Monday night at Nell and Gladio's

[mylandmyrules]

After work Nell headed home to get things ready for the evening. She thought simpler was better, both in case there were children and in case people chose to stay home with their children instead.

It would be easy enough to throw together an extra simple pasta bake or plain noodles to go with the fresh bread she'd made. And, of course she had plenty of cookies and brownies.

If she was perhaps a little quieter than usual, well, there were a number of things occupying her mind.

Comments

[stykera]

"Thank you for letting me, letting us, come," Stark said. "It's appreciated, Nell."

[mylandmyrules]

"You're always welcome, Stark," Nell said. "How are you holding up? Is there anything I can do to help?"

[stykera]

"I'm fine," Stark said. Which was true for now, at least.

"And you've done enough, I think, opening your home and offering to feed us. But thank you."

[mylandmyrules]

Nell smiled. "Well, there's wine and some beer in the kitchen if you'd like some. And pasta. So very much pasta."

[stykera]

"I will certainly be eating pasta," Stark assured her. "Perhaps a drink later. For now I'm just...letting the evening happen, I think."

He knew it had to end soon. He wasn't ready. But he was going to enjoy the children while they were in his care.

[mylandmyrules]

"Then just make yourself at home," Nell said. "You're welcome to anything that's set out and if you need anything else, just ask."

[stykera]

"Thank you," Stark said again. "And...it's lovely. Your home."

It felt very home-y.

"It's just...it's nice in here. Soothing?"

[mylandmyrules]

"Thank you," Nell said warmly. "I wanted it to feel warm and cozy, so I'm glad it feels good to you."

[stykera]

"It's very cozy. It feels very much like a home," Stark told her. "Very comfortable."

[mylandmyrules]

"Thank you," Nell said again, feeling deeply touched. "I appreciate that. It feels good to have so many of my friends here tonight."