Yue was silent for a moment. "Because... I know what their enemies are capable of," she replied.

Laurel snorted, "So you're trusting them because you fear the other side more?" she clarified.

Yue shook her head.

"Then what?" Laurel demanded

"Yeah, I know the neonates can get desperate," Yue replied. "But I also know that no matter how genetically enhanced they are that they are just human. Adn I also know that, as humans go, they aren't half-bad."

Laurel smirked a little sadly, "Yeah, that's right, they're only human. So what happens if one of us gets something they want? What then?" she demanded before rolling her eyes a little, "Oh that's right, you're dating one of them. I guess bedding one gives you more security than the rest of us," she spat as she stood.

Yue was silent for a moment before replying, "And where else would you put your trust?" she asked. "Are you sure whoever you trust wouldn't do the same?"

"I'm not putting my trust anywhere," Laurel spat, "Nic is the only person I'll trust from now on. I'm sick of all these games!"

"And he trusted the neonates enough to leave you here," Yue noted.

"Yeah, well he's not all knowing," Laurel replied simply.

Yue said nothing, getting tired of arguing with Laurel.

"I just... think we should be more wary," Laurel stated, staring at the table.

"... Funny," Yue said after a moment. "You're acting like you trust me."

Laurel turned and glared at Yue coldly, "You're above the neonates on my list," she stated, "but that's not saying much."

Yue shrugged.

Laurel shifted a little in her chair, "But Nic and I won't be staying around for long once he gets back," she stated.

--

Rosen was finally showing signs of waking.

Yue shrugged again.

--

Long didn't do anything to speed up the process. Instead he just waited.

"Will you stay here if Nic and I leave?" she asked.

--

Finally Rosen yawned and squeezed Long a little tighter before stretching and blinking his eyes open.

"Yes," Yue replied without hesitation.

--

Long didn't say anything.

"And what happens when Pepper spills where you are to your brother? You really think the neonates will protect you?" Laurel asked.

--

Rosen yawned again before focusing on Long, "Mornin'" he said groggily before blinking a bit, "You in pain?"

"My brother isn't an idiot," Yue replied.

--

Long shook his head silently.

Laurel snorted, "Your brother would do just about anything to get his hands on Nic," she replied, "Everyone has their price." Which was an odd statement, coming from Laurel.

--

"You sure?" Rosen pushed.

"... And I know that price," Yue replied.

--

Long nodded a little.

Laurel rolled her eyes a little, "Sure you do," she stated.

--

"You positive?" Rosen asked earnestly, reaching for a vial.

Yue suddenly stood. "So you have a little bonding time with the Okirie and suddenly you think you know how the world works?" she asked. "Well, I grew up in that world, sister. So think twice before tossing what I have to say aside. I know that world far better than you do. But if I need help with a cookie recipe, I'll consider your opinion."

--

Long nodded again with a small sigh. He wasn't used to repeating himself so many times.

Surprisingly, Laurel laughed, "Yeah, that's about all you people think of me here. Laurel the innocent, Laurel the sweetie, Laurel who would never hurt anyone." She shook her head a little as she stood and leaned closer, "And yet, I have the power to bring your world crashing down," she whispered before turning to leave.

--

Rosen finally seemed convinced as he settled back down, "The meds made you act weird last night," he informed Long.

"One of the first things you learn when you grow up in that world," Yue explained as she left, "Is the difference between real power and the illusion of power."

--

Long nodded a little, not seeming surprised.

Laurel laughed again, "Oh, don't worry, Yue. It'll never be an illusion, no matter how much I wish it was," she replied to Yue's back.

--

"Can you act like that again? It was more fun," Rosen explained.

"... You sure no one's pulling your strings?" Yue inquired. "Because someone always is."

--

Long didn't seem all that amused.

Laurel nodded a little, some of her bravo slipping away, "I've seen it myself," she muttered.

--

It was pretty clear, like usual, that Rosen meant no harm. "Aw, but seriously, you should talk more."

Yue shrugged. "As long as you know who's manipulating you," she mused.

--

Long seemed to disagree as he remained silent.

Laurel sighed a little, "Yeah, what a wonderful world it is, huh?"

--

"So," Rosen stated, pulling out his list, "What's your favorite body part?" he asked, "Mine is..." his voice trailed off, dirty smirk on his face.

Yue didn't say anything else.

--

Long frowned a little, not getting it.

So Rosen leaned over and whispered bluntly what he meant in Long's ear.

Long blinked. "Why?" he asked as if the answer wasn't obvious.

Rosen let out a long sigh, "You really need to get out more," he muttered, "If only I'd never promised not to seduce you... then I'd show you why it's my favorite."

Long thought about it a little longer before seeming to get it, but he didn't seem too effected by the suggestion.

"So, what's your favorite body part?" Rosen pressed.

Long thought about it a moment before replying, "Thumbs."

Rosen blinked before laughing, "Why?" he asked, figuring he knew the answer already.