following the conculsion of a case involving a particulary horrible rape and murder, Olivia and Alex begin to connect for the first time, until a sudden turn of events treating there new found relationship.

Chapter 1

Opening the door to her apartment Olivia dropped her keys on the kitchen counter with a sigh. This crush

on the Assistant District Attorney was going to be her undoing. Bordering on obsession, it kept her awake

at night. Olivia knew somehow, she had to get control of herself.

"Why does she have to be so damn annoying?" Olivia said out loud. "That woman needs a good old fashioned

spanking and I would love to be the one to give it to her."

With a final sigh, Olivia headed for the shower, hoping it would help her relax. Forty five minutes, she

climbed under the covers, hoping that she would find some much needed sleep.

On the other side of the city Alex was sprawled on her comfy couch trying to read the latest best selling

crime novel. However her mind kept flashing back to the events of the day, keeping her from being able to

concentrate on the plot of the book.

Alex had spent most of the afternoon at the SVU squad room with the detectives. "I need more evidence. I

can't take your guts to a judge." Alex tried to explain to the detectives.

Frustrated, Olivia asked, "What more do you need Alex? We got his prints on the crime scene along with a

piece of material that matches his uniform."

"There are explanations for his prints and for the piece of material," Alex stated exasperatingly.

"I know you're tired, so am I, but I need more."

Having no desire to get in between Alex and Olivia, Elliot remained silent during the bickering between the

two women. He didn't know where the animosity was coming from, but he figured this was not the time to try to

find out. Instead, he simply watched and listened quietly.

"Everyone take some deep breaths and calm down. Let's just slow down and think," Cragen ordered, trying to cut

the tension in the room. "Elliot, you and Liv go back through the evidence again. There has to be something

there we can use."

Following the captains order, returned to their own desk in order to begin again. Olivia sat down at her desk

with a thump. Slowly, Alex approached her; she hated arguing with the dark haired detective.

"Olivia?" Alex said apprehensively.

What Alex could want now, Olivia wondered. "What is it Alex?" Olivia said curtly, taking Alex aback.

"Liv... I..." Alex started to say but Olivia quickly interrupted.

"As you can see Counselor, we have evidence we to find so if you don't mind I need to get to work." Olivia said coldly.

"Very well Detective," Alex's tone matched Olivia's. Turned she stomped out of the squad room to return to her office.

Finally giving up on reading, Alex closed the book and set it down on the coffee table. Walking to her bedroom, she

turned off the lights as she went. Climbing under the covers, she sighed, hoping sleep would find her quickly.