A/N: Isn't it wonderful to see Olivia turning around? Just as things were going right, though, she storms out of the apartment. In this chapter, we truly see Olivia fighting for this relationship after Alex's admitted her doubts about being loved by Olivia. I have to admit, this is one of my favorite chapters I've written because we always see the badass side of Olivia, leaving us to wonder what her romantic side is all about.

As always, thanks for reviewing and favoriting! You guys keep me motivated!

Chapter 17

Gesture

Olivia walked at a determined pace towards the subway. She spent most of the ride contemplating what to do and how to make this situation better. She knew she probably shouldn't have walked out, but, at that moment, she didn't want to say something that she'd regret. There was no denying it though—she loved Alex Cabot, and she would make this right, whatever it took.

She continued to ride the train into the city, and when she reached the stop for the precinct, Olivia stayed. She knew exactly where she was going. She rode the train further and exited at Herald Square, making a beeline for Bloomingdales. The detective felt a little silly for still wearing her NYPD uniform, but she knew she needed to do this, and couldn't wait for Alex to catch on.

She removed her hat and placed it down into the messenger bag she was carrying, so she didn't feel too official. Olivia rode the escalators up and down, visiting many different departments, buying two or three things here and there, and picturing Alex in every piece. Olivia knew tonight would be important, and wanted nothing more than to make Alex see that she was, indeed, worthy of her love. An hour or so later, Olivia made a few phone calls and decided to relax at her favorite coffee shop while the day unfolded.

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Alex heard a soft knock on the apartment door and gathered herself enough to meander off the couch and look through the peephole. The man on the other side of the door was an older man dressed in a suit. Thinking he didn't look particularly menacing, Alex opened the door.

"Are you Alexandra Cabot?" The old man smiled politely as he asked this question, and Alex couldn't help but feel a little better—his demeanor was infectious.

"I am."

"Ah, well then. Great. This is for you." He extended a large white box, wrapped with a red bow and a card.

"Oh. Well, thank you." Alex began to shut the door, but the man cleared his throat and began to speak.

"Um, excuse me, but I'm sorry ma'am, I've been instructed to inform you that I'll also be your driver for the day. I've been told that your instructions are on the card. I'll be in the black town car out front when you are ready." With that, the old man left Alex standing in the doorway; her mouth was slightly open, asking an unformulated question, utterly confused.

She took the box inside and let the door shut behind her, as she placed the box on the kitchen table. Alex delicately opened the envelope and immediately recognized Olivia's symmetrical handwriting.

Alexandra,

Please believe me when I say I love you. I'm sorry I rushed out this morning, but I'm hoping I can make it up to you. Just follow these directions, and hopefully your day will start to turn around.

1)Read the note I left you—I know you haven't read it yet.

2)Open this box. I want you to wear this tonight. All of it.

3)Robert is going to drive you around a little today. Wear something that's comfortable—you won't see anyone you know, and you're not going anywhere fancy.

4)Be ready by 7:15—we have reservations. I'll be here to pick you up.

5)Know that I'll be thinking about you all day. I love you so much, Alex.

"In vain I have struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you."

All my love,

Olivia

Alex smiled so wide that her cheeks began to hurt. She immediately recognized a quote from one of her favorite Jane Austen books, and couldn't help but recognize how wonderfully it fit at this exact moment. She admired Olivia's knowledge of literature, and how she was ever the romantic at this moment, knowing just what to say—or write—to leave Alex weak in the knees.

Always wanting to please Olivia, Alex first walked into the kitchen, picking up the paper that the detective had scribbled on earlier that afternoon before she left the apartment. Tears fell from her eyes as she read the three simple words on the torn paper.

You are worthy.

She held the paper to her chest, breathing deeply and thinking of nothing but Olivia. She saw her smile, her eyes, and her body in her mind and she started to swell with love. Quickly though, she remembered that Robert was waiting on her outside. She hurriedly changed into yoga pants, an NYPD t-shirt and flip-flops. She placed her hair in a ponytail, grabbed her purse and Olivia's card, and locked the door before she ran out to meet Robert. On her way down, she had remembered that she didn't even look in the box, but reminded herself to do that later.

Robert was outside waiting and offered Alex his hand as he opened the back passenger door of the town car. Alex slid down in the backseat, relishing in the luxury that Olivia had supplied her, as the car pulled away and Robert started speaking.

"Did you read the card, ma'am?"

"Yes, it was wonderful. Thank you for driving me around today. I still don't know where we're going, but I just know it will be better than anything I'm imagining." Alex's smile was contagious and Robert returned a nod and smile in the rearview mirror.

Minutes later Robert announced that they had reached their first stop. Alex felt the car slow, and she exited as he opened the door for her. She followed Robert as he began walking to the large modern building adjacent to the car—the attorney had never been here before, and wasn't exactly sure what she was getting herself into, or rather, what Olivia was getting her into. Robert opened the door and led her into the building.

"I'll be out here if you need anything, Ms. Cabot." He turned on his heels and exited the building, waving to Alex as he left.

The blonde stood in the middle of a beautifully decorated foyer, wondering what direction to walk in, when a young woman approached her.

"Ms. Cabot?"

"Alex, please." She extended her hand out and shook the young woman's hand, still having no idea where she was.

"Ok, Alex. My name is Megan. And…" she began to speak as she walked toward a small desk. Reaching down into the desk, she grabbed a small box and a single rose. "I was instructed to give these to you as soon as you arrived."

Alex smiled, as she smelled the rose, thinking of Olivia. She took the box in her hand and opened it, revealing a necklace, complete with a diamond pendant. She gasped as Megan peered over the box to see what the gift was.

"Well, someone loves you."

They both smiled and Alex couldn't help but agree with Megan, as she led her down a hallway and into another segment of the building.

"So, it looks like we've got you down for a massage, a manicure and a pedicure. So, if you'll just go in this room right here, our masseuse Jenna will be right with you."

Alex walked into the dimly lit room and began undressing. She placed the box and rose next to her clothes as she lay on the massage table. She couldn't help thinking about how wonderful her girlfriend was, and, she knew Olivia had planned this day so she could truly understand that Olivia really did love her. It was working.

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Two hours later, Alex emerged from the spa and climbed back in the town car.

"Feeling refreshed?" Robert asked this question as he was pulling away from the curb.

"Yes, thank you. I feel really, really good."

"Well that's wonderful, Ms. Cabot. I have another card for you here." He handed back a small red envelope, as Alex opened and began reading.

Sweetheart,

I hope you had a relaxing time at the spa. You didn't think I'd let anyone but Jodi touch your hair, though, did you?

I can't wait to see you tonight.

Love,

Olivia

Alex smiled when she figured out that she was going to see her hairdresser. Jodi was a constant in her life, and knew pretty much everything about her. She was also devastated when Alex had to go into WITSEC, but she joked that she was even more upset when she came back because Alex had let someone else touch her hair while she was gone. Alex was so surprised that Olivia had remembered who her hairdresser was, but then she silently reprimanded herself for giving Olivia too little credit.

For the rest of the car ride, Alex reread the two notes she had in her hands. She smelled the red rose that awaited her at the spa, and delicately touched the shimmering necklace. She felt the smooth texture of her legs and hands, and thought she chose the right shade of grey for her nails and toes. When the car stopped, Robert got out to open the door once again.

"As always, Ms. Cabot, please let me know if you require anything. I will be just out here."

Alex nodded and stepped into the salon, immediately finding Jodi and waving hello to her while she finished up with the client in front of her. She sat down and began reading a magazine when Jodi finished and found her in the waiting area.

"Alex! I didn't even know you were coming today until this woman called and basically demanded that I open up some time in my schedule for you. What the hell?" She laughed heartily at this story and wrapped Alex into a hug. "Are you having a hair emergency or what?"

"Oh, no Jodi, nothing like that…" they walked towards the back of the salon as Jodi grabbed an apron and some shampoo.

"Ok, well are you gonna tell me or are you just gonna keep me wondering and then we can small talk like nothing is going on…" They both busted out laughing as Alex started speaking.

"Well, that was probably my girlfriend…"

Jodi dropped the shampoo bottle she was holding and leaned over Alex, whose face was now relaxed in the shampoo bowl. "Wait a second…the detective?! No fucking way."

Alex just smiled as they continued chatting. Over the next hour, Alex had filled Jodi in on everything—her coming back, seeing Olivia at the club, Hope, Lauren, Olivia ignoring her, and finally, this wonderful day that she seemed to be having so far.

"Well, I remember how you guys were before you left. I know there was more there, but I'm glad you're finally acting on it. Oh my God Alex, I'm so excited for you. She sounds wicked awesome…Well, one thing is for sure…your hair looks fabulous." Alex turned in the chair to see her hair in the mirror, and, Jodi was right—it looked wonderful. They hugged and Alex dug in her purse to tip Jodi, when her hairdresser held up her hand.

"Oh no, Alex. Trust me—Olivia made it well worth my while to fit you in today. You don't owe me anything." Alex blushed and smiled, knowing the effort Olivia probably went through to do all of this. She started to walk out of the salon when she heard Jodi's voice from behind her.

"Alex, wait! I was supposed to give you this. Have fun tonight!" She handed the attorney a small box and another card.

"Thanks!" Alex turned and walked back out to Robert, who was dutifully waiting with an open door in his hand.

"Your hair looks great, Ms. Cabot." Alex thanked him as she climbed into the back of the car. She couldn't wait to open her two new gifts, and decided to open the box first. She immediately recognized the design of the small diamonds in the bracelet from the necklace she had received earlier in the day, and put together that it was a set. It was brilliantly shining and was overwhelmingly beautiful. Alex closed the box and turned her attention to the card.

You are so beautiful Alex, and you really don't need any of this for me to think you're beautiful. But, I know it can feel nice to be pampered every once in a while. Every time I see you, you look more and more stunning, and I know tonight will be no exception.

Yours,

Olivia

Alex wondered when she would wake up from this dream. This day had been a whirlwind: this morning was the closest she and Olivia had ever been to actually having sex (except for when they actually did have sex so many years ago, but they didn't really count that), she was so proud of Olivia for being awarded her medals, and then everything seemed to crash and burn—until now. Olivia was truly spoiling Alex, and the attorney couldn't help but admit that she thoroughly enjoyed doing everything Olivia had instructed her to do.

The car stopped as Robert said, "Last stop, Ms. Cabot." Alex stepped out of the car and laid eyes on her favorite dessert shop. She was a sucker for red velvet, and Olivia knew it. She entered the front of the store and it was completely deserted, which Alex thought was weird, however, it was only 4PM.

A young man emerged from the back of the store and immediately recognized the woman he had been waiting for.

"Alexandra Cabot?"

"Yes." She normally didn't like when people called her by her full first name, but there was something about how Olivia said it that warmed her to the idea a little. It sort of lingered around the detective's lips, and every time Olivia spoke her full name, Alex knew it was a devoted confession of love.

"Ok, cool. I have something here for you. First, of course…" he reached into one of the display windows and grabbed a red velvet cupcake, handing it to her with a smile. Alex couldn't help but notice that it looked a little different than the others, and upon looking at the icing, she noticed why. Instead of plain white icing like the rest, her cupcake had small red hearts adorning the white icing. Alex couldn't help but smile and roll her eyes. This was the playful side of Olivia that Alex hadn't gotten to see very often, especially as of late.

"Ok—and I have this." He reached under the cash register and pulled out a small ring box. Alex's heart stopped as he handed it to her and smiled. She thanked him and began to walk out to Robert and the waiting car.

After she was settled in the back, she didn't know why she was so nervous to open the ring box. She assumed it was because it was a ring box, and usually other types of rings came in boxes like that. Why was she thinking this way? Obviously it's not an engagement ring, they weren't ready for that…

Alex suddenly found herself thinking about receiving an engagement ring from Olivia, and minutes later, they had reached Olivia's apartment without Alex ever even opening the box, and rather, relishing in the thought of one day, maybe, perhaps, being Olivia Benson's wife. Quickly, she told herself to pull it together and quit thinking nonsense. She exited the car and gave Robert a hug.

"Thank you so much for driving me around, Robert. You were an absolute gentleman." Alex began to dig in her purse, looking for money to tip him.

"Well thank you Ms. Cabot—oh, please no. Ms. Benson took great care of me today." He placed his hand on Alex's and she dropped the $50 she was holding back into her purse. "You just make sure you're ready in two hours. I'm sure if this is the preview, it's going to be a wonderful night." He smiled, as Alex realized that Olivia probably gave him a tight time window. She gave him a small smile and turned to enter the apartment complex.

As she reached apartment 44B, she took out her keys and opened the door. She placed all of her cards and pieces of jewelry on the table, along with her uneaten cupcake. When she looked down and noticed a change in the apartment, she knew Olivia had been there. The detective's NYPD uniform was laying on the chair in the living room, thrown haphazardly Alex was sure, as she was changing clothes, not wanting to be caught by the attorney returning early.

Alex quickly remembered that she hadn't opened the ring box yet, and she had yet to look in the large white box. She moved over to the table and took her place in a kitchen chair, relaxing into the back, taking the ring box in her hand. She slowly opened the box and revealed a small decorated fashion ring, adorned with the same diamonds designed to match the bracelet and necklace. Alex couldn't help but smile as she placed the jewelry all together on the table, knowing she would be putting it on in no time.

She moved the white box towards her and undid the bow. As she removed the top, she saw another small card, which she grabbed and opened to read.

Alex,

I hope you like everything in here. If not, we can return it. I am pretty sure I got all of your sizes correct, but again, if not, we can return whatever you want. You know I don't have much style, but I know what I like seeing you in. And, let's be honest, no matter what you wear, you'll be absolutely dazzling.

Olivia

Alex placed the card to the side and smiled, thinking of the beautiful brunette detective, as she opened the contents of the box. First, she removed a pair of size 8 black wedges, and Alex had to say, they dripped with style. They were open-toed and sleek, reflecting flashes from the kitchen lights. She placed them on the floor and continued to unpack the box. Next was a small box of perfume—Alex didn't recognize the name, but trusted her girlfriend and knew that she would wear whatever to make Olivia happy. She opened the box and spritzed the fragrance in the air in front of her. The smell was captivating: delicate yet strong, floral but gentle. She smiled and placed the perfume near the jewelry on the table and continued to unpack the box.

She reached inside the box and removed a beautiful black lace dress. It was long sleeved, scoop neck, and came with an attached black slip. Alex looked the dress over and was extremely pleased with Olivia's choice. The dress would look great with the shoes and jewelry that the detective had hand picked, and Alex felt immensely loved that someone would go through all of this for her.

Alex peered into the box and noticed that there was still more to be found. She reached over and felt two very small, lacey items that she picked up with one hand. When she placed them on the table, she blushed as she looked over them separately. The first item was a black lace thong—Alex was surprised but aroused that Olivia was thinking of her, down to her panties, and the attorney was instantly turned on.

She turned her head to the matching bra on the table and picked it up as she eyed the piece. It matched the black thong exactly, down to the last thread. Not only did Olivia know exactly what size the ADA wore, but also the exact style—Alex was impressed. She quickly glanced at the clock on the stove and knew she would have to get moving to be ready in time. She went off to the bathroom to draw herself a bath. She had to get going, knowing Olivia would be there in an hour and a half, and she needed all of that time to look exactly how she wanted for the detective.

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Olivia had just missed Alex—she saw the blonde exiting Robert's car as she pulled out of the apartment complex in her black '65 mustang. She barely drove the car, and could really only rotate the wheel all the way around with her left hand, but she was just going to get some cash from the ATM and she'd be back in enough time to pick up Alex. She could have easily walked or taken the subway to an ATM, but she wanted to make sure everything was ok with her car before tonight—she hadn't driven it in over 3 months.

She couldn't wait to see Alex after the day she had planned for her. Olivia drove slowly, caught in NYC traffic, and thought about the blonde attorney. She really had fallen in love with her back in the beginning, and it only grew as they worked through cases together. Olivia thought about all of the decisions she had made in the past few years and knew that she was in bad shape emotionally, but now that Alex was back, she knew that she was done playing. She loved Alex, and Alex loved her. Tonight, Alex would know that she loved her.

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It was 7:08 when Olivia knocked on her own apartment door. The feeling was odd, she could admit that, but she disregarded it, as she knew Alex would be answering. Sure enough, a second later, Alex opened the door.

Olivia couldn't speak. She knew that Alex was wearing every piece of clothing that she had picked out and bought just hours before. Olivia knew what was lurking under that dress, but she couldn't help but be taken by the blonde's beauty.

"Hi baby," Alex said as she threw her arms around Olivia's shoulders, being delicate with her injured arm.

"Uh hi," Olivia choked out, still obviously distracted by Alex's apparel.

"Is there something wrong baby? Is it not how you thought it would look? I can change." Alex held her arms out and twirled, asking Olivia again if it was ok.

"Alex…you look absolutely beautiful. And, you're right—it's not how I thought it would look. You make it all look so much better than I thought it could." Olivia smiled and was completely transfixed on the blonde, as Alex began speaking.

"Well, I have to say, you don't look too bad yourself, detective." Olivia was wearing an outfit she had bought herself at Bloomingdales earlier that day. Olivia didn't want her wounds exposed, so she bought herself a sheer white button up shirt with tight grey charcoal pants. She wore her grey chukka boots and covered it all with her fitted black blazer. Alex thought it was very feminine, with a masculine twist, and she couldn't get enough of it.

Alex walked to Olivia, admiring her and holding her close. "Thank you so much for all of this, Liv. I could never tell you how special you made me feel today. I'm sorry about what I said earlier."

"It's no problem babe. Tonight is all about you…and don't ever apologize for telling me how you feel." With that, Olivia took Alex's hand in hers and exited the apartment, locking the door behind them. They walked down to Olivia's car, Alex eyeing the black mustang as they got in.

"God, I didn't think this car could get any sexier."

Olivia turned to Alex with a questioning look on her face. "What do you mean?"

"Well, I've never actually seen you drive it. It's always just been sitting in the garage, but now…damn."

Olivia shook her head and smiled a little, as she reached her injured arm over and explored Alex's thigh until the attorney took her hand in her own.

"So where are we eating?" Alex tried to steady Olivia's wandering hand, and change the subject so maybe the detective would quit being so handsy—it was a total turn on.

"A little place I know in Central Park West. One of my friends owns it."

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A little while later, they pulled up to the dimly lit restaurant. Olivia parked her car in the employee lot and grabbed her wallet as she took Alex's hand and led her towards a flight of stairs. They climbed and Olivia took out her keys, searching and placing one in the lock. Alex looked at her questioningly.

"I told you—one of my friends owns the place. He shut it down tonight for us."

Again, Alex's heart swelled—she knew tonight would be one to remember.