""You callin' me a peanut, huh?"" 'Chelle quotes.

"Talking dogs, peanuts with moustaches..."

"Singing animals," 'Chelle declares. "A surprisingly adept assessment of the problem with over-industrialisation. People selling air..."

"Hard to sell something as a commodity when you cannot keep it for yourself."

"Okay. We're watching this. Then you'll understand!"

"Ooh. You've done it now. 'Chelle got stub~born."

This is strange, and warm, and cuddled against Zev, it's safe, and Nova hums quietly against Zev's neck.

Zev laughs at Lan and 'Chelle's easy banter, but is easily distracted by Nova. Which, really, is not news to him. 

"Oh no, what ever shall I do?" 

"Watch The Lorax and enjoy it!" 'Chelle states breezily, already setting that up. She's dropped down in front of the sofa, leaning her head back against Zev's legs.

He squeezes his legs against her shoulders, smiling fondly at her. He likes easy affection. He rapidly got used to it.

Well, he's going to get a lot of it, because that's just who these guys are.

'Chelle sets up the Lorax, ready to go. "I'll wait for dinner. Dad likes this movie."

Aaren sticks his head back into the room at that point. "Lan, excellent, you're still on your feet. You can come help me."

"Hey! How's that fair?" He's still heading towards the door.

Nova half starts to offer to help instead-

Zev wraps his arm around him a little tighter. 

"Not yet. We'll get there," he soothes.

Lan waves dismissively. "I got this. I'm good at this."

"Just don't let him try to chop anything," 'Chelle whispers conspiratorially. "He'll try to slice his own fingers off."

"Vegetables are well-known for fighting back. Makes knife work a little more difficult."

He winks roguishly at Lan.

"See!" Lan says grandly.

"C'mon. There's no vegetables to attack you now. Just bowls that need carrying."

Aaren shepherds Lan out of the room.

They return fairly quickly, distributing bowls to everyone and taking their own seats.

Nova and Zev's portions are slightly smaller.

"There's extra in the pan if you're still hungry."

"When isn't there extra? Dad doesn't know how to cook for less than about twenty."

Zev isn't hungry, but he can't deny how good it smells. He tries a couple of experimental bits, after regretfully unwinding himself from Nova.

It's good, if there's an appetite to be found, this food will probably wake it up.

'Chelle hits play when they're all settled with their food.