Author's Note: Thanks for all the reviews. Enjoy!

Cross stepped out of the precinct. Energy pulsing through him. He knew one thing. He needed a drink. A strong one.

It was nighttime. The sun had just set and the lights of New York City began to illuminate the night sky. He walked down the sidewalk until he saw a bar, The Old Haunt. He walked through the front door into a busy tavern. He walked past the line waiting for tables and sat down at a empty chair at the bar. He ordered a scotch on the rocks and waited. His order came and soon he was ordering another.

Cross looked around to survey the ambiance. He saw a picture hanging across the room. Squinting his eyes he saw the cheery smile of Richard Castle; underneath it read 'owner'.

"You've got to be kidding me." He uttered to himself. He rotated his chair and ordered another. Feeling hungry he ordered food and watched a preseason football game.

A woman's voice interrupted his thoughts.

"Is this seat taken?"

He turned to see none other than Alexis Castle.

"Alexis? What are you doing here?"

"I'm hungry and I get free food here so I take advantage of it." She said sitting down and crossing her legs. "Question is what are you doing here?"

"Needed a drink." He said swirling his drink around in its glass.

"I see. I need one too but, I'm only 19."

"Why would you need a drink?"

"I just broke up with my boyfriend."

"Sorry."

"I'm not sad or anything. I'm just mad at myself for wasting a whole 7 months of my life on him."

"Can I ask why?"

"He depended on me for everything. Money, food, even the apartment we decided to share together." She said laughing at herself. "It caused stress between my father and I. Thank you." She said to the waiter who brought her food. "I can't do that again."

"I'm sorry." He said reaching out and touching her shoulder. "If it's any consolation, he made a huge mistake and he is going to regret it for the rest of his life."

"I don't think so."

He lightly cupped her chin, tilting it up so that her eyes could meet his. "I do."

They stared into each other's eyes for what seemed to be ages before the bartender interrupted him,"Would you like another one?" He asked pointing to his glass.

"No water is fine. Thanks." He said dropping his hand.

"Well… I heard that you gave someone a concussion today."

"He deserved it. The way he talked about Kenzie and her mother. It disgusts me. I should have done a lot worse."

"Maybe… maybe not. Well, I need to get to my dad's house. So, I'll see you."

"Alexis!"

"Yea." She said innocently, secretly having hope that he would make a move.

"I'll hail a cab for you." He said laying a twenty on the bar.

They walked out of the bar and onto the busy street. Hailing a cab quickly, Cross opened the door for her.

"Thanks for keeping me company." Alexis said.

"I should be the one thanking you."

"Bye." She said blushing.

"Bye." He said lightly brushing his lips over her cheek feeling electricity shoot through both of their bodies. He then helped her into the cab.

Seeing her off, Cross quietly walked down the street. For the first time in along time, he was happy and that scared him.

Alexis's breathing became uneven when he kissed her cheek. Oh, how she wished he would've kissed her for real but for now she was content with the progression of their relationship.