"For what?" Tusk inquired.

And so Pepper rattled off, as if off the top of her head, "Turmeric is a stimulant, has healing and antiseptic properties, and a remedy for sunburn. The use of turmeric in daily diet can improve body's immunity. It is a natural liver detoxifier, a natural painkiller and cox-2 inhibitor."

"... Huh..." Tusk muttered. It looked like he had expected something else.

Pepper continued in the same tone though her eyes were amused, "And if thrown, may cause temporary blindness."

Tusk blinked, getting more bored and starting to disbelieve her a bit.

"That was a joke," Pepper stated with an eyeroll, "Though I'm sure if you threw spice in someone's eye it would hurt."

Tusk nodded a little before starting to walk off.

Pepper didn't hesitate to follow right along beside him.

--

As night fell, there was a knock on Nic's door.

Tusk didn't stop her as he walked back the building where Pepper was staying and where he was supposedly staying as well.

--

Much to the knocker's surprise, Nic answered the door after a few moments.

Pepper didn't stay silent for long, "Do you know of Dominic Duncan?" she asked rather loudly.

--

Laurel took a step back, clearly shocked he'd actually answered. She was dressed nicely and smelled a little sweet.

"Who?" Tusk asked. It looked like he genuinely didn't know who that was.

--

Nic waited for Laurel to say something first. And it wasn't clear if he noticed a difference.

Pepper sighed as she looked at Tusk with pity.

--

"What are you up to?" Laurel asked, voice a little eager.

Tusk shrugged.

--

Nic blinked. "... You want to eat dinner?" he guessed after a moment.

Pepper sighed a little, "What are you doing later?"

--

Laurel blinked, "No... I already ate. Did you eat yet?"

"Depends," Tusk replied.

--

Nic had to think about it. "I had a late lunch," he replied.

Pepper arched an eyebrow.

--

Laurel nodded a little. She seemed to be suddenly feeling a bit hesitant.