Disclaimer: I do not own Law and Order: SVU.

Chapter Title: Call Me Alex

She walked along the dark street, blinded by doubt. She didn't know what she should do. Could she do this; what Olivia wanted? They had been together six months, and it had been the best time of Alex Cabot's life. But something had changed. Olivia wanted to deepen the relationship; Alex didn't know if she could. Why do we have to do that? We're great without everyone knowing that we are together.

Alex Cabot stopped at Olivia's door. She knocked, instead of using her key.

"Liv, I know that you're in there, please open the door." Alex waited for another minute, but nobody answered. She took the key and opened the door to Olivia's apartment. "Liv, you here?" Alex went to the living room: nobody. She went further to the bedroom, but Olivia was not there either. Alex felt tears in here eyes. Why isn't she here? She lay on the bed and embraced Olivia's pillow. She cried herself to sleep.

FLASHBACK

Alex heard knocking on her office door. "Yeah?" She was too exhausted to sound friendly. "Detective Benson, what can I do for you?" She was surprised, but not displeased; she had a crush on the female detective.

"I was wondering if you wanted to go for a drink. I know it was a hard day for everyone." There was a long pause.

"I would love to get a drink." Alex went from her desk and collected her things. "Where do you want to go?"

"I know a bar near here, if you want to try it."

"It sounds perfect, Detective," Alex said with a small smile.

They arrived and took a small table near the edge of the bar. They were served quickly. "Great service," she remarked to Olivia.

"Yeah, I come often after a hard case. I love the atmosphere here. It's not a typical bar." Olivia smiled. She couldn't believe that she was here with Alex Cabot. Alex Cabot, the most beautiful women that she'd ever seen. She'd had a crush ever since she'd seen Alex the first time, and that was ten months ago. She loved her ice blue eyes and he "ice queen" face. It turned her on."So counselor," she began nervously, not knowing what to say.

"Call me Alex."

"Huh?" Olivia was a little confused.

"You can call me Alex; I mean, we've known each other for ten months. You can call me Alex, unless you enjoy calling me Counselor."

Olivia was surprised. "Okay, Alex, but only if you call me Liv." She grinned. "Unless you enjoy calling me Detective." Both women laughed.

Alex sighed. "It was a really hard day. I hate to lose. Those children did not deserve that happened. I know that people call me "ice queen," and I like that nickname because it protects me against the pain." She paused uncertainly. "At least, I think it does." She smiled sadly.

"Alex." Olivia took Alex's hand and smiled. "It's not your fault; you did everything that you could. Believe me, please; you did an awesome job." Olivia paused, and then continued slowly "And, Alex, you're not an "ice queen;" you're a beautiful and friendly woman." She smiled and Alex smiled back.

"Thanks, Liv." She loved having Olivia's hand on hers.

The rest of the evening went quickly. They enjoyed the company of the other and were both disappointed when it came time to leave. They went outside into the cole November wind.

"I enjoyed the evening, Alex," said Olivia, with a little smiled.

"Me too, Liv. It was great; we should do it again sometime."

"Yeah, we should." Olivia flagged a taxi and opened the door for Alex. They were close now, and neither wanted to move. Their lips were only a few centimeters apart. Olivia wanted to kiss Alex, but the taxi was waiting.

"I should go," whispered Alex.

Olivia smiled sadly and nodded. "I will see you tomorrow," she said, hugging the ADA.

Alex entered the car and the taxi driver drove off. Alex replayed the evening happily. She could see the beginnings of something between them and she would soon find out what.