The Fake Date: Chapter 1

By: The Confused One

Disclaimer: Unfortunately for me, I don't own anything related to CI. I just wish I did.

Rating: T

Warnings: Just reference to a conversation in the episode "Slither."

Feedback: Please review. I'm a writer, trust me, I live for reviews. Thanks.

Archive: Feel free, just let me know where.

Summary: When Alex, once again, finds herself ending things with a married man, Bobby steps in to make sure she doesn't lose faith and gets more than he bargained for.

A/N: I found the reveal about Alex having dated several married men in "Slither" fascinating, and I am kind of assuming she didn't know they were married from her comments in the episode and knowing the character. Anyway, it intrigued me, and well, this is the result: a story.

Alex slammed the file on her desk as she sat down. Meeting the eyes of her now worried partner, Alex smiled slightly. She assured him, "I'm fine. I just had a crappy night last night. I'm still mad about it."

Bobby's interest was perked. Remembering Alex had had a date, he ventured, "Bad date?"

Alex snorted. Looking back up at him, she shook her head and replied, "That's putting it nicely. Do I have a sign on me somewhere that says 'gullible' or 'perfect for a secret affair'?"

Bobby shook his head. Knowing Alex's recent luck, he replied, "He wasn't."

Alex sighed. Sorting through her paperwork again, she admitted, "Oh yeah. Ran into his wife! Fourth lying married bastard in three months. I'm on some sort of streak."

Bobby smiled slightly. Regarding her a moment, he suggested, "Check for a tan line next time."

Alex's indignation was obvious. Ready to grab something to throw at him, she saw him smirk. She couldn't help but smile too. The whole situation was ridiculous. Looking down at her work, one more time, she quipped, "Your gender is mostly jerks you know."

Bobby stifled a laugh. He wasn't sure why, but he found her whole predicament amusing. Flipping the page on a report, he responded, "That's why too broad an assumption. Most of us aren't that bad. Your gender is the problem."

Grabbing a pen from the Santa mug, Alex threw it at him before countering, "You only believe that because you go for the psychos or the bimbo beauties."

Bobby did laugh this time. Grabbing her pen off of his report, he put it in his drawer to protect himself from it again. He reminded her, "Oh come on Eames. Not every guy is like that, and you know it."

Grabbing a new pen, she arched her eyebrows, almost daring him take it from her. Focusing on her work again, she mumbled, "I'm beginning to wonder."

Arching his eyebrows, Bobby decided to take that as a challenge. After a moment of debate with himself, he finally replied, "Let me take you out then, tonight. You know, just for fun and prove us both wrong."

In surprise, Alex's head shot back up. Meeting his eyes, she checked to see if he was serious. Seeing that he was, she smiled. As ridiculous as it was, she found the idea appealing. It would certainly beat the last few months of dates. She grudgingly agreed, "Alright. You want to try to change my mind? Pick me up at seven and surprise me."

Bobby smiled. Looking back at his paperwork, he was pleased. He hadn't been sure she'd agree, but he was glad that she had. If nothing else, it would be two friends having fun. Trying to focus on his paperwork, Bobby spent the rest of the day distracted by ideas of where he'd take her.

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As the day ended, Alex sighed. They had avoided the subject of dating and what they would do that night the whole day, and now it was time to go home. She surprised herself by actually being excited. It had been a long time since she had been excited about anything resembling a date. She found she always ended up disappointed. Alex found herself wondering what to wear. Gathering her things, she stood up. She was glad when this alone got his attention. She asked, "So, casual or dress up?"

Confused, Bobby asked, "What?"

Alex smiled. She clarified, "For tonight. Should I dress up or dress casual."

Bobby smiled, realizing what she meant. Getting his things ready to leave too, he answered, "Dress up."

Alex smiled and nodded. Heading for the elevators, she called back, "I'll see you at seven then."