"People in relationships like that don't always - make the decisions that seem to be obvious from the outside. From her perspective, Raine's her friend and protector, you're a stranger who's possibly trying to deprive her of her anchor in the world."

"That makes sense, I guess.  Think it'd be a good idea to try to stick around longer this time, at least?"

"Possibly. It depends on whether Bryce perceives you as threatening her space? And whether she does better with exposure for friendliness. I can also try swinging out there, sometime, I think the group here can just about manage without me for a bit."

"That might be a good idea.  You might be better at this sort of thing than me.  But I'll definitely drop by and make sure Bryce actually knows about the League, at least."

"Thanks for looking out for her."

"It's what I do."

She nods, says her pleasantries, and wraps up the call.

In a few days, she returns to Raine's house in the wilderness.  She knocks.

The house is still there, and Raine is the one who answers the door.

"Hey! Tobi! Didn't expect you back so soon. Come in, come in..."

She puts on a smile and shrugs.  "I was in the area.  Nice to see you again!"

She's waved inside.

"You been doing well?"

"I have.  Thanks for the sightseeing tips, I had a good time.  Is Bryce around or is it just you?"

"You're welcome! And, yeah, Bryce is up in her room. Want me to see if she's up for company?"

"Yeah, why don't you."

She sends Tobi a searching look, then says, "Help yourself to the fridge," and heads to Bryce's room.

Bryce's door is shut; she answers when Raine knocks.

"Hi, Raine.  What's up?"

"Hey. You'll never guess who just showed up at our door."

"...Is Tobi back already?"

"Yeah. She didn't say why, just that she was passing through?"

"She's not here hunting again?  Is she - staying, like she did last time?"

"Didn't really ask, though she was curious if you were around."

"Really?  Me specifically?"  Her mind goes back to the midnight conversation they had, the last time Tobi visited.  "What did she say?"

"Uh, thanked me for the sightseeing tips, asked if you were around or if it was just me?"

"Okay.  ...I could come down and say hi.  She seemed actually pretty nice last time."

"Yeah. With any luck she'll stay that way, too."