[ A small smile turns up Alan's lips just slightly as he responds almost immediately. ] You look like you like pancakes... or maybe it's waffles. Or eggs? Are you an eggs kind of girl? [ It's a tease, of course, but a part of Alan really does want to know Jesse's breakfast preferences. It feels important somehow. ]

Yeah... yeah, you got it. Just like last time. [ He tries to interject as much confidence as he can into that statement. Maybe if he sounds confident, he'll believe it wholeheartedly. He doesn't think anyone can accuse him of lying; he doesn't think he's lying, but he knows he does lack confidence in the plan. Will it really be that simple?

If the light has gone out of her eyes somewhat, maybe he can help bring it back. ]

No, I'm pretty sure that's one thing that isn't ever going to change. I don't know how I know that, but I think... [ He pauses, not because he doesn't want to finish what he started to say, but because he's not used to putting what he's feeling out there for everyone to hear. Even if "everyone" is one person. ]

I still want to be with you, yeah. And- well, "only you", I wouldn't sell yourself short.

[ Some kind of spark might have drawn his attention to her, but that spark is still there, as far as he's concerned. The spark is still inside her, and it's still drawing him to her. He sees no reason why he wouldn't want to be with her.

He sees where her gaze has traveled, and he leans in slightly, putting himself right in front of her, lips just inches away, but he doesn't kiss her yet. ]

Good. I was hoping we'd be on the same page.

[ And then he leans in to complete the kiss, putting his hunger and want for her into the action. ]