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 20

"HONEY," called out Alex from the bedroom.

"Yes Alex?" replied Olivia from the laundry room.

"Are you nearly finished with the iron?"

"Yes, if you need something pressed, bring it in now and I will do it for you."

Alex joined her holding a floral summer dress and wearing a maroon lace bra and matching G-string.

Olivia grinned then whistled, "Will you be warm enough in a dress baby?"

"I'm wearing a cotton jacket with it."

"You do realise I will be unable to keep my eyes and hands off you?"

"That is the general idea my darling," retorted Alex while handing the outfit to her wife. "You know I like to dress for you and I particularly enjoy the affect it has on you."

Olivia chuckled, "You are too much my blonde goddess." Placing her cobalt blue, short sleeved shirt on a hanger, Olivia placed it on the door knob. "Have you wrapped the present sweetie?"

"All done and Casey will be so happy with it. She has been bitching ever since her coffee machine blew up."

"Apparently poor Serena has been racing to the coffee shop every morning since Thursday to appease her caffeine dependency."

Alex smirked, "When she spoke to me yesterday, I had to convince her not to purchase one and if she was lucky someone would give her one for an engagement present tonight."

"Smooth darling." Olivia put the dress on a hanger and passed it to Alex. "There you go my love."

"Thank you sweetheart, I'll meet you in the bedroom." Alex turned and entered the hallway.

Olivia stuck her head out the door and watched her wife's graceful saunter before returning her attention to pressing her white tee shirt.

Alex slipped on her dress then jacket before packing a small handbag with her wallet, identification, bottle of Olivia's favourite perfume and cell phone.

Olivia walked into the room and kissed Alex on the left cheek, "You look very nice."

"Thank you."

Olivia pulled on her shirt then slipped on her buttoned down shirt. Going to the sock drawer, she withdrew a pair of black cotton socks. She sat down on the bed and put them on. "Have the girls set a date yet?" she enquired.

"They are still tossing around between August the third and the tenth."

Olivia stood and tucked her shirt inside her denim jeans, "Are they both wearing gowns?"

"Yes and they are going to ask mom if they can have the ceremony by the lake."

"That sounds like an excellent idea and Eleanor will be happy to help out."

Nodding, Alex ran her fingers through Olivia's hair, "Maybe she should become a wedding planner?"

Olivia laughed and moved to the closet, "Well, she is getting plenty of practice." Reaching for a pair of black boots, she slipped them on, "She will be well prepared for when she marries McCoy."

Alex scowled and replied, "Don't even joke about it. They will be there tonight and it will be the first time I witness them as a couple."

Olivia buckled up her belt and avoided Alex's eyes, "You better get used to calling him daddy is all I'm saying." She jumped out of the way as Alex's right hand moved towards her butt. Laughing loudly, Olivia reached for Alex and kissed her on the chin, "I'm too quick for you darling."

Alex lowered her lips to Olivia's throat and softly kissed the olive skin, "Oh, I don't know about that Liv, I seem to have caught you."

Olivia's legs gave way and she whimpered, "How do you manage to reduce me to jelly with just one kiss?"

"Because you love me," teased Alex in her adorable smoky voice. "Now, finish getting ready, we have an engagement to celebrate."

In reply Olivia cupped Alex's face and stared into the vibrant shimmering blue, "I do love you and I have a surprise for you."

Alex's eyes shone brightly with anticipation, "You do?"

"Take a look at my NYPD ID wallet," suggested Olivia.

Alex released her hold on Olivia and picked up the leather ID wallet from the top of the chest of drawers. Opening it up, she gasped when she read the name on the new tag: Olivia E. Benson-Cabot. "Oh honey, when did you do this?"

"Yesterday morning, I filed the paperwork on Wednesday and I organised a new driver's licence too."

Alex reached for her and pulled her to her chest, "I think it's very sweet and I love you."

Olivia looked into the shining pools of blue, "I love you too, are you ready Mrs Benson-Cabot?"

"I am." Alex giggled before adding, "Mrs Benson-Cabot."

Olivia laughed along with her, "It's going to take a little time to get used to the name."

"We will adapt darling."

"I'm sure we will." Olivia flipped open her phone and called for a cab. Moments later, she said, "That's correct and the name is Benson-Cabot."

Alex cupped her hand over Olivia's left buttock and squeezed firmly. Leaning into her ear, she huskily said, "It sounds very seductive coming from your gorgeous lips."

"Alex, you are hopeless."

"Yes I am, especially when it comes to you darling."

-o-

Casey smirked at Alex when she unwrapped the large box containing a café style coffee maker. "Thank you guys and you certainly gave me enough hints."

Alex laughed boldly then hugged her friend, "Well, you bitched about it that often I had to do something to dissuade you from running out and buying one."

Olivia embraced Serena, "Now you can sleep in little longer in the mornings."

"Yes, no more mad dashes for brewed coffee."

Casey draped her left arm around Serena's hip, "And don't think for a moment I wasn't grateful my darling."

Serena's face flushed bright red, "How could I forget."

Alex kissed Olivia on the left cheek and joked, "Oh look honey, they are just as bad as us."

Olivia giggled, "Yes they are, now who wants a drink?"

The three friends replied in the affirmative and Olivia went to the make-shift bar on the kitchen counter, grabbed a beer for herself and poured three glasses of red wine for the others.

Olivia and Alex were the first guests to arrive, so they retired to the living room with drinks in hand. They engaged in frivolous conversation until the other guests started to arrive ten minutes later.

By seven o'clock, the caterers proceeded to serve dinner and Olivia moved in behind Alex and wrapped her arms around her midriff. After planting a soft kiss on her left shoulder blade that was now bare due to Alex having removed her black jacket, Olivia proclaimed, "You taste good."

Alex pushed back into her wife's body, "And you feel wonderful." She reached for a honey and sesame shrimp from the offered tray and popped it into Olivia's mouth. Gathering up another for herself, she took a bite of the delicate seafood.

"Thank you baby," said Olivia once she had swallowed. "I was just talking to your wonderful and delightful mother."

Alex turned around in Olivia's arms, "Honey, are you drunk?"

Olivia smiled and delivered a smooth line, "Only on your love."

Alex pressed her lips against Olivia's neck, "Oh, I thought you must have been by your loving description of my mother."

"Well, she has mellowed my love, it must be all that sex she is having with Jack."

Alex lifted her head and exclaimed, "Eww! Are you deliberately trying to make me barf?"

Giggling, Olivia replied, "Oh please don't, everyone will stare at you. Do you know what your mother gave Casey and Serena for their engagement present?"

"No idea honey," answered Alex while picking up two bite size pieces of smoked salmon twirled around a slice of brie.

Olivia took the food when Alex offered it to her and chewed slowly, "Thank you and your mother handed the girls a cheque for twenty thousand dollars for their wedding. She also paid for the catering for tonight's little soirée."

Alex's smile spread across her face, "Maybe my mother is the one who is plastered."

Olivia pecked her on the lips, "She is just in love baby and sharing it around."

"So how did you find out about the gift?"

"Casey was handing me a beer and Serena told her to tell me."

Alex leisurely kissed the hollow of Olivia's throat, "Those two are so cute together and my mother is very generous these days." Alex raised her head and looked at Olivia, "And don't you dare mention Jack, sex and my mother in the same sentence ever again."

Olivia gave her wife her best puppy dog eyes and whispered, "How about I mention you, me and sex instead, because you look spectacular in that dress and the things I want to do you right now in front of all these people, would probably land me in the slammer."

Alex roared with laughter before replying, "Oh Liv, keep those ideas for when we get home."

"Can we go home now?" asked Olivia cheekily.

"No, not until after the cake is cut then you can have your way with me."

Olivia leaned in and captured Alex's lips for a brief moment, "You taste like cheese."

"And you taste like beer my wife."

Olivia raised her bottle, "Speaking of which, I need a refill. Do you want another wine baby?"

"Can I have water instead? I need to stay sober for my date later."

Tittering, Olivia pressed her mouth to Alex's left ear and purred, "Sober, tipsy or drunk, you are still brilliant in bed."

Alex's body shuddered, "If you don't stop teasing me darling, I will come right here."

Olivia groaned into her lover's ear, "I think I just did."

Alex pulled away and her eyes widened, "Bathroom right now!" She clasped Olivia's right hand and led her into Casey and Serena's ensuite. Locking the door, Alex turned to her spouse.

Olivia's pupils were diluted and she had a goofy grin on her face, "I guess you can't wait until we get home?"

"Clever deduction Detective, now kiss me beer breath."

"Yes cheese lips."

-o-

Olivia and Alex spent all of Sunday morning in bed, sleeping until nine then making love for several hours afterwards. Alex's exhaustion got the better of her and she fell back to sleep. Olivia spooned into her back and drifted off too.

Alex swore loudly when Olivia's cell phone played Abbie's ringtone, "Shit!"

Olivia stirred under Alex's lanky body, "Baby, can you reach that?"

"Yes honey and how the hell did you end up underneath me?" She picked up the phone and flipped it open, "Hey Abbie, it's Alex."

"Hi Alex, sorry to disturb you guys on a Sunday, but I think I may have a problem."

Alex climbed off Olivia and sat on the edge of the bed, "What kind of problem?"

Olivia gently stroked the curve of Alex's back and listened.

"Jill left a message on the answering machine. She sounded drunk and said she was dropping over to pick up the rest of her belongings."

"Okay, so why are you in trouble?"

"Jill also said we had some unfinished business."

"Like what?" enquired Alex with concern.

"She claims she still loves me and wants me back."

"Okay, get out of the apartment and drive over here. Does she still have a key?"

"Yes and I'm walking out the door now."

"Good, did she say what time she would be there?"

"Three o'clock," replied Abbie calmly.

"All right, we will talk when you get here."

"Thanks Alex."

Alex placed the phone on the end table, "Jill is turning up at Abbie's at three to pick up her property and is inebriated."

Olivia opened her eyes and caressed Alex's hips, "I'll take care of it baby. We better take a shower; Abbie will only take fifteen minutes to get here."

"So much for our lazy day together," complained Alex.

"Well, it started out pretty damn good," replied Olivia.

Alex smiled and chuckled, "Yes it did and I believe you gave me a hickey on my butt."

Olivia failed at looking innocent, "Sorry baby."

"Don't be, it matches the one on your throat."

"Oh shit," replied Olivia as she jumped out of bed and ran to the bathroom. Looking in the mirror, she sighed when she saw the small purple bruise on the left side of her neck.

Alex walked in full of suggestions, "At least I can hide mine." Opening the shower screen door, she turned on the faucets and stepped in under the water.

"I guess I will just have to wear a turtle neck sweater to work tomorrow."

"You will, now hurry up and join me honey."

Olivia smiled, knowing that most of the next fifteen minutes was going to be taken up with them making love in the shower.

-o-

Olivia turned the key in the lock of Abbie's apartment door and opened it slowly. It was fifteen minutes to three and she was hoping Jill hadn't arrived early. After securing the door, she walked into the spare room and collected the two cardboard storage boxes containing Jill's possessions. She carried them down the hallway and placed them on the floor to the right of the door.

The plan was simple – Jill arrives, Jill picks up boxes, Jill hands over key, Jill leaves, end of the Jill story.

Unfortunately, Jill didn't read the script before entering the apartment.

Olivia stood with her hands in the pockets of her jeans as Jill tumbled the lock mechanism.

Jill stumbled inside and glared at Olivia, "What the fuck?"

"Sorry to ruin your aspirations of a reunion, but Abbie chose not to be here. Just grab your belongings and go."

Jill spat out a reply, "You know; you have a really bad habit of getting in my way."

"And you have a hard time understanding. Abbie is done with you and doesn't want to see you again let alone talk to you."

Jill approached Olivia and snarled, "What! Are you her spokeswoman now?"

"Yes, so do the right thing and stay out of her life, you have done enough damage."

With a smirk, Jill replied, "You are pretty protective of Abbie, you getting a little on the side?"

Olivia withdrew her hands from her pockets, "Abbie is my friend and unlike you, I treat my partner with respect and don't cheat or lie."

"You are so high and mighty," stated Jill sarcastically.

"And you are drunk, now go."

"You gonna make me tough woman?" taunted Jill.

"If I have to, but I would rather you come to your senses and leave on your own accord."

"I think I'd rather put you in your place," threatened Jill as she put up her fists and shaped up to Olivia.

Olivia stood her ground, "You are a moron Jill and I don't understand what Abbie ever saw in you. Put your hands down and stop making a fool of yourself, just leave."

In reply, Jill swung a right handed punch at Olivia, "I'm a great fuck, that's what she saw in me."

Olivia ducked and blocked the hit, but not before another caught her bottom lip. Tasting the blood in her mouth, she grabbed Jill's wrists and bent them back, causing her to stagger backwards towards the door.

Jill struggled and broke free. Olivia stooped under the next punch, took up a boxing stance and blocked the second with her forearm.

"You are beginning to piss me off bitch," she muttered.

"Good, because you really fuck me off," replied Jill through clenched teeth. She stepped forward and lunged at Olivia with flaying fists.

Olivia obstructed two more punches directed at her head then hit Jill with a well-placed left hook to the face. Jill stumbled back and into the open door frame. Olivia moved in and connected her jaw with a right jab.

The blonde landed on her butt outside in the hall and Olivia picked up the boxes one by one and tossed them at her. Both landed at her feet.

Olivia calmly specified, "Now get out of here and if I see you around here again, I will arrest your sorry ass, you piece of shit."

Jill wiped away the blood from the gash under her right eye. Standing up on unstable legs, she picked up the boxes and left without saying another word.

Olivia closed the door and went into the bathroom to inspect her lip. It was slightly swollen but had stopped bleeding. Going into the kitchen, she grabbed a cube of ice from the freezer and pressed it to her lip. She went and sat in the living room to await the arrival of the locksmith.

-o-

Alex and Abbie greeted Olivia at the door and Alex immediately went into a tirade of abuse when she detected the blood on Olivia's shirt and the laceration to the right side of her bottom lip.

"Did that damn tramp hit you sweetheart? I'll fucking throw the bitch into jail."

Olivia hugged her and instantly reassured her, "It's only minor Alex." She handed Abbie the new set of keys and said, "That should be the end of it, if she shows up again she'll be arrested."

Abbie embraced the Detective after she closed the door, "Thank you Liv and I'm sorry she hit you."

"Don't mention it Abs."

Showing concern, Alex ran her hand down the right side of Olivia's face, "Are you sure you are all right?"

"Yes baby, I managed to block most of the punches." She looked at Abbie and asked, "Abbie, do you want to make this official so there is a record of the incident, just in case Jill doesn't get the message?"

"If you do, it may have her dismissed from the Academy."

"It may, but only if she is dumb enough to go on with it. I will file it as a warning, that way it is out in the open, but I really think she understood through her drunken haze."

The three women moved into the kitchen and Olivia opened the refrigerator.

"Is everyone hungry?" she asked.

Alex and Abbie answered in unison, "Yes."

"Okay, I'll make us some sandwiches."

The wall phone rang and Alex went to answer it, "It's probably Casey wanting an update."

Olivia spoke with Abbie while Alex relayed the latest Jill incident to Casey.

"Abs, I think you should stay here tonight just in case Jill returns," offered Olivia.

"How drunk was she?"

Olivia frowned, "Enough for her to make an idiot of herself."

The corners of Abbie's mouth curved up into a smile, "So how many hits did you manage to get in?"

"Two, I didn't want to strike her, but she kept coming at me and I was forced to defend myself," replied Olivia without a hint of bravado.

Abbie shook her head in disbelief, "What a damn imbecile, I swear Liv, I had no idea she was so obnoxious and devious."

Olivia patted her friend on the left shoulder, "Love makes us blind to people's faults at the best of times."

Abbie took a seat at the counter and Alex joined her, "Since I had my eyes opened, it makes sense and explains all the late nights at work and the quick calls in the middle of the night."

"Well Miss Carmichael, it's done and dusted and there is someone out there for you who will respect you," commented Olivia as she handed over a plate of turkey sandwiches to Alex. "I need to go to the store later Abbie, so we can pick up your stuff for tomorrow then."

"I appreciate your help Liv and I think I will be giving dating a wide berth for a while.

"Yeah right," retorted Alex. "You will be fighting off all the lesbians in New York with a stick in no time at all."

Abbie and Olivia both laughed at the statement, they knew Alex's statement was correct.

-o-

Olivia cooked dinner and everyone retired to bed just before nine o'clock. Alex was lying in the crook of Olivia's right shoulder and playing with the brunette's fringe.

"You need a haircut honey," she said.

"Uh huh, you don't want me to grow it?" Olivia asked, already knowing the answer to the question.

Alex trailed her index finger down the side of her lover's face, "No, you know how much I love your shorter style."

Olivia asked bemusedly, "And why is that?"

"Because I get to see your strong neck, cute ears and your beautiful face is not covered over."

Olivia smiled to herself, "That's a very detailed reason, sounds like you have thought about it before."

"Mmm," replied Alex, caught up in a memory. "When I first joined SVU it was the second thing I noticed when introduced to you and I found it very attractive."

Olivia suppressed a giggle, "And what was the first?"

Alex's finger traced the small cleft in Olivia's chin, "Your beautiful face and your incredible eyes. I wanted to crawl across your desk and kiss you."

Letting the giggle escape her mouth, Olivia replied, "And I wanted to rip your thousand dollar tailor made suit off your body and get to your breasts."

Alex reached for Olivia's left hand and interlocked their fingers, "Do you still feel the same way?"

Olivia's voice was low and smoky, "Every time you walk into the Squadroom I get wet just thinking about how much I love you and how incredibly lucky I am to have in in my life."

Groaning softly, Alex seized her partner's lips in a heated kiss.

By ten o'clock the Benson-Cabot apartment was silent. One Detective and two Attorneys were sleeping soundly and the episode with Jill was forgotten.

-o-