Nic quickly hid the anger away, becoming his typical emotionless self. He didn't respond to Laurel, remaining where he was.

"What's going on?" Laurel repeated, glancing at Nic and then at Wolfe.

Frei looked at Laurel, "We think it would be wise... for you to stay away from Nic. For now." Laurel blinked, very confused.

Wolfe looked at Laurel, "Come here, Laurel." Laurel took a step forward automatically before back up behind Nic, "Why?" she demanded.

Nic said nothing, letting Wolfe and Frei say whatever they wanted to say.

Laurel looked at Nic for an explanation before looking back at Wolfe.

Wolfe focused back on Nic, "Go for now," he stated, "We'll finish this discussion later." Laurel looked between them.

Nic didn't say anything as he slowly stood and started to walk out.

Laurel started to follow but was called back by Wolfe. This time she obeyed.

Nic turned around as Laurel was called back. But he kept walking out and stopped a little ways down the hallway across from Raven who was also waiting quietly.

After a long time, Snow emerged and looked around. She didn't seem surprised that Nic had stayed close. "Laurel will be steering clear of you until we settle this," she informed him, "After that, depending on the settlement, you might have a chance to explain to her what happened."

Raven glanced between Snow and Nic.

Nic didn't say anything, and he didn't move.

Snow turned as Rosen walked out, carrying Laurel with Frei keeping an eye on her from the side. Zala walked along behind them. Apparently, whatever they had told Laurel had been too overwhelming. None of them even looked at Raven and Nic as they walked off in the other direction. Snow started to walk off behind them. Only Wolfe and Tulip were left in the conference room.

Nic and Raven watched as Rosen carried Laurel. A little while after they had disappeared, Nic walked off in the opposite direction.

Raven watched Nic walk off before glancing in the conference room.

Suddenly Tulip burst out, looking really angry and irritated. Whatever Wolfe and her had been talking about hadn't been pleasant. She glared at Raven before storming off down the hallway leaving only Wolfe inside.

Raven jumped back a little to let Tulip out. After his heart rate had gone back to normal he glanced back in the room.

Wolfe was standing in one of the corners, smoking like an addict.

Raven sighed a little before braving the conference room.

Wolfe didn't notice his entrance, still smoking aggressively.

"... Should I still take Laurel to Tony?" he asked Wolfe quietly.

After a long moment, Wolfe shook his head. "What's... your opinion of Nic?" he suddenly murmured.

Raven was silent for a long time. "I guess... somewhere in there he's got a big heart, perhaps," he noted, "But he really doesn't have a clue how to show it. He's never known, and I don't know if he ever will. And until he figures it out... he'll keep tearing everyone apart."

Wolfe paused, "I... I'm starting to think that ripping the little bird away from him... is the wrong action to preform."

"... Okay," Raven replied quietly.

Wolfe grunted, "But it's... probably too late."

Raven tried to reach out and grab Wolfe's hand.

Wolfe let him, but pulled away after a moment, "I need... to talk to Dominic."

Raven nodded and told him which direction he had gone.

So Wolfe walked after Nic.

Snow came back for Raven, "Laurel needs you," she told him quietly.

Raven took a deep breath before following after Snow.

It took a little searching, but Wolfe found Nic on an isolated patio overlooking the water.

Laurel was in her bedroom, screaming at the neonates. The shock had worn off. She apparently didn't believe what they were saying. She looked relieved as she saw Raven.

--

So Wolfe approached, not trying to hide his foot steps.

Raven seemed rather shocked, but he went over to Laurel.

--

Nic didn't move as Wolfe approached. By the time he got there Nic's expression was emotionless, but he tried to hide the hint of red in his eyes by staring out over the water.

"It's not true, is it?!" she demanded, "Nic didn't... didn't sleep with Rosen, right?!"

--

Wolfe didn't break the silent for a long time. Then he stated quietly, "... You are more like Laurel than I believed." He paused, "I misread you. And overreacted."

Raven didn't say anything as he slowly got closer to Laurel.

--

Nic didn't say anything.

Laurel backed away, eyeing Raven closely, "Tell them it's not true, Raven!" she shouted.

--

Wolfe didn't expect him to. "Tulip spoke of Rosen before I could stop her. I will continue to monitor you but you may stay." He paused, letting out a slight sigh, "I'm not adverse to owning up to my mistakes. I will talk to Laurel and explain the bet which started all this if you wish."

Raven stopped walking and sighed a little. "... I can't," he whispered as gently as he could.

--

Nic still said nothing.

Laurel frowned, "What do you mean?" she asked in confusion, "Just tell them."

--

So Wolfe, also a lover of silence, stared out at the water as he waited for a response.

Raven said nothing, but his expression told her he was sorry.

--

Finally after a few minutes Nic replied, "Whatever helps you sleep at night." It wasn't said out of anger or spite. It sounded more like personal experience.

Laurel didn't want to see that expression. She backed all the way into a corner and clamped her hands over her ears, squeezing her eyes shut.

--

Wolfe snorted ever so slightly, "Who says I sleep?" he asked quietly.

After a little while Raven slowly started approaching Laurel again.

--

After a long moment Nic replied, "Raven."

The moment Raven got too close Laurel's eyes shot open as she glared at him, "Get away from me!" she screamed before making a break for the door.

--

Wolfe blinked, suddenly very confused.

Raven backed off, not pursuing her.

--

After another moment Nic explained blankly, "It was a joke."

Laurel kept running straight for the docks.

--

Wolfe still didn't seem to get it but nodded after a moment. Then his head tilted a little, like he was hearing something. Nic couldn't hear anything out of the ordinary. "You should go swimming," Wolfe suddenly said, staring back out at the water.