Alex changed quickly while Olivia was in the bathroom, throwing on a white tank top and a pair of blue boy shorts. She padded down the hallway to the closet, hearing the faucet turn on behind the closed bathroom door. She pulled out sheets, a blanket and a pillow.
She walked back into the living room and set the linens atop the large, expensive ottoman that doubled as a coffee table in front of her couch. She quickly retrieved some Advil from the kitchen and took three with a swig of water, leaving another three for Olivia.
Once she was sure she had gotten Olivia everything she could need, she sat back on the couch and waited for the detective. Right away, her head started spinning. It was as if she had used every bit of sober energy to make sure Olivia was taken care of. Now, her body was giving in to her drunkenness. She fought hard to keep her eyes open.
A few minutes later, Olivia entered the living room to find the blonde curled up on the couch, her head tilted to the side, hair in front of her face. It made her smile. She noted the Advil, water and linens all perfectly laid out for her.
"Alex" she said softly.
The blonde didn't stir.
She approached her and leaned in, putting her hand gently on her knee and rubbing softly.
"Alex" she said again, a little louder.
Before she could stop herself, she reached out to move the hair away from her face, enjoying the feel of the silken strands against her fingers.
"Mmmmm?" came the strained reply.
"We have to get you to bed, sweetie" Olivia said softly.
"I am in bed" Alex mumbled, eyes still shut.
Olivia smiled. She had never seen Alex like this.
"God, you're too cute" Olivia said quietly, feeling like it was safe to express at this moment.
"No, I'm not cute. I'm a hard" Alex grumbled.
Olivia was somewhat surprised Alex had heard her and even more confused as to what she was trying to say.
"I don't know what that means but, sure, you're a hard" Olivia replied.
Alex opened her eyes a few centimeters. They were glassier than Olivia remembered from earlier. Seemed like the alcohol was hitting her hard.
"Come on, Olivia, don't play games. You know what I mean" Alex said, slurring. "I'm a hard-ass so don't get it all confused" she said and closed her eyes again.
Olivia smiled down at her but felt a deep sadness inside. She hated that Alex's reaction in a moment of vulnerability was to put up walls and try to reinforce how untouchable she was. She hoped that Alex had someone in her life that she could confide in and be vulnerable around but she knew that was very unlikely.
"You're the biggest hard-ass I know. I couldn't possibly forget that" Olivia said, giving in to what the blonde wanted to hear.
"Ok then" Alex said, pleased.
"Now, can you stand up?"
"Absolutely not" was the quick reply.
Olivia laughed softly.
"Ok, I'm going to carry you to your bed, Alex. Just lift your arms for me" she said.
Olivia gently lifted Alex's right arm and leaned under, pulling Alex over her shoulder. She straightened up and quickly realized this probably wasn't the best idea given her own lack of sobriety. Still, she figured she could it make it without hurting either of them.
She wrapped her arm over the back of Alex's legs and started for the bedroom. She couldn't help but notice how warm Alex's body was and how nice it felt holding her so closely. She felt a bit perverted having these thoughts when Alex was so out of it.
The detective made it down the hall and to the bedroom without too much trouble. With Alex over her shoulder, she bent her knees slightly to pull back the sheets and knock some pillows out of the way. Then, she gently slid Alex forward, supporting her back as she pulled her off her shoulder and laid her down. Alex turned over on her side and Olivia fixed the covers around her.
Olivia pushed back the hair from her face, stroking her face softly in the process. With one last caress, she turned to make her way back to the living room.
"Liv?" she heard faintly.
She paused at the door to turn around. Alex hadn't moved.
"Yes?" she said.
"I had fun tonight, thank you" said the voice.
"Me too, Alex. Good night" she said and pulled the door half-closed before making her way down the hall to the living room.