A/N: Thanks to everyone, again for reading and reviewing, as well as following and favoriting! Well, here it is! This is the last chapter that I have written as of now-no more multiple updates every night. lol! But, from here, I will be able to write new chapters with awesome and creative input from everyone who has read. Thank you again, and I hope you enjoy!

I'm excited for what I have in store for Alex and Olivia, and I hope you are too. Of course, I want to put a small warning out there that there WILL BE some AO loving ahead, and probably a LOT, at that. As always, please let me know your thoughts on this chapter, and where we should go from here.

Chapter 15

Honor

It was 7:15AM when Olivia woke up to the aroma of fresh coffee. She opened her eyes and found Alex's side of the bed empty. The night before had been an early one—Olivia noticed that they were in bed by 9PM, wrapped in each other's arms. She and Alex talked a little, mostly about nonsense, before Olivia noticed Alex's breathing even off and felt her grow heavier in her arms. It was no time before the detective was fast asleep as well, holding her whole world in her arms.

Olivia turned her head and rested it on the next pillow, still smelling the sweet mix of Alex's shampoo and her perfume. She heard Alex speaking to someone on the phone, and decided to listen, not moving so Alex didn't know she was awake.

"Absolutely, captain. We'll be there a little early..."

"Oh…are you sure, Don? Will that be ok? Of course I would love to give the speech, but I just want to make sure that won't be looked down upon by anyone involved."

"Ok-no problem. I won't say a word. Thanks for the heads up, as well. It takes a long time to put myself together. HA!...See you in a few hours Don."

Olivia's head swirled. Why was Alex talking to Cragen and what was she asking permission for? And why did she have to be dressy? She let these thoughts rest, but immediately she knew that this was not going to be a simple 'press conference.'

Alex walked back into the bedroom, and started to run the shower. She sat down on the bed and lightly touched Olivia's face.

"Hi baby."

The term of endearment made Olivia smile and lean into her touch.

"I was thinking…we both need to shower and be out of here by about 8:00. Captain Cragen wants me to go with you to the press conference, so I'll have to look as good as you in that uniform…" Alex's eyes traced over to the pressed uniform laying on a chair in the corner of the room. She always thought that Olivia had looked so sexy in the actual uniform—even though the detective rarely wore it, it was a sweet occasion when Alex would see Olivia in the dress blues.

"I thought maybe we could just shower together."

Olivia instantly felt heat burn in her core, and knew her pupils were dilating out of desire. She twisted a little in bed, trying to cover the wetness that had developed quickly between her legs. Her face focused on Alex's ass as the attorney turned around and started speaking. "I'll take that as a yes?"

Olivia rose out of bed and wiggled out of her brace. She moved towards the bathroom, beckoning Alex to follow her. Once both sets of feet met the cold, white tile, Olivia began her unplanned seduction.

She moved toward the attorney and reached around her to close the door. Quickly, the room began to steam, as Olivia looked into Alex's blue eyes. Carefully lowering herself to her knees, Olivia used her hands to trace down the attorney's body. She tugged gently at the drawstring on the attorney's silky pants, undoing the knot. The detective closed her eyes and reached around Alex's body, cupping her cheeks and massaging up and down the back of her legs.

Noticing a small bare strip of skin, Olivia nuzzled her head into the attorney's stomach, effectively moving the cotton shirt up Alex's body. Olivia took advantage of this small area of uncovered flesh, pressing her lips against it, and skimming her tongue gently over the waistband of Alex's pants, slowly moving her head horizontally across the attorney's abdomen.

Olivia could feel Alex's hand tangle in her hair, above her ponytail. Once Olivia started kissing her stomach, the attorney slowly let her head bounce back and land with a thud on the door. Olivia continued undressing the attorney torturously slowly. She tugged on the pants and they came down, Alex stepping out of them when they hit the floor. Olivia placed light, loving kisses on Alex's thighs and hips, and rose from her knees.

It was at this moment that they both connected intimately and seriously. They could see in one another's eyes that this was the answer—they found themselves in each other over the past few days, and they both knew it. Black pupils engulfed the attorney's blue eyes, as Olivia's burned with desire.

The detective softly pushed a piece of hair out of Alex's face and removed her steamy glasses, placing them on the sink. She turned back to the blonde and kissed her yearningly, and passionately as her hands slipped under the cotton t-shirt. Olivia could see Alex's erect nipples peeking through the fabric, as she massaged the ivory skin under the shirt.

Alex and Olivia maintained eye contact as the detective lifted the shirt over Alex's head with her good arm. Beads of sweat started to form on the blonde's brow, both from the intense craving and passionate actions of the two women, and because the detective had taken her time undressing her girlfriend, and the room had almost completely filled with steam.

Both of the women knew that this was a serious step. There was time for a strip tease, and there was a time for slow, passionate loving: there was no mistaking what this would be.

Olivia turned her attention to Alex's perfect body against the door, clad in baby blue cotton panties. As Olivia looked her over, she felt Alex's assertive hand on her hip, tracing inside her shirt, rubbing her abs as she kissed Olivia's neck. The detective could feel Alex's breasts pressed against her, and she craved to be naked against the attorney. Luckily, Alex had this same idea.

The blonde reached down and pulled the hem of the tshirt over one arm, sympathetically looking at the detective, not wanting to hurt her. Olivia quickly wriggled so that her shoulder didn't have to rotate too much, and pulled the shirt off of her arm and let it fall to the floor.

Their bodies slowly but deliberate melded together, each feeling the other's arms, necks, breasts, and abs without a barrier between them. Slow moans erupted from Alex's mouth, smothered by Olivia's neck as the detective kissed down her neck and Alex rested her mouth on Olivia's uninjured shoulder.

Olivia pulled away and looked into Alex's eyes. Both women had their eyelids only half open, in desire for the other's body. But, Olivia, without a word, was quickly granted permission to remove Alex's panties. As she sank back down to her knees, Alex let out a breath of air, and placed her hand lovingly on Olivia's head. The detective moved closer to Alex and took the waistband of her panties into her mouth, between her teeth, and pulled them down. As Alex noticed this, her core burned and grew soaked, convinced that she had never seen anything sexier in her life. Olivia traced her fingertips on the blonde's thighs, sending chills through Alex's spine.

Olivia stayed on her knees, kissing, nibbling, and licking the attorney's thighs, hips, and legs, until she felt delicate pressure on her back. She looked up as Alex beckoned her up. As she stood, Alex walked to the shower and opened the door for the detective. As she did, she removed Olivia's yellow lace panties and they both reveled in the other's naked body.

Alex grabbed Olivia by the hand and lightly pulled so they were both completely in the shower, standing naked under the hot water. She watched as water cascaded over Olivia's head and shoulders, streamed off her hard nipples, and rippled over her muscular legs. She couldn't help but touch Olivia, submerging the both of them under the water, when Olivia reached up and cupped Alex's face.

"Alex?" Her voice was lazy, reciting Alex's name lovingly.

"Yes baby?"

Olivia grabbed Alex possessively, but gently, moving them out of the water stream for a second, admiring the blonde attorney. She watched a bead of water move from her porcelain forehead, down to her chin and drop on her chest. Olivia delicately reached out to touch Alex's chin as she pulled it up to meet her face.

"I never thought that I would ever say this out loud, even to myself, but especially to you. Since you've been back, I've known something was different for me, and now I know what it is. I've tried to deny love for so long—from any source. Alex, I wasn't ready for it when it hit me, and it hit hard. I love you, Alexandra. I know now that I've always loved you, since the moment I saw you…" Olivia held Alex closer as she confessed this, barely over a whisper.

"And I'll never deny it again."

Alex's eyes filled with tears as she wrapped her hands around the detective's back, resting her head on the brunette's strong pecs.

"I love you Olivia…so much. I'm sorry things haven't been perfect between us, but I'm ready to make that right." She began to sob into Olivia's chest and her body shook with the forceful weeping, sniffling and heavy breathing.

"Alex? I'm sorry—did I say something wrong? I shouldn't have said anything babe—I'm sorry," Olivia spoke these words as she curiously lifted Alex's head and peered into her eyes, searching for an answer.

Alex pulled herself together, enough to make intelligible sentences come out of her mouth. "No. You should have…Liv, it's nothing. I just…I love you, Olivia."

Although Olivia knew that was an evasive answer, she told herself she'd remember to bring this up later. She moved on though.

"Me too, Alex. I'm ready to make this right too." The detective smiled down at her, as Alex tried to compose herself.

"Now…where were we?" Olivia smiled as she said this, and placed her hands back on Alex's hips suggestively. She knew Alex would deny her, especially after her emotional melt-down, but Olivia thought it would bring a smile to her face.

Alex half giggled, half smiled, and quickly engrossed herself in Olivia, leaving her emotions behind for the moment. "Oh no, detective! I strictly remember our deal."

"So wait…you brought me in here just to get a shower?"

"Well yes…and to see you naked. Which, I have to admit, is a sight." With this, Alex stepped back and admired Olivia's body, tracing over every inch with her eyes, as Olivia turned around and stood under the water.

"But, I'll wash you—since you're in here," Alex said, as she could tell that Olivia was somewhat disappointed in being lured under false pretenses.

Alex picked up the shower gel and poured a small amount into her hand, bypassing the loofah and the washcloth on the rack in the shower. She rubbed the gel between her hands and started at the base of Olivia's neck, rubbing in small circles, and continuing down her breasts to her abs and then her legs.

The feeling of Alex's hands on Olivia was something the detective had never felt before. Her body was both on fire, and shivering. As she stood under the water, Olivia wanted so badly to look down and memorize Alex's body, but, in this moment, she couldn't take her eyes off of the attorney's blue eyes. There was something so beautiful about Alex washing the detective in this way—so lovingly, so caring, and so sympathetically.

"See? I'm sticking to our pact. I could have easily taken advantage of you there, but I didn't!" Alex was almost laughing as she said this, as they both knew why she avoided the area between the detective's legs. Olivia quickly snapped out of her trance and turned and laughed as she washed Alex in the same manner.

After Alex helped Olivia wash her hair, they exited the shower, wrapping themselves in two plush towels.

"What time do we have to be at 1PP?" Olivia asked this question, knowing what Cragen had said the day before, but wanting to see what Alex said.

"8:15 baby." She was running a towel through her hair, gently squeezing water from it, as she looked up and saw Olivia standing in front of her.

"Why do I have to wear the dress blues?"

"I have no idea. Cragen's orders." Alex felt a little guilty lying to Olivia, but knew it would be worth it in due time.

00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

It was 8:22AM and Olivia and Alex were standing in the foyer of 1 Police Plaza. Olivia could barely take her eyes off of Alex—she was wearing a form fitting, yet modest, long sleeve red dress, cut right above her knees. She decided to put her hair in a tight bun, as it wasn't cooperating when she tried to wear it down. Olivia, of course, was wearing the standard issue dress blues of the NYPD. As Alex was admiring her, and imagining what they could do with those handcuffs, she saw Elliot walk through the door, Kathy in tow, and snapped out of her fantasy world.

"Wait a second…what is this?" She motioned to Kathy and asked Elliot as he walked through the front door and into the foyer. "Kathy, of course, I'm so happy to see you," Olivia hugged Kathy lovingly as she continued to speak "but I feel like we haven't gotten the full story…I just assumed Alex was forced to come because she's the ADA, but now that Kathy's here…"

Elliot took her hand and looked into Olivia's eyes. "Liv, I'm sure it's just a briefing or whatever, and maybe we'll get recognized for something. Kathy wouldn't say shit to me on the way here, either. I don't know how she even knew. I really don't think it's that big of a deal, but who the hell knows. I just can't stand this fucking uniform."

They both laughed and all 4 of them turned their attention to Donald Cragen, who was emerging from one of the rooms to the right of the foyer. He approached them and said hello, welcoming Kathy and Alex, as well as the two detectives.

Minutes later, Cragen ushered all of them into a large empty room with a podium and audience chairs. They all went behind the curtain on the stage to prepare for the conference when Kathy and Alex were told they could take a seat on the stage, and Cragen said he would be with them shortly. He turned to his detectives and began speaking.

"I know I normally don't lie to you two, but you'll figure it out anyway." They could hear the room filling up, and the familiar sound of clicking cameras and the press talking to one another, but Cragen continued. "You both have continued to go above and beyond the call of duty when working and caring for our victims. I want you both to be here, present, at this conference, so everyone can see how dedicated my detectives are, and how much they care about this city."

Elliot and Olivia both looked at each other questioningly as Cragen stepped in front of the curtain and began speaking to Alex and Kathy in a hushed tone. This was not something that Cragen would ever say. This comment left them both even more confused than they were to begin with.

"Ok—what the hell is going on here?" Olivia was confused, and didn't like not knowing what she was getting herself into.

"Well, I'm not sure, but I think…" The audience hushed as Elliot quieted his tone. All he was able to do was point above Olivia's breast, where the medals of the NYPD rested on the uniform. Her mouth opened in a silent 'no,' but as she thought more about it, Olivia thought her partner was probably right. And then, her heart swelled with pride as she heard Cragen begin to speak.

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming today. It is on this day that I am able to finally release some details to you about the case that everyone has been following for the past two weeks."Cragen took a breath and continued.

"On August 2nd, a young 14-year-old girl, Kaley Adams, was abducted from her school. She was bound, beaten, and drugged as she was taken to a secluded cabin outside of Rochester. Fortunately, we were able to ascertain this information and close in on the suspect the next day in the early morning. And, it is for this next reason that we are really all here today."

Behind the curtain Elliot and Olivia looked at one another in anticipation, as Cragen began speaking.

"Two of my unit's most decorated and skilled detectives, along with our ADA Alexandra Cabot," he nodded to Alex, who was sitting in a chair to his left, "and myself, met with local law enforcement and formulated a plan to rescue Kaley, and get her back to her family. However, when we reached the cabin, we encountered many problems that we did not foresee. Needless to say, both of my detective's acted selflessly, making sure to protect not only the victim, but everyone in their charge, and for that, I'd like to bring them out."

With that, the curtain opened and Olivia and Elliot were met with standing applause from the audience, and, in the front row, sat Kaley Adams and her mother, along with Munch and Fin.

They both stepped forward and were directed to sit to the left of Cragen, where a stand with 3 medals sat next to them. Elliot saw them and nodded with an 'I-told-you-so' look on his face.

Olivia sat down and looked at Alex, who smiled at her and stood, with a paper in her hand, to address the crowd. Olivia was surprised that Alex was speaking, given their new relationship, but she was sure that the attorney would keep things extremely professional, although, it was hard for the detective to take her eyes away from Alex. The dress was fitted exactly to every curve of her body, from her elbows and shoulders down to the swell of her ass. Olivia became aware of her eyes undressing the attorney and calmly turned back to look at the audience. She knew, now, why Alex had asked permission this morning on the phone—she wanted to make sure it would be ok for her to speak, and not Captain Cragen.

"Thank you Captain Cragen. For those of you that don't know me, I am Special Victim's Unit's ADA, Alexandra Cabot—Casey Novak couldn't be here today, but she is just as happy as we all are that these two outstanding detectives will get recognized for their hard work and dedication today." She turned and smiled at both of them before continuing.

"I have been working with this unit, on and off, for more than 5 years and in that time, I have never witnessed more selfless, caring, and noble actions from any detectives, anywhere. Not only do they protect each other's lives everyday, but they are also continually sacrificing themselves for the betterment of the victims in New York City. I'm lucky to call them co-workers, but even more fortunate to call them friends."

"You would be hard pressed to find two detectives more deserving of these medals than Elliot Stabler and Olivia Benson. In this particular situation, detectives Benson and Stabler showed extreme valor and courage, sacrificing their own lives over others. And for that, I am happy to present them both with these medals." She walked over to the tray and picked up the two identical medals—green with small yellow stars and displayed them to the crowd.

"An officer is deserving of this Medal of Honor when they execute 'acts of extraordinary bravery, intelligently performed in the line of duty at imminent and personal danger to life. Specifically, the Department Medal of Honor is awarded for acts of gallantry and valor performed with knowledge of the risk involved, above and beyond the call of duty.' Not only did both partners exemplify this on the night of August 2nd, but I witness them continually illustrate this every single day on the streets of New York City. For this, I am happy to be able to present these medals to detectives Stabler and Benson."

With this, she placed each medal back in their plush box, and handed them each to the detectives, with a swift shake of their hand and a smile for the cameras. When she touched Olivia's hand, they both knew it was business, but Alex couldn't help but linger in Olivia's hand. She smiled at the detective as Olivia and Elliot went to sit back down in their respective chairs.

They both looked at each other and smiled as Elliot mouthed 'told ya,' to Olivia, however, the brunette nodded toward the one medal still sitting on the tray, confused. As she was wondering, though, Alex began speaking again.

"Now, there is one more medal to award today, as the NYPD feels that detective Benson should be honored separately with a prestigious honor."

Olivia's face flushed and she readied herself for whatever Alex was going to say about her—she knew she couldn't cry in her dress blues, and as hard as it was for her to display toughness everyday, she knew she'd have to put on the 'NYPD face' right now.

"Detective Benson showed extreme loyalty, dedication, and allegiance to her fellow officers when she dove in front of a stray bullet, headed towards the crowd of law enforcement officers, and myself. The NYPD Medal for Valor is awarded to an officer 'during an act of outstanding personal bravery, intelligently performed in the line of duty at imminent personal hazard to life, under circumstances evincing a disregard of personal consequences.' After watching Detective Benson, and speaking with her since, it is obvious to me that the very last person she was thinking about on that lawn was herself, and for that, I, especially will forever be eternally grateful to her. And, I'm sure all of the other 13 police officers who were standing near me can say the same." Alex paused, and Olivia could swear she heard a break in the strong attorney's voice before she began speaking again.

"I know that Kaley Adams will forever be grateful to detective Benson, and she can only be added to the long list of victims who would willingly sacrifice themselves for detective Benson, after she's done so much for them. Time after time I hear victims speak about how gentle, loving, and understanding detective Benson is during their investigation, trial, and retelling of their rape or other particular situation. She truly is a victim's advocate, and is willing to lay her life on the line to protect the innocent. And, for all of that, and other numerous reasons, it is my pleasure to present detective Olivia Benson with the Medal for Valor."

Olivia stood up and walked toward the front of the stage, near the podium and near Alex. They turned to each other and shook hands while they exchanged the medal box, looking to the camera for a picture. Once all of the pictures were done, Olivia turned to look at Alex and began walking back to her chair when she felt Alex's arm wrap around her waist, pulling her into a hug. The blonde knew it had to be a brief, businesslike hug, (if there was such a thing) but she also knew that she couldn't let Olivia walk back to her chair without showing her some sort of affection and appreciation. As they released one another, Olivia smiled into the attorney's eyes, understanding the look of love and dedication in Alex's eyes. Quickly, the blonde collected herself and ended her speech.

"In the end, it boils down to a few questions: who do you want to protect our city? What qualities would you choose for them to possess? If I had my pick, it would be these two—every day of the week. The dedication, perseverance, and loyalty they show to not only the NYPD and their unit, but to each other, is admirable and should be what every unit in the NYPD, and across the country for that matter, uses as an example. Both detectives Benson and Stabler will never admit to the fact that they are, indeed, heroes. But we know it at the 1-6, and now the whole NYPD will know it when they look at these medals. Congratulations, you two. You deserve it."

And with that, the room erupted into applause, everyone rising to their feet. Elliot and Olivia stood, hugged, and waved to the crowd. Olivia had never felt better, and didn't even notice any pain in her shoulder. At this moment, she was on cloud 9: she had done a good job, she was with her best friend and partner, and she had Alex Cabot back in her life (and wearing that red dress, nonetheless). Olivia knew this time with Alex would be different, and looked into the attorney's eyes as everyone was exiting the ceremony to see pure, untainted love.