Nic didn't let go for a very long time.

Laurel didn't pull away. But eventually she started mumbling. It was rather hard to hear but it was something about Hayden.

Nic let her mumble. When she was finished, he waited another long moment before mumbling, "I... I'm afraid."

Laurel hugged him tighter, "Why?" she murmured quietly.

Nic seemed a little reluctant to say more. But after awhile he asked, "Will you keep it a secret?" he asked.

Laurel nodded without hesitation.

"I..." Nic whispered, "I think... there's something wrong with my head."

Laurel pulled away just enough to look into his eyes, "... What do you mean?" she asked quietly, worry creasing her eyebrows.

Nic shook his head a little like he didn't know how to explain. His eyes looked very tired.

Laurel paused a moment before kissing his cheek, "Don't be afraid," she whispered into his ear, "I'm right here. You're not alone now... if something's wrong then we'll figure it out together."

Nic didn't say anything, but hugged Laurel a little tighter.

Laurel was quiet for awhile, "Why did you leave the club?" she asked quietly, "Did the crowd freak you out?"

Nic's silence was close enough to a yes.

"Sorry," Laurel whispered, "I shouldn't have made you come."

Nic shook his head. "... It's not your fault," he whispered.

"I keep pushing you..." Laurel continued, "Trying to change you when you're fine the way you are." Her grip around him tightened, "I'm sorry, Nic," she told him again.

Nic didn't say anything.

Laurel fell silent for a long moment, "You know... that I'll always love you, right?" she whispered as she kissed his neck, "I... don't have a choice anymore."

"Neither do I," Nic whispered in her ear after a moment. "... I will always love you."

A shiver went up Laurel's spine at his words, "Nic..." she whispered, "what are we going to do...?"

"... I don't know," he replied quietly.

Laurel was shaking a little, "We keep... hurting each other, Nic," she said softly, pressing her face back into his chest.

Nic didn't say anything as he rubbed Laurel's back gently.

Laurel eventually muttered, "As much as I love you... You smell like dirt," and tried to pull away.

Nic reluctantly let go. After another moment he silently turned to go back to the helm.

Laurel grabbed his hand, not letting him, "What's the rush?" she asked quietly.

Nic stopped, but didn't turn around. "... By now... I'm sure Wolfe is itching to ask me some questions."

"I don't care..." Laurel whispered as she let go of Nic's hand. He heard the rustle of clothing behind him as Laurel started to strip. They were just far enough away the the island to be out of sight. "C'mon, the water's warm."

Nic glanced back before quickly glancing away again. "I..." he replied, "We can't do this right now."

Laurel shook her head, "We can't go back to the resort looking like we do," she replied quietly.

"... You go first then," Nic told her.

Laurel grunted a little, unhappy but she didn't complain as she jumped over the side. She splashed around for a little while before trying to pull herself back on the boat and failing. "Um.... Nic?" she called, a bit embarrassed.

After a little while, Nic came over with his back to Laurel, reaching a hand down behind him for Laurel to grab onto.

Laurel grabbed his hand tightly.

So Nic pulled Laurel up onto the boat, and then left her to get dressed on her own.

"Nic... What does Wolfe want to ask you about?" she asked quietly, he was acting kinda weird...

Nic shrugged.

Laurel fell silent as she pulled her clothes back on and started to bandage her feet.

Once he was sure Laurel was fully clothed, he took off just his shoes before going in the water himself since his clothes were dirty too. After scrubbing himself off a bit, he pulled himself back onto the boat.

Laurel was ready with one of the instadry line of towels. She immediately began to rub him dry, just happy to be close to him.