Tori tucked her head under Jade's chin as she hugged her back.

"Why aren't you mad at me?" Jade whispered while running her fingers through Tori's hair.

Tori sighed softly. "Because of what you went through. It's understandable, but you need to stop protecting your dad, because you're not protecting yourself."

"You're right, it's just hard..."

Tori nodded. "I know, I know. You just need to trust us. Everything we're doing is to protect you."

Jade let her go. "I trust you, both of you, I really do. I guess it's just kind of hard to suddenly be the one who needs protecting..."

Cat moved so she could look Jade in the eyes. "You're still the same Jade, you've just learned that having people to watch your back is a good thing. We care about you, and want to help, Jadey." A tear rolled down Jade's face and Cat wiped it away. "I love you," Cat softly reminded. "So much. Please, don't do this to yourself."

Jade suddenly started sobbing. "I can't do this alone," she whispered, falling to the floor in grief.

Cat and Tori looked at each other, not sure what they should do. "We're here, Jade," Cat whispered close to her ear. She softly kissed Jade on the forehead. "Always."

Tori got on the floor in front of Jade and placed a hand on her cheek. "Hey," she started, stroking her face, "It's going to be okay, we're here for you." Jade leaned into her touch, which made Tori feel a little better about the situation.

Cat rested her chin on Tori's shoulder. "What are we going to do with you, Jade...?" she whispered, meaning it in a playful sense.

Jade, however, was too distraught to take it that way. "Please just... don't leave me..."

"We won't," Tori promised. She then lowered her voice and continued, "Besides, we know how much you need us right now, and we won't leave when you need us the most."

Jade smiled slightly. "I just don't get it. I was a total jerk to you, and yet, here you are."

Tori laughed a little. "I'd be the jerk if I didn't forgive you for that."

Jade laughed too, but it had bitter undertows. "It wouldn't be the first time."

Cat rolled her eyes. "Come on, Jade! Why do you reject everything?"

Jade froze. "I... I don't know, Cat..." She actually had no idea, she just got used to doing it.

"Well, can you please stop? For me?"

Jade looked into Cat's brown eyes and somehow felt safe. "I'll try. I'll do it for you," Jade replied genuinely.

"Yay!" Cat exclaimed as she gave her a hug.

Jade smiled and hugged her back tightly. "I love you too, Cat," she whispered in her ear. She felt Cat hug her a little tighter in response. When the two finally let go, they both turned to Tori.

Tori had tears in her eyes as she whispered, "You guys... I love you guys. Jade, I'm glad that you are going to try, I really am."

Jade nodded. "Don't cry, it's okay."

Tori attempted to make the tears go away, but a few escaped and fell down her cheeks.

Jade crawled over and wiped them away. "Hey, I'm here," Jade reminded with a small smile.

Tori smiled back as the tears in her eyes faded.

Cat came up behind Jade, curious about Tori's actions. "Are you okay, Tori?"

Tori nodded. "I'm okay, I'm just kind of getting hit all at once." She then bashfully lowered her head and whispered, "and... my face hurts still..."

Jade felt a twang of guilt in her heart. "I'm so sorry, Tor," she whispered as she placed a kiss on the cheek she had slapped.

Tori smiled. "I forgive you. Now all we need to do is help you through...all of this."