[ It surprises Alan on some level when he stops and thinks about how easy it is for him to smile and laugh around Jesse. Perhaps it's just as simple as her making him happy. It's that feeling of happiness and being home that he's trying to hold onto.

And even if she isn't home on time, even if a dimensional monster follows her home... if she isn't there when societal expectations call him to show up for a public appearance... It doesn't matter to Alan. She doesn't have to travel with him in those social circles.

He doesn't even expect her to make that promise. It's enough that she's letting him in, and making a place for him in her home. ]

Well... It's kind of a long shot, and I imagine you and everyone else would say no, but- [ Alan suddenly looks nervous, but the words tumble out all in a rush as if he's in a hurry to say them before he can change his mind. ] How do you get a job there? With the Bureau, I mean. [ If he can't go back to being a writer, even a semi-successful one, maybe he can find a new career with the Bureau, even if it's just being the night janitor.

He notes the way her expression changes, and he wonders if maybe he's coming on too strong. But before he can even think about backpedaling and backing off, she's taking him by the hand again and leading him to the bedroom door. ]

Wow. [ He pauses in the doorway, looking around the entirety of the room. It might be just a room, but it's Jesse's, and Alan thinks he can pick up on small things that make it hers. There's a pleasant scent in the room, and it makes him smile to himself. ]

How'd you land yourself this place? [ He never had any complaints about his apartment, but there's a certain kind of charm to Jesse's. ] And that view's not one you can get anywhere.

[ It's certainly an eyecatching one. ]