Author's Notes: Readers deserve better than this chapter. I apologize in advance because I've had the worst bout of writer's block. I hoped that forcing myself to write this chapter would snap me out of whatever writer's block hole I've seemed to fallen into, but this hasn't turned out the way I wanted it to.

If you can, please leave me a review. Maybe it will help me get back into the writing groove?

This also isn't edited, sorry! I'll try to fix mistakes later.

I hope in some way you enjoy this chapter…

Chapter 12: Coffee Talk

Dylan stirs awake before the sun rises the next morning.

Sleeping under the brightened stars last night with his arms wrapped tightly around the person he cares for the most, all previous confusing thoughts regarding Emma had been resolved. However, a troubling feeling still lingers. No matter how many times he tells himself it has nothing to do with his mother, he knows this isn't the truth.

With a sigh, Dylan tenderly untangles his arms from around the peaceful sleeping figure next to him. Once he is freed from Emma's gentle clutches, Dylan is careful to snugly tuck the blankets around her body as a substitute for his natural warmth. As he hesitantly steps away, Dylan notices Emma's forgotten phone still lying on the dew-covered grass. Quickly, he picks up the silenced device and places it on his former pillow.

Trying his best to be discreet with his footsteps, Dylan glides his feet along the grass as quietly as he can. The moment the sole of his boots crunch against the gravel, Dylan instantly turns his attention behind him to catch a glimpse of the heap of blankets lying about ten feet away from him. In seeing no movement from the excess layers hiding Emma underneath, Dylan continues the last few quick strides to his truck.

When he reaches the driver's side door, Dylan opens the door and carefully closes it behind him with only a small click sound. He frantically glances out the window as the roar of his engine interrupts the serene sounds of the atmosphere. Observing only a minor shuffle from covers, he exhales a shallow breath in relief and then slowly backs his truck out of the driveway.

With a destination in mind, Dylan continues to travel down the country road leading to town. While the drive helps him clear his thoughts a little, his conscious remains muddled and confused.

About 20 minutes into the drive from the outskirts of town, White Pine Bay's only coffee shop finally comes into view. Once he pulls into the almost empty parking lot of the 24 hour café, Dylan exits his truck and shuffles his feet sluggishly toward the familiar front door. The restless sleep he's been suffering from lately has been taking a toll on his well-being in addition to draining almost all of the energy he has in his body at times, today is no exception. Coffee has now become a necessity for daily functioning versus an occasional bonus, causing Dylan to become a frequent visitor to the shop.

After grabbing his beverage from the counter, Dylan drags his boots along the tiled floor to his favorite table and rests his weary body in the relatively comfortable chair. While staring out the window Dylan lifts the cup to his lips, not even flinching when the liquid burns his throat.

When the caffeine gradually filters into his veins, the different ideas and beliefs that have been plaguing his mind since last night start to rush into his mind. He sighs in an attempt to calm himself which sadly only provides a little relief. He's trying to shake the anger regarding Norma from his thoughts, but he can't seem to let the argument or the hurt feelings he's been experiencing go.

Just as Dylan's trust in the relationship with his mother had been developing, his faith in her was completely dissipated within a matter of hours. He's never been so disappointed and defeated as he is right now. With each sip of the hot beverage in the ceramic mug held in his jittery hands, Dylan struggles to force his wounded emotions down so low within him they can never be recovered.

Dylan repeatedly convinces himself he's become void of all feeling toward Norma before, he can do it again.

After over an hour of reflection and three refills of coffee from the waitress without even realizing it, Dylan's head begins to throb signaling it's time for him to leave and to return to Emma. He feels almost nothing regarding the subject of Norma by the time he pushes the mug away from himself and stands from his seat, now wide awake after all of the caffeine he's ingested since arriving early this morning.

Before he leaves the café, Dylan decides to order Emma's favorite drink with a pastry he knows she'll enjoy. And even though he probably shouldn't, he elects to grab another coffee to go for himself also.

After paying for Emma's fancy drink topped off with a generous amount of whipped cream per his request and a croissant, Dylan stands off to the side and becomes lost in his thoughts. Dylan is so distracted by his own mind he doesn't hear the bells chime from above the moving café door, indicating a new customer has arrived.

"You're here early," a familiar gruff voice causes Dylan to flinch.

Dylan quickly spins around to see the Sheriff standing with an annoying grin plastered on his face. "Sheriff," he acknowledges with narrowed eyes and distain in his tone.

Romero's smile falters in noticing the young man's attitude towards him. This isn't necessarily a surprise for the Sheriff after everything Norma had told him yesterday, but it still saddens him.

Dylan turns his back to Romero and focuses his stare toward the barista completing his order, mentally willing her to move quicker with his drinks. Luckily, less than a minute later a coffee carrier filled with his coffee and a drink dripping in whipped cream is set in front of him. Dylan immediately grabs the carrier and turns around in haste, almost bumping into the Sheriff.

Romero raises a brow when he suddenly is met with a jittery Dylan, smirking the second he notices the two drinks secured in the young man's hands.

Recognizing the Sheriff's line of sight focusing on the carrier, Dylan struggles to find an explanation. Finally after a moment of silence, the young man clears his throat and stutters an unconvincing reason for the extra drink in his hands. "Ah-so-um Remo loves these things," he mentions quietly with a nod toward Emma's drink.

Romero smirks with a skeptical squint to his eyes. "Well, I guess we all have our secrets don't we Dylan?"

"Yeah. I guess we do Sheriff." Dylan answers with a clenched jaw and gritted teeth as he steps around Romero, bumping his shoulder a little on his way out of the café to display his obvious frustration.

Feeling upset and disappointed with the young man's attitude towards him, Romero pauses for a moment before advancing through the front door. "Hey kid, stop for a second." He shouts, breaking out into a jog when he notices Dylan rapidly approaching his vehicle.

Instead of stopping or even slowing down, Dylan quickens his step until securing the drinks in his truck slows him down which ultimately allows the Sheriff to catch up to him before he can even get into the drivers' seat.

Romero huffs out a deep breath the second he reaches the truck. "I know you're angry with me and your mother, but I can expl-"

Dylan slams the door and then immediately turns to face the Sheriff, feeling somewhat satisfied when he notices the other man slightly flinch in hearing the unexpected noise. "I have absolutely nothing to say to you," he asserts firmly.

"Alright, then just listen to what I have to say." Romero responds in his own forceful tone, then immediately softens the volume. "We've had more than a few good conversations over the last month Dylan, which I know I've appreciated. I believe you have as well. I have also gotten to know you during this time and I know you care about your family, more than you want to admit." The Sheriff briefly relaxes before continuing, allowing the young man to absorb his previous words. "That being said, all I'm asking for is a minute to explain."

Dylan rolls his eyes and crosses his arms in front of his chest in response, but he doesn't walk away. Romero counts this as a win and decides to proceed with his speech.

With a deep breath, the Sheriff speaks in a calmer manner now that he has the young man's attention. "You have every right to be upset with us, but your mother meant no harm by keeping this from you. Her thoughts were always about you and Norman. I can honestly say, she wouldn't hesitate to end our relationship if she thought us being together would hurt you in anyway."

With a small shift in his position, Dylan drops his arms to his sides but remains visibly stubborn in his stance and chuckles darkly. "You have no clue who Norma really is. She'll use you, like she uses every guy that crosses her path."

The Sheriff sighs. "I know you haven't had the best relationship with your mother, but-"

"Are you fucking serious!?" Dylan raises his voice and proceeds to jab Romero in the chest with his index finger. "You have zero idea what happened. I'm sure Norma didn't tell you the only time she even acknowledged my existence was to treat me like shit."

Trying his best to ignore the gnawing jabbing at his chest, the Sheriff bites the inside of his cheek to stop himself from acting aggressively in retaliation but he can't allow this disrespectful behavior continue. "That's enough!" Romero roars, shoving the young man's hand away from him. He then pauses for a moment in order to compose himself before continuing because in the end his intention is to improve the situation between mother and son, not to further damage that relationship. "I realize hiding all of this was a mistake; however, her keeping this secret has nothing to do with how much she cares for you. Norma didn't want to hurt you," he advises with composure.

"Is that it? Are we done now?" Dylan asks sarcastically with his right hand now grabbing the door handle to his truck. The truth is, he's trying to portray his intolerance with the subject by continuing his adverse attitude. The problem is, secretly the Sheriff's words are starting to get to him. He's starting to think maybe he should allow Norma to explain her side of the situation. It's possible he's being too hasty to overlook all of the progress Norma has made as a mother.

The internal struggle is leaving Dylan confused. He just wants to get out of there.

As Dylan begins to open the door, Romero decides to say a few more words in hopes of convincing the young man to speak with Norma. Even though outwardly he appears to remain unwavering in his decision to continue his anger, the Sheriff can tell Dylan's tough exterior is starting to crack. "You're a good kid. I know you'll do the right thing and speak with your mother."

Just as Dylan was going to respond a voice calls out and interrupts his thoughts. "Sheriff! Sheriff! You forgot your drinks!" Both men freeze when they notice one of the female baristas rushing toward them with a carrier matching Dylan's, also carrying two drinks. Dylan furrows his brow in noticing one of the drinks matches his mother's favorite recipe.

The Sheriff is quick to grab the carton and thank the barista for the delivery with a tight lipped smile. He then turns around quickly to face the young man who is already seated in his truck with the driver's side window only partially rolled down. With obvious blushed cheeks, Romero clears his throat in realizing Dylan is intently focusing his attention to the fancy beverage in his hands. The Sheriff can only utter a couple more words before the young man starts the ignition with the noise of the engine blocking out any further words. "Just think about it."

XXXX

Emma turns around in the cocoon of blankets she's bundled in. Her hand lands down next to her, but notices instantly there is no warm body lying next to her. In a panic Emma sits up from her cozy nest and frantically scans the area near her, only seeing the stars begin to dull and the colors of the sky gradually lighten. "Dylan?" She calls out, but receives no answer. Her heart races when she observes an empty space where Dylan's truck was once parked.

Emma immediately believes the worst and has now convinced herself Dylan has left her, despite his bold declaration that he'd never leave the previous night. She quickly wipes away the tear dropping to her cheek and then puts her hand on the pillow next to her, flinching when her palm hits something other than the soft material.

When she moves the covering away, she realizes it's actually her phone lying next to her. She picks up the cell in her grasp, observing the display illuminate upon her touch and a message highlight.

"Remember my promise - XO"

In reading the simple text, Emma's anxiety immediately dissipates and a strong sense of relief washes over her. As soon as she exhales a soothing breath, the sound of tires slowly rolling over the graveled pavement steals her attention. She smiles widely in seeing the familiar truck door open and the man she loves step out with a surprise in his hands.

After he awkwardly shuts the driver's door, Dylan steps toward the pile of blankets sprawled over the lawn while returning the brighten smile from his girlfriend with his own.

"You thought I left you, didn't you?" Dylan teases with a smirk and then hands Emma her fancy frappe, which unfortunately has now melted a little after the unexpected confrontation with Romero earlier. Emma pretends not to notice her wilted whipped cream. Her heart is warmed by the sentiment regardless of the condition of her beverage.

Emma giggles, then takes a sip of her beverage. "No, of course not."

Dylan moves to sit behind her, setting his almost empty coffee container nearby before he wraps his arms around Emma's slim waist to snuggle her closer. When the pair settles into their embrace, Dylan drapes one of the many blankets around them while they wait for the sky to gradually change colors. They sit in silence, enjoying the feeling of each other's embrace and taking in the breathtaking scenery unfolding in front of them.

As the sun rises, Emma casually sips her drink while Dylan rests his chin on her shoulder and then places a kiss to the side of her head. Everything seems peaceful; however, Dylan still feels fidgety and almost guilty after speaking with the Sheriff this morning. "Am I a good person?" He suddenly whispers in her ear.

Once she hears the question, Emma immediately sets her drink down on the grass and turns to face him. She gently puts the palms of her hands on his cheeks and leans in to place her lips on his. When she pulls back, she smiles and then massages his left cheek with her thumb. "Of course you are. Why would you even ask that?"

Briefly closing his eyes, Dylan inhales deeply and then reluctantly reopens them to meet her focus. "I ran into the Sheriff this morning and after he confronted me, I guess I'm just starting to question myself. Maybe I'm the one who is sabotaging everything."

"You're not sabotaging anything." Emma says quietly while resting the side of her head on his chest, feeling his heart beat quickly against her cheek. She then carefully moves her hand to his neck and gently nudges his head downward to gain her full attention. "You're hurt because she was hiding something from you. Doesn't mean you're a bad person because you're allowing yourself to feel upset."

"But…" Dylan tentatively smiles, knowing Emma isn't done with her words of wisdom about the situation.

She smiles. "But, maybe it's time to let the anger go and speak with your mother."

"Maybe." Dylan whispers with a hesitant smile before he leans down to place a kiss on her forehead.

XXXX

The Sheriff walks through his front door and immediately toes off his shoes onto the small rug nearby before strolling to his bedroom. He pauses at the doorway to his bedroom when he observes Norma's sleeping figure in the middle of his bed. He sighs with an endeared smile, knowing Norma always starts on the side she designated as her own but then always seems to wind up in the middle of the mattress, crowding his space and keeping all of the blankets for herself.

Even though waking up to a face full of softened blonde hair, with his skin shivering due the loss of coverings and his muscular body pushed so close to the edge of the mattress he could fall with the slightest flinch should irritate the Sheriff, it never does. In fact he finds the situation comforting and oddly sleeps more soundly than he has ever on his own.

Romero approaches the bed and carefully replaces the pillow he strategically placed under her to mirror his form before he left this morning with his own body once again. She snuggles into his chest and sighs happily as her left arm instinctively drapes around his middle and her leg swings around his thigh. Automatically he scoots himself closer with his embrace now completely engulfing her, watching as her long lashes skim her slightly blushed cheeks and small puffs of air leave her lungs to tickle his chin.

He needs to wake Norma from her slumber due to the time steadily slipping past them, but he just wants to enjoy this peaceful moment a little longer. Romero knows as soon as she opens her eyes, the Dylan subject will be the first on her mind and the first update she'll demand. Sue him for wanting to extend the delay of the news regarding the unexpected confrontation with her eldest son this morning.

As predicted the moment Norma flutters her eyes open, the question seems to weigh heavily on her mind. The Sheriff can see before any words leave her lungs, Norma's face expression shifts from content to anxious within a matter of seconds. Her eyes immediately widen as she uses her elbows on the Sheriff's chest to prop herself up to scan the area for her phone, causing the man to wince in pain at the uncomfortable pressure.

Sitting up, Norma turns her body and moves until her back is resting on the headboard of the bed. She glances downward to meet the Sheriff's brown eyes with her newly tearful blue ones. "I need to fix this." Norma suddenly blurts out as she swiftly moves her hands to cover her face with her shoulders visually jerking up and down, clearly indicating she's crying.

In an instant, Romero sits up and pulls her closer to his side with a comforting embrace. His shirt is dampened as she hides her face into his peck, not minding at all that she may or may not have slightly used the material as a Kleenex. The sniffles continue until she looks up to see her favorite drink resting at the tabletop next to the bed. "Is that for me?"

"I know it's your favorite," he states with a grin. The Sheriff then leans over and takes ahold of the drink in his grasp, quickly turning to give the beverage to her after she makes grabby hands for it.

"You are truly the best man I've ever known Alex," she says with sincerity while her heart flutters at the sight of the Sheriff's enamored expression.

The Sheriff lifts his right hand to gently swipe away her tear stained cheeks with his fingers as she thankfully sips her fancy coffee, feeling soothed by not only the drink but also his tender touch.

"I need to tell you something Norma," he mentions with reluctance.

With a raised brow, Norma takes a sip and then sets the cup on her lap while waiting for the Sheriff to continue. She captures her bottom lip with her teeth out of nervousness, negatively anticipating what his next words will be. Before he speaks though, Romero reaches the fingers of his right hand to her face again, but this time he uses them to softly release her trapped lip and then soothingly buffs the pad of his thumb across the surface to lull her anxiety.

Instead of dropping his touch, Romero sweeps his hand across her skin until it rests in the expanse between her chin and neck. "Please don't be upset," he sighs in hesitancy. "I spoke with Dylan."

Norma inhales a sharp breath and physically stiffens in his caress. "What?" She asks with a stray sniffle.

"I saw him at the coffee shop," Romero advises, noticing the glare Norma is suddenly sending his way. "Before you think the worst, I didn't go behind your back. I never expected to see him in line for coffee this morning. I also have overwhelming evidence your son is back with his girlfriend," he chuckles while releasing his hand from her neck to rest on her thigh.

"Oh my, was she with him? Did he confess the second he saw you? Or did he try to hide it?" She giggles, setting the palm of her hand on the top of his.

"Well, actually he was holding TWO drinks in his hands and one was obviously a drink made for Emma. Do you know he actually tried to pass it off as Remo's. I could barely retain my composure after hearing that. I mean, the vision of a former drug henchman drinking a coffee with an incredible amount of whipped cream through a straw isn't solid evidence of Dylan's cover-up. But as a person who has briefly worked with Remo, I can tell you Remo is not a frappe drinker." He continues to tease, enjoying the lovely sound of laughter radiating from his previously saddened girlfriend.

"I'm so happy for him Alex," Norma squeals as she squeezes his fingers between hers. "I know I wanted Emma for Norman, but I know she's good for Dylan and I couldn't be more proud of him for resolving whatever tore them apart." Norma's demeanor changes back to a distraught state after realizing she may never resolve the disagreement with her eldest son.

Norma drops her head in shame; however, the feeling of her chin being lifted forces her to make eye contact with her love. "In talking with Dylan, I know he wants to speak with you."

"Did he say that?" She questions in a whisper, hope embedded in her tone.

"Well, no not exactly." He notices the pout start to form on Norma's face. "I've had many conversations with the kid, some I would even consider to be heart to heart talks, so I believe he will do the right thing and give you the chance to speak with him. I'll say WHEN versus IF he comes to talk with you, please be completely honest with him." The Sheriff leans even closer toward her to briefly place his lips on hers, smiling into the kiss when he senses her relief. "It's not the fact that we're together that is bothering him Norma, it's the dishonesty. We both hurt him," he sighs while moving the forgotten coffee cup from her lap back to the tabletop in order for her to nuzzle closer to him. "I think before all of this happened Dylan was starting to see me as a friend, maybe even a father figure." He flashes a smile Norma can't see and then rests his chin on the top of her head as she places the palm of her hand on his chest."

After a stretch of silence, too immersed in the emotions cloaking them, the time continues to slip away without them realizing it. When the couple finally breaks contact, they notice it is rapidly approaching the time they both need to officially start the day. Norma begins to panic as she races around the bedroom to grab any lost clothing from the previous night and then frantically runs to the living room to grab her shoes.

Hopping around on one foot as she tries to slide on the shoe currently in her hand, Norma almost falls to the ground before Romero races in to catch her in his arms. When her shoes are finally secured, Norma rises to her tip toes and gives the Sheriff a passionate kiss in gratitude before she rushes out of the door to ensure she'll be back home before Norman realizes she's gone.

As he sees his love leave, the Sheriff shakes his head with a chuckle. For as much chaos as Norma Bates brings to his life, he would not change a thing.

This is his life now and he couldn't be happier about it.

XXXX

Dylan takes a deep breath to calm his nerves as he pulls into the parking lot of the motel. He sits in the truck, unenthusiastic about making the hike up the numerous amount of steps to the house that has become toxic to him now. After his conversation with Emma, he knows speaking with his mother is the right thing to do. He can agree that maybe he has been too hasty to discard all of the effort Norma has put forth regarding the strengthening of their previously severed relationship.

After minutes of not moving an inch within his driver's seat, Dylan finally pushes himself to leave the truck. With every step conflicting thoughts confuse him to the point where he almost trips up the outside staircase.

Once Dylan recovers and gathers his composure, he tries to clear his mind. He's successful in freeing his thoughts for the most part as he reaches the last couple of stairs, but his cluttered mind is instantly cleared when the brash sounds of chaotic yelling from inside the door makes him forget everything else.

XXXX

I'm sorry, this chapter is terrible. I hope to make up for this mess with the next chapter!