Author's Note:

This is the sequel to my story 'Save Tonight', which took place around the episode 'Ghost'. This story takes place shortly after Olivia & Elliot find out Alex is back in NYC in 'Lead'. There will be angst, romance (Alex/Olivia of course) and hopefully a bit of humor (!). I hope you enjoy it and as always, feedback is appreciated. This is rated 'T' for language.

Disclaimer: Not mine..... wish they were.....

Prologue

Olivia stopped outside Alex's closed office door and took a breath before knocking firmly.

"Come in," A voice responded. Olivia turned the handle and pushed the dark oak out of her way. Closing the door behind her, the dark haired detective looked directly at the blonde seated behind the oversized desk and announced the purpose of her visit.

"We need to talk, Alex."

Alex nodded in agreement and guestured to Olivia to take a seat. Olivia obliged.

"Can I get you anything? Water, coffee?" Alex offered.

Olivia shook her head "I'm fine, thank you."

"Okay," Alex said as she poured herself a glass of iced water "I can guess why you're here."

Olivia nodded "I'll bet you can," Alex sighed as the brunette continued "Alex, why didn't you call me?"

"I wanted to, Olivia, I really-"

"Don't give me that bullshit, Alex. Do you have any idea what it's been like for the past four years? How I've felt?"

"I do, Olivia," Olivia glared at her "I do because I felt it too,"

Olivia shook her head "Then why didn't you just pick up the phone and call me? Hell, Alex, why didn't you come to my apartment, the precinct. Anything," Her voice was rising, a mixture of hurt and frustration.

Alex sighed "I kept thinking about it. I really did, I would pick up the phone and I'd begin to dial but..." Her voice trailed off.

"But? But what?"

"I was afraid," Alex answered honestly.

"Afraid of what? Me? Us?"

The blonde shook her head "No."

"Then what?"

"I was afraid of having to leave again. Of having to leave YOU again," Alex removed her dark rimmed glasses and rubbed her nose where they sat.

Olivia swallowed before responding "But it's been three years, Alex."

The lawyer replaced her glasses and took another sip of water "Three very long years. I know, I've lived them," Alex tried to joke but Olivia didn't see the funny side, she was still hurt and confused.

"Why come back to New York?"

"Because it's my home," Blue eyes met brown "Because of you."

Olivia wanted to surrender, she wanted to believe Alex but she was a stubborn woman and she'd been lied to and hurt too many times before. So she responded how she knew best, defensively.

"If you really meant that you would have called," Alex started to speak but Olivia's voice rose above hers as the detective stood up "Maybe not the day you got out, maybe not even the week or the month but shit Alex, three fucking years. And the only reason I even know you're out is because you were assigned to WORK WITH ME!" Olivia could see the often unflappable prosecutor was hurting, and she could feel the tears stinging her own eyes.

"Olivia, I--" Was all Alex could manage as the detective headed to the exit, Alex got up and moved around the desk, attempting to stop the wilful cop.

"Save it" Olivia growled as she left the office, shutting the door behind her. Knowing there was no point in chasing after the detective, Alex just slumped against the cool oak and let herself slide to the floor, removing her glasses and letting her head fall into her hands "Idiot," she muttered to herself.