Sorry it's a little short but I really needed to get this completed.

…

Chapter 3

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Alan was in his office later that morning when Denny appeared in his doorway, he could see the look he had on his face and that could only mean that Shirley had told him.

"Denny, morning my Friend." He said, trying his best to smile.

"Friend huh, some Friend Alan."

"She told you then?"

"You mean Shirley, yes she told me that you invaded her last night."

"Denny for god sake, do you have to use words like that."

"Well what ever you want to call it Alan, you betrayed me. You gave me your word you wouldn't touch Shirley."

"No Denny, I never once said that. All you said is that you'd shoot me if I tried…well fine, you want to shoot me then shoot me. It makes no difference to me Denny because whether you like it or not I happen to love Shirley."

"You what…"

"Look my Friend, you mean the world to me and there is nothing that I wouldn't do for you but to tell me to stay away from the one Woman I actually feel something for, I could not do. I love you Denny, you're my best Friend but I love Shirley too and I won't stop seeing her just because you still carry a torch for her."

"You're a brave man Alan, to have the guts to come to me and tell me that."

"You came to me Denny, remember?"

"Whatever, I do love Shirley and I always will. I swear that if you ever hurt her, I will kill you…best Friend or not."

"I've no doubt in my mind that you would."

"Well, so you and Shirley…will you be telling people."

"That we're seeing each other….I suppose we will."

"Right then…..Shirley and I are having lunch, I should probably go and get ready."

"Lunch isn't for another 2 hours Denny."

"Denny Crane needs time to prepare."

Denny made his way back out the door, turning one last time.

"Alan…."

"Yes my Friend."

"I don't suppose, you know before you and Shirley make it official that She and I can….."

"Don't count on it."

"No I thought not, Dinner tonight…just us."

"I'd love to Denny, I'll see you at 8pm."

"8pm."

…

When Alan entered Shirley's office, she was standing in front of her desk, her back to him. He came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her closer to him.

"Alan, not here….we're at work remember."

She turned around in his arms, her eyes glancing in every direction to make sure nobody had seen them.

"I'm sorry but I just spoke to Denny."

"Oh how is he?"

"Actually he's taking the idea of you and I surprisingly well. I mean, he did threaten to shoot me should I ever do anything to hurt you but…."

"When in doubt, threaten to shoot. That sounds like Denny." She smiled.

"He loves you."

"Yes I know he does, more than he should. I'm aware of his feelings but he needs to realise that those feelings aren't reciprocated."

"He's beginning too."

"Are you glad we told him?"

"I couldn't be happier Shirley, I know it will be a little awkward for a time but he'll come around eventually."

"I really hope so."

Shirley allowed Alan to gather her in his arms, bringing her close to him as he placed a small kiss to the top of her head.

Denise was walking past with Brad when they witnessed the affectionate moment between Shirley and Alan.

"Oh my god, you see. I told you there was something with them but no, you said I was just reading into things."

"Hey, how was I supposed to know. I mean its Alan Shore for god sake. What the hell does someone like Shirley see in him?"

"What are you talking about, okay so he has a certain reputation where Women are concerned but look at them. I don't think I've ever seen that look in his eyes before."

"Look, what look."

"What look, take a closer look Brad…that look…Love."

…

-End