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Lacy here kiddos with the next chapter of the mini series. We're in for an emotional chapter kids. I know, what chapter hasn't been emotional. *pauses* Um, the intro. That's about it. Anywho! Here we're going to be dealing with the brand that Doyle left on Emily. Yeah, I know. I just had to go there. What can I say, I live for you guys throwing things at me. *pauses* Have fun is not going to work this time...

Disclaimer: I own Beth and Mal.

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Aaron frowned as he looked at the clock and realized Emily had been in the bathroom for over an hour. Even with having Aaron wash her hair, it never took her more then half an hour to do what she needed in there. So, Aaron pushed himself off the couch, he was concerned.

Heading upstairs, Aaron went to the bathroom and gently knocked on the door.

"Em, you okay?"

"I'm fine, Aaron. I'll be out in a minute."

Aaron frowned again. If she thought he couldn't hear her voice catch, she was obviously very upset.

"Em, please open the door."

"I'm fine, Aaron."

Aaron sighed and leaned against the door frame. "Emily, I can tell you're upset. Now please, let me help you."

Hearing the door unlock and Emily retreat away from it, Aaron slowly opened the door and stepped inside. Thankfully Jack was at school and Bethany was with Richard so Aaron could take as much time as needed to figure out why his wife had locked herself in the bathroom.

Emily stood at the sink, her hands braced on the vanity as she stared into the mirror. Aaron came up behind her and it only took him seconds to figure out what had her frozen in place.

Peaking out just above her towel was the branded four leaf clover that Doyle had left on her.

"I know it's just a scar," Emily said. Aaron could hear the tears in her voice, even if they hadn't fallen down her face. "but every time I see it, I see him. I hear him." she shut her eyes and dropped her head. "He'll never go away."

Aaron walked right up behind Emily and placed his hands on her towel covered hips. "I used to think the same thing. Every time I'd look at the scars Foyet left, I'd relive the whole thing. Every word, every feeling, every moment until I thought it was all I'd ever think about."

Emily sniffed and met his eyes in the mirror. "How did you stop it?"

"Before we got Jack back, I didn't," Aaron admitted. "but once I knew Foyet was dead and would never hurt us again, I just reminded myself of that every time I looked at my scars until it got to the point where I didn't have to remind myself. They just became another part of who I am." he slid a hand up and rested it over the brand. "I know you can't see it yet, but this is just another part of you. It doesn't make you any different and it doesn't make me love you any less." he turned Emily so they were facing each other. "Nothing will ever make me love you less."

Emily let the tears she'd been fighting fall as Aaron wrapped his arms around her and held her tightly. Pressing her face into his neck, she exhaled.

"I love you too and thank you,"

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Alright so it was super short and I really hope I didn't make anyone cry. If I did, *cringes* keep the fruits and veggies small please. Let me know what you think, flame policy stands and thanks for reading!

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