Michael and Natasha sat side by side on his sofa as the film ended. Thank you for joining us for this broadcast of My Man Godfrey, the announcer said.
"I love that movie," she told him sleepily. "Carole Lombard and William Powell are so funny together."
"You know he insisted that she play opposite him despite the fact that they were divorced at the time."
"Well some couples do remain friends after a divorce."
"Like you and Jax?"
"Yeah like me and... Hey, I thought we had an agreement. No discussing ex's."
"Sorry. Hey you remember the first time we saw this movie?"
"Michael," she said warningly.
"What? It was just a question." He told her with the innocence of a choirboy.
"Okay fine, yes I remember." They sat in silence for a minute until he began to laugh under his breath.
"Can you imagine what the good people of Port Charles would say if they knew?"
"You're the one who suggested it." She argued.
"But you came along."
"You double dared me."
It was the first and last time Alexis Davis skipped school. Michael had found out that My Man Godfrey was going to be playing at the theatre on the other side of town. They had left for school that morning the same as always only this time they walked to the bus station. Michael had paid a homeless man five bucks to call the school, pretending to be Deke and explain that both Michael and Alexis had the flu. Next they had could the bus to the theatre however upon their arrival they hit a snag. The young man at the ticket counter had refused to sell them tickets and told them to go back to school. Alexis who had been practically on the verge of a panic attack since the bus station suddenly stepped forward. She began by muttering something in Greek then looked the man straight in the eye and continued in English but with a definite accent.
"I am not an American student and therefore have no school to which I can return. Our fathers are here in your country for the UN meeting on foreign trade relations. We were both brought here as youth representatives for the RFG convention this weekend, you know of course what that is?" She didn't wait for him to answer but instead continued in her tirade. "I had hoped to be able to enjoy my time here before the convention by taking in some American culture. If you feel it is necessary I can call my father at the UN and have him confirm these facts to you. He is in meetings all day but I am sure he will not mind the interruption. In fact perhaps your manager could call him and we can settle the matter"
Not only did the man let them in but also he didn't charge them for their tickets, stating that they were a gift from the American people.
"I should have realized then and there you would be a lawyer. You always could convince people of just about anything."
"I can't decide if that was an insult or a compliment?"
"Definitely a compliment."
"Well then thank you."
"You're welcome. Are you hungry?"
"What?" She asked confused by the change in subject.
"Well it's already 7 I figured you might like some breakfast."
"Why do you say already seven? What time do you normally get up?"
"That's right I forgot you like to sleep in." He hadn't, not really.
"Yeah, when I actually sleep. Since we're up for the day I guess we should have something."
"Great, you still like pancakes with blueberry syrup?"
"Are you kidding?"
"I know stupid question." He began walking towards the kitchen and then noticed that she was following.
"Where are you going?"
"I thought I could help."
"Help what?" He was afraid he already knew the answer.
"Help make breakfast, after all it's the least I can do."
"I don't know Tash, I kind of like my kitchen the way it is, you know, not on fire."
"Hey that was one time, and only the food was on fire, not the whole kitchen." She reminded him haughtily.
"Still I think it would be safer for all involved if you stay out here."
"What if I promise not to touch anything?"
"So you're just going to watch?"
"Yeah, it's not often I get to see a great chef at work."
"Flattery will get you anywhere."
"Even into your kitchen?" She asked hopefully.
"Alright fine come on." He couldn't help smiling at the way her face lit up. He realized that most likely she wasn't ready to be alone. Before long Sonny was frying the pancakes while Alexis looked on.
"There must be something I can do?"
"You promised you wouldn't help." He reminded her.
"Come on Michael."
"Alright you can pour the juice."
"Gee thanks."
"Hey, do you want to help or not?"
"Sorry I just don't like feeling helpless." Taking the pan off the heat he turned to look at her.
"Natasha, you are one of the most respected lawyers in the state, you are a beautiful intelligent woman who can handle herself in any situation. Well almost," he added grinning. "Now pour the juice."
"I suddenly feel like I'm ten years old."
"You look it too," he mused almost to himself. "I haven't seen your hair that way in a long time." Alexis realized she had come downstairs earlier with wet hair; she had combed but not blow-dried it. The result was a mass of soft waves falling over her shoulders. "They're ready," Michael's voice interrupted her thoughts. "You bring the juice I'll get the rest."
As they sat down to eat Alexis was again struck by the implied intimacy of their situation. They were having breakfast together, she in his robe. It was not the first time they had done this but they had only been children the last time. This was definitely different.
He sat beside her and watched as she enjoyed the pancakes. He thought back to the last time they had done this. They hadn't known it would be the last time. It was just another morning, he had watched her then too trying to figure out a way to tell her, to explain his feelings. Then a couple weeks later she was gone. He couldn't risk losing her again; they had already lost so much time...
"Natasha I need to talk to you about..."
The quick knocking followed by the opening of his front door interrupted his words.
"Sonny I need to talk to you..." the voice broke off at the sight of them.