[Okay so this part really wasn't meant to be this long! But I got carried away, again! Sorry! Hope you like it! And thank you so much to those that vote and leave feedback, it honestly means the world to me and helps me to keep writing!]

Truth or Dare ~Part 2

As they sat in the car the deafening silence that surrounded them was torture for Alex, she was never this quiet, which must mean she is really, really mad. He wasn't sure whether to just address the situation or leave her to calm down. Norma's moods always fluctuated and although he was getting used to them he was still learning the best ways to handle her. In the end he thought it was best to just keep his mouth shut, maybe he had overstepped the mark, he wasn't a parent after all and he certainly wasn't Norman's father but he is legally his step son, and he is paying for his treatment so he should get some say, even if it goes against what his wife wants. He sighed to himself, who was he kidding, he was an ass, he shouldn't have talked for Norma, she can talk for herself, but he just wanted to keep her safe and Norman being allowed home for visits was going to be detrimental to his recovery, even the doctor said so, but Norma couldn't see that, all she could see and believe was Alex muscling in and taking over, denying her of her son. She, as predicted by Alex, made a scene, embarrassed him, called him an asshole through gritted teeth and stormed off cutting the appointment short, not to mention slamming the door behind her. Alex was mortified. Maybe Norma had every right to be pissed at him, he and Dr Edwards had talked like she wasn't there, discussing pro's and con's for Normans overnight passes and how that was not in Normans best interest, everytime Norma spoke or protested the doctor would shoot her down with reasonable reasons to why it wasn't a good idea, especially as Norman's behaviour lately was a little unsettling and he wasn't particularly fond of his mother right now, Doctor Edwards sugar coated and softened the blow so not to hurt Norma, but Doctor Edwards was aware that Norman hated his Mother for abandoning him, not to mention his therapy right now was going over the past, and painful past memories. Norman of course had no recollection of these conversations with Doctor Edwards, but he had learnt about Norma's trauma, what her brother did to her and what her husbands had put her through. Norman's dissociative identity 'Mother' also enlightened him about Norman's father's treatment of him and Norma, he hated Norma for not leaving sooner, and 'Mother' blamed Norma for Norman's fragile state of mind. Doctor Edwards knowing all this and then seeing Norma and Alex the next day made him watch her, looking for signs of possible disordered behaviours in her, she had been through such trauma that maybe she could have done with some extra help to heal those internal scars. He knew it wasn't the time or the place to discuss her fragility and she was pretty hot headed and particularly wound up, he thought it wise not to bring it up, but he felt such empathy for everything she had been through and how she had no one.

Alex mulled over everything that was discussed, it seemed reasonable to leave Norman, let him have a bit more time to heal, but of course Norma didn't agree. He was still pretty mad at her, he wanted an apology for her behaviour but he knew he wouldn't get one as she felt she was completely justified in what she did. They were just going to have to agree to disagree. He could tell Norma was starting to get bored and restless waiting for the tow truck as she kept fidgeting with her dress, sighing heavily every few minutes and wrestling with her legs trying to stretch her feet out on the dashboard. Eventually Alex piped up after having a quiet chuckle to himself, Norma who was so elegant and graceful sitting with one leg on the dashboard and the other up high trying to cram into the tight space she had, this particular position showed off a good portion of her thighs, he tried not to look but his eyes were drawn to her, scanning her and admiring the beauty she hid underneath her dress, his head shot down the minute Norma turned to look at him, she scowled knowing full well Alex was checking her out, but she loved it really, she loved how he gazed at her body, but it was more fun to wind him up and make him uncomfrotable. Alex cleared his throat trying to change the subject as quickly as possible to ignore and forget the awkward sexual tension, was it just him that felt it? Did she feel it too but she wanted to play with him, he just couldn't work her out. She was unreadable just now.

'Norma, why don't you go in the back, there's more room there and you can stretch your legs out, you can even sleep if you want and i'll stay awake and wait for the recovery truck. I've got a blanket too if you need it.'

Norma was stunned by his kindness, he was still an asshole in her eyes but at least he was a kind asshole.

'Oh ok, um thanks. Where will you sit?'

'You're welcome and I'll sit here so that you can stretch out properly, you probably need the sleep.'

Norma scrunched her nose up, 'what's that supposed to mean?'

Alex's eyes looked sad and his shoulders dropped, he was exhausted by her behaviour, he yearned to see her beautiful smile and the twinkle of her eyes but he knew that she wasn't there emotionally to do that, he tried to empathise with what she was going through, it must be hard having one son not talking to you after a fight and another that despises you for 'abandoning' them, not to mention having to get married for a third time and live with a man she doesn't really know that well. Although Norma and Alex had been friends for a while and they oozed sexual chemistry every time they were around each other, they didn't really know each other that well, both were mysterious strangers to each other, full of heartbreak, secrets and lies. He didn't blame Norma for her behaviour no matter how much she infuriated him. He'd made a promise to her, he would always be there and nothing would change that, Alex softly whispered to Norma with such defeat in his voice,

'Nothing Norma, it wasn't supposed to mean anything, i just meant that you were up super early this morning, and i heard you up during the night, you were obviously stressed and unable to sleep, i just figured you might wanna sleep now while we wait'

Norma felt a wave of guilt flood her body, she'd done it again, assumed the worst and snapped at him. The sadness in his eyes made her heart drop. She felt awful, and she knew the front seats weren't comfy and they were small and confined, there was no way Alex was going to manage to sit comfortably for an hour and a half. Norma gazed at Alex and sheepishly whispered back,

'Oh. Oops. I'm sorry Alex, I thought that you wer-were having a go. I'm sorry. I didn't me-mean to snap. Please come sit in the back, like you said it's more comfortable and you may as well be comfy whilst we wait.'

Alex was genuinely shocked at the sincerity in her voice, she was softening up to him. Finally. He clambered into the back seat next to her and shuffled to the window, he was worried about sitting too close to her, the idea of them both being in the backseat of his SUV, alone, in the dark with their body heat steaming up the windows was just a little too much for him to handle right now. He felt safer the further away he sat from her, safer in the sense he wasn't going to ruin the mood by doing something incredibly stuipd like kissing her.

As the minutes passed by Norma and Alex's cumbersome chit chat turned to the weather, business at the motel and criminals he had caught however they both found themselves starting to lighten up, what initially had started out awkward suddenly became easy and free flowing, the uncomfortable silences had faded somewhat. Alex realised how genuinely nice it was to hear Norma talking openly about her motel, she seemed more relaxed than she had done previously and in turn her calmer mood meant Alex started to feel calm too, that sense of being on constant high alert for the next drama that came his way finally started to subside, he enjoyed hearing her talk, listening to what she had to say. He knew that they had to have 'that' chat, the Norman situation was never going to go away but at least for now it had been pushed to one side, thankfully. In that moment in time all he wanted to do was spend it with his wife.

After covering a range of 'safe' topics -touchy subjects were off limits for the meantime as neither one of them wanted to argue, not at that time of night so they both seemed to stick to fairly mild subjects- Norma shuffled about trying to get more comfortable and smiled back at Alex, she had enjoyed his company which is something she couldn't have imagined this morning. Suddenly she leaned forward overcome with excitement,

'Alex! Lets play a game! I'm bored talking about my Motel and what flowers i want to plant! So...Hows about it? Wanna play?'

Alex raised his eyebrow and narrowed his gaze at her, he couldn't believe the range of emotions and moods this woman could go through in one day, it was amazing. But he loved her excitement at the little things, the things most woman would judge or scoff at but Norma seemed to love. She was like a child, finding beauty and joy in the simplest of things, loving things that many took for granted.

'Mmm hmm, and what game do you wish to play? Because i don't know if you've noticed that we are stranded in the SUV.'

'Oh come on Alex! Use your imagination! We need to do something to pass the time'

There were plenty of things that Alex could think of to pass the time and all of them included showing Norma how much he loved her and wanted to be with her, to show her what proper love was. But he shut his thoughts up, this wasn't the place. And he didn't feel Norma would really appreciate him thinking like that.

'I dunno Norma, i don't really like games'

Alex shrugged his shoulders, worried he was disappointing her.

'Oh right okay, I get it, don't worry. I didn't take you for someone that likes to play games, you're much too stoic and serious for that.'

Norma being as subtle as ever pouted her lips a little and did her best puppy dog eyes.

'Okay fine, I'll play. Nice reverse psychology by the way. 10 out of 10 for effort.'

Alex rolled his eyes knowing all too well he had yet again been sucked in by her, she was always doing that to him and he could never resist. He loved it really, but he never let on to her, didn't want to give the game away.

'Okay Norma, what game are we gonna play then?'

Norma looked a little sheepish as she looked around the SUV for ideas,

'Hmm, i um- i don't know'

Alex gave a playful scoff and rolled his eyes at her lack of organisation.

'Wait, so you mean to tell me that you asked me to play a game with you and you don't even have any idea what to play?

Alex shook his head and chuckled to himself,

'Okay, how about we play i-spy?'

Norma groaned and dramatically threw her hands up to her head

'Oh God not i-spy, i hate that game, do you realise how many times i've played that with Norman and Dylan. It's so boring. Hey! How about Truth or Dare! That could be fun!'

Alex sighed, he hadn't played that game since he was a teenager and he wasn't really sure they could play it in the car, besides the truth or dare he used to play, Norma would definitely not be up for. Although he couldn't help but chuckle to himself.

'Wha-'

'Oh come on, it'll be fun! Pweeese Alex'

Alex rolled his eyes, how the hell were they going to play that in the SUV, the truths maybe, although he wondered how truthful she would be, she wasn't exactly renowned for telling the truth at the best of times, she was such a mystery to him, so many secrets behind those captivating sparkling eyes, the eyes that first drew him to her. They were spellbinding. He knew he was going to end up caving, he always caved, the fact she so innocently begged him like a child 'Pweeese' made him internally chuckle, she was so innocent at times, like there was a part of her that never grew up, stuck in a playful, curious and joyful state. For all the drama and chaos that surrounded her it amazed him that she embodied these qualities, it was rare to see her behave like this but it was a tonic, so refreshing to him. You'd never believe she was capable of being like this, she seemed to have her shit together, most of the time, always so prim and proper, and oh so polite-again most of the time thought Alex. She'd definitely said some impolite things to him over the years. But again he wondered how such a childlike spirit was trapped deep down, only ever showing up occasionally, to remind him that she in fact was human and not the ice queen she appeared to be at times.

'Ugh Norma, fine. You win. Although i'm not entirely sure how you expect us to play, not much we can do'

Norma wrinkled her nose, a devilish sparkle in her eyes and she subconsciously bit down on her lower lip.

'I can think of a few dares we could do...'

She had intended to make Alex uncomfortable, toy with him a little just for a joke, she knew the seductive eyes would work, but she didn't mean to bite her lip, or did she, Norma wasn't sure and the involuntary action made her question herself, she wasn't wanting to lead him on, not really but she found herself strangely aroused at her own act. She blushed ever so slightly, seemingly the joke was on her.

Alex felt his heart lurch, the hairs on his body standing on edge, hanging off her every word, replaying what she said over and over whilst he watched her eyes and drifted down to her lips, her lip bite was too much for him and he could feel himself hardening in his jeans. 'Fuck, what is she doing' Alex tensed he wasn't sure if she was playing with him, but the fact her cheeks flushed he thought maybe she meant it. But was he hell going to make the first move, he wasn't going to get sucked into her game, he was stubborn and she would have to work for it. The subtle embarrassed smile on her face straight away and change of subject disappointed him a little, she had obviously changed her mind or was in fact playing with him. He would never know.

'Uhm, okay Alex I chose the game so, truth or dare' - she said without looking at him.

'I suppose i'll ease myself in gently, huh? I pick truth.'

Norma smiled widely and thought hard of all the questions she could ask her new husband, time to get to know the real Alex, the person behind the stoic sheriff façade.

'Okay...so favourite animal' - Norma said quickly and with a little too much enthusiasm.

Alex shook his head in disbelief, of all the things, 'all' the things she could have asked him and she choose this ridiculous question, he sighed and looked back at her, he noticed her face change, she looked embarrassed, like she had read his mind and could tell what he was thinking, he hadn't meant to offend her, Alex scoffed a little and cleared his throat,

'Sorry, i just figured you would ask me something more...'

'Grown up, yeah? Okay fine. Have it your way. Favourite position? You strike me as an on top kinda guy? Yeah? Or do you like to be dominated? You like a woman to take charge, have her on top?

Alex gasped, choking on the sharp inhale of air he'd breathed in, he had not expected that, especially from her. He was speechless, he opened his mouth a few times to speak but nothing came out, he just couldn't seem to form a sentence, until his brain finally caught up and everything he said all tumbled out at once,

'Fucken hell Norma'

'Hmm, maybe that was a bit much' - Norma smiled, delighted with herself for making the Sheriff squirm.

'Ya think?' - Alex tried to recover from her sudden unexpected question, visions soaring through his mind of Norma and him being intimate, her dominating him, being in charge...being on top, her bare skin against his, her breasts out on full display... He shook his head quickly trying to get rid of the inappropriate thoughts. 'Nope, don't ,don't do this. Don't do this.'

'Okay, okay, i'll be serious-'

She was cut off by Alex as he decided to answer her original question, he guessed that they had to start somewhere, be as well something light.

'Dog'

'Huh?

'You asked my favourite animal. I'm saying dog, I've always wanted a german shepherd. They make great police dogs, are very loyal and very protective of their owners and the family they belong to. When i was younger i always figured i'd have a german shepherd and she would protect my wife and kids whilst i was away working.'

Norma's eyes widened, she couldn't believe what she was hearing, she'd never really seen Alex as the family man, settling down with kids. But then again she didn't know him, not really. Alex had never really let her in. It was endearing to hear him speaking so openly but there was a slight sadness to his voice, she wondered why he had taken the path he had done.

'What happened? I mean, you married me so I assume you haven't got another wife, unless you're leading a double life i don't know about!'

Norma tried to lighten the mood but as soon as she said it she regretted it, she could see Alex try to hide his feelings, it was obvious he was upset he didn't have that lifestyle. She still couldn't get her head around it.

Alex let out a little chuckle to mask the hurt he felt at Norma's casual little joke, he knew she wasn't being malicious but it hurt all the same.

'Yeah well i guess life gets in the way, sometimes it doesn't go the way you expect. I was married once though but that ended badly. I was an ass and I guess after that I never found the right person, hence the no children. But i came to terms with that a long time ago and to be honest it suits me better. I don't think i'd have the time for them and i prefer my own company i guess, not having to be in constant demand of little people and besides, i don't think i'd be very good at it, i didn't exactly have the best role model, i wouldn't want them to turn out like me' -

Alex's voice faltered at his last comment and Norma knew deep down he didn't mean it, she knew he wanted children but just didn't find the right woman, she suddenly felt an immense amount of guilt, she'd probably screwed his chances of ever being able to settle down with someone he loved for real, he still had the chance to have children, a wife, a dog, the dream life he wanted, he could have that but she was in the way. She was unable to hide the guilt and pain and it spread across her face. Alex noticed right away, his eyes softened almost as if he could hear the voices tearing her apart.

'I'm sorry Alex, I never really thought about how this would impact you, all I thought about was myself and Norman and what I wanted, I never once considered what you were giving up, sacrificing even, for Norman...for me. You must resent me so much. The way I bullied you into marrying me. I'm so sorry.'

Alex jumped quickly to ressasure her, with the most soothing tone he could muster despite feeling hurt that she didn't realise she was the woman for him, he only wanted her and that would never change.

'Heyheyhey Norma don't do that, really i don't resent you at all, i could never hate you! I'm okay with the idea of not being a father, and as for being married again...I..I'm hap-happy I married you. Really...'

Alex froze at his last comment worried incase Norma felt that he had some hidden agenda to marrying her, he quickly added in

'I wanted to help, I wanted to help as a friend. That's what friends do. And anyway I agreed, you never 'bullied' me into anything. Please don't ever think that. And lets be honest i'm too old to have kids now'

Norma couldn't explain why her stomach flipped, she felt a sense of hurt and disappointment at the word 'friend' she always felt deep down that there was something between them, totally unspoken but definitely there, she felt maybe she had been wrong, misjudged his kindness for affection and feelings.

'Oh okay, i don't want to be the reason you turn someone down in the future, you are free to walk away whenever you want'

Alex swallowed hard, realising that maybe he'd misjudged the situation, maybe there was nothing between them after all. Norma quickly changed the subject back to his first wife desperate to move past the awkward tension that had accumulated between them.

'So what's this about a first wife?'

'Ha, oh jeez, well there isn't anything to tell really, we were young, she was the sister of an old buddy, two months later we were married and divorced six months after that. I realised a week in i'd made a terrible mistake and i just became really impossible to be around, i know, very 'mature' and then she left me. And the rest is history. I feel different about the situation now, I was young before, but I regret how I behaved, deeply. But yeah so that's probably why it was best i didn't really settle down again'

'Ohh yikes, although i can't really see you being an ass to anyone' -Norma burst out laughing, it was impossible not to and although Alex was somewhat offended he laughed too.

'Yeah well Mrs Bates you're not exactly innocent either! You're a massive asshole at times and a pain in my ass most of the time.'

'Wow, say it how it is Mr Romero' -Norma wrinkled her nose trying to appear totally disgusted by his rude remark only to meet Alex's gaze, a smile tugged at the side of her mouth, it was the truth and she knew she was. And today was no exception.

'I was a nightmare today wasn't I? I know I've been hard on you, i haven't meant to be Alex, i just...i dunno i just feel so ugh, lost? Defeated? And i guess you're right i haven't been sleeping and that hasn't helped, thank you for putting up with me, i'm sorry i pushed you too far, i did-'

Alex cut her off before she could finish,

'Norma stop, it's okay, i mean yeah you were a little, um, lets just say unreasonable...to put it mildly and well lets just say i'm glad you've cheered up a little!' I much prefer it when she smile, it makes your eyes sparkle'

Alex felt like kicking himself, 'God that's so cheesy, she's going to make fun of that comment now'

'Ohh smooth Alex!' So smooth, you want chips with that cheese?' -

Alex laughed at her comeback, she was always so witty and sharp with him, he liked that they could challenge each other.

Norma smiled, she couldn't help it, she loved the way he appreciated her features and took time to notice the little things. Most men hadn't. They hadn't really been interested, that wasn't the part they wanted.

Norma's mind quickly flashed back to Alex's comment about being a father 'I don't think I'd be very good at it', it made her sad to think that, she felt the exact opposite, the way he had been with Norman, and she had seen the bond he had developed with Dylan, she thought Alex would have made a wonderful father.

'Alex...for what it's worth I believe you would have been a wonderful father, I know you say that the times past and you don't want now but I think you really would have been brilliant, they would have been really lucky to have you.'

Alex's heart tightened, the lump forming at the back of his throat and the hot tears pricking at his eyes. She truly had no idea how much that simple comment meant to him. It took him everything to not let his emotions get the better of him, he felt embarrassed to cry in front of Norma, nobody had ever seen Alex cry, except for that time where he tried to resuscitate a young girl that had taken her own life after her father had raped her. Alex felt he should have saved her but she was dead when he arrived, the paramedics turned up shortly after but it was too late. Her death stuck with him for years, she was only 14, it was almost like it had triggered the memory of his mother's sucide.

Alex felt the warm trickle of a tear start to meander down his cheek, he looked down quickly and gave a little cough, trying to disguise his failed attempt to hide his tears.

But Norma noticed straight away, seeing him so overcome with emotion tugged at her heartstrings, he might pretend to not want kids now, but it was a lie to cover how he really felt, and suddenly it dawned on Norma just how sensitive he was, all bark with no bite, unless you were deserving of a bite. He was so stoic and brooding on the outside, mean at times and intimidating but under it all he was dare she say it, a little vulnerable.

'Uhm, yeah thanks Norma, means a lot. Appreciate it.' Alex spoke back sternly trying to cover the croak he felt his voice might give way to.

The atmosphere was still tense and the awkward silence started to become unbearably uncomfortable. Both Alex and Norma felt the need to break the tension but were completely unsure of themselves and what was best to say until Alex suddenly blurted out something out that made Norma jump,

'Oh, I've got something that can make this game a little bit...different..Maybe more cheerful! It's gonna be great, and it'll help us pick some questions! Or at least the courage to answer them.'

Norma opened her mouth but hesitated. She wasn't sure what Alex had in mind but she was a little worried.

'Norma it's okay! You trust me?!'

'I dunno Alex, i mean i do in every sense of the word, but this is truth or dare...nothing good ever comes from someone saying trust me!'

'Look just close your eyes! I was saving this for Christmas, a little present for myself...'

Norma cut him off right away,

'Wait what? You bought yourself a christmas present! Why?'

Norma laughed at the thought of Alex wrapping it up and gifting it to himself on christmas morning, her eyes were still squeezed shut but she noticed the quiet start to creep in...

Alex shuffled uncomfortably, and dipped his head, whilst speaking back quietly,

'Yeah, well..i never really get presents for my birthday or Christmas, i don't have anyone that, you know, I'm close to and i don't have family, but I don't buy myself a card though, that would be pretty sad. I tend to just be on my own those days with the present I've treated myself to every Birthday and every Christmas, always a bottle of bourbon, it helps numb things, take the edge of ya know? Sounds silly now that i say it out loud, actually it sounds really pathetic'

Norma gasped softly, she couldn't believe how much of a bitch she just looked like just now, it was heartbreaking what he just said, truly heartbreaking. Even with her eyes shut, her tears managed to find their way down her cheeks, and she sniffled quietly, she didn't want Alex to know she was crying. Suddenly Norma's eyes flew open, she noticed how Alex's body language had changed and he was sitting with his head looking at the floor, looking so sad, like a lost little boy.

'Oh Alex, I'm so sorry, that's awful, i can't imagine what it's like to not really have family around you during those happy times, especially someone saying just a simple Happy Birthday or Merry Christmas, oh Alex thats really sad.'

'Nah Norma, its all good. I'm used to it now'

'That's even more heartbreaking...Well Alex, I swear on my heart this year will be different, very different. I promise you. I'll make this the best Christmas you've had in years. And every day we open a new door on the advent calendar, you'll get a little present to go with it, oh and you'll have to look for it like a treasure hunt!'

Norma's excitement grew, she was delighted with her plan, Alex noted how childlike she seemed again, only Norma could think of doing a treasure hunt during the build up to Christmas. She was so adorable he thought, he just wanted to scoop her up in his arms and cradle her tightly, no one had ever wanted or gone to this much effort for him and he was blown away.

'Norma, really, you don't need to do that, its okay honest'

'Don't be stupid! Of course i'm going to do it, just try and stop me!'

'Oh don't worry Norma i wouldn't dream of stopping you once you've got a plan set in motion! But you know you don't have to feel duty bound to do it just because we are married. It's not like it comes with the job of being my wife.'

Norma softened her eyes and gave Alex a warm smile and a cheeky wink,

'Alex, i know. But I want to. I really want to make it special for you...Now where's your bourbon, let the games commence'