"He did a lot more, too. Threatened me, tried to kill me, told me I was worthless, put expectations higher then me, killed my brother," He paused, letting out a shaky breath. "All while my mother couldn't see, I couldn't let her see, couldn't let her see the fear, things like that. That's why i'm so good at hiding things, all because I had to as I grew up.Hide everything, the bruises, the burns, the insults." Caden vented quietly, tears silently flowing down his face. His hand reached up and held onto Rose's, keeping it pressed against his face. "You were the first person I ever said 'I love you' to, and you actually reply back with the same words."

Rose was silent for a moment, the weight of his past and his words sinking into her heart and making her angry at the man who dared to hurt Caden. "I love you so much, Caden." She said softly, kissing his cheek. "Always."

"I love you more," He said softly, voice on the verge of breaking. Caden's face was damp with tears, swallowing those that threatened to spill over.

Rose wrapped her arms around him, pulling his head to her chest as she held him close. "I'll always be here, baby."

Caden simply said nothing, just clung to her. It was weird for him, actually having somebody to talk to. To explain everything, to tell everything. Not be judged for the way it felt, not have to hide anything, it was peace.

Rose gently rubbed his cheek with her thumb, her own anger toward his father flaring again as she barely kept it in check.

Caden's eyes threatened to flutter closed but he kept them open, nestling into Rose.

Rose just held him close, keeping her thoughts away for the moment

He eventually stopped crying, holding tighter to Rose. Caden's voice broke the comforting silence, barely above a mumble. "I love you,"

"I love you too. I love you so much. Your voice, your confidence, your loving self, your curiosity, your patience with me-especially when i'm being a bitch."