James instinctively took a step back before catching himself. After a moment he forced a smile, "Right... alright," he replied with an almost convincing chuckle, "That's not surprising after all. Well, you enjoy the hot tub, I'll go take a hot shower by myself. I'm hot enough after all," and James retreated quickly. He knew it would come to this eventually. Damn... why did he let himself fall so hard for one woman?

"Tch," Yue snorted, crossing her arms a little. Just like she thought. He didn't care enough to even ask. There was always another willing woman around for him to run to after all.

Laurel was tucked into the crook of Nic's arm, her eyes closed as her hand ran lightly over his abs. "I was really mad at you," she murmured before shifting a little and sighing, "But that doesn't seem important at all anymore."

--

Wolfe finally went to confront Raven after avoiding him for a few days. Frei was currently with Rosen.

Nic didn't say anything, adjusting his arm around her to compensate for her movements.

--

Raven had found a more deserted part of the garden where he was relaxing in the shade of a large tree.

Laurel rolled a little until she was half on top of him, chin resting on his shoulder. She kissed his neck before smirking and murmuring near his ear, "At least I'm not walking on eggshells anymore... well, at least not as many."

--

So Wolfe approached rather awkwardly and didn't say anything.

Nic ran his hand slowly along the top of Laurel's back.

--

Raven's eyes were closed, so he didn't notice.

Suddenly Laurel shot up into a sitting position and starting cussing, rubbing the top of her smooth head.

---

"... hi."

Nic blinked, confused. He started to sit up, but then just laid down again looking tired.

--

Raven jumped a little, but that was pretty normal. "... Hey," he replied.

Laurel slowly turned back to look at Nic, faced crumpled and it looked like she might start crying at any moment. "I... I-I forgot Amela..." she sniffed.

--

Wolfe looked away, "Snow's off on assignment," he said after a moment.

"Where?" Nic asked quietly after a moment.

--

"... Kay..." Raven replied.

Laurel sniffed again, "Chicago..." she muttered.

--

"..." Wolfe stared at some grass.

Somehow, Nic figured. He reached up and rubbed Laurel's back a little.

--

Raven waited.

Laurel suddenly stood, "I'll go get her," she decided, "I know where I left her."

--

"... How's Frei doing?" he asked after a moment.

"That's not a good idea," Nic told her.

--

"... She's missed you," Raven explained.

Laurel paused a long moment before sighing and little and sitting back down, "I know..."

--

Wolfe nodded a little, "You're better with her than me," he replied after a moment.

Nic started rubbing Laurel's back again.

--

"I grew up surrounded by kids," he reminded Wolfe. "I was 'trained' for them. But she still misses you. You're her protector after all."