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By the end of that week, Vince was back where he belonged--meaning, taking up all of Howard's personal space--and Howard wouldn't have it any other way.
They still aren't married by the end of that month; but Vince has taken to allowing Howard to hug him, to hold his hand when they walk around the zoo. And since he was trying to be better about being open as well, Vince whispers his first 'I love you' under the light of the full moon while they complete a night watch.
After six months, Howard and Vince still bicker like children, but they often resolve their differences with hands and mouths, not insults and silent treatments. Howard wants them to get a real flat, Vince complains he will miss the zoo too much. Naboo sometimes drops into conversation that he's officiated to conduct human weddings. Howard by now knows that a sure fire way to get Vince to blush is to spring compliments on him; will call him beautiful the second he wakes up just to see the sleep soft man turn pink. In turn, Vince knows nothing makes Howard feel as loved as when the younger man will ask Howard to be held.
By their nine months, the Zoo closes. Vince cries himself sick at the thought of having to leave the zoo and Howard cries with him. Honestly, he won't miss the zoo nor their employment there, but he happens to be a pretty empathetic man and the sight of his partner so upset will always get to him. Vince and Howard move to the flat in Dalston, and Vince sees through Howard's claims of being fine with the change. Notices that for the first few days the older man can't sleep--the ambient noise is all different here--and starts telling him stories at night to help him sleep. It effects them both more than they'd like to admit, but they get by.
At one year, Vince takes Howard to Reagents park. Vince does not argue with a swan, thought Howard does have a run in with some squirrels. They do sit in the sun, and Howard fashions a daisy-chain for Vince to wear in his hair. They stroll through the botanical gardens and sit on the lip of the fountain. Vince proposes.
One year and two weeks after their chat on the bench, Howard and Vince get married. Neither of them want a long engagement. They don't even want a big wedding. Naboo officiates, Bollo is their witness.
As far as they are both concerned, it's the Fairy Tale ending they deserve.