Disclaimer: As you all know, these characters aren't mine. They belong to Dick Wolf and NBC.
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Day 29: Olivia has the flu, Alex doesn't, but misery loves company.
Universe: Season 4
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Olivia hangs her head over the edge of the couch, peering up at Alex. "But I'm siiiiiick."
Alex nods, running her hand through Olivia's hair as she walks by to find her shoes. "That's exactly why I'm going to work."
"Please?"
"Liv, I'm not going to stay here and get sick right alongside you. I'm going to work. You'll be okay here for a few hours."
"Will you come home for lunch?"
Alex smiles, shaking her head. "We'll see."
"C'mon, Alex, it's Friday. Come home for lunch and then just don't go back. I'll make it worth your while."
Any other day, Alex might seriously consider that offer, but today: "You have the flu, Olivia. You're not making anything worth anyone's while." Sticking her bottom lip out, Olivia crosses her arms over her chest and pouts. But Alex remains strong. "I'll be home for lunch, but I may have to go back depending on how busy I am."
Olivia continues to pout. "Fine."
Alex bites her tongue to keep from laughing. "It's only a few hours, Liv. You'll be okay."
Olivia sighs. "Yeah, but I'm gonna be so bored."
And now Alex actually has to laugh. "Sleep, watch some movies, catch up on those 5s I know you haven't done."
Olivia grimaces. "I'll watch a movie."
"I figured." Alex laughs. "I'll call you when I'm on my way. Love you."
"Love you too."
As soon as the door clicks shut, Olivia turns on the tv, intent on watching a movie. She is asleep within just a few minutes.
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When Alex arrives home just after one, Olivia is still asleep on the couch. She kicks off her heels at the door, hangs her jacket on the hook on the wall, and sets her bag on the table with her keys. She quietly approaches the couch and kneels down beside it, gently running her hand through Olivia's hair.
Olivia blinks slowly, starting to wake up. "Hey," she says, smiling at Alex.
"Hey yourself."
"I thought you were gonna call."
"I did. You didn't answer so I figured you were sleeping. Are you feeling any better?"
Pushing herself to a sitting position, Olivia shrugs. "Not really."
Alex nods, standing. She presses a kiss to the top of Olivia's head and walks into the kitchen to start putting together something for lunch.
A few minutes later, Olivia shows up in the kitchen to get her hands on some ginger ale and saltine crackers. "Do you have to go back after?"
Alex thinks about the mountain of paperwork stashed in her bag and shakes her head. "No," she says, "they can manage without me for the rest of the day."
Olivia grins. "Now I'm feeling better."
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