A/N: A huge thank you to everyone who has kept up with this story. I apologize for the long period between updates, however, I was hitting a bit of a rut. I am getting to the part in the story that I really love, and to the explanation of why I titled the story as I did. Everyone knows that relationships go through some ups and downs, but the thing I love about Alex and Olivia is that I feel like they are so passionate about each other that it would be interesting to see what happens when they have to overcome some adversity in their 'regular' day-to-day lives. I like that they are back in the city and ready to get back to work, and hopefully take the story in a more settled direction. Or, maybe not. Ha!

Chapter 36

Move

Alex watched from her spot on the floor as Olivia delicately packed away the majority of her kitchen items. The blonde was sitting by an open, empty cabinet with her legs crossed under her, simply watching the beauty that was Olivia Benson. The brunette took down each plate one at a time and wrapped it in some packing material, lightly placing it in the standing cardboard box.

"Liv, we don't have to take everything over there. You already have a lot of this stuff."

"I know. But, I think we will probably need more than, like, 4 plates and three forks…don't you?"

Alex smiled as she looked up at Olivia from the floor. "You're probably right." She ran her hand up Olivia's calf and returned to the box she was working on. A few minutes later she finished. "Ok. I think I'm done with all of this. Since my lease isn't up for another month, and I don't really want to pay to get out of it early, I'm thinking that I'll just pack up everything and leave it here if we don't need it at your apartment."

"Our apartment." Olivia smiled down at Alex, who unreservedly beamed back at her.

"Our apartment." Alex almost whispered as the weight of what she was saying hit her; she couldn't have been happier that they would be sharing an apartment for the first time tonight. True, they had spent a lot of time together in Olivia's apartment over the past few weeks, but it would really be theirs when they moved her stuff in later.

Olivia taped up both boxes and moved them into the living room, adding to the two piles that stood in the middle. "Liv you probably shouldn't be carrying those boxes—they're pretty heavy." Before Alex could say another word, Olivia came back into the room at a jog and swept Alex up into her arms. The blonde felt Olivia's strong arms wrap around her back and under her legs. She swiftly picked her up, bridal style, as they both laughed.

"Olivia. Benson." Alex was speaking each word as its own sentence, playfully kicking and laughing as Olivia kept a strong hold on her. "Put me down. Now."

"Not before I get a kiss, counselor." Alex wrapped both hands around Olivia's neck, meeting them at the base and intertwining her fingers in the short hair there. She pulled Olivia into a soft kiss as she felt the detective's strong arms flex around her body. They broke apart and Alex whispered, inches from Olivia's face, "Now. Put. Me. Down." She smiled as Olivia leaned her down until her feet touched the floor, and she straightened up.

"So, this pile," Alex pointed to the boxes on the left, "is staying here. It's mostly stuff that you already have—and I like yours better than mine." She smiled at Olivia as she continued. "And this pile," she pointed to the boxes on the right, "is stuff that needs to go with us."

"No problem. This should all fit in your car I think. We can deal with the clothes when we come back." Olivia laughed and Alex conceded—she knew she had a rather extensive wardrobe.

"Liv, you shouldn't be picking those boxes up. Seriously, I can pay the guy downstairs to help us."

"You know, I never gave you that push up, did I? Will that make you feel better if I can do a damn push up? Then will you let me carry these boxes out? I'm telling you Al, I'm fine."

Alex thought about that question for a minute. She crossed her arms across her chest and looked over at her girlfriend. Not only did she find Olivia extremely beautiful, but she knew—probably better than anyone—that she was just plain, downright sexy. She remembered the promise she made to Olivia after she was able to do a pushup and couldn't help the wetness that gathered between her legs. She conceded with a nod of her head and waved her hand toward Olivia, inviting her to try to do her best. Hey, if she wanted to try, who was Alex to stop her?

She watched in awe as Olivia dropped to the floor on her hands and knees. Quickly, she kicked her legs out and balanced on her hands. She lowered herself with ease not once, not twice, and didn't even stop at three times. It was only on the fifth one that Alex was able to clear her throat through the building desire and speak up.

"Ok. Ok! That's enough." She crouched down and lightly sat on Olivia's butt, pushing the detective's body to the ground. They both laughed as Alex put all of her weight onto the woman beneath her. She leaned forward and moved the short hair out of the way, lightly kissing the back of Olivia's neck. The brunette moaned underneath the touch of her lover, smiling into the hardwood under her as she heard Alex whispering in her ear. "That seemed pretty easy…wanna show me what else you can do?" She raised her hips so Olivia could turn over beneath her.

Olivia turned underneath Alex as the attorney straddled her hips, scattering kisses down the olive-tone skin on her neck and chest. Alex stood up and unbuttoned Olivia's jeans, pulling the zipper down and scooting them off of her hips, taking her underwear, shoes, and socks with them. She returned to her original position atop Olivia and pulled the detective's t-shirt off of her completely. She lay atop Olivia fully, deeply kissing her stomach, hips, chest, and up to her neck. She leaned forward and unclasped Olivia's bra, leaving her bare body on the floor.

Olivia lay on the dark hardwood and looked up at Alex before she hooked her hand around her lover's slender neck, pulling her downward to enclose her lips in a tight kiss. She wrapped her arms around Alex's lean body and pulled her shirt over her head, watching her long blonde hair cascade over her collarbone and shoulders. Olivia quickly unclasped Alex's bra and watched as her breasts fell slightly into her hands. Her pert nipples hardened as Olivia skimmed her thumbs over them, eagerly standing at attention.

Alex kissed down Olivia's body, slowly working her hands over Olivia's knees and spreading her legs gently. Olivia watched as the blonde head moved lower, and felt Alex cascading her tongue across her inner thigh. The normally stoic detective always felt her body shiver and give way for Alex to do whatever she wanted—she was never this vulnerable and open with anyone else.

Goosebumps peppered the tanned skin as Alex's hands explored Olivia's toned legs. Gently, Alex ran her fingers through Olivia's sex to find her soaking wet. The ease that Alex's fingers felt as they glided through her lover caused the attorney to moan and shiver above Olivia.

Alex entered Olivia with two fingers, easily stroking her as she lowered her head to taste the detective. She continued her pace with her fingers, adding a third one, as she teased Olivia's clit with her tongue. The feeling that Alex gave Olivia was incomparable—with each thrust, each small moan or whisper, Olivia grew closer. Alex was so passionate: tenderly making love to Olivia on the bare floor of her apartment, and they were both lost in each other.

Alex could feel Olivia's muscles grow tighter as she sat up and leaned over her lover, kissing her deeply as Olivia's small moans were muffled in her mouth. Olivia came, holding Alex's back and thrusting her hips upwards. Alex held Olivia and felt her body shake and her muscles contract and finally relax, as Alex laid Olivia down on the floor.

Alex looked down on Olivia and smiled as she traced a finger down Olivia's chest in between her breasts. She saw the goose bumps rise on Olivia's skin and smiled as the detective shivered up and kissed her lightly. "I love you," Alex whispered. "And, I remember what I promised you when your shoulder got better." Alex's eyes lowered and darkened with passion. "But, I want you to take me home—to our home." They both smiled at each other, and Olivia couldn't ever remember a time that she put her clothes back on that fast.

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Olivia held a box in her left arm as she opened the door to the apartment with her right. She saw a flash of light and Alex heard her inhale sharply and raise her voice as she entered. "Jesus Max. How many times have I told you that one day I will shoot you if you keep sneaking around?" She placed the box on the kitchen table and looked right at her friend, expecting a response. "You shouldn't ever sneak up on a cop, you know." Alex peered over Olivia's shoulder to see Max leaning against the arm of the sofa, an amused look on his face.

"Olivia, I'm not 'sneaking around'," he made air quotes with his hands as he laughed. "I thought it might be nice for us to come here and help you move some stuff." As he was speaking, his fiancé emerged from the guest bedroom, smiling and offering a hug to Olivia.

"It's been so long! How are you? Max told me everything. And…I'm assuming you are the famous Alex?" Crystal extended her hand to Alex, who took it and shook lightly. Alex noticed how welcoming and warm her eyes were, and she could understand why her and Max worked so well together after everything she had heard about Max from Olivia.

"Famous? Oh no, that makes me nervous." Alex looked at Olivia and Max and chuckled uneasily.

"Oh, all good things, of course. Mostly just how happy you make this one here." Crystal smacked Olivia lightly on the back and they all laughed as she blushed, avoiding Alex's gaze for a moment. Alex couldn't help but notice how close the trio was, and she smiled knowing that they were inviting her into their small circle.

Quickly, Olivia changed the subject. "Well, if everyone can grab a box or two, we should be able to get this done pretty quickly." They walked out of the apartment and took the elevator down into the garage where Alex's car was parked. "Oh, and Max, Alex is gonna need that key. I'll get you another one." He tossed the key ring at Olivia, who caught it and tucked it in Alex's back jeans pocket, with quick kiss on the blonde's cheek.

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25 minutes later, the four of them were seated around Olivia's large ottoman, somewhat unpacking, but mostly drinking wine and talking. Olivia leaned forward and reached out her hand as she spoke to Crystal. "So, let me see that ring. Let's see how he did." Alex and Olivia leaned forward and Olivia took Crystal's hand into hers, eyeing the ring. "Well, I've got to say, it's great, Max. You did a good job." The pride that Alex saw in Olivia's face she had seen many times before—mostly with Elliot, and she knew that other than her partner, Max was probably her best friend.

Alex agreed. "It's beautiful." She settled back in the chair that she shared with Olivia and gazed at her girlfriend. She hadn't thought about the ring box in a little while, but she had to admit that it had occupied her mind more lately than anything else. She reached over and tucked a small piece of wayward hair behind Olivia's ear when she heard Max speaking.

"Yeah, maybe you should think about getting one." Max nodded at Olivia and her face froze. Alex could tell that he didn't know that she had already bought something—maybe she only told Elliot. Or, Alex thought, maybe she hadn't told anyone.

"Max, we've only been dating for a few weeks. You're crazy." Alex couldn't tell how to read Olivia. She knew that she had seen that ring box, and that Olivia was trying to hide it from her, but maybe she was mistaken. Maybe it wasn't an engagement ring, but, Olivia couldn't lie without Alex noticing—not in the job, and not here.

"Yeah, but Olivia, you've been crazy about her for years!" At this comment, it seemed like everyone looked at Alex, who simply smiled and looked toward Olivia, running a hand over the detective's thigh.

"Well, I've been crazy about her for years too." Alex reached over and took Olivia's hand into her own, sensing she needed some support after watching her face blush in embarrassment. "But, we'll take things as they come." Wanting to be diplomatic, the lawyer in her turned on and she smiled and rubbed Olivia's hand in her own. Olivia was still embarrassed though, and excused herself to go to the bathroom.

Olivia sat on the toilet still fully clothed—she didn't really have to use the restroom, but she wanted to get out of that situation. If she could, she'd shout in the middle of Times Square how much she loved Alex, and given the chance, she would probably just propose whenever she felt the urge. But, she knew that was ill-advised; she had thought about how she wanted to propose to Alex for some time now, and didn't want it to just be something that flew out of her mouth and off the handle without any preparation—she was afraid being in a vulnerable situation would cause that to happen, so she excused herself.

She thought about Alex as she sat on the toilet lid, her phone twirling nervously in her hand. "Soon enough, Olivia." She whispered to herself to calm her nerves and pictured her girlfriend's perfect face, strong jawline, and delicate blue eyes. Soon though, her memory flashed back to just a few hours before, envisioning Alex's body above hers pleasuring the brunette detective when a noticeable wetness gathered in her core. She had an idea, and thought Alex would approve.

Olivia flushed the empty toilet and washed her hands, drying them on the towel as she exited the hallway bathroom. Quickly, she glanced down the hall and saw that Alex, Max, and Crystal were deeply involved in conversation and slipped into the master bedroom. She crossed the room to her dresser and pulled out the tight, black shorts along with the toy and carefully pulled them into place under her somewhat loose jeans. She turned and walked down the hallway, rejoining the group and sitting closely to Alex.

After another hour or so of light conversation, Max and Crystal excused themselves and Alex and Olivia saw them out. As he was walking out, Max inquired about the restaurant. "Liv, what's up with Serena's?"

"Well, I talked to the insurance guy yesterday—by the way, he loves the place—and basically he said they would cover some stuff, but we've gotta do a bunch of work like we did before. Not a lot, but still enough to close us down for at least another week. But, I go back to work this week, and I'm sure I can get Elliot to help a little bit. If you can rope in Lorenzo I think we can probably get everything done within a week or two." She took a deep breath as she exhaled through a long sigh and ran her hand through her hair. "But, I'll keep you updated." They all exchanged hugs as Crystal and Max left.

The door had barely latched shut when Olivia was on Alex like a tiger on her prey. Alex smiled into Olivia's kiss as she felt herself melt into the strong arms that supported her weight. Quickly, Olivia's hands were in Alex's pants, unbuttoning and unzipping the red denim jeans, as she pushed them down near her boots.

"Help me out here, will'ya?" Olivia paraded a crooked smile when she whispered in Alex's ear as she held her body against the blonde's, effectively holding her against the wall. Alex laid her head against the wall and smiled as she heard Olivia's gruff voice, and shivered as it made its way down her neck and tickled her side.

Alex bent down and unzipped her knee high boots, pushing the rest of her apparel down on the floor along with them. She was naked from the waist down and felt very vulnerable standing in front of a fully clothed Olivia, but the warm rush that ran through her body when Olivia touched her erased every shred of vulnerability she had felt moments before. She watched as her girlfriend was almost immediately suctioned back onto her body, pushing her against the wall.

The feel of Olivia's hands on her body made every part of Alex extremely sensitive. She watched as the skin on her shoulders rose in goose bumps, and saw Olivia's eyes darken with that same shade of desire she had become so fond of. She watched as Olivia's eyes opened and closed as she kissed Alex on her mouth, always eyeing another place to kiss the blonde. Alex felt Olivia's hand holding the back of her head—she always appreciated how Olivia supported the most vulnerable parts of her as her seduction began. Alex noticed that when they were kissing, Olivia's hand usually rested behind her head; when Olivia was pleasuring Alex with her mouth, she wrapped her arms around her legs, gently caressing her thighs as if they would shatter with her climax. And, when Alex was on top of Olivia, the detective had a habit of holding her hips, usually with one arm snaked around to her back to support her movements. It was very endearing, Alex thought, but from the actions of the detective at this moment, she couldn't continue thinking about anything other than her strong, yet gentle, hands all over her body.

Alex reached down and felt a noticeable bulge in Olivia's pants. She had meant to rub her hand over her zipper area, as she knew that Olivia liked to feel some pressure through her clothes, however her eyes grew wide when she felt that bulge. As often as they had used it lately, it shouldn't have surprised her, but Alex could tell that Olivia was satisfied when she saw that she was surprised.

Alex quickly unbuttoned Olivia's pants and sank to the floor, which put Olivia at the proper angle to pull her shirt off as she descended. Olivia lifted the white t-shirt over Alex's head and smiled when she saw the blonde undoing her own bra, flinging it on the floor towards the kitchen. Alex was starkly naked, quickly going to work on her knees, pinned between the wall and Olivia. She undid Olivia's pants and pulled them off, along with her shoes and slid them across the floor before taking Olivia into her hands, tugging lightly and touching the tip to her mouth.

Olivia felt the base putting some pressure on her clit and allowed her head to fall back a bit as she felt Alex take her into her mouth, sliding her hand forward each time she took the length into her mouth. There was not a sexier sight than seeing Alex in front of her on her knees, but Olivia wasn't planning on that. She leaned down and took Alex under her arms and pulled her up to a standing position. Olivia still had her white V neck t-shirt on and Alex thought the contrast between that and her tanned skin was outstandingly sexy. Before Alex could move another step, though, Olivia opened her mouth and said something that Alex wasn't sure how to respond to.

"Come here." It came off of Olivia's mouth a little roughly, but Alex was intrigued: she didn't know quite what she had meant. After all, Alex was standing mere inches away from Olivia, her hands and arms relaxed over Olivia's strong shoulders. Alex's look must have given it away, and before she could do or say anything else, she felt Olivia's hands spread her legs and her feet leave the floor.

The detective had picked her up right above the back of her knees, separating her legs, allowing Alex to wrap her legs around Olivia as she held onto the strong muscles in Olivia's arms. "Liv…wha-? Baby this isn't a—" and before she could finish speaking, she felt Olivia's right arm reach down and align herself with Alex's entrance, pushing inside fully. When she felt Olivia pull her closer she knew exactly what was going on. After a second, she felt her knees being pulled up so the backs rested over Olivia's elbows, all of her small 115-pound frame being supported by the detective's arms.

A second later, Alex felt Olivia begin a rhythm that was purely sublime. She didn't think she had ever been in this position, and although she knew that it probably wasn't great for Olivia's shoulder, she couldn't help but encourage her with loud moans every time she felt her body lower back down onto Olivia. Alex wrapped her arms around Olivia's neck even tighter and gripped her own elbows as she felt Olivia enter her again and again.

"Oh my god. Liv. Oh, baby." Alex was panting as Olivia continued thrusting inside her. After a moment, though, Alex abruptly said, "Liv, stop." Immediately she did. It was almost like she had stopped before Alex even said anything, and the blonde knew that it was her job that made Olivia stop so quickly. She pulled out of Alex and placed her down on the ground and looked into her eyes with the upmost concern.

"What's wrong? Are you ok? Did I hurt you? I'm so sorry Al." It was all out of her mouth before Alex could even answer the first question.

"Liv, baby, I'm fine. I'm great actually." She flashed a flirty smile to Olivia before continuing, "but, I don't think this is the best for your shoulder." She touched her outstretched arm to Olivia's right shoulder and caressed it lovingly before placing a kiss on the olive skin.

Olivia rolled her eyes and began speaking. "Do you think I would…if it was going to hur—."

Alex cut her off. "Liv, I know you wouldn't do anything to intentionally hurt yourself baby, but I don't want to take the risk. Trust me—soon enough. But for now, the couch." She took Olivia's hand and pulled her toward the couch, pushing her lightly so she slumped down on it as Alex straddled her legs, aligning the toy to her entrance.

Alex smiled as she lowered herself down onto Olivia. She quickly set her own tempo, kissing and bracing herself on Olivia's chest. After a few minutes her skin flushed and she felt herself coming closer to the edge. Alex was able to settle herself enough to turn her body around on top of Olivia so that she was facing the wall with the affixed TV instead of her lover.

Olivia admired Alex's back as the attorney resumed her position, knowing she was close. The brunette gripped Alex's hips as she watched the shaft disappear inside of her lover. They both grew closer to climax, and eventually, Alex came a second before Olivia, causing the brunette to wrap her arms around Alex's waist and rest her head on Alex's back. After a few minutes, Alex stood up and sighed from the absence of Olivia inside of her as she took off Olivia's extra clothing and the shorts, along with what had come to be Alex's favorite toy. She urged Olivia to lie down on the couch and when she did, Alex laid atop her, listening to her heartbeat before Olivia broke the silence.

"You know I love you, right?"

This question made Alex immediately nervous, but she answered nonetheless. "Of course, Liv. Why?"

"Well, I just know that you have probably heard some rumors about how I conducted myself while you were gone—to say the least, I was a little umm…unfaithful? Is that the right word? Disloyal? I don't know if that's the right word or not, but I know that I have a certain reputation…and I don't want you to worry about that being a problem here."

Alex had to admit that she had heard the rumors. Even before they were romantically involved that one night so many years ago, Olivia definitely had an infamous reputation: she was a player, and everyone knew it. She must have been silent too long, because Olivia started speaking again. "Look, Alex, I know that you know me. You know me probably better than anyone else, and I can't lie to you." She paused as a lump rose in Alex's throat. "I love you, Al. And I'm more in love with you than I've ever been with anyone. It's always been you. And it's only you for me, and I just need you to know that."

Alex smiled sympathetically and kissed Olivia's cheek. "You're right—you do have a reputation, but I also know that everyone who believes that doesn't really know you. I know you, Liv, like you said. And, I know your heart. And, from what I've seen, I think, or, I hope, it belongs to me." Alex smiled sweetly as she rested her chin between Olivia's breasts, speaking directly into her eyes.

"It does. It always has."

Olivia wrapped her arms around Alex and smiled as she felt the attorney melt into her arms. "We should probably get to bed—big day tomorrow!" Alex smiled as she was speaking to Olivia, who was ready to get back to the 1-6.

They got off of the couch and picked up their discarded clothes, placing them in the hamper at the front of the master bedroom. They showered together and did their nightly rituals before climbing into bed. "Are you excited to get back to work tomorrow?" Alex eyed Olivia as she responded.

"Yeah—I am. But, to be honest, I'm more excited that you'll be home with me every night when I come home from work." Alex's heart warmed as she spooned into Olivia for the night. The detective wrapped her arms around her entire world and said three words before drifting off to sleep: "Welcome home, sweetheart."