A/N: Back to our original storyline. Season 3, Pre-Guilt, as that is still coming. Here's the "double date" that someone asked for. Although, maybe not what you had in mind. I get the feeling Alex would be the jealous type (probably Liv, too).

As for the last chapter, I just meant it was the final of that Conviction arch. If you watched Conviction, you know the desk scene, followed by the engagement announcement actually happened with Alex and Jim Steele (I just decided to leave him out). So, yeah, it was cold-hearted of Alex, but in that weird world, it happened. I will tie that storyline in (and up) when I get to Season 10 (and specifically Turmoil).

BETWEEN THE SCENES: POLICEMAN'S BALL

Olivia and Elliot sat at their desks, neck deep in stacks of paperwork, when Cragen walked by and dropped envelopes on each of their desks, as well as Fin and Munch's desk.

"What's this, Cap?" Elliot asked.

"You tickets to the Policeman's Ball next weekend," he said, continuing to walk to his office. "And I expect you all to attend."

"I forgot about that," Olivia said, while opening the envelope.

"Do we have to go to this every year?" Stabler complained.

"Yes," Cragen said. "SVU is considered one of the elite squads in the NYPD, so the brass likes to see your smiling faces."

"I don't know what you're complaining about, Elliot," Much said. "You and Kathy get to dress up and get a free meal and dancing on the NYPD. I mean, at least you have a date, unlike my partner here."

Fin just rolled his eyes. "You have a date?"

"I'll have you know I have plenty of options," Munch said.

"I still can't believe you talked four women into marrying you," Fin said.

Elliot looked over at Olivia, who was still looking at the tickets. "You going to take a date?"

"I don't know, El," she said. "Probably not."

"Oh come on, you'll be bored if you don't," he said. "What about Jones from the 2-7? He always perks up when you come around, and I'm fairly certain I've caught you checking him out before. Haven't you and him been out before?"

Olivia raised her eyebrows at her partner, showing her irritation at the conversation topic.

"I'm just saying, you don't want to share dancing partners with Kathy all night," he said.

"I'll think about it," Olivia said. She pulled another file off her stack, indicating she was done with their conversation.

Elliot had dropped the topic for the rest of the day, much to Olivia's surprise. She knew she needed to take someone, but she obviously couldn't take Alex as her date.

"Hey, you want to grab a drink and dinner on the way home?" Elliot asked when they had finally finished their day. "Kathy took the kids to some birthday party tonight, so I have a few hours off from dad duties."

Olivia looked at her watch. She didn't have any plans, and she knew Alex was working late.

"Sure, where are we going?" she said.

"Mahoney's?"

"A cop bar, of course," she said.

"What? We are cops," he smirked.

The food was shit, and Elliot knew it, but he did have a hidden agenda. He wasn't lying about the birthday party, but he definitely made it work to his advantage.

The two of them grabbed a table in the middle of the busy bar, and the server dropped off two beers for them. They made small talk for a while until Olivia saw Elliot's look up across the bar. She turned around just in time to see Erick Jones from the 2-7 standing right behind her.

"Stabler. Benson. Good to see you all," Jones said.

Olivia snapped her neck back around to her partner, realizing she had been set up. Elliot just smirked at her, proud of himself, but also knew he'd have hell to pay when they left.

"Jones, what a surprise," she said.

"Surprise? Hell, I practically live here," Jones laughed. "But you know, I don't see you around here nearly as much as I used to."

"I think I'm going to grab some more beers," Elliot said, getting up from the table. "Jones, you want another?"

"Sure, thanks, Stabler," Jones replied.

"So, Benson, you still look at good as ever," Jones smiled. "Where have you been? Don't tell me some guy has scooped you up. If so, tell me who, because I'd be willing to fight him." He laughed, and Olivia took a drink of her beer to give herself a moment to reply.

"There may be someone, but I'm not giving you any details," she said.

"Are we going to meet this mystery man at the Ball next weekend?" he asked.

"Oh, uh, no," she said. Jones gave her a curious look. "Out of town."

"That is a shame," he said. "But you're going, right?"

Olivia nodded.

"Well, if you want a date, I'm available," he said. "As a friend, of course."

"I don't know, Erick," she said, slipping and calling him by his first name.

"Come on, you know we'll have a good time. We always have," he said. "And, I'm a great dancer."

Olivia laughed. He was right. They always had a good time hanging out, and she did need to take a date. At least he was aware she was dating someone, and she trusted him enough not to make a move on her with that knowledge.

"Okay, fine," she said.

"That's the excitement I'm looking for," he said, looking up at Stabler, who just returned to the table.

"Who's excited?" Elliot asked.

"Your partner," Jones said. "She twisted my arm and convinced me to go to the Ball with her next weekend."

"In your dreams, Jones," Olivia laughed.

"Well, I can't say I haven't had dreams about you twisting my arms before," he said, winking and picking up his beer.

Olivia rolled her eyes.

"I'm going to get back to my partner, but it was good to see you both," he said before leaving.

Elliot sat there staring at Olivia. He started to open his mouth to speak.

"Shut up, El," Olivia said.

The following night, Olivia and Alex had just finished dinner and were curled up on the couch. Olivia hadn't mentioned the Policeman's Ball, nor her date, to Alex yet, but she knew she needed to soon.

"You know the Policeman's Ball is coming up next week," Olivia said, trying to be casual.

"Yeah, Liz mentioned it today," Alex said. "In fact, she told me I had to go because the DA's office needed to be well represented. Are you going?"

"Yes," Olivia said. "Cragen said it was mandatory."

Alex sighed. "I wish we could go together, but..."

"I know," Olivia said, pulling Alex toward her so that the blonde was sitting between her legs and leaning back against the brunette. "I actually wanted to talk to you about that."

Alex turned her head and leaned it back so that she could see Olivia's face.

"I kind of got talked into going with someone...as a friend," Olivia said.

"What?" Alex said.

"Alex, I don't want to spend the entire evening alone, and I can't take you, so..." Olivia said.

"No, I get it," Alex said. "I don't have to like it, but I understand it."

"You know, you're probably going to have to take a date, too," Olivia said.

"Who are you going with?" Alex asked.

"Erick Jones from the 2-7," Olivia said. "I've known him for a while, and I told him I was seeing someone, so he knows I'm not available."

"Well, as long as he knows you are not available, I guess it's okay," Alex said. "Besides, I'll be there with my own date to keep an eye on this guy."

"Jealous, much?" Olivia teased.

"When it comes to you, extremely," Alex said, spinning around so that she was now facing Olivia, laying between her legs. Olivia slid down so Alex could lay on top of her. She wrapped her arms around Alex's waist and pressed their lips together.

"Maybe I'll take Trevor Langan," Alex said.

"Are you serious?" Olivia said. "Ugh."

"Who is jealous now?" Alex said.

"I'm not jealous; I just think he's a sleazeball attorney," Olivia said.

"Isn't that your opinion about all attorneys?" Alex said with a grin.

"All but one," Olivia said and kissed Alex again.

#

The following week passed quickly and before Olivia knew it, the weekend and the Policeman's Ball had arrived. Erick was picking her up at 6 pm. Alex had no trouble finding a date, and Olivia was happy it wasn't Trevor Langan. In fact, she had asked one of her openly gay male colleagues. If anyone was going to making Olivia feel safe for Alex to be on a date with, it was certainly Marc Andrews.

When Olivia and Erick arrived, she quickly scanned the room looking for Elliot and Kathy. They found them within a few minutes and found a seat by them.

"Wow, Liv, you look beautiful," Kathy said.

"Likewise," Olivia said. "Elliot is a lucky guy."

"Yeah, maybe you could remind him of that more often," Kathy laughed.

"Jones, do you want to go with me to get these ladies some drinks?" Elliot said. Erick nodded and walked off with Elliot.

"So, your date is very nice looking," Kathy said. "Elliot says you've been out with him before."

"Yeah, we have, but it's not like that," she said. "We're just friends."

"Well, that's too bad," Kathy said. "You make a cute couple. And the way he looks at you, I wouldn't be able to tell you were dating."

Olivia just sighed. It was going to be a long night.

After dinner, the dancing started. She had spotted Alex and her date earlier, the two women exchanging just a quick glance and smile. When she saw Alex head toward the dance floor, Olivia took Erick's hand and pulled him with her, positioning in where she could at least exchange some secret glances with Alex during the night.

Alex appeared to be having a good time, and that helped Olivia relax. If she were truthful, she was having a good time, too. Erick was funny but still intelligent enough to carry on a good conversation. He had also been a gentleman all night, making sure he kept everything platonic between them.

After a few more dances, Erick suggested they walk over to the drink table. They grabbed drinks and moved toward a corner of the room, Olivia still watching Alex.

Erick leaned into Olivia's ear and began to talk to her.

"So, I'm trying to be discreet here, but I have a pretty good idea who this mystery person is your dating," he said. She looked back at him curiously. "I mean, you've been staring at Andrews and his date in the hot red dress all night. I mean, God, Benson, you've barely been able to take your eyes off them. Now, since he's very obviously proud and gay, that only leaves one more option."

Olivia blushed.

"Out of town, my ass," he said. "You're dating Alex Cabot."

Olivia caught her breath, unsure of what to say. She could see Alex watching her right now, and her eyes seemed bit concerned.

"Don't worry, Olivia," he said. "You're secret is safe with me. Hell, I can't blame you. I'm sure there aren't many people in New York City, men or women, who would kick Cabot out of bed."

There were too many people standing near them for Olivia to feel comfortable having this conversation. She grabbed his hand and pulled him out into the hallway.

"Okay, yes, I'm dating Alex," she said, once she was sure they were alone. "But we haven't told anyone, and I would appreciate it if you could keep this to yourself."

"I told you, your secret is safe," he said. Olivia smiled knowing that she could place her trust in him. She didn't have a choice, but she knew she could trust him. She leaned in and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

"Well, that wasn't quite as good as the last kiss you gave me, but I'll take it," he said.

They turned to go back into the ballroom and suddenly saw Alex standing there, watching them with an angry look on her face. She must have followed them when they disappeared. How long was she standing there? Olivia thought.

Alex spun on her heels and went back to the ballroom, and to her date, who was talking to Elliot and Kathy.

"I'll give you a minute," Erick said. "I'm going to talk to some buddies."

Olivia joined the conversation in progress with Alex, Andres, Kathy, and Elliot.

"Hey, where did you and your hot 'friend' run off to and where is he now?" Kathy said when Olivia walked up.

"He went to talk to some friends," Oliva said, timidly, trying to get Alex to make eye contact with her.

Kathy turned to Alex. "I was telling Olivia earlier that they make a cute couple. She says he's just a friend, but I don't know, I could see it."

"Yeah, they do make a pretty believable couple," Alex said.

"Well, it's not like they haven't dated before," Elliot said. Olivia shot him a look while at the same time Alex gave the same look to Olivia.

"What?!" Alex said, before realizing the words had come out of her mouth.

Everyone stared at Alex and saw her glare toward Olivia.

"Alex, can I talk to you for a moment? About the trial we have next week?" Olivia said, trying to find an excuse to talk to her girlfriend, but knowing that no one standing in their circle was buying it after Alex's outburst.

"I don't think it's the place to discuss work, Olivia," Alex said.

"It'll only take a second," Olivia said, gently taking Alex's elbow and pulling her away. "Marc, I'll be right back with your date."

Olivia marched Alex to the hallway where she had been standing with Erick earlier.

"What the hell are you doing, Alex?" Olivia said.

"What am I doing?" Alex said. "Well, I'm not making out with my date in front of my girlfriend."

"Alex, I think you misunderstood what was happening," Olivia said. "I was talking to him because he realized we were dating because I couldn't take my eyes off you all night."

"And that required making out with him?"

"I kissed him on the cheek!" Olivia said.

"Then what exactly did he mean by 'your last kiss'?" Alex asked. "And what did Elliot mean when he said you've dated before?"

Olivia sighed. "He didn't mean the last kiss happened tonight. And yes, we went out a few times," Olivia admitted.

"And you didn't think it was relevant to mention your 'date' happened to be an ex-boyfriend?" Alex said.

"He wasn't a boyfriend," Olivia said. "It was a few dates. That's all. I'm sorry I didn't tell you."

"Yeah, well, me, too," Alex said before turning from Olivia and walking back into the ballroom. Olivia followed after her.

"Alex!" she said, but it fell on deaf ears.

Alex found her date. "Marc, I'm sorry, but I'm ready to go. You can stay if you want and I can get a cab."

"No, it's okay," Marc said. "I'll take you."

Erick had joined the group just in time to see Alex storm out and Olivia's attempt to go after her. He grabbed her to stop her.

"Let her go, Liv," Erick said. "You've already drawn too much attention. Trust me. Let me take you home."

He was right. Their fight hadn't gone unnoticed. Cragen and Liz exchanged a glance. Of course, Liz had suspected the relationship for a long time, but tonight confirmed it for her. Even Munch and Fin and their dates had noticed the fight, and probably more than a handful of other cops and ADAs.

Olivia followed Erick out of the Ball and got into his car.

"Home?" he asked.

"Take me to Alex's," she said and gave him the address.

Erick nodded and did as he was asked. He dropped her off outside of Alex's apartment.

"Good luck," he said.

Olivia took the elevator up to Alex's apartment and knocked on the door.

"Go away," Alex said through the other side of the door.

"Alex, please, let's talk about this," Olivia said. "Open the door."

Olivia heard the door lock click, and the door opened slightly. Alex turned the handle and walked back to the couch where she had been with a bottle of wine since getting home.

"You can come in, but I don't want to talk to you," Alex said.

"Alex, you're overreacting. It's not what you think," Olivia said.

"Oh, so you're saying you didn't agree to go on a date to the Ball with someone you used to date, and not bother to mention that fact to your girlfriend?" Alex said.

"Alex, we went out like three times," Olivia said. "What, am I supposed to avoid anyone I've ever been on a single date with, and tell you every time I see one of them?"

"Of course not," Alex said. "But maybe you could mention it before you go on a date with them."

Olivia sighed. "Okay, I should have told you, but there was no reason for you to get upset. I mean, I'm pretty sure you just outed us in front of our co-workers."

"Oh, well, I'd hate for someone to know you're dating a woman," Alex said, bitterly.

"You know I don't care about that," Olivia snapped. "But you can bet there will be questions about our ability to work together after your little show tonight."

"I'll handle it, Olivia," Alex said. "Now, I'm going to bed. If you're staying, you can sleep on the couch."

"Can I at least change out of this dress?" Olivia said as Alex was stomping off to the bedroom.

Alex returned with sleeping clothes that Olivia kept at her place, as well as a pillow and blanket.

"You can't be serious, Alex," Olivia said, seeing the pillows and blanket.

Alex just stared at her, not backing down, before turning back to the bedroom. She shut the door behind her.