Stevie and Alex are staking out a mob of sheep as something has been killing their lambs. They've debated whether it's a wild dog or something else. As they sit Stevie is pouring them both a hot drink from the thermos.
The conversation begins. "Geez Stevie, hot chocolate! Did ya bring my slippers too? Bloody hell we're staking out a mob, it's not bingo at the bowling club!" He laughs. She smiles at him and teases. "Still having a mini mid life crisis are we?" He smiles at her and replies "Yeah, just a little one." They laugh easily. Stevie loves being with him, she's glad he's her friend, he knows her so well, and she feels safe in his company. "No the chocolate is for me. It's been a chocolate kinda week." She offers. "Right." He says thoughtfully. "So have you heard from Rose?" "No" she says sadly." You should ring her." he offers. "No it's up to her now." She whispers. "She won't ring Stevie." He looks at her and notices the glassy look in her eyes. "No, one day you'll walk into the kitchen and she'll be sitting there." He says confidently. Stevie wipes her eyes and smiles at him and says "Thanks."
They sit together for awhile in silence, enjoying their drinks. Alex speaks "Have I ever told you how much I enjoy spending time with you?" Stevie looks shocked and responds "Well, no you haven't" Alex continues "We're really good friends aren't we?" "Yes we are Alex, there's not much we don't know about each other, so I guess that's why it's easy to spend time with you." "We've been through a lot together haven't we?" He offers. "Sure have." Stevie responds wondering where this conversation is going but freely joining in" You have no idea how nice it is to know someone has my back. I haven't had that for such a long time." She says wistfully." Yeah I don't know what I'd do if I didn't have you to talk to." he says smiling at her.
They sit again without words and just enjoy being together. Alex speaks "Steves, I want to tell you something really important?" Stevie looks at him searching his face. "Sounds serious Alex." He takes a deep breath and says. "It's very serious Stevie, it could change our friendship." "Oh." is all she says, while her stomach churns, thinking something is wrong.
He looks at her and moves closer. "I want to kiss you." he whispers. Stevie just sits there staring at him stunned. He waits for what seems like an eternity holding his breath. Stevie moves, her heart pounding, lifting her hands to hold his face, she leans in and gently kisses him. Alex moves his arms around her responding to her kiss gently at first then deeper and stronger she moves her arms around his neck and holds on tight. Alex's heart is pounding in his chest as he pulls her in closer, feeling the softness and warmth of her body against him. They move apart breathless and tingling, unnerved by the intensity of what they've just experienced.
Alex speaks first "Well?" "Well!" Stevie replies. They both laugh. "I wasn't expecting that response." Alex smiles. "Me either." Stevie replies sounding puzzled. "So what do you think Steves?"She looks at him intently and smiles touching her lips. "I think I wanna do it again." His lips gently touch hers, nothing else needs to be said.