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.