Unfortunately with Hannah's work and study schedule, we don't see each other for three days, and by then it's time for me to go back to work – something that is a dreaded necessity. It's probably the best possible time though; everything is working out perfectly. I've been given a second chance at life.

I've scheduled an appointment with my psychiatrist – the first time I've ever initiated an appointment – to discuss cutting down on my medication. In fact, I don't think I need them at all anymore, but I understand that the withdrawals are horrific, so if I can start slowly cutting down then the sooner the better.

I made the difficult decision not to tell Tony yet. I want to wait until Hannah feels comfortable with the idea of people knowing that she's alive before I start spreading the news. It's hard though, because I want to share her with the people I love. I haven't got anyone to talk to about it, either. I've told my mom vaguely that I'm seeing someone, and she's so happy. I'm sure she thinks her chances of grandbabies are disappearing by the minute. I obviously don't give any details, telling her that I don't want to jinx anything while it's still new.

With my work schedule, it's another four days before Hannah and I both have an evening free for our date. While we didn't see each other for an entire week, we've managed to speak every day. It's brightened my days having text messages to look forward to, or calling her over the Bluetooth while I drive home. It's nice. Really nice, and it's comfortable.

We arrange that I'll pick her up at 7pm, and I'm really, really looking forward to it.

I want to make her feel special, so that she can see just how much I value her. She will never feel unappreciated by me again. Not ever.

I make a reservation at a nice restaurant in town, one that is usually quite hard to get into unless you know someone who knows someone; which fortunately, I do.

I buy her flowers, making sure that there are no roses.

I buy a new outfit for the occasion too, spending almost an hour and a half at the store but finally leaving with a new suit; dark grey, a deep blue button up and new shoes.

Tonight has to be perfect.

I'm knocking on her door at exactly 7pm, flowers in hand.

"Hey, you look.. wow… you look incredible, Hannah."

And she does. She's wearing more make up than I've seen her wear before, but it's beautiful and brings out her eyes so much. Her long sleeved dress is dark purple, similar to the colour of the dress she wore to the dance in high school, and matched with black heels is incredibly elegant.

I actually make an effort to close my mouth because I can feel my jaw dropping.

She blushes, a flush of colour rushing to her cheeks.

"Thanks Clay, you look pretty good yourself."

And for a moment I'm transported back to that dance. It's complete déjà vu. It throws me for a few seconds, but I can tell from the faraway look in her eyes that she's been taken back to that moment too.

"Memories huh?" She says after a few seconds, and I nod.

"Here, I got these for you."

I hand her the flowers and watch her whole face light up.

"You are too good to me, Helmet. Thank you. Let me put them in some water before we go."

She ducks inside while I wait by the doorway.

When she comes out, she slips a coat on and locks the door behind her.

"So where are we going?" She bumps me lightly with her shoulder as we wait for the lift.

"You'll see."

I know she doesn't like surprises, but I think this one will be worth it.

"Claaaaay."

And her pout is so damned cute that I want to kiss her, but I don't. I don't want to ruin anything by rushing.

"Wow! You haven't changed a bit!"

She folds her arms and keeps pouting, but I see her struggling not to smile.

"You are adorable, Hannah Baker."

She moves to stand next to me and I wrap an arm around her waist, tugging her closer, and we stay that close together until we reach my car. I let her go only to open the passenger door for her.

"No one has ever opened a car door for me before."

I shrug but inside I'm struggling to believe that she was ever treated like anything less than royalty by someone she was dating, "Get used to it, Baker, I'm a gentleman."

I know she's pleasantly surprised by my choice of restaurant, commenting that she's wanted to try it out for a while but just never got around to it. We are seated at a table in the back, a quieter section which I'm grateful for.

We order wine as we peruse the menu, and I'm fascinated by some of the dishes; things I've never even heard of.

"I don't know what half of this stuff is," I admit, hoping that Hannah won't judge me for it.

To my surprise, and delight, she bursts out laughing before admitting that she was struggling to decide what she'd like and what she wouldn't.

We decide to order two different things and share them, so that we can try a couple of things.

I realise that as much as we've spoken about things, that there is so much I haven't discovered about her. I try to think back to what I used to regret not finding out, when I thought she was gone.

"What's your middle name?"

She smiles and raises an eyebrow at me, "What?"

"It was something I used to… I used to regret not finding out about you."

"Oh."

She reaches out and places a hand over mine, squeezing gently, and I'm not sure if it's more of a comfort to me or to her.

"It's Marie… it's a family name, my mom's middle name is Marie too."

"Hannah Marie, it's beautiful."

She smiles, looking embarrassed, like she isn't used to being complimented. Which maybe she isn't, but she certainly better get used to it because I won't let her ever go a day without thinking that's beautiful or amazing.

"What's yours, Helmet?"

"Anthony."

"Cute."

"It's not cute."

"Is so."

"Is not. I'm super manly, and men aren't cute."

"I think you are utterly adorable, Helmet. Deal with it."

I let her win that one because our food arrives, and it all looks amazing.

As we eat, I try to think of other facts about Hannah that I used to wish I'd had a chance to find out.

"Favourite colour?"

She thinks for a moment, swallowing a mouthful of food, before she answers.

"Purple, I think. What's yours?"

"Blue. Favourite movie genre?"

"Thrillers are good. But I can't watch them by myself."

"Same, but I'm really brave so I could protect you."

"I might just take you up on that, Helmet."

All too soon we've finished our meals, had dessert (despite being stuffed from dinner) and I've paid the bill (despite Hannah insisting for a good ten minutes that we split it, even though there is no way that was ever going to happen).

I help her with her coat before we head back to the car in comfortable silence.

I really don't want the evening to end, it's been a really good night and I'm not ready to say goodbye just yet.

"I can open my own door, Helmet."

I side step past her to reach the car door before she can, opening it for her. "When you're in your own car, on your own, then you can open your own door."

"Smart arse."

"And proud, Baker, it's one of my most endearing qualities, you just can't resist it."

She smirks before settling back in her seat as I close the door gently.

And before I know it, we've reached her apartment building.

"Do you want to come up for a while? It's not that late yet."

So maybe Hannah isn't ready for the night to be over yet either.

"Sure, sounds good."

Soon enough we're settled as usual in her living room, glass of wine in hand, as she scrolls through Netflix. We've agreed on a thriller (one that looks decently scary, and that neither of us have seen) so that I can prove how brave and strong I am, and how capable I am of protecting her. Hannah ducks off to change into pyjamas because her dress isn't comfortable enough for a movie night, and I find myself struck with the most overwhelming feeling of gratitude. And love. And a sense of comfort. I've never had a first date this comfortable.

And just when I thought Hannah Baker couldn't get any cuter, she comes back wearing pink bunny print pyjamas and carrying a fluffy purple throw blanket.

"Not a word, Jensen." She warns straight away, seeing the look on my face.

I make a motion of zipping my mouth shut and throwing away the key.

She sits beside me, spreading the blanket over both of us, as the movie begins.

"We are not watching a thriller with a light on, Baker. That defeats the purpose."

"But it's less scary that way!"

"Not happening, Baker. Turn it off."

"But Claaaay."

I reach over her to turn off the lamp on the side table, plunging us into darkness except for the glow from the television.

"You're mean."

I can almost hear the pout in her voice, and it's completely adorable.

"Yep."

"You're not supposed to agree with me, Helmet."

"Shhh, movie is on."

"Mean."

As the movie gets progressively more scary, and the jumpy kind of scary, Hannah moves closer and closer.

"If you want to cuddle just say so, Baker. I know you're scared." My tone is light and teasing, and I watch her face for her reaction.

"Am not. I'm just… uh… cold. And cuddling is good for that."

We both know she's lying.

"C'mere then, cold one."

She couldn't possibly be any closer to me, unless she was sitting in my lap – which I would not at all be opposed to, by the way – but we fit together perfectly. And she stays pressed against me for the duration of the movie; we are definitely watching more scary movies in the future!

We finally say goodbye a little after 1am, and I head home for a hot shower and to collapse into bed.

I'm just drying myself off, ready to pull my pyjamas on when my phone chimes. Considering it's almost 2am, I know it must be Hannah. I can't help the smile that spreads across my face.

Hannah: Now every time there's a noise I think I'm going to get murdered. Perks of living alone.

Clay: Aww is someone a little scared?

Hannah: Rude. So rude.

Clay: I'm kidding, Han. Are you okay?

Hannah: Yes, just sensing my murderer sitting outside my apartment. Good thing I don't have work tomorrow. Won't be sleeping anytime soon. Or ever again.

Clay: You're welcome to come over. I have a spare room. And no funny business, I promise.

Hannah: Is that weird?

Clay: You're seriously asking me if you staying over is weird after everything we've been through?

Hannah: Touché

Clay: I'll make up the spare bed

Hannah: I feel bad

Clay: Don't. I'll even make us hot chocolate ;)

Hannah: In that case… see you in 20 mins x