The usual disclaimers.

A/N: There is a cameo appearance by one of my previous characters. Hope you can spot 'him'. :)

Chapter 2

Heading Out

Bobby rolled over on his back, staring at the ceiling. Frowning, he rubbed his chest. I wonder if it's to late to cancel? He then visualized Eames' response, and sighed. If I was sick? He shook his head. She'd bring over a thermometer and her gun. Sitting up, he swung his feet to the floor. Well, only one way to get through this day is to begin it. With that, he trotted off to the bathroom.

Letting the water beat down on him, he thoroughly scrubbed his body, while running different scenarios through his head. The only solution he kept coming up with was just to do it. Drying himself off, he put on a black t-shirt, followed by a plaid long sleeve, he pulled up his jeans. Checking the clock, he bit his lip. Estimating the time of travel, he'd be at her house a half hour early. With each click of the second hand, he felt his enthusiasm waning. Grabbing his pea coat, hat and gloves, he left his apartment.

Alex stretched underneath her covers. Thinking about her plans for this morning brought a small smile to her lips. She stretched again, slowly rolling out of bed, she found her slippers where she left them. Padding down the hall, she flipped on the prepared coffee maker and headed back to the bathroom. Turning on the shower, she waited for the water to warm up before she stepped in. Humming The First Noel, she began washing herself. Just as the water was beginning to cool, she turned it off and patted herself dry.

Putting on her robe, she tilted her head and listened. There was a soft knock on her front door. Grabbing her robe from the peg behind the bathroom door, she quickly put it on, wrapping her hair in a small towel. Heading towards the kitchen, she noted that it was only 6:30 AM. Peering out the window, she saw Bobby in a blue navy pea coat, stocking caps, and gloves. She frowned slightly. Well, at least he's here. She unlatched the door and opened it. "You're early."

He looked at her and smiled as he stepped into her home. "Yeah, had trouble sleeping." A smile played at the corners of his mouth as he looked at her turbaned head.

Alex closed the door. "There's coffee brewing in the kitchen. I'll finish getting ready." She disappeared down the hall, humming Jingle Bells.

Bobby shook his head with amusement at her holiday spirit. Stepping into the kitchen, he hunted down the coffee cups. Pulling two down, he prepared his as well as one for her. Alex reappeared a few minutes later, in jeans and a bulky green knit sweater. Taking a sip of her coffee, she crinkled her nose. Setting the cup on the counter, she added several more teaspoons of sugar. Bobby nodded towards her cup. "Too much sugar isn't good for you."

Alex smiled. "Too little, and I won't drink it." Stirring her coffee, she took a sip and closed her eyes. "Now that's coffee."

Taking a seat across from him, she rested her head in her hand. "So, why did you have trouble sleeping?"

Bobby frowned as he took another sip of coffee. He mumbled. "Talking trees."

She raised an eyebrow, and then began laughing. "Bobby, they really don't talk."

He looked at her. "But you planted the thought in my head."

Alex shook her head. "I'll grab my coat, and we can go."

Walking to the closet, she opened it. She smiled as her eyes fell on the khaki jacket. Lightly brushing the shoulders off she sorrowfully spoke to it. "Not today ol' boy." She reached past it and brought out a red wool coat. She also pulled out a cream colored scarf, stocking cap and gloves. Quickly donning them, she walked back to the kitchen. She found Bobby pouring the remainder of his coffee down the sink, and flip the switch off the coffee maker.

She smiled. "You ready?"

Bobby nodded, not quite where the morning will take him. He followed her back to the front door.

She turned, making an announcement. "Since you car is already warmed up, we'll take it."

He raised a brow. "Am I driving, or are you?"

She laughed. "You scoped out where the trees are, I'm sure you've already picked out the restaurant."

With that, he stepped to passenger door, and opened it for her. Alex slid into the seat, buckling herself in. He closed the door, stepping around to the driver's side of the car, the snow crunched beneath his feet. Slowly pulling away from the curb, he drove towards the restaurant, as Alex had predicted, he had already picked out. He glanced at her. The woman is uncanny, or I'm just too damn predictable.

The longer they sat in the restaurant after they completed their breakfast, the more impatient Alex became. Bobby's enthusiasm was disappearing with his coffee. She began tapping her foot, which got louder with each passing minute. His shoulders sagged. "Alex..."

She growled at him. "Don't say it Bobby."

He pursed his lips...daring to say what was on his mind. "Maybe Mike's available?"

Her voice whined "But you agreed."

Sighing, Bobby shook his head. How can I make her understand? "Alex, I'm not your holiday project."

Fighting a smile at that thought, she folded her arms in front her gave him her best glare. "Goren, if you don't do this..." She left the end hanging, leaving him to imagine the worst.

Straightening his shoulders, he quietly nodded. He stood, as he readied himself for the task of buying a Christmas tree. Alex studied his face, feeling more sure of herself that she needed to get him involved with her Christmas preparations. With his help, she put her coat on. Alex bit her lip. Touching his arm, she looked into his warm eyes. "Bobby, I really want a tree for my home. If you want to wait by the car, until I find a tree, that'll be fine."

Just as he felt he won the battle, the elation faded. "What about me being a holiday project?"

Alex brushed by him not responding. He fell in step behind her. "Alex, Alex, you didn't answer me."

Smiling to herself, she kept walking towards the door of the restaurant. She knew all too well that this will be a difficult task.