So, so, so, so very sorry for not up dating anything.

Hope this was worth the very long wait….

I own nothing except for my awesome imagination. Lol.


Once Upon a Time

"But why can't I stay up with you?" The little girl pouted. She held her stuffed bear tight across her chest as her eyes followed Mica.

Mical slowly knelt down in front of Brenda and smiled softly. Olivia was running back and forth from the bathroom to the closets, tossing outfit after outfit onto the bed. Brenda and Mica both glanced quickly at Olivia and giggled. Mica brushed Brenda's hair away from her forehead and placed a gentle kiss there.

"Baby Girl, we already talked about this. It's too late for you to be up and you have school tomorrow," Mical said softly. It had been 3 months of non-stop filming. They had a handful of good quality episodes under their belt and it was nearing the premier. The cast and crew were having a get together to celebrate the hard work that was put into each episode. Minus Kerry Madison of course.

Olivia had finally settled on an outfit. When Mical had mentioned that the cast were coming over, Olivia had played it cool. But now, standing in front of the mirror, Olivia had to admit…she was nervous.

Mical had also mentioned that she was inviting a couple of her closest friends whom she worked with on another series. She just didn't say who was coming. Olivia was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't feel a pair of arms wrap around her waist. Closing her eyes, Olivia smiled and leaned back into Mical's warmth.

"Hmmm…you smell nice," Mica whispered as she pressed her lips against the side of Olivia's neck. Their relationship, still in its infancy, was slowly growing. With what little time they had together, between their jobs, Mical's publicity stints, and taking care of Brenda, they tried to make the most of it. Most of their time was spent lying in Mical's big comfy bed with Brenda asleep in the middle, whispering in the dark.

In three months, Olivia noticed very small subtle changes in both Brenda and Mical. Brenda was slowly becoming an outgoing, fun loving little girl that didn't want to slow down. Mical, was slowly sharing parts of her, at least the parts she had fond memories of. Olivia was more then happy to sit and listen to anything Mical shared. Olivia knew that it was a small turn for the better.

"Please! Can I stay up?" Brenda whined as she bounced from one foot to the other. Mical sighed and nuzzled Olivia's neck before she turned to the little girl. Olivia smiled. Mical had unending patience when it came to Brenda. Most of the time Brenda was the sweetest little girl. And other times, like now, she would turn on the charm to get her way.

"Brenda," Mical said slowly. It was a gentle warning to the little girl. Brenda sighed and huffed.

"How come?" The little girl asked. Mical grinned and kissed Brenda's forehead.

"You know why," Mica said as she got up and held her hand out to the little girl. Brenda scrunched her nose as she slipped her small hand into Mical's.

"But you said I'm not s'pposed to have a TV in my room," Brenda replied sweetly, deciding to try another tactic. Brenda stared up at Mical, her eyes wide and innocent. Olivia covered her mouth as she fought a giggle.

Mical grinned. She knew all of Brenda's tricks. Mica hunkered down once more as she tapped Brenda's nose.

"I know. But this time is the only exception, Baby Girl," Mica said softly. She watched as Brenda thought of another way to squirm her way into the party. Just then there was a knock on the door. Brenda squealed in excitement. She bounced up and down as Mical glanced at Olivia.

"We'll be right back." Olivia nodded as she gave herself a once over in the mirror. Satisfied, she put the finishing touches on her make up. She heard Brenda greet their first guest and she smiled brightly. The little girl came running back into the bedroom.

"Their here! There here!" Brenda couldn't stop bouncing around until Olivia had to laugh and gently take hold of the little girl's shoulders to keep her still.

"Who is, Baby Girl?" Brenda grinned.

"Uncle Ben! And he brought Michelle and Tracy. Can they play in my room? Can they? Please, please, please!" Brenda just couldn't keep still. She was excited that her two friends had come over. Olivia laughed again as she hugged Brenda and nodded.

"Sure Baby Girl." Olivia shook her head as she watched Brenda shoot out of the room and heard a squeal of delight. Mica walked in a smile on her face.

"What did you say to her?" Mical asked amusement written all over her face. Olivia smiled brightly as she slipped her arms around Mical's neck. In response, Mica gave her a smile that was meant only for Olivia's eyes and lovingly caressed her sides.

"Nothing. I just became the 'good-guy'," Olivia said playfully. Rolling her eyes Mical leaned in for a kiss. It would have gotten deeper if Ben hadn't opened his big mouth.

"Hey! That's no way to treat your guests!" Ben hollered from the living room. Olivia and Mical pulled away and sighed. They heard his wife smack him and heard a muffled 'Ben behave'. The two women laughed and sauntered out of the room together.

Olivia and Megan sat next to each other, swapping notes on how to get the girls eating their vegetables while Ben and Mica talked about the up coming sports season. 10 minutes later, the first group of guests arrived. Soon more of Mical's friends arrived.

It was less then 45 minuets when the party was now in full swing. Mical and Olivia also invited some of their neighbours and all were having a wonderful time.

"Hey Mica! I brought a few edited episodes," Winston called out. Mical smiled brightly at the young man. She liked Winston from when they had worked on another project together. He was turning out to be a great editor.

"Just as long as it's the ones with my good side!" Mica replied back. Everyone laughed. Olivia was enjoying herself as she mingled with the crew. She had become good friends with a few prop designers as well as a few make up artists.

Mical's cell went off. She quickly answered it and smiled brightly a second later.

"Hey, what's up?" Olivia asked as she slid next Mical. She watched as Mica's face turned mischievous. Mical just shrugged.

"Nothing. Just that surprise I was telling you about. I'll be right back," she said as she leaned in to give Olivia a kiss. Then she was out the door. Olivia had a confused look on her face when Ben found her.

"Is everything ok?" He asked gently. Olivia shook her head.

"I have no idea," Olivia said softly. She waited by the door for Mical to return. 10 minutes later, Olivia heard the keys sliding in the door. They slid open and there was Mical, her smile huge as a yacht. And standing behind her were two women Olivia had easily recognized.

"Ohmigod! Is that who I think it is?" Alex whispered behind Olivia. The brunette didn't do anything except stare. Mical had to fight the urge to burst out laughing when she saw Olivia's expression.

Moving to stand next to Olivia, Mical slipped an arm around her waist and gently guided her to the two new arrivals.

"Liv," Mical whispered softly in her ear. "Surprise," Mical said with a smile. She placed a soft kiss against Olivia's cheek. That seemed to pull her out of whatever trance she was in. Olivia blinked rapidly then turned to look at Mical.

"You…you know them?" She asked in wonder. Mical grinned and nodded.

"I've known them for awhile, yes. There my very good friends." She gestured for the two women to join her and Olivia.

"Liv, I'd like you to meet Nikki Wade and Helen Stewart. Nikki, Helen this is Olivia Benson," Mical said with a smile. Nikki and Helen both smiled gently and shook Olivia's hand.

"I take it she's never really mentioned us?" Helen asked with a sexy smirk. Nikki just laughed softly as she slid an arm around Helen's shoulders. Olivia blinked a few more times before she found her voice.

"I…uh…no, no she hasn't," Olivia replied unsteadily.

Helen playfully poked Mical in the arm.

"You sod! You'll give this poor woman a bloody heart attack!" Mical just grinned and shrugged. She placed a gentle hand on the small of Olivia's back to keep her steady.

"So…uh…how do you know Mical?" Olivia asked when the teasing stopped. She still couldn't believe that Nikki Wade and Helen Stewart were standing in front of her.

Helen saw the look on Olivia's face and smiled gently at her.

"Love, why don't you and Mical go get us something to drink, will ya?" Helen asked as she lovingly glanced at her wife. Nikki smiled softly and winked.

"Sure thing babe. Anything in particular?"

Helen shook her head. "Whatever you're having is fine with me." Helen quickly kissed Nikki's cheek then watched as the two women walked to the kitchen, then turned her attention to Olivia.

Helen smiled.

"So…tell me Olivia; how did you tame that stubborn one?" she asked teasingly as she gently guided Olivia further into the crowd as she spoke.

SVUSVUSVUSVUSVU

It was 2 hours into the party. Olivia had to step back a bit to catch her breath. She was a normally private person, so this was a little overwhelming.

She watched as Mical easily moved through the room – laughing…so carefree. She couldn't help but remember the night Mical finally opened up about her childhood. It was a complete contrast to the person that was before her now…

"My sister…," Mical choked on the words as she spoke, tears flowing from her eyes, "…she…she was raped."

Olivia's eyes went wide in shock. She slowly slipped her arms around the weeping form and just held her. There, huddled on the ground, Mical finally, almost disjointedly, spoke of that horrible night her life changed.

"She…we…our birthdays…my birthday was 3 days before hers. We would always celebrate together…," Mical choked out. She held on to Olivia as if it would save her from drowning in her own nightmare.

Olivia wanted to tell Mical that she didn't have to say anymore, that it was ok. But she knew that if she did, there would never be another chance for Mical to get it out. So she sat silently and held on and listened.

"Mitchie...we…she liked sharing her birthday with me. Said it's what made us sisters," Mical sobbed. Olivia nodded silently. She kissed the top of Mical's head and ran a soothing hand down her back.

"It was the only day that Pappy ever took off work."

"Of course he would. It was his two girls' birthday," Olivia said softly. Mical nodded.

"'They should make it a holiday!' is what he use to say. Ma and Pappy were so happy then...," Mical said as a new wave of tears hit her. She buried her face in the crook of Olivia's neck. She felt Olivia tighten her hold on her, whispering soft, comforting words.

"But it was different that day," Mical whispered, almost fearful of where her memory will take her to. Mical lifted her head and gazed into Olivia's eyes making sure the older woman knew what was coming next. Olivia reached out and cupped Mical's face ever so gently and nodded. That small bit of contact made all the difference.

"What happened?"

Swallowing her panic, Mical took a breath as she braced herself for the onslaught.

"My…my parents had to go…run to the store to pick up the cake…they weren't even gone long before…," Mical broke off. She couldn't breath. Her throat closed up and she felt as if the air in her lungs was being sucked out of her. Mical had to close her eyes. It was too much for her.

Olivia grabbed Mical's face in her hands and demanded she look at her.

"Mical. Look at me. You're alright. Your safe…just look at me sweetie," Olivia said with a strong yet gentle voice. Olivia saw this before in other victims. It was as if the brain couldn't tell what was real anymore and it begun to shut down, protecting it's self from an unknown intruder.

"Honey, it's alright. Just take a deep breath. Come on sweetie…no one is gonna hurt you," Olivia coaxed softly. Olivia could see Mical fighting whatever unseen monster was frightening her. Mical held on to Olivia's writs as she forced herself to breath.

It was a long few moments before Mical could open her eyes. When she did, she saw that Olivia was there. The older woman's eyes held concern, fear and love. Olivia smiled softly as if to sooth away Mical's fears.

They sat on the floor facing each other in the dark. The only light came from the night light in the hall way outside. Olivia let go of Mical's face but didn't go very far – she begun to run her fingers through Mical's hair, not saying a word, just waiting for her to continue.

Sniffing a little and clearing her throat, Mical started again, this time her voice was a little stronger then before.

"We were setting up the table…just talking. I remember her laughing about something when we heard glass breaking from the living room. Mitchie told me to be quiet and she shoved me under the kitchen sink…'cover your ears and don't say a word', she said. And I did. I covered my ears good…but I could still hear…the sounds…"

When Mical looked up at Olivia her tears were flowing freely down her cheeks. Olivia could see so much pain in Mical's beautiful eyes it tore at her. Olivia felt her own fall.

"…I could hear her just fighting…things falling…I heard her screaming. I never felt so scared in my life. I think I pee'd myself…but I kept quiet. Just like Mitchie told me. Then…it just…it just got quiet…It was so quiet."

Michal's voice shook. She remembered the eerie silence…the defining silence.

"How long were you hiding for?" Olivia asked softly.

Mical shrugged.

"I don't remember. Awhile I guess. I heard my parents coming back…and…I heard...I heard my mother screaming. She just kept on screaming…"

"And they didn't try to find you?" Olivia asked.

"I…I don't know. All I know is that I just hid and then the cupboard door swung open. I think I heard myself scream or something. The cop that tried to get me out was this big burly guy. Then another cop, Mr. Rudy…he was a friend of my dad's, shoved him away. He got angry at him. Then he just crouched down and started talking to me real quietly."

Olivia nodded and continued to wait.

"Mr. Rudy asked if it was alright if he picked me up. I guess I said yes because he got me out. He carried me to the living room away from all the…the…," Mical swallowed. She took a steady breath. "I saw my dad…he just looked so…he didn't look like my dad at all. And my mom…oh God…they had to medicate her she was so hysterical."

Olivia wiped her eyes. She had heard stories similar to Mical's but knowing that someone she cared about had to live through it…nothing could hurt more than that.

"The Morgan's…Mr. Rudy and his wife, Miss Althea took care of me after that. They…helped me. A lot…"

"What happened to your parents?"

A sad look over took Mical.

"They…I don't know…they just fell apart. Stopped living, I guess."

Olivia was quiet. She moved so she was sitting next to Mical and leaned against the wall. She wrapped her arms around Mical's arm and leaned her head against Mica's shoulder.

"My mom especially…she just…went away. She got so hooked on whatever the doctor had given her she just slowly disappeared. My dad just drank more and more," Mical said softly. She fidgeted with her fingers not knowing what to do with them.

"Tell me more about Mr. Rudy and Miss Althea. They sound like wonderful people," Olivia asked wanting Mical to remember something good. And she really wanted to know the people that took care of Mical.

Mical smiled at the request.

"They were…something special. Mr. Rudy was my dad's partner when he was a beat cop. Dad took the Detective exam and Mr. Rudy stayed on the streets. Said it was better to be moving around outside then sitting behind a desk all day," Mical said as she remembered the man.

"And Miss Althea?"

Mical smiled.

"She was…perfect. She had more patience then Mr. Rudy. Which is saying something. I wasn't the easiest kid to look after back then," Mical said with a sad smile. Olivia smiled as she combed her fingers through Mical's hair.

"That's understandable."

Mical nodded.

"They did everything they could for me. They even set me up with this shrink. Thought it might help talking about it, ya know? Thing is, I never said a word. I never spoke about it…I couldn't. But the Morgan's always said that it was ok. If I wasn't ready then I wasn't ready. The doctor gave them this name of a teacher for a drama class. The teacher specialized in stuff like this…kids like me. Said it would help with processing stuff if I could pretend to be someone else. Tell it from a different perspective. "

Olivia smiled as she slowly nodded.

"And so the story begins."

Mical smiled shyly.

"I took that class until I graduated from high school. Then I went to the academy," Mical shrugged as she replied softly.

They continued to speak softly until Olivia noticed Mical's eyes begin to droop.

"Let's get you to bed honey," Olivia requested quietly. She slowly got up and reached down to pull Mical to her feet. They stumbled to the bed and climbed in. They lay facing each other, their fingers intertwining.

"Thanks," Mical said softly. Olivia smiled and kissed the tip of Mical's nose.

"Don't mention it." Mical laughed at that. "Sleep sweetheart. I'll be here if you need me," Olivia said as she wrapped her free hand around Mical's waist and pulled her in close. They closed their eyes and felt sleep surround them. That night Mical slept, for the first time, without nightmares.

SVUSVUSVUSVUSVU

"Hey, you alright?"

Mical had seen the distant look on Olivia's face and wandered over. Olivia blinked several times and realized where she was and smiled, slightly embarrassed.

"Sorry. Just wandered off for a second. How's the party?"

Mical's eyes narrowed slightly. She knew when Olivia was trying to ward her off of something. She didn't like being left in the loop.

"Everything's good. You sure you're ok?" Nodding, Olivia took the glass of wine that Mical held for her and took a sip.

"Yeah. Don't worry about it. Work…always thinking about work," Olivia said as she gestured to her head. Mical studied Olivia for a second.

"Wanna talk about it?"

Olivia shook her head and smiled once more.

"Later. We'll talk later," Olivia said in a tone that had Mical understanding what it was Olivia wanted to discuss. Sighing, Mical just nodded silently.

"Hey! You two get over here! You're missing out on all the fun!" Someone had called out to them. Smiling tightly, Mical placed a hand at Olivia's back and guided them both back to the large group. They had gathered around the flat screen as one of the show's editors popped in the DVD.

They sat in silence as they watched the first episode. Olivia had to admit, she was impressed.

"Didn't I tell you? It was the ex-wife!" Someone exclaimed as the episode ended. A chorus of voices followed suit as they debated back and forth. Mical gave Olivia a light squeeze as she looked at her.

"So…did you like it?" Mical asked softly. She was getting a little tired now and it was beginning to show. Olivia reached up and brushed the hair that had stubbornly fallen into Mical's eyes. She smiled and gave Mical a tender kiss.

"Yeah, I was impressed. You did your homework well," Olivia replied with a grin. Mical smiled back.

They vaguely heard someone in the background groaning.

"Mom and dad are at it again!" A teasing voice called out. Everyone laughed and Mical just shook her head and rolled her eyes as Olivia started to laugh.

"You're lucky I haven't kicked any of you out!" Mical retorted playfully. She held her hand out for Olivia to take and the two women returned to the group.

Olivia kept a close eye on Mical noticing the way she held herself. Olivia knew Mical was nearing exhaustion and she didn't want her to over due it. Olivia also noticed Mical moving very sluggish – nothing like her usual self.

Apparently, Olivia wasn't the only one to notice. Alex sidled up along side Olivia and gave her friend a small smile.

"How is she? She's been on the go since we all got here," Alex said in way of a greeting. Olivia smiled tiredly as she nodded.

"She's…she's getting there. Might have to cut the party short though," Olivia replied with a tired sigh. Alex nodded. She put down her drink and turned to face Olivia. The tall blond leaned in and gave Olivia a tight hug.

"I'll get going then," Alex said.

"I didn't mean for you to-" Olivia stuttered as she looked at her friend. Alex just smiled and shook her head.

"Early start. I have to be in court in the morning. Appeals for gods sakes! Appeals!" Alex said with a dramatic wave of her hand. Olivia couldn't help but laugh. Mical heard Olivia's laughter and turned around just as she saw Olivia walking Alex to the door.

She quickly excused herself and bee lined towards the pair.

"Hey, you leaving already?" Mical opened her arms wide to give Alex a hug. She felt Alex nodded and pulled away from the woman.

Alex held up a hand to stop the protests from coming. "Court…bright and early. Thank you so much for inviting me."

"Thank you for coming," Mical said a little shyly. Just as Mical was about to slide the door open, one of the writers and producer of the show came over quickly.

"Hey, you didn't hear any of this, but…" the two looked around conspicuously and leaned in as the lowered their voices. "We may be getting our selves a new ADA by mid-season. If were lucky, it may be sooner," the producer caught Mical's eye and winked.

Mical's and Olivia's eyes widened and her jaw went slack. Alex looked like a dear in headlights. The writer grinned and placed a finger to her lips while the producer just wiggled his eyebrows.

"On second thought, I think I'll stay a little longer," Alex said as she took her coat off. They all laughed. Rejoining the group, Alex, Olivia and Mical kept throwing looks at each other while the writer and producer just smiled knowing they had hit the jackpot.

Walter, the producer, wandered back over to Mical.

"You know anyone that would be a good fit with the show? The big boss man just wants to cut his losses now and be done with it. He just told me this morning so we're basically scrambling to fill that spot before we roll out the next few episodes," Walt asked quietly. Olivia glanced around the room and spotted Helen.

"What about Helen? She said she wasn't attached to any projects," Olivia asked suggested politely. Walter looked surprised at first then turned thoughtful. He glanced over to where Helen was speaking with a few of Mical's co-stars then smiled as he returned his gaze back to Olivia and Mical.

"I think that might just work," then he glanced at Mical with a grin on his face. "She's a keeper," Walter said with a wink. And with that Walter made his way to the producer and writer and spoke softly. The three all glanced at Helen and nodded in agreement, big smiles on their faces.

"Wow…you gotta knack for that," Mical said quietly. She slipped an arm around Olivia's waist. Olivia shrugged as she slid into her custom spot.

"It's my job to read people," Olivia said with a soft smile. Mical would have said something coy but a smack to the shoulder stopped her.

"Ow!" Mical rubbed her shoulder before she turned around to see who the offender was. Helen had a playful smirk on her face as she stood with her hands on her hips.

"What do you think you're up to?" Helen asked in her thick accent.

Mical shook her head as she pointed to Olivia.

"She did it!" Mical retorted playfully. Helen laughed as she turned to Olivia. She gave the woman a huge smile as she hugged the woman.

"Thank you." Mical's jaw dropped.

"Hey! I get a whack to the shoulder and she get's a hug…that is so not fair!" Mical said childishly. Helen and Olivia laughed.

"Well thanks to you, I just may have a reason to stay in New York," Helen grinned. Nikki came strolling by and shoved a playful elbow at Mical.

"Not you too!" Nikki laughed.

"Oy! Anything to make the missus happy!" Nikki retorted with a grin. The two women grabbed their coats and slipped them on.

"So I guess you'll be seeing more of me soon, yeah?" Helen said softly. Mical and Olivia smiled brightly and nodded.

"You just take good care of her, mate," Nikki said as she drew Mical into a big hug.

Finally saying their good byes, Nikki and Helen left for the night. Soon the other guests were lining up and saying their good byes.

Ben and his wife both had each girl in their arms. The two were fast asleep.

"Brenda was out cold so I just tucked her into her bed. Hope that's alright?" Megan whispered. Olivia nodded and placed a loving kiss on each of the girl's sleepy heads.

"Thanks for coming," Mical said quietly. She rubbed Tracy's back as she nodded good bye to her friend.

Soon enough, Olivia and Mical were alone. They leaned back against the door and stared at the mess.

Olivia was the first to move. She began to pick up the empty plates and cups while Mical picked up the empty chip bowls and platters.

"Why don't you head to bed. I can finish up here," Olivia suggested. Mical shook her head as she tossed a few napkins into a large garbage bag.

"That's alright. Besides we're almost done." Mical went to the kitchen and grabbed a broom and dust pan. With in minutes, she had several piles of dirt and dust ready to sweep up.

Olivia was the first to hear Brenda whimpering in her room. Mical looked up with concerned eyes.

"You go and get her. I'll finish up and come in," Olivia directed. Mical nodded and handed over the broom.

"Just leave the dishes for tomorrow," Mical offered as she headed for the room. Olivia nodded and quickly made work of the mess and placed the broom back in its place. She washed her hands and dried them quickly.

Olivia could hear Mical's soothing voice as made her way to the little girl's room. Mical was sitting on the side with an arm around Brenda, speaking softly. The little girl looked up and gave Olivia a teary smile.

"Bad dream, Baby?" Olivia whispered. Brenda nodded. Olivia smiled gently as she wiped away her tears. "We'll stay here until it goes away, ok?" Brenda nodded again and snuggled close to Olivia and Mical.

They sat there holding tightly onto Brenda. Mical leaned over and placed a loving kiss on top of the girl's head.

"Story?" Mical asked. Brenda smiled and nodded.

"Long, long ago. In a far off land, there was a beautiful princess. She had long beautiful hair and bright blue eyes…"

Olivia watched as Mical spoke softly. Brenda's head grew heavy against Olivia and she knew that the girl was slowly falling asleep. She leaned down and kissed Brenda and rubbed her back. She smiled as she saw a ghost of a smile on Brenda's face and knew that the little girl would sleep through the night.

Looking up, Olivia smiled as she listened to the story. Mical was an amazing story teller especially when it was for Brenda's benefit.

Mical finally finished her story and placed a soft kiss on Brenda's cheek. She helped Olivia settle the girl into bed once more. The two padded softly out the door and made their way into their room.

They undressed both exhausted from the party. Climbing in, they snuggled close, their arms and legs tangled around each other.

Olivia leaned in and kissed Mical softly.

"You're amazing, you know that?" Olivia asked almost asleep. Mical chuckled softly.

"Not really. But we'll talk about it tomorrow," Mical replied as she yawned. Olivia was already fast asleep. Smiling to herself, Mical took comfort in the strong arms that were wrapped around her.

Soon, sleep surrounded them.