. Chapter 19 �I don�t want to go!� �Ned, you have to go. We�ve been through this already. If you don�t go, then L&B is going to be sued for breach of contract.� �So let them sue me! I don�t want to leave you.� He said as he walked over to her and grabbed her around the waist. �It�s only a couple of weeks! After that, you can put those leather pants back in the closet if you want to, but you can�t back out of this right now.� �Okay, but are you sure you can�t come with me?� Alexis gave him a �you�ve got to be kidding look�. �Well, I guess I gotta go. Do you have any idea how desperately I will miss you?� he said as he wrapped his arms around her body and drew her into him. �It can�t be more than I�m going to miss you� she said as wrapped her arms around his neck and caressed the back of his head. Ned ran his hands up and down her back. �I love you with all my heart, Ms. Davis.� �And you just happen to hold the key to mine, Mr. Ashton. Now, kiss me and get out of here before you are late.� She said as she looked him in the eyes. Ned kissed her gently on the mouth and held her in a tight embrace before he made his way out of the door. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Three hours later, Alexis was busy working when her cell phone rang. �Alexis Davis� she said after placing the phone to her ear. �I need your help.� �Sonny, I told you I can�t talk to you anymore.� She said as she heard a key being inserted into the penthouse door. �Hold on a minute� she said as she nervously watched the door open. �You scared the hell out of me. Why didn�t you call to say you were coming home?� she said as Jax walked into his penthouse. �Well, I didn�t know I had to get permission to return to MY home.� He said as we walked over to her and gave her a kiss on the forehead. �You just startled me, that�s all. Where�s Chloe?� �I�ll fill you in later. You on the phone?� he said as he placed his bags on one of the couches and crashed on the other one. �Oh yes, I am.� She said as she smiled and brought the phone back up to her ear. �You still there?� �Alexis, please, I�m begging you. I�m in a load of trouble and I didn�t do anything.� �What happened this time?� �Well, apparently the cops searched my warehouse and found some dope.� �Did they have a warrant to search?� �I don�t know, I wasn�t there. Benny told me one of my employees had the dope on him in the warehouse and when the cops asked him where he got it, he told them from my office at the warehouse. Taggert came to the penthouse and arrested me for possession with intent to distribute. You gotta help me Alexis, that dope wasn�t mine!� �Why is it that every time you get into trouble, it�s never your fault?� �Look Alexis, I don�t need to hear this from you. Are you going to help me or not? I didn�t know who else to call.� A million thoughts ran through Alexis� mind�if I help Sonny, Ned will kill me, if I don�t help Sonny, he could go to prison�I told Ned I wouldn�t see Sonny anymore�I told Sonny I couldn�t see him anymore�Ned will never forgive me, Sonny might not forgive me either�Ned�s not around and Sonny�s in trouble. �Alright�alright, I�ll be there in a minute.� She said before placing the phone into her purse and gathering up her things. �Why do you always insist on helping him, Alexis?� Jax asked. �Helping who?� she asked as she searched her purse for her keys. �You know exactly who Alexis�that thug Corinthos.� �Why do you automatically assume that when I�m discussing legal matters with a client, that the client is Sonny? You know Jax, there are other people out there that break the law! Why is it that when someone breaks the law you jump to the conclusion that it has to be Sonny Corinthos?� she asked with agitation in her voice. �I wasn�t jumping to conclusions Alexis, and I didn�t assume anything. I can always tell when it�s him�there�s something in your voice�something different whenever you are talking to him. I can�t exactly pinpoint it, but there�s definitely something. It�s kinda like�no.� �It�s kinda like what Jax?� Alexis asked as she made her way over to the door. �I don�t want to get you all worked up about it, so drop it Alexis.� �No Jax, I want to know what you were going to say.� �Ok, you promise you won�t hit me?� he said as he sat up on the couch and smiled at her from across the room. �I promise.� �I was going to say that if I didn�t know any better, I would think you actually like Corinthos.� �Tell me what is wrong with liking Sonny? I happen to find him charming and he respects me�what is wrong with that?� �That�s not the type of �like� I meant, Alexis!� �Whatever! I gotta go� she said as she closed the door behind her. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ PCPD �Ms Davis�looking as good as ever� Taggert said as she entered the room. �I�m here to see my client. Has he posted bond yet?� �Yes he did, but along with the money, there is a certain condition to that bond.� �Oh yea, what is that?� �Since you are his attorney of record, we will release him to you only. He must remain in your custody until he is arraigned.� �What are you telling me? Are you telling me I have to watch him 24/7?� �That�s what I�m saying� �Well that�s impossible. How the hell am I supposed to keep tabs on the man 24 hours a day?� �It shouldn�t really be a problem for you being you live across the hall from him.� �I don�t live there anymore. I moved back to Jax�s penthouse.� �Well, if you want to get Mr. Corinthos out of here, it looks like you have three options: a, you can move back in across the hall from him and he can stay in your penthouse, b, he is going to have to shack up with you at Jax�s penthouse or c, you are going to have to move into his penthouse. Any way you look at it, you are going to have to live with Mr. Corinthos, at least until his court date.� �Taggert, this is the most ridiculous condition of bond I have ever heard of.� �Well, take it up with the Judge. That is the condition, and let�s not forget that your client happens to be a repeat offender and we don�t trust him.� �Let me see my client!� �Right this way, Ms. Davis� Taggert said as he opened the door to the interview room. Alexis walked through the door and began yelling at Sonny who was sitting at the table �Do you have any idea what you have gotten me into?� �I didn�t do anything, and what do you mean �what you have gotten me into?� you are not the one facing jail time!� �No, I�m facing something worse than jail time! It seems the only way you can get out of this place is if I take you.� �Why do you think I called you?� he asked sarcastically. �No, you don�t understand. When I say �take you,� I mean in order for you to be released, you have to be released into my custody. I have to be in your presence 24 hours a day, 7 days a week until your court date.� Sonny didn�t say anything, he just sat there looking at the table. �Do you have any idea what this means? I have one option Sonny, one. I have to live with you until your next court date which isn�t for another 3 weeks! Now, you tell me how I am going to explain this one to Ned? I�m still trying to figure out how I�m going to explain to him that I actually came here when you called! When he finds out I have to live with you for 3 weeks, all hell is going to break loose.� �If you want to refer me to another attorney I�ll understand.� �Referring you to another attorney isn�t really going to accomplish that much�I�d still have to spend 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for the next 3 weeks, trying to catch him up on your past criminal history!� �Yea but you wouldn�t have to live with me during those three weeks.� He said as he looked up at her. �Did you not understand anything I just said? Whoever represents you is going to have to live with you Sonny, and I�m going to have to spend every waking minute of the day with that person, so yes, I�m still going to have to live with you either way you look at it.� �I�m sorry Alexis. I had no idea things would turn out this way.� �I just wish you could keep your little butt out of trouble! Now let�s get out of here.� Alexis and Sonny were making their way out the door of the PCPD when Taggert yelled to them, �Those bond conditions start the minute you walk out that door, Ms. Davis!� Alexis looked at Sonny and he looked back at her. She pulled out her cell phone and dialed Jax�s penthouse. �Hello� �Jax, listen to me. If Ned calls, tell him to call me on my cell phone.� �He already called.� �When??? What did you tell him???� �I told him you went to bail Sonny out of jail again.� Alexis put her hand on her forehead �And what did he say?� �He hung up on me. Alexis, what�s wrong?� �I�ll explain later. In the meantime, you have to do me a favor.� �You name it baby.� �I need you to pack up my things and bring them to Sonny�s penthouse.� �What? You have got to be joking me Alexis! Why do I need to bring your things to Corinthos� house?� �Jax, I will explain everything to you when you get there. Please, just do this for me.� �Alright! But don�t for one minute think that I�m going to do this without an explanation as to why. This makes no sense, Alexis.� �You can say that again! she said as she looked over at Sonny. �I�ll see you at Sonny�s penthouse later.� �I�ll be there.� �Thank you, Jax� �Bye� �Bye� she said and then placed the phone back into her purse. �Why Jasper Jax?� he said as they made their way to her car. �What other options do I have Sonny?� she asked as she got into the car. �I really am sorry Alexis.� He said as he sat down in the passenger�s seat of her car. �Not half as sorry as I am going to be.� She said as she started the car and began to drive off. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 20 Sonny and Alexis step off the elevator on his penthouse floor. �Good God, I cannot believe this is happening!� Alexis said as she made her way to Sonny�s door. �Is everything okay Mr. Corinthos?� Johnny asked as he opened the door for them. �Everything is fine Johnny.� He said as he closed the door behind him. �Easy for you to say, YOU�RE the one who gets charged with a crime and I�M the one going to prison for it!� she said as she sat on the couch and put her head between her legs. �Oh come on Alexis, is it really THAT bad?� he said as he walked towards her. Alexis got up and started pacing around the room. �That bad? Is it that bad? You�ve got to be kidding me�it doesn�t get any worse!� �Would you please breathe! It�s only for 3 weeks�besides, I remember a time, not long ago, when you actually liked being in my presence. Come on Alexis, when you lived across the hall we basically spent every waking minute together�how is this any different from that?� �Do you have any idea what Ned is going to do to me when he finds out? How the hell am I going to explain this one to him and actually make him understand?� �Alexis, it�s a condition of my bond�what more is there to explain?� �Well for starters, I�m going to have to explain why I even went down there to help you after I told him I wouldn�t represent you anymore� that is going to be difficult enough to explain�what have I gotten myself into�I knew I should have told you NO! What am I going to tell Ned�How am I supposed to tell him that I have to live with the man I cheated on him with???� she said as she fell back onto the couch. Sonny walked over to the couch and sat down next to her. �You told Ned you and I slept together?� Alexis rested her head on the back of the couch and looked up at the ceiling. �Yes I did and we were in the process of trying to get past it and now this happens.� �Look, if Ned can forgive you for sleeping with me, I think he will be able to get past this.� He said as he lightly touched her hand. As he touched her, a chill went up her spine, and she pulled her hand away, �Please don�t touch me.� She said as she turned and looked away from him. Sonny moved his body closer to hers. He extended his arms out and placed his hand under her chin, turning her face towards him. �Why can�t I touch you?� he asked as he looked her in the eyes. Alexis got up and started to pace around the room again. �You can�t touch me because I�m confused enough as it is!� Sonny turned his body on the couch so he was facing her. �Confused about what, Alexis?� �Confused about you, confused about us�I�m just confused about the way I feel when I�m around you, and the way I feel when I�m not around you.� She said as she folded her arms and turned her back to him. �Are you confused about Ned?� Alexis turned and faced him. �No. My feelings for Ned have never changed, not even when�� Alexis said as she once again turned and looked away from him. Sonny got off of the couch and walked up behind her. He place his hands on her shoulders and turned her towards him. �Not even when, Alexis?� Alexis looked down and then back up at him. �Not even when I made love to you.� Sonny released the hold he had on her shoulders. �You�re telling me that you were thinking of Ned as you were making love to me? Were you consciously making love to Ned that night?� he asked with sadness in his voice. �That�s not what I�m saying� she said as she walked away from him. �I wanted to make love to you that night and I DID make love to you that night, but making love to you didn�t diminish my feelings for Ned. I gave you a part of me that night Sonny, not all of me.� �Do you like being with me, Alexis?� he asked as he walked towards her. �Yes� she said as she watched his body move towards her. �Do you like when I do this?� he asked as he brushed her hair away from her face with his hand. �Yes I do� she said as she turned her head to the side, trying to avoid making eye contact with him. �Do you like when I do this?� he asked as he grabbed her waist and pressed his body against hers. �Yes I do� she said almost breathlessly as she concentrated on his lips. �And how do you feel when I do this?� he asked as he placed his hands on her face, gently kissed her on the lips, and pulled away waiting for her to comment. Alexis didn�t say anything�she just looked at him and moved her face closer to his�she kissed him on the lips, her mouth opening more with each kiss, until her tongue finally met his. Sonny let her lead�his tongue following the rhythm of hers. She drew her tongue away from his and ran it under his lips�across his gums and teeth, until her lips finally crashed upon his again. Her mouth tantalizing his with each insertion and withdrawal of her tongue in and out his mouth. Her hands moved down to his chest and with on swift move, his sport coat fell to the floor. He wanted to reach out and remove her shirt, but he wanted to follow her lead�she was in control, she was doing what she wanted, and he couldn�t be happier that she wanted him. She began unbuttoning his shirt�when the last one was undone, she pushed it up and behind his shoulders until it made it�s way to the floor. She ran her hands up and down his naked chest as she looked him in the eyes. Her hands moved down his chest until they reach his pants. She unbuttoned them and then pulled the zipper down. As she went to pulled them from his hips, there was a knock at the door. �Don�t answer that� she said as she looked up at him. �If I don�t answer it, Johnny is going to think something is wrong and he�s going to come busting in.� �You�re right�back to reality.� She said as she picked up his shirt off the floor and handed it to him. Sonny put his shirt on and started buttoning it as he made his way over to the door. He buttoned the last button before opening the door. �Looks like I�m going to have to get you a walkie talkie so you won�t�� he stopped his sentence when he saw Jax standing on the side of Johnny. �Mr. Jacks is here to see Ms. Davis.� Johnny said. �She�s all yours� Sonny said as he motioned for Jax to come inside. �Jax! Did you bring my things?� Alexis asked nervously. �They�re in the hallway�now tell me what�s going on here Alexis.� He said as he walked closer to her. �It�s a long story Jax.� �Well, I have all night and I�m not leaving until I get some answers.� He said as he watched Sonny fidget with his clothing. �If you will excuse me, I�ll leave you two alone.� He said as he made his way to the stairs. �Um�you might want to take this with you.� Jax said as he bent down and picked Sonny�s coat up off the floor. Sonny walked over to him and took it out his hand. �Thanks, it must have fallen off the back of the couch.� He said before making his way up the stairs. Alexis watched him as he made his way to the top of the stairs and looked down at her. �Would you please tell me what the hell is going on here. Why did you need me to bring your things here, Alexis?� �Jax, I�ll explain everything but we better sit down.� She said as she walked around the couch and sat down. Jax followed her and sat down on the couch next to her. �This is going to sound really ridiculous, but Sonny was arrested for possession with intent to distribute marijuana. Some dope was found at his warehouse when he wasn�t even there. He posted the money for bond, but there was also another condition to the bond�Sonny had to be released into the custody of his attorney of record until his next court date.� �I�m not following� Jax said. �What are you saying?� �I�m saying, he has to be in my presence 24 hours a day for the next 3 weeks!� �That�s ridiculous!� �You�re telling me!!! You aren�t the one that has to live here! Imagine how I feel, Jax.� She said as she got up from the couch. �There�s nothing you can do about it?� he asked as he turned and looked at her. �I wish there was.� �There�s more to it, isn�t there?� he asked as he stood up from the couch. �Yes, but it isn�t something I can get into with you right now.� �What are you going to tell Ned? You know he�s going to go off the deep in when he finds out you are here!� �Leave Ned to me, and do me a favor, if he calls don�t tell him about this. He needs to hear this from me�I have to be the one to tell him.� �I won�t, but please promise me you will call me if you feel like you are in danger.� �I promise.� �I love you Alexis and it would kill me if something happened to you!� he said as he took her in his arms and hugged her. �Nothing is going to happen to me, and if I sense something will, you will be the first person I call.� She said as she wrapped her arms around his waist. Jax broke their embrace. �Do you want me to help you unpack your things?� �No, that�s okay�Johnny will help me do it.� �Well, I�m going to get going before Corinthos comes back down and I loose my cool with him.� �That�s probably a good idea� �Promise me again that you will call� he said as he backed up toward the door. �I promise� she said as she blew him a kiss. �Be careful, Alexis and don�t let that thug get to you� he said as he opened up the door. �I�ll be careful� she said as she watched him leave. �Get to me� she said to herself once he was gone. �He�s already gotten to me.� She said as she turned and looked up at the top of the stairs to find him looking back at her. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 21 �Do you always eavesdrop on other people�s conversations?� she asked as she watched him come down the steps. �You an Jax are friends, right?� �Uh�.yea, why?� �Then why haven�t you told him about us?� �You don�t understand Jax�he would never understand this.� She said as she motioned back and forth between the two of them with her hand. �I get it�Jax won�t understand what a woman like you could see in a man like me.� He said as he turned and walked over to the couch. �I guess that�s one way of putting it, but hey, look at me, I don�t happen to agree with Jax on that issue. I think you are funny, and smart, and sensitive, and caring, and not to mention incredibly handsome and sexy.� She said as she took a seat next to him. Sonny looked at her and smiled. �And those dimples, my God, those dimples!� she said as she squeezed his cheeks. �I�m glad you like them, but I can�t say that�s one thing Ned doesn�t have that I have, now can I?� he said as he smile became even wider. �Apparently not.� She said as she tilted her head to the side and smiled back at him. Sonny took her hands in his and looked her in the eyes. �He really has made you happy hasn�t he?� he said with a hint of sadness in his voice. �Being with him, being loved by him, and loving him has made me happier than I have ever been in my entire life.� She said to him without taking her eyes off of his. Sonny leaned back against the sofa, still holding her hand in his. �All this time that I have known the two of you, I still to this day don�t know how you met�will you share it with me right now?� he said as his thumb began rubbing the palm of her hand. Alexis was taken back by his suggestion. �Alright, what is the catch? Are you sure you want to hear how Ned and I met? �There�s no catch Alexis, and I�d be honored to hear how you met the man who just so happens to hold the key to your heart.� �Well, we happened to meet on Christmas Eve 1996�� ***FLASHBACK*** Port Charles Grille bar. Ned is at the end of the bar, drinking. Alexis walks in and sits down. Alexis: (to bartender) Oh, what would don my gay apparel? Bartender: A cup of holiday eggnog? Alexis: If I glue my arteries shut tonight, what will I do New Year's Eve? I'll have a double martini very, very dry. Just pour the gin and visualize vermouth. Bartender: You got it. Ned: Merry Christmas. Alexis: (looks around wondering if he's talking to her. She decides that he is and responds) How can you tell? Ned: Bah humbug. Alexis: Poppycock. Ned: Infernal rubbish. Alexis: Falderal. Ned: (raising his glass) I'll drink to that. Alexis smiles and raises her glass. {Next Scene} Ned shoots a swizzle stick at a mini Christmas tree and knocks an ornament off. He raises his arms in victory! Ned: Score! Bartender: Good shot. Ned: (laughing) What a hit! Alexis: (to bartender) I want it to be perfectly clear for when you throw this man out that I am... (watches him shoot another swizzle stick) ...NOT egging him on. The bartender answers the phone behind the bar. Bartender: Port Charles Grille . . . Mr. Quartermaine.... (looks at Ned who shakes his head in the negative) ...No, your grandson still isn't here....same to you sir. (he hangs up) Ned: God rest you, merry gentleman. Where is he? Bartender: Party at the hospital. Ned: (to Alexis) What good is owning a hotel if you can't hide out in it? Alexis: Why else did God make hotels? Ned: (raising his glass) Ned Ashton. Half a Quartermaine, half a man. Alexis: (raising her glass) Alexis Davis, attorney at law. (trying not to slur and almost succeeding) Should we file a suit to get your other half back? Ned: Wouldn't work. Alexis: "Why I Hate the Holidays"... by Alexis Davis. Because it's like playing pin-the-tail-on-the donkey with bayonettes. All fun and laughter, and by the time it's over... (looks pointedly at Ned) everybody's bleeding. Ned: Well if you're going to make intelligent conversation, I'm afraid I have to leave. (slurring slightly) Andy, buy Ms. Davis another drink. Alexis: That oughta put a stop to it. Ned gets up, puts his jacket on, and walks over to Alexis. Ned: (leaning against the bar) I'd try and pick you up, but I'm married, and I'm not in the mood, and I'm not very appealing right now. Alexis: (empathetically, and intrigued) Thank goodness you explained. He takes a picture of his daughter, Brooke Lynn, out of his wallet and shows it to Alexis. She looks at it sympathetically, then hands it back to him. Alexis: (understanding his situation, but somewhat longingly) Thanks for the drink. Ned: Goodnight. Ned leaves and Alexis rests her chin in her hand and sighs. ***END FLASHBACK*** �So, you hate the holidays huh?� Sonny asked as he laughed at her story. �Well, I did�until that Christmas.� She said as she looked down and smiled at the memory. �Tell me another story.� He said as he watched her face glow at the thought of Ned. �It really is getting late, shouldn�t we get to bed?� �I could stay up all night listening to you talk.� �About Ned?� she asked in laughter. �Even about Ned.� He said as he smiled at her. �Now tell me another story�like�when did you first realize you were falling in love with him?� Alexis took a deep breathe and exhaled as she thought back to that night. ***FLASHBACK*** Alexis is gathering her things to leave the Outback after a meeting with Stefan. She turns around and runs full-body into Ned. Alexis: (slightly surprised at the impact) Where'd you come from? Ned: (wistfully) I was wondering the same thing about you. Are you a gift to me from the universe? Alexis: (feigning business) I beg your pardon, I thought you were Ned Ashton. Ned: That's strange, so did I. Alexis: Then who are you? Ned: You always ask the tough ones. (Tries to take her briefcase from her) Alexis: Hands off! (grabs it back) Ned: (holds up his hands) Oooh, state secrets? Alexis: Magic contracts. I have to take them to my cousin. Ned: No, no. You have to let me buy you a drink. (pause) Please. Alexis: (looks at him closely) Are you in trouble? (They sit down at the bar) Alexis: What's going on? Ned: Oh, more and more and more and more of the same. My family does all the wrong things. I won't bore you with the details. Just call it the gatekeeper blues. Alexis: Well, I'm very familiar with that condition. Our family mantra: "When will you learn, when will you learn?". The cosmic answer..."Never". Ned: I knew you'd understand. Would you like to run away? Alexis: Frequently. Ned: I mean now. Together. With me. I mean, I know this seems needy, and it is. I am. So why don't we just hop a bus? (Alexis is silent; Ned reads her and pauses) The needy thing turned you off. Alexis: It's not a very common trait with the men that I'm... acquainted with. (sad pause) Actually I find it...very effective. (looks down) Ned: (sensing an opening) Have I stumbled upon the secret door to your heart? If you won't run away with me, then come home with me ... Now. Alexis: (arguing lamely) Stefan is expecting me. Ned: Okay. (Ned stands up and walks out the door) Alexis sits for a moment and thinks about, biting her lip. She then gets off her bar stool and rushes out the door. Ned sighs and goes to answer the knock at the door thinking it is Monica who just left him. Ned: You can't leave anything alone... (surprised to see Alexis) Alexis: Guess not. Ned: Come in. Alexis: You're not allowed to do that to me. (strutting right past him, continuing their conversation from earlier at the Outback) Ned: Do what? Alexis: (turning around to face him) In fact, I find it so disturbing that I think we should declare a rule against it. Ned: Okay... What are you talking about? Alexis: I didn't seek you out tonight. You came to me. With urgency. Not the way you usually do with a twinkle in your eye and a bounce in your step. You brought need... and what you needed was my help. Ned: Um hmm... And I guess you think that's against the rules? Alexis: It's the leaving that I object to. (she flusters slightly) I was barely able to formulate a thought let alone a response before you were halfway out the door. I don't know what I'm supposed to do with that. Ned: Ahh... you know, I guess I missed the part where I asked for help. Alexis: (sighs, rolls her eyes) All right. You want to handle it that way. You want to disallow the vulnerability on a technicality, fine! All right, you didn't say "Alexis, help me!" but need was implied. (pauses and licks her lips) You asked me to come home with you. Ned: (sad) And you turned me down Alexis: (also sad, but firm) Yes. Ned: But you're here now. Alexis: I wanted to know if I was right. (pause and then firmly) Is there something that you need from me Ned? Ned takes a few steps towards her. Ned: You're right. I needed you. And not just someone. YOU. Alexis: (wanting to hear that answer, but seemingly scared) Why? Ned: Because you don't judge me. Because you don't shock easily, and because you understand thankless, impossible burdens. (sighs) I'm sorry. These last few months have been bone-wearying. Alexis: (smiles nervously) So you thought that you could get lost in me for a few hours? Ned: (smiles and nods) Hmm... I hoped. Does that break another rule? Alexis: Desire is not only "permissible," it's required. And if I thought that all you wanted was a night of distraction I daresay we'd be an hour or so into it by now. Ned: Well how can I convince you? Alexis: Be honest enough to let me know what I'm walking into. (pauses, awkward) To the best of your knowledge, of course. Ned: (closes his eyes and shakes his head) If you're looking for promises, I don't think I can make any... Alexis: (interrupting) I'm looking for truth. And I'm asking you to help me define what that is for us. Ned: Fine... I think I'd like to try. Ned: (gestures to the couch) Ladies first. Alexis: Oh... you get time to formulate a response. (smiles and sits) Well, I don't mind. I deplore games. And I play them as well as anybody -- actually better than most. But I find that when the day is done and I'm on personal time, I like the straight-forward approach to life. (trying to remain business like while being taken in by the heat of the moment) That allows for choices and... and when you can make an informed choice it minimizes.... (looks at Ned briefly) heartache. (jumping back to business mode) I find that to be much more efficient then just running blind, don't you? Ned sits beside her and tries to follow her conversation. Alexis: (sighs) I think what I'm trying to say here -- boiled down to -- to it's purest essence is (looks pointedly at Ned) that I don't want to have to chase you down every time you put your guard aside enough to need me. Needing has to be okay. You have to be able to accept things from family or friends... (still looking at Ned, but now somewhat embarrassed though still pointedly) or lovers. (takes a breath) And that's the truth defined by Alexis. Your turn. Ned: Hmm...When I walked away from you tonight, I can understand why you might have thought I was playing a game, but that wasn't my intention. In fact, I think what it was, was me feeling like my hand was maybe a little to close to the fire. You see, I know about efficiency, too. I spent the last year perfecting it and I'm a very fast study. (Alexis hears him and swallows nervous, but holds her cool) Ned: I wake up in the morning and I fill my days with tasks, and I dispatch said duties as efficiently as possible. And I go to bed -- at the end of the day -- with a clear conscience of a hard working man. No muss, no fuss, no emotional entanglements. And now I meet you. (Alexis seems nervous but can't take her eyes off of him; Ned is nervous, too) And I'm very attracted. (Ned takes a deep breath) And I'm not entirely comfortable with that.... yet. So...there it is. (pauses and his voice becomes low) Yes, I did come looking for you tonight. And not only did I see the understanding that I was hoping to find but you were sexy as hell. (Alexis breathes deeply, smiles, and looks down) And I just didn't want this evening to end -- as they always do -- the two of us going our separate ways..... (pause) That's my truth. Is that enough for you? Alexis: (half smiles, uncomfortably) I... I don't know. Ned: Then tell me... what you need. Instead of "telling" him, Alexis shakes her head as she leans over to Ned and kisses him as if she's sure it's the last thing she needs in her life but can't help herself. She pulls away slightly just before meeting his lips again and then kisses him again, despite herself. She finally pulls away fully and looks as though she is about to say something when Ned pulls her back into a more passionate kiss and she grabs his tie to hold onto him. They kiss, but finally she pulls away again and tries to think of something to say. Ned looks at her expectantly and questioningly. Alexis: (standing up) I think... I need... a time-out just... to think about this. He stands up facing her. She looks at him regretfully and walks over to him resting her cheek up against his. He kisses her cheek. She closes her eyes but opens them again and pulls out of his grasp. She walks past him out the door. Ned sighs heavily after she leaves, but he doesn't turn around. ***END FLASHBACK*** �You really adore him, don�t you?� he asked as he looked at her and could tell she was a million miles away. �With every inch of my being!� she said as she continued to cherish the thought of that day. �What does he have that I don�t have?� �I can�t very well answer that!� she said as she gave him a �you�ve got to be kidding me look� �Come on, I want to know.� �Well, for starters, he�s a rock star.� She said as she couldn�t help but laugh. �No, seriously, he has an incredible singing voice�I love the way he sings to me.� �Well, I may not be a rock star, but I can guarantee that I could put you in a trace with just one chorus!� he said as he began to laugh. �Oh really� Alexis shot back sarcastically, barely able to control her laughter. �You think I�m pulling your leg, huh?� Sonny smirked back. �Well, let�s hear it Mr. Corinthos. Sing to me.� She said as she smiled at him. Sonny composed himself for a brief moment�he sat straight up on the couch facing her, and began to sing to her: i just wanted you to comfort me when I called you late last night you see i was fallin' into love oh yes, i was crashin' into love oh of all the words you sang to me about life, the truth and bein' free yea you sang to me, oh how you sang to me �Shall I keep going?� he asked as he smiled at her. �If you stop, I will kill you!� she said as she pushed him in the chest. �You sure you can handle it?� he sarcastically asked. �So far, so good!� she sarcastically shot back. girl i live off how you make me feel so i question all this bein' real cuz i'm not afraid to love for the first time i'm not afraid of love They continued to look at each as he sang, and he realized the words that had just came out of his mouth were words he could have written himself�words that he could have written to her. oh, this day seems made for you and me and you showed me what life needs to be yea you sang to me, oh you sang to me He took her hands in his and stood up, pulling her with him. He placed on hand on her lower back and the other in her hand. Alexis followed suit by locking one hand in his and placing her other hand on his shoulder. They began to move to the words that came flowing out of his mouth. all the while you were in front of me i never realized i jus' can't believe i didn't see it in your eyes i didn't see it, i can't believe it oh but i feel it when you sing to me how i long to hear you sing beneath the clear blue skies and i promise you this time i'll see it in your eyes i didn't see it, i can't believe it oh but i feel it when u sing to me He turned her in circles and then pulled her towards him, while both laughed and rocked their bodies. just to think you live inside of me i had no idea how this could be now i'm crazy for your love can't believe i'm crazy for your love the words you said you sang to me and you showed me where i wanna be yea you sang to me, oh you sang to me Alexis broke away from him when he finished and began to clap her hands. �That was wonderful�I had no idea you could sing!� she said as she poked her finger into his stomach. Sonny fell back onto the couch. �See, I told you! Now, you can�t ever tell me that Ned can sing a mean ballot and I can�t, and we both know you can never say I don�t have these.� He said as he grins and put his fingers inside his dimples. �You�re right� she said as she sat down next to him on the couch. �I still can�t believe you can sing�and that song�how did you know I love that song?� �It appears I know you better than you thought�no really, you told me to sing to you, so I sang to you.� He said, smiling with his dimples portrayed in full force. �Are you tired?� she asked as she laid back on the couch. �Kinda, but I could stay up talking to you all night.� He said as he leaned back against the side of the couch, put his arms behind his head, and watched her. �I could too, but we really should get some sleep�there�s no telling what will come up tomorrow and I�m going to have a lot of meetings to cancel.� �Why do you have meeting to cancel?� �Well Mr. Corinthos, if you have already forgotten, let me enlighten you�I have to spend every waking moment with you and I can�t take you to client/attorney meetings.� �I almost forget�and here I was starting to think you were here because you wanted to be and not because a Judge ordered you to be.� �I�ve actually had a wonderful time.� She said as she began to sit up. �Now, one question �where am I supposed to sleep�?� Sonny sat up and leaned in towards her. �Well, the Judge did say I need to be in your presence 24 hours a day, and you know what that means don�t you?� he said as he began to laugh. �No, but I�m sure you�re about to explain it to me.� Barely able to get the words out he was laughing so hard, he looked at her and his face became serious �Well, it�s rather simple Ms. Davis�you are going to have to sleep in my room.� Alexis began to laugh. �That�s a good one!� she said as she pinched his cheek. �I do my best!� he said as he reciprocated the pinch. �Now, would you show me to what will be MY room for the next 3 weeks.� She said as she stood up, grabbed his hand, and pulled him up to her. �Right this way� he said as he motioned toward the stairs. When they both reached the bottom of the stairs, he turned to her and said �I�ll race you!� �You�re on� she said as she jumped out in front of him and took the lead. She turned around to find him right on her tail. As he got to the step behind her, she knew he was getting ready to pass her up, so she stuck her butt out, practically in his face, to slow him down. �No fair� he said as he watched her make it to the top of the stairs. �You play dirty, Ms. Davis.� �Well, you didn�t actually think I would let you beat me now did you, Mr. Corinthos.� �Yea but, using that incredible bottom of yours to slow me down was a low-blow.� �A girl has to do what a girl has to do!� she said as she placed her hand underneath his chin and shook his face from side to side. �You are a piece of work!� he said as he smiled at her. �Thank you!� she said sarcastically. �Now, would you please show me to my room. �Right this way, your highney, I mean highness.� He shoot back as he stood by the door to her room. �Oh, that�s good�that�s real good!� she said as she pointed her finger at him. �Well, you asked for it when you decided to stick that thing in my face.� He said as he tried to get a look at her butt. �I have to say, you are really lucky that�s all you got!� �Goodnight Sonny� she said as she backed her way into the room to avoid him having access to her bottom. �Sweet Dreams, Alexis.� �You too, Sonny.� She said before closing the door. Sonny stopped the door from closing with his hand. �Alexis?� Alexis opened the door back up �Yea� �I just wanted to say that when all is said and done�I mean, if all I can ever be to you is your friend�then I am willing to accept that. I know how you feel about Ned and I can only imagine the depth of his feelings for you. Look, I�ll be anything you want me to be as long as I can keep you in my life� Alexis�I gave you my heart and I�m not taking it back.� Alexis stepped toward him, put her arms around him, and hugged him tight. Without saying a word she stepped back into her room. �The feeling is mutual.� She said as she smiled and placed two fingers up to her lips and blew him a kiss before closing the door. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 22 Alexis woke up bright and early the next morning. She took a shower, put on her robe and went downstairs. She didn�t see Sonny, so she figured he was still sleeping. She opened up her calendar and searched for her cell phone. After finding it, she began to call and cancel her appointments for the day. When she hung up with the last client she needed to call, she went upstairs and got dressed. Once she was dressed, she sat down with her laptop and began typing. She printed out the document, gathered up her things, and headed out the door. �Oh shoot!� she said as she was about to close the door behind her. She walked back inside and headed back up the stairs. When she got to Sonny�s bedroom, she lightly knocked on the door. When she didn�t get an answer, she yelled �Sonny, open the door!� When he didn�t respond, Alexis turned the knob to find that the door wasn�t locked. She walked inside to find Sonny peacefully sleeping. She walked over to the side of the bed and tapped him on the shoulder, �Sonny, get up.� Sonny tossed around a little but didn�t respond to her demand. �I mean it Sonny, get up NOW!� she yelled as crawled onto the bed, straddled his body and began shaking him. Sonny opened up his eyes and smiled. �Alexis! I had no idea you were so forward! To be honest though, I�m really not in the mood this morning!� �Ha Ha, now get up�I have to go to the court house to file a motion and I was practically out the door when I realized you are going to have to come with me! Now come on, I need to get this done right away.� She said as she got off the bed and stood there waiting for him to get up. �Alright, I�m getting up. But I better warn you Ms. Davis, you better close your eyes because I�m a man that likes to sleep in the nude!� he said as he smiled at her. �For heaven�s sake� she said as she folded her arms and turned around. �Oh, I see you are going to choose to stay in here while I get dressed!� he said as he got out of the bed. �If I don�t stay in here and wait for you, I�ll run the risk of you crawling right back in that bed and I�ll never get things accomplished.� �Man, you aren�t going to even let me take a shower?� he asked as he put on his pants. �You can take a shower when we get back. Now hurry up, I don�t have all day!� �Coast is clear�you can turn around now.� Alexis turned toward him. �Where is your shirt???� she annoyingly asked. �Right here� he said as he picked up his shirt off the chair and began putting it on. �Alright, grab your shoes and let�s get out of here.� She said as she walked out the door and stood in the doorway waiting for him. Sonny put his shoes on and walked over towards her. When Alexis saw he was ready, she began making her way down the steps. �What�s the hurry?� he asked as he followed her down the steps. �I have somewhere I have to be tonight, so time is of the essence.� She said as she walked over to the door. �Oh, you mean WE have somewhere to be tonight.� He mocked back at her. Alexis rolled her eyes and opened the door. �Johnny can you take me over to the court house?� she said as she made her way onto the elevator with Sonny in tow. �Sure Ms. Davis� Johnny replied as he joined them on the elevator. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ About an hour later, Alexis and Sonny returned from the court house. �Now, go get your things ready.� She said as they walked through the door. �Get my things ready? What are you talking about?� �Go pack an overnight bag, you and I are going to Philidelphia tonight.� She said as she put her purse down on the table. �Alexis, you are a lawyer�you of all people should know that when you are charged with a crime you aren�t allowed to leave the jurisdiction. I can�t go out of the state!� Alexis went through her briefcase and pulled out a document. She turned to Sonny. �That�s why I filed this.� She said walked over to him, holding the document out where he could see it. Sonny read the heading on the paper out loud �Motion to leave the jurisdiction� �You got it.� She said as she flipped to the next page. �Now, take a look at this.� She said as she pointed to the page. �Wow, you actually got a Judge to sign that? Dang you are good.� �I know� Alexis smirked back. �Now go get your things together, we have to be on a plane in a two hours.� �What�s in Philidelphia?� he asked as he headed toward the stairs. �Ned!� she point blankly replied as she turned toward him and put her hands on her hips. �Let me get this straight�you want me to go with you to see Ned?� he said as he started to walk back towards her. �What choice do I have. If I want to see Ned, I have to take you with me!� �Well, I�m not interested in going to an Eddie Maine concert�I ain�t going!� he said as he sat down on the couch. �Like hell you�re not!� Alexis said as she forcefully pulled him off the couch. �Alexis, do you have any idea what Ned is going to do when he sees me there?� �Leave Ned to me, just go get ready NOW!� she said as she pushed him toward the stairs. �This could get ugly.� He said as she turned to look at her. �I�m well aware of that and highly prepared!� �I don�t doubt that for a minute� he said as he ascended the stairs. �Hurry up!� she shot back at him as she watched him reach the top. �Alright, Alright, but don�t forget I have to take a shower!� �Then stop talking and get your butt in there!� she shot back at him. �Moody, Moody� he said to himself as he walked into his room. Alexis put her elbows down on the back of the couch and dropped her face into her hands. �Please let me wake up and find out this has all been a bad nightmare!� she said as she tossed her head back and forth. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ An hour later, Sonny was all set to go. He had his bag in his hand and was coming down the stairs when he spotted Alexis sitting down against the door with her bag to her side. �Um�are we a little anxious?� �Very� she said as she made her way to her feet. �You can�t wait to see him can you?� he asked as he looked at the floor trying to hide his pain. Alexis walked to him and put her hands on his shoulders. �Look, I know having to accompany me on this trip is hard for you, but we don�t have a choice!� Sonny turned and walked away from her. �I may not have a choice, but you do!� �Sonny, I have always been honest with you about my feelings for Ned and I�ve never hidden the way I feel about him from you. Now, I know that doesn�t really help matters any, but I thought you understood.� �I do understand and I�ve always accepted your feeling for him, but that doesn�t mean it won�t impact me, right here!� he said as he placed his hand over his heart. �You never belonged to me�you were never �for keeps�. But Alexis, MY feelings for you ARE for keeps�those belong to me and I don�t know if I will ever be able to let them go...� Alexis looked away from him�she couldn�t bear seeing the pain in his eyes that she had caused. �But I�m willing to let YOU go�you know the saying �if you love something, set it free. If it comes back it�s yours to keep. If it doesn�t, it was never meant to be�?� Alexis nodded her head in response. �I really wish that saying applied to us Alexis, but the truth is, you can�t let go of something that was never yours to begin with.� He said as tears started filling his eyes. �But the one thing I can give you�the one way I can let you go�is to back away and not expect anything more from you than you can give me. If you can never be my lover, I�ll understand. If one day you decide you cannot be my attorney, I�ll accept that, but Alexis, I will never accept your not being my friend.� Alexis� eyes filled with tears. �Being you friend means the world to me and nothing will EVER change that�I will always be THAT to you�and�I am honored to be loved by you! I don�t know what the future holds�I don�t know what lies in store for me tomorrow, or the next day, or the next, but what I do know is that I will always be WHATEVER I can be to you at any given moment in time. I�ll be there for you in whatever way I can be.� �And will you hold me right here?� he said as he patted his heart. �I will hold you in here!� she said as she patted hers. �I just want you to be happy.� �I am happy and what you are giving me�what you are doing for me�your understanding of what I need right now and your ability to let me go has made me even happier.� She stepped up to him and wrapped her arms around him. �I love you.� �I love you too!� Alexis broke their embrace and held his hands in hers. �That saying�that saying you just asked me if I knew a minute ago�that DOES apply to us!� she said as she smiled at him. Sonny smiled back at her. �Now, I think we have a plane to catch!� he said enthusiastically as he held her shoulders at arms-length. �That we do� she shot back as she held his face in the palms of her hands

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