'Chelle smiles at them as she adjusts the mirrors, and then pulls the car out of the drive and towards the zoo. "Did either of you have any thoughts about where you wanted to start?"

Zev noses into Nova's hair in question.

"I'm not...sure?"

"I mean, there isn't any hurry. We've got a bit of a drive, and we can make some suggestions if you'd like?"

Zev cuddles closer into Nova. "Whatever you'd like, mi vida."

Nova doesn't seem to have any ideas, although he tentatively asks about the aye-ayes and red pandas.

'Chelle and Lan are more than happy to provide suggestions, although they're careful not to overwhelm Nova and Zev.

Zev perks up at any mention of big cats.

Well then. By the time they reach the zoo, they'll have a basic idea of their route worked out.

Ant bounces over to them. "So where are we starting then?" ey asks enthusiastically.

Zev, still wrapped around Nova like an octopus, grins. "I believe mi vida mentioned aye-ayes? Or red pandas? Though, if the lioness are in a mood to be seen, I won't say no."

"Red pandas are closest, and then I think the aye-ayes are past the lions in the low-light exhibit. So we can do that. And there's other stuff along the way, just say if you want to stop."

Steve and Aaren have already taken care of paying for everyone, so Ant can lead the way, with 'Chelle knocking her shoulder into Zev's companionably.

"Low-light?"

Zev lets go of Nova with one arm, so he can link hands with 'Chelle.

"Aye-ayes are nocturnal, so normally they wouldn't be active at this time. So this zoo has an exhibit that mimics night-time during the day so that its visitors can see the nocturnal animals active."

"And that isn't...disruptive? To them?"

"Nah. They've basically swapped their circadian rhythms. So they still get their sleep, just at night, which they think is day."

"That is incredible."

Zev squeezes Nova in excitement. 

And here are the red pandas! Who Lan is very enthusiastic about!

He points to one climbing down a practically vertical tree trunk. "They are so cute, and so good!"

Something very sad crosses over Zev's face, like he doesn't believe he should be here-

-but that goes quickly, and instead he presses a kiss to Nova's temple. "Nearly as cute as you. Nearly."

'Chelle notices anyway, and squeezes his hand, leaning a little heavier into his shoulder.

Nova gives a slightly startled squeak, but leans into Zev. "They're...very cute."

"So what does that make you?"

"-I don't. know?"

"Even cuter," Zev whispers, and rests his chin on Nova's shoulder, to better watch the red pandas.