Ah Jeez; this sucks, I'm in the hospital again. . .

Dear Sarina: To answer your PM, try and understand Aaliya's POV. It's almost similar. Almost...

Dear Reviewers: I know it's been going slow, but I'm really working around the clock to get the stories done, between all the meds... which by the way with all the science we have, should be made a lot more SWEETER!

DISCLAIMER: NOW THE PLOT IS ALL MINE; EXCEPT FOR THE STARTING-SETTING OF THIS STORY (Chapter one's first scene), AND THE CHARACTERS BELONG TO ABC STUDIOS, BEACON PICTURES, EXPERIMENTAL PICTURES AND ANDREW W. MARLOWE. THE REST OF THIS STORY AND CHAPTERS BELONG SOLELY TO ME 'SAHIBA'.

This story is rated M. Please Enjoy.

Dear Readers; In case anyone is confused about the Timeline, Alexis and Kevin's meeting, dates are as follows:

31st December – Saturday (New York… Castle's New Years' Party)

1st January - Sunday (Kiss me stupid...)

2nd January – Monday (A little insight on Aaliya and Fatima's life)

P.S: Titles of my stories are usually based on a song, or a dialogue from my favorite shows…

Try and guess the title songs, LOL :)

Chapter Twenty Two

What Goes Around Comes Around

Alexis huffed as she stared at the two girls before her, handing a the caramel eyed beauty a Styrofoam cup marked with the name 'Starbucks' on it, "Here you go, one Ethopian Spice, and—", she handed Aaliya a another cup and a muffin, "Your Black Coffee, or as they call it a Pike Place Roast with a blueberry muffin", she chirruped happily. Sniggering at their scowls smirked, "Do look alive, there, wouldn't want any stragglers to think you were Zombies shooting for the next Dawn of The Dead!" she said, and then walked into Nostradamus. She was followed by a grumbling duo, occasionally sipping coffee, and cursing her. Aaliya cursed a few times in Scottish, words escaping in English, along the lines of 'Fucking witch', as Fatima nodded alongside her, as she continued ranting, 'who wakes up at ten when they sleep at six in the morning?' and her personal favorite, 'Bloody extortionist she is'.

God… Aren't they cheery!

Alexis laughed and spun to face them, "Aww… My beautiful petunias are you finally done grumbling, 'cause we're here now, so you may as well suck it up! Lemme just go and figure out where the Ballroom, Kevin said we had to find, is and I will drown you in coffee till your pretty little hearts' content. Now cheer up, and I'm paying", she sang and as she turned around crashed into a large wall, 'Oof!' she huffed, and looked up at what and where her wall came from, "Jordan!" she shrieked and hugged him, the gesture made the man blush like a school boy meeting his crush for the first time, "Hey Em. Good Morning. I'm here to escort you to The Ball Room, the others are waiting for you", he said and then grabbed her things as well as the other two, and glomping her, led her to the appointed room. Jordan smiled at her, "Thanks for the Christmas Gift and don't worry about paying, we'll take care of any coffee your friends wanna drink", he said. Aaliya interrupted, "Thank you, but we can pay. Accepting freebies from Miss Extortionist is one thing, from you it's a whole other ballpark", she mumbled through a yawn.

Jordan turned to her, she was decked from top to bottom in Black Jeans, and a thick Black faux fur coat, her hair was covered by a thick woolen cap and her mouth with an equally thick woolen scarf, she was inhaling the aroma of the coffee rather than actually drinking it. The most redeemable feature of her were here striking turquoise eyes. Smiling he recalled who she was by the sound of her voice, 'The intelligent one who tried helping Emerald, and still tries', the words and titled were given to her by Scott and Lia. He turned to her companion who was taking in her surroundings and looking a tad more alive than a few moments before, her hair pulled back in a tight ponytail, that made her look oddly like a genie. Her ensemble would have fit a story from the Arabian Nights. She was wearing a jean-jacket, to keep warm, and her heavily kohl eyes, still looked sleepy but were alert. Her eyes were oddly a strange mix, of both gold and Brown. Honey eyes. James had tagged her as 'The doctor with too much wit'.

Jordan grinned, "Ballpark or not. Em's family and since you're practically sisters to our gorgeous Em, you're included. Besides helping her and Kevin be together must be exhausting. A good ol' fashioned treat is the least we can do", he said. He ignored Kevin's dry protest of, "Hey!" as he jogged over to greet the girls.

Alexis smiled and ducked from Jordan's embrace meeting Kevin half-way, Kevin smirked as he greeted her with a kiss. The kiss was soft sweet and short, "Hello", he greeted her. "Hello", she replied. Fatima huffed, "Now that's just not fair! We have to contend with coffee, while she gets the kiss of life. After spending the entire morning and last night thinking up strategic ploys to wreck havoc on said man!" she grumbled, turning to her cousin she sobbed dramatically, "Tell me; Where is the justice in that? I want me one of those…." She whined and pulled on Aaliya's muffler. Aaliya cursed, "Oi! Fuck! Shite Bugger, cad é an ifreann atá cearr leat ... Níl mé mo shuí anseo!" she grumbled and pulled off her muffler tossing it at Fatima and continued yelling, shifting between Arabic, Hindi and Scottish-Gaellic and Irish. "You know I'm a mean drunk, without the actual involvement of alcohol, and waking up early after five hours of little to no sleep, decked up with only one cup of coffee is not likely to put me in a good mood, and yet, still you go and start attacking me! Grow up!" Alexis helpfully translated in a bland tone. Kevin and she had moved to the Grand Piano, where Leo, Amelia, Jordan, Cass and two other unknown male members stood watching the girl yell at Fatima.

Kevin grinned, "I take it Aali's not a morning person then", he stated. Alexis raised a brow, "No, really? What gave it away?" she bit back. Leo snickered and Jordan coughed. Kevin smiled, "So why is she so pissed off, other than the obvious?" he asked. Alexis sighed, "I hope you understand, this is a breach of her privacy, but I don't know what to do. So keep your mouths shut", she glared at all the others standing behind her, "Aali, she's getting angrier by the minute. There are times when she seems like she's okay and has moved on, but then it comes back, and her rage intensifies, there's this pain, so irrationally strong. I've only ever seen that kind of pain in one other person", she started, "Who?" he asked. Alexis smiled sadly, "You", she said.

Kevin winced, and she continued, "To see the same pain echoing in another loved one, I don't Kev — I'm not sure I'm strong enough to handle it all over again. Once is more than enough. Does that make me a selfish person?" she asked. Kevin shook his head, and placed a soft kiss on her forehead, "No. No it doesn't. You're the strongest person I know; and the bravest. What pain is she suffering from, maybe I can help?" he asked

And he calls me brave…

Alexis shrugged, "I don't know all the details, but it's something to do with her father's restaurant business and oh, she got dumped yesterday", she said. Kevin, Jordan, and the two other males looked at her in shock, "What?" they asked. Alexis moved back, "What, What? What did I say?" she turned to Cass and Amelia who were giggling. Cassandra shrugged, "You told them someone dumped her. No offense, but are you blind?" she asked. Alexis raised a brow, "No. I know she's gorgeous, I said she was dumped, not that I dumped her. If I was gay, I'd marry her. But I'm not and besides whoever ends up with her, would need balls of steel", she said. At their skeptical glances she sighed, "Lemme put it this way… She has stubbornness issues like that of a Viking. She's a combination of James', Kevin's, Leo's and even Sam's classic personality combined, where I'm underlining the negative qualities with bright NEON lights!" she huffed out.

Jordan smirked, "Well then, that settles it, we'll need to find an imaginary Perfect man for her", he teased. Leo and Kevin snickered and the other two guys sighed dreamily, Alexis shared an exasperated glance with the girls, and they smirked.

Talk about Men…

XXXX

As she was explaining this Fatima pulled her into a hug, and sighed, "Calm down Di, I was only playing with you. I'm sorry. Now go to the rest room, calm yourself, and come back looking all hot and sexy. The other's are waiting for us", she said, and escorted her sister from the room. (A/N: Di = endearment used to address ones' elder sister with respect). Aaliya nodded and mumbled a quiet apology, "You go, I'll catch up", she said. "You sure?" Fatima asked. Aaliya nodded, "Yeah, I'm good. Go save Alexis from her potential in-laws", she teased smiling softly. As Fatima turned to leave Aaliya pulled her in for a quick hug, "Thank You", she whispered and then walked away. Leaving a honey eyed brunette behind who shook her head with an affectionate, 'Idiot', as she made her way back to the ballroom.

Aaliya walked into the ladies restroom, and blinked in awe at her surroundings, "Bloody Hell, Kev's family is rolling in the green, aren't they", she whistled low. Something on the wall directly in front of her caught her eye, "No way, there's no possible way", she cried, stepping closer she shrieked, "Holy Shit!" grabbing onto a completing unsuspecting cleaning lady she cursed, "That's an original Cézanne Not only that, it's L'Estaque", she blinked in awe, "I mean sure it makes sense, why they'd put it here off all places, if the fountain in the middle of the room is any indication to go with", she mumbled mostly to herself, given that the help, had left discreetly, smiling at her oddly. Aaliya spun in a slow circle, "Well I think I've found my calling", she grinned at her reflection. Recalling the incident that had caused her temper to spike she sighed, and then began washing her face.

X

Aaliya glared at her father, as he tried to drag her from her room, "Papa please, this isn't what I want", she cried as she yanked herself from his grasp, "I will not marry Rajesh, just because you seem to think he's the man that discovered the seven use of a bloody kiln!" she argued. "Don't talk back to me, you are still my daughter", "I was never your daughter! You threw me out the first time you figured out I wouldn't abide by your fucking rules! There is someone else I love!" she hissed. 'SLAP!'

Quiet descended and Kabir growled, as he walked in on the scene, "Oye! Don't touch her", he growled again and moved forward to pull Aaliya behind him, "Who gave you the right?" "She's my daughter!" Mr. Sharma yelled, "I'll teach her a lesson however the hell I want!" he said. "The hell you will! She's my sister way before she's your daughter. Don't talk to her, and don't come near her, she doesn't need you!" he said. "I've been paying for her school, and everything else", "That's what you think!" Aaliya hissed. "Aali stop, don't", Kabir warned.

Aaliya ignored him, "I haven't used a single penny that you've ever given me. I applied for a scholarship, the minute you kicked me out. I worked three jobs to take care of myself. Hell I still work at your restaurant, just to pay for night school. I will never be your daughter", she explained, "Pity I can't change the truth that you are my father", she spat. Kabir pulled her back, "Aali stop!" he begged. Mr. Sharma glared at his offspring, then taking Kabir's protective act and Aaliya's defiance he sighed in resignation, "Very well then, bring this boy you love, let me judge if he is worth your time", he said and then walked away, still talking, "I expect to see him at eight o'clock in the morning", he said.

Aaliya sighed, "Great, Like Sean would ever be worth anything to him", she mumbled. Kabir grinned, "Who knows miracles do happen", he teased nudging her gently. Aaliya hugged Kabir, "You're not so bad for a little brother", she said and pulled away, and "I have work to do", she sighed in exhaustion. Kabir lost his smile, "What you should be doing is resting", he moaned, "You've been awake for twelve hours already. Sleep for a little while. I'll pay for your expense, you don't need to work around the clock", he begged. Aaliya smirked, "Can't use the old man's money. It's a matter of ethics kiddo", she pointed out, pulling out her windbreaker, and strapping on a messenger bag.

Kabir grabbed the bag, "It's my money, not his. I earned it", he said handing her a check he had yet to cash on. Aaliya stared at the cheque, "Where did you—what the hell is this? Five hundred dollars? Where did you get this cash?" she asked worriedly, grabbing his arm and squeezing it. Kabir looked away, "I sold a few painting a hundred a piece", Aaliya cursed, "Why?" Kabir shrugged, "I wanted to help", he muttered.

Massaging her temple, Aaliya handed him back the cheque, "That was unnecessary. Keep that money, spend it on a girl you like", then after a small deliberation continued, "Don't worry about me, I have a plan. Anyway, I'll be back by dinner time, if Fatima comes over, keep her from the dragon, and if you could, will you keep this from mom, and try not to make her worry. Take care ciao!" she had left him standing there holding onto a five hundred dollar cheque and an irritated scowl, as she pedaled away.

Thankfully dinner had been uneventful, and the family had enjoyed a rare evening of peace, and if Aaliya was a bit tense and suspicious of her father's sudden changed demeanor, or as Kabir kept his glance on his plate, no one commented on it. Fatima kept up a running commentary, exchanging cooking tips with her Aunty as her Uncle interjected once in awhile.

Everything of course went to hell in a hand basket, when she'd left early at five in the morning, to meet Sean at his basketball sessions. The conversation was straight out of a daytime drama show.

"Hey Sean? What's up?" she had called cheering madly as he dunked a shot and threw her a confused glance at her sudden appearance. Sean was twenty three still in college. New York sports Academy. True they had met online, and even though Sean was three years younger than her they had overlooked it. They'd been happy for a year, and everything had been going great, until she decided to become a lawyer and had been studying night and day, to cram five years worth of studies and do it in two. Sean had called her a modern day; 'James Tiberius Kirk - Captain of his heart', which she translated at, 'Mental Woman Coming through!' it wasn't her fault she grew up cynical of the world and matters of the heart.

"Hey Al. What are you doing here?" Aaliya cringed at the nickname, but smiled none the less, "I woke up early and thought I'd come see you. I haven't seen you in ages, Love", she said and kissed him softly. Sean kissed her back rather hurriedly and then said, "You shouldn't be here Al", he warned. Confused Aaliya raised a perfectly sculpted brow, "Why?" she asked.

Sean grimaced and pushed the ball back to his teammates, "We should take this somewhere more private", he said. Aaliya stood her ground, "Why?" she repeated. "Al, please", he begged. Aaliya spied a blonde girl walking towards them, "If you're going to dump me, at least be a man about it. What I'm not good enough for you? Is it my heritage? Not too blonde for you? I don't spend all the time in the world with you? What? What is it?" by the end she started yelling.

Rage contorting her features, bringing out her beauty in reckless abandon, her eyes flashing furiously; Sean sighed, "Youfacalld", he whispered the words too mumbled to make sense, "What? What did you just say?" Aaliya prayed she'd heard incorrectly, "Please, Please don't tell me. No!" she begged. Sean looked away, "I'm sorry. Your father called. He offered me fifty thousand dollars to stay away from you. Al, you're still a friend I didn't accept the cash. But we're through", he said. Aaliya nodded, "I see, so were you fucking Blondie before or after my dad called and gave you the green ticket?" she asked.

Sean stayed silent, Aaliya nodded, "So before then… Let me get this straight, just to clarify, you know. Just to get it out of the way", she said her voice holding a warning note; A note that clearly said, Speak-and-I-will-kill-you. " My father offers you money to stay away from me, and that causes you to suddenly grow a fucking conscience, and to keep your hide intact, because well my father is a powerful man, and if he knew you were cheating on his only daughter, he'd send some goons and you know castrate your balls", waving that aside, she smirked a particularly evil smile, "You decline and take the easy way out and hope and pray that if we do meet, you break up with me", she snorted, "Make it look like my father insulted you, by offering you cash, and just you know call off Two years of a relationship, with me making sacrifices left-right-and-center, for you, so we could spend time together. To cater to your needs, call it all off, make my father, which under any other circumstances I'd not give a fuck about, the villain and walk off into the sunset with Blondie. Of course keeping her under wraps, for let's say a day or two, and then you'd shag her all over again", scoffing she laughed, "Because apparently she has healing powers of a sort and can take away the pain. While I the victim receive your loyal undiluted support and friendship!" she hissed, "Did that cover everything, or have I missed anything?" she asked sweetly.

The basket ball court stayed silent, the boys hoping Sean said something intelligent at least and the others praying the Blonde girl who looked fit to burst would stay silent, which of course didn't actually happen.

"Listen bitch, you should be grateful Sean didn't insult two years of your friendship and take the money. He was respecting you. So why don't you do everyone a favor and fuck off. Leave us alone!" she said, and hugged Sean's left arm. Sean and the rest of the basket ball court winced as Aaliya laughed, "oh she is so cute", she stated blandly, "And a keeper. That's brilliant, Oh Sean, Sean, Sean, if you were going to cheat on me and dump me at the same time, couldn't you have had a little Class. I mean couldn't you at least have chosen someone less Ditzy, and not a freaking guard dog? Wait don't answer that, I'd lose whatever little respect I have for you!" she sighed.

Walking to the blonde, "Please Keep your plastic little nose away from me, and don't use your pathetic intelligence on me", she hissed and then, pulling Sean towards her, she kissed him, a full on ground breaking snog-session that was filthy enough to make most of the guys watching groan, she pulled back with a loud smack.

At his dazed expression, she licked her lips, "Hmmm… Well that should tie you over for the semester, Good Luck with the slut, and try not to miss me too much", she said and walked off, head held high, as the basketball court erupted in cheers and laughter, at the blonde's sputtering and Sean's gob-smacked look.

Of course when she had walked a good mile away, her heart heavy and soul broken she was spattered with mud, and walking home in the pouring rain, she cried, her tears mingling with the rain. Never having cried in front of people she cared about. The idea of seeming weak to them tore through; to make people worry about her, just seemed so inherently wrong, so she hid her pain away, behind a sarcastic grin, and a cocky smile. Pain, sorrow, regret and just mostly anger, clawed through her as she walked, arriving on home and finding Fatima's and Kabir playing a video-game cheering loudly, looking like a drowned cat, probably didn't help matters.

Her luck was well and truly fucked.

X

As she began washing her face the warm water helped her back to the present, she removed some face-wash from her bag, and washed her face scrubbing her skin raw, she allowed the hot water to steam against her cold skin. Patting her face and pulling off her cloak and muffler she set it on the sink. Taking out a brush she combed out the tangles, and smoothed out her wavy-straight-ish hair, and applied a light sheen of Dark Blue eyeliner as well, her turquoise eyes blinked at her, "Hmm, that'll work. Now to fix the attire", she sighed. Staring down at her rumpled clothes she groaned, "Yup, this won't work at all", pulling on the cloak, she cleaned up her stuff, and called her mom, sighing heavily.

Desperate times and all that…

Reaching her mother's voice mail, she sighed. "Hey mom, I need to use your emergency account. I'll be extracting enough money for some clothes, you'll be getting the amount by the end of the week", she said and then hung up.

Walking out to the boutique she spotted when she'd passed the lobby heading to the washroom, she entered, the store, hailing a clerk she smiled brightly, an adopting a prissy attitude, "Hi, I'm in desperate need of wardrobe emergency, Care to escort me to the sexiest clothes you have on line?" she asked. The clerk grinned, "Right this way mam", and escorted her to a rack of good old fashioned clothes. "Thank You, that'll be all", she dismissed her courteously, refraining from rolling her eyes just barely.

I really hate talking like that!

Bloody Birds on a wire!

Right, time to metamorphose, so to speak.

Ten minutes later saw Aaliya making her purchases and heading to the washrooms, to change; compared to the Boutique she felt an awfully more comfortable hotel washroom, rather than the changing room. Pulling on a tight pair of jeans, that practically seemed second skin, the color being a deep Blue so dark; it was almost Black, except when the light caught it. Then it was sexy as all hell and so blue. Pulling on a dark-lime-green sweater, she adjusted it, so it fell off of one shoulder, and with her skin tone, matched her eyes perfectly. Applying a light shade of natural eye-shadow, she buffed her hair, and let it fall, curls down her back and the slightly wavier ones, framing her face.

Counting to ten she took a deep breath. Folding her previous clothes neatly, she packed them into the paper bags provided by the Nostradamus boutique. Taking in here reflection, she winked and smiled, "Show Time", she grinned, and kissed her reflection goodbye.

Time to knock their socks off!

XXXX

Fatima returned to the Ballroom, and Alexis grinned, "Aali okay?" she asked. The Moroccan girl smirked, "This is Aali we're talking about give thirty, she'll be back lookin smokin'", she played it off dramatically. Kevin got up and greeted, "So, what instrument do you play?" he asked trying to ease her into a little comfortable, she looked more stressed than was strictly necessary, Fatima grinned, "Flute. I play the flute", she said. "Oh? That's awesome, 'cause I was thinking we could help Alexis compose a new original piece, called 'Tús True, cairde treasured agus Grá Naofa'", he said.

Fatima grinned, "Definitely, awesome name. It's translated as 'True Beginnings, good friends and Sacred Love', right?" she asked. "My Irish is pathetic; I only tried learning the language 'cause Kabir and Aali shifted back and forth between Ireland and Scotland. We needed a language family wouldn't understand", she said. Kevin smirked, "Oh I get that. Amelia speaks French on purpose usually to tick Jordan off. Anyway its Treasured Friends, like you and Aali", he said. Fatima smiled softly.

Kevin then pulled her to the stage, where two of his friends were waiting, "Fatima, this is Alejandro, he's an old friend from college, he's a bass guitarist, and believe it or not a dentist", he grimaced. Fatima turned to him, "Why the hell is that a thing to not believe?" she asked.

"That would be because Ryan here doesn't like dentists. Actually scratch that, he doesn't trust my kind!" Kevin turned away, "Of course I don't who want a drill in their mouth, willingly?" he asked. Alexis laughed, "Better a drill, than a root canal", she teased. Kevin grimaced, "I'd rather, I took a bullet", he muttered. Alexis, "Pity you've exhausted your fill. Kitty Cat", she teased. Kevin's eyes widened at the nickname. Ignoring his brother and cousin giggling at the endearment he wiggled his fingers, "Oh, is that right Puppy?" he tossed back and started tickling her. Alexis laughed, shrieking for relieve and 'Mercy' as she squirmed away from him. Fatima watched them and smiled indulgently.

Cute!

As she smiled at them, a Tall young man of twenty and five, with brown shoulder length hair, and startling dark green eyes, he smiled a toothy grin, and bowed deeply, "Dieu, douches vous avec l'amour et la beauté, vous êtes mezmerizing, senorita! My friends call me Alec" and then he shrugged, "Tried to get a major in Arabic, but hey at leat you speak French. I believe all Moroccans do", he grinned cockily. Fatima laughed, "What if I hadn't understood French?" she asked. Alejandro grinned, "Well there's always good ol' English!" he stated bashfully. Fatima laughed, "Okay, I get it so who's your buddy and pal?" she asked pointing at a rather quiet man tuning a Cello. Alejandro sighed, and then "That, thankfully, is someone who's smitten with your sister", he answered cheerfully.

Fatima took in the features of the youth, "How old is he?" she asked. Alejandro grinned, "Well he's 28yrs old, and he's our resident Cello player. He's also a FBI, on that usually deals with white-collar criminals. He's also their lawyer of sorts. Don't ask, I have no idea", he said. Fatima nodded, "Hmmm… Aali isn't easy to charm, for a lack of better word. Plus she's a Scorpio", she said. Alec smiled, "Oh well that's another Kevin Ryan for you. I guess we'll just have to wait and see, while I cross my fingers, and count my sheep", he teased. They laughed together, until Fatima spotted, Aaliya, turning she took her sister in, "Oh!" she blinked at the change and then grinned, "Yup, he is toast", she smirked. Alec smirked, "Give the boy some credit, he is an FBI agent, he'd be able to take her", and then he snorted, "Or at least die trying". Fatima sniggered.

Aaliya walked over to them "What has everyone in stitches?" she asked. Fatima grinned, "Kev and Em are tickling each other, and I was just getting acquainted to Dr. Alejandro—uh—?" she turned to the Spanish doctor, "Cortez", he answered. "Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Sharma", "Aaliya", she corrected, "My name is Aaliya", she said. "And it's a pleasure to meet you too", she said. Then she turned to Alexis, "Hey Al-Emerald", she called inwardly cursing at her slip, "Do we finally get to play some music?" she asked.

Alejandro 'tsked' in irritation, and the sisters turned to him in slight bewilderment. "What?" he shrugged as he walked towards the redhead and detective, "I just don't get all the confusion, you all have with a person's name", he grumbled and then pointing at Alexis shrugged, "I'm all for one's privacy, but it'd be really cool if I knew what to call you. Either you're Emerald. Or you're Al-something", he groused out. "Between Leo, Ryan and the exotic beauties, I'm really confused to exactly who you are?" he asked. Fatima groaned as she spied Kevin's glare.

This is not going to end well…

Sometimes I hate being perceptive!

Kevin pulled Alexis behind him, "Don't bother with her name, then", he hissed. "You can just call her my girlfriend", he murmured protectively. Alexis smiled softly, "Hey!" she whispered, "It's okay, I'm okay", she murmured soothingly. Kevin turned his back to Alec, and cupped Alexis' cheek, "I wasn't offended. I promise", she whispered. Fatima smiled, and then simultaneously sighed earning an odd look from Aaliya. Fatima shrugged and nodded at Kevin's female family members

And here come the Dragons, looking For Gold…

Amelia and Cassandra, smirked, taking the opening for how it was presented, no matter how dangerous the occasion actually was. "And why would she be offended. After all Emerald is her name, is it not?" Amelia asked playfully. Cassandra nodded, "Not that we haven't noticed the odd slip ups or the fact that both my lovely cousin has used, or whenever Leo addresses you, he never says your name, he prefers just addressing you as Belle-Sœur, which is the Irish translation for Sister-in-law", she muttered.

Alexis blushed, and Kevin groaned. "We of course are not at all curious as to who you are?" she stated regally, and then flounced to the chair and sat down primly, whilst Amelia cleared a few thorns from a bouquet of Roses, placed in a vase to her left.

Silence descended as Kevin glared at his cousin and sister in law. Leo banged his head on the table and Jordan stayed unusually silent, while the Cello player smacked Alejandro Cortez upside the head, mumbling 'Idiot', among other hard to decipher curses.

Fatima watched as the occupants and groaned, "Tujhe patta na yeh sab teri galati hai, na", she hissed at Aaliya who looked suitably chastised, "Mujhe kya pata tha, sab bahr mein jayega. Ek chotti si galati hi to thi!" she grimaced. "Dekha jaye, to yeh sab teri Dr. Cortez ki galati hai. Chodd nahin sakta tha voh?" she huffed half heartedly trying to find an escape roots of sorts. Fatima sighed, "Not the point. We need to do some damage control, before Mt. Kevin erupts", she warned semi-playful reverting back to English.

Stepping Forward, she spoke up, "My God you guys are a lot worse than, a standard Bollywood movie. Believe me I would know. Look I don't care if you're called Emerald or whatever. You're still my friend, and if you have a reason to use a nickname, for protection of sorts than as a doctor, a lawyer and a detective, we agree", she pointed to Aaliya and nodded at Kevin, "What I do know, is discretion is the better part of valor", she shrugged.

Please work, Please Work!

"Now come on", she pulled Alexis towards the stage, "We have only today to finish this project of yours. So less drama more work", she urged and handed Alexis her violin, then went back for her favorite detective, "Come on detective, you can glare and grill your family matters later, after we're not here", she said and pushing him, forced him to sit on the Piano seat, and lifted the lid. "Come on Love-birds—", she grinned, "—another nickname", she teased. "Let us hear the perfection of your rhythm, and all that", she laughed cheerfully.

Stepping back, she dragged Alec and the FBI agent off of the stage, and pushed them into seats next to Cassandra and Amelia, who now sat down in defeat. "We're your audience, Dazzle us. Pretty please", she pouted. Fatima, from the corner of her eye, watched as Aaliya gently led a confused Jordan and an amused Leo to sit beside her. And as Alexis walked over to Kevin who smiled at her gently, she heaved a sigh of relief.

Thank You, Allah!

Alejandro leaned in, "I think you missed your calling. You should have been a terrorist negotiator", he whispered. Fatima scowled, "And you should have been a clown, you twat!" she hissed angrily. Alec winced, "I'm sorry", he apologized sincerely, and Fatima groaned, "Not forgiven, but apology accepted", she muttered.

Aaliya smirked at him, "In other words. Mate, you are going to need to do some serious groveling", she said. The Agent on her left snickered, but otherwise kept silent. Aaliya grinned, and sat down to listen to them play, her hand curled around Fatima's silently congratulating her on her success, in defusing a potentially troubling situation. Fatima smiled softly.

Sometimes it's awesome being so perceptive!

XXXX

Alexis stretched her hands high above her shoulders, and groaned, "I'm hungry", she whined. Kevin smiled, "Likewise, I could eat a horse!" Fatima smiled, "Well at least he said horse, and not cow", she muttered, the others turned to see Aaliya rolling her eyes, "I'm not a vegetarian Maya, but at least I'm not someone who eats the one we hold holy", she mumbled. Fatima simply shrugged, as Alexis snickered, "Well whatever, we've been playing for five hours straight, can we please argue on the way to the restaurant?" she asked. Kevin smirked, "Sure", and they walked out the ballroom towards the elevator, as all things food related could be found on the first floor. Kevin hissed, and pulled Alexis flush up against him, and ducked behind a door that stated, 'STAFF ONLY'.

What?

Alexis blinked as they were separated from the group, "What's wrong?" she asked. Kevin peered out the glass doors and cursed, "Beckett, Lanie and Castle are outside", he explained. "What?" she panicked, "Not good", she bit her lip, worrying it. "That's it, nice knowing you Kay, Ciao!" she mumbled, her voice against his heart.

The detective chuckled, "Since when do you give up so easily?" he asked. Alexis shrugged, "Too tired to form a plan", she said. Kevin nodded, "There should be an exit", hailing a staff member dressed in Black and gold-lined uniform 'Nostradamus', he enquired, "Any back-door exits?" he asked flashing his badge, mostly to make sure they wouldn't be kicked out of their hiding place. The man shook his head in negative, "Afraid not Sir, this is our supply closet. There's only one door. It's both exit and Entrance. Mostly empty. Is everything alright?" he asked. Kevin nodded, "Peachy", he muttered. Alexis sighed, "Admit it we're screwed", she said.

They slid to the floor in defeat, "Why is your dad here?" he asked. Alexis shrugged, "Could be 'n' number of reasons. A book launch, a movie setting, or a date?" she said. Kevin snickered, "A date? No way", he laughed. Alexis shrugged, "He's good at using people as a buffer. Lanie could be that buffer", she maintained her reasoning. "Yeah, you're probably right. Personally I just hope he confesses soon, and gives us all a chance to breathe easier", he muttered. Alexis laughed, "Easier? If dad confesses, the awkwardness will be so high on the Richter scale, you'll be begging for leaves", she scoffed.

Kevin sighed, "In the meantime what do we do?" he asked. Alexis shrugged, "I don't know", she whispered, "I don't know", she repeated. Kevin held her closer, "Hey, it's going to be fine. I can ask one of the guys to play my role. You could be on a date here, with one of them", even as he said it, his grip tightened on her. Alexis shook her head, "Alejandro's three years older than you, and you know dad, he'd get Detective Javier on the phone in one second, running a background check up on him, and Brian O'Bryan which now that I think about it, makes sense why you all call him 'B' or 'Bri' (and he avoids introducing himself like the plague); would be a disaster if we even ask him, and I'm pretty sure it's a federal crime on some level, to even do a background check on a Federal agent", she said.

Laughing she continued, "Not to mention if either of the three mentions the name 'Kay'. It doesn't factor in any way and it'd be a riot trying to get out of that one", she stated and then stopped him before he could voice her suspicions, "And neither will Leo or Jordan do, they're married. And if dad came here for a Book Launch, it's safe to say he did a whole Reconnaissance on the hotel's information, who runs it, who's married to who. And then we'll be in hell and hot water. And I may have started lying recently, but I'm not a very good liar, Kev and this is a bad idea", she explained close to being almost hysterical. Kevin held her close and placed a gentle kiss on her brow, "Breathe", he advised. Alexis nodded and breathed in Kevin's scent, clutching on to his jacket.

They sat in silence, until Alexis' Blackberry began to ring; Alexis nearly jumped a mile, and then laughed nervously. Kevin smiled, "its okay, happens to the best of us", he murmured nuzzling her neck playfully. Alexis giggled, "Yeah? Except you didn't jump like a mouse", she answered and then opening her phone, and setting it on loud speaker, she spoke, "This is Alexis Castle", she said. 'Hello, it's me, where on earth did you and Kay disappear to?' Fatima asked. They heard Aaliya squeal, 'leave 'em alone May, they're probably feeding each other chocolate covered strawberries', she said. Alexis laughed, "Actually we're on the ground floor, locked in a closet, hiding from my dad", she corrected. They were greeted with silence.

'What?' Fatima asked, Kevin continued, "We ducked into the Nostradamus Staff Supply closet, when I spotted Rick, Lanie and Detective Kate Beckett", he began, "There aren't any other exits, so we're kind of sitting ducks", he said. Fatima hummed, 'I can provide a distraction, but that will probably only get one of you out', she said. Alexis sighed, "Problem is I told dad I had a date with 'Kay', I can't lie remember, and you guys were all, 'Don't Worry Mr. Castle we're her chaperones, we won't allow no hanky-panky', If I walk out dad will ask where Kay is and I can't say he left—", 'Because we made a show of him spending the entire day with you. Shit! Putting him in bad-light just causes more problems. What if Kevin steps out, we can get you out later?' she asked. Kevin shook his head, "I'm supposed to be off-duty and if they're here for some sort of official work, then I'm toast. Whether I have family here or not, I'll be escorted of the premises with a cop. I'll be put under house-arrest so I don't interfere", he said.

No… Not an option!

Aaliya cursed, 'What about one of the guys, they could be 'Kay'. Pretend temporarily', she offered. They quickly explained why that was a bad idea. Leo whistled low, 'How on earth do you get into these situations?' he asked. Kevin chuckled, "It's my famous Ryan Luck", he said. Alexis nodded, "That's one reason", she muttered. 'Why not just stay there, we'll get you food and stuff', Amelia asked. Kevin shook his head, but before he could explain Brian spoke up, he's voice calm and deadpanned as ever, 'For How long. Miss C-Emerald and Kevin would need to leave eventually, and if the reason they are here, are either a Book Launch or Detective work, a police detail, or—', "—someone my dad knows will be kept back to secure the premises or to know the staff more well, if it is a book Launch", she finished. Brian hummed quietly and the others sighed.

Aaliya spoke up 'How about Kabir. I mean he's name starts with a K and well he's more or less your age, I mean he's only twenty one. That should work right?' she asked. "No!" Alexis laughed at Kevin's instinctive response, and apparent joy at such a simple solution, "Ignore Kevin, that's a brilliant idea. Thank you Aaliya, but will he go for it?" she asked warily. 'Sure he will, I'll call him and explain', she said and walked a bit away from the group. "Thank You. Call me when he gets here, please", she asked. Fatima answered, 'Sure!'

Kevin pouted, "I don't like him", he whined. Alexis smirked, "Yeah. But he's our best bet", she said, and hanging up, kissed him soundly on the mouth, Kevin groaned, "That's cheating", he said. Alexis grinned against his mouth, "You complaining?" she asked. Kevin smirked, "Seven Minutes in heaven? Who's complaining?" he asked. Standing up, he pulled her along behind one of the shelves, "How may I prove it you, Love?" he asked. Alexis giggled, "Oh I don't know, surprise me", she teased. Kevin grinned, and pulled her in for a kiss. Kevin kissed her softly, "I love you", he murmured against her lips, "I Love you, too", she whispered softly.

Alexis closed her eyes, as Kevin kissed her, it should be a study in art as Kevin kissed her, his lips moved against hers with a passion borne from adrenaline, strength, and love. To her Kissing Kevin was like the Chinese proverb that said, 'Kissing is like drinking salted water. You drink, and your thirst increases'. Kissing Kevin was a unique experience. His lips were pleasantly full and cupping that warm cheek was wonderful, felt strangely natural. His lips were soft but firm, the perfect combination in a kissing partner, and Alexis was unable to resist the urge to gently suck the protruding lower one. Kevin gasped, eyes shooting open and lips parting.

Alexis sucked harder, nibbling gently and caressing his face. The detective was clearly shocked, but just as clearly enjoying every second as he sat there, whimpering and panting, passively but enthusiastically accepting the kiss. Alexis had expected to enjoy the kiss, since kisses were always quite nice, but she'd been unprepared for the subtle heat and tension suddenly building in her stomach, thighs, and points between. Arousal was the last thing she'd banked on and she did her best to ignore it and focus on just kissing him properly.

Kevin however made that decision hard to follow through with, as he pulled her closer, which in her books, was practically impossible, They kissed each other with abandon, hands everywhere, Alexis had found she'd unbuttoned Kevin's shirt, his jacket, currently a cushion beneath her head, and just when did they end up lying horizontally on the floor? Kevin on top of her, slightly on her right side, legs tangled between each others, and she'd managed to squeeze his nipple. And if she'd known that was the effect she'd receive she'd have done it sooner.

Kevin groaned, and pulled back, breathing deeply, "minx", he bit out. Smirking at his panting Alexis dragged Kevin forward, all but into her lap, and kissed him again. They groaned, shoving back against each other with graceless abandon. If there was one thing Alexis appreciated, it was that Kevin threw everything he was and everything he had into these things. Alexis met it head on, squeezing his waist and neck, their tongues battling for dominance. A battle Alexis gladly lost.

Kissing Kevin was pushing the boundaries into sex on its own, and that was both thrilling and exhilarating, somehow, she was half-dressed and her jeans were unbuttoned, "K-Kevin", she moaned pulling back slightly, eyes glassy and blurry. Kevin moaned, "I know — I-I'm just going to — let go of you— in just — a second", he murmured against her lips, kissing her after each word. Alexis giggled and half moaned as they continued kissing lazily against each other, the passion hadn't diminished, but they were clothing each other back up.

They stopped completely as Alexis' Blackberry sounded, "A-Alexis here"; she breathed out as Kevin attacked her neck, relentlessly. She stifled a moan as, 'Uh… Kabir's here', Fatima said over the line. "So Soon, it's only been ten minutes", she mumbled through clenched teeth. Fatima laughed, 'Sweetheart it's been Forty five minutes since you and lover boy have absconded from us' she said. Alexis hummed, "Great. T-That's great, Could you give us say around t-ten minutes and we'll wait for him, here", she managed to say. 'How about I give you fifteen minutes? You're going to need the extra five minutes, to look presentable', she teased and then hung up.

Alexis blinked and then let the phone fall from her limp hand, as she pulled Kevin off of her neck, with a loud pop, and kissed him again, hands gripping his hair, as she kissed him like her life depended on it. As they parted for air, she kissed the corner of his lip, "That's for your infamous Luck", she whispered. Kevin grinned, "Yeah? Then this is to keep you safe", he whispered and kissed her softly on the lips, so gently it felt like a feather caressing her lips, "I love you", he said again as he pushed off of her. Alexis smiled, as she watched him stand, "Love you too", and took his offered hand. Kevin hugged her close and then placing a soft kiss on her brow, pulled back.

They dressed each other, quickly, fixing each other's hair and laughing as they each blushed at the hickeys they gave each other. Thankfully Kevin had worn, a high neck sweater-jacket, which he could pull over his neck, and Alexis used a scarf, and wrapped it around the five spots she now wore. They bickered good-naturedly at the damage each other caused. Then stood a good foot away from each other, as they waited for Kabir to come get Alexis, Aaliya would be coming for Kevin, her eyes were the closest, to Emerald as they could get, and it helped they were the same age. They had discussed it as Kevin located Alexis' sweater, that for some odd reason had managed to find its way on the top most shelve that stored 'Pool Towels', and had sent a quick text to Aaliya regarding the deal. She had agreed and now they stood waiting for them

Alexis suddenly giggled, "You know if this were the challenge I'd have told you what goes around comes around, judging by our tonsil-hockey-game", she joked. Kevin shrugged, "It may not have been your Precinct Challenge (The P.C), but it was Challenge enough. I don't think I've made out with anyone in a closet since I was sixteen", he laughed. "And if we can render each other completely mental with just kissing, we should really be careful", he sighed.

Alexis nodded but otherwise kept silent as the door opened, they were greeted by the Sharma siblings, who were grinning at them. Kevin smiled, "Be Careful", he said and patting her head gently walked passed towards Aaliya who was grinning. He stopped and whispered something at Kabir, who nodded once and waited for Alexis to join him, the Indian boy stood sober and alert, smile tense. Alexis smile, she could hazard a guess at what Kevin had said to him, and she found it oddly endearing. Mentally agreeing simultaneously that as far as warnings went, this one she'd heed.

Kissing Kevin was pushing the boundaries into sex on its own!

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Translations:

From Hindi to English:

Tujhe patta na yeh sab teri galati hai, na. = You do realize this is your entire fault, you know.

Mujhe kya pata tha, sab bahr mein jayega. Ek chotti si galati hi to thi! = How was I supposed to know one slip up would send everything into hell in a hand basket?

Dekha jaye, to yeh sab teri Dr. Cortez ka galati hai = in all honesty it was your Dr. Cortez to blame. Couldn't he leave well enough alone?