This Is Me Confused

Because of his secret late night meet with Peter, Diana, and Clint Neal had worked from 1 A.M. to 9 P.M. and he was so grateful to be home. He collapsed on his bed and slept almost as soon as his body came in contact with the soft welcoming sheets.

01-04-01

Neal was woken up by a knock on his door. It was really more of a soft pounding than a knock though. He debated staying in bed but as it persisted he decided he would probably be unable to ignore it long enough to drift off again. He stood and noticed with distaste he was still wearing his suit from work. He yanked the door open and was surprised to see Sara standing there.

"Sara?" he asked.

"Ya sorry I was just worried after last night. What happened with your friend I kind of got the feeling you weren't being one hundred percent honest with me," she smiled at him.

"Yes you're right I wasn't. Come on in," he stepped aside so she could enter.

"So why did you lie to me? And why are you admitting it now?" she came and sat in one of his kitchen chairs.

"I lied to you then because it was a delicate situation and I'm admitting it now because it no longer is. Wine?" he asked walking to his store.

"No thank you. I still have the one you sent me home with. I will however take some truth, no ice," she smiled at him clearly enjoying herself.

He laughed a little dispite himself. "In case it was unclear before my friend isn't the most upstanding citizen."

"I figured she was a criminal of some sorts," Sara conceded. "I don't see how that affects our date night though."

"Last night she came to me because she had gotten herself into some trouble. Some serious trouble," Neal amended when he saw Sara open her mouth to ask how bad. "She had pissed off some Italians, she thinks, and they drugged her and strapped a bomb to her chest."

"Oh my God," Sara covered her mouth in horror. "Is she ok?"

"She is," Neal nodded. "She's in FBI custody now because Mozzie and I didn't want to risk her life on a gamble that we could disable it. So they called bomb squad and cut a deal with her after it was off."

"What kind of a deal?"

Neal shook his anklet bearing leg. "She has a long list of wanted names and very reliable ways of getting in touch with them."

"I see, so if everything goes as planned we'll have another con artist in our midst soon," Sara joked.

"Yes we will," Neal smiled back.

"Well give her my best," Sara said standing.

"Wait where are you going?" Neal asked grabbing her hand as she headed for the door.

"Home, I got the answers I came for," Sara stared at him like he had three heads.

"Stay, it's late, you shouldn't be driving," he chastised.

"Oh Neal I don't know if I should," but she was already giggling and smiling as his lips assaulted her neck going to work on changing her mind.

01-04-02

A loud knock was heard followed by a door opening. The noise startled Neal awake and he pulled the sheet up to cover Sara's exposed body beside him.

"Just put it anywhere," he heard a familiar female voice say.

The command was followed by shuffling, some grunts, and clatter as items were set down inside of his apartment.

"What's going on?" he asked looking on the floor for his pants.

"Oh Neal," Alex said looking over. "Oops, next time you should leave a tie or something," she motioned to Sara with her head.

"Ya seeing as I live here alone I don't usually find the need. What's that stuff?" he asked motioning to the boxes piling up in his kitchen.

"Oh my boxes, just a few things don't worry, most of it's in storage. But I need a few essentials to live here," she clarified tossing her purse onto the table.

"I'm sorry living where? Here? I live here."

"Oh ya me too now," she smiled at him. "Hope you don't mind but the bureau okayed it. They thought it was a great idea," she smiled. "Don't worry they're bringing up my couch bed soon, I won't be bunking up with you two," she motioned to the still sleeping Sara.

Neal faked a laugh, "Right ya of course not because you know that would be crossing a line."

Alex smiled, "Glad we see eye to eye."

01-04-03

"What is she doing here?" Sara asked in an upset whisper.

"She's my friend and she needs a place to stay within a two mile radius. Remember I told you she might get collared as it turns out she did. And remember how you were wishing her your best?" Neal smiled brightly using her own words against her.

"Yes the best not wishing her to come stay at your place," Sara was clearly unhappy with the situation as Alex was ignoring the two and getting two guys to place a painting for her. "Has she even talked with June?"

"I'm sure she has but if she hasn't then maybe June will send her away even though she's my friend with no where else to go," he tried sweet talking her one more time.

"I'm not happy about this," Sara hissed.

"You know I kind of got that vibe from you."

"Neal," Sara harsh whispered not appreciating his attitude at the moment.

"Look Sara, she's an old friend, I can't just kick her out. It doesn't work like that we have codes. She's taken me in before when it would have been easier for her to live without me. She's a good friend and I owe her."

"You got a bomb off of her chest," Sara clearly wasn't buying it.

"Like I said we have a code," Neal fell back onto the more vague one.

"Look at least try and find somewhere else for her to stay," Sara said as she looked at her vibrating phone. "I have to go, work is calling. I'm not happy about this," she said again before kissing Neal and leaving.

01-04-04

"So that woman," Alex paused waiting for Neal to supply a name.

"Sara," he told her while he sat at the table.

"Sara seemed thrilled that I was moving in," Alex said while bringing over a plate of freshly baked roast and mashed potatoes over to Neal.

"Ya she's just concerned since you're an attractive friend," he lied.

"Oh well you know it has been a while since I've gotten laid," Alex said taking her seat. Neal choked on his bite of roast. "Neal relax," Alex said rubbing his back gently. "It was a joke," she comforted him. "Jeez I didn't think you'd have a problem with me moving in. I mean I knew I had to clear it with June but I didn't think I'd have to ask you." She pushed her food around in the gravy.

"No, no that's not it Alex," he looked up and lied because well that was kind of hitting the nail on the head. "It's just you know how it is I'm with Sara and I'd like to make it work."

"I know Neal I'm not going to get in the way of that."

"It's just that she's a little uncomfortable with the idea of you here. But she'll get used to it, I'm sure," he smiled. In truth Neal wasn't sure if he'd get used to the idea let alone if Sara would.

01-04-05

AN: I know Alex is a little bold just moving in but I thought it fit into her character wheel. What are your thoughts on Sara's reactiong? Reviews make Neal and Alex grow closer 3