Title: Heartbeats Chapter 1

Author's Note: These characters aren't mine. If they were, things would be different, and I wouldn't have to worry about paying for college. They belong to Dick Wolf and NBC.

Author's Note 2: This is a series of moments in time in the lives of Alex Cabot and Olivia Benson told almost completely through dialogue. They follow the same basic order as "Heartbeats: Book 1 and 2", but don't really stick to the show. Also, some of the chapters are inspired by songs. I don't own any of those songs or their artists.

Author's Note 3: This is the third installment in the "Heartbeats" series. You really have to read Books 1 and 2 to understand this one.

Author's Note 4: As in the previous installments, there are multiple characters in this chapter. Their tags are as follow: O=Olivia; A=Alex; D=Don Cragen; E=Elliot; and L=Lucas Cabot (Alex's Dad).

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Chapter 1: Reception, Pt. 2

A: "Can you believe this is the first time we've really danced together?"

O: "I'm sure we've danced before."

A: "Not like this."

O: "I guess that just makes it all the more special."

A: "I love you, Olivia Cabot-Benson."

O: "I love you more, Alex Cabot-Benson."

L: "Excuse me, Detective. Do you mind if I take the next dance?"

O: "Not at all, sir."

…

…

E: "Tired of the married life already, Benson?"

O: "Not at all. Where's Kathy?"

E: "The bathroom with Lizzie."

O: "That explains why you're over here harassing me."

E: "I came over to ask you to dance, actually."

O: "You want me to dance with you?"

E: "Obviously, Liv. That's why I'm standing here with my hand outstretched."

O: "Smartass."

E: "If you don't want to dance with me, that's all you have to say."

O: "Of course I want to dance with you, El, but have you ever worn heels? My feet are killing me."

E: "Stop being a baby, Benson. You're going on vacation for two weeks; I'd at least like to spend some time with my best friend before she's gone."

O: "It's only two weeks, El."

E: "Two weeks that you'll be completely gone from civilization."

O: "That's not true."

E: "Dance with me."

O: "Fine."

E: "I love this song."

O: "Really?"

E: "Don't sound so surprised; Kathy plays it all the time."

O: "So does Alex. She says it reminds her of me."

E: "She's right."

O: "She is?"

E: "Yeah. Have you ever actually listened to the words, Liv?"

O: "Not really."

E: "Maybe you should."

O: "El?"

E: "Yeah?"

O: "You're awfully morose all of a sudden. What's wrong?"

E: "Nothing. I'm just worried about you."

O: "Why?"

E: "You're married now, Liv."

O: "So?"

E: "You're my best friend. In fact, you're more than that. You're like my little sister. It's my job to worry about you."

O: "Elliot Stabler, did you have to make me cry on my wedding day?"

E: "I'm sorry."

D: "You made her cry?"

O: "It wasn't on purpose, Cap."

D: "Do you mind if I cut in Elliot?"

E: "Not at all, Cap. She's all yours. Congrats again, Liv."

O: "Thanks, El. Thanks for coming, Cap."

D: "I wouldn't miss it for the world, Liv. Here comes Alex."

A: "Don. Thanks for coming."

D: "Alex. Congratulations."

A: "Thank you, Don, really."

D: "Have a nice vacation, you two. God knows you deserve it."

O: "Thanks, Cap."

A: "We have to get ready to go soon, Liv."

O: "Where are we going?"

A: "The airport."

O: "Why won't you tell me where we're going for our honeymoon?"

A: "Because it's a surprise. Stop pouting; you know it doesn't work on me."

O: "Someday it will."

A: "I doubt that."

O: "Not even when our kids do it?"

A: "That's different."

O: "How?"

A: "You're an adult. Pouting doesn't suit you."

O: "What does suit me?"

A: "Bribery."

O: "I don't think bribery is a good idea, Al. I did take an oath to uphold the law, after all."

A: "As did I. But I don't think you'll mind the kind of bribery I'm thinking of."

O: "When can we leave?"

A: "Soon."

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AN: It's so good to be back! I hope you're all ready for this wonderful journey.