Nic slowly shook his head, not looking at Laurel.

Laurel glanced a Nic, "... he's... gone too... right?" she whispered.

He nodded a little.

Laurel slowly leaned over until her shoulder touched his, "I'm sorry." she whispered, "I guess we both failed as... protectors."

Nic didn't say anything else, not moving.

Laurel watched Nic for a long moment, "Sorry..." she finally whispered, leaning over and giving his cheek a light kiss, "I didn't mean to resurface painful memories."

Nic shook his head. "Nah," he replied. "I don't mind."

"I can never..." Laurel sighed, "read your thoughts." she complained a little as she turned away.

"... With some more time you probably will," Nic told her.

Laurel glanced at Nic, "I suppose..." she mumbled before relenting a little as she reached up and pinched his lips together like before, "That mask comes off every once and awhile." she smiled.

Nic frowned, distorting his face in a funny way again. And again, he seemed to be oblivious of it.

Laurel started giggling, squishing his cheeks more.

Nic blinked, not getting it. But he didn't try to stop her since she seemed to be having fun at his expense.

"I'm getting better at kissing!" she suddenly informed Nic with a pleased smile, letting go of his face.

Nic chose not to ask.

"Do you want breakfast now?" Laurel asked.

"In awhile," Nic replied.

Laurel nodded, "Umm... I won't be here to make you dinner." she told him quietly, "Just so you know.

Nic nodded a little, not asking.

Laurel nodded, "Or the next day." she added after a pause, "Rosen wants to do a test run... but we should be back late tomorrow night."

Nic nodded again, still not asking.

Laurel watched him for a moment, "What will you do?" she asked.

"... Find dinner," Nic replied, not sure what kind of answer Laurel was looking for.

"Are you going to check on Yue?" Laurel asked quietly.

Nic shook his head.

Laurel looked a little confused.

Like usual, Nic didn't elaborate.

"You know what's best." Laurel relented as she reached up and cupped Nic's cheek in her hand, "Anyway, I better be off before Rosen gets bored." she smiled.

Nic looked at her for a short moment before pulling her a little closer and bending down. He might not have any control over stopping her, but he'd make sure she'd remember what she was leaving behind.

Nic could feel Laurel relax as she melted a little, it didn't seem like she was likely to forget anything. "Goodness..." she murmured as she put a hand on her now reddish brown cheek, "You get a warning but I don't?" she complained without any real complaint before hugging Nic tightly.

"... Do you want a warning?" Nic tried to clarify.

"No." Laurel replied, "Surprises are more fun." she smirked, "And I don't lose my head like you do."

She squeezed him a little tighter and then, a bit reluctantly, let go, "I'll stay safe; Rosen's trained well." she told Nic, "I'll be back bugging you before you know I'm gone." she teased as she quickly kissed his cheek.

Nic chose not to comment.

He managed to sneak in another quick kiss before she pulled away.

Laurel seemed to be wavering a little as she eyed Nic, "Should I try what I've been practicing before I go?" she asked with a playful glint in her eyes, "I don't want you to forget me after-all..."

Nic didn't look sure if he wanted to know what Laurel had been "learning."

Laurel suddenly leaned in and kissed Nic. She managed to be much more skilled in pleasing him than before but also retained the sense of innocence.

Laurel got the effect she was looking for, but it wasn't too clear how Nic actually felt about it.

Laurel pulled away and gripped Nic's face between her hands, "Don't worry." she informed him as she rubbed her nose against his, "When I kiss Rosen, it's just lust. When I kiss you, it's love." she nodded as if that made perfect sense and let go of him.

It wasn't clear how Nic felt about that either. But he didn't say anything.

Laurel sighed a little, "I wish I could read your expressions already." she complained quietly before glancing at the time, "I better get back, I'll bring you breakfast in a bit then we'll be taking off. Will you be in here?"