#ljfolger

They sat on the floor of Melanie’s room, the remains of their dinner around them. It’d been a while since they’d all spent time together, and she was happy that they’d managed to find time to do so tonight. 

“This is really nice,” she sighed contentedly as she rested her head on Bennett’s shoulder. 

“It is,” he murmured in agreement, absently turning to brush a kiss to the top of her head. 

Javi shot them a look; Melanie frowned a little in response to it, lifting her head slightly and asking, “What?”

“Nothing,” he shook his head, “The two of you are just doing it again.”

“Doing what again?” Bennett’s brow furrowed in confusion. 

“Getting lost in your own little world,” Javi clarified; he hated the insecurity in his voice. 

“Javi,” Melanie shook her head a little, mildly exasperated, “You’re family. All three of us, we’re a family now. You’re not excluded from that.”

Bennett nodded sagely, “It’s true. We will hunt you down if you try to abandon this family.”

Javi rolled his eyes, “Has anyone ever told you guys how exhausting you are?”

Melanie kicked him playfully in the shin, narrowing her eyes at him, “Don’t pretend you don’t love us. You’re tearing this family apart.”

Javi did his best to suppress a smile at that, “I think I’m the only smart one in this family though.”

“Hey!” Bennett protested; Melanie just laughed. 

“Look,” Javi held up his hands in a placating gesture, “The two of you are always up to some bullshit. It’s not my fault I’m the only sane one left.”

“Dick,” Melanie huffed, poking him in the leg again. 

Bennett and Javi couldn’t help laughing at that, and Melanie smiled in response. None of them had expected to have a family again after the freeze, but they were all glad to have been wrong.