An alternate ending to the episode where Zoe came back. I know it's probably really unrealistic but I was in the mood for some fluff.
"I thought we'd had this chat before I'd left." Zoe sighed, hoping that he wasn't going to push her much further because she wasn't sure how much it'd take to snap her resolve and just kiss him.
"Yeah, no, course." Max began and then looked back at her. "Actually do you know what? No." Max finished as he stubbed out the cigarette and gently pulled her round into the alley way so they were no longer visible to any by-passers.
"What do you think you're doing Max?" Zoe demanded.
"Well I have some things I need to say and I'm not sure you'd want people to overhear."
"Fine, go ahead." Zoe sighed.
"You see, what I remember of your last day was we had sex, multiple times, and then you left without saying anything. You were difficult at work, you said it was just fun and I told you that the ball was in your court, then you walked off after I told you that I love you. I'm not sure where this 'chat' of yours came into it?"
"Max, please don't do this. I can't..."
"Are you with someone else?" Max asked, knowing the answer as Zoe looked a little shocked.
"No, do you really just think I move from one persons bed to another?" Zoe asked, a little offended by what Max seemed to be suggesting.
"I don't know what to think, one minute we were inseparable and the next you'd disappeared and come back and act like nothing's happened."
"If anyone's bed hopping here, it's you Max." Zoe threw back, only to be met by a confused expression across Max's face.
"Oh, you mean last night?" Max asked and Zoe nodded. "I lied Zo, I wanted to make you jealous, to make you want me again."
"I never didn't want you Max, I was scared that's why I was blowing hot and cold."
"There was nothing to be scared of, I'd have protected you from anything." Max sighed, seeing Zoe well up slightly, like he'd seen her do after the helicopter crash. She wasn't even able to meet his gaze as she began to speak again.
"I'd have? Past tense?" Zoe quizzed quietly, trying to stop her voice from portraying how she felt, although she knew her eyes were already betraying her.
"You know I still would Zoe, whether you want me to or not. I told you I love you and I still mean it, that means I'm there whether you want me or not." He replied, feeling it was the moment to kiss away all of her pain he leaned forward and softly pressed his lips into hers. He was about to move again until he felt her arms snake around his neck and pull him closer.
"I do want you, I have since I met you and I don't think I could stop it now." Zoe said as their foreheads were resting against each other's and their noses were just touching. "Take me home Max."
"Mine or yours?"
"Considering I'm living on a boat I think yours is going to be more practical." She said, regaining her normal composure as she grabbed Max's hand and walked out of the alleyway.
"Zo, people can see us." Max pointed out smiling, knowing that Zoe hated people knowing her personal business.
"Let them stare if they want." Zoe beamed at him as she stopped and let Max pull her into his arms and wrapped his arm around her shoulders.
"Come on then baby." Max smiled, knowing that he now had 'the one' back and that she wasn't going anywhere again.
"One minute, I forgot something." Zoe whispered playfully.
"You'd forget your head if it wasn't screwed on."
"Yeah yeah." Zoe rolled her eyes. "I forgot to show the world how much I love you." Zoe told him as she reached across and kissed him, feeling a lot of eyes on her but not caring as her eyes slipped shut and she once again got lost in Max's kiss.
"Home time Misses." Max laughed as she unlocked her car and stood still a minute watching as Max got into the car. How had she ever contemplated not having Max in her life in this way again?