Nic nodded.

Laurel started for the door and stopped, turning to stare at Nic, "If I'm doing something you don't agree with or don't like... I hope you'd tell me." she told him quietly, "I respect your opinions... It might not change my mind but I'd consider your side of things. I know you're a lot wiser than me."

Nic didn't say anything.

Laurel nodded, "I'll see you later then." she replied before leaving.

Nic watched the door for a moment as he reached back and touched the tip of the scar that brushed the back of his neck. She'd never understand how this made him feel. But he'd learn to live with that.

A few hours later Laurel returned, she seemed to be in some kind of outfit. It wasn't as revealing as the ones Nic had seen her in before, but they were definitely performance getup. She brought in some of his favorite breakfasts and set them down with a smile.

--

The door to the art studio opened slowly.

Nic was at his computer, and, like before, it took him awhile to drag his eyes away from the screen.

--

Like usual, Dan was there working on something or another.

Laurel set the food down and sat next to him, watching him silently.

--

A pair of small eyes watched her from the open doorway.

Eventually he looked at Laurel and then glanced at the food like he usually did.

--

Dan didn't seem to notice.

There was the bear bun on top of the coffee again. Laruel just watched him eat. After a long moment she spoke quietly, "I love you."

--

The patter of small feet walked closer to her.

Nic glanced at her and finished chewing and swallowed before replying, "I love you too."

--

It took Dan still awhile longer to notice before she realized someone was there and glanced around.

Laurel held out a small tablet looking devise. Nic would recognize it as a kind of tracker. There were two little green dots on the virtual map. Laurel held up her wrist, "I'm sure you already know how this works... but if I find myself in trouble I push on the bracelet and the tablet with vibrate and my dot will turn red. The other green dot is Rosen... It took me a while to get the bracelet on him. Will you feel better knowing where I am?" she asked after she was done explaining.

--

The little girl nicknamed Dot was staring up at her with wide eyes.

"... I trust that Rosen can take care of you," Nic replied, dodging the question.

--

Dan stared down at Dot with confused eyes. "... Hi..." Dan muttered after a long moment.

Laurel rolled her eyes, "You'd feel better knowing." she answered for him, "So here." she forced the tablet into his hand.

--

Dot blinked before stepping a little closer and suddenly hugging Dan's leg.

Nic took the tablet quietly without a struggle.

--

"... You're not Bee's, are you?" she asked Dot.

Laurel chuckled a little, shaking her head, "I'll be fine. I won't let you down and get myself hurt." she promised as she rubbed his shoulder.

--

Dot started crawling up onto Dan's lap.