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It's funny. Merely twelve hours ago I was getting off work and after a series of blurred events I was packed into a plane, on my way to sunny California. At least, I hoped it was sunny. I could do with some sun. My thoughts are random and somewhat pointless. I'm going on minimal sleep and the thought of being with Alex for a full week, away from home, excites me. If only this stomach flu stayed away while I'm here. I hate puking and when it dredges me out of a deep sleep it annoys me even more. Mornings aren't my thing.

But in all reality, whatever illness had been bringing me down lately really was the least of my problems or my worries. It had taken long enough for me to even become remotely okay, though not even close to comfortable, with the idea of traveling out to California. Well, more specifically flying. In all actuality I was dreading it more than I could have explained, but all I could picture was Alex and that handsome smirk of his and somehow I pressed myself forward, because I had to see him. The ache of loneliness was too much to bear at times and it seemed like it had been ages since the last time he held me in his arms.

Now all he had to do was be on time and things would be perfect. I checked my watch again and groaned when I saw the hands had merely moved five minutes. Alex had assured me he would be there twenty minutes after I called and I still had another five to ten minutes. So desperate for a distraction, I found myself wishing Addie had been able to come along, though I knew she would be working overtime for the next couple of months in order to make up for her month trip to Ireland. I resisted the urge to look at the time and tried to keep my mind on the gorgeous weather that was greeting the crowded, bustling, slightly polluted city of Los Angeles. The sun was indeed shining as I walked outside and felt the warm breeze brush against my exposed skin.

I had made the right decision embarking on this trip. At least that was what I desperately tried to convince myself as I slowly lowered onto one of those benches that are randomly placed along the sidewalk of the drop off / pick up zone. Was I having doubts? Not particularly. Well, not doubts of seeing Alex again. Just the thought of inhaling the scent of his favorite cologne as he pulled me into his arms was enough to send my heart into a palpitating frenzy.

The month that passed by when we were apart was anything but easy. With Addie around, she made it bearable and though I hate to admit it, some of the things she observed about my relationship with Alex was right. He loved me. Truly loved me. As I loved him. It terrifies me. It thrills me. When I think about it, I can't help but smile. Our relationship is going to have plenty of bumps but from all the times Alex has reassured me... we will triumph at the end of the day and he will continue to make me happy. Now if only he would get here!

And if only this damn stomach bug or whatever the Hell it was would decide to go on vacation too, at least for the time I was on my own vacation. I certainly didn't want to be handing Alex my stomach in a barf bag I'd hijacked from the plane during our first moments of being reunited. But not even uneasy sleep on the plane had dulled the physical discomfort.

"So, what's a pretty girl like you doing in a place like this all by yourself?" At first I thought I was imagining things, but when a shiver raced down my spine at the sound of his raspy voice, I knew it was real. With a squeal, I jumped up from the bench and turned to see Alex standing right behind it. A hat and sunglasses along with plain clothing adorned him; none of that mattered. My stomach clenched, but with a hard swallow the feeling went away and I smiled.

"Alex!"

"Hey, Cays."

God, I nearly melted at the knees when he greeted me in return, holding his hands out to immediately pull me to him.

"I've missed you so much," I confessed, wrapping my arms around his waist as I felt him bring me close into his embrace. Inhaling deeply, the familiar, spicy-sweet scent of his cologne filled my senses and I smiled again, looking up into his eyes that had to be hidden by those damned sunglasses.

"As I did you, my dear," Alex smirked down at me, his teeth nearly glittering in the sunlight. "And it's about time you get here, y'know? I was about to go nuts waiting-"

"You were already nuts, but I think she gets the point." Jumping at the interruption I turned and squealed yet again, ignoring the look on Alex's face.

"Elfin!"

"Welcome to LA," Howie nearly chuckled as I left Alex's arms and crashed into his, pressing a kiss to the side of my face.

"What the Hell are you doing here?" I demanded with a joyful laugh, refusing to let go of my friend as he spun us around in a circle several times over. "Of course you would surprise me and Alex wouldn't mention a damn thing about it! I've missed you too!"

"I was hoping enough, little sis," Howie merely grinned as I kissed his cheeks. "You don't know what I had to do in order to keep your boyfriend's mouth shut for these past couple of days. He spills secrets easier than Perez Hilton."

"Where do you think Perez learned?" I snorted, barely glancing back over my should to find Alex's dark eyes tightening into a smouldering glare.

"Maybe I'll just leave you two here-"

"You're being dramatic. Not to mention we took MY car."

"Which would mean that we would be leaving YOU here-"

"Who the Hell did you come to visit, Cays?"

"Oh, stop it," I groaned, giving Howie a tight squeeze before letting go. I walked over to Alex and wrapped my arms around his neck. "You can be such a brat sometimes, y'know that?"

"But I brought you out here to see me-" he started to pout.

"Don't even start, Alexander. You know I came out here to see you. I know I came out here to see you. Howie knows I came out here to see you. I can't help but get excited when I see him, or any of the other guys. They've become my friends, and I plan on keeping it that way. You'll just have to learn how to share."

"I don't like sharing-"

"We know," Howie interrupted him with a short laugh. "Your mom told us how much of a pain you were when you were a child."

"My mom talks too much-"

"So that's where you got it from," I snickered.

"Hey, not helping!"

"I know-"

"Play nice, Cayla. He's been moody ever since he came back from seeing you," Howie chided playfully. "You're going to have to loosen him up a little bit."

"Oh, that won't be a problem," I smirked, pressing a kiss to the side of Alex's neck. "This time Marcus won't be in the living room blasting his iPod."

"Be sure to lock your door-"

"Hey! Hey, you're AJ McLean and Howie Dorough, aren't you?"

"Oh shit," Alex murmured under his breath. Tensing at the strange voices, I pulled away from him and grabbed my bags.

"What do you suggest we do?" I barely murmured to him before I felt Howie squeezing me between the two of them.

"Don't say anything if you're not comfortable," Alex replied as a cameraman came swooping in, nearly right in our faces. My heart rate accelerated and my throat went dry. I quickly pulled on my own sunglasses, thankful I had decided to wear my contacts that day.

"And stick close to us. You'll be fine," Howie whispered into my ear, his smile calming and comforting, though I felt anything but from it.

"Howie! AJ! What's going on? Just finished the tour, right?"

"Yeah, we're finally getting some time off before going back into the studio," Alex replied, pulling out his cellphone in what appeared to be an attempt to look busy.

"That's great, man, I bet fans will be excited to hear that."

"Anything for them," Alex flashed a smile. It was genuine, but I knew he was trying to keep the attention off me. "Howie and I got a busy day, so you'll have to excuse-"

"And who is the lady friend? Rumors got it that you have a tag along!" another question fired, but it was impossible to discern exactly who it had come from and it certainly didn't make me feel any better when Alex tensed rather noticeably beside me.

"She's a close friend of ours that we've known for quite some time," Howie spoke up, placing a hand against my back as we walked towards the parking garage. "It's been a long day, so we'll see you-"

"And how's the relationship working out for you and her, AJ? The two of you were spotted together during your recent vacation in-"

"Alright, we're done here," Howie interrupted as my stomach dropped down to my feet. If they knew about us... who else did? God, the last thing Alex needs is a groupie girlfriend rumor.

"Fans are buzzing about it! How long has it been going on? And is it serious? Is the resident bad boy off the market for good this time?"

"Oh Jesus Christ, I need to get out of here," I whimpered, feeling any food rising dangerously in my throat. My hands and feet were cold; my face was on fire. I could feel fine drops of sweat gather at my hairline.

"Ah, wouldn't you like to know?" Alex merely shrugged before he completely handed me off to Howie and assured we had ducked safely into the parking garage.

"It's alright, Cayla. They're gone now," Howie reassured me as we strode towards his car. I knew he could feel me shaking in his arms.

"He's going to be livid," I murmured in return.

"Not at you. He'll find out who leaked about you two, but he'll be more worried about you," Howie opened the passenger door to the backseat and slid me inside. He got into the driver's side, prepared to leave the minute Alex returned. "Dealing with the media won't be easy, Cayla. Just remember this; they thrive on heated reactions and rumors."

"I just don't understand how it- I mean, we never-" I started to stutter horribly and I wasn't even sure what I was trying to say.

"Honey, this was bound to happen sooner or later. No matter how careful you are, someone is always there. They can take anything; even something as a simple friendship, and turn it into a reading frenzy for the fans."

"A simple friendship..."

"Cayla, I'm not saying that's what-"

"It is."

"Cayla, no! I was merely making an example," Howie turned in his seat and looked at me with those damn eyes of his. Just like Alex's...

"Howie-"

"No. Don't even start this, please. I know it's scary. Leigh struggled with the media as well. But all that you need to know is that Alex loves you, and he will do anything to be with you and make you happy."

"Until it makes his life more difficult than is necessary-"

The opposite back passenger door opened at that moment, interrupting my statement and Alex easily slid inside, oblivious to the tense air between Howie and I. "Let's get the Hell out here," he told Howie before placing a quick peck against my cheek. I shivered involuntarily when he sunk back into his seat, resting his head against the head rest. Something didn't seem right. That kiss had definitely been different, considering he bypassed my lips and merely barely grazed the skin of my cheek.

"Management isn't going to get a call from TMZ about a broken camera, are they?"

"I signed that agreement thing the last time it happened. I'm legally bound not to," Alex replied dryly, taking off his hat to show off the locks I normally loved running my fingers through. Biting hard on my bottom lip, I turned towards the tinted window, thankful for the sunglasses once again. My eyes welled up with tears and I hardly cared if they fell or not. Something wasn't right, and it was my fault.

"I'm just saying..." Howie trailed with a slight laugh as he carefully manuevered the vehicle out of the parking spot and got us on our way.

"They'll have plenty to make up whenever the Hell we're on that damn show," Alex replied, his tone causing the nausea to increase tenfold and it took all I had not to get sick right in Howie's favorite purple Corvette. It's bad enough that I've caused such a stir in the media. I didn't need to be ruining what was obviously very expensive interior with my stomach acid.

"Always the same old thing. A little originality would be nice for a change."

"Unfortunately, they're like soap operas. The only thing that changes are the faces of those damn leeches."

"True enough, but they're gone and we're here with one of our favorite girls," From the corner of my eye, I could see Howie glancing in the rearview mirror towards me with an encouraging smile.

"Doesn't change the fact that they already managed to put a damper on-"

"Good God, Alex! I'm sorry that I've become such a hassle for only being here five minutes!" I suddenly snapped. Howie and Alex both jumped at my outburst, but I didn't care. "I told you that all this would just end up being a headache for you. Rumors are flying already; I bet there are hate sites about me, begging you to break it off with me-"

"Cays-"

"Not to mention when you find out whoever leaked about us. What if it's a good friend? Or maybe even someone in the band? I don't want to be the cause of any drama, Alex! You all work so damn hard and the last thing you need is me creating problems and putting a damper on your time off."

"You're speaking nonsense, Cays-"

"I refuse to be anyone's downfall."

"What the Hell are you talking about? It's just the media being the media. God forbid I'm a little pissed off that it ruined a great start to YOUR vacation."

"That can't possibly be all you are pissed off about-"

"Even if there's more, why do you have to assume it has to do with you?"

"Why wouldn't it be about me?"

"Jesus, Cayla, please don't put me on the spot like this-"

"If this is how my vacation is going to be, I want to go home," I sniffled softly, keeping my gaze out the window as more tears coursed down my cheeks.

"Cayla!"

"Obviously this was a bad idea. I'm ruining everything."

"How could you say that Cayla..." I heard Alex whisper and I knew it was more a statement than an actual question, so I made no effort to answer him.

"I'm sorry for being an inconvenience," I spoke to both Howie and Alex, bringing my knees up to my chest. Sunny Los Angeles went by, but I could barely pay attention to detail as the tears continued to fall. I was almost shocked at what I had said, not to mention being so damn emotional. I hadn't cried this much since my parents died.

"Hey Cayla, would you like to stop for something to eat? I'm sure you're starving?" Howie suggested a while later. I wasn't sure how much time had passed, but I still didn't answer and exerted extra effort to curl myself into the corner against the passenger door. Perhaps I was being a bit childish, but after what had happened, I couldn't help but allow my judgment to be clouded. Not to mention the air inside the vehicle was stiffling and was kicking the nausea up several notches. He pressed again. "Cayla? C'mon, Sweetheart. You worked until you had less than eight hours to get to your flight, then you were on a plane for three hours where all you get is soda and a bag of mini pretzels... jet-lag can kill your stomach. What are you hungry for?"

"I'm honestly not hungry for anything right now," I murmured, suddenly realizing that the nausea was no longer just a nagging nuisance in the pit of my stomach. I grimaced, cupping a hand over my abdomen. "Howie, pull over!"

"Hold on!" Quickly making sure no vehicles were in our way, Howie pulled to the side of the road. Before the motion stopped completely, I had the door open and was leaning out to rid of anything I had consumed within the past twelve hours. A groan of pain escaped my lips inbetween the heaves and yet again I felt tears on my face. I hated getting sick. Mom was always there to rub my back-

"Baby..." Alex's soft murmuring pierced my thoughts when I felt his gentle hands tenderly running along my back before he reached to hold my hair out of my face. He scooted closer to me until he was pressed lightly against my back and he placed several feathery kisses against the skin of my neck, somehow assuring me that everything would be fine.

"I hate throwing up," I whimpered, closing my eyes as the muscles in my stomach calmed down and stopped clenching. This was probably why I had gotten so upset earlier. Whenever I'm not feeling well, my emotions get all out of whack and I end up saying things I don't mean.

"I'm sorry you're not feeling well, Cays. We'll get you taken care of. I'll take care of you," he promised me quietly, still unmoving from his position until he was certain I wouldn't spill my stomach contents anymore. God, how embarrassing...

"I'm sorry," I whispered as he helped me back into the car, closing the door for me. Howie carefully pulled back into traffic and made route to what I assumed was Alex's house.

"There's nothing to be sorry about-"

"Yes there is. I feel so damn slow getting used to our relationship... and then the media... you seemed so distant when you got in the car... I was feeling sick about halfway here but thought it was just nerves. I get emotional when I feel sick..."

"Don't worry about it. Shit happens and I for one am not gonna let it ruin this time for you," Alex insisted, brushing a stray strand of hair out of my eyes. I knew his words were meant to make me feel better, but in all actuality, they made me feel a Hell of a lot worse. He shouldn't have to fight like this for me. My inner conflicts caused a cramp to sweep through my stomach and I bit hard on my bottom lip. Even if his words made me feel worse, I still needed him. I needed his comfort. "What do you need, Baby?"

"I just need you to hold me," I whispered.

"And you'll let me?"

"Yes. Please, Alex," I forced myself to look into his eyes for the first time since we left the airport. Damnit, even now, with all that we have going on, those eyes of his still know how to take my breath away.

"Because you can't help loving me," he grinned.

"You can be so full of yourself," I groaned, leaning towards him as he gently wrapped his arms around me. Oh, that felt good... I missed being in his embrace.

"But you didn't deny it!"

"Didn't say I wanted to."

"I know," he relented, pressing several kisses against the side of my face. "I love you, too."

Howie cleared his throat. "Still present."

"Sorry, Howie."

"Nothing to apologize for, whatever it is you're trying to... apologize... for..."

"Confused yourself much?"

"Nope."

"Which is why it is an openly known fact that he is the worst liar," Alex chuckled.

"I'm going to have to agree with you," I smiled, resting my head against his chest while I observed Howie. "I mean... you did think Kevin's cat was named Mitzy."

"An honest mistake," Howie gruffed, his cheeks instantly turning crimson.

"Then you accused those poor girls of CHEATING," I clicked my tongue in disappointment.

"They were right by the damn cards-"

"And he screwed up the last question about Nick's tattoos," Alex added.

"Since when did this turn into a session of 'Bash Howie'?" he glared at both of us.

"Because I'm your little sister who doesn't feel well?"

"Because my girfriend is your little sister and she doesn't feel well?"

"You guys are...weird-"

"Would you rather have us be weird or be macking it out in your backseat?" I quipped, feeling slighty better as I smiled innocently.

"I wouldn't be surprised-"

"That can be arranged," I promised.

"You just said you weren't feeling well-"

"I'm feeling better now."

"Give him a break, Cays," Alex chided lightly.

"Oh, fine," I sighed with disappointment, resting my chin on his shoulder and my lips dangerously close to his neck.

"Besides, you should be focusing on me, not him. He's a married man. I'm not."

"Yes, mister morals," I teased, allowing my fingers to rake through his mussed locks.

"So...how about that offer of food?" Howie interrupted again.

"I think I'm up for that. But something light; not greasy," I replied, my stomach actually making some gurgling noises. When the Hell did my body get so unpredictable?

"Whatever you're up for, I'm sure we'll agree," Alex encouraged.

"Is there a place that serves salads and sandwiches and stuff that you both know of and like?"

"Actually... I do," Howie replied. He turned onto the next street, then turned on another and soon we had pulled up to a quaint little restaurant right by a boardwalk and the ocean.

"Are we actually going to eat here, or take carry out?" I questioned nervously, barely watching Alex as he hurried from the vehicle and came around to my side.

"We can eat here, Cayla. Unlike other celebrities... we stay away from restaurants that are popular, not to mention ridiculously expensive," Howie replied as he climbed out of the driver's side. Alex opened my door, offering his hand. I grasped it and he helped me out of the vehicle. A gentle sea breeze brushed against my face and I had to smile.

"I have a feeling you are going to fall in love with the area," Alex insisted, brushing the soft pads of his finger tips along my cheek. "Might even make you want to move out here."

"We'll see," I answered, relishing in the feel of his fingers against my skin. Alex usually has pretty good intuition and he's right; I could fall in love with the area. The thought of leaving the home I grew up in, and Addie, was something I wasn't able to think about yet. "It is nice to be so close to the ocean."

"Yep, you're going to fall in love with the area," Alex nodded and we turned to follow Howie inside the air-conditioned building.

"Air conditioning is always a plus," I chuckled as Alex threaded his fingers through mine and gave them a squeeze. The restaurant was perfect. The menu was plentiful, but looked quite simple as the three of us decided what to eat.

"Lunch is on me. Tell me what you want and then you and Howie can go grab us a table."

"Alex-"

"Before you even begin. Yes, I will be spoiling you on your vacation and yes, you can have one day where a meal is on you."

"Alex-"

"If you don't tell me what you want, I'll order you a tuna fish sprout sandwich with beer cheese soup."

"Ew," I winked my nose.

"Then I suggest you tell me what you want."

"A salad. Ranch dressing-"

"With croutons, sunflower seeds and bacon bits? Maybe some grilled chicken on top?"

"How did you-"

"You ordered it one night when I was in Minnesota."

"And you remembered that?"

"I remember more than you think."

"Apparently..." I mused, glancing at the menu. Maybe I could stump him. "Can I also get a smoothie? Straw-"

"Strawberry, pomegranite, acai and banana?"

"Damnit."

"I told you, I remember more than you think," he chuckled, pressing a kiss to my cheek. "Now go find a seat with Howie."

"I think you cheat," I muttered in defeat, allowing Howie to take my hand and lead us to a table in the corner of the restaurant.

"The sooner you allow him to have his way with you, the sooner you will start to enjoy your time here," Howie mentioned as he pulled out a chair for me to sit on. Though his cheeks instantly lit with a fiery warmth and he stumbled back a step. "Wait, I didn't mean it like that-"

"He already does that, but thanks for the advice, Elfin," I merely laughed, patting his arm as he went to sit down across from me. "I'm glad you found someone who can put up with your moments and not relentlessly tease you about it like Alex and I do."

"Leigh teases me plenty," he sighed, his lips curling into a smirk of light-hearted humor.

"Yeah, but it's different."

"How so?"

"She's your wife," I shrugged, pushing my sunglasses back to rest on the top of my head. "When you get flustered with her teasing, all you gotta do is bring her in your arms and lavish her with kisses. Can't really do that with us."

"Would be a bit awkward I suppose."

"Just slightly," I chuckled, reaching over to brush back a curl that had landed against his forehead. A lot of women found it adorable, but with my OCD it drove me crazy. If he styles it that way, I'm alright with it, but otherwise it has to be fixed. I'm odd, yes, I know this.

"Watch yourself, Babe! D's rather particular about people touching his hair," Alex interrupted our simple banter.

"True. But I'm allowed."

"Why?"

"Because unlike you and Nickolas," I replied as Alex set the tray down on the table and slid into the chair next to me. "I touch Howie's hair to fix it. Not ruin it."

"But that man barely tolerates having the stylist or his own wife fix his hair-"

"I'm not that bad!" Howie spoke up, passing out our designated meals.

"You were in literal pain when we had to be doused with rain for the wet version of Drowning-"

"Oooh, I loved that one. How come y'all didn't release that one instead?" I interrupted, spearing some lettuce with my fork.

"That's not the point," Howie glared, ignoring me.

"You even hate it when your mother tries to fix your hair!"

"I do it a certain way and I just don't like people touching it-"

"Then how is Cayla different?"

"...I don't know, she just is!"

"Wow, I feel special," I muttered under a mouthful of salad.

"Stop making subtle passes at my girlfriend, Howie. I'm sure Leigh wouldn't appreciate it-"

"I am not trying to make passes on your girlfriend!" Howie nearly shouted, causing myself and other patrons to jump in surprise.

"Alex, for the love of God. You may not be able to come to this restaurant again if you give Howie a damn anuerysm."

"I was joking!" Alex fumed.

"Sometimes I think it's a little too much," I placed a hand on his knee, giving Howie an apologetic glance. "Can we please enjoy my first lunch in LA without a trip to the hospital?"

"Howie can kiss my ass, but sure we can Sweetheart-"

"Alex. Please."

"What?"

"Be nice."

"But-"

"For me?" I offered a small pout, my hand deviously running dangerously close towards his inner thigh.

"Well, shit-"

"Love you too," I chirped, pressing a kiss to his cheek and going back to my salad. Taking a long sip of my smoothie, I sighed as my stomach finally settled. I just hope the sickness would pass quickly so I could be spared the embarassment of vomiting in front of Alex.

"Don't get him too riled up, Cayla," Howie snorted towards the pleased smirk gracing Alex's face. "He's proven he has a hard time holding himself back in public."

"Oh, I've experienced that firsthand-"

"Yeah, there was this one time in the-" Alex started.

"If you make me lose my appetite, you're both walking home," Howie warned. He actually seemed serious... I glanced to Alex and shook my head.

"We have a whole week to tease Howie. Maybe we should give him a break today."

"I gave him a break the entire way to the airport," Alex whined childishly.

"And I'm proud of you," I chuckled, running my fingertips through the small hairs at the nape of his neck. "But let's make it last all day."

"No promises."

"It really is like dealing with a child," I rolled my eyes with a groan, going back to my food. "Thank God I don't have any actual children."

"You're right," Howie agreed. "Alex is enough of a child to deal with."

"At least there's no dirty diapers and feedings at three in the morning-"

"It's not so bad," Howie shrugged.

"We'll see if you're still saying the same shit once you and Leigh pop out a little shitter of your own," Alex insisted.

"He will," I replied confidently, sounding like a little sister looking up to her big brother.

"Guys were not meant to touch that shit-"

"Oh, please don't tell me you're stuck in the nineteenth century where women stay in the home to cook, clean and watch the kids while the men went out to hunt, fish and be sole provider for the family."

"That also lasted well into the twentieth century, y'know."

"Way to avoid my question."

"Technically it wasn't formed into one-"

"I bet you melted when you held Baylee for the first time after he was born."

"After I made it clear I would always be excused from diaper duty-"

"He did," Howie added with a smirk, finishing his sandwich and moving on to his yogurt parfait.

"Damn straight. Same goes for your shitter, D. I'm not doin it. So whenever you and Leigh decide to create a mini version of you, 'cause God forbid the world needs another Howie, I will not be held responsible for-"

"Alexander James!" I scolded, slapping his shoulder. Sometimes he just overdid the teasing, especially when it came to Howie.

"Ow! Baby, what the Hell?"

"Can't you shut your mouth for one damn minute? That was just downright rude!"

"Cayla, it's alright, I'm used to it-"

"No, it's not alright-"

"I was joking!"

"Like I said earlier, sometimes you joke too much."

"Really, it's okay. I give him a hard time as well."

"Don't make excuses for his inconsiderate behavior Howie-"

"Seriously, who are you and what have you done with Cays? You've turned into my mother!"

"Someone needs to keep you in check when she's not around!"

"Can't I just buy you some truffles to calm you down?"

"Buying me truffles won't fix-" I stopped at the sound of my favorite delight. Combine my love for chocolate and ADD... you have one random chocoholic. "Did you say truffles?"

"Wow..." Howie mumbled with a tight laughter.

"Shut up," I scowled, knowing I had lost yet another battle with Alexander James McLean. I know I say this all the time, but damn him.

"Take notes, D," Alex grinned. "Works everytime."