A/N – Thank you so much to everyone who's reading, and especially to those who have reviewed. Please don't be shy in telling me where I've gone astray, too. Constructive criticism is always welcome!

11:23 AM

The scene – a used car lot and automotive repair shop, somewhere in the five boroughs

The players – One overprotective partner, one testosterone-driven but well-meaning mechanic, one recently-traumatized-but-not-giving-in-to-it-dammit detective.

The plot – A need for a new vehicle leads to hijinks; that's right, I said hijinks. You got a problem with that?

Alex rolled her eyes as Bobby awkwardly led her from the SUV, attempting to lift her down off the seat and block her view at the same time.

"Stop it right now, Goren. I am injured enough without you hauling me around like a sack of potatoes. Puppy dog look, he really doesn't fight fair. Why in the name of all that is holy will you not let me see where I'm going? Oh, geeze, I'll close my eyes, okay?" He smiles to himself. Won that one without a big fight. Then frowns. She's gonna get me for it.

A voice from behind Bobby interrupts before his fear can fully set in "Detective Alex! You're here!"

She opens one eye only to see Bobby's big paw in front of it. "Hi, Lewis." She tries to look around Bobby to say a proper hello, only to have him plant himself firmly in her way. "Cut that out, it's annoying." He grins at her. "And that's even more annoying."

"No, Alex, don't ruin the surprise!" Lewis sounds almost panicked. "Just do what Bobby tells you to."

Well, that snort didn't sound ladylike, did it? I never said I was a lady. "The day that happens, Lewis, will be the day that hell freezes over and pigs wear tutus. What the hell are the two of you up to? Bobby, stop laughing this MINUTE." To his credit, he tries to look chastened, but he's not entirely successful. Okay, go along with them. Then, when he's least expecting it, POW. Vengeance will be mine. It was gratifying to see her normally intimidating partner take a step back on her glare. That's right, buddy, you better look scared.

Lewis, in the interests of keeping his childhood friend alive and in one piece, finished what he was doing quickly and piped up, "Bobby, its okay. She's ready"

With one last fearful look in her direction, the obstacle with a badge stepped back, revealing Lewis standing beside a large object covered by an even larger…what was that, a dropcloth? Maybe a crime scene tarp. Classy, but not helping much. What the hell is that thing, and why is Bobby acting so weird? She turned to her partner, fire in her eyes, when it was Lewis to the rescue once again.

"I'm sorry it took so long, but I wanted her to be perfect. On the outside, at least. I still left plenty for you to do yourself, don't worry. And now, without further adieu, I present, the Detective Alex-Mobile!"

He pulled back the dropcloth/tarp/whatthehellever, to reveal a dark green, vintage Mustang hardtop. Alex was stunned into silence. My god, that's beautiful! Where did they? How did they? Oh…no…

Her heart started to race, and the edges of the world got just a bit fuzzy. She could hear Bobby and Lewis talking, but couldn't make out the words. Without a sound, she dropped down into a squat, and put her face in her hands, but it was too late. Maybe if I just stay like this, for…ever, they won't notice…oh, god, did they notice?

Lewis' eyes were as round as saucers. "Dammit, Bobby, she's CRYING. You didn't tell me she would cry! Oh, Detective Alex, I'm sorry. It was all this idiot's idea. I'll take it away, and you'll never have to see it again, I promise."

"NO. I…I love it. Thank you." She wasn't sure if they could hear her through her sobs, but she hoped so. Poor Lewis. He sounded totally panicked. She felt a hand, big and gentle, on her shoulder.

"Eames, it's okay. He's all right, but I sent him back inside. Do you want to try and stand up now?"

Uh, no, thanks, I think I'll stay here and die of embarrassment. Nice way to react to a gift, Eames. Betcha you're a real treat at Christmas. "Nope."

Bobby laughed. "Okay, I'll come down there." He sat down next to her, putting his hand on her face to tilt her chin up so she could see him. "You have nothing to be embarrassed about, Eames. That's the best reaction I've ever gotten to a present. I assume you like it?"

"Yes," she nodded, knowing it was inadequate thanks but not trusting her voice to say more. Then, regulations be damned, she threw her arms around his neck and hugged him fiercely. He stood up to avoid getting knocked over and just held her in his arms.

From a safe distance inside the garage, Lewis watched, and shook his head, smiling. "Sure, I build a girl a car, he gets the hug. Typical. Lucky for him I like him enough not to give him some real competition."

After she had recovered, Alex offered Bobby the first ride in her new car, henceforth to be known as DAM. He looked over shyly as she revved the engine. "If you want, you can drive yourself to therapy now."

She smiled at him, seeing the insecurity in his eyes. Puppy dog look; two in one day, he's pulling out all the stops. You think I'm dumb enough to let you worry from afar, you idiot?

"Are you kidding? Don't EVEN try to weasel out of chauffeur duty, Goren. You think I'm dumb enough to park this thing on the street, you idiot?"

He grinned. Puppy dog look. Works every time.