"They're not that bad," Lan says, taking Zev's hand and squeezing. "They're just not good at being parents."

"It amounts to about the same thing," 'Chelle mutters.

"I'm afraid I'm with 'Chelle on that one, Lan."

Lan shrugs. "I've got you guys now."

"That doesn't make them-"

"Please, 'Chelle?"

"Sorry," 'Chelle says, leaning into Lan's side.

Zev holds his tongue, but squeezes Lan's hand tighter.

"You three do know that the living room is infinitely more comfortable than the hall?" Aaren points out from the kitchen doorway.

"Your father makes a very good point."

"You're also making the place look untidy."

"Point, I'm gonna go get changed anyway."

Lan manages a weak laugh, and steers Zev back in towards the living room.

Zev keeps their hands together, seeing how much Lan needed it. And, if he’s honest with himself, he’s become quite addicted to physical affection. 

Nova looks up from where he's still curled on the sofa.

"Hey," Lan says softly. "Hope you two had a good day and Ira didn't traumatise you too much?"

“She actually let us win Ludo,” Zev says with a smile. He wants to say that she probably gets him more than anyone else would, but that doesn’t seem appropriate. 

Instead he sits back next to Nova, wrapping his arm back around him. It feels like it’s meant to go there.

"Yeesh, she must like you. Well done!"

Nova leans immediately back into Zev's side.

“Of course she likes us! I’m charming,” Zev says with a grin. 

Lan laughs, and then winks at Nova. "I think it was all Nova, and she just figured the best way to stay on his good side was to like you as well."

"I cannot argue with that flawless logic," Zev says, nuzzling Nova's head with his own.

"Aww!" 'Chelle says as she comes in. "Ant said to say 'hi' by the way."

“Awww. Hi Ant,” Zev says, pouting. 

"We should get you guys phones, that way you can say this to em yourself," 'Chelle says cheerfully. "Although Ira texted Ant something about us planning a zoo visit?"