Nova stays close to Zev, but can't stop the smile on his face when he sees what's on the screen.

Zev makes sure Nova is tucked into his side on the couch, before he curls up himself, feet again tucked up under him. 

“I thought pandas were...bigger.”

"Giant pandas are bigger," Aaren agrees. "But personally I think red pandas are better. I can see about arranging a trip to the zoo if you guys want to?"

Nova carefully doesn't react to that offer, staying focused on the pandas on the screen.

“A zoo? Like...real animals?”

"Yup. Good day out. ...Even if it is November."

“I haven’t seen animals that don’t belong on a farm.”

An uneasiness does take over him for the briefest second, though he shrugs it off. How nefarious of Aaren, taking them to a public place. 

“What do you think?” He asks Nova quietly, squeezing his shoulders. 

Nova shrugs. "Don't mind." (He can't quite hide his interest entirely.)

Zev knows Nova’s apprehension is different to his own. Similar themes, but different ending. He doesn’t blame Nova for that at all. He doubts Nova was allowed...interests. 

“Something to think about. Maybe. The offer is kind, though.”

"Don't mention it to 'Chelle if you don't want to. You won't get a choice if she finds out she has an excuse to visit."

“I have noticed it is incredibly difficult to say no to her.” 

For all the very best reasons. 

Nova snuggles a little further into Zev.

"She learned a little too much from her Aunt. Ange is as stubborn as they come."

Zev turns his head as Nova burrows closer into him, and his lips just brush Nova’s temple. He tries very hard not to freeze, taking the momentary panic of nononotnowdontfreakhimout whathappenedtobabysteps?! and just cuddles him back, moving his mouth firmly away from Nova’s skin. 

“Perhaps we’ll get a chance to see that for ourselves.” Zev would like Ange to return, to keep teaching Nova. Though safely, this time. 

If Nova notices or minds, he doesn't show it.

"I'm sure you will." He looks to Nova. "She would like to keep teaching you if you'd like."

Zev tucks his head in the join of Nova’s neck and shoulders, just like he did this morning. 

“This time we’ll all be more prepared.”

"Yeah. We'll do better this time." The 'we' seems to be very much on him and Ange, not on Nova or Zev.

Zev includes himself in that. 

“She said that you need something to ground you. I can help with that. Perhaps I will drape myself over you like an octopus.”

Nova ducks his head and giggles quietly.

“Heard that,” Zev says into Nova’s neck, grinning. Nova’s ducked head brings his cheek into very close proximity with his lips but Zev very forcefully does nothing about that. 

He turns his attention back to the TV, though he does get a bit curious. “I suppose there isn’t much in Spanish? Not in a primarily English speaking place.”

"Oh, we have a subscription to a variety of foreign language channels. There's probably a Spanish one in amongst that somewhere..."

That gets a very curious look from Zev, but he simply files that knowledge away for later, content to doze off on Nova’s shoulder while he sits, fascinated, by tiny red ‘pandas’.

The rest of the morning passes with Nova enthralled by one documentary or another.

Around lunch time, Aaren leaves long enough to make them sandwiches, before reclaiming his seat.