Woo hoo! I'm finally back with an update on this story! It seems that we're nearing the end of this story, and with the epilogue in sight, it seems that my longest story to date has finally reached it's ending. Enjoy this chapter, and please remember to review!

Disclaimer: They ain't mine! I've tried, and I've tried, but they're still not mine!

Special shout outs go to Confused, who has helped me with this brain child from the day I started it, and Infinity Star and Blucougar, who've both inspired my writing so much. Thanks!

Parking lot of Major Case Precinct

As Alex guided the car to a stop, she pulled the key out of the ignition, then turned to her partner. "You ready for this?" he asked, and she nodded in anticipation. They climbed out of the car and walked into the Major Case Squad building. In the elevator, Bobby pulled her into a loving embrace, resting his chin on the top of her head.

She pulled away and placed her tiny hands on his cheeks, pressing her lips to his and closing her eyes. "I love you, Bobby," she murmured against his lips, and he smiled and kissed her forehead. "I love you too, Alex." Then they pulled away as the elevator door opened, and they walked into the station arm in arm.

Deakins was sitting at his desk with his nose buried in paperwork when Mike knocked on the door. "Come in," he said, and the detectives walked into his office.

"You have got to see this," Carolyn said excitedly, and Mike nodded in agreement. Deakins looked at them curiously, then stood up and followed them out of the office. Turning the corner, his mouth dropped in surprise at the sight that greeted him.

Bobby was sitting at his desk with a cast on his right arm, flipping through the pages of a file in front of him. And across from him sat Alex, who was busily typing on her keyboard, a white bandage wrapped around her head. Both of them had secretive smiles on their faces as they continued to work busily, and a smile appeared on Deakin's own face as he watched them for a moment, then walked back into his office.

Alex watched Deakins smile at them out of the corner of her eye, and she glanced up at Bobby, shooting him an impish smile. "They saw us," she murmured, and he nodded, keeping his nose buried in the file in front of him. She shook her head and continued to type, aware of the protective glances they were receiving from Mike and Carolyn.

Across the room, Carolyn glanced over at Bobby and Alex as they worked, and Mike caught her. "They're fine," he murmured, leaning back in his chair.

"I know," she sighed, biting the tip of her pen. "I just... you know?"

He nodded understandingly. "I know. I know." Then he leaned forward and smiled wickedly at her, and she raised one eyebrow curiously. "You know, you are driving me crazy with that pen," he purred, and she rolled her eyes and tossed the pen at him, smacking him in the center of his forehead.

"You need to learn to behave," she muttered, laughing at his sour expression as he leaned back and rubbed his forehead. He just shook his head and began typing on the keyboard in front of him again.

EOEOEOEOEOEOEOEOEOEOEOEOEOEOEOEOEOEOEO

SVU Precinct

"Back away slowly with your hands in the air, Munch," Fin growled, and Munch backed away from the coffee pot with a snort.

"My coffee isn't that bad!" Munch muttered defensively, but Fin rolled his eyes and shook his head. "Well, it isn't."

"You know, I agree with Fin on that one," a familiar voice called from the front of the room, and Munch threw his hands in the air and turned around to give whoever it was a sound tongue lashing. Cragen and Fin both laughed as Munch's mouth fell open when he saw Elliot and Olivia standing in the bullpen.

"Welcome back, you two," Cragen said, pulling Elliot and Olivia into a large hug. When he pulled away, Fin embraced Olivia.

"Good to have you home, baby girl," he murmured, kissing her forehead affectionately. She kissed his cheek, and he stepped back to allow Munch to hug her.

"Well, don't I feel left out?" Elliot pouted jokingly, and Cragen, Munch and Olivia laughed when Fin threw his arms around Elliot and nearly crushed him against his chest. Elliot shoved him away, and both of the men laughed as they patted each other on the shoulder. After a moment, his smile faded, and he rushed back to Olivia's side, saying, "Crap, sorry, Liv."

She rolled her eyes and hobbled over to the nearest chair, followed closely by Elliot. "I'm fine, El," she protested as he took her crutches and helped her down into the chair.

"Ah, I've missed this," Munch said, and the group looked at him strangely. "Just this. Talking about my theories, waiting on another case." He peered over the tops of his sunglasses at Elliot and Olivia. "You two acting like you're not desperately in love with each other."

Elliot and Olivia both blushed and looked away, and Fin and Munch laughed while Cragen tried to stifle his own smile.

"Come on, give it up you two," Fin said, sitting on the desk beside Elliot and Olivia. "When did it happen? How did it happen?"

"What my school girl trapped inside a grown man's body partner means is, are you two together yet, or what?" Munch asked, and the partners in suspicion looked up at Cragen helplessly.

He just smiled at them, and Olivia finally said, "Okay, you guys really want to know?" The men nodded, and she caught Elliot by surprise and pulled him down into her lap, kissing him firmly as the men stared in surprise and shock.

Ending the kiss, Elliot rose up out of his partner's lap, then smirked at the men and said, "That answer your questions?" They nodded dumbly, and he and Olivia laughed at their friends.

BAMCBAMCBAMCBAMCBAMCBAMCBAMCBAMCBA

As Alex opened the door of the apartment she shared with her partner, the scent of Italian and roses immediately greeted her. She toed off her shoes, then hung her gun holster and jacket up on the coat rack beside the door. "Bobby? Where are you?" she called, and soft music suddenly filled the apartment.

Something on the floor caught her eye, and her heart raced when she saw rose petals that made a trail into her bedroom. She followed the trail of roses into her bedroom, and she held her hand over her heart and sighed in awe when she saw the lit candles scattered around the room, and more rose petals covering their bed.

"Bobby?"

"In here, Alex," Bobby purred from her bathroom, and she walked in, her heart melting at the sight of dozens of lit candles and a bathtub filled with her favorite lavender bubble bath.

"What's this?" she asked in amazement, and Bobby stood up from his seat on the edge of the tub and drew her into his arms.

"This is for you," he answered, resting his large hands on her hips.

"What for?"

"No reason," he answered, kissing her neck softly. She trembled beneath his touch, and he took her by the hand and led her to the bathtub.

She slowly reached for the hem of her shirt, but he stilled her hand with his and asked, "Are you sure about this, Alex?"

She paused, then said, "I don't know. But if you don't try, you'll never know." He smiled at her response and moved his hand, and she undid the button of her slacks with trembling fingers. Once it was undone, she reached up and unbuttoned the front of her shirt, revealing herself slowly to Bobby's dark, watchful eyes.

The shirt slid away, and she stepped out of her slacks, standing in her underwear in front of him. A light blush crept across her cheeks as her hand reached to cover the scars on her abdomen, but he stopped her with a gentle hand.

"Don't," he murmured, and her hand fell away. He took an uncertain step forward and took her into his arms, kissing her softly. "I love you so much," he said between kisses, and she melted in his arms.

He pulled his back, his eyes searching hers for permission before his large hand carefully undid her bra clasp, and it fell away. Then he gently rolled her underwear off of his hips, and the soft material fell into a puddle on the floor. Once she was completely unclothed, he took her hand again and led her to the tub.

She climbed in, moaning softly as she sank into the hot water. Bobby smiled and kissed her softly, then picked up a washcloth and began washing her body gently.

Once she was clean and the water was cool, Bobby stood up and walked out of the room, then returned with a soft white robe in his hand. She stood up, and he wrapped it around her, then helped her back out of the tub.

She walked out of the bathroom and sat on her bed, watching as he closed the bathroom door, then turned soft music on. "Bobby, you really didn't have to do-"

He silenced her with a soft kiss, then looked into her hazel eyes as he said, "But I wanted to do this for you, Alex." Then he sat down beside her and smoothed back an errant stray of hair out of her face. A tear fell from Alex's eye, and Bobby kissed it away gently.

"Bobby, I... I don't know what to say," she murmured, resting her hand on his chest. He smiled tenderly at her. She surprised him by pushing him back against the pillows and straddling him, and he grabbed her waist and held her still.

"Alex, are you sure this is what you want? Are you ready for this?" he asked, running one hand through her hair. "I know it's only been a few months since the attack."

"And I'm ready," she stated firmly, laying on his chest. "I want you, Bobby. Please. I want you."

He smiled at her again, then carefully rolled the two of them over so that he was supporting himself on his arms and looking down at her. "You are so beautiful," he whispered, brushing his lips along her neck. She closed her eyes and allowed herself to enjoy his tender ministrations. It was the first time she had been intimate with anyone since her attack, and it was Bobby. She wanted to enjoy every second of it.

He seemed to sense her hesitation, and he looked down into her eyes and said, "Alex, you are so beautiful and so... amazing. I love you so much, and I'm going to make this night absolutely perfect for you. This is all about you."

She swallowed, then reached out hesitantly and unzipped his pants, then gently pushed them down. The size of him made her heart race with nervous anticipation, but she ignored her anxiety and reached out and touched him with her small hand. His eyes glazed over, but he quickly pushed her hand away and kissed her softly. "Tonight's about you, Alex," he restated firmly, and she watched as he pulled off his shirt, then gently pulled her robe away.

The ceiling did a slow revolution above her as his fingers traced her stomach, then traveled downwards and stroked her slowly. "Just... just tell me if you don't like something, okay, Alex?" he murmured, and she nodded robotically, her hands balling the blankets in her fists as she stared up at the ceiling.

He continued to caress her slowly, her pleasure suddenly washing over her with such a beautiful, intense force that tears came to her eyes.

Finally he returned to her head, and she watched as he laid on his side, his hand supporting his head. His left hand gently traced the V of her neck, then traveled down to pause at the valley between her heaving breasts.

She opened her eyes slowly, smiling softly when she realized that his dark eyes were studying her with love and a hint of sadness. She reached one shaking hand up, placing her palm against his stubble covered cheek. "Hi," she whispered, running her thumb along his strong jaw.

"Hi."

His hand covered hers, then he wrapped his hand around hers, bringing it to his mouth. She watched with heavy lidded eyes as he kissed each padded fingertip tenderly, then rubbed her knuckles with his thumb.

Her heart started racing again, and she bravely draped her leg over his, smiling at his shocked expression. The shocked look disappeared, and a slow, sexy grin took it's place.

She smiled when he gently rolled over onto her, pinning her beneath his warm bulk. With a soft sigh, she reached up and tangled the fingers of one hand in the soft hair that dusted across his muscular chest, occasionally stopping to feel the muscles that rippled beneath his skin.

He supported his upper body with his arms, suspending himself over her as he pressed soft kisses to her neck.

She wrapped her legs around his waist and shut her eyes, allowing a soft moan to escape her lips as he caressed her bare stomach with his fingertips. Suddenly the fire in her stomach raged out of control, and she buried her hands in his hair and moaned, "I need you, Bobby. Please."

He smiled at her plea, then he gently parted her legs with one large hand. Keeping his dark eyes on her light honey ones, he slowly entered her, keeping a tight reign on his urges.

She gasped softly as he entered her, but he quickly covered her mouth with his, his lip running over her bottom lip until she parted her lips and allowed him access. He continued to kiss her as he moved one hand to grip the headboard, and beads of sweat broke out on his forehead as he fought to keep his body in check.

She placed her hands on his back, feeling the quivering of his muscles beneath her tender touch. She sensed his struggle, and she raised her head and whispered into his ear, "It's okay, Bobby. I won't break."

He smiled at her statement, then slowly began to move inside of her, each thrust deepening their trust within each other. She let out a small cry, and, fearing that he had hurt her, he started to pull back. But she tightened her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist, whispering, "Faster, Bobby. Please."

Smiling again, he brushed her sweat soaked bangs out of her face, then kissed her as his thrusts built in their intensity and momentum. Her eyes slipped shut and her breathing grew ragged as he continued to plunge into her, giving her everything she ever wanted, everything she had ever needed, and taking so little in return, just like he always did.

Finally she spiraled over the edge into delirious pleasure, and after two more thrusts, he quickly followed her, careful not to crush her as he laid his head on her chest. When she opened her eyes again, she reached down and ran her fingers softly through his thick, dark curls.

She loved him so much, and she wondered why it had taken over six years for her to finally realize it. Maybe she was too afraid to see it. Or maybe she just hadn't been able to. Whatever the reason, he was there now, and something told her that he wasn't going to leave.

He pushed himself off of her, and her chest tightened with fear at the loss of his warmth. But he quickly returned, wrapping his strong arms around her as he carefully turned them onto their sides. He softly kissed her neck, and she shivered and turned over in his arms so she could rest her ear against his heart. It was racing wildly, and she smiled as she realized that she had done that to him.

He felt her smile, and he kissed the top of her head, one hand traveling down to rest on her hip. "That was amazing," he breathed into her hair.

She looked up into his warm chocolate eyes and placed her palm against his cheek, caressing his jaw as she said, "Yes, it was. I've never... I've never felt anything so incredible."

He tightened his arms around her, his left hand absently tracing patterns in her soft and supple skin. Suddenly his hand reached the scars on her stomach, and tears flooded her eyes as he swept her beneath him and began softly kissing each mark that marred her skin.

"You... are... absolutely perfect," he whispered between kisses, and she shivered and lost herself in the feel and essence that was purely Bobby Goren.

BABABABABABABABABABABABABABABABABABA

Birds chirping softly outside of the window woke Alex, and she stretched lazily and curled her toes, then rolled over into the warmth that was beside her.

The warmth moved and moaned, and Alex's heart warmed when her partner's strong arms wrapped around her and pulled her into his strong chest. His breaths ruffled her hair slightly, and she closed her eyes and listened to his soothing heartbeat.

As they laid there together in the tangled sheets with the first rays of sunlight creeping into the room, Alex played with Bobby's hair absently as she thought. Last night had been the most amazing night of her life, far surpassing the fantasies she had held about her partner. Yes, he had met them and so much more.
Even though she had been terrified, he had soon replaced her fear with love and warmth, replacing each terrible memory with two soft and tender ones.

She watched his sleeping face, seeing him in a way that she or anyone else was rarely privileged to see him. His face was relaxed, his lips curled into a small smile as he dreamt peacefully, something she knew that he did rarely. His hand still rested on her hip, and she reached over and picked it up in her own. Then she placed her hand in his palm, smiling when his fingers curled around her small hand and held it tightly.

"I love you, Bobby," she whispered, pulling his arm back over her waist and cuddling into his chest. With him sleeping peacefully beside her, it didn't take her long at all to fall asleep. And even as she slept, she dreamt about him, and the fact that she had finally found her way into his well protected heart.

TBC...

A/N: Ah, yes, all that's left is the epilogue, unless I decide to split the last chapter in half. But I'm pretty sure that I won't. Thanks for reading, and remember, reviews rock my Bobby and Elliot lovin' socks!