

"It's nothing," she said, trying to look away but he tightened his hold on her chin.

"Don't lie," he said, narrowing his eyes. "Tell me what's wrong."

"It's my mom's bracelet," she said, tears filling her eyes. "It's my mom's and I was supposed to wear it tonight because," she stopped, sucking in a breath and brushing away the tears that escape. "Because I just wanted to."

Nex frowned and pushed stuff aside so he could sit on the floor. He pulled her into his lap and brushed away the tears that came out. "What does it look like?"

"It's nothing special, really," she said, darting her eyes away. "It's just a little pink butterfly charm on a simple silver chain. My costume hides it enough it doesn't mess anything up, the director said I was okay to wear it under the sleeve."

"Where have you not looked?" He asked, looking around. It looked like she'd been through every single thing in the house.

Thinking that made him realize there were two places she didn't look and probably wouldn't. Her parents room and the car were hard off-limits. It and her mother's cars were the only thing he could bring up that made her snap at him. He'd learned to avoid the two things.

"I've looked everywhere," she sighed.

Her phone started ringing and she picked it up, frowning when she saw the name on the screen. It was one of the other people in the play, probably wondering where she was.

"I have to go," she said, standing up.

"I'll walk you," Nex said, standing with her.

"No, it's too early," she said, shaking her head. "I don't want you to have to wait around for three hours. I'll just see you there."

"I don't mind, kitten," Nex frowned.

"I just need to be alone for a little bit, okay?" She sighed, wrapping her arms around herself and leaving the room.

Nex often pushed boundaries with her but she was thankful he dropped it today. She tried to get ahold of herself so she wouldn't be crying when she got there. She'd have to do her makeup and she couldn't do that if she didn't stop crying. As she made her way to the bus, every car passing by reminded her of that night, the memories surfacing without her permission. She shook her head as if that would make them go away, wrapping her arms around herself tighter and willing herself to think of anything else rather than that night. She hoped at some point the memories would stop haunting her so much but they certainly weren't in that moment.

She walked across a parking lot of a grocery store, picking up her pace as the bus stop came into view. The last thing she wanted to do right now was get on the bus but she didn't have enough time to make the walk to her university, she was already going to be a little late. Remembering that had her walking faster, until someone said her name.

"Katherine, what a coincidence."

Kat glanced over her shoulder, surprised to see Gabriel standing behind her. She quickly turned away and wiped at the stray tears, taking a deep breath and putting on the best fake smile she had before turning to him. She didn't feel like talking to him, or anyone for that matter, but she wasn't going to be rude.

"Hi," she said, giving him a small wave.

"Are you all right?" He frowned.

"I'm fine," Kat smiled, holding herself tighter.

"It looks like you've been crying," he said, taking a step towards her. "Boyfriend upset you?"

Kat frowned, bothered by his question. He'd been at church the last couple weeks and he continued to approach her. The way he phrased things whenever he spoke with her always made it seem like he thought Nex wasn't a good person which made no sense since they hadn't even met. Why would he assume Nex is the reason I'm upset? She thought.

"Of course not. Nex is wonderful," Kat said. "I wasn't crying, it's just allergies," she said, waving her hand dismissively.

"Right," Gabriel said, his smile faltering slightly. "Where are you off to? Need a ride?" He asked, gesturing to the car next to them.

"No," Kat said quickly, taking several steps back from the car and gaining a frown from Gabriel. "Sorry," she said, feeling embarrassed. "I appreciate the offer but I'm fine. I gotta get to the bus before it leaves," she said, inclining her head towards the stop.

"The bus?" Gabriel said, raising an eyebrow. "I can just drive you."

"No," Kat said, shaking her head and taking another step back. She wasn't sure if it was because she was already upset before running into but he was really starting to bother her. "Sorry, gotta go. See you Sunday," she said, turning on her heels and leaving before he could say another word.

The second she was on the bus she gripped the bar tightly, tensing when the bus started moving. She squeezed her eyes shut and reminded herself to breathe as her chest tightened, her knuckles turning white from gripping the bars so tightly. Kat hated riding the bus.

It felt like eternity before she got there but once she did, they went through one last rehearsal and set check, making sure everything was where it needed to be for scene changes and that all the props were accounted for. They checked the lighting and music and by the time it was almost time to start, Kat was sitting in the otherwise empty dressing room, trying very hard not to cry.

She hadn't expected to be this emotional about the stupid play. She knew it might hit a soft spot but she thought she could keep it together. Instead, it snuck up on her and now she couldn't seem to get herself calmed down, she couldn't stop her mind from going back to that night to the point she started to feel nauseous.

She tried every method she knew, the ones that usually worked. She counted, she breathed, she tried to ground herself in what was real but none of it worked. She set her head in her hands and despite her best efforts, started crying again.

"Don't cry, kitten," Nex murmured, setting his hands on her shoulders.

Kat only slightly jumped at the sound of his voice, getting more used to him showing up unannounced. She wiped away the tears as he crouched in front of her, looking up at her in concern.

"I'm fine," she whispered.

"Clearly," Nex said, narrowing his eyes. "Stop lying to me and tell me what's wrong. Why is it so important to you?"

"I don't want to talk about it," she said, darting her eyes away.

"You only have about ten minutes to curtain, kitten," Nex pointed out. "I think you better get over not wanting to talk about it and tell me anyway or it's going to distract you."

Kat sighed and folded her hands in her lap, staring down at them. "I was always too chicken to try out for theater," she said quietly. "I just... I don't have the confidence but I really do love it," she said, biting her lip. "But my parents were so supportive and... I got into a small part in this Christmas play at church... And we were on our way to the last show at my pastor's house for it when...When..." her lower lip quivered and more tears spilled out. "That was the last play I was in before this one."

Nex's eyes widened in understanding and he picked up her hands, placing a kiss on her knuckles. "I'm sorry."

"I just wish they could be here," Kat said, more tears falling without her permission. "I wish they were here to see me. Christmas Eve was going to have the biggest turn out and my mom put her bracelet on me before we left the house that night and said when I got nervous to just..." she stopped, her lip quivering. "To look down at it and know that I wasn't alone and even if I couldn't see her, I'd know she was there with me. I just wanted to wear it so I could feel like they were here."

"I understand," Nex nodded, reaching up and brushing the tears off her face. "It's a good thing you have it then, isn't it?"

"What?" Kat said, looking up.

"I found it," he said, holding up the bracelet. "It was in your parent's room but I swear I didn't touch a thing except this bracelet. Hold out your hand so I can put it on," he said, holding it open for her.

Kat stared at the bracelet with wide eyes, somehow even more tears filling her eyes. "You... You found it?" She said shakily.

"Katherine," Nex said, setting his hand on her face and catching the fresh tears. "Hold out your hand for me. I'll put it on you. Everything's all right now."

Kat bit her lip to try to get ahold of herself, holding out her hand. Nex secured the bracelet around her wrist then pressed a kiss against it, looking up at her. She stared at the bracelet and although she hoped that would be the thing to get her to stop crying, it seemed to only make it worse. Nex knew she wasn't ready to go on stage. She wouldn't be ready in ten minutes when she was this upset.

He stood and picked her up, sitting down on the chair with her in his lap, her legs on either side of his. Normally it would be the perfect opportunity to start something with her but not now. Not while she was so distraught. He wrapped an arm around her to hold her close, cupping her cheek with his other hand.

"Katherine," he murmured, brushing away the tears that just kept coming.

"I'm sorry," she said, hiding her face in her hands. "I'm not... I'm not like this. I don't cry like this. I'm fine," she said, shaking her head.

"You're not fine," Nex said, peeling her hands away from her face and tilting her chin up towards him. "You're not fine and you're not fine because you're trying to act like you are. Just let it out. You've been holding it in too long. Talk to me," he said, rubbing his thumb over her cheek. "You're mine, Katherine, you can talk to me."

She hated talking about it. Hated thinking about it. It hurt too much to think about and took her back to that dark place she was in the first few months after it happened. But Nex was different, with him she didn't feel like pretending she was okay.

"I miss them so much," she cried, throwing her arms around his neck and holding onto him tightly. He wrapped his arms around her and brought a hand behind her head, cradling her into the crook of his neck. "I miss them so much and it's almost Christmas and... And I... " She paused, unable to speak through the crying at first. "Ever since the accident, I..." she paused, her voice shaky. "I sometimes get so anxious around cars, I see things that aren't there. I sometimes watch it happen over and over again." she said, holding onto him tighter. "It happened so fast and there was..." she choked on the words. "There was so much blood and it was on me and," she said, clinging to him, unable to stop the crying. "I can't stop watching them die," she whispered. "I'm going to be late for the play," she sniffled.

"Something tells me the play is going to run a little late," Nex said, darting his eyes to the side at the shadows. He took control of them and moved them over to the lights on the stage, slowly wrapping around the bulbs and darkening the stage, sending the light coordinator into a fit of confusion.

It didn't matter to him the coordinator was panicking. What mattered was the girl in his arms. He knew the accident was bad but he was surprised by what she just told him. The accident was worse than he realized and it was abundantly clear she wasn't letting herself heal from it, she was keeping it in. She was keeping it in even more than he realized. He rested his chin on her head and stroked her hair as she cried. He didn't give the lighting coordinator peace until she'd stopped for a while, until the sniffling stopped, until she went still in his arms, her body finally relaxing.

"Katherine," he murmured, holding her tighter. "Have you ever told anyone what happened that night? What it was like?"

"One person," she whispered, tightening her arms around his neck. "My pastor knows..." she breathed out shakily. "He knows most of it. He was my counselor after it happened. If it were up to him I'd still be in counseling but I..." she sighed. "I just wanted to be able to get through it myself."

"Will you tell me what happened?" He asked.

"I can't," she said, holding him tighter, feeling the need to hold onto him so she wouldn't fall apart again. "It's not that I don't want you to know. I just... I can't... I can't relive it again," she said, her voice cracking.

"It's all right," he said, kissing her head. "It's all right. You don't have to tell me."

"I want to," she admitted. "I just can't. I don't suppose one of your tricks involves going into my mind and finding out for yourself?" She said jokingly, trying desperately to lighten the mood because she couldn't take the heaviness.

"No," Nex said, frowning. But I know someone who can. "But say I could find a way, would you want me to?"

Kat shrugged, breathing out a long breath. "Only if you don't look at me the way everyone else did."

"How did everyone look at you?" Nex frowned.

"Like..." she sighed, shaking her head. "Like, oh, the poor traumatized orphan," she said, her voice cracking. "No one could be normal with me except my pastor and Bernice. Everyone wanted to... To talk about it. They looked at me and talked to me like I would break and I got so tired of that look. The pity look," she said, wincing at the word. "It's because of that I... I isolated from everyone. I lost most of my friends because I just... I couldn't stand being stared at like that all the time. Being lonely was better than having people act like that with me. It was suffocating to have people constantly wanting me to talk about it, waiting for me to break," she whispered. "I'm sorry," she murmured into his neck.

"Don't apologize," he said, kissing her head. "Don't. Katherine, you're never going to heal if you don't admit it still haunts you. I'm here for you kitten. You belonging to me means I take care of you in every way," he said, guiding her head back to look at him. "You can cry on me. I want you to cry on me. Your pleasure isn't the only thing that belongs to me," he said, rubbing his thumb over her cheek, wiping away the stray tears. "All of you belongs to me. That includes your grief. Don't hide it from me, kitten. I want all of you," he said, placing a kiss against her lips. "All of you," he emphasized, kissing her forehead.

His words nearly had her crying again but for a different reason. She never knew someone could be so tender like he was. She didn't often make the first move but she couldn't help it, she pressed her lips against his in an urgent kiss. He held her close and kissed her back, threading his hand through her hair and holding her in place as their lips moved together in perfect synch, like they were made to be kissing each other.

"I have to get ready," Kat sighed against his lips. "And now everyone's going to know I was crying," she added, feeling self-conscious.

"No they won't," Nex said, tilting her chin up. "Keep your head up, kitten. This is nothing some makeup tricks can't hide. We'll have you fixed up in no time but that makeup comes off as soon as we get home," he said, narrowing his eyes. "I want to see you, just you," he said, running his thumb over her cheek.

"Deal," Kat said, biting her lip to try to keep back the smile.

"Good," Nex said, pressing his lips to her forehead. "Let's get you stage-ready."

Kat nodded and took a deep breath before getting off his lap, wiping at her eyes one last time. He watched as she took another long deep breath and seemed to be counting under her breath before giving him a small smile and getting into her makeup bag. He would act normal for her sake but he couldn't help but be concerned. Concerned because she had really gone through it alone and still was.

There was one way he could know what happened, could know how better to help Katherine. One person could help him. He'd never encountered her, sometimes even pointedly avoided her, but no longer.

He was going to pay Death a visit.