TITLE: Law & Order: SVU – "What Was"
AUTHOR: D M Harper.
SUMMARY: The private lives of two career driven women clash and the memory of what was once between them is re-examined. A/U
PAIRING: Olivia Benson & Alex Cabot
RATING: M for Mature readers.
DISCLAIMER: This story comes from the imagination and tells the story of how two central characters could have been more than friends. I, along with other Fanfic writers, do so for fun and not for profit. We like to assume the role of a network writer with enough fortitude to write what we would have liked to have seen on television without the restraints of network bosses and sponsors of a homophobic nature. There is no intent to infringe on the copyright of creator Dick Wolf, Wolf Films Studio or USA Television.
Author's Note: If you enjoy this tale, please take the time to review. Please note that this takes place in an alternative universe and some liberty has been taken with a deceased TV character.
Chapter 9
Alex was busy drying her hair when Olivia entered the bathroom. She was wearing an aubergine coloured pants suit and lime green button down shirt.
Alex's grin spread across her face and she passed comment, "You are looking very beautiful this morning."
In reply Olivia cupped her right hand over Alex's left buttock, "So are you, especially in that outfit."
Alex was dressed in high cut black briefs and matching bra. She returned the dryer to its stand and looked at Olivia, "If you keep staring at me like that, we will be late."
"It wouldn't be the first time sweetie," teased Olivia.
Alex laughed at her, "Very true, but I have a meeting with my ADAs at nine and I need to prepare, so that's a no to your suggestion."
"A girl's got to try."
"You are absolutely hopeless Detective Benson."
"So are you Chief Cabot."
Alex ran her hand over Olivia's back, "Yes I am when it comes to you darling, now let's get a move on. Do you want me to drive and drop you off on the way?"
"That would be the easiest way Alex. If I finish before you, I will just walk home and wait for you."
Patting Olivia playfully, Alex said, "All right." She left the room and Olivia dried her hair then returned to the bedroom.
Alex was pulling on the charcoal coloured jacket of her pants suit over her pink buttoned shirt and Olivia's breath caught when Alex turned to face her. She was wearing the fine gold chain Olivia had given her as a Christmas present seven years before. The gift had preceded Olivia's declaration of love for the first time and she was moved to see Alex wearing it. The chain was short and the diamond attached fell into the hollow of Alex's throat.
Ignoring the arousal she was feeling, Olivia said, "I'm glad to see you didn't throw that piece of jewellery away."
Alex raised her hand to it and fingered the small amulet, "I always wear it to work. I also keep a photo of you in my wallet."
"You do?"
"Yes, it's funny, but I always needed a reminder of you near to me."
Olivia smiled broadly as she slipped her shield from her belt and slid the picture out from behind the leather pouch. Handing it to Alex, she said, "I have carried you with me at work too."
Alex looked at the photo of her making a goofy face at the camera and giggled, "You are purposely trying to make us late for work aren't you?"
"Yes, but I know better. I'm ready if you are?" She took the snapshot from Alex and returned it to its rightful place behind the shield.
Alex picked up her soft brown leather briefcase and slung the carry strap over her right shoulder, "So am I."
Olivia retrieved her Glock from the top drawer of the bedside table and holstered it.
-o-
Alex pulled into a vacant parking space outside the sixteenth Precinct and put the car into park. Turing to Olivia, she said, "Have a good day and I will try to get back at noon for lunch. If I can't, I will call you and let you know."
"All right and have a wonderful day sweetie."
Alex leaned over the centre console, "I love you Detective Benson."
"And I love you Chief Cabot."
Their lips met in a tender kiss and Olivia gently ran her hand over Alex's left shoulder. Pulling back, Olivia reached for the door handle, "Drive carefully and see you later."
"And you be safe my darling."
Olivia got out of the car and crossed the street. She turned and waved as Alex reversed her BMW sedan and passed by her. They both waved and smiled at each other. Olivia stood still for a moment before rotating and going inside.
She wasn't prepared for what awaited her. The entire day shift of uniformed Officers was circled around the charge counter and Sergeant Taylor. As she neared the bench, they all erupted into applause.
"Congratulations on being cleared by IAB and your engagement Detective Benson," said Taylor cheerfully.
Olivia blushed, "Thank you everyone and this is a nice welcome back to work."
After a series of individual well wishes, Olivia finally made her way to the elevators and up to the third floor. When she exited the lift, she was greeted with more felicitations.
Entering the Squadroom, she was immediately engulfed by Munch's arms, "Welcome back and congratulations on your engagement. I am so happy for you Liv."
She hugged him back, "Thank you John, it's been a surprising couple of weeks." They parted and Olivia asked, "You the only one here?"
"Yeah, so how is the lovely Miss Cabot?"
Olivia took off her overcoat and hung it in the alcove beside the lockers, "She is as lovely as always." Going to the coffee machine, Olivia made a mug of green tea then sat on the end of John's desk and filled him in on Alex's return.
Fin approached them moments later, "Morning everyone."
"Hey Fin," replied Olivia.
John quipped to his partner, "Nice of you to join us."
Taking off his coat, Fin placed it on the rack, "What's with everyone downstairs, they are all buzzing around like bees?"
"Oh of course you won't know my good man, because you don't read the social pages of the paper," taunted John.
"What'd I miss?"
"Our esteemed colleague Liv here has gotten herself engaged."
"Say what? I didn't even know you were dating anybody?" exclaimed a surprised Fin.
"I wasn't Fin," answered Olivia.
Fin screwed up his face, hugged Liv and said, "Well, congratulations girl and I hope they know how lucky they are?"
"Trust me, they know."
"So, who is the lucky woman?" enquired Fin as he approached his desk.
John chuckled, "You will never guess my friend."
Fin looked at the goofy look on Olivia's face and knew straight away, "Alex, it's Alex, right?"
"I have a new found respect for you Tutuola," joked John.
Fin squeezed Olivia again, "Way to go Liv that is great news. I always knew you two would get back together."
"It is Fin and I hope you guys don't have any plans for Saturday night? Alex's mother is throwing us an impromptu engagement party over at Scarsdale."
"And how is the mother of the bride handling the news?" asked John.
"She has managed to surprise the both of us. In fact, she has been very accepting and supportive."
"I must say, I was astonished when I saw the article in the paper," added John. "It sure was a grand outing for the good Bureau Chief."
"It was," agreed Olivia. "It wasn't her idea though, but it has saved her the task of telling everyone."
Don Cragen walked into the room and announced, "Good morning people."
"Morning Cap," chorused the three Detectives.
"Once Elliot arrives, briefing in my office," Cragen said before disappearing into his office and closing the door.
"Looks like we have a new case to add to the ever increasing pile," remarked Fin.
"I'd say so," agreed John. "So Olivia, this soirée on Saturday, can we bring a date?"
"Of course you can," answered Olivia curiously.
"God help us all," wisecracked Fin. "Are you working on Mrs Munch the fourth?"
"Maybe my good friend, time will tell and for a nice change, she has more money than me."
"Well at least you won't end up in the poor house again after the divorce," taunted Fin.
Olivia finished her tea and was going to her desk when Elliot appeared, "Morning all and welcome back Partner."
He hugged Olivia and planted a kiss on her forehead, "How's that fiancée of yours?"
"She is just beautiful thank you."
Elliot went and hung up his overcoat and settled at this desk.
John stood, "We better go see what the Captain has in store for us."
The four detectives entered the office and broke into laughter when they spotted the huge cake on top of Cragen's desk. Their Captain was grinning from ear to ear behind his desk.
He stood and handed them each a glass of apple juice, "To Olivia and all the best with Alex."
Olivia smiled, "Thank you Captain and for the surprise."
"You are welcome Olivia," replied Don as he handed her a large knife.
After cutting the cake and handing out plates to the others, Olivia said, "I better not make a habit of eating this every morning or I won't fit into my wedding outfit."
"You are gonna make one gorgeous bride Liv," noted Fin.
"Why thank you Fin."
"So, when is the big day?" asked John.
"Fifth of April," remarked Olivia before taking another forkful of chocolate cake.
"Ahh, two celebrations in one," said John.
"It was Alex's idea, not mine," replied Olivia.
Fin chuckled, "I knew that woman was smart the first day I met her."
When five detectives had finished eating, Don declared, "I left word with the other Officers to drop by after eight-thirty for a slice of cake."
"You are scarring me with your soft side here Captain," joked John.
"Well, don't get used to it Munch."
Olivia stayed behind while the others returned to their desks, "Thanks again for the cake Captain."
"You are more than welcome Olivia."
"There is one thing I'd like to ask you before I get to work."
"Fire away."
"Will you do me the honour of walking me down the aisle?"
Cragen's face exploded into a mega grin, "Of course, I would be delighted." He neared her and embraced her tightly, "Thank you for asking."
"There is no one else I would rather have on the day and I better get back to my desk."
Olivia stepped back and made her exit. She went to sit down, but Elliot said, "Don't bother getting comfortable, Warner just called. We have a match on fluids collected from the victim in one of the cases."
Fin asked as he stood up, "Which one?"
"Janet Hawk," replied Elliot. "I'll fill you in on the way to the collar Liv."
John enquired, "Who did we get a hit on El?"
"Richard Dean, the neighbour."
"I knew I didn't like that creep for some reason," announced Fin disdainfully.
"Let's go pick him up," recommended Elliot.
-o-
Richard Dean had been interviewed by Elliot, Olivia and Casey, booked for arraignment and placed in the holding cell all before eleven. Casey entered Cragen's office and re-emerged with a plastic plate of cake and a fork several minutes later.
Sitting down on the corner of Olivia's desk, she addressed the detectives, "One case down with six to go."
Fin caught Casey's attention and enquired, "How long before we have the search warrant for Gordon's place?"
"It should be signed down at the Courthouse by eleven-thirty."
Elliot glanced at Olivia and explained, "The Robyn Crowley case; the ex-husband is our main suspect."
"Okay and thanks for the update El." Olivia leaned back in her chair and crossed her arms behind her head. For the next thirty minutes she watched the procession of Officers enter Cragen's office and leave with a serving of cake. They all stopped by her desk and congratulated her again.
Casey's cell phone rang and she answered, "Novak speaking ... thank you." Returning the phone to her jacket pocket, she announced, "Your warrant is ready Detectives."
Fin stood up from his desk, "It will be my pleasure to go pick up this piece of excrement."
John joined him and Casey walked out of the Squadroom with them.
Olivia looked at her partner, "Now that we have a quiet moment, I was wondering if you could do me a favour?"
With an arched right eye brow, Elliot replied, "Sure Liv, just name it."
"Will you be my best man at the wedding?"
Elliot's features turned into a smile, "You serious?"
"Yes Elliot. Alex and I aren't having what you would call a conventional wedding, so I would like you to stand up for me."
"You got it Liv, I'd be thrilled. I guess I better spring for a new suit then."
"Thanks El, it means the world to me."
"So has Eleanor taken over the arrangements?"
Olivia laughed heartily, "No, not quite. Actually, she has been excellent and not driven Alex mad with demands or ideas. I have already organised my outfit and the honeymoon, so my part is done."
Elliot chuckled at his partner, "You have to be happy with that."
"I am, trust me. So, what's next on our schedule?"
"Basically we are just waiting for Lab results. Fin and John didn't get much out of the initial interviews, but luckily all the perps left behind fluids and hair samples."
Olivia got to her feet and went to stand in front of the display monitors. Bringing up the five active cases, she studied the data until she heard a familiar voice come from behind her.
"Hello Detective Stabler," said Alex cheerfully.
"Hey Chief Cabot, how's it going?"
"Fantastically," she replied. Alex was carrying two large paper bags, "I've brought enough lunch for us all. Is Don in?"
Olivia approached and was delighted when Alex leaned over and kissed her on the lips.
"Hello Detective Benson."
"Hi, it's nice of you to drop in."
Alex placed the bags on Olivia's desk, "I'll just go invite your captain to lunch." She rapped on the door frame and waited.
Don looked up from his paperwork and grinned, "Nice to see you Alex. Besides Olivia, what brings you down to our neck of the woods?"
Glancing at the left-over cake, she replied, "Lunch. I have enough for everyone, so I was hoping you would join us upstairs."
"Excellent idea and you'd better grab a slice of cake before it's all gone."
Alex did, then asked, "Has Liv spoken to you about the wedding?"
Don beamed, "She has and I accepted."
Alex linked her arm around Don's, "That's fantastic. My uncle will be walking me down the aisle at the same time."
Cragen patted Alex on the hand, "It's going to be a wonderful ceremony. Come on, let's join the others before I blow my tough guy reputation and cry."
Alex laughed before saying, "I promise not to tell a soul."
-o-
Olivia helped Alex spread out tubs of potato salad, coleslaw and turkey and pastrami sandwiches on the table upstairs from the Squadroom while Elliot and Don volunteered to retrieve cans of soda and a juice for Olivia from the drinks machine down the hall. Fin and John left Stanley Crowley sitting in a holding cell downstairs on the first floor and joined Elliot and Don in the hallway.
"This is a great idea baby," remarked Olivia as she sat down and picked up a plastic plate and fork.
Alex leaned over and kissed her on the top of the head, "I do occasionally have them honey." She took a seat next to Olivia and reached for a plate.
"How did your meeting go this morning?"
"Good. I've sorted through quite a lot of the current caseloads and have organised vacation time for our honeymoon."
Leaning into Alex, Olivia huskily said, "Well done, that's good news."
Alex inched in closer, "Stop with the sexy voice, I'm already struggling as it is."
Reclining onto her chair, Olivia smirked, "My apologies Counsellor. So how long before you are needed back at the office?"
"Not until one-thirty, besides I'm the boss and I set my own schedule. How has your day been?"
"Different, I received a standing ovation on arrival, ate cake and made a collar."
Alex laughed, "I received applause downstairs too. It was very uplifting."
Olivia nodded, "I know what you mean. I have been on a high all morning and am enjoying this business of being engaged to you."
"I am too honey, it was nice of Don to bring in a cake."
"He snuck it in before I arrived."
The other detectives joined them and the group discussed the Crowley case while savouring their meal.
After swallowing, Fin asked Alex, "You gonna make a habit of this?"
"You never know, I may need to visit on a regular basis."
"Sure beats sitting in a crowded diner or the car," added John.
"How was Crowley when you nabbed him?" asked Olivia.
"Unfortunately for him, he put up a little bit of a struggle," answered Fin.
"Yeah, Fin here offered to smack some sense into him," quipped John.
Alex laughed before saying, "I will pretend I didn't hear that."
"Come on Alex," said John. "I bet you miss all this?"
"I do John. Working with this Squad was the highlight of my career and I miss your comradeship."
Fin smiled at the compliment, "So what's life like over at the Trial and Investigations Office?"
"Nowhere near as exciting as SVU, I don't get into a courtroom as often and the paperwork is horrendous."
Olivia tittered, "Oh the glamour of higher office."
Don chimed in, "I've been a Captain sixteen years and I'm still waiting for the glamour to replace the butt kicking."
Everyone laughed at his analogy then continued with the mirth until the lunch break was over.
John and Elliot cleared the table, while Alex ate her cake. Don and Fin followed Elliot and John downstairs and Olivia watched Alex enjoy her dessert.
"I'll cook dinner tonight," she offered.
"You have yourself a deal and before I forget, I was offered two tickets to a Broadway show for Friday night, you interested?"
"I am. I haven't been to the theatre in years."
"Good," said Alex as she finished the last of her cake. "I better get a move on and let you get back to work."
"All right and thank you so much, this has been a great break."
"You my darling are welcomed." Alex stood up and dropped the plate into the trash can, "I will see you later; I'm clocking off at four."
"I should be done by then."
"Either way, I will come in okay?"
Olivia stood and hugged Alex, "I love you."
"I love you too Liv." She lowered her lips to Olivia's, kissing her softly and briefly.
"See you in a couple of hours," said Olivia once they parted.
"You will."
The couple walked down the stairs and Alex said goodbye to the others before turning to Olivia and kissing her again, "See you soon."
Olivia turned to find Fin smiling and John with his mouth agape. "What!" she exclaimed.
"To say that little scene is every straight man in this station's fantasy, would be an understatement," retorted John.
Fin explained himself, "I'm just smiling because I never thought I'd see Alex act so open."
"You don't know the half of it guys," replied Olivia cheekily.
-o-
Elliot, Olivia, Don and Casey watched Fin and John interrogate Stanley Crowley from the Observation Room.
Fin tossed a legal pad onto the table and instructed the bearded red-haired man in his mid-thirties, "Write down your story, you sorry piece of shit."
Crowley eyeballed Fin with a steely glare and John interrupted his train of thought.
"You heard the nice Detective; he won't be so polite the next time."
Casey excused herself and entered the Interrogation Room, "I suggest you do as you were told, you are done shit bag. This is your third sexual assault, strike three and you are out."
Crowley started to stand and both detectives pushed him back down onto his chair. He stared at them both before taking up the pen and commencing to write. Casey backed out of the room and went back to her office to begin the paperwork.
Elliot's pager buzzed and he read the message, "Doc Warner has more results for us. I'll go give her a call."
Don cleared his throat, "Hopefully, that will be case number three solved."
"Hope so Sir," replied Olivia while watching Crowley closely. She noticed him change the grip on the pen. "Crap! He's going to use the pen." She burst into the room, closely followed by Cragen. Her weapon was drawn and aimed at Crowley as he started to stand and raise his right arm towards Fin.
"Drop the pen Crowley or so help me, I will shoot you where you stand," announced Olivia calmly.
Fin grabbed Crowley's arm and he dropped the pen. "How dumb are you man?" he inquired angrily.
John handcuffed the suspect's left hand to the table, "That little episode just bought you a couple more years, but wait, you'll already be doing life you god damn schmuck."
Olivia holstered her gun and Fin nodded to her in silent gratitude. She smiled back at him and left the room along with the Captain.
Elliot was putting on his coat as they entered the Squadroom, "Come on Liv, we've got a suspect to pick up."
"I'm right behind you El."
On the way to their car, Elliot explained they were arresting a Jack Grey whose DNA matched samples of semen and blood traces from two rape kits. Grey forty-three, had volunteered his DNA during initial questioning by Fin and John. The victims were Megan Jones and Felicity Hobbs. Both had been attacked after leaving the same Gym on consecutive nights. The two women had been vague when giving a description, but after the detectives obtained a list of male clients who attended the Gym on the nights of the rapes, Grey's name had featured twice. He was subsequently interviewed, but released due to insufficient evidence linking him to both crimes and some elaborate arguing from his lawyer.
-o-
Elliot pulled up outside the address listed as Jack Grey's last known. Two Uniformed Officers alighted from their patrol car and joined the detectives at the front door of the brown stone apartment in Hillside Avenue, Queens.
After knocking on the door, Elliot identified himself as the Police and they waited. He turned to Olivia and said, "I can hear the television on." He knocked again and there was still no reply.
Olivia retreated down the stairs, climbed the steel railing and peered into the window, "Call a bus, there's a male on the floor in a pool of blood."
One of the Officers spoke into his radio as Elliot kicked down the door. Entering the living room, they discovered Jack Grey lying on the carpet with a craving knife by his side and deep lacerations to both his wrists.
Leaning over, Elliot felt for a pulse and declared, "Cancel the bus, he's long gone. I'll call the Medical Examiner's Office instead."
-o-
Olivia and Elliot returned to the one-six just before three-thirty and went directly into Cragen's office. They quickly updated him on the Jones and Hobbs cases.
"So I gather Grey took the easy way out?" he asked.
Elliot answered, "Preliminary findings from Warner support the theory of suicide, but we won't know more for a couple of days. They are fairly backed up at the M.E.'s Office."
"Well, that's four cases pretty much closed out. I'd say that's a good day."
"I agree," said Elliot merrily.
Olivia looked at her Captain's desk, "I see all the cake has gone."
Don smiled, "Yeah, Munch snuck in here about thirty minutes ago and took the last piece."
"Trust John," jested Olivia before her phone rang. "Excuse me." She exited the office and took the call, "Hello Detective Benson Manhattan SVU."
"Detective Olivia Benson?" asked the unrecognised voice on the other end.
"Yes."
"My name is Jessica Rossi from the Trial and Investigations Office and I have a message for you from Chief Cabot."
"Go ahead."
"Alex was called to an emergency hearing in front of a Grand Jury and is running late. She said for you to go home and not wait for her."
"Understood and thanks for calling." Closing the phone, she returned it to her belt.
Elliot exited Cragen's office and enquired, "Everything all right Liv?"
"Yes, Alex is in court and will be late."
"Look on the bright side; you have got time to file your report."
"True, then I am off home."
-o-
