Moonlight Nocturne

She nods vigorously, clinging to him. "Milkshake and a movie? And Miri?"

 

"Yeah. Something nice, to end the day, right?"

 

She smiles up at him. "... Yeah. Please?"

That sounds really, really nice.

 

"Theater, or something at the house?" Nick smiles at her.

 

"... house? I want to sit on the couch. And Miri's there, right?"

 

"Yeah," Nick pulls out his phone and hands it over. "Call her and ask what she wants from the burger place?"

 

She nods and dials fast, beaming. "Miriii~!"

 

Miriam picks up. "...Elena? Aren't you at school?"

 

"Um... I kind of got expelled, what do you want from the burger place?"

 

Miri contemplates her answer before arriving at: "....cool. uhm. Like. Four burgers, two fries, onion rings, and a strawberry milkshake?"

 

"Okay." Elena relays Miri's order, fidgeting uncertainly. "... I kind of got a couple cracked ribs so I probably can't go hunting for a little while?"

 

"...but I can still kiss you, right?" Miri asks, concerned.

 

"Definitely. We're going to watch a movie when we get home?" she offers hopefully.

 

"Sounds good. Want me to get blankets to cuddle under?" Miri asks hopefully.

 

"Yeah!" She beams excitedly. "What do you want to watch?"

At least the kids are easily distracted.

 

It's swiftly decided that action films are on the menu?

 

Elena's smile has only a faint edge of nervousness and pain, by the time she gets home and starts dragging Nick to the TV room, squeezing his hand tight.

 

Miri is happily waiting in a grand pillowfort of blankets and pillows... put together with only a little help from Natasha.

She looks up, ears perked, expression hopeful.

 

Elena beams and flops down gingerly with her, kissing her lips. "Hi, Miri! We brought food! This is awesome."

She looks hopefully up at Nick. Come sit?

 

Nick rolllls his eyes, then joins them in the fort, sprawling across the floor.