"... Well, don't you want them to meet?" Raven asked. "I thought you wanted your father to be able to meet all the friends you made by the time they arrive."

"He wouldn't like Nic." she stated quietly, "He hasn't liked anyone for a long time.". She seemed to ponder something for a moment, chewing. "But... I suppose Nic wouldn't like him either. And I think Nic would be mad at me." she sighed.

"Hey," Raven said, trying to get Laurel's attention. "No negative thoughts today."

Laurel glanced at Raven before she went back to eating, or rather, picking at her food. After a long moment she murmured, "Not that it matters... I won't be seeing him for a long time."

Bee blinked, "What do you mean?" she asked quietly.

"He said he won't come visit and I have to stay with my father. Even if he's getting better he still needs me... family comes first." she stated quietly but firmly, staring at her food. Bee frowned.

"Eat up," Raven tried to encourage Laurel. "You'll need your strength."

Laurel stared at the food for a bit longer before giving in and taking a few bites. "How long are you staying?" she suddenly asked, glancing up at Raven with confused eyes.

"Staying?" Raven asked, a little confused.

"... My father needs long term care." Laurel replied slowly, "You won't be here forever."

"You don't plan on keeping him in this shack the whole time, do you? - No offense," Raven added to Cong as Cong walked in.

"None taken," Cong replied with a morning sigh. He had mostly recovered from his illness, but his body and mind were still weary.

Laurel shook her head, "No. Once he's recovered enough I'm taking him home." she stated simply, not looking at Cong.

Cong didn't have any comment as he quietly helped himself to some breakfast.

"Home?" Raven asked. "Where's that?"

"Once he's settled..." Laurel continued, not acknowledging Raven's question, "I'll go see my mother."

Bee's eyes widened, "Laurel!" she exclaimed, she'd been told enough to know that wasn't a good idea.

Like usual, Cong stayed out of everyone else's way.

Raven was surprised, and he didn't try to hard to hide it. But he said nothing as he recovered. "... You seem like you've made up your mind," he noted quietly. "But there's no sense in fretting about such a distant future. Especially when today will be so much fun."

"It's not so distant." Laurel said blandly but she looked up at Raven, not understanding his last statement.

"You and I are going to meet up with some old friends," Raven explained to Laurel with a smile.

Laurel suddenly looked very suspicious as she eyed Raven. "What friends?" she asked warily.