spamalot } of big brother alphas and full moons

[tradedfireforname]

Marissa: [and somewhere between now and when he comes back, she's going to pretty much text him during the day when she's not at work just to talk]

Nik: [he will happily text her back because financial meetings are super boring]

Marissa: [and they are so not work appropriate texts after awhile]

Nik: [... those he occasionally has to let sit a little longer.]

Marissa: [and teasing him for not getting back to her right away]

Nik: [he's got to be a responsible boy sometimes. But two days before the full moon, he and Victor touch down in Vegas, Nik pulling out his phone to call her when their on in the car on the way to the hotel]

Marissa: [she's actually at work that night, but is expecting the call and moves to take a quick break when her butt starts vibrating.] Hey, you landed?

Nik: Yep, I'm heading over to the hotel now. How's he doing?

Marissa: He's doing okay. Sarah's with him tonight. She usually spends most of the night before the full moon going through a new kata to keep him focused on the movements. I don't know what I would have done without her.

Nik: Good, that's good. I, uh. I brought my brother with me. He's an alpha.

Marissa: You mean he's your alpha.

Nik: He is, yeah. [glares at his brother to get that smirk off his face] We're not trying to make him choose a pack, but if things get really rough, he'll be able to force his shift back to human.

Marissa: I'm just going to go with the whole you guys know what you're doing and leave the details for later. You do know what you're doing, right?

Nik: Yes, we do. This is not our first time with a new beta.

Marissa: [deep breath] Well, I'm in the bar until midnight. Just come find me then? I mean, we do have a day before the full moon. That's a good thing, right?

Nik: It is. It means he has time to get used to Victor and we can figure out how we're going to handle this. [he glances to his brother then turns back to the window] We're going to be staying at the hotel, so we'll just come down to the bar for dinner.

Marissa: Well, I'll be here. It's slow, so I may be able to beg off early.

Nik: Sounds good. I'll see you soon.

Marissa: See you soon. [and she's going to check with the boss about getting off earlier, explaining that she's got out of town guests coming in to spend time with her son. Were they friends of his dad? Yeah, you could say that. As long as business didn't pick up after dinner, she could go then. But she's still behind the bar working while the dinner crowd comes in later]

Nik: [Nik and Victor head to their rooms and settle in before Nik brings his brother downstairs and heads to the bar. they settle on the far corner, settling comfortably on a pair of stools]

Marissa: [kinda hard to miss two very handsome men walking into a bar together. Almost instantly, there are women staring at them and whispering to their friends. She rolls her eyes and goes over to the two of them, holding out menus] I already know this one wants a beer, so what can I get you? [she asks Victor, a friendly smile on her lips]

Victor: [he smiles at her] I'll have a beer as well. [he extends a hand to her] I'm Victor.

Marissa: [shakes his hand] NIce to meet you, Victor. I'm Marissa, but I'm sure you guessed that already. Two beers, coming up. [she winks at Nik, then bounces off to get them two of the high end drafts]

Victor: [watches her go before glancing back down at his menu and saying quietly in Russian] She's pretty.

Nik: [sighs as he responds in kind] We're here to help a seven year-old kid, not use my love life for cannon fodder.

Victor: We'll see what Nadia has to say about that.

Nik: [in English] Please don't.

Victor: [grins as Marissa comes back with the beers] Thank you. How are the burgers here?

Marissa: Burgers are actually the best thing on the menu. Even better than the steak. And get the sweet potato fries with them if you're into that. Chef got a fresh shipment of the potatoes this morning so they aren't frozen stock yet.

Victor: Sold. Medium rare, please.

Nik: Same, but I'll have the regular fries.

Marissa: Don't know what you're missing. [singsong to Nik while taking the menus] Any appetizers?

Victor: [shakes his head] Just the burgers, thank you.

Marissa: No problem. [and off she goes to put in the order, and then needing to help a few others at the bar because she is the bartender and the other girl is on break]

Nik: [that's fine, the boys are just going to talk amongst themselves until another business associate flags them down in the bar and decides to monopolize their time]

Jerry: You sly dog - and here I thought you said you weren't a gambling man. [there's a woman on his arm who is very much not his girlfriend] What would Leah think?

Victor: [looks rather annoyed by this but he's a client so what can you do?] She knows I'm here, actually. And I'm here on business.

Jerry: Oh sure. Business. [and then there's a rather dramatic wink] If you decide to hit the tables, I'm your boy.

Victor: I'll be sure to keep that in mind. [he sips his beer slowly while Nik just smirks into his glass]

Marissa: [comes over at that moment with both plates, setting them down with a grin] Enjoy, boys. [she's going take the beers to refill then without asking]

Jerry: [yeah, Jerry's just going to watch her go with a slow smile] Got to love the staff.

Nik: [that draws his attention, and he stares the other man down for a moment. he doesn't say anything, but Jerry looks profoundly uncomfortable all of the sudden.]

Jerry: Right. Anyway, I'll see you at the tables, Victor.

Victor: [nods, turning to face his food before shaking his head] Thank you for reminding me why I don't take you to business meetings.

Nik: [snorts as he pops a fry in his mouth] Maybe you should.

Marissa: [returns with the beers, then leans on the bar a bit] Maybe he should what? [oh was that a private conversation at her bar?]

Nik: [flashes her a grin] Let me glare at douchebags in business meetings.

Victor: [rolls eyes] If I did, I wouldn't have any business.

Marissa: [Laughs] Yeah, but he's got a point, handsome. Wall Street's reputation basically has a lot of douchebags in it. Present company excluded, of course.

Victor: [smirks] Thank you.

Nik: Why do you think I work on the road?

Marissa: I'm still debating that Gabe is right and you're really in the mob. [teasing grin]

Victor: [his eyebrows raise at that, before shaking his head] We are not the mob. We just happen to be wolves.

Marissa: My son had a different opinion. The faces your brother makes at the suggestion are quite amusing.

Victor: I heard. If it helps, my brother really is the tank - just not in the way he's thinking.

Marissa: [nope, keeping that first very dirty thought to herself, thank you.] Well, his dad wasn't nearly as big as Niky is, but Gabe's got unrealistic expectations that he'll get to grow up to be that big and strong too.

Victor: [he shrugs] Anything is possible. Nik was a bit of a runt when he was younger.

Marissa: That's what he told him. Just not sure I'm ready to have a huge teen wolf on my hands in a few years.

Victor: I'm sure you'll be able to manage. And it's not something you have to worry about right now.

Marissa: True. [looks over her shoulder as her boss calls her name] Give me a sec. [and she's off again]

Victor: [pops a sweet potato fry in his mouth before glancing back to him] I like her.

Nik: [he groans] Please don't do this.

Victor: Do what? I'm not doing anything. [suddenly Jerry is calling his attention again, and he groans before sliding onto his feet] I'll be right back.

Marissa: [coming back over and snatching up a fry from Nik's plate to nibble on] So I can leave when Jessica's back from lunch.

Nik: [grins a bit at that before nodding] Great. [there's a beat] Oh, by the way, if my brother asks how we met? Try not to mention Derek and Fi? That's supposed to stay quiet for a little while longer.

Marissa: So the secret Vegas wedding is still a secret. Got it. [she really wants to lean over that bar and kiss you, but she's still on the clock] Your brother seems nice.

Nik: He is. He's a good man.

Marissa: So are you the baby of the family?

Nik: I am. We have a sister Nadia between us.

Marissa: Careful how you phrase that. This is Vegas after all.

Nik: [he laughs] Victor's the oldest, then Nadia, then me.

Marissa: Better. He did look like the older brother.

Nik: [he nods] Yep. He's perfected that vibe.

Marissa: Already riding you about this?

Nik: [makes a face as though to indicate "yes"]

Marissa: Can I make you feel better later?

Nik: [his eyebrows go up a bit before nodding] I think that could be arranged.

Marissa: Good. Cause I may have missed you. Just a bit. [small smirk]

Nik: I might have missed you a little too.

Marissa: [reached over to touch his hand gently] How long you two staying for?

Nik: Him, just for the moon. I can stick around a bit longer if you want me to.

Marissa: If you can. If not, it's not like I won't see you again.

Nik: I can stay. Not a problem at all.

Marissa: Good. Oh, I was going to cook dinner tomorrow. Maybe eat early. Is that a good thing to do on a full moon or should I not let Gabe eat?

Nik: [shakes his head] No, eating is good. His body's going to need the fuel.

Marissa: Okay. I'll make enough for you and your brother too them. Spaghetti and meatballs okay?

Nik: Spaghetti and meatballs is perfect.

Marissa: [smiles] Good. Because otherwise there's no way I can impress you with my cooking.

Nik: [he laughs] Maybe I'll have to just cook for you sometime.

Marissa: You can cook?

Nik: [he nods a bit] Survival skill.

Marissa: For those long bike rides. Please tell me it's not roadkill stew. [teasing now]

Nik: [he laughs] My sister would kill me if I tried to feed that to a girl.

Marissa: Oh my god you know how to make roadkill stew? Seriously?

Nik: You learn a lot of things you would rather not know on the road.

Marissa: And now I'm morbidly curious what else you know. [there's a throat being cleared through, and she pushes away] However, duty calls. Be back. [and she's off to check on all the other patrons]

Nik: [watches her go and as she leaves, Victor makes his way back] Is there any way I can convince you to at least not give me shit in front of her kid?

Victor: [smirks a bit] We'll see how things go.

Marissa: [and she gets everyone taken care of, giving them all the attention but that whole bending over and posturing behind the bar as she worked was really only for one patron]

Nik: [yep, he notices. And so does his brother. And he's looking very amused.]

Marissa: [and then her coworker is back and she walks over with the check for the men] I need to cash out my till, so unless you're thinking of desert...

Nik: [shakes his head as he takes the bill] Nope, I think we're good.

Marissa: Alright. [she has to wait for the check] And remember you always want to tip well for good service. [you should have warned her to play nice in front of your brother too]

Nik: [he's going to regret this]

Victor: [just takes the bill from him] There are a number of comments I could make here, but I think I can keep them to myself for now. [but he does tip very well. they usually do.]

Marissa: I was talking about helping you with choice in dinner selection. Dirty boys, both of you. [she grins and goes to cash out their tab, tucking the tip into her back pocket, and then taking the till to the back so she can get clocked out]

Nik: [the two of them will just wait at the bar for her to finish, finishing the last of their beers]

Marissa: [and she comes bounding back a bit later, leather jacket on and smiling] Alright, I'm all yours.

Nik: [he grins] Great. Do you want to take my brother to meet Gabe, or do you want to get to know him a little better first?

Marissa: We can do both. I mean, we can talk as we go to my place.

Victor: Should I call for a car?

Marissa: If you want him to fit in something, probably.

Victor: [nods as he reaches for his phone to call] For all three of us?

Marissa: I've got my ride in the parking lot. But Nik knows where I live so he can get you there.

Victor: Just two it is. [and he'll step outside the bar to make the call]

Marissa: [waits until he's gone, then smiles up at Nik] Hi.

Nik: [smiles back as he leans in to kiss her softly] hi.

Marissa: [grins and kisses back]

Nik: [holds the kiss for a moment before he pulls back] I feel like I should apologize for him. [tips his head towards where his brother is probably listening]

Marissa: Nah, he's just being a brother. Haven't you ever teased him before?

Nik: Oh yeah. But if I tried to tease him about his wife, she would kick my ass. She's scarier than I am.

Marissa: You saying I should kick his ass then?

Nik: No. Just try to keep him focused on the matter at hand.

Marissa: So I should stop trying to flirt with you every other minute.

Nik: That might help a little. If you think you can stop yourself.

Marissa: I can. It won't be as fun.... but I can.

Nik: Just be aware that if you're too flirty, Nadia's been spending most of her time in Beacon Hills and she may decide to take a spontaneous trip to Vegas to check you out.

Marissa: I can already tell you she's not my type.

Nik: That is not what I'm worried about. I'm worried about you being blindsided by my sister.

Marissa: That overprotective of a big sister?

Nik: She's overprotective in a charming sort of way? I don't really date much so she saves up all her nosiness.

Marissa: [there's a small smile, then she gets up on her toes and wraps her arms around his neck] Well, don't worry about me. I can handle siblings being nosy. As long as they don't try and scare me away from the one I do like.

Nik: Nope. I think she'd rather see me with someone.

Marissa: Then see? Nothing to worry about.

Nik: Good. [and he leans in to kiss her again]

Marissa: [and nope, just going to enjoy that kiss as long as they have until they get interrupted]

Victor: [which will be by a soft throat clearing] Our car is outside.

Nik: [pulls back reluctantly] Guess we'll see you at home.

Marissa: [bites her lip, smiling a bit] Guess so. See you in ten. [and she smiled at Victor as she walked away to get her own car to head home]

Victor: [watches her go] I really do like her.

Nik: [sighs] Alright, let's go.

Marissa: [and the little red sports car obviously beats the big boys home, and she's bursting in] Sarah, incoming in five.

Sarah: [in the kitchen with Gabe, poking her head out] Nik?

Marissa: And his brother. They want to meet Gabe. [whirlwind cleaning in the living room] Gabe! Go upstairs and put something clean on if you're in sweaty clothes.

Gabe: But Mom...

Marissa: You're meeting Nik's alpha. Do it, now.

Gabe: [his eyes widen, and then he's bolting upstairs to change]

Victor: [they pull up to the house and he climbs out of the car, looking around as he goes] Oh, this is nice.

Nik: Nice to see how the other half lives. [teasingly, before making his way to the door and knocking on it]

Marissa: [everything shoved in the closet, she nods at the living room and goes to answer the door.]

Sarah: [is amused, leaning in the doorway of the kitchen with a glass of lemonade because she is so watching this train wreck in the making]

Nik: [gives her a smile as she opens the door] Hey. [he then nods to the woman near the kitchen] Sarah.

Sarah: Nik. Nice seeing you again.

Marissa: Sarah, this is Victor. Nik's older brother. Victor, this is my best friend, Sarah. She lives with us and helps me take care of Gabe.

Sarah: [is about to flirt, but nope, sees the ring. Damnit. Friendly smile on] Either of you boys want some lemonade?

Victor: [nods] I would love some, thank you. [and he appreciates the lack of flirting. His wife would be annoyed.]

Nik: Me too. Thanks.

Sarah: Lemonades all around. Got it. [and she went back into the kitchen to start pouring.]

Gabe: [and someone heard Nik and comes thundering down the stairs, streak of red hair and all grins] Nik, you're back!

Nik: [grins widely as he sees him before crouching down to meet him] Hey, kiddo. How're you doing?

Gabe: I'm awesome. I totally learned how to do a half turn off a half-pipe and didn't even land on my face the first time!

Marissa: [trying not to do the mom I didn't need to know you were doing what again speak English child face]

Nik: [nope, he speaks skateboarder] Nice. [and that earns him a high five]

Gabe: [grins and returns it, then looks at Victor] Is that your alpha?

Nik: [glances up and nods] That is. But if it's easier, you can just think of him as my big brother.

Victor: [he smiles a bit as he holds a hand out to him] He's right. It's much easier. I'm Victor.

Gabe: Gabriel, but everyone calls me Gabe. [he goes to shake Victor's hand] If you're his big brother, why are you smaller than him.

Marissa: [that hand over her mouth is hiding her laughter, really]

Victor: Because nature has a funny sense of humor. But the payback is that I'm stronger than he is, so it all evens out.

Gabe: [just nods, because okay then] Are you going to help me tomorrow too?

Victor: [nods] Alphas have a few benefits when it comes to helping betas through a turn. We want you to learn to control it yourself, but if things get too crazy, I can force you back to human.

Gabe: So I'm a... beta? [he looks to his mom, confused]

Nik: [he nods] There are three kinds of wolf - alphas, betas and omegas. Alphas like Victor are the most powerful. They're stronger than normal wolves, and they're the ones who can turn humans into wolves with their bite. Betas, like me, are members of their pack. Kind of like the support team. And omegas are wolves without a pack - they're pretty much on their own. You are too young to really be a lone wolf, so for right now, you're a beta.

Gabe: Does that mean I'm a part of your pack then?

Sarah: [returns with the lemonades that she hands out silently before going to retreat back into the doorway.]

Marissa: Why don't we all sit while we talk? [she went to sit on the living room couch, waving for Gabe to join her]

Victor: [nods as he takes the lemonade with a smile, before moving to sit across from him] That would be up to you. Just because we're helping you doesn't mean you have to join my pack. Right now, we're just playing it by ear.

Gabe: I don't know where my dad's pack is. Mom said if she knew, we would have gone to find them months ago. And Nik is really cool.

Marissa: [kisses the top of his head] You don't have to make a choice right now, kid. Nik isn't going anywhere.

Nik: She's right, this isn't something you do lightly. Right now, we're just going to worry about the full moon.

Gabe: So what's going to happen to me?

Victor: Your body is going to change. It's probably going to hurt at first, but that will fade as you get used to it. You'll grow claws, sprout fangs, and your face will change.

Gabe: Will I still be me?

Victor: Yes and no. You'll feel a lot angrier, a lot more violent. You'll want to tear into the nearest thing you can find, which for all intents and purposes, will be me and Nik. What you'll have to do is find a way to find something that connects you to your human side - something that helps you take control of your wolf.

Marissa: And remember, it only lasts one night a month, kid. And you're always my baby boy, no matter what.

Gabe: You'll keep me from hurting from my mom, right?

Nik: [nods in agreement] Don't worry. We'll get between you and her every time. [Nik would probably be able to pin him down with one hand if he needed to] And your mom's right. Even on a full moon, you're still you.

Gabe: [nods] And I don't have to go to school on my bad day, right mom?

Marissa: [looks at the two men] I thought it was best.

Nik: This time, yes. But that's not going to last forever, kiddo. Once you get a handle on things, there's no reason why you can't.

Gabe: Oh man. I was looking forward to that.

Marissa: Guess you're still more normal than you thought, kid. [chuckles]

Nik: [he laughs] Consider yourself lucky. My dad made me go anyway.

Gabe: [pouting]

Nik: [reaches over and ruffles his hair] Don't take it so hard. You're going to want to go to school after a while. Keeps you feeling normal.

Gabe: [tries to push his hand away] Hey, watch the hair.

Nik: [grins as he holds up his hand] My bad.

Marissa: [is just smiling as she watches them, because seeing Gabe having an adult male figure in his life is refreshing]

Gabe: Well, I like school. I just don't want to risk hurting my friends.

Nik: We don't want that either. We'll help you keep it controlled.

Gabe: [nods his head] So when do we start?

Victor: Tomorrow. We have a property here in Vegas that should have enough privacy to be safe, and we'll head over there after dinner.

Marissa: Do you um... [she isn't sure if she should go, knowing she would just be a liability and all] I mean...

Victor: That's up to you and Gabe. Odds are we probably wouldn't want you in the basement during the shift, but there are rooms upstairs that should be safe if you'd rather wait there.

Gabe: [looks up at his mom, all serious] You don't have to come. Nik will take care of me.

Sarah: [speaking up from the back] I'll trade shifts and stay here with you, Blaze.

Nik: [just glances to her and waits for her answer. It's her decision, you he can't force it]

Marissa: Gabe, if you're sure. But if you change your mind, you guys can call me and I'll come over?

Victor: [nods] I'll leave you with directions.

Marissa: Thank you.

Victor: [he nods] And if you have any questions for me, please ask. This is your son - just because you're not a wolf doesn't mean you're not a part of this.

Marissa: I don't even know what to ask. Jake never got around to preparing me for this. I just knew how he handled it.

Victor: What did he tell you?

Marissa: He used to have a stone he kept in his pocket that he would rub with his fingers when he was thinking. He said it was from Ireland and it had this beautiful knot work etched into one side. [she chuckled] When he was losing control, he would put it on the table and trace the knots with a single claw while speaking some stupid Gaelic rhyme.

Victor: [he nods] A lot of packs use pneumonics like that, but it doesn't always work for every wolf. For us, we look for emotional anchors.

Gabe: Like what?

Victor: It changes depending on the wolf. Essentially, you're looking for something that grounds you to your humanity. Some use anger, others a loved one. For me, it's my wife. Sometimes it's something more abstract - for my sister, Nadia, it's the Messiah by George Handel. When she was gaining control of her shift in high school, she used to play it to calm her.

Marissa: That's... very beautiful actually. Your sister, I mean. What did you do before you were married?

Victor: Leah and I were together for a long time, but before that ... it was probably my parents.

Marissa: [smiles softly, then nods] Still a good thing.

Gabe: And I forgot what you use, Nik.

Nik: [he takes a deep breath, because he doesn't usually say, but this time he'll make an exception] My mother. She and I were close.

Marissa: [there's a soft smile there, and her hands go to run her fingers through Gabe's hair]

Gabe: Like how Mom and I are?

Nik: Sort of, yeah. My dad was still around, but I was always closer with her.

Marissa: Well, I'm sure they were both very proud of both of you. At least from what I know of you both.

Victor: [small smile at that] I'm sure they would be too.

Marissa: I wouldn't trust my kid to you if I didn't think so.

Nik: We'll take good care of him.

Gabe: I trust them, Mom.

Marissa: Me too, kid. And it's getting late and you need to get to bed.

Gabe: But I don't have school tomorrow...

Marissa: Yeah, but you have homework still from tonight to do, and you know how you get after lunch on the full moon so you need to get it done in the morning. So get some sleep.

Nik: We should probably go too. Tomorrow's going to be a long day for all of us.

Marissa: Don't remind me. [gets up to show them out as Gabe lingers behind]

Victor: [nods as he follows her out giving Gabe a small smile as they go] It'll be alright. Wolves all over go through this all the time.

Marissa: Yeah, but how many human mothers sit at home feeling helpless?

Victor: More than you probably realize. Our mother did.

Gabe: You had a human mom too? [he obviously likes you more now]

Victor: [he nods] She never wanted the bite, and our father respected that.

Marissa: You know, Jake never asked me if I did. But he never asked me to marry him either, so I guess there's a reason.

Victor: [glances to his brother for a moment before turning back to her] Wolves don't view commitment the same way that humans do. Some pairs never marry at all and are together for decades, and some love that person as they are and wouldn't want to risk the bite for their mate. It doesn't always take. That's why alphas don't run around biting everyone they see. Betas are considered very carefully. [he pauses, before] My point is, just because he didn't express it in the same way doesn't mean the commitment wasn't there.

Marissa: [nods, thinking to herself a moment] That makes a lot of sense now.

Victor: [there's another small smile and a nod, before extending a hand to her] Again, it was very nice meeting you.

Marissa: It was nice meeting you too, Victor. I'll see you both tomorrow for dinner. Five o'clock work?

Victor: Five o'clock is perfect. [and with that he'll head to the car, leaving Nik and Marissa to have a moment]

Gabe: See you tomorrow. [and he's going to just run upstairs because Mom and Nik times]

Sarah: Oh look, all these cups need to go to the kitchen... [and she retreats, leaving as well]

Marissa: [looks up into his eyes] Thank you for all this. I really don't know how I can repay you.

Nik: [shakes his head] And I keep telling you not to worry about it.

Marissa: I know you do, but This is me, and I pay my debts, Nik.

Nik: And if I don't need anything?

Marissa: Everyone needs something, Nik.

Nik: [he shrugs] I'm not a guy with a whole lot. Wants, maybe, but I know that one thing I don't want is you thinking I'm going to be lording this over you.

Marissa: I'm not going to think that. I just... you're just way too nice to be real sometimes. I don't know what to do with that.

Nik: I'd tell you to just relax and enjoy it, but I have a feeling that'll just end in you spending a lot of time waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Marissa: [rubs the back of her neck] I had issues going on long before Gabe came along. It's not you, I promise.

Nik: I didn't think it was.

Marissa: So things are never nice for me too long. That's why I don't trust nice.

Nik: So what do you trust?

Marissa: My gut. And seeing the four of you at the bar that day, my gut told me you were a close family and took care of each other. That's why I took a chance when you started flirting with me.

Nik: We do. [he nods for a moment] So trust me to take care of your kid. We can figure out the rest later.

Marissa: I do. [takes his hand] If I didn't, you wouldn't be standing here right now. I'm just being a mom and worried about my baby.

Nik: I'm not going to stop you from worrying about him.

Marissa: No, I'm going to worry about him until the day I die. But knowing he's got someone making sure he learns what he needs to know to survive makes it a little easier to sleep at night.

Nik: Good. That's all I want.

Marissa: [she looks up at him, and then cups his cheek with her free hand and gets on her toes to kiss him]

Nik: [he closes his eyes into the kiss, leaning in so that the kiss is a little easier on her and sliding her arm around his waist]

Marissa: [Kisses him a bit longer, then leans back just a bit] Just never give me a reason to regret this, okay?

Nik: [shakes his head] I'm not planning on it.

Marissa: Good. [and she goes back to kissing him again]

Nik: [easily kisses her back, using the arm around her waist to lift her up and pull her closer - not enough that she wants to wrap her legs around his waist but enough so that her feet are at least off the floor]

Marissa: [she grins in the kiss, her arm going around his shoulder to keep her balanced] I need to get some platform boots soon.

Nik: [nods a bit, his nose brushing against hers] Or a little step stool.

Marissa: Or Just get some climbing gear.

Nik: That could work too.

Marissa: [her hand is going to play in his hair, smiling at him] You could stay if you want. But I'll understand if it's awkward for you.

Nik: [he pauses for a moment] As tempting as that is, I think I should go. [and believe him it's very tempting] But after we get through the moon, I still have a very quiet, very comfortable hotel room.

Marissa: And Gabe spends Friday nights with my parents which is why I'm free after work then.

Nik: Then I think we should just spend a lot of time there on Friday.

Marissa: Sounds like a plan, handsome. [her fingers tickle the back of his head]

Nik: Good. [he leans in to give her one last kiss, before putting her down and pulling back] See you tomorrow.

Marissa: See you tomorrow. [and she walks him out, waving to them both when they get in the car and leave]

Nik: [waves back as he slides into the back seat of the town car with his brother, and then off they go]