A Dose of Reality

Ally was sitting on the couch, a popcorn bowl beside her. On the television, Marisa Tomei was talking. Ally reached over and brought some popcorn to her mouth, her eyes never leaving the screen. Renee walked into the living room and stopped at the couch. She looked back and forth from the television screen to Ally. "What are you doing?" she asked, recognizing the actor on the screen. "Huh- Huh- J-just wa-watching movies," Ally replied. She grabbed the movie boxes and hid them behind her back. "Ally, what are you hiding? Wait, is that Robert on the TV? Ally, give me those," Renee reached behind her roomates back and pulled out the rental boxes. "Oh..that's nothing just.." Ally paused the video, blushing slightly. "Just..Wonder Boys..Chaplin...Black and White..Chances Are..Two Girls and a Guy?" Renee looked over at Ally, an odd look on her face, "Ally?" "Is there something w-wrong a-about that?," Ally said defensively, "I can't rent movies if I want to! I've..I've got my member's card!" Renee moved the popcorn bowl and sat down next to her, "Yeah...but..normally..you don't have a fest of movies of a guy who you've slept with who looks a lot like..well..you-know-who.." "huh.. I'm just pre-preparing for my closing," Ally miffed, taking another handful of popcorn. "Ri-ight!.." "Trying to get some inspiration.." Ally explained, turning her eyes towards back towards the television. That's when *it* happened. Marisa Tomei's face began to slowly warp into hers. Ally leaned in towards the tv, shaking her head back and forth. She was still there though, Robert's face getting closer and closer to hers. "Do you believe in destiny?" he asked. "Yes," she replied, her whole body shaking. Ally paused the tape just as their lips met. She closed her eyes, and when she opened them, she was gone and Marisa was back. "Uhh..Ally..is there any reason why we paused on those two kissing?" Renee guestured at the tv. "Huh.. well.." Ally put her hand over her mouth and giggled. "Ally..are you ok?" Renee was getting worried. "You see... I never add a-a chance to evaluate his acting abilities... and-and.. he's rather good you know. I mean he almost got an Oscar,, that's something and he's he's he's.." Ally trailed off, a happy sigh escaping her lips. "Go ahead..say it Ally..yum-my?" Renee teased. Ally covered her face with a couch cushion. Beneath it, she was turning pink, but she didn't want her roomate to see her. No! NO! I'm not going to say it..." Ally said, her voice muffled by the pillow. She peered over it at the television set, and smiled slightly. The movie had begun to play by itself again, and Robert was talking, a closeup on his face. "Ok..Ally..I'm sure that the judge will appreciate your hmm..knowledge on Robert's acting..but..why..now?" Renee crossed her arms, questioning Ally in her best courtroom voice. Ally shrugged. She squinted at the movie, grabbing wildly for the remote. She paused it again, and sighed loudly,"Now... you see that face? He looks just like Larry." "Is this about Larry?" Renne asked, her voice softening. She was starting to understand. Ally looked over at Renee wide-eyed. She honestly couldn't figure out what to say. Was this about Larry? She coud feel the little voice in the back of her head telling her an answer, "I-I-I don't know..." She shrugged and pushed her thoughts out of her head. ,"but then," she pushed the fastforward button, "There... he doesn't look a bit like Larry and he's still... so..." Ally moaned slightly. She ran her fingers over her lips. Renee rolled her eyes and sighed," Go ahead Ally..you know you want to!" Ally scooted so she was facing Renee. Pulling her hair behind her shoulders, she asked, Do you think that I could date a troubled movie star, having legal issues and looking like the love of my life?" Well..movie star..maybe..troubled..possible..legal issues..used to it..looking like the love your life? That's just wrong Ally.." Renee hated to be blunt, but she was just saying the honest truth. Ally hugged her knees, and rested her chin on them., "I know... but I can't get him out of my head." She turned her head and looked at the paused tape with a melancholy expression. ----- Ally sighed for the hundredth time in about an hour. Looking over her papers she smiled at Robert, almost ashamed that so much agitation was going on in the law firm. They were trying to work on his closing which was scheduled for the following day, but there was always someone showing up at her door, sneaking a curious head to see what was going on. She would have taken him back to her apartment, but she knew what had happened the previous time. "I'll probably talk about your childhood. I hope you don't mind." "No problem..." he said, raising his shoulders. "And maybe I'll have to..." Another knock on the door interupted her. She growled with exasperation. "Now... what is it again?" It was Richard. "Junior. "he said talking to Robert. "I just wanted to tell you that if you want to sue the bastard who fired you from the lawyer show... we're here for you." "No actually that's okay..." Robert said calmly. "You had a contract right?" "Yeah... but I just had an episode left so I don't mind." "They could pay you..." Richard insisted, his eyes twinkling by the thought of money. "Richard. He said that it's okay. Could you please let us work on the case." Richard smirked pointing his finger at Ally. "She's very ferocious with our clients. A good protective lawyer." Robert nodded even he didn't get Richard's point. "Did she ever throw something at you Junior?" Robert looked over at Ally knowingly. She noticed his gaze and locked her jaw. "Richard!" Ally warned him between her teeth. Robert took a look at her. Her cheeks had just turned red and she had a forced smile. Her hand reached for the box of tissues. She could threw it at him. "Just watch your head. She throws things when she's upset." Richard explained, backing and already protecting his face by moving his hands. "You could be a great target to her since you look like her ex. You know he has to pay for what he did to her and since you're there... Be careful." "Richard.. GET OUT!" When Richard ran out, she apologized again and they tried to get back on the case. A few minutes later, Nelle knocked on the door and stood there, a shy smile on her lips. Ally had never seen her looking shy. That was weird. "Hi Ally." she said looking sweet which was unusual. "Hi Mr Downey." Ally could swear that she saw a blush appear on Nelle cheeks. Her eyes glued to the actor and she told them that she just wanted to say hi. "How are you today Ally?" Nelle asked for the first time since she had joined Cage and Fish. "I'm fine." Nelle turned around after she had taken an other look at Robert. Then Ling followed, she sneaked her head and smiled at him, totally ignoring Ally. Next was John. "Good afternoon Mr Downey." he said polite. "Ally may I talk to you a second." "Sure" She followed him outside. John leaned closer so she could hear him whispering. "Ally... I'm worried about you. I don't..." he began, hesitating. "I don't like to see you being alone with him. I'm troubled... the Larry resemblance... it's freaky and you're vulnerable and he's..." "It's just a client John." Ally said. If he only knew the half of it.. ----- "You always want to please your parents. As children, we never doubt our parent's judgement. What they ask, we do. Mr. Downey's addiction started out that way. He was given something by his father, and he didn't know what it was. But he trusted his father. There's only been less than ten years of his life he hasn't been addicted to drugs...he needs for you to help him, not punish-" "Hey," Robert said poking his head into Ally's office. Ally smiled at him from where she had been standing at the window practicing her closing, "Are you talking about me? "Oh he-hey...oh umm..yeah..just closing.." she explained, approaching him. "Okay," he shut the door behind him and put his hands into the pockets of his jeans. "umm..do you want to hear it?" Ally began to play with her hands. It was a nervous habit. "Sure," he nodded and sat down on the corner of his desk. He crossed him arms, and gave her his full attention, "Go ahead.." Ally giggled nervously* Ok..if there's anything you don't want in there..you just tell me, okay?" She moved herself so that she was right in front of him, and put her hands behind her back. "I trust you," he looked at her, the sincerity in his eyes giving her some confidence. She began to repeat the opening from the beginning, but became nervous and began to stumble over some of the words."..not pu-unish him. Yes, he..umm..hr needs to.." He stood up from the desk, and took a step towards her. He reached out and pulled a lock of hair from her face, "You're too nervous." "How can I not be nervous with you touching me?" Ally tought, her heart beating faster, "Well..I'm..its just the first time I'm reciting this for anyone..and I want..I want it to be good.." she said, looking up at him, shaking slightly. "Just calm down," he said softly, placing a hand over her heart. Ally began to calm down a bit and smiled slightly, "I'm getting calm..clamer..can you just stand up here with me?" "Sure," he returned her smile and leaned foreward. He whispered into her ear,"Just breathe.. think that you're playing a role or something." Ally let out a deep breath and nodded, "Just a role, huh? Ok..this is harder for me than you think, you almost won an Oscar." "Don't think about it... just feel the words you're saying," he murmurred. Ally closed her eyes and begins to recite more of the closing, "Yes, he needs to help himself. But if he has no future to look forward to, how can he? Rehabilitation facilities allow the patient to integrate themselves into society rather than exclude them.." she opened her eyes to get his approval, "How was that so far?" "Good good...," his hand lowered from her heart and gently brushed against her breast. Ally gasped at the touch. Shivering slightly, she again closed her eyes, "It allows them to form relation-hmm..ships with the outside world, to get support from family and friends, and most of all to overcome the stress of everyday life.." He began to move in closer, and Ally could feel his presence. "and..and.." Ally's eyes flutteed open to see Robert inches away from her, "relationships...they're humm..important.." "I have a hard time concentrating Ally McBeal. Sorry..." "That's ok," she breathed, "I perfer it this way.." "Hmm..?" he moved his hand to her waist, knowing he was getting caught up in the feel of the moment. Ally put her hand on his chest, "You not concentrating..it's hmm..relaxing.." "Relaxing really? I don't feel relax right now... I'm..." he trailed off as Ally leaned her head on his shoulder, running her hands along the fabric of his shirt. What were they doing? "You're intoxicating," she whispered, breathing in the scent of his aftershave. It was spicy, and she could feel a bit of stubble run across her forehead. He smiled, putting a hand on her back, "To your perfume... maybe." Ally giggled, "I missed you all day.." She tilted her head up, searching for his lips. Robert stopped her by putting a finger on her lips, "Ally," I really want to kiss you right now but that would be wrong." Ally pulled away from him, "What? Wh-why?" "It would be wrong because you don't want to be with me... you want to be.. with him." Robert said without any rancor. Ally crossed her arms and looked down at the floor. "Who him? ohhh...La-Larry?" Ally bit her lip. "Yeah... and believe me Ally... you're beautiful, you're amazing.... you're...," he paused and sighed, feeling a tiny bit of his heart breaking, "But in your eyes, right now... I'm searching for a part of Calista." Ally nodded, her eyes slightly brimming, 'You know..no-normally..I'd feel stupid..getting involved like this..but I..I can't.." "We could have fun together but... we would be lying to ourselves," Robert continued, his voice becoming husky. "Robert...I do care about you though...this doesn't mean that we can't be...I don't just want to be your lawyer.." Ally took a deep breath, "but I know we can't do this..not this.." He nodded, "I'm really sorry for everything I put you into." He took a step back and cleared his throat," You know what? That closing needs a little working." Ally nodded and went over to her desk to pick up her notes. She handed them to Robert and they both began to look over them. They worked for half and hour, fixing a few parts, and working on reducing Ally's nerves. "Rehab is the best solution.." Ally finished the end of the closing with a flourish, "How was that?" "Much better," Robert smiled. Ally grinned in return. They both stared at one another for a few seconds before the ringing of the phone interuppted them. Robert was sitting at her desk so he leaned over and picked it up. "Hello?" he said. After a breif pause, his eyes grew wide, "Argh! Shit!" "What in the world! Robert? Who the hell's on the phone?" Robert put his hand on the reciever, "Your secretary... My nightmare." He shuddered. Ally laughed, "Give me the phone..hello Elaine?" Robert got up from her chair and began to walk around the room, looking at Ally's knicknacks. Ally smiled, her eyes following him, "Hmmm..Elaine..I can't hear you, what are you saying?...Who's in the bar?" Robert heard a crash, and he turned to see Ally dropping the phone, her mouth open in shock and surprise. ----- "I'm not sure..." Larry said, taking off his glasses. "I'm... I don't know if it's a good idea. I don't know if..." "Larry shut up." Helena replied with a smile. "I've been trying to take you here for more than two months. I know you want to see her so don't fool me." "Not a good idea." he insisted. "Yes it is." "Maybe..." Larry began, looking down at his fingers. "Maybe...I should write a letter or something.. I don't know." "A note and then a letter.. big improvement Larry." Helena replied, forcing her eyebrows. She knew how her ex husband had troubles to express his feelings and when he felt trapped he was frozen on place. Right now, he was trapped. He drank a sip of wine. He put on his glasses and took a look around. He had missed this place. This bar reminded him so much of Ally. He almost could feel her presence. Anxiously, his eyes were searching her. What if she wasn't hanging much in the bar. No. Ally loved this place and she been hanging out with her friends for a while. Larry swallowed, uncomfortable he could see the lawyers from Cage and Fish were staring at him. He just couldn't tell what they were all thinking of him but he had the feeling that somehow they must felt angry at him for what he did. "Larry?" "Hmm... Sorry Helena. I was just thinking." he said. He took his glasses off again and began to clear them on his tie, nervously. "Don't worry about the National Enquire." She said, trying to reassure him. "It's just crap...you know." Just the mention of the tabloids made his jaw drop. He had a bad feeling about this. What if Ally was involved with the actor? Larry couldn't stand that idea. They looked very closed on that picture and the way that he was holding her hands.... Larry could swear that something was going on. "They're clean." "What?" Larry asked, gettting back on earth. "Your glasses." Helena explained. "They're clean." Larry take a look down and mumbled. "Oh... yeah... I guess so." He paused, feeling completely stupid for agreeing to come here. What was he waiting for? For Ally to run to him? He didn't know what to expect. Helena had practically forced him to come. She just couldn't stand to see him depressed over his separation with Ally. "What if she's really going out with him?" Larry asked, trying to act like he was casual about the situation. "You read the title...it's...a..wild affair." He squeezed his jaw, his fingers firmly cleaned his glasses over and over with a napkin now. Helena leaned over and put a hand on his with a teasing smile of hers on her lips. "You know Larry. If something is going on between Ally and Robert Downey Jr there's only one good explanation and you know it..." "Don't say it!" he warned, raising a finger at her. There were things that he didn't want to hear tonight even if he had been hearing them for almost a decade now. When he put his glasses back on, he saw Ally standing there on the bar's entrance. His heart stopped when he realised that Helena's hand was covering his to comfort him. He knew just by the look on Ally's face how she was interpretating that hand standing on his. He took his hand off, his fingers reaching for his glass of wine. They shared a glance from the distance. Before that he could read in Ally's eyes whether she was shocked or disgusted she had turned on her heels and went out. "Larry." Helena said between her teeth, already knowing that he wouldn't move an inche. "What are you doing?" "Just sitting here." he mumbled. "Pigheaded!" ----- (Ally) Great. He shows up and I'm crying.... again... That's all he knows. It's confusing how in a second all could change. As I was running downstairs, I had the feeling that he was coming back to me... but I was wrong he just wanted to parade a little with his whipped cream specialist and ex wife. Damn it! Anger doesn't help. My hand is reaching for the door's handle. I can hear Robert's foosteps behind me. He's calling my name. I don't care. I have to... I have to get some fresh air. I have to get as far as possible from Larry. Damn Larry Paul! And I was thinking that I could forget about you that easy... I feel Robert's arms surrounding me and I just can help to burst out in tears. I'm still in love with Larry... ----- Larry took an other sip of wine, he had troubles swallowing it. "Larry. I don't know how you can just sit right here." "I told you Helena." he said, the only sign of nervousness showing was his fingers squeezing the napkin. "It was a mistake to even thinking of being here." Helena slapped his fingers roughly. "Larry Paul. Now listen to me! You're going to get that ass off your chair and go after her!" Larry raised his head up and saw so much determination in the eyes of his friend, that he couldn't protest. He had to see Ally. He knew it. "Okay." he sighed. Quickly, he ran out of the bar as everybody was turning around to see what was going on. The crew of Cage and Fish watched him leave. He went outside, breathless. Outside it was raining but there was no trace of Ally. ----- Ally leaned on Robert's shoulder as he fiddled with the key to her apartment. He got the door opened, and Ally stumbled in, turning the light on. Her eyes were swollen and red from crying. Robert's face mirrored hers in sadness, his heart aching to see her so upset. The light on the answering maching was beeping, and Ally hit the button to hear her messages. As she tossed her keys on the counter top, Renee's voice came on the line. "Ally. Hey, it's me! Just calling to tell you not to worry if I don't come home tonight. The date's much better than -." Ally hit the button again to stop the message from playing further. Ally took off her coat and put it on the couch, "Here let me take yours," she told Robert. He complied, and she placed it down on top of hers. She sank down onto the couch, covering her head with her hands. Robert sat down beside her, leaning forward, his hands clasped tightly, elbows on his knees. Robert couldn't think of any condolences to offer, other than to just let know that he was there. Ally leaned her head against his shoulder, and they stared off at the dark night. The rain had started to come down, a rather fitting touch to the situation. "I...will you stay?" "What?" Robert said, turning his head back towards her. Ally looked up at him, and mumbled her request again, "I need you to stay...please? I can't- I can't be alone..not tonight." Robert nodded and Ally wiped her eyes, standing up, "You'll need ummm...blankets. And some pillows. I would give you Renee's bed, but she...I don't know if she'll come home.." "That's fine," he said, also standing up, "Do you mind...if I go get a shower?" "Oh! Of course not...I don't know if I have anything for you to sleep in though," she chewed on her lip. "I'll be okay," he replied, "Just don't forget to call my parole officer, he might not take it so light on us this time." Ally smiled slightly, "Don't worry, I won't. Let me just go get you a towel.." She walked back into her room and came back with a towel.."Uh..you know where it is." "Thanks," Robert threw the towel over his shoulder and walked back towards the bathroom. Ally sighed, and went into her bathroom. Digging through her drawers, she pulled out her pyjamas and changed into them. It was too warm to wear the flannel top just yet, so she pulled on a white t-shirt over her bottoms instead. She grabbed some extra blankets and pillows and set them on her bed, letting Robert decide if he'd want the couch or use a sleeping bag on the floor. Going back out into the living room, she could hear the shower running. She was feeling a bit better, even though the storm was giving her a slight scare. As she picked up the phone, the sky let out a huge crash of thunder, and she almost dropped the phone. "Silly," she told herself, and dialed the number for the Robert's parole officer. "Hu-hello? Officer Johnson? Yes...this is Ally McBeal, Mr. Downey's lawyer. Yes, that's what I was calling about. We have closing tommorrow...yes, and I would rather not drive him back so late in this weather...I'm not a very good driver. Alright, thank you very much. I will tell him that. Thank you, good bye." Ally hung up the phone and turned on the television. Flipping through the channels, she stopped when she found 'Notting Hill' on Starz. She curled up on the couch in a little ball when Robert came out of the bathroom. He was wearing his boxers and wife-beater, towel around his neck and clothes in hand. Beads of water were traveling down his forehead from his hair. Ally looked over at him, her heart skipping a tiny beat. "Where can I put these?" he said, guesturing to his clothing. Ally pointed to her bedroom, and he disappeared to dispose of his things. He came back out, running the towel through his hair. Sitting down next to her, he asked, "What are you watching? Oh, Hugh Grant...never mind. The movie, it's not that bad. Movie star falls in love with a regular Joe...bearable." "You just don't like him?" She finished the sentence for him, and he grinned. "You could maybe say that," he replied before looking down at her pyjama pants, "Oh look, we match." Ally looked over at him and laughed. They did, both were wearing green plaid bottoms and a white top. "Thank you," Ally said. "You're welcome," he pointed at the movie, "Oooo..this is when they have dinner with his family." Ally turned her attention back to the movie. After a little while, she grew tired, her thoughts traveling back to Larry. Larry and Helena. She turned off the television and stood up, "Let's go get your bed set up." They were walking towards her bedroom when there was a knock on the door. "Can you get that? It's probably just Renee, forgetting her key," Ally told Robert. He nodded and shuffled towards the door, still rubbing the towel through his thick hair. Ally turned to go into the bedroom. As the knocks became more insistant, Robert rolled his eyes. "Can't they hang on for a second?" he muttered to himself as he yanked the chain lock. He flung the door open and came face to face... with a soaked Larry Paul. ----- Robert and Larry sized one another up, neither one moving, both trying to discover some horrendous fault in each other's appearance. "You must be Larry," Robert chuckled, extending his hand out. Larry looked down at it, his brow furrowing. Robert retracted his hand, and ran it against the elastic of his boxers. Just by the look on his face, he could tell what Larry was thinking. "Well, Downey, what's the guy supposed to think? You're wet, in your boxers, and you're answering the door. Doesn't take much of a genius.." Robert smiled uncomfortably, and looked back towards the bedroom. "You must be here for Ally..just one second," Robert held up a finger and ran back towards the bedroom. "Who was it?" Ally said from behind the blankets she was holding. She placed them in Robert's arms, and he promptly dropped them back on the bed. She was about to protest, but he grabbed her by the arm and dragged her out towards the living room. "Hey!" Ally yelped as she flew after him. They stopped at the doorway, and she looked up, confused. Larry. She looked back at Robert, and then at Larry. She blinked rapidly. What was going on? "What are you doing here?" Ally said, the venom in her voice clear. "I have to talk to you," he told her. Ally looked up at him, not believing what she was hearing. How could he think that he knocks on the door and that everything would be all better? "So now you're talking? I thought the only thing you could do was grab a pen," she snickered, "Go away Larry.. that's the only thing you do," she finally mustered. Larry looked at her in shock. "I can't do that Ally," he replied, "I came here because...I saw you and him in the tabloids and I told myself that it couldn't be true..and that it could be a sign," he paused, and clenched his fist. Now, I have my answer," he pointed an accusing finger at Robert, "I'm glad that you haven't lost your time!" "Was I supposed to wait for you? You left me with a fuckin' note!" Ally screamed, not believing what she was hearing. That would be like Larry, assuming things he didn't know anything about. "Ally.." Robert tried to calm her down. "Oh and you...who do you think you are?" Larry shouted at him, his nostrils flaring. "You leave him out of this," Ally spat back. Larry turned towards Ally and ran his fingers through his hair, voice softening, "I just thought that we could talk about what happened... Helena invited me to..." Ally whipped her head back at him, hair flying in front of her face. Pushing it aside, she hissed, " Helena...yeah..so..did you come back here to stomp my heart back into another thousand pieces..well it's too late.." "Look... let me explain..." Larry's voice was full of frustration and exasperation. Ally crossed her arms and sputtered, "There's not very much to explain...I think I understood at the sex..I mean whipped..cream.." Larry groaned, rubbing his eyes, "Ally..grow up, it was nothing.." He paused, puffing out his cheeks and exhaling slowly, "Do you see me freaking out about the tabloid?" "Grow up? Grow up!" Ally's voice was rising, her anger bubbling, "at least I know that in adult relationships you don't leave notes.. Tabloid..what..yeah..that...well....maybe you should!" She felt a great feeling of satisfaction in letting him know that. "Hello, can I say something?" Robert asked meekly from behind the two of them. "NO!" they both shouted in unison. Robert reeled back, his eyes open wide. "Okay, obviously not," he muttered. He didn't feel comfortable standing here, but leaving Ally to do goodness knows what was not his idea of nobleness either. Larry's eyes were full of confusion as he tried to make sense of what Ally had said. Jutting out his chin, he asked, "What do you mean by I should know?" "What would freak you out," she swallowed hard and emphasized his name, "*Larry*?" "I'm not following..." "Ally.." Robert put his hand on her shoulder, knowing full well where she was going, "Are you sure this is a good idea?" Larry looked at his hand on Ally's shoulder, and he didn't like where it was going either. Ally was set in her decision, "I'm sleeping with him." However, when the words spilled out, and Larry looked like he had been punched in the gut, she couldn't believe she had the nerve to say it. Robert winced, and closed his eyes, expecting a blow to come in his direction. When none came, he opened one eye, and withdrew his hand from Ally's shoulder. "What?!" Larry stared back and forth between Ally and Larry, clenching his fists. Squeezing his jaw, he nodded slowly, taking a step backwords. Defeated, he rubbed his hand over his face, "You know what, I'm just going to go." He turned and walked down the hall. Ally stepped out after him and yelled, "Fine, I'm used to it!" When a neighbor poked their head into the hall, she growled at them and stomped back into her apartment. Ally slammed the door shut, her head falling. Pulling the chain lock back on, her hand slowly traveling down the door, her entire body shaking. She turned back to look at Robert, whose own eyes were full of pain. Ally drew a shaky breath, "What did I do?!" Her face crumpled, and she slid down along the door, pulling herself into a small ball as she fell onto the floor. Robert kneeled down next to her, and she grabbed onto him, and she cried. And Robert stayed with her, his arms enveloping her...he knew he had to stay for as long as he needed her to, because he and Ally McBeal...they were both lost souls. ----- Renee yawned as she walked out of her room. She smiled at Ally who was in the kitchen, seated at the counter while reading a newspaper. The sunlight filtered through the window blinds, falling on the sleeping figure on the couch. Robert was snuggled under the covers, his head barely poking out of the top of them like a tortise. On the other end, his socked feet were sprawled out, and his pillow now lay on the floor. Renee looked at him knowingly. "Well.. well.." she said teasingly walking over to Ally. Ally put her finger to her lips, "Shhh...we had a long night..and no...don't even think that we did that..again." "Too bad. I just bought a polaroid," Renee giggled. Ally narrowed her eyes and scoffed, "HA HA! Funny" She paused and sighed "... no..he's just being supportive that's all," the panic began to rise in her voice and her throat felt like it was closing, "oh Renee..I've messed things up!" Renee's smile froze and she looked at her friend in concern, "What happened?" Ally banged her head against the counter and looked up, rubbing her forehead, " La-Larry...he came here last night.. " "He's back?" Renne arched an eyebrow. This she was not expecting. Ally frowned as the she rembered who she first saw him with, "Ye-yes..but with..with ...Miss Whipped Cream...and..he..he came by the apartment..and he said it was nothing..and then..oh then... " Ally's hands were shaking, and her breathing was becoming ragged. "Ally calm down," Renee told her, taking a few deep breaths herself. Ally followed her lead. Soon, she could breathe again. "Okay.." Renee put up her hand, "Slowly, start over." Ally took another deep breath and exhaled, " I told him that I cheated on his memory ....and I'm still..um.. cheating on him and that he, " she pointed to Robert whose covers were now in the process of falling on the floor, " and I...have a lot of fun together." Renee closed her eyes and shook her head, "What have you done?" "I slept with him," Ally said, wondering why Renee was asking, since she already knew. "I meant to..Larry." Ally blinked slowly and tilted her head, trying to put on her best 'Innocent though I'm really guilty' face, "Oh..I just told.told him to go away...I told him to go away." Renee clucked her tounge and said sadly, "Ally...What are you gonna do?" Ally shrugged and tapped her fingers nervously against the counter, "Act like this is a normal day.... just like I don't have this big closing about my new famous friend and ex-lover by the way... I-I'll act like Larry Paul didn't show up and I-I'll just forget about him..." Forget about him. That's the best she could do. Then Renee said exactly what he conscience was thinking. "But you can't Ally..it's Larry." Robert began to stir, as the cold air of the morning hit him. He stretched out, yelping slightly when he stubbed his toe against the arm of the couch. He sat up, rubbing his eyes and looking through narrowed eyes at his surroundings. He blinked a few times, adjusting his vision. "I... just have to find a guy who doesn't look like one or the other... " Ally whispered to Renee as she noticed Robert waking up. Walking over towards the couch, she smiled and plopped heself down on an arm of the couch, "Morning sleepy-head." Renee shook her head as Ally walked away and muttered to herself, "You may find an other guy but you'll have a hard time forgetting about those brown haired guys." Robert looked over at Ally and smiled, seeing something familar. His face then became sullen, "You okay?" Ally's face fell, and he could tell he probably sounded like Larry, "Oh... sorry.." he apologized, leaning over to get his covers and pillows. "I'm alright. You just worry about yourself, the closings today.." Ally smiled, trying to mask her pain, but Robert could see through it easily. He shrugged, "I guess.. it's going to be alright." The last part was mostly directed at Ally, but she seemed to interpret that as optimism on his part about the case. "Should I offer you some breakfast this time Mr Downey?" Renee called out from the kitchen. Robert turned towards Ally to get her approval. She laughed slightly, and leaned over and ruffled his hair, "I'll be nice and let you eat today." He smiled, his entire face lighting up. Renee could feel her knees start to give way, and she grabbed onto the counter. Looking over at Ally, she couldn't believe she seemed immune to it. She and Robert were busy folding his sheets, and she made a remark about his sleeping habits. Robert squinted his eyes at her and laughed. Ally put the sheets on the couch and led him over to the kitchen counter. She set him out a few plates, and Robert perked up further at the smell of Renee's pancakes. Ally teased him with the syrup, and Robert effectively wielded it away from her with a renactment of his drunk act from Chaplin. He took a bow, and both Renee and Ally applauded him. Sitting down to the plate of pancakes, he gobbled them up quickly. It had been awhile since he'd sat down to a homecooked breakfast. Ally made him a deal, that if he washed the dishes, he could have even more. Renee and Ally had a huge laugh at his expense when after getting his fill, he grudgingly dove his hands into the sink. When he was done, Ally showed him the dishwasher. Robert splashed water on her, and the three proceeded to have a huge water fight. As Ally slid across the floor into Robert, their troubles seemed forgotten. Such things never last though. ----- Robert gave Ally's hand a slight squeeze before she got up to give her closing. She smoothed out the bottom of her jacket, and walked out onto the floor. The only sound was the clicking of her heels, and the slight buzz of the one camera permitted in the court room. As she looked at the judge, she remembered the last time that she had faced him with a possiblity of making a turn for her side. That had been with Larry, with the case of concealed indentity. Larry... "Miss McBeal!" Judge Walsh called out her name sharply. Ally looked back towards Robert, and then back at the judge. Clearing her throat, she knew what she had to do. "I remember being little," she began, "and idolizing my father. He was my protector, and whatever he did, I knew it would be okay. Every child is like that. Mr. Downey was. His father thought it would be funny to give his young child a joint. And Mr. Downey back there took the joint, thinking that if his father said it was alright, it must be. So, if you do your calculations right, Mr. Downey has been addicted to drugs for around thirty years. Thirty years..and he just turned thirty-six. That's 83% of his life. That's a scary thought. Can you imagine, not knowing anything but being addicted to drugs, and struggling your whole life to get out of it? I'd be afraid. I'd be very afraid." Ally paused and took a deep breath, a series of emotions flowing through her, "When I first saw him, have to say that I was scared of him. It was so easy to have prejudices about him. It took me a while to see through his dark sides. We know the actor, we know the star, we know all about his legal troubles... but we know very little of Robert Downey Jr as a person. I had a glimpse of him. That man is just... so gentle, caring for others, sensitive... he can find a way to make your day brighter. He's never killed anybody, robbed someone, attacked anyone...he's not a criminal. He's just a 'guy with a drug problem'. I could stand here and spout numbers and merits towards rehabilitation, but it does just come down to the person wanting to help themselves. You don't have to see the bottom of the barrel to try and get back up. Yes, Mr. Downey needs to help himself. We need to allow him to do so. Putting him in jail though...won't that make him less afraid of it?" Ally shook her head, "Most of us sitting here have no idea what being addicted to drugs is like. Most of us will luckily never know. But he," she pointed back at Robert, "he knows. Why not hand him the key and tell him, here, take the journey and yes, we know it will be hard. But when you get done and open that door, we'll be here waiting for you and cheering you on. It's not about giving him preference because he's an actor, it's about getting Mr. Downey the person help with his disease. It's a disease. We don't send cancer patients to jail, we get them chemo. Why should it be any different for this disease?" She was almost crying at the end, and her voice was full of emotion. Robert's eyes were watery, and no one in the courtroom made a sound. Walking back towards the table, she smiled at Robert shakily. He knew a good part of the emotion came from the situation with Larry, but if he didn't know that...she did a damn good job. ----- Ally's attention was anywhere but the courtroom. Her leg bounced up and down nervously, and she tapped her nails rapidly on the table. Robert was watching her, amused that she was in a worse state than he was. "You're nervous," he said, putting his hand over hers quickly to stop her from tapping. "Wh-what?" Ally asked, turning her face towards him. He rolled his eyes good-humourdly and was about to reply when the judge walked in. They both stood, Ally nearly knocking her chair over in the process. The judge sat down, and signaled for the audience to do so also. Ally and Robert were to remain standing however. Robert put his arms behind his back, his eyes cast upward at the judge. Ally's hands were at her side, tapping against the side of her leg. Judge Walsh peered over at the two and cleared his throat, "I will not lie and say that making a decision on this case was easy. This is not the first time that Mr. Downey has been before a court facing similar charges. However, I agree with Ms. McBeal. Drug addiction is a disease, and should be treated as such. Mr. Downey, I sentence you to a year of rehabiltation in an approved lock-down facility to be served co-consecutively with your previous six month sentence. You will comply with drug testing and further testing upon your exit of the rehabiliation facility. The best of luck to you Mr. Downey, and I hope to never hear about you facing another judge on charges like this again." The judge left the courtroom, and Ally turned towards Robert. Behind them, people were getting up from their benches, reporters attempting to make deadlines, and supporters were mingling out, trying to give Robert some privacy. Robert smiled at her, and Ally nodded. She shut her briefcase, and they walked out of the courtroom. ----- Robert stood up from the bench he was sitting. Ally was coming out of the clerk's office, finishing up the final paperwork before Robert left the courthouse for the last time. "Everything's all set," she said, handing him a manila envelope with all of his necessary legal documents, "You're plane ticket's in there also. You leave tommorrow evening." He looked down at the packet of papers. He nodded, swallowing hard, "Thank you." He squeezed her fingers slightly. She looked so sad and lost." "You did so much for me Ally.. I wish I could do something for you..." he thought to himself. She sighed unhappily, "It was nothing Robert...I just..I think I need to go home..." He tilted his head a little, and bent his knees to look into her eyes, "You're sad." Her lip trembled, "Larry's gone for good...and it's my fault.." She put her hands over her face, and Robert put his arm around her shoulders. He sighed, "I somehow feel responsible for it." She looked up and over at him, "Robert..." she smiled to reassure him, "it's not your fault..I ...I just need to be by myself." Robert nodded, his arm falling from her shoulders, "Okay..just promise me that you won't do anything bad." "Usually, when I'm depressed I run to chocolate, remember?" Robert grinned, "I will find you the number for chocoholics anonymous someday.." "You better," she poked his forearm, laughing. They stood in silence for a good number of minutes, both knowing that this would be the last time they would see each other before Robert was to leave. And neither wanted to let the other go. Everything that had happened had brought them to a comfortable friendship, something beyond the lust they had first shared. Ally could look into his eyes and say she could truly see Robert Downey Jr., her friend, and not the illusion of Larry that she had first been searching for. Now, he had to go back to L.A. and work on getting her life in order. She..she had found what she had been searching for. The ability to live without Larry...to fall for someone again..to find that missing piece of herself. He would never be able to thank her enough for showing him all that he had to live for. Ally looked over at him, tears in her eyes, "You know what Robert Downey Jr.?" He smiled at her, a tear rolling down his cheek, "Yes, Ally McBeal?" "You'll always be my favorite client," she said, realizing just how much she really mean it. "And you'll always be my favorite lawyer..if I ever need a lawyer again.." he paused and laughed, "and I assure you, not for drugs...you'll be my first call." Ally smiled through her tears. There was no need for a good-bye. Something in both their hearts told them they would cross paths again someday, but not for any purpose like this. They knew each other too well. ----- Robert looked down at the piece of paper with the scribbled address. This was the right floor, now where was the apartment? He walked down the hall, his parole officer trailing behind him. He reached the end of the hall, and there it was. 415. He took a deep breath a knocked. "One second," he heard a voice reply. He looked around nervously, a group of old ladies had followed him up from the lobby where he had asked for directions, and were watching him suspicously. He was putting his hand up to knock again when the door swung open. "What are you doing here?," Larry asked harshly. "Well..obviously, I'm talking to you.. " Robert replied, trying to lighten up the situation. Larry wasn't amused. "Guess what I don't want to talk to you... it's bad enough that you stole my... my... the woman I loved..." Go back to your Hollywood Hall of Fame," Larry spat, and began to shut the door. Robert stuck his foot in to stop him. Larry looked at him through narrowed eyes. "Well..that's actually what I came to talk to you about," Robert put his hand against the doorframe. Larry was stronger than he thought. "Your career?" Larry asked, confused. Robert rolled his eyes, frustrated. He could see why this man was perfect for Ally, "No, Ally...now, are you going to let me in..or am I going to have to explain this to you with everyone on your floor looking? " Larry sighed and poked his head out into the hall. Sure enough, there was a group of people watching them, amused. He opened the door all the way, and guestured, "Okay." Robert walked into the apartment. It was filled with boxes. There were some pieces of furniture here and there, but it seemed to him that all of Larry Paul's life was packed away in those boxes. ----- (Robert) Up until now, I used to think that Ally and I were the same person in our seperate relationships. But I was wrong. Looking around at his apartment...Larry Paul and I are perhaps more alike that I will ever know. This is my apartment, only one coast to the East. He's making the same mistakes in love that I made. You can't hole yourself up in your apartment and expect the world to make itself better for you. I did this to Calista, and I can't let him do that to Ally. ----- Robert and Larry looked at each other in silence. Robert kicked an empty crate over and sat down on it. Larry followed suit with another crate, and they again stared at each other. Robert smiled akwardly, "I was-" "You slept with her," Larry interuppted him, his voice bitter. "It was once..and that time you came to her apartment, you thought wrong. Nothing happened." "You were wearing matching pj's for christ sake's, what was I supposed to think!" Larry turned his face away, so Robert couldn't see how upset he was. Robert nodded, there was no point denying the truth. He had slept with Ally. But.."Ok..see that's explainable...she saw you in me..and I saw..I saw..I saw the love of my life in her..we were lost..but you could fix that for her.." Larry mumbled, "For years, people had been telling me that I look a little like you," his voice then rose, and he clenched his fist, "Now you're telling me that Ally saw me in you... come on! She's not that stupid! She couldn't have mistaken us!" Robert shook his head, "She didn't mistake us...she just tried to catch onto what she thought was a memory..." he looked over at Larry, "it was a mistake. And people make mistakes on whims. Don't make one." "What do you mean?" Larry muttered, looking back over at Robert. "Just...Larry, I've been where you're standing right now..making an idiotic mistake over the woman you love due to yourself..cause you still love her, right?" Robert's own emotions were grabbing hold of him, and it was almost as if he was also talking to himself. Larry didn't say anything, and he didn't have to. His eyes, sad and hopeful, told Robert all that he needed to know. "Alright then," Robert stood up from the crate, "Cause you know that she loves you to." Larry looked up at him, and shook his head, "I don't know if she could forgive me." Robert sighed, his mind wandering to Calista. He would like to think that she would forgive him one day for everything he put her through. And he knew, he knew that it was because he wouldn't ask for help that it was the cause of his world crashing down. He smiled sadly, and said softly, "Just don't let her go over an issue of pride or because you're too scared. You'll only be more of a coward at the end of the day, and what will you have gained?" Larry stood up. Robert Downey Jr. was a good man, "Thank you." "You're welcome. Well, I have to go now, have packing to do, but it was nice talking to you, Larry." "You too Robert," Larry said, leading him towards the door. As they exited into the hallway, Robert turned around. "Have you ever thought about going out to Hollywood and being a stunt double?" he asked, a gleam in his eye. "Thanks for the offer, but I think I'll stick with my boring existance," Larry said with a laugh. Robert smiled, and shrugged, "It was just an idea. Oh and Larry..uhh..tell you from experience..it's much nicer when everything's out of the boxes.." Larry shook his head confused, and then nodded when the realization came over him, "Thanks for the hint." Robert raised his eyebrows and walked down the hall, waving a goodbye over his shoulder, a spring in his step. ----- Ally was in office, balancing a pen over a new case she had. She felt empty. The case of her famous client had been very demanding and since Robert Downey Jr was that famous client in question, she had spent weeks trying to deal with her feelings towards him. First the fear, next the attraction and then the attachment. "Maybe we could be friends. I could have free tickets for movies." she thought with a smile. "Althought it would feel a little strange since he looks like... I'm not going to say his name... Don't think about him! Don't even try!" She heard a woman clearing her throat. "Huh... Ally McBeal?" Ally dropped her pen and raised her eyes to look at Helena Fisher, Larry ex-wife. Seeing her standing there on the doorway made her remember when Jamie came a few months ago to question her about her relation with Larry. She wanted him back. "Why do woman have to pursue him?" Ally was asking herself, her face losing the receptivity it had a second ago when she had raised up her head to the new person entering. Now, Helena was smiling. "Keep him... I don't care." Ally mumbled, staring back at her desk. "You don't have to ask my-my permission if you want to be with...him." her voice broke on the last word and she shook her head, the words flowing out rapidly. " And-and if you're coming here to get my blessing, it may take a while be-before you have it, but-but one day I'll get over him and-and perhaps, hey, who knows... I'll be the godmother of your children." "Ally..." Helena interrupted her softly. "Oh!" Ally forced out a laugh, her eyes full of tears. "That would be such a thrill." Helena didn't wait for an invitation, she approached and sat down in front of Ally. "I came to talk to you about Larry." she began, her hands covering her purse. Ally noticed that her nails were perfectly clean and cut, she got the image of those nails running down on Larry's back and it made her heart squeeze in pain. "I-I don't want to hear about him." Ally said with what she hope sounded like determination. Helena could barely hide a smile. "You and Larry... you're two of a kind. You're both stubborn, insecure and..." "There is no ME and LARRY." Ally said between her teeth. "And so much in love with each other." Helena finished softly. Ally' mouth dropped. She was shocked. In fact, she had really the idea that Helena was here to tell her that Larry was her territority. She thought that it was one of those: "Don't even think of approaching my man.. he's mine." Helena noded with an encouraging smile. "Before you say anything else to justify your... misery... because I assume that you feel somehow miserable without him." Helena explained, leaning closer. "I came here to talk to you about Larry. Yes I've been married to him and we remained close friends but nothing much. I'm engaged with an other man and I'm happy with him so.. don't worry." Ally sighed and automatically tried to hide that feeling of relief. Helena Fisher wasn't a threat after all. She was a woman who cared about a friend. Ally was starting to look at her with a different vision. She was nice, her eyes were warm and friendly. Ally's mind flew elsewhere. "Maybe I could do shopping with her." "Maybe I could ask her about that mascara she's wearing. It looks nice!" Her thoughts often did that when she could anticipate that something important was about to be said. "Larry is still in love with you." Helena almost whispered. Ally's heart missed a beat like it was a revelation to her. Of course, he had left her with that note: "I love you. Goodbye." but she had had doubts about his feelings for her. He had walked away from her without any explanation. Ally caught her breath and managed to say something. "I-I don't know... Things were pretty complicated before he left. He was distant, he was nervous with me and-and you-you whipped creamed him so...I...I..." "Larry was upset you're right but he needed to talk to me for a major reason." Helena said, noticing how Ally was becoming nervous. Her hands were moving in front of her face like she wasn't ready to hear anything. "I-I knew that he would leave... I knew from the moment he..." Then, Helena let it out: "He wanted to propose to you." Ally gasped, her hand grabbing a piece of paper and squeezing it between her fingers. She started to giggle nervously. "Oh..huh... hey..." Her eyes filled up with tears. She tried to follow what Helena was saying. She was talking about Larry nervousness and insecurities, the omens, the ring ending up at an other table. With a certain confusion, Ally remembered the whole evening how it started romantic, Larry smiling to her, taking her hand softly in his and kissing the tips of her fingers. Then, when the time of the dessert came, his face had turned cold. All of this was starting to make sense to her. "Are you alright Ally?" Helena asked, seeing how Ally looked pale. "I-I... I guess I am." she answered, her voice trembling. ----- Robert entered the rehab center, whistling. A year in rehab. It won't be THAT bad. It could have been four years of prison. Somehow, he could feel a new hope for the future. He stopped in the entrance, telling himself that he had to show up for his daily routine before going to his room. Every time that he got out of the center, they had to test him for drugs afterwards. His mind elsewhere, he sat on a chair and waited a while, taking a look around. "It doesn't feel like home here. Same thing in L.A. but it's just for a time..." He was trying to reassure himself more than anything. He sighed and grabbed the magazine standing on the chair next to his. Cosmopolitan. Smiling, he read the titles: "Cosmo's favorite sex tips." "Get a glimpse of your guy's most secret thoughts." A soft hand landed on his. "Hey... Downey." A smile formed on his lips before he had the time to raise up his head and look at her. He closed the magazine, pushed it aside. "Calista." he said softly. He finally found the strength to look at her. She was standing next to him, sitting on a chair, her hands rubbing nervously her knees. She pushed a lock of her hair behind her ear. The corner of her lips were turned upward, her eyes cast shyly downwards. She seemed out of place in the drab room, a beacon of light in the monotnous world he was living in. He wanted to take hold of her and not let her go. The both began to talk at the same time. "I'm glad that you came." "I had to see you..." The looked at each other and laughed. They could still connect in a way that was almost impossible to fathom. He nodded his head, smiling, "It's good to see you." Calista looked up at him, returning his smile. She looked around the lobby and asked, "Is there some place quiet where we could talk?" He nodded getting up from his chair. Then he remembered his drug test. His face turned slightly red from embaressment, "I just have to... get tested first... you know." She nodded and sat back down to wait for him. She flipped through a few magazines, and when she got to Lucy's interview in Madameoiselle, her eyebrows raised slightly. Robert..Downey..Jr. She shook her head. A few minutes later, Robert came back, and they walked to his room. They sat on the bed, arms touching. Calista looked around, inspecting his quarters. "Nice room!" Robert looked at her oddly,"Are you kidding?" "Huh... yeah.." she laughed, hitting his arm playfully. He smiled halfway, one of those devestating grins that melted her. "How is it going? How's Liam and everyone?" he asked, turning towards her, putting one knee on the bed. Calista's face brightened, and she tucked her knees under her and began to talk quickly, her hands flying back and forth. "Oh... you should see him. He's growing up so fast. He's doing those little sounds with his mouth. Ba! Ba! Ba!, "she demonstrated by scrunching up her face, "He goes with his little fists up in the air, just like he's trying to do some sign language. He's just hilarious! Robert looked at her, a small smile on his face. He realized how much he had missed her, her thrist for life, her energy, and her incredible intelligence. She was everything he had ever been looking for, and he wasn't afraid to admit it. He would scream it off of the tallest mountain if he head to. "And how are you doing?" he asked, his voice softening. She glanced over at him, her head dropping, and she shrugged, "Well... you know." He took his finger and placed it under her chin, lifting up her face. Through her hair, she looked at him, her eyes telling him that everything would get better and that she forgave him. His eyes..they couldn't even contain every little bit of love he felt. He moved his hand over to the tips of her hair, brushing them softly, "Love your new haircut. You look great." She closed her eyes for a second and nodded, "I guess I needed...some changes." Robert cleared his throat and stood up, not wanting to make the situation more difficult, "They did a pretty good job with the two last episodes. Althought it wasn't really my handwriting." Calista nodded leaning back on the bed, her head against the wall, " I wish you could come back to the show... really." She grabbed one of his pillows and hugged it, a smile breaking across her face thinking of the possiblities. "Well who knows?" he said, a burst of excitement rushing through him. 'I don't think I could handle kissing an other actor you know..." she fingered the pillow, and took in the smell of him that was on it. "I'm glad that you enjoyed my acting..." he replied softly. She looked up, and nodded. It was then that he realized that there is more than one way to tell a person you loved them, and sometimes it was without words. It was happening to him right now. She put the pillow aside, and stood up, stuffing her hands into the front pockets on her jeans, "Yeah.. so...huh.. when are you coming back to L.A. Downey?" "Tomorrow." "Maybe I could help you pack your suitcase?" she asked, feeling somewhat shy. He grinned, "Great!" As she began to fold some of his shirts, he slowed down his own pace of packing and watched her. He knew that for awhile all they could be was friends, because he had to concentrate on himself and rehab. Once he got out, it was still going to be a struggle, and everyday he'd have to face the tempatation that existed out in the real world. But something..something in her eyes told him that the doors were open, and that their story was just beginning. "Easy Downey, take your time," he muttered to himself. Time..he just had to take his time. ----- Ally sat at her usual table at the bar, her mind a jumble of thoughts. It had been three days since her talk with Helena, and still there was no sign of Larry. "Maybe he went back to Detroit," she thought, hoping it wasn't true. She sighed, telling herself she had to stop thinking about him. The waiter came over with her drink, and she hoped that having a good time with her friends might get her mind off of him. There was something odd about her drink. She picked it up, a smile now formed across her face. It was the blinking blue nose. She got up, standing on her tiptoes, trying to search over the crowd for the familiar tossled head of hair. "Where is he?" she thought, when she couldn't find him. She pushed through the crowd, and stood in the middle of the dance floor, trying to figure out where he might be. A draft of air hit her from the door of the bar opening. Ally again fought her way through the crowd and out the door. He was leaning against the wall outside the bar, arms crossed, looking upwards at the sky. Ally walked over, dragging her hand against the wall. She followed his gaze upwards at the stars, and leaned back. "It's a beautiful night isn't it?" she mused, "It's supposed to be a sunny day tomorrow." "Usually you're supposed to talk about the weather to strangers," he turned so that one shoulder remained leaning against the wall, and he could look at her directly. Ally whispered, "Oh... I was just trying to find something to say." She turned her head to look at him, "I thought it would be a bad timing to tell you how much I missed you." Larry smiled, a smile so stunning that every time she say it, Ally's knees gave way. It was no different this time. "That wouldn't be that bad." Their eyes locked, neither sure of what to say, but crystal clear on the emotions. Larry took off his glasses and wiped them. Putting them back on, he cleared his throat. "I'm really sorry... you know. There is so much I would like to..." Ally interuppted him, "Helena told me about..." Larry raised his eyebrows, "Oh she did.. she's just has a big mouth," he dug his toe into the ground, wondering what Ally was going to say. "That's okay. She cares about you. And what made you change your mind?" Ally's hand brushed against his slightly, their fingers intertwining for a brief second. It had been so long since they had touched each other. "The star." Ally tilted her head to the side, and blinked slowly, "Huh... what?" "Your famous client," Larry rubbed his hands together, his heart racing. ----- The star. Only Larry could put Robert on such a pedestal. What do you want to know about him Larry? I won't lie and tell you I will forget him tommorrow, but I can tell you this. Robert Downey Jr. showed me life without you. He taught me to live it, and during that I came to a realization. I can live without you Larry Paul, but I don't want to. I want to wake up in the morning and hear you breathing beside me. I want to come home after a long days work and fall into your arms, and you can make it all better. I want to go home. And you're it. ----- They fell into a comfortable silence as the sounds from the bar floated outside. Ally stood and listened to Vonda's voice, and closed her eyes. "Now that she's back in the atmosphere With drops of Jupiter in her hair, hey, hey She acts like summer and walks like rain Reminds me that there's time to change, hey, hey" Ally came back to reality as Larry spoke again, "Do you think that we could... start over?" He ran his fingers up her arm, and she shivered. As he tucked a piece of her hair behind her ear, she nodded, her eyes gazing directly into his, "That would be interesting." Larry grinned slowly, and he let out a sigh of relief. He reached for her hand in which she still held the blue nose, and placed it over her own. Ally touched it softly and smiled. "So where should we start?" He looked at her, an idea forming in his head, "First... How about," he took her hand softly and pulled her in slightly, "a dance?" "Tell me did you sail across the sun Did you make it to the Milky Way to see the lights all faded And that heaven is overrated Tell me, did you fall for a shooting star One without a permanent scar And did you miss me while you were looking at yourself out there" They danced slowly, inching closer and closer as the song went on. She dropped her head onto his shoulder, wrapping her arms around his neck. His hands slid to her waist, and soon they were moving only to their heartbeats. "Now that she's back in the atmosphere I'm afraid that she might think of me as plain ol' Jane Told a story about a man who is too afraid to fly so he never did land" Ally looked up and him, breathless, "What's the next step?" He took her face in his hands and leaned his forehead against hers, pulling the blue nose off of her face. He placed butterfly kisses along her face, and he stopped suddenly as their eyes locked. Ally closed her eyes, and tilted her head up, her lips capturing his. Their tounges slowly intertwined, the past months being wiped away by the kiss. Every little moment of frustration, sadness, and anger was changed into the feeling of love and happiness that they felt at that moment. Life couldn't become more beautiful. "Can you imagine no love, pride, deep-fried chicken Your best friend always sticking up for you even when I know you're wrong Can you imagine no first dance, freeze dried romance five-hour phone conversation The best soy latte that you ever had . . . and me..." ----- [one year later] Ally walked into her office, sighing happily at the beautiful day outside. She walked over to the window, squinting her eyes at the bright sun. She turned back towards her desk, confused by the contents on top of it. A small gift box with an envelope on top it lay in the middle of her desk, the envelope had her name scribbled on it with familiar handwriting. She picked up it up and carefully removed the letter inside. My dearest Ally- I apologize for not having kept in better contact with you over the past few months. However, the crowd here keeps you busy. I think you'd fit right in with our regular UNO games. Word from here is that I get out in a few weeks! I may be in need of your legal services again soon, because I am in search of a house, and need a keen eye to tell me if it's a lemon or a peach. And they've been bombarding me with offers to work, but you'll be proud, my first act will not be to delve into a stressful situation, I will instead find myself a massusse! I was thinking about you when I heard one of my fellow recoverees bemoan about their chocolate addiction. My first thought was about the lovely Ally McBeal and her ongoing battle. Well, I've decided to be bad and feed your addiction. That's a box of the best chocolate I know, and I expect to hear a report that you ate it all! Also, congratulations on your nuptiuals, that Larry is a lucky man. Send him my hello. I'm still looking for a stunt-double by the way. Write me back so I can have the motivation to keep in touch. I'm terrible at letters. However, I don't want to become indebted to the phone companies by calling people left and right. Well, I've rambled. I've drawn you and Larry a picture, hopefully the two of you will enjoy it. Lovely, Robert Ally smiled, unfolding the other piece of paper included in the envelope. It was a beautiful drawing of the picture Ally had sent him a few weeks ago in her last letter. She put it on one side of desk, deciding that at lunch time she would go buy a frame for it. What most intrigued her was what she now knew was a box of chocolates. Lifting the lid off of the box, she stared down at them. She put her hand out to pick one up, and then drew it back. She shouldn't..but..one little chocolate wouldn't hurt her, right? One chocolate led to another, and by the time Larry showed up, her mouth was stuffed full of chocolates. He noticed the letter and smiled. He was okay with his wife's friendship with Robert, and was starting to really like the guy himself. "Oh..a letter from the star.." Ally rolled her eyes, Larry always called Robert that. She swallowed, and walked over to him, "Jealous? You shouldn't be.." "Oh..." he hesitated and nodded, teasing her, "Okay." She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. As she pulled away she whispered, "I don't need a..huh... star... when I have chocolate, a man like you and a ring at my finger." Larry opened his eyes wide and laughed, "But still... it was written...a wild affair and..." Ally reached over and picked up the box of chocolates from her desk. She stuffed a few in his mouth, "Shut up Larry." The End