"About what?" Laurel asked quietly.

--

Wolfe hugged him back, "Sorry for not finding you right away," he said quietly, sounding a little guilty.

"How to keep you safe," Nic replied simply.

--

Raven shook his head a little, pulling away. "I can take care of myself," he replied with a small smile. "You worry about everyone else."

Laurel paused before dropping her gaze, "I just... can't be as guilt-free as you are," she whispered.

--

Wolfe nodded a little, seeming relieved, "... Can I ask you something... odd?" he inquired after a moment.

"We'll figure something out soon," Nic promised.

--

"... Sure," Raven replied.

Laurel slowly looked up at Nic, her gaze seemed trusting as she nodded and suddenly hugged him rightly.

--

"Do you feel that Laurel is... acting strangely?" he asked quietly.

Nic hugged Laurel back, but it looked like he had other stuff he wanted to get done.

--

Raven paused before nodding a little. "But I'd probably be off if I was dating Nic too," he joked.

"I'm glad you're back," she told him quietly as she let him go, recognizing he had other things to do.

--

Wolfe smiled slightly, "She doesn't seem to be holding up very well..." he noted.

Nic kissed Laurel lightly on the forehead before leaving.

--

Raven paused before nodding again.

"I don't think there's much we can do about it," Wolfe sighed, "Our last effort to intervene didn't... exactly help."

Raven sighed a little. "... Hopefully it will work itself out," he noted.

Wolfe nodded a little, "At least tension between other pairs seems to have decreased." Which seemed like an odd statement coming from Wolfe.

Raven paused before nodding, surprised to hear that observation from Wolfe.

"Gives me headaches," he muttered, "Oh, and it's Tulip's Birthday today and crisis or not... she expects a cake," Wolfe sighed, "Can you see if you can talk Laurel into making one? Perhaps that can brighten her spirits."

Raven nodded. "I'm on it," he said happily. "What's her favorite kind?"

"Angel food cake," Wolfe replied.

Raven chuckled a little. "My mom made me bake that a few times. I better get Laurel to help."