Brindleton Bay, 6:30 pm

Allan and Zoe have gotten home already, she wastes no time and doesn’t even wait to go inside.
Zoe: Al, remember I told you we needed to talk?
Allan: Uh, yeah. Is it about my rehab? Cause if it is, I promise I’ll…
Zoe: It’s not about your rehab, honey. I know you’ve done your best, and it’s okay.
Allan: So? What is it about?
Zoe: Well, I don’t know how to say this, but…

Allan rushes to hug her, seeking to reassure her.
Allan: If it’s Fabian you’re worried about, I want you to know that it’s over, for good.
Zoe: I know, and I’m not worried about Fabian, I’m worried about you, your heart…

Allan: My heart is where it belongs: with you.
Zoe: Are you sure? Cause I know how this works, sometimes you’d prefer to…
Allan: My preferences don’t matter here, Zoe, I love you, that’s all I need to know.
Zoe: A-are you serious?
Allan: I’ve never been so serious in my life. Or don’t you trust me anymore?
Zoe: I trust you, Al, it’s just –

Zoe: I’m afraid one of these days you might change your mind about, you know… your likes?
Allan: One thing is what I like, my feelings are quite another. During the days I spent in rehab I thought a lot about this, and now I know what I want. It’s not someone else; it’s not alcohol or drugs, I want you, it’s with you that I want to share my life, understood?
Zoe: Uh, I think so.
Allan: Good.

Zoe’s few remaining doubts vanish the instant Allan’s lips touch hers. Screw it all, they’re together and that’s all that matters.
Allan: (To himself) Forgive me Fabian, but for once I must do what is right.

After a whole round of long, passionate kisses, Allan is the first to pull away; he looks happy, though a bit flustered. Zoe doesn’t let it go unnoticed.
Zoe: Al, are you okay?
Allan: Yeah, don’t worry, I’m just a little tired.
Zoe: Tired? You’re right, there were probably too many emotions for your first day home. Maybe you should get some sleep.
Allan: Right now? Of course not, I- I’ll be fine.

Allan’s reassurance encourages Zoe to start flirting with him. Al quickly forgets any intrusive thoughts that he may have had during their kissing.
Allan: You know what? It’s chilly out here, why don’t we go inside? I think we’ll be much more comfortable in the bedroom.
Zoe: I totally agree.

Allan: Buuuut – first, there’s a thing or two I’d like to add.
Zoe: (Internally) Oh no, here we go.

Excited by Zoe’s flirting and for this new beginning of their relationship, Allan begins reciting poems and declaring his undying love for Zoe.

Not that it bothers her, but Zoe knows that once Allan’s histrionic self gets a hold of him, there’s no human power that can make him stop.

He will recite each and every one of his favorite poets, or sing for her until he runs out of voice.

Truth be told, it’s very cute, but kind of embarrassing. Thank the Maker the neighbors are pretty far away from there, lol.

When Al is finally done declaring his love to Zoe it’s already nightfall.
Allan: So what did you think?
Zoe: Er, it was very nice all around, honey.
Allan: Are you convinced now that I love only you?
Zoe: Sure, but trust me, all that wasn’t necessary.

Allan: Yean, maybe it was boring for you to listen to all those Old English poems.
Zoe: Oh, no, not at all, dear!
Allan: I didn’t mean to be annoying, I just wanted to show you how much I love you. Plus, everything I recited is true.
Zoe: I know, and you didn’t annoy me, in fact it was really cute.
Allan: Okay… Then maybe we’re ready to move on to the next step, (*Winks*)
Zoe: (Melts) I am more than ready.

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