Max was walking past Zoe's office a couple of days later when something caught his eye and he took a few steps back.

"When did that arrive?"

Lofty glanced up. "Last week, I think. Fancy a drink at the pub after work?"

"Yeah, sure." Max stood staring into the office for a few moments before clicking into gear again.

…

"Max has just shown me that photo and I don't think I will ever recover."

As Robyn spoke, Zoe's head flew up and her cheeks began to redden. "…He showed you?"

"Yep. He said he had something on his phone that he thought everyone should see."

As Robyn walked away, Zoe stared after her in shock.

…

Zoe pushed open the door to Max's cupboard with such force that it banged into the shelves and they rocked perilously.

"What the hell did you think you were doing?!"

Max looked up from his lunch with raised eyebrows. "I…pardon?"

"You have completely broken my trust. I cannot believe you thought that was an okay thing to do!"

"…Sorry, I'm lost. What are you talking about?"

"The photo, Max! You've shown practically everyone in the department! You've not only undermined my professionalism but you've embarrassed me in front of all my friends!" When Max gave a smile, Zoe's voice got even louder. "What the hell is funny about this, Max?!"

"Just to clarify…you think I've been showing people that photo of you in the shower?"

"I know you have, so don't try and get out of it!"

"Ok, so, I'm going to ignore the fact you think I'd show a naked photo of my wife to all and sundry for the moment and ask you what did people say to make you think that?"

This wasn't the response Zoe had expected and she stood awkwardly. "…They said they said they never expected it of me, and that they'll never recover."

"Zo, I showed them a photo of the puppy."

Zoe could feel her face beginning to redden. "What?"

"I showed them the photo I took last night when you two were asleep on the couch. Fully clothed. Well, at least you were."

"Oh."

"Yeah, oh." Max smiled at his wife.

Zoe took a couple of steps backwards and then motioned over her shoulder. "I should get back to work."

Max nodded, his smile turning into a grin as he heard her heels rushing down the corridor.

Subject: Earlier

So, about earlier- I shouldn't have jumped to conclusions before talking to you and I owe you an apology.

Zoe.

...

Subject: RE: Earlier

You do know that wasn't an actual apology, right?

Maxwell.

...

Subject: RE: RE: Earlier

I know. I'm building up to it, although perhaps you'd make do with a bedroom apology instead?

Zoe

...

Subject: Apology

No, I want an actual verbal apology, thank you. By the way, did you notice the new girl has taken over our rooftop smoking spot? I went up there earlier and she had the cheek to ask me for a light AND a cigarette.

Max.

...

Zoe smiled down at her phone and stubbed out her cigarette before returning to work.

Subject: RE: Apology

The cheek of some people! I hope you didn't give in to her demands, because it's a slippery slope from there. One day you'd give her the cigarette and then a year later you'd end up living in a houseboat with her and a lady shave that's almost out of battery!

Zoe.

She pressed send, and still with a smile on her face Zoe accepted a file from Noel and walked towards cubicles.

"Are we off to the pub?" Isabelle joined Max and Lofty as they exited the building at the end of their shift. The men exchanged glances.

"Sure." Lofty finally offered.

"I need a huge, huge glass of wine. I've been working with Dr Hanna all day, and she has been in the weirdest mood. Snappy all morning, then staring at her phone all afternoon."

Max and Lofty shared a smirk before Max pushed open the door to the pub. "Your round, Lofty?"

"I'll get them in, you two find a seat." Isabelle offered with a smile.

"Aren't you going to tell her about you and Zoe?" Lofty asked as they sat.

"Nope, I'm waiting to hear what she says about her, and then the expression of horror when she realises."

...

Subject: RE: RE: Apology

Still waiting for that apology. I'm at the pub with Lofty, and some tall blonde woman in a dress and heels has decided to muscle in on our manly bonding time, so you can come too if you like.

Max.

...

Subject: How kind

I don't recall ever receiving such a heartfelt invitation to sit and watch the bromance unfold, but sadly I am still catching up on paperwork. Don't be home late.

Zoe.

…

"Good Evening, Mrs Walker."

Zoe looked up from her paperwork to find Max swaying in the doorway with a grin.

"Mr Walker. You look like you could do with a lift home."

"Yes please."

"You'll have to wait a minute, I'm just on the last file."

Max nodded and walked over to the desk, falling into the chair opposite Zoe. "I'm still waiting, by the way."

"It won't mean as much if you keep asking for it."

"Mm, good point." Max picked up the newspaper that was on the edge of the desk and began to frown over the crossword. A short while later, he lifted his head again. "Zo?"

"Mm?"

"On a scale from one to ten, how sorry are you?"

"Why?"

"…Because I may have thought of a way for you to apologise without saying sorry."

Zoe lifted her head and looked at her husband. "You want to have sex, don't you."

"Yes, but I actually meant that you could put up the new sign for you door."

Zoe sighed and looked down at it where it still rested on the edge of her desk. Dr Walker. "It just feels like a big step."

"It's just a sign."

"But it's not, is it?"

"Yes, it is. You've already signed a stack of papers that have changed your name officially, so it is just a sign. A piece of metal with a different name on it."

Zoe glanced up at Max and then down at the sign again.

"Some things just are what they appear to be, Zo."

Zoe gave a slight smile at this. "Like you."

"Yeah, like me."

"…Okay." Zoe stood up, picked up the sign and the screwdriver that rested on top of it before she walked to her door.

Standing behind her, Max rested one hand on her hip and the other on the sign, holding it in place as she screwed it in. "You know, when I told everyone at the pub that I was off to have a screw, I didn't think it would mean this."

When Zoe spun around with a frown, she found Max smiling. "…you're joking again, aren't you?"

"I am."

Zoe smiled up at Max for a moment and then pulled him closer, murmuring into his lips. "I wonder how we could properly celebrate the name change?"

"I wonder." Max whispered back before he captured Zoe's lips.

"Dr Hanna! So glad I caught you. I just…oh." Isabelle stopped when she saw who Zoe was with, and then her face paled a little when she saw the name on the new sign.

"You just what, Isabelle?" Zoe asked as Max stepped back into the office to collect her coat.

"Ah, nothing. It will keep until tomorrow."

As Isabelle rushed away, Zoe watched with a frown. "What was that about? And why are you grinning?"

"I'll tell you on the way home. Come on, it's only 10pm which means if we rush home, we might manage number 11 and 12 on the same day."

"What was number 11?"

"Well clearly it was that brilliant apology you just gave me."

"Not me letting you take a picture of me naked this morning?"

"Good point. So, we've already had number 11 and 12 today, that means unlucky 13 is next."

"We should probably get that one over and done with as fast as possible."

"Good Idea. Home, then."

"Don't-" Zoe began, but she still smiled when Max hit her bum and then sped out the front door of the ED.