She perked a brow and offered a shrug in turn, though she wished he would've stayed--he was leaving her alone with her guilt, now. She couldn't even make up for it, yet.

Oh, well.

"You're welcome to come back whenever," she told him. She wasn't being sappy, overly warm or even welcoming--just matter-of-fact.

But she was a little sorry, and as he launched into his swift walk off, she felt another pang of regret.

Shit, Giggs. Ask 'em how old they are, next time, before you hit 'em with the good stuff. She shook her head--at herself--and turned to head back to her den alone.

When Omen joined her, she was glad for the company--and the distraction; she felt that she would need it.

rain stock: D Sharon Pruitt wiki commons; hyena Benjamin Hollis on flickr