Alex took Hunt's hand and led him down the hall to the costume department. After rummaging through several boxes, she came across a long auburn wig. "Ah, perfect." She flipped her head upside down and back up. Adjusting the disguise, Alex admired herself in the mirror. "I always wondered what I'd look like as a redhead. What do you think?" She turned around. Her usual brunette had been replaced by a deep reddish-brown that complimented her eyes. Hands in his pockets, Hunt was idly scanning the room; when his eyes landed back on Alex, he stopped.

"No good?" she said worried.

He found his voice. "Quite the opposite, actually. I'm beginning to see the benefits of going incognito."

"Just call me Svetlana. Former KGB." She embellished with a flirtatious wink that brought a grin to Hunt's face. Holding hands, they made their way to the building's exit. Bianca and friends were positioned with a full view of the parking lot. Alex and Hunt came to the conclusion that he should go first to draw their attention away and give her time to slip out into the sea of cars; but, that only took care of one problem. "How are we supposed to go on a date with them stalking us?" Alex asked irritated.

"Don't worry. I can shake them."

She suppressed the urge to giggle. "Ok, Ryan Gosling. Just be prepared…you might have to go over the speed limit."

Ignoring her cheek, he said, "You sure you can get to my car without being seen, Miss Super Spy?"

"Svetlana is on the job." Alex gave him a peck on the cheek and sent him out the main door. Hunt walked out into the lot as if he'd forgotten where he parked. Alex watched Bianca, Jenni and Lance, all three were transfixed on their professor, Bianca finding his absentmindedness comical. Capitalizing on their distraction she dashed through the parking lot, successfully making it to his car unnoticed. And what a car it was. Parked before Alex was a black Audi R8 Coupe. It oozed style and status from every curve. She was sure it was accompanied by an equally impressive price tag.

Pretending to need the beep, Hunt unlocked the car and then strode purposefully towards the signal. They were still focused on their teacher and Alex slipped into the unsecured vehicle. Bianca, Jenni and Lance sunk down in an effort to avoid Hunt spotting them. Once at the car, Hunt opened the driver's side door and got in. Without making eye contact, he said, "Not bad"

"Was there ever any doubt?"

He glanced at her fondly. The engine gave a powerful purr and Alex shifted lower in the seat out of sight. Something flickered in Hunt's eyes. "Hold on."

"What?"

He pushed in the clutch and shifted into first, before quickly accelerating into second, finally ending up in third as they sped out of the parking lot. Alex could feel the engine's vibrations throughout her entire body. She had never considered herself a car girl, but the power behind the Audi sent her mind racing. Hunt suddenly switched lanes, his muscles tensing as he shifted gears…the more she considered it the more she realized that her imaginings may have had more to do with the driver than the ride.

"Okay, I take back the Ryan Gosling comment from earlier. Who knew my unsuspecting professor could race cars?"

"Don't be too impressed, shaking Lance won't be so much a race as it is a puzzle; horsepower doesn't matter if we're both stuck at the same light."

"Brains over brawn?"

He smiled over at her. "Exactly".

Lucky for her, he had both. Maintaining his speed, Hunt turned down a narrow alley emerging back onto a main artery. Alex looked back and found Lance fighting to keep up in LA's infamous traffic. The lead wasn't good enough. Spotting an opening between two semis Hunt cranked the wheel left with a lurch, gliding between the two trucks directly onto a hidden street. The small margin sent Alex's heart racing. Hunt made another few well-placed turns, transforming the silver Mercedes into nothing more than a speck in the rear-view; but he still wasn't satisfied. "This should lose them." He weaved them through Sunset Boulevard at an impossible speed; Alex exclaimed as they narrowly missed a motorcycle.

"On it, thanks," Hunt said without flinching.

"No problem" she said breathlessly. This was a very different side of him.

Having finally ditched 'The Three Amigos' Hunt proceeded onto the highway towards the drive- in. "We're a bit ahead of schedule. I didn't think I'd be recreating the car chase from Bullitt.

"That was better than a recreation; those maneuvers back there set a new standard…not to mention you're way hotter than Steve McQueen ever was."

Looking pleased, Hunt drove to the center of the carpark. There were only a few other viewers scattered around the lot. Alex glimpsed him as he lifted up on the emergency brake. Hunt's face was set determinedly, but his tousled hair softened the expression.

"You're staring at me again," Hunt said matter-of-factly

"Sorry. Sometimes you're…distracting."

He liked that. "Trust me, when it comes to the art of distraction you win hands down."

Alex's cheeks flushed. "I'm going to have to watch that silver tongue of yours."

"I'm only speaking the truth. So, we have ten minutes till the movie starts what do you want to do?"

"I'm surprised you even have to ask." Hunt gave her an inquiring look. "I mean a movie at the drive-in is essentially the 'Netflix and Chill' of your generation." She kept her face neutral waiting to see his reaction.

"How old do you think I am?" he rebuffed with offense.

"My apologies, I didn't realize you were so sensitive about the whole age issue. You know I have no problem with the fact that you're… what… at least 50? Right?" The grin she'd been suppressing forced its way to the surface.

"You really enjoy screwing with me don't you," Hunt said drolly.

"I didn't think you would fall for it," Alex teased

"You're right. I need to stop letting you goad me so easily." He had true affection in his voice. "Now, I have no idea what 'Netflix and Chill' means, but I do have a theory based on my knowledge of drive-ins." He leaned closer.

"You mean from your firsthand experience? Back in the day? You know I've always been really curious about sock hops…what does that ev—"

Hunt didn't let her finish, which is what Alex had been going for. Bringing one hand to the back of his neck, she pulled him impossibly close. Hunt wrapped around her; enveloping them in an electric kiss filled with need. After a while, they broke apart. Alex looked around at that the fogged up windows and laughed.

"What? Is there something about my kissing that amuses you?"

Lightly she elaborated, "The windows. They're all steamy. Now, it's a truly authentic drive-in experience." The radio crackled to life as the movie began to play. "I guess we should probably focus on why we're here."

"We still have the opening credits to wait through, and the reason I'm here is sitting in this car."

The way he was looking at her, Alex didn't doubt it. "Then get over here, you. I think I want to go steady." They managed a few more kisses before Prominence faded onto the screen. He put his arm around her and she snuggled into his chest. Alex looked up at Hunt, finding him completely immersed. "You really love this movie, eh?"

"Yes, I do. There's few science fiction films that have dialogue of this caliber, not to mention the remarkable cinematography. North truly understands the nuances of filmmaking."

As the names were introduced, Hunt pointed out people he'd worked with and commented on the importance of using various camera angles. He also revealed that an alternate version of the opening had been considered. Alex was caught up in his enthusiasm until a flash of light appeared in the corner of her eye.

He noticed it as well. "That better not be who I think it is…" Hunt growled.

She gave the figures a closer look. Jenni and Lance were scanning the crowd with flashlights. Did they really have nothing better to do then to be Bianca's lackeys? "How could they possibly have known we would be here?" Alex grumbled.

"The flyer." He scowled at his carelessness. "Bianca probably saw it on my desk and told Jenni and Lance to look here when they lost us."

"You should really stop leaving invitations and things just laying around. All it does is get you in trouble," Alex said smirking.

"Really? You're lecturing me now?" Hunt asked in disbelief.

The searchlights scanned over the car briefly. They were getting closer. Her survival instinct kicked in. "We need to get out of here. If Jenni and Lance see us together we are completely fucked." Assessing their escape options Alex said, "I'm afraid that means abandoning your car."

"I suppose we don't have any other choice." The thought clearly pained him.

"Don't worry we can come get your baby tomorrow…or even later tonight…but we have to move before Lance and Jenni get any closer."

Hunt knew she was right. Carefully, they exited the car trying to stay low and out of sight…unfortunately a fellow patron honked when Alex blocked their view. Lance and Jenni turned towards the noise; she rolled under the car just in time. Her adrenaline spiked at the close call.

"Looks like Svetlana came to play," he quipped

"A Russian Spy alter ego does come in handy every once in a while. Should we make a run for it?"

Hunt nodded. "On my signal." He waited until Jenni and Lance started walking to the front. "Okay, now."

They sprinted towards the rear of the parking lot destined for the main building not stopping to catch their breath until they'd made it to the second-level balcony. All of a sudden the cars started honking. Fuck. The projector. She was standing directly in front of it.

"Now is not the time for an interpretive light show, Alex."

"Acute observation, Professor," she retorted.

"They're up there!" Jenni exclaimed, interrupting their squabble.

The stakes heightened, Hunt quickly jumped over the fence onto the street below. Alex looked down, it was higher than she would have liked. How did he just jump like that? Seeing her hesitation Hunt held his hand out to her. "Come on, I've got you."

She experienced an unprecedented comfort in his encouragement. Sitting on the ledge, Alex steadied herself with Hunt's hand and leapt.

"Not a fan of heights?" Hunt asked with concern.

"Not particularly. But I'm fine. We better keep moving."

They could hear Lance and Jenni arguing as they struggled to make their way over the fence. It sounded as though Lance had ripped his shirt; the poor boy must've been devastated. Hand-in-hand, Alex and Hunt continued to run down the street, until he pulled her into an alleyway. Shortly after, Lance and Jenni ran right past them still bickering. They didn't move. Nearly out of breath, Hunt held her against him, his back to the brick wall. Alex could feel his heart beating through his shirt. She found the steady rhythm calming.

Scathingly, Hunt said, "Well, I think we finally managed to lose Tweedledee and Tweedledum."

Alex laughed. "Thank, God. Who knew those two could follow something through?"

He smiled down at Alex. "It's incredible what people a willing to do with the right motivation…high-speed car chases, one-hundred meter dashes, scaling walls…"

"And what motivates you, Professor?"

For an answer, Hunt caressed her cheek. Alex closed her eyes savouring the peaceful moment. His lips brushed against hers gently, almost cautious. Alex wrapped around him wanting more and without hesitation he deepened the kiss. A few blissful moments later Hunt reluctantly pulled away, "We should get out of here in case they decide to retrace their steps."

"You mean you don't end all your dates making out in an alleyway?"

"Well, if they end in the alleyway I'm doing something wrong, aren't I?" he replied, matching her playful banter.

They cabbed back to Hunt's, he protested when Alex offered to pay, but with a jab about his 1950s sensibilities he let it go. Walking to the front door Alex victoriously exclaimed, "Take that, Bianca! You and your minions never stood a chance."

"I wouldn't get too cocky. We had a few close calls back there," Hunt chided.

Alex was too elated to worry. "Just adds to the thrill doesn't it?"

"You really love a challenge don't you?"

"You say that like it's a bad thing." Alex gave him a look. "You weren't exactly cooperative in the beginning, Tommy Boy. I doubt I'd be standing here if I couldn't take a little heat."

"I know. I'm lucky your persistence can match my stubborn nature, because I can't imagine wanting to be here with anyone else" He unlocked his door. "Since we were interrupted earlier, would you like to try watching Pominence again? I happen to have a copy."

"That sounds perfect."

Alex hadn't been inside Hunt's house since the dinner party, and this was a very different scenario. She was happy to note that the nervous uncertainty she'd previously felt had been replaced by a sense of belonging. Hunt's actions tonight reaffirmed that she hadn't been out of her mind for pursuing him.

"What is it?" Hunt asked at her pensive expression.

"It's just…being here, not as your student. It feels…right."

He smiled. "I agree. I like it much better this way." He paused, unsure whether or not he should say what was on his mind; he decided on the former. "The last time you were here, that dinner party, was agony for me. All I wanted to do was kick everyone out and lock us in my room. Instead I spent the evening faking it with Marianne and being a complete ass to you. Which I want to apologize for again by the way." Even though they'd ended the night on a positive note, it was obvious Hunt still hated himself for the way he acted.

Kindly she said, "Thomas, I appreciate that. But it's in the past. I know you were dealing with some intense emotions. We both were. I went a little overboard with the…I mean harassment is probably a fair term, and you overcorrected by pushing me away." Her mouth formed into a jovial smirk. "And don't forget, we still ended up locked in your room…" Hunt remembered that kiss and smiled. It was the first time he hadn't felt guilty for wanting her. Alex took his hand. "What's important is we're here now and after tonight I don't feel like anything can stop us." Too soon she would regret uttering those last few words.

He was completely captivated. Pulling Alex in, Hunt kissed her without any reservations, but a bright flash brought them out of the embrace.

Partially blinded, Alex cried, "What the—?"

"Well, well, well look who we have here." The voice turned Alex's veins to ice. Bianca stood before them phone in hand. Hunt tried to shield her, but it was too late. "Don't bother, Hunt. I've already got the proof I need." She wore a triumphant smirk. "Although I have to say this is far better than I ever imagined. Not only do I have dirt on my professor, but I also have it on Hollywood's favourite charity case. You know, Alex, I'm almost impressed. I didn't think you had it in you to sleep with your professor, but I guess for someone with a little talent as yourself, it was the only way you'd get anywhere."

Alex's head was spinning with the repercussions of all this.

"That's enough Bianca." Hunt's tone was cool.

Bianca gave him an appraising look. "Really? You're going to tell me what to do? You should be worshipping the ground I walk on. I can ruin both of you."

Alex wanted to say something…anything…to plead with her tormentor…But what could she say? Bianca had just captured the key to Alex's downfall and knew it. No way would she give up that power.

"You know my demands, Professor. You can start with that 'A', which, honestly, I think I deserve."

She is an absolute sociopath.

"I'll let you two love birds get back to it." She eyed Hunt. "How Alex tricked someone as fine as you into bed, I will never understand." Hunt tightened his arm around Alex; his hatred for Bianca radiated off him. "Well, that's all for now! Enjoy the rest of your evening. I know I will." Reveling in the carnage she'd created, Bianca strutted out the door.

It was taking every ounce of Alex's strength not to shut down. Luckily Hunt was supporting most of her body weight. "Alex are you….well you can't be okay. What can I do?" He sounded as those he feared she would break. And she nearly did, but Hunt needed her to keep her shit together. Swallowing the emotions that were bubbling to the surface, Alex forced her face to become hard. "Scotch…and be generous."

Hunt was relieved she hadn't collapsed into a blubbering mess. This he could handle. "One double coming up."

Alex knew what she needed to do. There was only one person that could help. Regrettably she was probably the last person he wanted to talk to right now. The blood pulsed in her ears as the phone rung endlessly. Just when she was about to give up, there was a click.

"Ethan?" No response. "I know you probably don't want to talk to me right now. But this Bianca thing just went nuclear…and…I need you. Please."