A/N: In this alternate universe, the time period is sort of equivalent to the 80's, early 90's America. Everyone smokes, (still), and in the cities, it's the corporate suits who think they're entitled to everything, especially money (not so different from today, but the stockmarket was like a candy store without a cash register, and the suits, children). Likewise, Bobby and Alex are a fair bit younger, though still full of the same fire and wit, if a bit more ... hopeful. Thanks for the great reviews so far, please keep it up.

"So... come on, what do you do? And 'freelance' isn't gonna cut it," She smiled at him, and held her glass poised to drink from it.

"I don't want to lie to you,"

"So don't lie to me."

"Okay.." He exhaled, and lay his fork on his plate, then looked up at her again. "I'm a con man."

"Right. A thief with a heart of gold?"

"A regular robin hood. I steal from the rich and greedy and give to the poor --"

"and needy?"

"You got it." He shrugged, sipping his wine. "Though I would have worded it differently. I'm not big on rhyming."

"Ah." She smiled. "You're a horrible liar, you know."

"Probably because I'm not lying."

"You're leaving something out."

"Everyone does."

"Okay. I'll take what I can get." She grinned.

"You're surprisingly understanding. You still don't believe me, do you,"

"Actually, I do believe you. You're charming, clever, honorable... even if you're a little warped about it, and you're disarmingly honest."

"Is that bad?" He looked concerned.

"Your bill, sir." The waiter slipped the leather booklet next to Bobby's hand, and stepped away.

Alex had a cigarette lit, and was sipping ice water.

"I definitely wouldn't have had you pegged as having a taste for fine dining when we met."

"I'm hurt," He pulled his wallet from his jacket, and peeked at the check.

"I think it was the leather." She smirked.

"Hm? Oh, yeah, I don't consider having money being something to brag about."

"Likewise."

"I like you." He slid a few notes into the sleeve, setting it on the edge of the table, and looked up at her.

"Gee, thanks. .. I like you, too."

"I had a really nice time tonight." She smiled up at him. He'd told the cab to wait for him while he walked her to her door.

"Yeah, me too."

"I'm not just saying that. It's .. kind of unusual for me to enjoy dates."

"This is a date? Shoot.."

"Stop it," She laughed.

"I really like you a lot," He was serious again.

"Likewise."

He thumbed her jaw gently, and tilted her chin up as he leaned down to kiss her. Her hands slid up over his shoulders, and he pulled her closer. The kiss was brief, but they didn't part after it. Instead, he kissed her again, the third kiss the longest and by far the best kiss Alex ever got, the runners up being the first two. A shiver went through her, and when he did pull apart, she wished he hadn't.

He smiled and pushed her hair back, tucking it behind her ear.

"I gotta go, the meter's running." He whispered.

"You planned that."

"Yeah..." He ducked his head.

"Thank you." She smiled, and he waited until she unlocked her door and went inside, before he jumped down the steps, tapping the top of the door frame with his fingers on his way out. He got into the cab, grinning.