Back the Hard Way

*Title: Back the Hard Way

*Author: Farwalk

*Fandom: Law & Order: SVU

*Pairing: Eventually Olivia and Alex

Disclaimer: Don't own them. Law and Order SVU and characters belong to Dick Wolf.

TWENTY FIVE

Parker stood just behind Alex far enough not to be invading but close enough to be supportive. When munch pulled out a chair for Alex to sit Fin caught a glimpse of Parker they made eye contact fin gave him the nod and Parker looked back at Alex.

"Jesus you can't just stroll in here off the street." Hammond said exiting Cragen's office heading right for Alex.

"What a better way to do it in plain sight." Alex replied curtly.

"Where have you been?" Hammond demanded. "We've been searching for you since yesterday."

Yesterday seemed so far away right now she was home sitting in her squad at Olivia's desk she placed her hands on the blotter and just held them there gathering strength from the person the one person she needed a moment paused she felt Ian gently touch her back she was awoken from her trance.

"I was getting my life back. Saving myself!" Alex glanced up from the desk and stared Hammond right in the eye.

Cragen stepped from behind Hammond. He walked over to Olivia's desk sitting on its edge he gathered Alex's hands in his he tugged gently so that she would break her stare from Hammond.

Alex looked directly at him. "You are home. Welcome home. But you are not safe yet." Cragen said with fatherly concern.

"I am safer now then I was yesterday." Alex's eyes were cold. She could feel her walls of protection begin to build.

"That's not our fault!" Hammond exclaimed.

"You were to protect her. You're the reason she has been in hiding for three years! You're the reason she almost got killed!" The squad stopped all eyes fell on Elliot he stood three feet from Hammond. If the rest of the team didn't know any better they would have sworn he was Liv. The pain and anger in his voice only mirrored that of what his partner had faces for three years.

"No matter what has transpired in the last 24 we need to talk Ms. Cabot." Hammond still staring at Elliot reverting his eyes to the definite Alex still occupying Olivia's chair.

"Then talk I am not going anywhere with you. I am done with your program." Alex stood. Cragen stood.

"But your life…" Hammond pleaded.

"My life was indeed taken away from me three years ago. Yesterday gave me a clear path back to it. This is my life. I was dead. now I am alive!" Tears of anger welled in her eyes. 'Where the hell was Olivia? She would understand.' Alex told herself. Trying to gather strength not to reach around and slap the DEA agent.

"Velez…" Fin said, but was cut off Alex sternly. The slight flinch that came with the mention of Velez's name went unrecognized by the squad.

"He took my life already I want to take it back from him." She paused to assure herself what she was about to say would make the right impact. "It's time he knew what it was like to live like a caged bird."

Everyone was quiet the words that Alex spoke rang off the walls whatever pity they felt for her was replaced with understanding and strength.

"Then we all help." Cragen said moving from the desk. "Alex we are all family here we take care of our own." He reached out to give a light squeeze. She turned and gave him a hug. Shocked at first Cragen returned the warmth like a father would.

"Elliot we need to get a plan going here." Cragen looked around the room at his team. Assessing who would be the best for each job. "Munch let's come up with something good. Hammond we need to know where this lunatic is. Fin...Fin"

Fin had managed to corner Parker by the stairwell leading to the crib.

"Haven't seen you since my days in NARC how the he'll are you?" Fin asked his old friend.

"Good." Parker paused to think about what to say. "I want in on this. I saw what was done. But I do it my way." He and Fin locked eyes.

"Understood." Fin padded him on the shoulder.

"Well you haven't lost a stroke." Abbie said to Olivia when they stopped to rest on the lane ropes.

"There is a lot I haven't lost." Olivia said with a laugh has she pushed off from the wall for another lap. Abbie just watched her go. When Olivia turned at the far wall, Abbie pulled herself from the pool and walked towards her towel. Slowly towards her towel. Olivia glanced forward and saw Abbie.

'God, she is still so beautiful'. Olivia quickened her stroke. She reached the wall in record time. She stopped and continued her observance. 'It's a good thing that I am in the pool.' She told herself.

"Hey, you done?" A voice above her asked.

"Huh?" Olivia looked up at the source. "What? Ha yeah I'm done." She pulled herself out from the pool. The Hispanic man did not wait for her to get out of the way, he dove in.

"Ass!" Abbie exclaimed. She handed Olivia a towel.

"Thanks." Olivia said with a smile. "I like my legs the best but if you like the ass."

"You are still impossible." Abbie said rolling her eyes.

"So they let anyone live here huh?" Olivia jerked her towards the lane she just vacated.

"Oh, Javier. Javier is from the Mexican counsel." Abbie watched him turn at the wall and head way from them. "He is not only an ass, but he's a little on the handsy side."

"Ah. Well," Olivia said looking around and noticing that it was just the three of them in the pool area. "We'll just have to show him." Just has Javier reached the wall, Olivia grabbed Abbie by the waist, she turned her and planted a kiss right on her lips. A kiss that was meant to be quick suddenly turned into something deeper. Abbie parted her lips and Olivia took the invitation. Their hands began to roam, each grasping a bare flesh. What was planned has a kiss to stop a creep, turned into a kiss that stopped time.

"Get a room." Javier said from the pool has he let out a kick splashing the couple.

The two women broke apart. "Hungry?" Abbie asked slightly out of breath.

"Starved." Olivia said. "I'll have the Abbie special."

"A nice Texas Forlay and a side of hot crossed buns." Abbie said turning with a smile.

"Lead me to the kitchen chef!" Olivia said padding after her.

So Abbie and Olivia? Does Alex really want Olivia back or does she jsut need a crutch?