The next morning they all left the boat together for the first time. The conversation between them flowed and as they reached the car park Max and Zoe didn't even remember they were holding hands. There was no need to psych themselves up for a big announcement they were just being natural with each other. They stopped outside for a cigarette as Dylan headed in and left them to it.

"Ready gorgeous?" Max stubbed out his cigarette and took his girlfriend's hand. Walking through the ED hand in hand raised a couple of eyebrows but no one said anything. Zoe was still convinced it'd be the hot topic of the day's gossip but as she began her shift and walked around the department there was no side glances or people whispering.

"Morning Tess! What have you got for me?" Zoe asked.

"I'm loathed to use the "q" word but we actually don't have anyone needing a doctor in here. How are you this morning?"

"Good thanks yeah, how about you?"

"I can't wait for my shift to be over, just 2 hours to go. Congratulations by the way." Tess gave a knowing look.

"On?"

"You and Max. I've suspected for a while and then I saw you this morning." Tess slipped her arm around her friend's waist and pulled her close to her. "I'm happy for you. I hope he knows what he's getting into." Zoe playfully slapped Tess' arm.

"Behave! I'm not that bad!" Zoe cried in mock offence.

Walking back to her office with a smile on her face Max sneaked up behind Zoe and placed both his hands on her bum.

"Max, stop it!" She whispered in faux annoyance. "I don't mind people knowing we're together but we still need to be professional."

"Shhhh, meet me upstairs in 10 minutes."

"No, I can't, I'll see you on my break."

He knew that she'd come and sure enough 10 minutes later the door to the cupboard he called an office opened. "Max I really don't have ti…" She never finished her sentence as his lips collided with hers and he pushed her up against the wall.

"Max, I have to go!"

"If you want me to stop, I'll stop." He smiled knowing exactly what she wanted and running his hand up her inner thigh she moaned in pleasure. He kissed her again then pulled away and stood up. "Sorry babe, gotta get on and I know you're busy."

"You'll pay for that later" she whispered in his ear with a wicked grin across her face.

No longer having to sneak out of the room, Zoe didn't even check who was around when she stepped out in to the corridor.

"Ah Dr Hanna, I've been looking for you." Connie's voice made her blood run cold and she automatically looked guilty.

"I was on my break."

"Up visiting Max?"

"Yeah, something like that."

"I think it's lovely, you two are clearly very happy."

"The gossip has reached you already then?"

"Gossip?! No, no I just put two and two together. I thought everyone knew." A flush broke out over Zoe's face.

"What did you need to see me about?" Zoe quickly changed the subject as the two women headed down to see a patient.

The shift past without incident and Zoe met Max at the front door to head home. He kissed her on the cheek as the rest of the team said their goodbyes. No one batted an eyelid.

"So going public wasn't so bad then was it?" Max asked her.

"No, it turns out they all knew already."

"Yeah, about that…." Max said very quietly and Zoe hadn't heard him as she was concentrating on lighting her cigarette.

"Are you ready?" She asked, slipping her lighter in her pocket and taking his hand in hers.

"As ready as I'll ever be with the punishment you have planned for me." They kissed without a care in the world before setting off home.