Chapter Five: Accusations
First day back on the job. Olivia smiled contently beside Elliot, looking out the window at the hectic place that was New York. Even though she'd go through some depressing times today, nothing could go seriously wrong. Not on a day like today.

Alex peered upward through black glasses at the sound of a knock. "Come in," she chorused, her voice unusually tinged with a singsong quality. She was happy for the first time in a long while. Her and Olivia were living together and Velez was put away. A petite woman walked through the door, dressed in evident lawyer attire. She toted a briefcase at her side.

"And you are?"
"Casey Novak, SVU ADA. You're Alex, right?"
"The one and only. What are you here for?"
"Just to…welcome you back. It's been a tough time trying to fill your shoes."

Alex couldn't help but smile. She was a hell of an attorney, and she knew it.

"Thanks. I know you didn't come all the way down here to blow the wind in my sails, Miss Novak. What do you really want?"
"I just needed some help on a case…"

Olivia pulled open the heavy white door to her apartment, inhaling the sweet fragrance of Alex. Their apartment, she reminded herself, eyes gleaming when she caught the sight of daffodils on the table. "Baby, I'm home." "Baby? I thought I was sweetheart, Olivia." Casey stepped out from behind a wall, completely catching Olivia off guard. The normally witty cop struggled for words.

"Um…where's Alex? And what are you doing in our home?"
"Alex is giving me some advice on the Williams case. She also invited me for dinner…will that be a…problem?"

She whispered deliciously in Olivia's ear, deliberately pushing herself against the strong body. Olivia backed into the kitchen counter, trying to stop the lustful advance she was getting from her ex. "We're done, Casey. Now, where's Alex?" "She went to get take-out. We have some time. You can do whatever you want." A slick tongue made its way down Olivia's chiseled jaw and stopped just short of her lips. Casey pressed herself into Olivia's arms and kissed her firmly, wanting to make Olivia realize the desire she thought had to be pent-up inside somewhere. Olivia didn't kiss back; she simply stood there, rigid.

"Get off me." She pushed Casey backwards, ignoring the come on. "I love Alex. You know that." Casey felt hot tears leaking down her cheeks. Embarrassed, she quickly went to gather her things. "This isn't over, Olivia. We had something; you can't ignore it. You can't- not the way we were. Not the way you felt when we made love…" Casey stuffed papers back into her bag half-hazardly and made her way back to Olivia. "You'll realize it sooner or later." Olivia felt like punching the other woman after hearing the salacious remark. "No, Casey. I'm sorry. Please leave. And don't try to get to me by using Alex." Casey stormed out, almost running into Alex in the hallway. "She's all yours, bitch."

Alex balled her hand in an effort to not send rice flying across the room. Olivia had slept with Casey.

"You slept with her, didn't you?"
"I'm so sorry, Alex…I didn't know she'd take it like this. She was the one who said to keep trying to find you."
"How could you do that to me? Act so angry and hurt when I told you I was engaged? But no, I didn't even sleep with the guy and you go awall. While I'm remembering what we had in Chicago, back it New York you're fucking my replacement. Way to charm me, Olivia. Really."
"It didn't mean anything to me. Every time I was with her, I saw you. I know it's twisted but…"
"Yeah, you're right. It is twisted. And I can't trust that you won't do it again. Did you plan for her to come over tonight?"
"What?! No! You know damn well I wouldn't do that to you. She tried to get me to take her back. I wouldn't do it. I love you and only you, Alex."

She tried to kiss her, but Alex pulled away.

"I think we need some space. Time to think this through. I love you Olivia, but the way you acted…and now I found out you were doing somebody? It's hard to hear all in one sitting."
"Space? Alex, I think we've had enough of that to last-"
"Please. Just…leave."
"…ok. Fine."

Olivia grabbed her coat and stared at the hurt blue eyes before her. Before she walked out, she dropped a box on the couch.

"Here. I bought this for you today. I doubt it means anything now."

She fled before the emotions would come, leaving a heart-broken Alex holding onto a beautiful diamond tennis bracelet and regrets. I shouldn't have said those things…

Abbie heard the doorbell and tried to overlook it, continuing to kiss the lovely blonde. It rang again. "Geez. Hang on, darlin'." She looked out the peephole and saw Detective Benson outside, wringing her hands. "Olivia, hey. What can I do for you?" "I need a favor. Can I come in?"

"Yeah, sure. I think you know my girlfriend, Harper Anderson." Olivia smiled at the unexpected guest. Harper was one of the rape victims she had helped. "Yeah, I do. How are you, Harper?"

"Fine. You don't look so good, though."

A/N: Sorry this one was mostly dialogue, guys. I didn't know how else to show conflict. Chapter Six will be up soon with some yummy AO action…;) Did you like the part where Alex says "I know you didn't come down here just to blow the wind in my sails"? lol I thought that was really her.