Donavan Kane (He's the 'Dick Wolfe' of the show)
Mical Davidson (Briana Moore = Olivia Benson)
Benjamin Martinez (Eric Gomez = Elliot Stabler)
Sam Knight (Capt. Henry Doyle = Capt. Cragen)
Dennis Coffee (Richard Hayes = John Munch)
Paul Chase (Jon Peters = Fin Tutuola)
Anthony Cook (Andrew Myers = Brian Cassidy)
Kerry Madison (ADA Sara Potts = Kim Greylek)
ACTION!
"CUT!"
Everyone in the studio groaned in frustration. Mical rolled her head from side to side, trying to work the kinks out of her neck. She had been standing in the same spot for almost 40 minutes. She, like the rest of the cast and crew, were getting impatient.
It had been almost 3 weeks since they started filming. 3 weeks since Mical brought home Brenda.
It had been hectic since then. Mical and Olivia both agreed that their little girl needed a lot of hands on TLC. Olivia had taken the first week off work to help with Brenda then both women had interviewed nanny after nanny until they found the right one.
The live in nanny was a Godsend. Brenda was a little sceptical at first but slowly warmed up to the young woman. Amber Rosedale was in her mid 20's, fresh out of college and in need of a job which Mical was happily to supply.
Olivia checked and triple checked Amber's background making sure the girl they hired was perfect for Brenda.
Next on the list was finding a child psychiatrist. Enter Dr. Hendrix. Olivia had contacted her friend to help Brenda. The little girl took to the doctor like she had with Olivia and Mical which was a good sign. Easy as pie.
Now if only getting Kerry Madison to remember her lines were that easy…
Kerry Madison had only 3 lines in this scene and she missed every single one of them. The newest director, Martin Robbins, rubbed his forehead and cleared his throat.
"Kerry, you're mark was over there. The line was, 'I can't win cases that I have to fix'. Think you can handle that again?" Martin asked slightly annoyed. Kerry just flipped her blonde hair to the side.
"Yeah, that's what they pay me for," she said in her dull-witted attitude. Martin closed his eyes and took a deep breath before he answered.
"Then bloody well get on with it," he said threw gritted teeth. Mical and Ben just smirked at each other, knowingly. Then nodding to a crew man, he sat back down behind the camera and slipped on his headphones.
"MARKER!"
"Scene 15. Take 7."
"Here we go…ACTION!"
As the actors recited their lines, Kerry walked into the scene, hit her mark. She opened her mouth to say the line but nothing came out. She stared blankly for a moment before she heard a chorus of moans behind her.
"Sorry! Damn it. I blanked out," she threw her hands up in frustration.
"For god sakes woman! How much are they bloody paying you?" Martin demanded as he ripped off his headset and stormed out from behind the camera. His thick British accent coming through, he jabbed a finger in the blonde's face.
Eyes wide, Kerry gasped.
"Not enough to go through this crap!" She yelled back.
Martin just sneered as he placed his hands on his hips.
"Well then, if that's how you like love, then I suggest you go find yourself a new form of employment!"
He turned to the group and hollered, "Ok everyone! Go take a break…and while you're at it, a stiff drink."
The crowd around them laughed a little as they dispersed into different directions. Martin just shook his head at Kerry and walked away.
Kerry followed Martin sputtering and whining as she went.
"Do you know who I am! I'll have your head on a freakin platter!" Everyone heard her say.
"I don't give a bullock about who the hell you are! I sussed you out long before I signed on to do this!" Martin continued to disappear down the hallway with Kerry right behind him. There was a collective sigh when the pair finally left.
"Who's up for drinks? I'm buyin," Sam said playfully. Everyone laughed as they made their way to the area where their dressing rooms were.
"Sorry man, I'm gonna catch some sleep before we have to go through this all over again," Mical said with a wink. She turned the corner and opened the door to her dressing room. She froze her hand on the door knob and eyes wide.
There in her dressing room was Olivia, Brenda and Amber. They stood there like a deer caught in head lights.
"What are you guys doing in here?" Mical asked in complete surprise. She swung the door shut and walked farther into the room. Brenda hopped down from the small sofa and into the waiting arms of Mical.
Mica bent down and easily caught the little girl and swung her up in the air. Brenda squealed with delight. Amber and Olivia both laughed at the sound.
"Thought you could use a little sprucing up," Olivia said slowly. She watched as Mica looked around for the first time.
"Yeah, figured you could use a little help in that department," Amber said playfully. It had become a running joke between the three women. Mical was lousy at decorating and it showed in the way she 'decorated' her loft.
Mica just rolled her eyes with a smile.
"But how? I mean, why?" It was clear that she was still in shock. Amber held out her hands and Mical passed Brenda to her. The child happily climbed into waiting arms. Olivia smiled gently and wrapped her arms around her waist.
"You've been so busy lately that I thought we cold surprise you," Olivia said softly as she kissed Mica's cheek. Before Mica could reply, someone knocked on the door.
A young blonde poked her head in with out realizing Mica wasn't alone.
"Hey Mical, they need you on se – Oh! I didn't know you were with someone. Sorry," the blonde stuttered. She was about to back out when Mical went to her.
"Hey Tracy, its ok!" Mical opened the door as she called out. Tracy turned back slowly and entered Mica's dressing room.
"Come on in Trace. This is Amber and Brenda," Mica said as she gestured to the two young ladies. Brenda buried her face in Amber's neck as Amber just smiled and waived. Mical turned to Olivia and wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
"And this here is Detective Olivia Benson," Mical said with pride. Olivia just smiled as she shook Tracy's hand.
"Nice to meet you," Liv said softly. Nodding Tracy smiled then held her headset close to her ear.
"Yeah…found her. She's on her way now," Tracy smiled sheepishly as she looked at the women in the room. "Duty calls," she said as she motioned for Mica to head out.
"We better get going ourselves," Olivia said a little disappointed. Mica just kissed her on the cheek as she held her hands.
"Hey Trace, mind if my entourage hangs around for a couple hours?" Mical said hopefully. She really didn't want to say goodbye too soon.
Trace just looked at their three guests and smiled.
"Sure. No problem. Follow me ladies."
Mical smiled brightly at Tracy and held her hand out for Olivia to take. They all headed out into the hallway and unto the soundstage. Mical made small talk with Tracy as they went. They all found out that Kerry Madison had taken the rest of the week off. Tracy and Mical shared a knowing look. Mical just smirked.
Tracy led Olivia, Amber and Brenda to an area where people won't be bumping into them. Olivia watched as Mical headed for the set and joked around with Ben Martinez and Anthony Cook and a couple of extras. They were handed new scripts and they all quickly looked them over. The director cleared his throat and everyone took their places.
"We're just gonna re-shoot the scene, nothing too crazy. Just a few changes. Sam, you come out of the office as usual but you sidle up next to Anthony, ok?" Martin directed. Sam nodded and headed for his 'office'.
"Dennis, Paulie, you two will split Kerry's lines," Martin pointed to an area of the script.
"I'll take this one," Paul said quietly.
"Great. You need to be a little frustrated when you look at Mical."
"Yeah…got it," Dennis said as he whispered something to Mica who nodded.
"Perfect. Alright everyone! Let's go! PLACES!" The crew jumped up and got busy getting out of the way.
Brenda jumped a little when she heard the director shout, "ACTION." Tracey smiled softly and motioned for the little girl. Amber let her down and Brenda made her way over to Tracey. The young woman picked up Brenda and pointed to the camera. Brenda was wide eye as she watched Mical work.
"He's got money, has a couple of houses in the Hamptons, and is every woman's fantasy…" Mical said as she ticked off every thing on her fingers. She turned and faced Dennis as she stuffed her hands into her pockets.
"Which means?" Dennis asked as he looked at the board his arms crossed over his big chest.
"Which means…?" Mical said slowly as she looked blankly at her co-star. She racked her brain for the next line. She had a ghost of a smile as she improvised, "…somebody's gonna need a make over…," Mical bit her lip trying not to laugh. She shrugged and stared at the camera when nothing else popped into her head.
"Huh?" Dennis blinked. "Oh!" He laughed and realized Mical had messed up her line. The rest of the cast and crew joined in.
"Sorry! Sorry!" Mical laughed and held up her hands. A few extras playfully took jabs at Mical. Even Martin Robbins was laughing.
"Ok guys! Let's do it again," he said with a wave of his hand.
They re-did the scene. It went pretty well.
"That was better, but could you do it with out the grin, Mical?" Martin called out. Again, everyone laughed. Olivia couldn't help but laugh at them all. She'd never seen anything quite like it.
There came a point in the scene where the police procedure was all wrong. Olivia shook her head and cringed at how it was being handled.
"Uh…this is a closed set. Who are you?" Martin Robbins asked. Olivia snapped her head around. Mical looked up and realized that Martin was going to chew out Olivia. She quickly moved to where Olivia was before things got out of hand.
"She's with me," Mical said with authority. Martin just nodded and apologized. Mical introduced Olivia to Martin.
"Detective, eh?" Olivia nodded still a little shaken. "No wonder she was cringing," he said with a grin. Mical just smiled.
"So…how'd we do?" Martin asked. He was genuinely curious.
"You want the truth?"
"Preferably."
Olivia inhaled and looked over at Mical who just winked and gave her a nod.
"Well, that bit with Captain Doyle and Detective Peters…it was a bit awkward. We don't really talk like that to begin with…"
Mical couldn't help but beam with pride as she just listened to Olivia correct Martin Robbins, the hottest director in this business. Mical caught Ben trying to catch her attention.
Mical left Olivia, knowing she was in safe hands now that Martin knew Olivia was with her. She sauntered over to where Ben was and gave him a curious look.
"What?"
"So? You brought the family here?" Ben said with a twinkle in his eyes. Mical had told Ben about Brenda and Olivia. She trusted him enough with the most important people in her life.
"Yeah, so?" Mical shrugged as she watched Martin put his arm around Olivia's shoulders and guide her to one of the technical consultants on the show. She shook her head and knew that Martin was no doubt trying to offer Olivia a job on the show.
"Nothing. Just that you look happy now a days," Ben said softly. She was. She smiled at him and gave him a wink. Just then Brenda came bouncing towards her.
"Hey baby! You enjoying yourself?" Mical asked as she scooped up the little girl into her arms. Nodding, Brenda wrapped her arms around Mical's neck and rested her cheek against Mical's.
Amber came strolling by.
"Sorry, I just set her down for one second and she was gone!"
"No worries Amber. It's ok." Mical said with a smile. Olivia laughed at something Martin had said as she shook her head.
"Uh-oh," Ben said with a smirk. "Looks like she's getting 'carded' by Robbins," he said playfully. Mical spun around her eyes wide. Ben was right; Martin had taken a card out from his shirt pocket and handed it over to Olivia who just shook her head.
"I'll be right back," Mical said as she crossed the set with Brenda in her arms.
"Are you sure?" Mica heard Martin ask. Olivia just smiled politely.
"Absolutely. I already have a job. But thank you for the offer," Olivia said as she turned and smiled at the two. Brenda reached out and hooked an arm around Olivia's neck and slid easily into her arms.
Martin glanced at Mical. He gestured to Olivia as he said, "Tried to sway her to the dark side." Mical grinned.
"She's good at what she does," she said as she stuffed her hands into her pockets. Martin nodded then turned back to Olivia.
"If you ever change your mind, you let me know," Martin said as he stuffed his business card into Olivia's jacket pocket. Olivia just chuckled.
"You need to get back on set. And stop grinning! You're ruining my scenes!" Martin smiled as he spoke. Mica threw her head back and laughed.
She turned back to Olivia and kissed her on the forehead.
"You guys heading out?" Mical asked softly. Olivia nodded as she waited for Amber to come back.
"Yeah. I'll let you get back to work."
"Ok. I'll see you at…home. Thanks for coming," Mical replied. Amber finally returned and smiled.
"I got Anthony Cooks autograph!" Mical and Olivia just laughed. "We're going?" Both women nodded. After they said their goodbyes, Mical returned to the set and got back to work.
Mical felt a little lighter after their impromptu visit. She enjoyed it very much.
"ALRIGHT EVERYONE! BACK TO WORK!"
Everyone groaned playfully.
"Alright! Mical, can you and Ben have a couple shots over there?" The photographer asked as he pointed to a spot in the room. The two nodded and headed over to where they were needed.
The photographer snapped several pictures and finally stood up, "Perfect! Thanks guys!" Ben and Mical both smiled and waved goodbye.
"I'm exhausted," Ben said tiredly. Nodding, Mica just stretched and yawned.
"I gotta get going. I promised Brenda I'd tuck her in tonight," Mical said as she shook the sleep from her eyes.
"They're good for you, you know that?" Ben said softly. Mical was quiet as she walked next to her friend. "Goodnight man. See you tomorrow…bright and early."
Mical waved as she slipped into her dressing room and grabbed her backpack and jacket. She was too tired to wipe off her make up.
She trudged through the halls and finally got to the front of the studio. She waved at the receptionist and security guard as she went. Outside, she climbed into the car and smiled tiredly at her driver.
"Hey Teddy," Mical said as she fought the urge to close her eyes.
The driver just smiled and started the car. Soon, Mical was fast asleep.
30 minutes later, Teddy was gently waking Mical up.
"Ma'am? We're here," he said softly. Mical jerked awake.
"Oh jeez! Sorry! Thanks Teddy. Have a safe night," Mical stumbled out of the car and into the building.
She dragged herself to her loft and opened the door. It was dimly lit and quiet.
"Jesus, you look like you're gonna pass out," Olivia stated softly. Mical just turned, half asleep, and collapsed into Olivia's arms.
Olivia just held her tightly as not to fall.
"You mean I haven't yet," Mical replied as she fought another yawn. Olivia just kissed her softly and rubbed her back.
"Come on, let's get you to bed." Olivia started to pull Mical in the direction of their room, but was stopped when Mical gave a little tug on her arm.
"I have to say goodnight to Brenda."
Smiling, Olivia nodded and led them to Brenda's room. Although the little girl had fought off sleep for as long as she could, Brenda inevitably fell asleep. Mical placed a soft kiss on the girl's forehead and quietly tip toed out of the room.
Olivia then led them to their room where Olivia pulled back the covers just as Mical fell onto the bed. Olivia chuckled and pulled at Mical's arms. The tired woman sat up and groaned.
"Come on you. Let's get you out of these duds," Olivia said teasingly. She helped Mical remove her sweater and shirt. She gave another gentle tug and Mica stood to remove her pants.
Both were long past the awkward phase. They were just so comfortable with the other that nakedness didn't faze them at all. Olivia slipped on a pair of boxers on Mical as the other woman threw on a t-shirt.
"Ready?" Olivia asked quietly. Mical nodded and waited as Olivia climbed in first. Mical slipped in next and pulled the covers over them. Mical fell asleep instantly, her arms wrapped around Olivia.
Olivia smiled and gently placed a kiss on Mical's forehead. She closed her eyes and eventually fell asleep.
Olivia was awoken from her slumber at 3 am. She wasn't sure what woke her until she heard Mical moan softly behind her.
Turning to face her, Olivia gently cupped Mical's face and tenderly called out to her.
"Mical? Hon, wake up. You're having a nightmare…baby?" Olivia shook Mical a little more forcefully.
Mical jerked awake, sweat beading her forehead and was breathing hard. She blinked a few times until she realized she was with Olivia.
"Mical?" There was so much concern in Olivia's voice that Mical looked away. She sat up pulling the covers off of her and rubbed her face. She felt Olivia slide behind her and wrapped her arms around Mica's waist.
Mical bent her head and shut her eyes as if that would stop the inevitable question. She ran a hand through her hair and sighed as she felt Olivia kiss the back of her neck.
"That's the 3rd time this week Mica," Olivia said softly. She slowly slid her hands up Mica's back and rested on her shoulders. Olivia began a gentle rhythm as she kneaded the tense muscles she found there.
"I'm fine," Mical replied roughly.
"No you're not. You haven't slept a full night last week and you can barley keep you're eyes open during the day."
"I said I was fine!" Mica stood abruptly, knocking Olivia's hands away from her as she paced the room.
"You keep saying that but it's pretty obvious that you're not," Olivia shot back. Mica turned and glared at Liv. She wanted to say something snappy but she just couldn't think of anything.
"Who are you trying to convince? Me or yourself?"
Olivia slid off the bed and stood. She had her hands on her hips and she glared just as hard as Mica did.
"Let it go Liv!" Mical turned to lock herself in the bathroom but Olivia grabbed her arm and spun her around.
"I can't! This is killing you Mical! I'm not gonna stand by and watch you do that!" Olivia's voice had risen slightly and she took a step back to calm herself.
Mical just stood there and watched her.
"Damn it! Tell me!" Olivia begged. She cupped Mica's face and shook her slightly.
"For me…do it for me. Please. Tell me…," Olivia cried as she spoke. Her hands had slipped into Mical's hair and gently grabbed hold of it as if she were afraid Mical would disappear if she let go.
Mical felt herself slowly break at hearing the desperation in Olivia's voice. Mical held on tight to Olivia. She slammed her eyes tight, fighting the urge to spill everything.
"Liv," Mical said brokenly. Olivia couldn't stand hearing Mica so…broken. She pulled Mical's face towards her and slammed her lips onto hers.
"We need you, Mical," Olivia whispered desperately as soon as she pulled away. Mical felt every single wall she had built around her slowly crumble. She shut her eyes tight again as if that would prolong it.
"I can't…you won't understand…" Mical said roughly. She was gonna fight this till the end. Olivia gathered Mical into her arms and held on tight.
Olivia shook her head as she whispered in Mical's ear, "I will." Olivia laced a hand into Mical's hair once again while the other kept her close. Mical buried her face into Olivia's neck and inhaled deeply.
Olivia could feel tears soaking her shirt and knew that she was close. Her own were falling down her cheeks.
"What happened?" Olivia whispered. She slowly moved them so Mical's back was propped up against the wall. Olivia continued to move her hands along Mical's back and arms, soothing the other woman.
Completely shattered, Mical said the words that she was unable to say since that terrible night.
"My sister…," Mical choked on the words as she spoke, tears flowing from her eyes, "…she…she was raped."
