"... No," Nic replied, rubbing his head a bit.

Laurel nodded a little and was quiet for awhile. Finally she gathered up the courage and asked outright, "What happened?"

Nic was silent for a moment as he rubbed his head before replying stoically, "Rosen used me."

Laurel blinked, clearly she hadn't been expecting that, "... huh?"

Nic repeated himself.

Laurel shook her head a little as it slowly sank in. Then it looked like it was a really good thing for Rosen that they were on an island as her eyes glinted fiercely. She scowled deeply, "He seduced you?" she clarified.

"... Yes," Nic replied just as stoically as he started to stand.

Laurel looked really angry as she started cussing again. But as Nic stood Laurel suddenly stood as well and launched forward, crashing into him and wrapping her arms around him tightly.

--

Frei continued to wait but this panther seemed to have an independent streak.

Nic stumbled a bit, not stable on his feet yet.

--

After awhile, Raven tried to gently tempt the panther over like a cat.

Laurel continued to hold Nic in a crushing hug, not seeming to care if they toppled over.

--

The panther wandered around aimlessly but sorta in Raven's direction. Finally it came within reach, yawning a bit.

Nic managed not to topple over, leaning on a tree for support. It took awhile, but eventually he hugged her lightly back.

--

So Raven grabbed it when he got the chance and pet it's head a little before giving her to Frei.

Laurel didn't let up, only squeezing him tighter, "I'm sorry..." she whispered, "You're always here for me but when you need support I..." she couldn't finish.

--

It bit Raven's hand. The teeth were just starting to grow in.

Nic didn't say anything.

--

That didn't seem to phase Raven as he handed her to Frei.

Laurel leaned up and kissed his neck very softly, "I love you," she whispered, "with all my heart... and I don't blame you," she paused, "because if Rosen was set on seducing me... I don't think I could resist either," she sighed before kissing his neck again.

--

The panther bit Frei as well. She seemed more phased then Raven as she stared at her bitten hand.

Nic didn't say anything, but he began to pull away after a moment.

--

"... You want a bandage?" Raven asked.

Laurel resisted for a moment but then reluctantly let go herself.

--

Frei continued to stare at her hand. The panther started to groom itself on her lap.