Title: Moonlight
Rating: pg-13 for now: language
Pairings: Cabot/Benson eventually. Implied flirtation and fluff for now.
Disclaimer: Dick Wolf owns them. Don't sue me.
Summary: Alexandra Cabot and Olivia Benson get to know each other. The end. Or is it?
Moonlight
"Who knew you had moves like this, Counselor?" Detective Benson addressed her companion formally, a hint of teasing in her voice.
"Well, Detective," ADA Cabot replied, returning the playful façade of professionalism. "I never had you pegged as a "Swing" fan," the blonde slipped her hand down the Brunette's arm and grasped her slender fingers, giving her an enthusiastic twirl to the energetic music.
"I never said I was, Cabot. Maybe I just have rhythm," Olivia's face reddened slightly at her friend's warm chuckle. "You obviously can't expect me to sit at home listening to this stuff. But it's a nice change getting out of the office and away from the heinous crimes and into, no pun intended, the swing of a night out with friends."
Alex nodded and smiled as Olivia twirled her back towards her. "I take it Detective Stabler is taking your call time tonight," she let a smirk slip at Olivia's nod of confirmation. "You know, Cragen is going to get annoyed at you two for switching call times if you don't stop some time soon." The song ended and the two wound their way to the bar.
"Yeah, well, screw Cragen," Olivia motioned for the bartender to bring over a couple of beers. "Elliot needs the afternoons free for family stuff, and I'd rather spend some of my nights actually sleeping without getting nightmares about rape victims and pedophiles at large. It works out," the brunette shrugged and nodded her thanks to the bartender and took a swig of her beer.
"Ok, Detective. Fair call. But I notice you still brought your beeper. What's the point of that?" Alex tossed her hair over her shoulder and shook her head. Here she was with a beautiful woman who was most likely oblivious to the fact that the young ADA had more than a desire for friendship with the Detective. The intense blonde was surprised that her colleague even agreed to this evening out.
"Hello, Counselor, what can I help you with?" Detective Benson pulled her feet off of her desk and turned her chair to face the ADA who had just entered the quad. "Let me guess, you need more evidence for the Plasterson case?" She opened the drawer of her desk and reached for her files.
"Actually, no, Detective. I just got out of a hearing that ran late, and I know how much you loveworking extra late hours, but I thought maybe you and I could grab a drink and some dinner." As if to emphasize her point, the attractive ADA's stomach growled.
Benson nodded slowly and avoided Cabot's gaze. "I see. And you're obviously quite hungry," Olivia looked briefly over at some scattered files on her desk then blushed slightly as her own stomach made some noises.
"Looks like I'm not the only one. It also seems I'm not the only one with paperwork to do," the blonde's heart fluttered a bit and she looked away nervously. "Hey, I know we're not exactly friends, but Cragen has mentioned how hard you work and I thought maybe I could convince you to take a break with me. It would give us a chance to be more comfortable with each other as coworkers."
"So, what do you suggest, Alex?" Olivia's tone relaxed and glanced out the window where the sun was still shining, stood, and leaned against her desk staring intently at the other woman. The paperwork beneath her hands could wait a little longer, at least until her eyes refocused.
"I suggest you come by my office around seven. From there we can grab dinner. I know this great place with a bar and a dance floor. Might be fun for a girl's night out," without waiting for an answer she turned and began to walk out of the quad. She stopped and looked over the shoulder. "By the way, Detective, the Plasterson case is coming along quite nicely," and with that she strode confidently out the door.
On her way out of the building she ran into Elliot. "Hey Cabot, what brings you here at this way-past-lunch hour? Everyone's out on the job except for my partner, the ever-loyal to her paperwork."
"Oh, I was just in there talking to Detective Benson about the Plasterson case. We've got it in the bag."
"…So, anyway, that's why I have my beeper with me."
Alex shook her head and returned her focus to Olivia. Wow, I wonder how long I spaced out for, she mused.
"Hello, earth to Cabot. Are you sure I'm the one who works too many hours, Counselor?" Olivia was smiling and there was laughter in her eyes, but not of the mocking sort. They were soft, softer than the usual hardness they were composed of most the time. Alex wasn't sure if it was the beer that was bringing out this new side in the detective or if it was just the chance of getting away from the horrors of her job.
"Yeah, yes, I am. I mean, no. I'm sorry, I guess I just kind of got out of it for a moment," Alex looked down to hide the reddening of her cheeks.
"It's a wonder you're able to stay with it in the courtroom, Alex, otherwise you wouldn't be in a job much longer," Benson chuckled and punched her colleague's arm playfully.
"I think it's my ability to uphold my courtroom demeanor during work hours and still be able to enjoy myself away from the office that makes me worthy of my job, Detective," the blonde briefly made eye contact with the brunette and then turned her gaze to her drink. An awkward silence ensued. She used my first name. I think it's safe to assume we're on a first name basis now. "Anyway, Olivia," Alex smiled at the detective's response to being called by her first name and checked her watch. "It's getting to be a little late, and that paperwork isn't going to file itself," she downed the last of her beer and stood. "Thanks for the company tonight."
"I'm glad I was good company," the detective followed suit and stood. "You know, I admit I was kind of surprised I had a good time tonight. It's been a while since I've been out late for other reasons than answering a call," as if taking that as a cue, Olivia's beeper went off. "And there it is, I spoke too soon," looking at the beeper she rolled her eyes. "It's not Elliot."
"Does that mean you'll walk with me on the way back to the precinct, Detective Benson?" Don't push it, Cabot. The ADA was almost certain her eyes were betraying her attraction to the cop.
"Whatever for, Ms. Cabot?" Olivia threw her leather jacket back around her shoulders and slipped her arms through the sleeves. I wonder what the squad would think if I told them I spent the night with the Ice Bitch ADA, AND she was flirting with me. I bet they'd laugh and say I'm hallucinating, not without reason too. I'd be surprised if I didn't imagine any of those hints…if they were hints at all. Oh, she's answering me.
"Well, there are some files I need to pick up that Fin said he left for me on my desk. I forgot to pick them up earlier, so I figured maybe I would bring them home for some light bedtime reading," her eyes sparkled, and she hoped they didn't betray her lie.
"Well, in that case, you've got yourself an escort. Besides, there were reports earlier about some loonies hanging out by the precinct last night. I don't want to be held responsible if something were to happen," she tossed a twenty on the bar and put out a hand to stop Alex from putting down her own money. "My treat. You invited me, so the least I can do is pay for our drinks."
The blonde chuckled softly. "Alright. Now, back to the loonies…" I wonder if she noticed my ploy to get more company out of her…
The two stepped out of the bar and shivered slightly at the slight chill in the air. They both looked up at the sky and saw that if it weren't for the busy city lights, the streets would still be well lit by the peaceful beams of a full moon. "It's kind of romantic," Olivia said without really thinking about her words. Before she realized her slip up, Alex replied.
"Yes. To think a crime infested, dirty, chaotic city can still be graced by something that seems so pure," the blonde breathed deeply and watched her own breath shakily rise. "And most people are oblivious to that world outside their own lives," she snorted back a laugh and shook her head, turning her gaze to nothing in particular. "It's disgusting what the world is coming to. That it actually requires people like us, the SVU team, to keep things remotely in order."
"You're shivering," Olivia observed as she came up next to her friend and wrapped a comforting arm around her shoulders. "Let's get back to the precinct," the brunette started walking and set the pace for the two, willing her heart to stop pounding for reasons she didn't understand.
Her arm is still around my shoulder. Alex found it harder than ever to hide her attraction, especially with that night's events. The blonde even managed to move closer to the Detective as they walked. She had dinner with me, and now she's walking me with her arm around me.
"Hey, Alex, you ok? We've been standing outside your building for three minutes now and you haven't budged," God, this side of her is cute. I wonder what's going on in that busy mind of hers. Olivia had turned to face Alex and her hand was resting on the ADA's shoulder, concern shining in her eyes. Or was it just the reflection of a street lamp?
"Yeah, I guess I just spaced out again. Sorry," Alex's face fell towards the ground and her hair fell around her face. She shook her head and looked towards her office building. "Right, so, thank you for walking with me. I suppose I should get those papers now, and you'll want to be getting back to your place. See you tomorrow, Detective?" She smiled warmly.
She's smiling at me…no, wait…now she's hugging me…what should I do? "Well, Counselor, there is a distance from these steps to where my car is parked. Yeah, I'm offering you a ride," she stiffened slightly before warming up to Alex's embrace. "I think I should drive you and make sure you get there safely…the um, the loonies, remember. Besides, it's too cold to walk," Olivia thanked the nighttime for hiding her blush.
"Right, Liv," Alex gave Olivia a tight, quick squeeze before pulling out of the hug and smirking. "You wouldn't want the loonies to get any ideas of jumping me without you there to show off your badge and save the day. I'll only be a minute…" her voice trailed off as an idea crept into her thoughts. Dare I invite her into my office? I dare indeed. "Actually, would you like to come in? It is rather cold out."
"I'd like that, thanks," Olivia began her ascent up the steps leading to the front door.
"You're always welcome, Detective-Olivia," Alex corrected herself and flashed the Detective a seductive grin. Oh god, what am I doing? Her heart seemed to freeze for a moment, but then she saw Olivia's face basked fully in the light of the lamp at the door, and what she saw was a deep blush and a sparkling pair of eyes.
Finally realizing that she was staring at the Detective, Alex pulled out her set of keys and unlocked the door to the building in which her office was located. She held the door open for Olivia, who took no time stepping inside. Although the building was most likely empty, and there was no one to disturb, the ADA closed the door as quietly as possible, as though the earth would crumble if the perfect silence were broken.
When the pair arrived inside the ADA's office, Olivia instantly moved over to the small sofa and sat down, whilst Alex went to her desk and ruffled through the drawers for the file she needed. "I'm sorry if I gave you a hard time for a while. It took me until tonight to see you as a person and not just a suit with a purpose." The crime-weathered cop received no answer. "Alex, if you're not in much of a hurry, would you mind if I asked you a few…personal questions?"
The blonde stopped her search, which was no less a search than it was a stalling tactic to keep the detective in her presence longer, and looked at Olivia, her back still slightly bent over her desk. "Ok. Sure…how about we trade off. You ask me a question, I answer in total honesty, and then I get to ask you a question," she straightened herself out and breathed deeply. I knew I was too obvious. Putting on an air of calm, Alex walked to the couch and sat next to Olivia, as far to the other side as possible.
Olivia noticed the ADA's intended action to place distance between the two of them, and a pang of disappointment knotted her stomach. She lowered her eyes for a moment, contemplating the best way to phrase her question, and then brought her gaze to make contact with the beautiful woman before her. "Is there another reason for the invitation to dinner tonight, other than extending a hand of friendship?"
"I'm not quite sure what you mean…Detective…Benson," Alex's breath quickened, like her lungs wouldn't allow her to take in the necessary air. Subconsciously, her hands fidgeted in her lap and her eyes darted around her office, searching for a place to rest other than trapped in the brunettes stare. She could feel the eyes of the older woman softly burning into her face, trying to see through to her thoughts, and to be honest the eyes didn't feel cold or angry, rather, they felt lost and searching.
"There's a reason I'm a detective, Assistant District Attorney Cabot. Counselor." There it was again, the hint of teasing. But there was also an overpowering sense of knowing emanating from Olivia's voice. "I'm observant. I use my eyes to see things others pass over, and I use my ears to hear things others miss…difference in tone of voice, for example. And then I trust my heart and my instinct over fear and reason…you can tell me what's going on, Alex. I know something's on your mind," she didn't take her eyes from Alex and she shifted a little closer to the blonde on the couch. Without hesitation, she lightly placed her hand on her dinner companion's arm.
Alex flinched at the contact and almost pulled away; it was so unexpected, she didn't know what to think. In fact, she didn't think. Instead she placed her own hand on top of Olivia's and glanced at the two different hands before locking eyes with Olivia. "Yes, Detective…there is another reason why I asked you to dinner tonight-no, it's my turn for a question. Olivia, was there a specific reason as to why you insisted that you walk me to my car after retrieving my file?"
Olivia nodded, not breaking eye contact. "You might say that, Alex," well, it's now or never, she thought. The detective put her other hand on Alex's other shoulder, and the ADA responded by moving closer on the couch. "Did you use the excuse of a file to lure me into spending more time with you?" She saw Alex's hesitation and smoothly added, "Honesty, remember? If I'm wrong, I won't be hurt by your honesty. I just want to get everything clear…and out in the open."
"Then let's drop this trading questions crap, Liv, and let's have a real conversation. The truth won't come until the next century if we keep at it this way," Alex turned and shrugged Olivia's hands off her. "I won't deny I like spending time with you. Hell, half the time I come by the quad is with some half-baked excuse just to see if you'll talk to me. I like you a lot, and I guess tonight was just my high hopes hoping you might like me too someday."
"You're a different person than you appear to be in a courtroom, Cabot. And I'm a different person than I am on duty. I just don't show it much. I guess none of us really gave you a chance to be part of the team, but-" Olivia stopped when she suddenly felt soft lips on her cheek. "I'd…really enjoy getting to know you more," she almost whispered.
"There was no file…there was me being too chicken to tell you how I feel. But, dammit, if you're attracted to me too, stop beating around the bush and tell me…or I might just have to force it out of you," Alex's voice was a hoarse whisper, still next to Olivia's face. She closed her eyes and held her breath…until she noticed a soft thumb caressing her other cheek.
"My, my, you have a feisty side…why don't you force it out of me, then?" The brunette teasingly purred in the blonde's ear. "Let's get out of here…I'll drive you back to your apartment. And we can continue our discussion in the car?" Olivia smiled and pulled her face back to gaze into Alex's eyes.
Once again the two found themselves outside the ADA's office building. If possible, it felt chillier outside. A light fog now swirled about their faces, so, despite the sharp cold, there was abnormal moisture in the air that made it seem harder to take a full breath. "Damn weather…never knows when to make up its mind," Olivia quickly, but thoroughly, surveyed the area, scanning for the "loonies". "Never seems to stay the same for a full day anymore, let alone a few hours. Let's get to my car quickly. Something doesn't feel right," for the second time that night, the detective wrapped a protective arm around the ADA and guided her a bit down the sidewalk to her parked vehicle.
Just as Olivia was unlocking the passenger door of her sedan, a sound in a nearby alley perked her ears. "Get in, don't make a sound," the detective whispered the command. She fumbled with one hand to open the door, and with the other reached for the gun in her holster. Before she could finish either task, several shadowy figures emerged from their hiding places and surrounded the car. "Stand back! Police!" She shouted, and managed to pull open the door. Finally, she criticized herself. Without another thought she grabbed Alex and roughly threw her into the car and slammed the door after her. Whipping out her gun, she slowly circled to get a location on all of the assailants. "I'm a cop, you don't want to get in more trouble than necessary by attacking me."
One figure chuckled and took a step forward, playing with something in his large jacket pocket. "We're all armed, Detective. And you can't keep your eyes on all of us at once. You shoot one, and then you get knocked off from behind. You won't risk that."
Olivia flinched. Wait, why am I nervous? These thugs are sticking together pretty closely. "Actually, I think you're trying to fib the wrong cop," How the hell did he know I'm a detective? "You're right, if in this case you or one of your friends here shot me from behind, I wouldn't risk that. But you wouldn't want to first risk one of your men being shot first. Here's the deal. I don't arrest you, I don't call for backup, I just get in the car and drive off and we all forget this happened," I know that's stupid, but I can't risk Alex getting hurt. Cutting this deal is the only way to assure she isn't endangered. "Just back off, and I'll get in my car. Okay?"
The man tossed his head to the side and chuckled again, darkly. "Whatever, Detective. We have no business making trouble…tonight. But we will meet again. Oh, and by the way…nice work catching my fib. You're just as challenging as I hoped you would be," he snapped his fingers and his gang followed him off down the street. "I trust you won't call this in to your unit."
The detective shivered and walked around to the driver's side of her car, not once putting her gun aside or taking her eyes off the strange retreating figures. She opened the door, slid into the driver's seat, closed the door and locked the car. "You okay, Alex?" Olivia breathed heavily and tossed her gun onto the dashboard, looking over at her friend quivering in the seat next to her. "I didn't hurt you, did I? If I did, I had no intention of being so rough. I just needed to get you safe. I-"
"Olivia, breathe. I'm fine, maybe just a bump on my head, but thanks to you I'm a hell of a lot better than I could have ended up," Alex shakily buckled her seatbelt and put a hand on Olivia's shoulder. "Get me home, ok? I'll make us some tea if you want." I'm so fucking stupid. If I hadn't asked her to walk me back to the precinct…
The detective started the engine and began the drive to Alex's apartment. "I know what you're thinking, Alex. And you're wrong. Tonight's probably been rough on you, but we need to talk about this sometime. I'll wait until you're ready. Maybe we can also finish up our earlier talk." She damn well better believe this was not her fault; Olivia shook her head and fixed her eyes on the road.
The rest of the car ride continued in silence, with only a little direction from Alex on how to get to her apartment. When they arrived at the building, Olivia stepped from the car and walked around the front to open Alex's door for her. The ADA had stopped shivering, but she still appeared tense. "The invitation remains, if you would like to come up for some tea."
"Alex, I'm sorry for my tone in the car. I want you to know that there's no blame…no guilt you should feel for the attack outside the precinct. In fact, you should be glad that you asked me to escort you," Olivia frowned when Alex turned her head away and hesitantly put her hand to the other woman's face, turning her to look in her eyes. "Look at me, I want you to see for yourself that I'm telling the truth. If my voice doesn't say it, my eyes do. It's a common trait in SVU detectives. To put it quite frankly, you'd be dead if you'd gone alone. I wouldn't-couldn't have that. At least you're safe, right?"
Alex nodded and gently pushed her face against the hand resting against her cheek, and closed her eyes. "I'm tired…" Did she just say she couldn't stand it if I got hurt? Well, not in those exact words. Until tonight she only saw me as a "suit with a purpose," so if she has feelings for me they're only newly discovered. Hell…she didn't even notice my distant admiration of her until tonight when I practically spelled it out.
"I'll walk you up to your apartment if you'd like, and I might just insist I look at that head wound." A small smile tugged at the brunettes lips and she placed a soft kiss on the blonde's cheek. "I owed you one, remember?" The older woman chuckled, hoping the laughter would cover up her hesitancy towards this new situation.
Alex opened her eyes and looked unblinking into the eyes of the other woman. "I'm probably making a huge mistake…but…" her whisper trailed off. Her face was mere inches from Olivia's. What am I doing? The attractive ADA slowly closed the distance between herself and the detective, her breath quickening.
Is this really happening? Is she really about to kiss me? Olivia didn't care: it didn't matter if she didn't understand her own place in this; it didn't matter if she was misinterpreting the situation. She leaned into the blonde and wrapped both arms around her shoulders. She felt warm, quick breath on her face and shivered a little. Just as their lips were about to meet…beep, beep, beep, beep, beep! "Shit!" she swore under her breath. She took her arms from around the blonde; the moment all but lost, and checked her beeper. "It's Elliot. The bastard always seems to have the worst timing."
"So it would seem, Liv…if you need to go, I'm sure I'd welcome company when you're through. I'll have the tea kettle ready if you're interested."
"You need your rest…we both do, though I doubt I'll be getting any," the gang tonight doesn't even begin to explain why, she thought. She took her cell phone from her pocket and began dialing Elliot's number.
"After what's happened, I doubt I'll get any sleep either. I'd rather be awake with someone I know…and like…than be alone," Alex smiled when Olivia turned to look at her, playful intrigue twinkling in her eyes.
"All right Counselor, but don't wait up too long," she pressed her phone to her ear. "Yeah, Stabler, it's Benson. What is it? Ok, I'll be there in five," with that she flipped the phone closed and looked back to Alex. "Get inside…it's cold out."
Alex watched as Detective Benson got back in her car and sped off, cop light flashing on the dash. Looking up she gasped at what she saw. The fog had cleared and the moon was breathtaking, shining brightly and overpowering the city lights. "Damn weather…" the ADA whispered. She shook her head and remained looking up at the moon. Quite romantic indeed…
TBC I hope you enjoyed the beginning to my first Law and Order fiction.