Page 170 of Five Summers

As we continue to explore the exhibit, we spot a few Koalas peacefully snoozing high up in the towering trees. Unfazed by the challenge, Xander continues his quest until he discovers one close enough to capture on camera.

By the time Xander finally captures a photo he is satisfied with, our stomachs rumble with hunger. It’s lunchtime.

Xander takes hold of my hand and guides me back along the path towards the main entrance. Walking beside him, Theo engages in conversation about their upcoming radio interviews this afternoon. Before their discussion shifts towards branching out on their own, Xander mentions to Theo that he has Walter’s demo on his phone and that he should check it out because it’s really impressive. By the sounds of it, Walter might get his big break after all.

Watching Xander and seeing the man he has grown into makes me proud. He’s such a kind and caring person, always thinking of others. He’s changed so much from the boy I remember. It’s common for fame to inflate egos, but with Xander, it’s clear that he’s motivated by more than just that. He strives to be the best version of himself, and I genuinely admire that. I genuinely like the person he has become.

As we arrive at the eatery, Neil takes the lead, carefully surveying the surroundings before kindly holding the door open for us to enter. The place is bustling with people, the aroma of the rich food mixing with the lively conversations. We skillfully navigate through the crowd, hoping to find an unoccupied table. After what feels like an eternity, we finally spot one and I quickly take a seat, feeling a wave of relief wash over me as I finally give my tired feet a well-deserved break.

After Xander consults with Neil and me about our food preferences, he and Theo head off to place the order, while Neilremains at the table with me. As we engage in small talk, our conversation revolves around the animals we've encountered during our time at the zoo.

Xander and Theo waste no time and swiftly return, balancing large trays of mouthwatering food. Burgers, fries, donuts, drinks. It all looks so good. While we eat, we pass around our phones, sharing the vibrant photos we snapped earlier in the day.

After finishing our meal, we venture outside, searching for a shaded spot in the grassy area to escape the heat. While Xander and I enjoy the cool shade, Theo momentarily vanishes, leaving Neil to stand at a respectful distance, giving us privacy, his gaze fixed in the direction Theo went.

“Thank fuck,” Xander says, sitting on the grass. "I finally get you alone," he says, as he grasps my wrist and guides me to sit between his legs. “I swear that idiot never stops talking.”

As I sit down, he lovingly wraps his arms around my waist and gently pulls me back, so I am nestled against his chest.

"You wouldn't change him if you could," I say, a smile forming as I think of Theo and his quips.

"Nah, probably not," Xander says, his warm breath tickling my neck, as he gives me a gentle kiss.

We stay quiet, taking in the scene as people walk by.

"We should visit this place again, but with Alex next time," suggests Xander.

“Yeah, I’d like that,” I reply.

As I turn my head to look at him, his lips meet mine in a tender kiss.

When I turn my gaze back, I spot Theo making his way towards us, balancing three enormous ice cream cones - two chocolate and one strawberry. He savors the sweet taste of the strawberry-flavored one before making his way over to Neil, offering him a chocolate cone. Then he comes over.

“Here you go, Spitfire,” he says, offering me the last chocolate cone.

“Thank you,” I say, leaning forward to accept it before it dribbles down the side of the cone due to the heat.

“Where’s mine, asshole?” Xander asks.

“You have that interview in a few minutes,” Theo responds, sitting on the grass next to us.

“Shit,” Xander says, leaning to the side so he can retrieve his phone from his pocket. “I forgot about that.”

I savor a mouthful of chocolate ice cream, letting out a groan of pleasure. Xander observes me closely, smirking, and I know exactly what’s running through his mind.

With a smile, I offer him a taste of my ice cream. His mischievous gaze remains locked on me as he leans closer. As I observe him licking the ice cream, I can decode all the inappropriate thoughts running through his head.

His eyes widen in surprise as the burst of chocolate flavor overwhelms his taste buds.

“It’s good, isn’t it,” I remark.

"Yeah, I'll get one after the interview." He leans forward to kiss my cheek before he gets up.

“Don’t worry, fucker,” Theo says, a mischievous grin spreading over his mouth. “I’ll show her a good time.”

Annoyed by Theo's antics, Xander doesn't even have time to respond before his phone rings. Xander swiftly swipes the screen and brings the phone to his ear, shooting an intense glare at Theo. Despite the tension, Theo still laughs out loud.

As we indulge in our ice-creams, Xander distances himself from us and the noisy crowd.

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