A/N: This chapter is pretty much out-and-out fluffiness. I think you lovely readers are deserving of it :)

The heat met her in an immediate rush as she entered the archway of the station, overpowering the already fierce humidity of the morning in the middle of London. Already there were masses of people gathering, a sea of bodies teeming through the ticket gates, impatiently making their way further underground to get where they needed to be, and just a few to where they really wanted to be.

Even though she'd lived in the city for gone a decade now, she still found herself surprised by it. Not just by the fact that the population seemed to multiply by hundreds every morning and somehow the edges didn't break and collapse, but more by the pace of everything. Everybody was always so frantic, moving at a terrific speed as if they wouldn't live to see the next minute. Yorkshire was sleepy in comparison. It could be said it was because not that much happened, but it wasn't that. People were simply happy to sit back, go with the flow. Let life surround them and unfold as it will. She felt a longing all of a sudden, an affection for her home county that she'd never realised before. It grew larger as she was immersed in the heaving crowd, elbows jabbing into her and ankles knocking against hers.

Anna wore a polite smile as she exchanged a glance with one commuter, who managed momentarily to look less blank-faced.

You can take the girl out of Yorkshire…

Though they were caught up by the crowd anyway, her steps moved consciously slower than the rest. She worried that she was a little late, and glanced at her watch. She relaxed when she reminded herself that no set times and no definite plans had been made, except for the eventual destination, which she had been the one to choose at his insistence. Anna smiled a bit too wide thinking of John and how carefully he had been treading, following her plea to take things slowly to the letter. She felt a tightening in her stomach when she pondered that perhaps she wanted him to push the boundaries, go just that little bit faster…

She bumped almost head first into the back of another traveller, giggling wildly to herself when they turned, saw the grin flooding her face and grimaced as if she was from another planet.

Though all of the details were left up to her, today had been his idea. At first, she had thought the notion of a 'second first date' was peculiar, and more than a little funny, but then she was utterly charmed by it. She couldn't have failed to be touched when he told her over the phone that he wanted to do things properly this time, and reaffirmed the vow in person when they met a few times afterwards.

Anna still found herself thinking of last time; of the sound of his voice so close to her ear, his cheek not even brushing hers but his hand placed near to where her own lay. When she had shifted just a touch in her seat, his little finger touched the curve of her hand for the briefest moment and she thrilled incredibly before he moved away, as though he had been burned and shocked at once. There had been regret in both of their gazes, but John had smiled it swiftly away, knowing he had no cause to be sorrowful and every reason to be gratified to have her allow him so near. Encouraged by the sincerity in his look, Anna soon did the same but registered the sadness sinking down to her soles.

She felt vibrant now, and light, and not in the least bothered by the throng of people pushing her down the stairs. She felt happy, most of all. The happiness carried her along, just a little incompatible with the new sense of anticipation that was invading her. It made her at odds with herself somewhat, but she relished the feeling. She wanted to hold onto it for as long as possible, savour every bit of it properly. Because that's what they were doing now. Doing things properly. Taking things slowly. By her own command. The buzz thrummed around and within her, in a rhythm faster than her hastening heartbeat. But somehow, she went even slower, smiling as her excitement increased with each little step.

Reaching the platform, the crowds began to swarm and then dissipate. Anna could make out some space to look out inbetween the heads and shoulders that bobbed by, and when she couldn't see him a surge of disappointment overtook her, followed swiftly by panic and a great deal of foolishness. She pursed her lips, hoping that she didn't stick out like a sore thumb and diverted her gaze to nowhere in particular for a minute or two.

When she looked back again, she could have shrieked with delight. Instead she beamed a smile to see him waiting down the platform, hands planted in the pockets of his well-fitting jeans. He hadn't noticed her, was instead glancing up at the announcement board, looking as though he was working hard to solve a mystery but was drawing a complete blank. He seemed incredibly nervous too, shifting his weight from one foot to the other rapidly, a slight shadow covering his profile. Even from this distance, she noticed his Adam's apple bobbing as he swallowed several times in quick succession. She'd never seen him so visibly tense, and her heart happened to think that it was ever so adorable.

She couldn't keep him in suspense much longer, or herself for that matter. When she headed over to him, the crowd seeming to clear a path for her automatically, he finally caught her eyes and treated her to a smile that nearly made her swoon. Of all the things she could have thought about, she found herself wondering whether the shirt he was wearing was new. She certainly hadn't seen it before, but she was immediately taken with it. It was red, blue and white checked, with the sleeves rolled up to just below the elbow displaying his forearms, which she'd always had a particular fancy for. A couple of open buttons revealed a plain black t-shirt underneath, its neckline teasing her with the way it covered the stray hairs lying beneath.

His cheeky grin had grown wider by the time she was standing in front of him and she was close to being captured by his eyes once again. She broke gaze for a moment, a little flustered, and wasn't all that surprised to see her hands clasped tight together, the skin over her knuckles almost pure white. Anna looked up at John, giving a little laugh at the absurdity but the loveliness of the situation. He followed with a silent chuckle of his own and then a huff of apparent exasperation.

"You certainly picked a day for it," he exclaimed, fanning himself with his hands. "I hope that whatever this involves will feature lots of open air and ventilation rather than being in some kind of chamber, wearing boiler suits or…Edwardian costumes."

Anna wrinkled her nose in puzzlement, wondering what he could possibly think she had in mind.

"No, neither of those," she replied, her voice rising as she tried to stifle the fit of giggles from surfacing. She glanced away from his scrutinising stare briefly, then boldly looked him straight in the eyes. Suddenly, she felt quite mischievous, but not quite enough to trace her fingers along the row of buttons lining his torso. Instead, they played with the swirl of the skirt of her summer dress and she delighted when she found his gaze wandering down to follow her movement.

She had the urge to reach out and lift his chin upwards, but she settled for closing a hand gently around his arm, which was more daring than anything she'd done in a while. His eyes flickered to her fingers upon him, and then up to hers.

Anna smiled softly before leaning just a bit closer, the crystal blue of her eyes taking on a devilishly darker hue for a few seconds.

"Well, if you can't stand the heat…" she teased, leaning back on her heels away from him, pouting her bottom lip exaggeratedly.

John watched her carefully, a smirk slowly lighting up his face as Anna couldn't resist finally breaking into a burst of light laughter.

"Oh, I definitely can. Don't you worry about that."

His tone was decidedly husky and tingles careened all over Anna. She tried not to whimper as he replicated her action of drawing nearer tantalisingly then stepping away when she was only just getting acquainted with his presence.

She stopped herself in time, catching the glint in his eyes and composing herself. It was easier to get carried away now, but she didn't want to let both of their promises down.

"I can definitely tell you that past here we won't be spending any time indoors," she smiled, seeing John looking visibly relieved. "It'd be a shame to waste such lovely weather."

"And you've brought summer with you." John stretched out his arms, gesturing towards Anna's brightly coloured flowered dress. "If it's not too bold of me to say on a first date," he said the words with a hint of humour, "may I remark that you look a vision."

Anna blushed lightly, smoothing her hands at the skirt again as a partly nervous gesture and smiling brightly, which only captivated him further.

"You may," she said, her voice almost a squeak.

John smiled, his own cheeks going red with the way Anna was regarding him in his outfit. He stuffed his hands in his pockets to stop from reaching to cup her angelic face.

"I am very curious about what you've got in store. Can't you give me anything else to go on?"

Anna shook her head, her eyes still sparkling though she resolved that they wouldn't give anything away.

"It's a surprise, Mr Bates." She knew that he had a fondness for when she used his formal name, and the temptation to flirt was too strong. That's what first dates were for, after all, with this one being all the more advantageous for her knowing what buttons to press. "You're always so fond of those."

His eyebrows raised a little, and she giggled melodiously.

"You'll find out when we get there." She noted he looked thwarted that he hadn't managed to bend her, and gave him a little smile. "The only thing I'll say is that it's a place I've always wanted to go to, but have never had the chance."

He brightened visibly.

"Well then, I can't possibly argue with that. Although that's a lot of pressure on me, you know," he remarked with a wink as they walked towards the platform, the sound of the incoming train already echoing in the station. "Taking you somewhere you've always wanted to go on our first date. That's quite an impression to make."

Anna giggled almost uncontrollably this time, seeing him start to laugh too. Unthinking, she placed a palm upon his chest, almost moulding to him. As he looked down at her, she looked back with soft eyes.

"I have faith in you."

John held a breath, taken aback by her apparently simple words which meant so much more now. Gently, he raised his hand to his chest and took hold of two of her fingers, smiling as he caressed the skin lightly. Even after the contact ceased, both felt the surge still existing between them. They smiled at each other, a little coyly, until the train arrived in front of them.

Anna, shaken out of her reverie, dived into her handbag. "I almost forgot this. Though I can hold onto it if you'd like."

John took the container covered in a plastic bag that she pushed towards him, curiosity growing by the second. Looking in to it, he smiled a little incredulously.

"A packed lunch? I don't think I've had one of these since I was at school."

"It's good to be prepared," Anna beamed. "You'll thank me later, believe me."

She had to laugh at the sheer confusion on his face. He wrapped the bag back up and gave a shrug as the doors opened in front of them.

"I am already."

Anna smiled at him, the butterflies in her stomach refusing to stay put as he searched her eyes.

Today would be quite the day.

As they made their way through Regent's Park, Anna could barely hide her excitement. John smiled fondly at the way she was bounding ahead of him and he couldn't have been bothered about the fact that she seemed to have temporarily forgotten that he was there.

"A day at the park? Very nice," he chortled, teasing her.

Her blonde hair flicked out as she turned her head around, tutting and giggling. She looked an absolute picture and he found it hard to believe his luck. Anna tugged upon his arm briefly and he obliged her wishes, walking briskly in the warmth, the sun breaking through the wisps of clouds in the sky.

John followed Anna's animated gaze up to the gates, the hum of chatter and various animal noises building to a crescendo. Though it wasn't the summer holidays yet, the place was teeming with groups of friends and couples as well as families with young children, parents trying to calm down their little ones but failing as they ran about in circles, tooting and waving their arms about. John cast a look around, feeling a bit sorry for the already put-out parents but very amused too. Their unabashed joy was infectious, and it had certainly affected Anna. He couldn't help the grin pulling at his lips when he saw how happy she was.

She was looking at him eagerly, clearly waiting for his reaction. He looked past her dazzling blue eyes for a moment, pondering slowly and purposely until it seemed like she was going to burst. Laughing, his eyes fell back upon her anxious but utterly beautiful face.

"The zoo," he said matter-of-factly, biting his smile back a little.

Anna's smile got bigger, if that could have been possible.

"I love the zoo," she began to babble, and John felt his heart bounce in his chest. "I haven't been to one in so long, and like I say, I've never been to this one." She beamed towards him before her eyes were drawn back to peeking past the entrance, her enthusiasm not waning one bit. He didn't think he could have been more enchanted by her but sure enough, he was.

"I've never been either," he remarked, seeing she was surprised. He loved the slightly stunned look in her eyes, innocence quickly fading into impishness.

"Never?" she exclaimed, her hands resting on the flare of her hips. "But you've been living here for ages…I mean, you've got years on me."

John shook his head as she giggled, turning a little pink.

"I suppose it's just never been high on my list of places to go."

Her face suddenly fell. "Oh, you hate it, don't you? I'm sorry, I…"

Feeling a sting in his chest, he reached for her hand, hearing her make a little gasp when he held it closer to him. It had been the first time that their hands had been circled so closely together since everything, and it had been an unconscious movement on his part. For a few seconds he was afraid of how she would react, but the smile drifting onto her lips told him he had no reason. He felt himself relax and fill with energy.

"Of course I don't," he reassured her in a tone as soft as he could muster, leaning a bit closer to her as she tucked some hair back behind her ear. "I would love anywhere you took me."

Anna bit on her lip before she broke into another smile, raising her eyes to him. John had to fight to keep from bending and taking that bitten lip between his.

"Come on, then," he squeezed the hand that was still in his gently. "No use hanging about. We've got the whole place to see."

Her eyes brightened to a hue bluer than the sky above them.

"What'll it be first then?" John asked as they made their way through the gates, gesturing towards the signs pointing in different directions. "Animal Adventure, that sounds quite good."

He was a bit confused as Anna burst into laughter, her hand squeezing his as she convulsed.

"That's for kids," she explained, though he soon caught on when he saw the herd of families heading that way.

John reddened a touch, but then smiled fully as he turned towards Anna, radiant from joy.

"I might be getting on," he whispered, "but I'm young at heart."

Soon enough they were right in it, making their way gradually around, not missing any creature that was in sight. Anna had her spirits dampened temporarily when she discovered that London Zoo did not house any elephants, her favourite animal, but she soon cheered up when she discovered the giraffes munching on leaves and the zebras running by, a stray one getting into the giraffe enclosure and causing much amusement as it was chased around, not seeming to mind much and in fact quite happy to participate in the game.

They'd took in the tortoises, dragons and tigers, and were strolling leisurely up towards the lions and monkeys, staying behind the commotion that both animals caused in many of the other zoo-goers. Their hands were still joined, effortlessly, and Anna was smiling, her smiles turning to laughter as John pressed on, a hint of teasing in his tone.

"You know all of this already," she shrugged as the sun shone down upon them, adding perfectly to the lightness that was all around them. "I feel a bit silly repeating myself."

"Just humour me," John winked at her, swinging their arms lightly. "It is our first date, remember. I know hardly anything about you. Aside from the fact that you're drop dead gorgeous, and what you're doing walking out with me nobody will ever know."

She shot him a look, sheltering her gaze from the sun, and then giggled once more, lacing her fingers more tightly against his.

"Okay, then, you perfect stranger. What would you like to know?"

"Well, I know with that lovely accent that you're not from these parts…"

Anna tried not to shake her head too fiercely with the compliment after compliment that he was paying her.

"I'm not. I'm from Yorkshire."

"Ah, the green county. Lovely place. Never been, but I know it's beautiful." He raised his eyebrows towards her, and she felt her stomach flutter at the way he was regarding her. "Bronte Country. I trust a well-educated woman like you knows them inside out. Charlotte, Anne or Emily?"

"Charlotte, I think. Though it's a hard choice. And I always feel rather sorry for Anne, she's awfully overlooked."

"It's usually the way, unfortunately. Though I know you would give everyone a fair chance."

He stopped to fix her with a warm smile before they went on.

"Your own family?"

"Well, there's Mum, my older brother Ben who lives in Australia now, me," she said in a strange tone of voice that made her laugh when she said it. "My younger sister Beth, and my baby brother Sam. Though I suppose 22 isn't really a baby any more. I think he's actually got the oldest head of all of us."

She smiled fondly, and saw John displaying a similar expression looking upon her.

"Any sibling rivalry?"

"Not really, aside from the usual little squabbles. We've always got on quite well, I think Mum was thankful. I suppose that's a bit strange really."

"No, it's nice. It's important to have that family support. Too many people don't value it."

Anna nodded, smiling as they stopped on a lawn, taking a look at what was ahead of them. His hand had slipped from hers and she was a bit bereft until she felt him touch her back very softly.

"Is that enough?" she questioned playfully, watching the pink cloud of flamingos flounce in the distance.

"Not nearly," John shot back, chortling as she pretended to roll her eyes. I could know everything there was to know about you and it wouldn't be enough, he thought. "Let's see…what did you want to be when you were younger?"

She smiled at this latest enquiry of his, turning around to see a couple of llamas prancing across the way.

"Would you believe me if I said a zookeeper?"

"Funny, that," he said with a smirk, following her gaze.

"Well, I did," she affirmed with a chuckle. "For a little while, at least. Then it was a ballerina, a teacher, a policewoman, a journalist…I settled on that one for a while."

"You can afford to be indecisive," he laughed, narrowing his eyes at her with a cheeky grin on his face. "And what is it you do now?"

"PR, events. I've got my own company, actually. Well, partly."

He looked markedly impressed, and Anna decided she would play along.

"You seem like a well-connected man in the city," she purred, holding in her laughter as one of the lions growled in apparent disagreement. "I don't suppose you know of the Crawleys?"

"I do, actually." He was doing a better job of keeping a straight face than she was.

"Mary is my business partner."

"Oh yes, Robert's daughter. I'm acquainted with him. We went to university together. He hung about with some bloke called John Bates quite a bit."

Anna began to smirk, her eyes dancing with more than the sunlight.

"Oh, are you still in contact with him? I wouldn't mind being introduced." She curled a strand of hair around her finger. "From what I've heard, he seems very interesting." She stole a glance at him from underneath her eyelashes. "And quite fit, too."

She watched his eyes smoulder upon her and his lips hide a smile.

"I see him every now and then. I don't really know what to think of him, if I'm honest."

Anna frowned a little, turning at the waist towards him. "How so?"

"Well, he keeps himself to himself and he's very hard to read at times. Not the best of traits."

"Maybe, but we all have our flaws."

"That is true." He stared carefully, seeming to study every little detail about her. Anna flustered a bit at the attention. "But you know, it might be too late. I've heard that there's someone. And despite all that, he's keen on her."

Anna looked away from the displays before her up into his eyes, a bit overcome at the honesty she found there.

"I'd say he's very keen, indeed."

She let out the breath she was holding, then broke into a satisfied smile. Giving him a little shove on the arm, she heard him chuckle throatily.

Standing closer to one another, they contemplated the horizon. Anna laughed and then cooed as a fat baby pygmy hippo trundled into sight, nearly stumbling over on its legs before its mother came to nudge it back up straight.

"They're so cute. I wish I could take one home with me."

"I don't think we'll be able to smuggle it out in your bag, but we could try."

She made a little whimper of discontent, but then shrugged.

"Oh well, it doesn't matter," she said, leaning herself into him. "Because I have a bear that can come home with me instead."

"Is that what I remind you of?"

She felt herself burning red as he fixed her with an inquisitive stare.

"Maybe," she uttered lowly, shy that she'd let the thought slip out.

After a moment, John laughed again.

"That's not bad at all. I thought I might have been one of those."

He pointed towards a lone gorilla slumped on the ground, picking at its fur and scratching itself. Anna began to laugh, her sides shaking close to him.

"Or, even worse, one of these."

He unfolded the map, highlighting the enclosure of bearded pigs.

They both broke into hysterics, Anna patting her palm against him.

"Don't be silly," she breathed as they started to calm down.

Anna was suddenly aware that her head had come to rest against his chest, and that was not all; glancing down, she saw that her arms were looped around his waist, holding him close and possessive. One of his hands remained fitted snugly against the base of her spine; she felt a comforting warmth where his fingers lay. It had happened so naturally, neither had questioned it.

She wore a slightly wary smile as he looked down at her, seeing that she had moved only barely. There was the same slight trepidation on his face, but he made no effort to push her away, either. They remained that way in silence for a bit, the only thing breaking it Anna's sigh, partly of relief, mainly of contentment.

Then she felt a slight nudge against her arm and glanced up when she heard the monkeys making a fuss.

"I think they're hungry. And so am I. Shall we find somewhere to break into these packed lunches?"

They made their way through Butterfly Paradise and looked – as well as listened – to the parrots, before sitting down to eat lunch. Anna was happy that John enjoyed the sandwiches she had made, a selection of ham, cheese and tomato and chicken and sweetcorn, unsure of what would be best, but he devoured them all without a complaint. It took her a little longer to finish hers, but John seemed pleased of the chance to take some time out. Together they talked easily, soaked up the sunshine, watched the variety of people pass by. Everyone seemed happy; nobody argued for long, only except when there was a disagreement of what animals to visit next. The experience had been all that Anna hoped it would be; it was a lovely day, and she was in the best company. Until she attempted to make John move on to the next stop on her tour.

"Come on," she announced brightly, hopping onto her feet with renewed vigour after their rest. "It's off to Penguin Beach."

John groaned as she dragged him up, and Anna wondered what the matter could possibly be.

"Can we just stay here for a bit? It's tiring keeping up with you; I'm not exactly a spring chicken, you know."

Anna folded her arms against her as he at least got up.

"There's lots more to see, and if we stay here any longer we'll never get to it all." She decided to turn it on a little more, giving him her best puppy dog look. "And you wouldn't really want me to go home upset, not on our," she used his tone, "first date."

John sighed, watching her pout turn into a smile, walking quickly to catch up to her.

"You know I cannot possibly deny you whatever you desire, Miss Smith."

Anna waltzed happily along, linking her arm around John's, her skipping steps in stark contrast to his that plodded by her.

"The penguins are so sweet," she chimed, hooking her hand into the crook of his arm. "And that they have their own little beach, it's adorable. I do want to see the penguin show."

"I'd prefer having another of the chocolate biscuit variety," John mumbled, making Anna laugh melodiously. She gave his elbow a little squeeze, noticing that he didn't just seem grumpy. A rather ridiculous thought occurred to her.

"You're not scared of penguins, are you?"

"Pffff, of course not."

John puffed out his chest with some bravado, the strands of his hair sticking up in the breeze making him look a bit like a certain breed of penguin himself. Anna pursed her lips tight to refrain from giggling.

A shadow crept across his expression and she felt him tense up a little. "I just don't like the way they waddle," he grimaced. "Something about them has always looked shifty to me."

Anna smoothed her fingers against his arm, watching his eyes swivel towards her. She said nothing except to smile at him, exchanging a look that reassured without words.

"But for you," he said, with renewed confidence, "I will look past that."

She smiled graciously, her heart swelling.

"Let's stop here first," she said, pointing out a little kiosk. "I quite fancy an ice cream, even though I probably shouldn't after lunch."

"Nobody can ever have too much ice cream," John smiled at her. "I'll pay."

After deliberating for a while, they walked out with an ice cream each in their hands, the others held between them as they went on. Anna thought about the weight of his hand in hers and about how things had been since the morning. Yes, perhaps they had got a little closer than she had bargained on, but it didn't seem to matter, not when it felt so right. If she were really honest, wasn't she just fooling herself thinking things could possibly be otherwise? Today had been close to perfect so far, and she wouldn't change a thing. In fact the only thing that would make it better would be something she wasn't sure he would chance to do…

"Look at that over there," John nudged his elbow against her arm gently, and she turned her head to see what he meant. Before she did so completely, a blob of vanilla ice cream was planted on her nose.

Anna blinked in shock, the tip of her nose sending her completely cold. John's hearty laugh sounded on the air, and she couldn't help smirking once she'd got past the surprise.

"I'm sorry, my hand slipped."

"Of course it did."

She swiped the remainder of her chocolate lolly at him, barely grazing his cheek, her wild giggles not doing much to improve her aim. Instead, he ran a streak of ice-cream squarely below her nose this time, a touch trickling down to her top lip.

Their laughter ceased in a moment and so did the world around them. Before she could lick the ice cream away, John did the job for her, his mouth capturing hers swiftly and softly. She gasped a little and felt him hesitate, but then her hand was in his hair, guiding his lips over hers again. It was a sweet, chaste kiss, masking hidden depths, but it left neither of them in doubt.

Even so, Anna could tell when they pulled away from each other that John was feeling perhaps a little guilty, even though the look in his eyes told her that he had enjoyed it as much as she. She smiled, trying to assuage any misplaced feelings.

"That was nice," she said simply, placing a hand against his side. He looked down to where her fingers lay upon him and a crooked smile quirked upon his lips.

After a few moments, he replied in the affirmative. "Yes, it was."

Slowly, she prised herself away from where he stood, the memory of the kiss lingering upon her lips putting an extra spring in her step.

"I hope that'll be enough to brave you for the penguins."

She wouldn't have minded if it wasn't quite.

The expedition to Penguin Beach went a lot better than she had thought it would, John staying back at first but eventually being charmed by the birds flapping their wings. Anna was especially delighted to have been one of the members of the crowd chosen to feed some fish to the penguins, and she'd never forget the experience, just as she would never forget the manner in which John looked on as she did so, his face lighting in pleasure and complete admiration for her. Walking back after her task, she felt like she was floating on air.

She didn't feel so good about heading into the nocturnal enclosure; in truth, she was quite terrified. It wasn't so much the dark but more whatever was lurking in there. The idea of bats flying about her made her shudder, and she had an unsettling premonition of one getting tangled in her hair. Anna looked at John by her side as they made their way closer to the entrance and felt better when he offered her his arm. She was only daring to go in because of him; he'd been talking about it non-stop for the past hour or so, and it was only fair considering she'd dragged him along to see the penguins. He gave her a soothing smile when he saw her taking in a deep breath, and then his smile vanished, along with the best part of her sight as they were plunged into darkness.

The caves echoed as they treaded carefully through, Anna's legs tensing and her hand clutching on to John as she heard the beating of wings above and around her. John's fingers came to cover hers and her shoulders jumped at the contact at first, before she realised and they shared a small laugh about it.

"Is this just a ploy to get me closer, Mr Bates?" she asked, hearing him hum a chuckle as he held his other arm delicately around her waist, and she welcomed the presence.

He responded by giving her waist a gentle squeeze, his fingers curled around the curve of her hip. She could tell he was smiling, and she smiled genuinely too as they continued through the pitch black.

Anna whimpered every now and then making out the outline of bats swooping closer, clinging a little tighter to John. She was reassured a little by the fact that she wasn't alone in her fear; an attendant could be heard talking to more than one nervous person in the enclosure, assuring that there was nothing to be afraid of and the creatures were completely harmless. Still, she was glad she had someone so strong to hold onto.

"It's probably not the best time to say this," John leant into her, whispering in her ear as they bravely trekked by the fruit bats, "but I've got a bag of grapes in my pocket."

Anna tutted, swatting his arm, and despite herself, began to giggle. A whooshing and screeching sound then went incredibly close to her head as they ducked under an archway and she could make out a shadow looming not very far away indeed. She couldn't refrain from yelping loudly, her whole body shaking as she braced her arms tight around John's frame.

He scooped her to him, his arms circling her protectively and one hand rubbing lightly down her back.

"It's okay," he spoke soothingly, "I'm here. I've got you."

His embrace stayed safely around her the rest of the way round, only releasing her when they were back in the light of day.

"Oh god, my heart's going twenty to the dozen," Anna exclaimed, holding her still quivering hand over her chest and giving John a deeply reproachful look. "I hope you're pleased with yourself," she said firmly, but with a little laugh breaking through.

"It wasn't that bad," John remarked in his velvety tone, a warm glint of pride in his eyes. "You'll feel better for having done it."

"Hmm, I suppose," she conceded reluctantly, her stark glare transforming into a half-smile the longer she stayed looking at him. "But that doesn't mean I'm going to let you off the hook that easily."

"Really?" John lifted his forehead as she started to prowl closer towards him, with a stance that he supposed was meant to be threatening.

"Yes, really…"

Anna began with a wicked smile on her lips, but was quickly distracted by the movement of something around her shoulders. She stumbled over her feet, catching herself steady enough in time but flinging her head from side to side, fearing that perhaps she hadn't emerged unscathed after all. The rather fat bumblebee buzzed away from her in a hurry, and she breathed a heavy sigh of relief, biting a shameful smile while John regarded her with a soft gaze, covering his mouth to stop the laughter from emerging.

As she began to giggle herself, he took his hand away and uttered a sigh.

"God, I love you."

Anna had been making to turn away but now stood frozen, her eyes large and her heart thundering even louder in her ears.

"What did you just say? Did you say you…"

As though he had only just registered it, lagging a few seconds behind her, John gulped, his hands wavering by his side. His eyes were shining with honesty and though his mouth was open, he didn't do anything to take back the words he had said, still hanging in the air between them.

A surge rushed through Anna's head, travelling down to her toes. She hadn't expected this at all, had pictured and heard it happening so differently in her head. It was perhaps more of a shock coming now, yet the sensation running through her was much stronger and more pleasant than she had reckoned it would be.

The sentiment sinking in, he looked momentarily terrified as he brought a hand up to his chest, his gaze searching hers restlessly.

"I'm sorry, Anna, I shouldn't have…"

"Don't ever be sorry for that."

He started to smile again as she came closer towards him, his arms ready to greet her. She slipped into them naturally.

John gently put a hand to Anna's face, sweeping her hair over her shoulders. She smiled against his palm, feeling his other hand sliding very softly to her waist and seeing his eyes dazzle brighter than they ever had.

"I didn't just say it to get round you," he whispered, his voice caressing her. "I really do."

Anna bowed her head briefly. Though she nodded into his hand, she had to say it. Everything within her seemed to ache to hear it when she was so close to him and she could feel the truth of every word.

"Tell me again."

He smiled at her, his eyes begging a question which she answered immediately.

"I love you, Anna."

She wrapped her arms back around him, savouring his warmth, opening her heart fully to it.

"And I love you too."

The afternoon finished in a much calmer fashion as they rounded the remainder of the animals. They stayed for a while watching the meerkats, heads bobbing keenly to and fro, Anna smiling at the children who were hopping about fascinated, doing their best impressions of the little creatures. They moved on from looking at the lemurs towards the otters, floating happily in their pool, basking in the late sunshine; all the while Anna and John walked side by side, arm in arm, Anna loving how sheltered and safe she felt as he towered above her, his gaze dropping every now and then to her height, the smile he flashed at her making her feel ten times taller than she was.

The three words he had said to her were still playing in her head and heart and she never wanted them to stop. She wore a silly smile just thinking about them. Holding onto his hand, she pressed her palm a little more into his, wondering what was going on in his mind, whether he was feeling the same heady rush of emotions she was. Taking a glance up at him, seeing how calm he looked but still noticing the fire that was burning deep in his eyes, Anna was assured that he was living everything with her, the beat of his heart aligned with hers.

As they watched a pair of otters gliding across the water, joined paws keeping them from drifting away from each other, Anna exhaled a sigh that turned into a giggle.

John quirked his head towards her instantly. "What's up?"

"So much for taking things slowly," she laughed, the tips of her fingers tapping against his hand.

His face crumpled half-apologetically. "Maybe it's the heat getting to my head, making me a little carried away."

"I hope not," Anna answered back quick as a flash, lowering her eyes, and John smiled immediately. She leaned for a moment against his side, resting her head below his shoulder and he clasped her hand in his between their bodies.

Anna felt the slight sigh that he released and lifted her eyes to him inquisitively.

"Not exactly model first date behaviour is it? No wonder I haven't been that great at them in the past."

As they started to stroll on again, he met her gaze with a knowing smirk.

"Although, I've never told any woman that I loved her on the first date."

"Well, I wouldn't normally recommend it," Anna giggled, holding her hand just below his chest. "But I think it was okay in this case. More than okay."

John stood in front of Anna as they got to the last enclosure, placing his hands on her shoulders before taking hers delicately.

"Are you sure? Because if I'm breaking any rules…"

Anna chortled, shaking her head.

"I'm not even sure why I made them," she confessed, lacing their fingers together briefly before letting them fall away. "We were always going to have a head start."

They smiled the same smile at the same time, as she lay her palms upon his chest and he ran his hands over the tops of her arms. Both turned their heads to see what was in front of them; the sight of two lovebirds sitting on a perch, one bigger than the other, nuzzling their heads together.

John piped up; she felt the rumble in his chest.

"So, do you think I'm on for a second date, then?"

She grinned. "I'd say it's a good bet."