Alex Romero sat wide awake in the motel bed. He still had the lights on even though the sun would be rising soon. There was no way he could fall asleep after everything that had happened during the night. His mind was racing as he thought of Bob Paris, the car in the harbor, almost freezing to death, and most recently Norma undressing him.

Alex could still feel her finger tips brushing against his stomach. He leaned his head back against the wall. What was she doing to him?

He was completely off his game. Every time she was around he couldn't think straight. He also kept making these stupid decisions for her benefit. He felt ridiculous yet he still wondered what she made of his romantic gestures.

Were they even romantic gestures? Alex had no idea. Getting her Mercedes back was definitely a good move. Still it wasn't good enough to prevent her from lying to him the same day. He had to admit that that hurt him pretty bad.

At least now he understood why she had done it. Norman was all she had for so many years. Her protective characteristic was one of the things he loved most about her. Along with her eyes, her smile, her childlike attitude, her-

A knock on the door veered his thoughts. He immediately pulled the blankets up higher as he realized Norma was probably here to give him the clothes that he was not wearing.

"Yeah?" He called out.

"Are you covered?" She called back.

"Yes."

Norma slipped inside the room closing the door softly. She put his clothes down on the dresser and tossed him his boxers.

He caught them and quickly slid them on under the blankets.

"Thanks. I guess this is the one exception to the don't do my laundry rule."

She smiled softly. "You look better."

"Yeah still I don't think I'll be doing any late night swimming for a while." He replied.

She laughed and sat on the edge of bed. "Why are you still awake?"

"I'm assuming the same reason you are. Can't sleep."

"Yes it's been a bad night." She said.

"Agreed." Alex moved over and laid down.

Norma hesitated momentarily before saying "Okay." and collapsing next to him.

He reached beside him and turned the lamp off. He turned back to see her watching him.

Norma sighed deeply. "I don't know what I'm going to do Alex."

He thought about it and then brushed her hair off her face. "You're gonna go to sleep and trust that we'll take care of it. At a decent hour."

"Okay" She said tired. "Goodnight Alex."

He smiled. "Good morning Norma."

Alex awoke feeling well rested which could only mean that he slept in. He opened his eyes and to his horror he noticed his arm wrapped around Norma. He ever so slowly lifted it from her and propped his head on his hand.

She was still facing him, her usually determined features were peaceful. He couldn't get over how perfect she was. He leaned over her and saw the time. He sighed as he knew he would have to wake her.

Alex brushed a finger across her cheek. "Norma."

She stirred slightly. "Norma."

She buried her face into the pillow. "Hm?"

He stroked her hair. "Norma, it's 11:30."

"Shit." She said and rolled over. She stared up at him sleepily and he smiled down at her.

"Yeah I'm sorry, I slept in."

She ran her fingers through her hair. "Whatever, I say we deserved it after last night."

"Definitely." He agreed. "I should probably get to work. I still have the DEA to deal with."

She sat up yawning. "Oh yeah. How's that going?"

Alex grimaced. "I'll tell you later."

"Okay. I better go check on Norman." She stood up and slipped her heels back on.

She grabbed the doorknob and smiled. "Bye."

"Bye Norma."

She left and he threw his head back. Alex crawled out of bed and put his clothes on. He splashed some water on his face and then headed out.

He got into his SUV and put his head down on the wheel. He already knew it was going to be a long day; his entire vehicle smelled like Norma Bates.