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 10

After a session on the gym, Olivia showered and changed into cut off track pants and a dark blue tee shirt. Checking the time, she went into the kitchen and made a start on dinner. Twenty minutes later, the sauce for the pasta was simmering slowly on the stove and she was comfortable on the couch watching the news.

Her cell phone sounded with Alex's ringtone and she reached for it on the coffee table, "Hello sweetheart is everything all right?"

"Yes honey, just calling to say I am leaving the office now and I should be home in ten."

"Drive safe."

"I will Liv, bye."

Getting up off the couch, Olivia checked on the dinner then went to the cupboard, withdrew two plates and set them down on the counter top.

-o-

Alex was met at the door by a smiling Olivia. She took her briefcase and said, "Dinner is ready and welcome home."

Alex grinned brightly, "You are a welcome sight." She pulled Olivia into her arms and kissed her tenderly.

"Do you want to shower first before we eat?"

Alex started to unbutton her jacket, "Yes, I won't be long honey."

"Okay, I'll just drop your bag into the study."

Five minutes later, Alex joined Olivia in the kitchen wearing a blue silk robe. Olivia gawked at her long lean legs and lost her concentration.

"Honey, are you all right?" asked Alex as she hugged her close.

"Uhm yes, so what happened with court?" She handed Alex a plate of pasta and they sat down at the table.

"One of the ADAs Brian Peluso, got notification at two o'clock from the defence counsel for a case he was working, that he wanted to present the case to the Grand Jury instead of a bench trial."

"So how come you got involved?"

"Brain was having trouble providing burden of evidence and in danger of having the case dismissed with prejudice. I received a call during a short recess and took over the summation."

Olivia smirked, "I'm guessing you saved the day?"

Grinning, Alex answered, "Only just. It's set for trial in March and Brian has some explaining to do in the morning. His work performance has been piss poor for a couple of weeks and it's gotten to the point of no return."

"I'm sorry to hear that sweetie, but well done on your part. I have missed seeing you in action in a courtroom."

The comment caused Alex to blush, "Well, feel free to drop by any time; I will be appearing in courtroom six for the rest of the week. I suspended Brian until his actions are investigated and have taken on his caseload. My Deputy Jim Steele is still at the office going over several complaints made against Brian this past month."

"How come you are only finding out about this now?" enquired Olivia with interest.

"That was the first question I had when I returned to the office. Apparently, Jim didn't want to bother me while I was in Los Angeles and was giving Brian the chance to sort himself out."

"Oh, the joys of office politics," lamented Olivia.

Alex reached out and flipped back a strand of stray hair off Olivia's forehead, "You know I'm so happy to be able to come home and discuss all this crap with you."

Olivia took Alex's hand and kissed the inside palm, "So am I. I suppose this means you will be working on the cases you have inherited tonight?"

"Yes I'm sorry to say. I'm familiar with the facts of the case I have tomorrow, but I need to go into more detail if I'm to be prepared. I've got four witness statements to go over and a forensics report."

"If you need a hand with anything, let me know," offered Olivia.

Alex put her fork down on her empty plate, "Thank you and dinner was wonderful."

-o-

Olivia entered the study at ten to find Alex pouring over paperwork. She approached the bespectacled blonde and wrapped arms around the slender shoulders, "I'm off to bed sweetie." She kissed the top of Alex's head.

"Okay honey. I won't be much longer. I'm on my last statement now."

"In that case, I will wait for you."

Alex giggled, "I was hoping you would."

Running her fingers down Alex's strong neck, Olivia softly massaged her lover's tight shoulders.

"Mmm, that feels so good darling," whispered Alex.

"I thought you might need to unwind a little. You have been in here for three hours." She continued to knead the muscles until they finally relaxed.

"You thought right honey. The case is fairly straight forward and I've only got four more pages to read, but I do appreciate the break."

"Good." Olivia's kneading ceased. "There you go my love; I'll leave you to it." She kissed Alex's hair again and made for the door.

"Thank you Liv."

-o-

Olivia was propped up against the pillows and reading a novel when Alex appeared in the doorway twelve minutes later. Looking up, she grinned at her fiancée, "All done?"

"Yes and I'm ready to give you my full attention."

"Oh good," replied Olivia, putting the book down on the bedside table. "I really do need it from you sweetie."

The right corner of Alex's mouth curved into a smirk and she huskily stated, "Did I mention I love coming home to you?"

"You did and I couldn't be happier."

Alex slipped the robe off her shoulders and revealed her nakedness.

Olivia moaned vociferously, "Oh good god, I love you."

-o-