A/N: Thanks to everyone who has continued reading this story. These last few chapters I didn't really have planned out, so I apologize for taking so long to mull them over in my head. Finally getting them out on paper is so cathartic for me, and I love every single review that I get. Special thanks goes out to lizzy43, phlyamchewlu, and all of the guests that have reviewed—I love reading your thoughts and incorporating them into the story. Like I said, these chapters are mostly fillers, so I think it's a good place to put some good ole' AO love. Damn, I love these two. Thanks again, and I hope you enjoy!

(Alex's wardrobe choice was inspired by Stephanie March's outfit at the Joyful Heart Foundation Gala this past year—if you are a Stephanie March fan, you should check that out—totally hot.)

Chapter 39

Date

The familiar sound of Alex's Louboutin heels echoed through the precinct. She had just returned from her third consecutive day in court, and she and Casey had made a breakthrough today with one of the witnesses for the defense: he finally cracked on cross-examination and admitted that he covered for the defendant—his alibi was toast.

Olivia had spent the past two days out with Elliot. She was happy to at least be out in the field, even though they were mostly just interviewing witnesses for Munch and Fin's Central Park case. Nevertheless, though, being away from her desk made her feel like she had fully recovered from her injury.

Alex approached Cragen's office, smiling shyly in Olivia's direction. The brunette was on the phone with someone, but looked up and winked at her girlfriend, and they both had a hard time hiding the lovesick grins on their faces. Alex knocked on the captain's door and Cragen ushered her in, pointing to a chair across from his desk. From what Olivia noticed, it was an extremely short conversation: Alex and Cragen exchanged a few words and the blonde walked out a few moments later.

The attorney leaned over Elliot's desk and pulled a piece of paper from his pad, grabbing a pen from his NYPD cup. Olivia was still actively speaking with the person on the other line, but the way Alex leaned over Elliot's desk gave her a great view down her shirt. The detective couldn't help but sit up a little straighter and peer over towards her partner.

Alex capped the pen and folded the paper, handing both to Elliot. Olivia heard her whisper something to him as she handed him the paper. Olivia watched as Alex's figure disappeared out the precinct door. A few minutes later the detective hung up the phone and looked towards her partner.

"So, what was that about?"

Elliot looked up from his paperwork and took the note into his hand. "She said that you wouldn't need Dickie and me tonight at Serena's." He outstretched the note and shook it towards her—he knew that confused look on her face, and wanted to clear it up. She took it out of his hand and leaned back in her chair as she opened the piece of paper and began to read.

Olivia

I know that you are happy to be back at work—It makes me so happy to see you back in your natural element. But, the past few days have been pretty hectic and it's my fault. I want to make it up to you.

We have reservations at 8:15. Nothing too fancy, but it is a date. See you at home.

There was a large heart drawn through the text, and Olivia smiled when she reread Alex's flowing handwriting. She glanced at her watch—2:34. Elliot smiled toward her as he started speaking. "Hey Munch just texted me. Fin needs help at the victim's apartment. You ready?"

Olivia stood up and threw her light jacket around her shoulders. It was only early September, but the brisk New York weather was already overtaking the end of the summer. "Yeah, let's go."

"I'll get you back by 6, don't worry." Elliot smiled as he whispered this to Olivia as they walked toward the elevator. Knowing he had read the note, she lightly put her shoulder into him, knocking him forward a bit. They entered the elevator and smiled at each other as the doors closed.

Downstairs, Alex Cabot was trying to reconcile her feelings. She was more than looking forward to her night with Olivia, but Cragen had just called her up to his office to explain to her that he couldn't possibly hold a meeting today with Liz Donnelley. Alex understood busy schedules, but Don was notorious for suddenly becoming too busy for planned meetings, and it bothered her. If anyone knew how hectic and unpredictable SVU was, it was Alex, but she was still having a hard time. For the next few minutes, she thought of Olivia and tried to wipe the anger from her mind.

Judge Donnelley,

I just spoke with Captain Cragen and unfortunately he is unable to meet today at 3. He wanted me to notify you, as he is on his way to 1PP for a meeting. Hopefully we can meet tomorrow or on Monday.

Thanks

Alex

She closed her laptop and began working through depositions. Alex and Casey spent the rest of the afternoon prepping for their meetings the next day.

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It was 6:50 when Olivia walked through the door. The soft jazz music that played throughout the apartment signaled one thing that Olivia was immensely grateful for: Alex was home, and probably getting ready for their date. The detective walked quietly down the hall and softly called for the blonde. "Alex?" She heard Alex humming along with the tune and followed her sweet voice into the master bathroom.

The sight nearly knocked Olivia off of her feet. There was Alex, sitting cross-legged on a vanity bench applying red lipstick that was louder than her usual color. She leaned forward towards the mirror she was staring into as she saw the detective. Alex wore a black and ivory lace thong and a matching pushup bra, and her black stockings reached up to her mid thigh. Her blonde hair was perfectly styled, falling softly below her shoulders.

Olivia leaned on the doorframe, resting her forehead against her arm. "Wow." Her mouth ran dry and she could barely keep her mouth closed. Alex capped the lipstick and turned towards Olivia. She uncrossed her legs and stood up, walking towards the detective.

"Hi honey." She pulled on the lapels of Olivia's jacket as the detective took in the sight of her body. "How was work?"

"It was uh…it was fine." Olivia dismissed the question quickly. It wasn't that work was bad, she just had better things to be thinking about right now. "Wow Alex, you…You, uh, you look…wow." She cleared her throat as her brown eyes finally fell on Alex's.

"You like it? Of course, I'm going to put actual clothes on, but I thought you might want a little preview of what you'll get later." Alex continued to rub up and down Olivia's shoulders and chest as she was speaking, looking into the detective's eyes.

All Olivia could do was nod. She figured it was probably easier to change the subject than actually answer the question that Alex had asked. "So, when did you get home?"

Alex turned around and resumed her spot on the vanity bench, finishing her makeup. "Well, Casey and I got done around 4, so shortly after that. I wanted to come home and look good for my girlfriend."

"Oh yeah?" Olivia slinked behind Alex, watching her in the mirror, and provoking her to continue.

"Yeah. See…she just comes home and changes clothes and looks a million times better than I could ever dream. I've actually gotta put some work in, you see? She looks better than me just like that!" Alex snapped her fingers and finished applying her makeup, snapping the top closure of her foundation. She smiled at Olivia in the mirror as she felt the detective's strong hands wrap around her stomach.

Olivia kissed Alex on the cheek and whispered into her ear. "You are probably the most beautiful woman in the world. And definitely the most beautiful one I've ever seen. Don't put yourself down like that." Alex smiled and her heart swelled—this was a textbook example of why Olivia was so perfect, and, at that moment, Alex knew that she wouldn't ever deserve the love that Olivia gave her, but she was gladly willing to accept it.

"You're the best, you know that?" Alex approached Olivia and smiled. "You should get ready. We've gotta leave soon—we're going kinda far." She kissed Olivia lightly and moved into the bedroom, allowing the detective to use the bathroom.

Ten minutes later they met in the kitchen, and again, Olivia was at a loss for words. Alex was simply stunning: she wore a red one piece jump suit, cut low on her chest, almost to her belly button. The brunette started, "I uh…where's the lace?"

Alex smiled and cocked her head to the side as her smile disappeared. "Oh honey, I'm not wearing a bra. I just wore that to entice you a little bit." Olivia's mouth hung open and she felt Alex's hand under her chin, pushing her mouth shut with a sly look. "And, enough about me. Look at you."

Olivia wore tight beige corduroy pants secured with a black belt. A blue oxford shirt peeked out under her black V-neck sweater, and her look was completed with her glasses and that same long knit had that hung off of her head at just the right angle for her hair to peek out from under it. "God, you look so sexy." Alex's tone was raspy, full of desire. "Lesbian chic. I like it." They both laughed and exited the apartment.

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"Jersey, huh?" Olivia asked as they left the city.

"How'd you know?" Alex chucked as she felt Olivia's warm hand reach over on her thigh, grasping for the blonde's hand.

"As big as New York is, I still kind of see it as my little confined area, and I know when we're leaving it, almost before we do. Like, when you merge here," Olivia motioned with their connected hands to the street in front of them, "there's really no where else to go…but, the real question is…why Jersey?"

"Well, when you were recovering in the hospital, I was reading an article about this new restaurant that had just opened and it was getting rave reviews. I went online the other day and looked at the menu and read a little more about it, but it seemed a little too hoity-toity for us. I know you love food, and I didn't think you'd appreciate a serving the size of your phone as a full meal."

Olivia laughed, "Yeah, you're right…but, are we still going there?" She almost couldn't control the smartass tone in her voice, and couldn't wait for Alex's answer.

"No. But, I stumbled across a place in the same neighborhood that seemed a lot…well, just a lot like you." She looked over to Olivia and squeezed her hand, smiling assuredly.

At 8:18 Alex pulled up outside the front of the restaurant and handed her keys to the valet. Five minutes later they were seated in a circular corner booth, reading over the menu.

"Ah ha. I see what you mean." Olivia smiled and pointed to the extensive list of steaks. "How will I ever be trusted to make this decision?" She took her hat off and folded it, placing it on the table before ordering a drink for her and Alex.

The attorney couldn't help but stare at Olivia. Pieces of her hair were a bit askew from her hat, and Alex reached up to fix them. Olivia turned toward her and looked into her eyes before speaking. "I can always count on you to take care of me." Olivia placed her hand delicately under Alex's chin and kissed her lightly on the lips. When they parted, Alex had a hard time taking her eyes away from the pink lips opposite her.

"You two are probably the best looking people I have served all night." The waiter was a nice guy, but seemed to have a horrible habit of walking up to the table precisely at the wrong time.

Alex shook her head away from Olivia and responded. "Well, thank you—that's sweet." They ordered their dinners and sank back into the booth, awaiting their food's arrival.

Olivia sank back into the booth and folded her hands in her lap. "So…really…why Jersey?"

"Are you questioning my motives, detective?" Alex swirled her merlot in her glass, looking over the brunette.

"No, not at all. I mean, I can see why you wanted to bring me here. It's great Alex, really. I love it." She looked around the restaurant and adjusted her glasses in a way that made her even sexier to Alex before she continued. "But...you can't tell me there isn't a place like this in one of the most world renowned food capitals that we both just happen to live in."

She reached over and grabbed Alex's hand, pulling it down, resting it in her own on the booth between their bodies. "What's up Al? I know you—and I know that look." She reached up with her hand that wasn't holding Alex's and brushed the back of her knuckles under the blonde's cheekbone. "What's wrong baby? Something has been up since you left work today."

Alex turned toward Olivia and continued holding the olive-toned hand in both of hers. "God, I can't hide anything from you, can I?" Olivia chuckled and urged her to continue with a nod of her head. Alex swept a piece of hair out of her face and took a breath. "It's not that I'm hiding anything, but I just didn't want it to interfere with tonight."

"It's nothing that we can really fix…it just upsets me a little that we always have to be looking over our shoulders in the city—I can't walk down the street holding your hand, and I really can't do much more than touch you in the precinct. Not that I want to make out with you in front of Munch and Fin, but I find myself saying 'Ok Alex, don't look at her for too long,' or 'Don't say that over email.'

Alex's eyes looked around the room and then linked with Olivia's. "I'm sorry Liv. It's just…It's getting more difficult to obey that little voice in my head."

Olivia released a breath she didn't know she was holding. "Phew. Alex, that's ok." She breathed in again and let out a deep breath. "God, I thought you were going to leave me or something. Shit." Olivia picked up her water and took a drink before continuing.

"I've gotta apologize to you Alex—that is my fault. I haven't said anything to Cragen about meeting or anything. I'm sorry baby. All we've gotta do is disclose. I honestly don't think they will separate us. You haven't really had any cases since you've been back, and I don't think they would pull any information from since before you left. But, if they do want to move someone, they can move me. It's no big deal."

"Olivia you've got to be kidding me. There's no way I'm going to let you leave SVU because of me. You belong there…and Elliot…it's your—" Olivia cut Alex off with a touch of her hand.

"Al, I don't think it will be a problem, but, if it becomes one, we will figure it out then, ok?"

"Ok."

"Here's the thing…" Olivia turned towards Alex and looked her squarely in the face. She tucked one of her legs up under the other, making it easier for her to turn toward the blonde. "I have spent…I don't know…probably at least the past four years or so denying that I love you. I think that I knew, deep down, that you were the one thing that I needed most in my life, but I didn't want to admit it to myself. I've told you this before." Alex nodded and felt Olivia's thumb caress over the back of her hand. "I know that this," she motioned with their connected hands between the two of them, "is going to last. I can feel it—I just know it. And, if I have to move departments until I retire, or whenever, it'll be worth it. Because I will have gained the single most important piece of my life."

Alex's eyes were laden with unfallen tears. She cupped her hand under Olivia's cheek and pulled her in for a kiss. "I don't deserve you."

"Hey now, I thought we addressed that earlier…or do you need me to go out and do that all again?" Olivia smiled as she released Alex's hand.

"No, of course not…But, a new bra would be nice." Alex tilted her head toward the detective and smiled as she drank her wine, and Olivia's cocked eyebrow told the whole story, without them even having to speak another word.

The waiter came with their dinner and they both ate voraciously. "Did you eat at all today?" Olivia asked the question, already knowing the answer.

"No, not really—did you?"

"Well, I had an apple around 8:15 and then I ate half of Elliot's pretzel on the way back to the precinct, so there's that." They both chuckled as they continued eating. "But really Alex, I'm sorry that I haven't scheduled a meeting."

The guilt rose in Alex's throat. She was tempted to say that she had tried and the times didn't work out, but instead she told a small fib to Olivia. "It's ok baby. I haven't thought about it either. I will arrange it with Liz and Don and then I'll let you know…ok?"

Olivia nodded and winked at Alex before the blonde started speaking, lowering her voice to a whisper. "Every time you wink at me like that I just want to attack you, wherever we are."

"I'll lay off it at the precinct then, huh?"

Alex blushed and emptied her wine glass. "So, just so I'm aware, who all at the precinct knows about us? I know that Casey and Elliot know. And, after you got shot I told Cragen and Liz saw us before she went to court that one day. How about upstairs?"

"Well, obviously Elliot knows, but you know that. Cragen knows, which, again, you know. Umm…Fin knows because he texted me and asked, so I'm sure John knows too. But, really, no one has said anything. I think it's because they know we haven't said anything yet officially either. You know how tight everyone is, so I wouldn't worry about it getting out."

"Oh, I'm not worried about that, really. I can't wait until I can tell everyone how much I love you."

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Her hands caught between the closed apartment door and the knit hat that hung off Olivia's head. She had gently pinned the detective between her body and the wall when they entered the apartment a few minutes ago.

The slow assault on Olivia's lips was planned: on the ride home Alex had to stop herself from pulling the car over and going to town right there in the backseat. Never before had she felt more appreciated, respected, and more loved than she did after listening to Olivia talk about the possibility of being transferred.

Alex felt Olivia's grip tighten around her hips as the attorney ran her hands through the short brown hair, removing her hat and tossing it to the floor. The feeling of her hands along Olivia's scalp was purely sublime—she clasped her hands at the base of the detective's neck, pulling her ever closer.

Olivia's hands moved quickly from Alex's hips, reaching around to unzip the back of her one-piece suit when a small moan stopped her. "Mm, slow." With that, Olivia created some space between the two of them and took off her glasses, tossing them onto the table. She took Alex's hand and led her to their bedroom, closing the door behind them.

They stood at the end of the bed, Olivia admiring every inch of the model-like woman that stood across from her. "God, you're beautiful." Her voice was barely above a whisper and her eyes roamed from Alex's cheekbones to her chest, taking in the sight.

It was almost as if Alex was everything Olivia ever needed—with one look, Alex was the water that cured Olivia's thirst, and the air that got her through the day. "You're everything, Alexandra." She held the attorney's face with one hand and tipped her head a little to expose a soft bit of flesh on her neck. Olivia kissed Alex's neck tenderly, intensifying when she heard approving moans from her lover.

"Make love to me, Olivia." Their eyes connected before Alex took off Olivia's jacket. They took their time undressing each other, and, as Olivia walked behind Alex to unzip her, the attorney delicately moved her hair to the side, looking over her shoulder to see Olivia. "I love you, baby."

"I love you." She moved the zipper down the blonde's back as Alex shimmied the garmet down her body, stepping out of it, clad in solely the thong she was wearing before. Olivia's pupils dilated as she dropped to her knees. She kissed the alabaster white hipbone and felt Alex's hand tangle in her hair. Olivia hooked her fingers under the lace band of Alex's thong and pulled it down to allow her to step out of it.

Olivia kissed up Alex's toned runner's legs and resumed her position in front of the blonde. Alex reached behind Olivia and unclasped the detective's bra, pulling it off of her body, leaving her completely naked. They both stood in the moonlight at the end of the bed, Alex's arms hanging around Olivia's neck.

The detective began to explore Alex's body, running her hands up and down her sides, over her breasts, and around her back when Alex felt Olivia's hands shaking. She looked over to Olivia and angled the detective's gaze away from her body and towards her face. "Liv, are you ok? You're shaking baby." Alex was genuinely concerned when she saw a look on Olivia's face that she hadn't seen before.

Olivia took a deep breath, her hands continued to shake a bit hovering over Alex's back. She quickly pulled her hands between them and wringed them together as she let her breath out. "Yeah, I uhh. I mean, I just…" Alex pressed her body against Olivia's, wrapping her hands around her body.

"What's wrong baby?" She pushed Olivia's hair out of her face as she felt their bodies mesh together.

"Honestly, Alex, nothing." She avoided Alex's gaze, and when the attorney turned her head and forced her to make eye contact, she realized why. Olivia's eyes were misty, filling with tears. Before Alex could question it, Olivia continued. "I just, I used to be afraid that you would leave me—that this was too good to be true and maybe you just fell in love with me because you spent so much time taking care of me."

"Olivia Benson. Listen to me. I love you more than anything, and I have known that for so long, that it physically hurt me to deny it sometimes. Please don't doubt my love for you."

"I know, Alex. I said I used to be afraid." She took Alex's hand in her own, lacing their fingers together. "I know now—I'm sure of this. I love you Alexandra, that's all. I'm so in love with you." And, without another word, Olivia laid Alex down on the bed and climbed atop her, peppering kisses down the blonde's body.

Alex responded, pulling Olivia up to kiss her. Their lips touched as Olivia deepened the kiss, teasing Alex's lip with her tongue. With each thrust, their bodies responded a little more, tensing against each other as their hands explored the other's body.

"I'm so—" Alex started to speak but felt Olivia's hand on her mouth, shushing her.

"I know baby." Olivia moved her head lower, encasing Alex's hard nipple in her mouth, sucking lightly. Alex moaned in approval and Olivia ran her hand through her lovers soaking folds, eliciting a loud cry from Alex.

Olivia moved further down the bed, separating Alex's legs further as she scooted between them. Her head settled between the blonde's legs as she kissed her bare mound, separating Alex's lips with her tongue. Alex moaned in approval and found her hand in Olivia's hair, guiding her head even further, encouraging her to continue.

"God Liv. You feel so good." Alex panted as Olivia's tongue continued to work around her swollen center. Olivia was lost in Alex—there was something about going down on Alex that couldn't be quantified in Olivia's head: her taste, her smell, there was something that drove her crazy when Alex responded to her touch. She thought she could probably spend all day down here when she felt Alex's hands beckoning her upward. "I want to feel you inside me. Make love to me, baby, please."

Olivia's eyes darted to the nightstand. She wasn't sure if Alex wanted that or not, but Olivia found that she, herself, preferred it—again, there was something that Olivia couldn't pinpoint about using the toy on Alex, but it drove both of them crazy. While she was thinking it over, Alex began whispering as she fondled Olivia's breasts. "Whatever you want baby."

Olivia smiled down onto Alex as she looked again towards the nightstand. She felt the attorney shift under her as she reached over and opened the drawer, grabbing both of the items she was looking for. Olivia got off the bed and pulled on the shorts, taking the dildo from Alex. As she got ready to place it, she saw Alex reach down and start to touch herself. The blonde knew how it drove Olivia crazy and the detective couldn't stop watching. Alex continued to circle her clit and fondle her own breasts while maintaining eye contact with Olivia, who stood completely still, watching.

"Liv? I'm gonna do this myself if you don't come over here soon." Her voice was pure sex, and Olivia couldn't help but to snap back to reality. She resumed her position atop Alex as their tongues battled for dominance. The slow, steady pace drove Olivia crazy and she could barely stop herself from taking Alex right at that moment.

Olivia felt some pressure and opened her eyes to see Alex's hand around her cock, wrapping her legs around Olivia, ready for the detective to take her. She aligned Olivia with her hand as they both looked down in between them. Olivia's eyes dilated and she moaned out loud when she saw Alex do this—she wasn't really accustomed to someone else taking control in the bedroom and it turned her on so badly when Alex took charge and showed her exactly what she wanted.

The blonde's legs were wrapped around Olivia's hips, her heels digging into the detective's backside. Alex pulled Olivia's neck down to kiss her when she nodded towards the detective—she knew that sometimes Olivia needed a sign: confirmation that everything was ok and to keep going. Alex knew it was a side effect of the job.

Alex reached down and took Olivia's ass into her hands, pushing her hips forward so that they both felt the pressure when Olivia pushed into her completely. A loud moan of ecstasy, unlike anything Olivia had heard before ripped from Alex's lips. Olivia began a slow pace, filling Alex completely before pulling out a bit and entering her again. Each thrust was met with a whimper or moan of approval, but better than that, Olivia noticed, was the constant eye contact that Alex held as Olivia made love to her.

The roll of Olivia's hips caused Alex to bite her lower lip, trying to suppress a moan. She pulled Olivia in close for a kiss, and decided to bite the detective's lip instead. The brunette moaned in approval and pulled away, watching as she increased her pace, earning whimpers of exhausted encouragement with each thrust.

"Cum for me baby," the blonde moaned. Olivia felt Alex's hands trace over her abs, scraping a bit at her flesh.

"Together—I'm close," Olivia panted as a bead of sweat rolled from her collarbone to her navel.

"Ah, fuck, me too baby. I want you to cum inside me Liv. Fuck. I want you so bad. God, you're so sexy."

That was all Olivia needed. She felt every fiber within her shudder. She buried herself deep inside Alex and fell over her, bracing her body above the blonde with her hands. She couldn't believe it, but she swore she could feel Alex's muscles tighten around her, contracting and releasing. Alex screamed Olivia's name as she held the detective's backside to encourage her to stay buried inside, climaxing over and over again.

As each wave rushed over her, Olivia moaned out a little more before collapsing completely atop Alex. The attorney moaned through a smile quietly into Olivia's ear, scratching her nails across the brunette's back.

"Switch me." They were both panting, but the hazy cloud lifted from Olivia's mind as she heard Alex's voice. She gently pulled out of Alex, holding onto the base of the cock. Alex moaned at the absence, but slowly pushed Olivia down onto the bed, her back resting against the mattress.

Olivia watched as the blonde hair moved lower and lower down her body. Alex loved the view from down here—she kissed each muscle in Olivia's 6 pack abs, teased her erect nipples with her fingers, and then looked up at her lover, seeing the desire in her deep brown eyes.

Alex pulled the shorts down and threw both pieces down onto the floor before bending Olivia's knees up and separating her legs. She reached down and dragged her fingers through Olivia's wet core. "I want you to cum again baby." With that, she entered Olivia with two fingers and let her tongue do the rest of the work. Minutes later, Alex felt Olivia's muscles tighten and pulled her fingers out, letting her mouth finish the detective off.

She lowered her head and swirled her tongue around Olivia clit, before taking it into her mouth and sucking on the sensitive bud. A few seconds later, Olivia came in the blonde's mouth with a silent shout and a quick exhale of breath.

Alex climbed towards Olivia before collapsing beside the detective. Both women were sweaty and heaved with breath. Olivia desperately gathered Alex into her arms and held her as she threw the covers off of both of them. Alex lay against Olivia's chest, listening to her heartbeat. When she heard it even out, she leaned back and looked at her girlfriend.

"Wow."

Olivia chuckled and responded, "Uh. Yeah." She ran her hand through her hair and exhaled deeply. "I love you so much Alex. And…" she straightened up on one elbow and looked into the blonde's eyes. She brushed off a piece of damp hair that was stuck to Alex's forehead as she continued, barely above a whisper, "I'm so in love with you."

They had cooled off, so Alex pulled the covers back over them, ready to go to sleep for the night. Alex wasn't usually scarce with her words, but the one word she responded with said it all. "Ditto."