"Thank you, but I don't think there was any way you could've known. If anyone had known what was happening, I imagine we would've been freed years ago."

He's trying to sound as blank as possible, to stop his thoughts wandering towards 'what ifs'.

She smiles sadly, squeezes his arm again. "But my problem is that I don't know how Nova will respond to this information. I can't predict that. I was hoping you might have a better reading?"

"I...I don't think he'll understand. We've never had a family, a proper one. I don't think he knows what that means."

Zev isn't sure he knows either.

"Do you think it would do more harm than good to tell him?"

"I don't think so. It's a foreign thing, but not something he should fear. He'll...he'll think you'll want something in return until you show him otherwise."

"That won't be hard. The only thing I want is for him to be safe."

"In that we are the same, Ange."

"I am very glad he had you, Zev. And that you had him."

Zev smiles, and it's a little sad, but he still feels grateful for her words. "Me too. My life was made better by his presence. I hope I can do the same for him."

He rubs his knuckles almost subconsciously. 

"You do," Aaren assures quietly. "It's easy to see for anyone who watches you."

He leans into Aaren easily at that, tucking his head into his shoulder.

Aaren hugs him, firm but not too tight. "We should probably talk to Nova before we get too stuck here."

Zev murmurs agreement, and separates himself from Aaren a little regretfully.

"Let me go and make sure he's comfortable. Give me a moment."

Aaren squeezes his shoulder. "That's fine. We'll be through in a couple, just gonna finish making Drex and Ange a cuppa."

Zev smiles at Aaren, and then heads back into the lounge room.

He slides back into his spot beside Nova, tugging him close.

He goes easily, if a little confused, and leans his head against Zev's shoulder.

He kisses Nova's forehead very softly, before resting his head on top of Nova's.

He relaxes a little into Zev.

"How's the documentary going?"

"Fine?"

"Red pandas continue to be red pandas."

Angelique and Aaren rejoin them at that point, Angelique carrying a mug over to Drex, leaning down to kiss Steve's cheek, and then retreating to the chair Aaren's brought in and put next to the other armchair.

"Red pandas continuing to be red pandas is definitely a positive."

"I think I would very much like to see a real one."

"We can go to the zoo at some point this week. Possibly have to wait until Saturday. 'Chelle will pout at us if we go without her."

"I would never deny 'Chelle that. I would fear the repercussions of that pout," Zev says with a laugh.