It's not bad as far as 'pick me up's go. 

El will settle for beefing up her apple cache.

Lu takes the rare chance to load up on vegan proteins.

Maybe they should do this more often, this year.

They don't have a ton to fear from the mals right now - especially the smaller ones present in the first month...

Sounds pretty safe.

Probably about as safe as anything is. 

That's all they can ask for.

And being first in line means they get first pick of tables. 

El takes them to the best one, naturally.

They'll have to work to keep their surroundings clear for their hangers on from the younger years. 

Carefully modulated Aura of Doom should help with that.

Which their now-junior and now-sophomore buddies are long inured to! Including their favorite sophomore, who also takes the initiative of being first in line, and escapes with her usual mildly excessive offering for El. 

What a good girl.

El's good girl!!!

Just so.

Happy Jialin!

Cute!

Heee!

She can sit in El's lap. Got to make sure there's enough seats at the table.

An excellent idea, and proof of El's wisdom. 

Of course it is.

Snuggle!

Gentle kiss.

Small melt!