Title: Something For You For Me
Rating: PG
Notes: Another short scene, this one taking place on Alex's birthday (awww).
Notes2: Feedback feeds the muse, even when the muse is still stuck on an OTP that's been off the air for years ,lol

Something For You For Me

Olivia barely recognized herself.

It was just a year ago, actually quite a bit less than that, that she was married to the job. Content, or so she had convinced herself, that that was all she wanted, or at least all she needed.

And to be honest, she was *still* married to the job, she was. But what had changed was that she had discovered that she could be married to the job, could fulfill the burning need to help others, find justice for others, fight for others, and at the same time find and treasure something for herself.

And that something was Alex. She hadn't been expecting it, wouldn't ever have predicted it. But now here she was, a Friday night with her telling Fin "No, sorry, I can't take your weekend shift, I've got plans" and replying to Elliot's suggestion the grab a drink with a sly wink, "Thanks for the invite, but it's Alex's birthday today and we're doing something special," and plotting with Serena to make sure she kept Alex at the office until at least 5:30 so she could get everything set up at home before the attorney's arrival…

The detective smiled to herself as she wrote and placed the last of her notes. She felt nervous and even silly, but at the same time giddy. And try as she might, she couldn't get rid of the smile plastered on her face.

Yeah, again, she barely recognized herself.

With a final smile to herself, Olivia shut the door to the apartment, and headed to the hotel.

An hour later, Alex arrived and opened the door to an empty and deserted apartment.

Not exactly what she'd been expecting, especially after Serena's desperate need for some help putting together some references for Jack had kept her at work later than she had thought she'd be.

Now, a couple of months ago, Alex wouldn't have cared or thought anything of it if her best friend kept her at the office on a Friday night. Hell, a couple of months ago Alex probably would have voluntarily stayed late anyway, catching up, or getting ahead, or just plain working on whatever needed working on. After all, she didn't have much to go home to.

But things had shifted and changed. Radically. Now she most definitely had somewhere other than work to be on a Friday night. And especially on this Friday night. So she was sure Olivia would have been home by now.

That's when she saw it. The note. The one lying on the table where they usually dump the mail:

A car will be waiting outside at 6:30. I already packed a bag for you with everything you'll need. It's on the bed. See you soon. Love, Liv.

All thoughts of disappointment that might have started to bubble up in her disappeared immediately as Alex's face broke into a smile and the attorney even found herself fighting back unexpected tears.

For though the note gave no hints, no clues, for though she had no idea what was in store, she could tell whatever it was had taken more than just money. It had taken planning and thought and care. And that alone made this one of the best birthday gifts she could think of ever getting.

Yes, everything was so different. So radically different.

She looked at her watch. 6:00. Which meant she really didn't have time to dwell too much on her change of fortune.

She put down her briefcase and hung up her coat before walking down the hall to find the bag Olivia's note indicated the detective had packed. She saw a simple duffle bag on their bed and picked it up. It was light as a feather. As if it hadn't actually been packed.

Alex put it back down and unzipped it. Peering inside, she laughed out loud. It both was and wasn't packed. For all that was in it was a toothbrush. And another note.

I said this bag would have everything you'll need. And I meant it. It's your birthday, love, I intend for you to wear your birthday suit.

But, you're probably thinking, 'what about tomorrow?' You were always practical in that way. So, if you insist, I packed another bag for you for tomorrow. It's in the closet."

Alex chuckled again and went to the closet. In this bag she found a pair of underwear and a bra, a pair of slacks and a shirt. In other words, a change of clothes. And another note

Remember, these are for tomorrow. Because I'm serious about the birthday suit for tonight.

Alex smiled yet again and she closed her as, just allowing herself to feel and enjoy the pleasant rush that swept through her.

With a smile she, just like her favorite detective, couldn't seem to suppress, she went to her dresser and then into the bathroom to quickly freshen up. She also put on the garments she'd retrieved from the top drawer of her dresser: some of her naughtier undergarments (two can play at whatever game Olivia was playing), and redressed.

Finishing with just a minute or two to spare, she gave herself one more look in the mirror, grabbed the bag Olivia had packed for her along with a wrapped box she'd hidden under the bed and headed downstairs and the car Olivia promised would be there at 6:30.