Hey everyone! Hope you are liking the story! But seriously? Only 1 review? Come on guys! I won't update this story if people don't review it! Even if its only a review to talk about the episodes! Hal turned bad! But I love Hal and if he dies I am going to be so angry!

Set after episode 3

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"I never want to become her"

Alex and Hal were in the kitchen. Hal sporting a pair of marigolds while he washed up. Alex was perched on the counter next to him.

"I don't follow," Hal said turning away from the washing up to meet her eyes.

"Lady Mary. I never want to become her." Alex repeated

"Alex, how many times must we go through this? You and Lady Mary are nothing alike." Hal stated firmly.

"Yet. But in 50, 100, 200 years? You and Tom leave or die and then what? Or worse I could end up hating you, she tried to kill you! All because you lied to her centuries! Are you going to do that to me? Am I the latest in a long line?"

"No, not to you. You are different Alex."

"How? We sort of had a thing, I died and now we are mates! That's exactly the same as you and her!" Alex explained.

"I was a different person back then. Cruel. She was nothing more than a plaything, something to pass the time. It's why I still visited her, I feel guilty about that and if letting her believe a lie is kinder to her than why shouldn't I indulge that? But the person I am now, the one with you? I am so much better; you and Tom are the reason for that. With you it was an attraction, you made me feel human, still do." Hal spoke softly. He emptied the sink and placed his beloved marigolds to one side. He left Alex sat on the counter and walked into the living room, sitting on the sofa. He hoped Alex wouldn't follow him, especially after his declaration. But of course, this was Alex and she was as stubborn as he was.

"So that's it? End of conversation? I don't think so. She turned down doors because of your lies! And look where it got you! She would have staked you. I don't want to do that, I don't want to be stuck here with no one, terrorising people for fun."

"Alex, listen to me. Tom and I are not going to leave you. You're not going to be alone. Tom says we are a family and I will admit I had my doubts about that particular statement but I can see he is right. With you two I know I never have to be that man again, unless its to protect the two of you." Hal replied. Alex perched herself on the sofa next to him. She gently lay down so her head was in Hal's lap. It was a very human gesture. One of comfort and understanding. Hal raised a hand to her hair, feeling the softness of it.

"So you are never going to lie to us? No matter how much it hurts?" Alex asked in a meek voice that reminded Hal of a child.

"Never" he replied.

It was a lie. It was always going to be a lie. But Hal desperately wanted it to be the truth. He couldn't tell them about Larry, that he did it to protect them because he loved them, because they were his family, they made him human. Hal had turned a long time ago that where he was concerned a lie was always better than the truth. The truth is messy and hurtful but a lie. It was anything Hal wanted it to be. If that spared Alex's feelings, who was he to hurt one of the only people in this world that he cared about?

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So what do you think? I had trouble writing this so I hope it was okay!

Next chapter update will be Tuesday or Wednesday!

Any Alex/Hal one-shots you what me to write let me know in a review or PM – whether it's an idea, lyric, word – I will give it a go!

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