A/N: Some of this story will follow cannon, but there will be glaring diversions from it as well. In my world, Alex's mother did not die while Alex was in Witsec and Nick Amaro doesn't leave. The story picks up around season 16-17. Olivia has made sergeant, Alex still works for the ICC, and Noah is about 18 months old. I'm not good at writing sex scenes, so you will have to fill in the blanks yourselves. This is the first thing I've written in like two years so your feedback is welcome.

Disclaimer: Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and all characters are property of NBC and Dick Wolf.

Chapter 1

"Sergeant Benson, are you willing to raise this child as your lawful child?"

"Yes."

"This child will inherit from you, he will be treated no differently than a biological child. Do you agree?"

"Yes."

"Since everything seems to be in order. I'm going to sign off on the adoption."

Sergeant Olivia Benson smiled in relief as Judge Linden signed her signature with a flourish on the final paperwork. It was finally over. Noah Porter was now Noah Porter Benson; her son.

"I know this has been a long year… a hard process. I'm happy that things worked out for you and this young man." Judge Linden said addressing the wiggling child in the younger woman's arms.

"It was more than worth it. I can't thank you enough, your honor."

"If anyone should be thanked, it should be you. I had a good feeling about you, Sergeant and I'm glad I followed my instincts. You did a wonderful thing taking this child on as your own. All the best to you and your family." The judge said tenderly. "Now… unfortunately, I have to be in court in a few minutes, but you are more than welcome to take all the time you need to finish up here."

"Thank you again, your honor."

"You're welcome, Olivia. You two take care of each other."

Olivia swallowed the lump in her throat and kissed her son's cheek as she watched the formidable judge sweep out of chambers. After taking a deep breath, Olivia turned and held out a hand to Noah's court appointed legal representative, Trevor Langan.

"Langan, I know we haven't always seen eye to eye on… well much of anything, but I can't even begin to thank you for everything you did to help make this day possible. You're really not as bad as I thought."

Trevor squeezed her hand gently and chuckled. "Well that is certainly high praise coming from you Sergeant Benson. And it was my pleasure. What you've done for this child is quite admirable. We've both seen what happens to some kids in the system. You probably saved his life."

Olivia shook her head and smiled fondly at Noah. "No. He definitely saved mine."

The attorney watched the new mother and son interact with fondness. It almost made him want to have settle down and have a few of his own… almost. He quickly shook those thoughts away.

"I don't know how you were able to pull it off, but I'm impressed. I really didn't think you'd be able to cut through all the red tape so quickly, especially after the whole mess with Noah's biological father and the shooting. I was sure it would be several more months with the possibility of more living relatives to contact, not to mention the IAB investigation dragging things out."

The attorney paused and stared at her for a moment. "You don't know, do you?"

Olivia frowned. "Know…what?"

"Apparently, you have friends in high places, Sergeant."

Olivia looked even more confused which made the attorney chuckle.

"Let me put it this way. I don't take on these cases for just anyone. The name Cabot carries a lot of weight in certain circles. When you get that call, you answer."

"Cabot? As in Alex Cabot?"

Langan nodded. "I'm sure I don't have to remind you that Alexandra can be quite persuasive. She called me a few months back informing me, in her own charming way of course, that this was a noble cause that I should champion."

"So you weren't appointed by the court?"

"Technically, I was… mainly because so important people suggested I do so. She called me again several days ago. She informed me that all avenues regarding the child's extended family had been pursued and the circumstances surrounding Noah's biological father's death had been settled. There was no reason the adoption should not continue as originally planned."

Olivia's mind was reeling. She hadn't crossed paths with Alex Cabot in well over a year and they hadn't exactly ended on the greatest of terms. They had never been able to regain the closeness they'd had the years before; the years before Velez… before Witsec… before Alex had distanced herself from everyone. The only thing Olivia could think was why. 'Why would Alex go to such lengths to help her?'

"Now that Judge Linden has signed off on everything. I will take care of processing the final adoption decree. I will make sure you get all of the necessary paperwork for your own files."

Olivia blinked realizing Langan was still speaking. "So… that's it?"

"That's it." Langan smiled and held his hand out once again. "Congratulations… to both of you."

"Thank, Trevor. I… just thank you."

Langan nodded. "Take care, Olivia."

"You too." Olivia let out a soft laugh as she tickled Noah's tummy. She grinned with glee as her son's laughter bubbled through the room. "You ready to go home, son?"

Noah responded with a melodious giggle.

"Yeah. Let's go home."

Alex glared at the phone on her desk for the umpteenth time almost daring herself to pick it up. She'd received a short call from Trevor Langan an hour ago informing her that Olivia's adoption of Noah Porter had been finalized. He'd also informed her that his client was now aware of the part she had played in making it possible. She knew Olivia would most likely question her motives, but Alex also knew how much Olivia longed to be a mother and if making a few calls and using the Cabot name could make that happen, then so be it.

Alex found herself staring at the phone once again. There was a part of her that wanted to just call to congratulate her old friend. Another part of her was afraid of the reception she'd receive. She and Olivia hadn't exactly been close in recent years.

That fact alone caused Alex to carry a lot guilt. Things had never been the same between them after her stint in Witsec. It had taken a long time for Alex to get her life back on track, which led to three years of isolation and turmoil once she'd returned to New York. Unfortunately while she was rebuilding that life, life had not stopped for everyone else. Life had carried on and the people from Alex's previous life had changed. After a few awkward interactions, Alex was sure there wasn't a place for her anymore. More importantly, she didn't feel there was a place for her in Olivia Benson's life anymore.

The sound of her office phone startled her out of her reverie. "Alexandra Cabot."

"Hello, Alex."

Alex felt her breath catch as she heard that distinctive smooth alto voice floating through the phone. She gripped the handle of the phone until her knuckles went white. "Hello Olivia."

TBC

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