AN – sorry for the delay in updating folks – for some reason my muse wasn't co-operating! I hope you like this next instalment – its unbeta'd again so please forgive me any errors I may have made in my haste!

I'd like to say a huge thanks to those of you who were kind enough to review my story last chapter, or even add me to your favs. It really means a lot to know there are people who are interested in what I'm writing. As I said before please feel free to leave me any comments, suggestions and criticisms that you wish. Other than that I hope you like the next instalment j xx

Careful Aim – Chapter 2.

Olivia sat in a huge leather sofa; Alex curled into her side resting her head on her shoulder. The meal Abbie's father had made had been excellent and now she felt that warm glow of contentment. She placed her arm tighter around Alex, kissing her forehead and then staring into the oversized log fire on one wall of the sitting room. Abbie was sitting in an equally oversized armchair, reading. Olivia glanced over at her before looking back down to Alex, she once again kissed her forehead when she realised with a smile that her girlfriend had actually fallen asleep.

'I envy you Liv' Abbie said quietly 'Both of you'

'What?' Olivia was surprised 'Why?'

'You have each other, a connection. I wish I could find someone who cared about me half as much as you two care about each other.'

Abbie smiled softly at her friend before standing to go. She placed her book on the coffee table and walked slowly towards the oak framed doors.

'Good night Liv' she called back in a gentle tone 'Don't ever forget how lucky you are' with a small smile she left the room.

In the silence that remained Olivia was left to contemplate her best friend's words. Sure Abbie could be sentimental but her words had seemed random, out of nowhere. Still wherever her words came from there was truth to them. Olivia Benson knew she was lucky. Never in her life had she ever felt as loved as she did when she was with this woman in her arms. She snuggled closer to her, her eyes fixed on the flames ahead it was only when Alex finally stirred complaining of 'cramp' that she moved and that was only to carry Alex to bed. Normally the fiercely independent blond would have protested but Olivia knew she was too tired, and so she held her close as she carried her. Revelling in her scent, her warmth, and most of all her love.

***

Abbie lay awake for most of that night. The words she had spoken to her friend were a hundred percent true. She was envious of them both. Not jealous, no jealousy was not something Abbie Carmichael was guilty of feeling. It wasn't in her nature. No her envy wasn't malicious she simply wished she could have what her friends had. The closest she had come was her relationship with a blond, blue eyed accountant named Juliet. She should have guessed that relationship was doomed from the outset. Juliet had been old money, and that had made her difficult to handle sometimes. Despite her work Juliet did not appreciate the fact that Abbie was never going to be a 9 to 5 kind of woman. She didn't simply leave her work in the office. No if Abbie was ever going to find love it would have to be with a woman as dedicated to her job as she was – that meant a lawyer or a cop. She sighed at the thought, why was life so damn complicated?