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Albert, too, had been quiet while his daughter was treated and during the walk home. He'd given information as required - much of which was asked directly of Wren since she was old enough for that sort of thing, but otherwise stayed quiet and pensive. He'd even taken Emily-the-elder and Tom's fussing over both of them almost calmly, all drama pushed aside for the nonce.

... Which probably didn't put their fears at ease in any way, but he would make it up to them tomorrow.

Once they had been alone for long enough, he returned Emily Wren's hand squeeze and nodded. "I know that very well, little bird," he said equally quietly, silver-gray eyes stormcloud dark with fear and tension. He stifled a yawn behind one hand - still drained from passing out earlier, and likely o be so until he could get a decent amount of rest put in - and sighed.

"...And I am sorry about your friend. Had I acted faster, it's possible we could all have gotten out safely." He may not have liked Emily hanging around with a boy, but he wouldn't wish the Negaverse on anyone, especially one who had tried to protect his baby.

"I don't want you getting involved more than you have to be, which is why I didn't mention anything before." He paused and chuckled a little, but it was a half-hysterical laugh that brought a shine of tears to his eyes. "I should have realized that this city has a way of pulling people into its chaos even when we want them to stay safe."

"Oh, Wren..." Albert wrapped his arms around his daughter - careful of her scratches - and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "Shhh, baby girl. Shhhh. I'm safe, and you're safe, and nothing is going to change that right now." He stroked her hair and rocked her back and forth, cooing to her like he might have when she was very little or ill.

"I'm sorry I frightened you - that whole party was a trap, little bird. I think you and I are going to have to start scoping out events both large scale and small before going, to ensure we don't get caught unawares again." Least of all her, who had little way to really defend herself against the kind of monsters that would seek to harm her.

"I will be careful, little bird," he gave her a slight smile and patted her head. "I think you'll find that I'm not particularly suited to the front lines, anyway. And that is - usually, but not always - where the worst of the danger is."

He knew the sobbing was coming, knew and prepared for it - but that didn't make it any easier to hear his little girl bawling out of overwhelming and mixed emotions. Especially since he had an idea of what sort of thing she was imagining, knowing she had been more exposed to the supernatural side of Destiny City than he had initially suspected.

"Shhh, shhhh, shhh little bird, don't cry. We're okay, and I promise I'll be careful. Shhhhhhhh, shhhhhhh." He pressed kisses to the top of her head and adjusted his hold on his daughter so that he could rub her back. "It's alright, my little bird. Little-nesty-wren, it's alright. Shhhhh."

"Shhh. For now, little bird, try not to worry about me. Rest and heal, alright?" He continued to rock her and rub her back, waiting for her to calm somewhat before he tried to talk to her about much of what had happened - or anything that could happen.

"Here," he suggested after a moment. "Why don't we do like when you were little, and make a nest in the den, hmm? Blankets and pillows and we could put a movie or some soft music on and relax. I could even wake Tom and Emily up for it if you wanted, or it could be just you and me. Does that sound nice, little bird? A little nest for my little Wren?"

"Maybe for breakfast?" Albert offered, stifling another yawn. "I'm a bit tired right now, little bird, and I think if I tried to bake anything I might mix up the sugar and the salt." Which was something he was prone to, without frequent taste-testing.

And as much as he wanted to cater to his daughter's every need for comfort, fatigue was a harsh mistress - and the stress of the evening would have been enough to tire him out without the energy drain that he had experienced.

"You know, little bird, I'm making a new house rule," he said quietly, blinking down at his child.

"No taking masks from strangers."

"Yes, yes," Albert agreed, trying not to laugh. "Baked goods every meal tomorrow if you'd like, little Wren." Yawning again, he pulled himself up into a wobbly standing position, and offered her his hand.

"A lullaby and everything you ask for baby girl, just for tonight. Now..."

He paused and smiled at her. "Let's make your nest, shall we? So if one of us should happen to fall over at least it will be onto something comfortable~"

"Hey," Albert murmured, wrapping his arms around her again and hushing her. "Shhhh. It's okay. Nesty-Wren, it's okay. I promise."

He had the feeling he knew what was upsetting her, but didn't know how to help - after all, all he wanted was her safe, and she was a civilian besides. With any luck she would never have to be directly caught up in this ridiculous, terrible mess between order and chaos.

... A mess that from the little he could tell appeared to be endless.