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 11

By mid-afternoon Friday, the SVU Squad's three outstanding cases had been finalised and three perpetrators had been transported to Riker's to await trial or sentencing.

Casey was perched on the end of Olivia's desk and grinning at Elliot, "This is the first time in years that we don't have an active case."

Olivia interlaced her fingers behind her head and leaned back in her chair, "Don't speak too soon Counsellor."

John stood and went to the coffee machine, "Does anyone else want a cup?"

Elliot waved his hand, "I'll take one thanks."

"Make that two," answered Fin.

Casey rose up off the desk and said, "No thanks John, I've got some work to do back at the office."

"What about you Liv?" enquired John.

"I'll give it a pass. I think I'll take some personal time and go check out the courthouse."

John chuckled, "A certain Bureau Chief wouldn't be working there by any chance?"

Olivia eased out of her chair, "Maybe. I'll see you all on Saturday night, bye." Going into Cragen's office, she asked if it was okay to leave early.

"Considering the hours the Squad has put in over the past month, you can all take off early. I'll man the phones and if we catch a case, I'll handle it."

"Thanks Captain and I'll see you tomorrow night."

"I'm looking forward to it, bye Liv."

Olivia returned to the others and cheerfully announced, "The Cap said we are all finished for the day."

"Great, let's get out of here before the phone rings red hot," suggested John.

"I'm with you Munch," agreed Fin, getting up from his chair.

"Kathy will be surprised to have me home this early," retorted Elliot as he headed for the coat rack.

Olivia joined him and pulled on her overcoat. The four detectives walked to the elevator and rode the car to the ground floor then separated to go to their vehicles.

-o-

Olivia snuck into the back row of seats behind the prosecutor's table in room six and focused on the back of Alex's dark blue and white pinstriped suit. Her long blonde hair was up in a ponytail and she was questioning Doctor Elizabeth Rodgers from the Medical Examiner's Office.

"Doctor Rodgers, can you please tell the court how many stab wounds were located on the victim's body during your examination?"

"There were a total of sixteen entry wounds, nine to the front and seven to the rear of the upper torso."

"Did any singular entry wound contribute to the victim's demise Doctor?"

"Yes. The thrust to the area of the chest that corresponded to the position of the heart severed the aorta and the victim exsanguinated."

"In layman's terms, what does that mean Doctor?"

"Simply put, it means the victim bled to death after receiving a knife wound to the heart."

Pausing a moment, Alex adjusted her glasses then asked, "And how long would that have taken Doctor?"

"Taking into account the victim's body type and weight; anywhere between one to three minutes."

"So it's not an exact science then Doctor?" inquired Alex as she turned and took up a position in front of the jury box. She rested her hand on the railing and waited for the reply.

"It is when the volume of blood in the body is known at the time. In this case, the victim had been moved and the exact amount of blood loss was not possible to ascertain."

Alex walked towards the witness stand, "Does that mean your findings were as exact as they could be under the circumstances?"

"That is correct. The amount of blood still in the body was measured as was the blood found at the crime scene."

"And your findings were calculated on this collection method?"

"Yes."

Alex turned and walked over to the prosecutor's table. Picking up an evidence bag, she held it up, "Your honour, people's exhibit number twenty-four L." Walking past the jury box Alex allowed the jurors to get a good look at the large bladed knife before handing it to Doctor Rodgers and asking, "Doctor, do you recognise that item?"

"Yes, it is the carving knife collected from the crime scene and after testing, was found to match the wounds on the victim."

"Was there anything else to indicate it was the murder weapon?"

"Yes. Blood samples taken from the blade and the hilt matched that of the victim's."

"Did the knife provide you and your team with any more evidence?"

"Yes. A separate blood deposit was located on the blade, along with a strand of human hair retrieved from the hilt."

"Now Doctor, when you mention the hilt you are describing an area of the handle that the blade is inserted into?"

"That is correct."

"Did you perform a DNA cross match on the samples collected?"

"Yes and they matched the specimens taken from the defendant."

"Thank you Doctor," said Alex as she stood behind the prosecutor's table.

Olivia smiled and watched as her lover took her seat.

"The people have no further questions for this witness your Honour," Alex added.

Dark haired Judge Kevin Beck looked towards Defence Attorney Peter Lord, "Your witness Mr Lord."

"The defence have no questions for this witness your honour," replied the tall, blond mid-thirties man.

"Doctor Rodgers, you are excused," announced Judge Beck.

Elizabeth stood and left the witness stand. She noticed Olivia in the back row and sat down beside her.

Alex rose up from behind the table and announced, "Your Honour, the people rest."

"Thank you Ms Cabot," replied the Judge. "Mr Lord, are you ready to call your first witness?"

"Yes Your Honour, I call the defendant Patrick Williams to the stand."

Elizabeth whispered to Olivia, "You want to buy me a cup of coffee Detective?"

"Sure," replied Olivia quietly.

The two women quietly left the gallery and entered the hallway.

Elizabeth turned to Olivia, "I didn't really want a coffee; I just wanted to get you outside and not interrupt the trial."

"I'm sure Judge Beck is grateful for that. So, what's up?"

"Nothing, I just wanted to congratulate you on your engagement and wish you all the best. You and Alex have been the talk of the office."

Olivia smirked, "Thank you and I hope it's been positive talk?"

"Mostly, although a lot of the boys are still in shock."

Laughing, Olivia said, "Oh well, they never stood a chance with either of us."

"I think their fantasies have been shattered," mocked Elizabeth. "Anyway, I am happy for the both of you."

"We are too and it's good to see you again."

The doctor and police officer spoke for over twenty minutes before Elizabeth looked at her watch, "We will have to catch up for that coffee soon. I need to get back to the Lab."

"It's a deal Elizabeth, see you."

"Bye Olivia." Elizabeth moved off down the hall and Olivia returned to the gallery in time to witness Alex demolish Williams' implausible testimony.

After he stood down from the witness stand and returned to his Attorney's side, Lord declared the defence rested. He then proceeded to make his final summation to the Jury and asked they believe his client's version of events.

Alex stood and approached the Jury. Her summing up was based on the forensic evidence and witness testimony. She painted a picture of a man jealous of his ex-wife's new found happiness and how that resulted in the death of her boyfriend. Alex closed her address asking for the Jury to look at the facts and dismiss the fiction.

The Jury retired to consider their verdict at sixteen-ten and Alex collected her paperwork from the table as Patrick Williams was escorted from the court room. Olivia rose from her seat and waited beside the double doors. She watched as the five foot nine Lord stopped Alex as she started down the aisle.

"Alex, Williams wants to make a deal," he announced.

"Too late Peter, he had his opportunity on Monday. It's all up to the Jury now."

"I'll let him know."

"He should have taken the offer when it was on the table and I will be seeking the death penalty when he is found guilty."

"I tried to convince him and he wouldn't listen when I tried to dissuade him from testifying."

Alex smiled, "I think that fact alone will make it easier for the Jury to decide." She looked to her left and caught sight of Olivia. Her smile widened and she winked.

"Could I interest you in having a drink with me after I pass on the bad news to Williams?"

"I'm sorry Peter, but I have other plans with my beautiful fiancée."

"Oh," replied Lord as he looked in Olivia's direction. "Oh I see."

"See you later Peter. I have a feeling we won't have too long a wait." She walked towards Olivia and said, "Hello Detective."

"Hello Counsellor. Nice closing address."

"Thank you. Have you finished for the day?"

Olivia took Alex's briefcase and slung it over her shoulder, "Indeed I have. I'm all yours."

"Excellent. Do you want to keep me company in my office while I wait for a verdict?"

"I'd like that and I've never seen it before."

-o-

Olivia followed Alex into her spacious office and looked around at the shelves of Law books, wooden furnishings, bar fridge and soft leather couch. "This is a lot bigger than your old office Alex."

"It is, but I had more fun in the old one," replied Alex as she went to the fridge and grabbed two bottles of water.

Olivia accepted the drink Alex handed her and took a seat on the couch, 'I seem to remember having quite a lot of fun in your old office too."

Alex screwed off the lid and sat down beside Olivia, "Maybe we will have to do something memorable in here sometime soon."

"You are very insatiable today."

"I get that from you Liv, so how come you finished early?"

"We closed out all our cases; they are Casey's to deal with now."

"Well done my darling."

"It's nice not to have an active case, but I am sure it won't be long before the next one comes along."

"Unfortunately, that is true in this city."

The couple sat, held hands and discussed the SVU cases just finalised and Alex filled Olivia in on the Williams' trial.

At seventeen-fifty the phone on Alex's desk shrilled, "Excuse me Liv; I'm guessing that's the court clerk." She stood up and answered, "Hello Chief Cabot speaking."

"Miss Cabot, the Jury have returned with a verdict."

"Thank you, I will be there in fifteen minutes." She hung up the receiver and picked up her briefcase, "Verdict is in."

Olivia jumped up and rushed out the office with Alex.

-o-

Olivia and Alex arrived home at eighteen-twenty after the guilty verdict had been read out by the Jury foreperson and a date set for sentencing. Alex took her briefcase into the study along with her laptop while Olivia hung up her overcoat before going into the living room and lighting a fire.

Joining her moments later, Alex asked, "You want to order in tonight and save a bit of time?"

"Sure sweetie, you can choose."

"In that case, it's Indian and I will go place the order."

Olivia finished with the fire, secured her weapon in the bedroom and placed her shield and cuffs in the top drawer beside the bed. Lastly, she placed her phone and pager on charge.

Alex entered the bedroom and flopped backwards onto the bed, "Dinner will be here in forty minutes."

Taking off her jacket, Olivia placed it on a hanger in the closet, "You looked incredibly good in court Alex and seemed to be enjoying yourself."

"I've had fun this week and I think I'll take on more cases in the future. I have missed the thrill of being first chair in a courtroom."

Olivia took off her sweater and shirt and tossed them into the clothes hamper. She reached out for Alex's hand, "You want to tag along with me in the shower?"

"Honey, I can never say no to your kind of shower," teased Alex with a wink.

-o-

The couple emerged from the bathroom some twenty minutes later, dressed in winter pyjamas and robes. Settling on the couch, Olivia gently pulled Alex into her arms and kissed her slowly. In response, Alex lifted her left hand and lazily stroked Olivia's hair. The kiss remained loving with each woman taking turns to dominate each other's lips.

When the knock came on the door, Alex regrettably released Olivia and went to answer it. She returned moments later with the takeout food, plates and forks.

Getting to her feet, Olivia asked, "Would you like a bottle of water?"

"Yes please Liv."

Going into the kitchen for a moment, Olivia returned with two drinks, "Are you in court again next week and what happened with your wayward ADA?"

Alex finished chewing before answering, "I'll be in court for the next month and officially Brian is on vacation in a rehab facility. He's got two months to clean up or face further disciplinary charges."

"That's very generous of you," remarked Olivia while taking a seat.

"He is a good Attorney Liv, very talented, but his addictive personality got the better of him. He started moving in the wrong circles and got hooked on meth to cope with the pressure he was constantly putting himself under."

Olivia leaned over and pierced a piece of Alex's chicken with her fork, "He's lucky to have such an understanding boss."

"And you are lucky to have an accepting fiancée who lets you share her food," jested Alex as she leaned over and spiked a strip of beef from Olivia's plate.

Olivia giggled, "I'm very lucky sweetie."

"As am I darling," replied Alex with a wide smile.

"What time do you want to head to your mom's tomorrow night?"

"Around six and I was thinking we could stay the night."

"That's an excellent idea."

"We can sleep in my old bedroom," suggested Alex with more than a hint of sassiness.

Olivia smiled broadly, "Oh, what fun we had the last time."

Alex playfully slapped Olivia on the leg, "It took a whole week of apologies for my mother to get over all that noise you made."

"And it took me a bunch of roses and lunch until she could look me in the face again."

Alex burst out laughing at the memory, "It was well worth it though."

"Every second spent with you is priceless sweetie."

Alex ran her hand down Olivia's spine, "As it is with you."

After finishing dinner and cleaning up, the pair stretched out on the couch and cuddled while watching an episode of Boston Legal.

Brushing aside Alex's long tresses, Olivia kissed the nape of her neck, "I received a phone call from Simon this morning and their bus arrives at noon."

Sighing softly, Alex replied, "Okay honey. I'll give mother a call and ask if it's all right for all of us to stay over."

Kissing Alex's neck again, Olivia responded, "All right."

Alex untangled herself from Olivia's arms and legs and went to the bedroom to collect her phone. Stopping in the hallway, she rang her mother and after a short conversation, she returned to Olivia. Getting comfortable, she explained, "Simon and Lucy have the pool house for the night and she wants us there by five to chat."

Olivia arched her eyebrows, "Are you sure your mother hasn't been hit on the head recently and had her personality altered?"

"No, I can't attest to that honey."

Olivia snuggled into Alex's neck and resumed her delicate kissing.

"You do know you are driving me crazy back there, don't you?"

"That was the general idea sweetie," answered Olivia.

Alex turned onto her other side and faced her girlfriend, "I like your idea. So, tell me more about Simon."

Taking her time to recount the full story of tracking down her half-brother after illegally using the kinship DNA testing method, Olivia went on the tell Alex about the subsequent case that followed involving false rape charges brought against Simon by Captain Julia Millfield from the New Jersey Police Department.

Alex kissed Olivia on the jaw then said, "You were lucky not to lose your job over all that crap Liv."

"I was extremely fortunate. If it hadn't been for Elliot, Don and Agent Porter from the FBI I would have been tossed out."

Alex chuckled softly, "You seem to get yourself into too much trouble when I'm not around."

"I do, so you better stick around to protect me from myself."

"Trust me darling, I will always be here for you."

Olivia smiled cheekily and teased, "You'll have to because you've sold your apartment."

Inching closer, Alex kissed the corner of Olivia's mouth, "That proves I have no intention of going anywhere."

Olivia's breathing became shallow, "It does sweetie."

With supple lips moving downwards, Alex replied huskily, "I'm so happy and I want you to know it's all because of you."

"Uhm, I love you Alex," murmured Olivia while trying not to lose herself in the pleasure of Alex's lips.

The blonde's mouth continued to dance lightly across Olivia's face, "Good, because you are stuck with me darling."

With that promise, Olivia was gone and could only manage a soft, "Uh huh."

Kissing along the brunette's jaw, Alex returned to her lover's lips and kissed her gently. The kiss remained gentle for several minutes until Alex's hands reached between their bodies and began to unbutton Olivia's pyjama shirt. Their love making was slow and Olivia allowed Alex to take control and dictate the tempo.

Over the years, Alex was the only woman Olivia had ever felt comfortable enough with to completely surrender to. During her previous relationships, she had always been the dominate partner, preferring to be in control when it came to matters of intimacy. She adored the fact the tall, slim blonde could literally bring her to her knees and take her places she could only go to under the ministrations of those skills hands.

An hour later, it was those expert extremities that had her perched on the edge, ready to fall into the delightful abyss of ecstasy. The couple had moved into the bedroom and Olivia tightened her grip on the bed head as she gave herself over to the rhythm being played on her senses by Alex's long graceful fingers. Bearing down, Olivia's inner muscles clamped around Alex's digits and she yelled out, "OH ... DEAR MERCY ALEX."

Smiling, Alex looked up at her lover and retorted smugly, "Hold on tight, I've only just begun darling."

-o-

Easing out from under Alex's toned right arm, Olivia reached for her robe and left behind the warmth of the bed. Going into the bathroom, she turned on the light and showered, then brushed her teeth. After adding several logs to the fireplace, she crawled back into bed and cuddled into Alex's chest.

Without opening her eyes, Alex drowsily commented, "I was hoping you would come back."

"Go back to sleep baby, it's still early."

"I need to use the bathroom first."

Olivia watched Alex in the dim illumination and smiled as the lean silhouette disappeared from the room. She knew Alex would take a quick shower before returning, so got up again, turned on the bedside lamp and changed the linen. Slipping back in under clean sheets, Olivia waited patiently for Alex's return.

The blonde strutted into the room and Olivia observed her graceful stride, "You make my heart skip Miss Cabot."

Alex smirked and looked at her, "Is that all I do Miss Benson?"

"Hell no, so get your gorgeous butt in here and find out more," taunted Olivia light-heartedly.

"Didn't you get enough of me last night?" asked Alex as she slid in beside her paramour.

"I did, but this is a brand new day and you have that look in your beautiful eyes that I love so much."

Alex giggled, "Oh, you mean the expression you get too?"

"That would be the one, now make love with your fiancée."

-o-