Before neXt

Gina hugged Elliot upon arriving at her significant other's home. "Sorry, I'm late."

"You're here," Elliot grinned, holding Gina close. "That's all that matters. I have less than 30 seconds before Rocky interrupts up and I'm going to hold you."

Gina giggled and looked over Elliot's shoulder since Elliot was leaning down. She spotted the stranger getting ready to rush down the hallway towards them.

"Gina!" Reese beamed, beating Rocky to the punch. "I want a hug too!"

Gina pecked Elliot's cheek before releasing 'him' for Reese. "How are you, Reese? Did you have a good day? Did mama spoil you?"

"I missed you," Reese answered, nuzzling Gina. "Mama bought me ice cream at lunch."

"What flavor? Your favorite?" Gina asked, brushing Reese's bangs out of the way, as she carried the girl towards the dining room.

"Yeah," Reese replied excitedly. "Orange creamsicle. Mama's favorite too."

Gina pecked Reese's cheek. "Let's see if I can convince your mama for more orange creamsicles after dinner."

"Hi," Elliot's friend beamed and extended her hand. "I'm Rocky Silvius. You must be Gina Graham."

Gina accepted. "Yes, I am. Elliot's been mysterious about you."

Rocky chuckled. "Same on my end. I've been trying to get info from Topher but they got this in-law code. I see that the kid likes you and well, that's pretty good so far."

Elliot shook 'his' head and slide in between them, taking Reese. "If you two are ready to eat, take a seat. Reese, you're going to help me bring dinner to the table."

/ - / - /

"I don't know if I like you just yet," Rocky hummed, studying Gina as they relaxed in the living room. "Close to your family?"

"I don't have any left," Gina sighed, leaning against Elliot. "Parents died two years apart a few years back."

Elliot pulled Gina close. "You want me to be your family?"

Gina giggled. "You're really good at convincing me to say yes. I do like it here with you."

"We have to check her bedroom," Rocky laughed. "You know what a bedroom says."

"Well, I do have Friday and Saturday off this week," Gina shrugged. "You could come over, check out my space, and leave an overnight bag, Elliot."

Elliot chuckled. "If that's what you want. Oh, I noticed that one of my hoodies is missing. Do you have it?"

Gina blushed. "Maybe. I miss you and I had the perfect opportunity to take a one or two when you let me stay over."

"How cute," Rocky cooed. "So breakfast at Gina's on Friday? We'll bring the groceries."

"That works," Gina grinned, ruffling Elliot's hair. "Remember, I'm vegan."

"Savory vegan crepes," Elliot smirked. "Wild mushroom sauce. Although I'm very into my ham and cheese crepes."

Gina sighed dramatically. "Just don't put meat on my plate, dear, and we're good. Oh, I definitely want to keep Reese when we break up."

"That's my kid," Elliot huffed before kissing Gina. "I love you."

Gina smiled at Elliot and hugged 'him'. They weren't there yet but the feelings were.

Rocky groaned. "Can you two stop being disgustingly cute? Ugh, I should have brought one of my spouses."

Elliot smirked. "You should have but then they'll get jealous of the one that you brought along. You shouldn't have married so many."

"How many spouses?" Gina questioned. "Which country are you from or religion you practice?"

"I thought you told her that we were from the far future," Rocky answered, looking at Elliot.

"She doesn't believe me," Elliot sighed but hugged Gina. "But I am keeping her as my girlfriend."

Gina rolled her eyes. "There's no proof except for you being a big sci-fi nerd. Now, I'm going upstairs and going to bed. I'm taking some of your clothes tomorrow."

Elliot nodded. "I'll be up in a few, Gina."