He blinked once as his chest rose then dropped as his hand felt hers on his and her head move and rest its self on her hand on his chest. His free hand rising up and over his head he looked down as her head rose and fell with his breathing, ”No…not really…” he said simply and completely unconvincing as his hand ran some hair out of her face.

A sudden feeling of reluctance came over him as he looked at Alex and a certain feeling of uneasiness soon followed. He liked Alex, so much in fact that the only thing he was worried about was that she would up an leave the way Leila did, call it childish but Sam didn’t take to people walking out on him to well, it could have something to do with his child hood and the fact that people never did stick around to long around him.

Shaking his head slightly Sam breathed in as he gave Alex’s hand a small tug as his fingers intertwined with hers. ”You staying the night?” Sam asked curiously as his hand tightened around hers as he added a quick smile, ”You did say you were going to sing to me…” moving his hands accordingly Sam managed to pull his arms around Alex’s back as he pulled her into a hug.

Alexandra closed her eyes under his touch, sighing at his attempt to lie. There was something wrong… something that perhaps she could guess or not but she would have felt much better if Sam had told her the truth. No point in keeping these things from each other, there were plenty enough that she had shoved under the rug. Opening her eyes, she moved her head a bit more so she could see Sam better. “I’ll stay. And I’ll sing and hold your hand. Even scare the big bad ghosts away from you.” she replied with a smile.

The position of her body was shifted until she lay next to him. Resting her head on her hand while using her elbow as a support, Alexandra watched Sam with a much more serious expression on her face. “Sam…” The molecule manipulator paused, eyes closing for a moment as she let out a sigh. “You’re not a better liar than I am.” She said placing her hand on his stomach. “And I’d appreciate if you’d tell me what bothers you.” The hand tightened slightly while she waited for his reaction.

Nodding his head with a smile Sam let out a small-exaggerated yawn as Alex spoke and readjusted herself. ”Good, I could use a good night sleep…” said Sam as he moved a little closer to Alex as her hand placed itself on his chest. ”Is it that obvious?” Sam asked curiously as he let out a sigh as his eyes closed shut as he rubbed his eyes with his hands before he let out another sigh.

Should he tell her, he still wasn’t used to having people so close to him. Sure a select few had wormed their way into to his heart but the one before Alex, she left him, was it for good or just a time Sam wouldn’t know, and despite what he was feeling he didn’t care. He didn’t like people getting close to him just so they could end up hurting or being used to hurt him some way. Leila left him, Ghost was used to try and capture him which not only hurt Sam but put her in danger as well, something Sam didn’t like happening.

”Guess you could say, I’m a bit hesitant about this…” sighing and knowing full well he was the one that suggested they be an item Sam opened his eyes and looked to Alex, his head turning slightly, ”Just cause I don’t want you to disappear on me…” he said simply, call it separation anxiety or the lack of relationships as a kid, he had trouble letting people get in close. ”I don’t like it when people walk out on me, didn’t have the most productive childhood when it came to relationships…” eyes trailing to the ceiling fan Sam hoped that Alex would be content with his answer.

Alexandra became silent, waiting for Sam to open up and share whatever was weighting so much in his mind. And she couldn’t help but feel up some surprise once he did. Sam was afraid that she would leave him. Alexandra didn’t know much about how unproductive his childhood was when it came to relationships but she was well aware of what had happened with his ex-girlfriend. How she disappeared into thin air. The molecule manipulator sighed slightly as her hand traveled from his stomach to his chin and nudged at it to force Sam look into her eyes instead of the ceiling fan.

“Sam… listen here and listen carefully.” Her index finger moved slightly brushing lightly against his skin as blue eyes trailed down to his lips, stopped there for a couple of seconds then traveled back to his eyes. “I’m not gonna disappear.” Sighing, Alexandra moved her supporting hand so it now lay on the bed. Hair cascaded down once there wasn’t a hand to keep it pinned up. “Sam, I can’t promise everything between us will be always milk and honey but… I’m not vanishing without a warning. Or with a warning, as a matter of fact.” A weak smile appeared on her face. She knew very well that maybe at some point he’d be hurt. So hurt that perhaps he’d ask her to leave. But she wasn’t disappearing anywhere, she was telling the truth about that.

And without a warning Alexandra pressed her lips against his, maybe not as gentle as usual. Blue eyes were closed tightly as she sealed her promise to Sam with this kiss.

Feeling his chin being nudged in her direction Sam looked up his eyes focusing on her facial expression and then her deep blue eyes. Warm was her hand that was placed on his chin and for a brief moment Sam developed goose bumps making the stubs of hair on his face stand on end for a moment before returning to normal. She had a serious expression, hoping it was a good serious Sam held his breath for a moment counting the seconds until she spoke so she could, confirm his fears or try to eliminate them.

Watching her eyes trail the features of his face Sam’s heart started to beat faster and faster, until she spoke. As soon as she spoke, and her tone was known Sam’s breathing and heart slowed so he could listen to her. His room for the most part was quite only the yawning of Bruno and the scratches from a litter box could be heard from the closet.

Her words from what he could tell were sincere at least the kiss she forced on him was sincere enough her eyes were shut while his for the most part was open. He was after all completely surprised by the attack from her lips, though after a moment he was more than willing to return the kiss only unlike her he was far gentler.

As he pulled away from the kiss Sam gave the most sincere smile ha had given anyone as he inched in closer to Alex his hand wrapping around her waist as he pulled her into a one armed hug. Words for the moment couldn’t be said, he after all didn’t know exactly what to say, thanks wouldn’t be entirely appropriate would it?

Sighing and clinging to Alex the hand on her back moved up and down before it removed its self from her and landed on his opposite side as he looked back up to the ceiling fan. Now feeling some what vulnerable and wanting to change the subject after opening up like that Sam tilted his head to the side inches from Alex, ”So, about that song?” he asked as he smiled and curiously raised an eyebrow.

A smile greeted her once she pulled away, a smile that managed to bring one upon her face as well. When Sam hugged her, she let her head down to lay on the bed, blue eyes closing once again. The hand that moments ago had been on Sam’s cheek traveled down, going around his ear and finally resting behind it, once a few seconds playing with his hair. Unbelievable it was the feeling that reigned over her whole self right now. Just like every time when he held her in his arms.

”So, about that song?”

Hidden from his view, Alexandra smiled. So he was serious about the song. She remained silent for a few moments, wondering what song she could use or if she should sing at all. Seconds later, her smile widened as she shifted the position of her head so her mouth was inches away from Sam’s ear. The song was more like a whisper in his ear, and although she wasn’t a professional singer, it came out better than she expected.

“ They didn't have you where I come from
Never knew the best was yet to come
Heart beats faster when I see your face
And I hear your laugh like a serenade”

The motion of her fingers trough his hair continued following the rhythm of the song as her eyes opened and closed slowly.

“ I slip in bed when you're asleep
To hold you close and feel your breath on me
Tomorrow there'll be so much to do
So tonight I'll drift in a dream with you

As you wander through this troubled world
In search of all things beautiful
You can close your eyes when you're miles away
And hear my voice like a serenade
”

Alexandra stopped the song. She had chosen it because it felt like it represented the best what she was feeling at the moment and although there were more lyrics to it, she’d chosen to cut them out. And even change one. It was too soon to talk about love. To talk about a feeling that she had no clue on how it manifested. Smiling slightly, Alexandra raised her head again, her eyes locking on Sam’s. “So are you asleep or laughing on the inside?”

Song: click.

Feeling her breath inches from his ear as her fingers ran their course through his hair Sam felt goose bumps once again break out all over his body. Trying to hold back a shutter of excitement Sam ginned ear to ear as he closed his eyes in an attempt to shut off all his senses, all but sense of hearing and his sense of touch. His fingers twitched as his legs stretched. His mind blank as he absorbed every word, her soothing voice had the power to melt his heart the way the sun melted his ice.

Her fingers continued to trace through his hair all the way to the end of the song. Once she finished singing he could feel her gaze on him, turning his head and opening his eyes his grin still wide Sam laughed, ”I heard that song on Dom’s Ipod before but…” leaning up to his her on the lips his smile fading slightly as he lowered his head away from her, ”I like your version far better, and I didn’t know I was dating a song bird… might have to start making more requests…”

Letting out another small laugh Sam leaned up and kissed Alex again this time he wrapped one of his hands around her back and pulled her down with him as he fell back on his bed. His lips locked with hers for minutes those minutes were the most enjoyable moments he had had in a long time and had no intention of giving her a reason to stop.

Fearing that his lips were overstaying their welcome on hers, Sam reluctantly pulled away, his eyes looking to hers as he smiled once again, ”Your fantastic!” simple enough that was the only word he could come up with at the time even if it wasn’t the word he was searching for. Eyes screwed up slightly as he made a face of comprehension Sam let out a laugh, ”Did I just say that?”

”I heard that song on Dom’s Ipod before but… I like your version far better, and I didn’t know I was dating a song bird… might have to start making more requests…”

Alexandra smiled in response, her whole face lighting up as she did so. So Sam wasn’t laughing. That was a good thing. And he wasn’t asleep either, which, again was a good thing. She wanted him to smile at her, to hold her in his arms as long as possible. The world could have ended and she didn’t care. Slate could have a heart attack if he found out she was dating an X-Man and she couldn’t care less. Living the moment, she was, without any concerns about the future, about what could happen.

Without the smallest sign of resistance, she let herself to be pulled down and be kissed for minutes. Just like she had sealed her promise that she won’t disappear on him with a kiss rather than words, she had the impression that Sam was doing the same, and, with this kiss he expressed feelings that were beyond sounds.

Sighing contently as the kiss ended, she kept her eyes closed for a few more moments, just enjoying the moment. When she opened them, a smile shone brightly on her face.

”Your fantastic! Did I just say that?”

Laughing, Alexandra poked the tip of his nose slightly before speaking. “I think you did!” she replied then let out a small laugh. As the laughter died out and the smile faded away, her face turned more serious. “They really didn’t have you where I come from.” she said as she lowered her head, resting his forehead on his, tips of their noses touching slightly as she closed her eyes. She wondered if an ounce of affection would have been shown to her back when she needed… would she have. Sighing, she stopped the thought. Too late. Too late to change anything. Too late for her to even try.

Squinting his nose and scrunching his nose as Alex poked his nose Sam smiled at his own foolishness, hoping he wouldn’t let words blurt out like they did a minute ago. He was going to have to start thinking before he let words fly from his mouth less Alex would think he was simple. Even though her smile faded and her face became serious Sam’s kept it’s composure a wide smile expressing his happiness while he was with her.

”And where is that exactly?” Sam asked curiously hoping that she would divulge the whereabouts of her hometown. He knew she was from Romania but the city escaped him for the time being. Noses and foreheads now touching Sam leaned his lips up slightly for a kiss before he wrapped his arms around Alex’s back wrapping her and holding her tight so their was no escape.

”What was it like coming to a new country leaving everything you knew behind?” Sam asked with a curiosity that he would hope would hide the knowledge he had of that feeling. He knew it wasn’t easy leaving something you had known for your whole life but seeing as he had remembered small things of his life before T.A.T. it just made things that much easier to walk out on that portion of his life.

”And where is that exactly?”

Blue eyes opened slowly, just as Sam was wrapping his arms around her tightly, trapping her body next to his without a chance of escape. Not that she wanted to escape, anyway. She let herself to be an easy prey to his kiss, and once it ended, she smiled slightly moving her lips to his forehead. Planting a kiss there, Alexandra lowered her head again. “Romania… Bucharest.” she replied briefly pausing between the two words. “I though it was written on the enrollment form…” she added then stood silent for a few minutes as her thought trailed to his other question.

Her breathing slowed down, eyes although apparently looking at Sam’s face didn’t see a thing. Strangely, she had never asked herself this question. It seemed like her past was lived by another person and her life had started with coming to New York. Maybe that was the reason she considered that chapter closed, for eternity. She swore she wouldn’t go back ever again. Seconds later, her eyes were focused on Sam once again. “Hard.” she replied. Alexandra bit her lip for a moment. “But it proved me that I was stronger than I thought.” With a small shrug she left it like that. Talking about the past wasn’t her favorite subject after all.

Feeling the connection on his forehead Sam nodded slightly, ”Yeah, it is… just wanted to hear you talk about it…” Sam said as he locked eyes with her, to often did people talk about their childhood in a negative way, hometowns full of hatred and of faces that people wished they could forget. Sam wasn’t granted that luxury of having a hometown, he did once but the great deal of time he had spent a prisoner of his own nightmare-helped push out those memories.

Nodding his head again Sam replied, ”Think that's why I like you so much.” kissing her on her lips Sam smiled again, ”You're a lot tougher than you look, but your still a sweetheart” kissing her again this time for a few second longer than the first Sam’s arms loosened then released as he ended the kiss. If she didn’t want to talk about her childhood he wasn’t going to force her or press the issue, knowing full well that a moments notice she could flip the questions and that was something that he didn’t really feel like going into yet.

She knew that he was separated from Dom and their parents as a kid and he bounced around from orphanage to orphanage not really fitting in anywhere, growing up alone. That was the extent that he felt like sharing with anyone at the mansion, especially Alex someone he was trying to get close to. For the time being Ghost was going to be the only one that knew of his bloodstained history.

”Getting late…” Sam said as he smiled to Alex while looking over her head to the clock behind her. It was well into the morning and he had work to do later on, what Alex had to do he wasn’t sure but if she wanted to sleep in she could. Sam had a knack for skipping out of his room early in the morning anyways; Cammie and Bruno liked their beauty sleep after all.

”I have an extra toothbrush in the first drawer under the sink…” Sam said as he kissed Alex’s head and got up to relive himself in the bathroom and prepare for bed. Only a few minutes and Sam was out in a pair of pajama pants and nothing else. Hopping into his bed he crawled under the covers waiting for Alex to hold his hand till he fell asleep.

”Yeah, it is… just wanted to hear you talk about it…”

She didn’t want to talk about it. Of course, she kept this thought for herself, remaining silent in response. Sam was smart, he would get the fact that she didn’t feel like sharing these memories. And what exactly could she share? Her past wasn’t one of those that you can speak about it with a smile on your face. It was more like one you didn’t want to share with anyone. Alexandra had never complained about anything going on in her life. She accepted thing like they were, she didn’t need someone to encourage her, tell her that everything was alright and give her a sympathetic pat on the back. Sometimes, she did hate herself for being the spitting image of her father. Her childhood consisted of being trained to become a manipulative stubborn bitch. Nothing much to tell there. Teenage years? She was split between pretending to be daddy’s little perfect girl again only to get back that ‘you’re a mutant, I despise you’ look back and actually trying to fit in a group. Well, she tried to fit in somewhere, anyway. So yeah, the perfect past.

”Think that's why I like you so much. You're a lot tougher than you look, but your still a sweetheart”

Not that much of a sweetheart as you think I am. Alexandra made her mental reply. Of course, on the outside of her mind, she smiled brightly, kissing Sam back affectionately. And also appreciating the fact that he didn’t ask anything else about her. He’d be much happier with only the small bits he knew about her.

”Getting late…”

Alexandra glanced at the clock as well. She agreed, it was getting late and tomorrow she had yet another busy day. The last week she had been lazy and didn’t train as much as she used to. Besides, the doc was concerned that she was always being too tired. Sighing, the molecule manipulator nodded as she watched Sam lazily while he disappeared into the bathroom. Still laying in the bed, she closed her eyes and focused on emptying her mind.

Alexandra was already half asleep when Sam entered the room again but at the sound of a door closing, blue eyes snapped open, head turning to the side to see… a shirtless Sam? Mentally smiling, Alexandra pushed herself up, resting her hands upon her knees as she glanced at Sam over her shoulder. “Toothbrush is good but I’ll also need to borrow your clothes… again.” She replied, the mental smile turning into a real one now.

After Sam told her where the clothes would be, she slipped out of bed heading for the closet, eyes searching the necessary items. A hand reached out to pick a shirt, she was about to pick up some pants too but decided against it once she remembered that they would fall off her, then disappeared into the bathroom. A few minutes later, she came back, her clothes changed, the make up taken off her face and her hair resting on her left shoulder. After placing the clothes on the chair where her jacket was resting, Alexandra crawled into the bed next to Sam. Pulling the covers over her body, Alexandra turned to her side and reached for Sam’s hand. After all, she had promised that she’d hold his hand till he fell asleep. “Well, good night, Sam.” Shifting her position slightly, Alexandra pressed her lips against his forehead for a moment, then on his lips for a few more moments than before.

Smiling as she returned from the bathroom again pant less Sam’s eyes trailed to her legs as she tucked herself under the sheets with him. Eyes quickly averting to her face his hand felt hers and clung on to it holding it tightly as they both close the distance between each other, her lips on his forehead and then on his lips. Feeling no need to end the kiss anytime soon Sam kept his lips locked on hers as his free hand rested on her waist as their other hand remained laced together. ”Night Al…” Sam said as he pulled away an then rested his forehead on hers before falling asleep.

--

It was morning, early morning, and at some point in the night the distance between them grew, it wasn’t a large amount but noticeable, feeling like he needed to do something special for Alex for no reason other to show is appreciation for her Sam quietly rolled out of bed. Silently stepping on the ground he tapped Bruno on the head and motioned to the door. Watching his large dog roll upright and crouch to the ground to follow Sam out. Eyeing Cammie, from the corner of his eye he knew all to well that Cammie was going straight for his pillow, it was after all hers when he wasn’t around.

Opening the door quickly but still silent Sam and Bruno left the room and headed down stairs their pace quickening Sam hurrying because he wanted to finish making breakfast and Bruno hurrying because Sam was doing it… that and Bruno needed to go outside. It was twenty minutes later and both Bruno and Sam quietly made their way back to his room Bruno still remaining low and Sam walking on the ball of his foot to make his movements quick and silent.

Opening the door again, still quietly Sam and Bruno walked in as Sam approached the nightstand closest to Alex and rested the plate of food and the glass of orange juice next to it. Placing a note next to the plate Sam leaned over towards Alex and kissed her on the forehead before leaving the room. Bruno again trailing after him Cammie was left with Alex and the plate of food.

Knowing full well that she couldn’t not wake up to the smell of food when it was that close Sam had no problem believing that Alex would come see him when she was up and moving. He would after all be in his office, where a change of clothes and a shower was waiting for him.

Alexandra didn’t fall asleep right away despite the tiredness clouding both her mind and vision. Without anything particular in mind, she blinked lazily as she watched Sam, a finger moving in a circular motion on his hand. She saw him how he drifted off to sleep and for a couple of minutes she enjoyed watching him sleeping. The molecule manipulator didn’t know when sleep actually won the fight and she slipped into the land of dreams.

~ * ~

A small frown appeared on the molecule manipulator’s face as the sound of a door closing reached her ears. It wasn’t loud, but she was already half awake when she heard it. Lazily, she opened her eyes, head turning slightly to the side… where Sam was supposed to be. Alexandra blinked at the small cat that greeted her then blue eyes trailed around the room. It was empty. Yawning, she turned her head to the other side to glance at the clock. It was still early in the morning, fortunately.

She yawned again, turning back to Cammie and petting her for a moment. The kitten opened her eyes lazily, watching Alexandra for a moment before going back to sleep. Time to wake up. Alexandra pushed her body up and bent her knees slightly. After rubbing her eyes she placed her hands upon her knees, while running the schedule trough her mind. Training was on top of the list, then shower, then work. Did she forget anything?

Only then the smell of food reached her nostrils making her turn her head to the side again, mind now registering the plate of food, the glass of orange juice set next to it and the piece of folded paper. A smile appeared on her lips as an instantaneous reaction. Sam was just so… sweet. Although there were only a few hours since she hadn’t seen him she felt an urge to get up and go to him. Resisting and deciding that she’d go visit him before work, Alexandra reached for the note before starting to eat, the smile on her face widening more.