He doesn't want to get into this. But he pictures Raven's disappointed face. And Crow's, and even Crow's Ren, and—well, he's not sure Hiro can be all that disappointed for long. All of them in danger, if he doesn't commit.

"Unless something changes, I suspect my proximity would be—counterproductive. And putting Raven in that position is...."

He breaks off. His instinct is still, far and away, to protect Raven. But if the kid isn't to become a true member of the team now, then when?