A/N: Hi! How many times do I have to say that I love you guys!? Thanks again for all of the reviews—they really make my day. This is the last chapter that our two favorite women will spend out of the city, and then it's back to the grind, and back to Trevor Langan's slithery ways. Enjoy!

Chapter 68

Brunch

"I didn't really know what to pack for you, but I know you love those jeans, so I just threw them in there. You have some options." Olivia smiled at Alex as the blonde hovered over the canvas bag, pulling items out. She stood in a pair of grey cotton underwear and her yellow bra she had picked up off the floor from the night before. Olivia lay in the bed, trying to convince herself to get up and start her day. "When did you get that bra?"

"Yesterday." Alex smiled and pulled a black knit sweater over it, watching as Olivia admired it disappearing under her top. "I like it." Her voice was raspy, and she rubbed her eyes, sitting up in the bed.

"Good. I knew you'd like the yellow." They smiled at each other as Olivia stood up, stretching her body out as she always did. Alex enjoyed watching this morning ritual, especially when the detective was naked. She watched as the olive toned hands reached up to the ceiling together before stretching out horizontally, reaching out as far as she could spread her arms. She stood up and bent over, touching her hands to the floor, her palms flush with the carpet. "I forgot how flexible you are." Alex's eyebrows danced and Olivia smiled at her before she stood up, making her way to the bathroom. The blonde watched Olivia pass her, kissing her on the cheek as she did so.

Olivia leaned over the sink, splashing water on her face when Alex noticed it. "Oh my god!" She slinked up behind Olivia as the detective washed soap off of her face.

"What?" She stood up and they eyed at each other in the reflection of the mirror.

"Liv, your neck." Alex's fingers traced over her trapezius muscle where there was a prominent red scratch, standing out against Olivia's light skin. She craned her neck, exposing the entire scratch as she laughed.

"Wow. You're an animal." Alex's mouth hung open as Olivia said this, her hand tracing over the bright red scratch.

"I'm sorr—." Olivia turned around and stopped her apology with a kiss.

"It's no big deal, Al." Alex examined the scratch as Olivia stepped into the shower.

"I wonder when that happened." Alex raised her voice as she walked back out to the bedroom. She pulled out her favorite pair of jeans that Olivia had packed and stepped into them, pulling on her knee length boots over them. She smiled as she admired her outfit in the bathroom mirror. She put her hair up in a ponytail, washing the makeup off her face from the night before, making sure that she didn't have any unexpected scratches or hickeys.

Moments later Olivia emerged from the shower and wrapped herself in a towel. She made her way to the bedroom, pulling her outfit from the bag on the bed. Olivia dried her body and pulled on her dark jeans and grey bra before she made her way back into the bathroom to fix her hair and makeup.

Fifteen minutes later they were packed and ready to go. Olivia wore that familiar long sleeve heather black shirt underneath her brown leather jacket. She walked out of the bedroom area, tossing the bag over her shoulder.

"Wow." Alex swallowed. "You look great, Liv."

"You do too," Olivia paused, opening the door for Alex to exit. "Ms. Benson." She smiled and Alex took her hand, letting the door close behind them. Alex looked toward her and smiled as they descended in the elevator.

"So is this just brunch or…?" They were pulling out of the parking lot and Alex realized she hadn't even told Olivia anything about what the plans were.

"I'm sorry, babe. Yeah, it's just a brunch at Ames' house. They're already gone—I think their flight left early this morning, but Linda and Russell knew they wouldn't have much time to spend with the family last night so they wanted us to get together this morning before everyone goes back." Olivia nodded. "So it'll be me, you, my dad." She paused, grouping everyone else together. "Bill, Charlotte, and Alden. And Linda and Russell."

"Sounds good." Olivia patted Alex's leg, rubbing up and down.

"Yeah, it'll be nice for you to talk to Linda and Russ and get to know them." Little did Alex know that Olivia had spoken to Linda the night before, right as she was leaving. But, the detective went along with it.

"Yeah, it will be." Five minutes passed in silence as Alex watched Olivia cruise down the road. She remembered their conversation last night: her internal struggle tugged at her heart, unsure if she had approached it the right way. She should have waited longer, she thought, to be that erotic with Olivia. Alex knew how much the detective's job carried over into the bedroom, but it also didn't help that Olivia knew her father was a rapist and held on to a concern about how that affected her.

"Hey." Alex was lost in her own thoughts when she felt Olivia's hand squeeze her own. She turned in the chair to face Olivia, listening to what she had to say.

"Hey." It was a soft, encouraging tone. Alex smiled at Olivia, rubbing her hand softly.

"I want to say sorry." She stopped and Alex took a breath to speak, but Olivia stopped her. "Let me try to get this out." The blonde relented, caressing Olivia's hand as she waited for her explanation.

"I know that we both know what happened last night. And, I don't want you to change anything. Please don't think that you shouldn't have done what you did, or said what you did. This is my issue."

"What's 'your' issue is our issue, Olivia." Alex jumped in. "I'm here for the long haul, baby. And I want us to be able to address this."

"I know…I know," she sighed and took a breath. "I love you, Alex. So much. Thank you for saying that." Alex nodded, awaiting her next thought. "You uh, you know about my father, Al. He raped my mom. And, with all of my training and everything I've learned about DNA and genetics, I just get worried sometimes…"

"Liv, you are not your genetic makeup."

"I know. But, there are some times that," Olivia's voice trailed off and Alex turned completely in her chair, so Olivia could see her entire face.

"Keep going, Liv. You can tell me anything."

"I just haven't ever…" she took a sharp breath in, finishing as she exhaled, "Alex I've never felt this way before—about anyone." Her voice was shaking, and Alex knew she was nervous about what she was going to say. "I love you more than I can possibly explain. But, there are times when…"

Alex felt conflicted: she didn't know what Olivia was going to say.

The detective ran her hand through her hair and sighed. "Alex, there are times when I look at you that I just want to." She stopped and Alex smiled, quickly turning her head out to look out the window, knowing that it probably wouldn't help Olivia to see a smile beam across her face. "I just want to grab you and take you so hard: anywhere, anytime. And, I worry that that instinct is something toxic in me—something that I can't control."

Her voice broke and Alex's smile disappeared. She turned towards Olivia. "Liv, do you remember the Darrell Guan case?" She nodded. "The reason why he was found guilty on all counts is because even though they heard from a forensic psychologist and a genetic biologist, the jury didn't believe that he committed rape because it was 'in his blood.' They believed that he committed rape because he was a rapist. Plain and simple, Liv."

"I guess you're right."

"I am right, Olivia. Get used to it." She reached over and lightly pinched the detective's chin, caressing her cheek with the back of her hand. Olivia laughed as they pulled into Ames' driveway. She turned off the engine and looked at Alex.

"I'm working hard, Alex, on trying to let go of whatever this is." She took the blonde's hand. "I trust you with everything—I hope you know that." Alex nodded. "And, I believe you when you say that you trust me…I want to work through this with you, and I am so thankful that you took the time to address this last night."

Alex leaned in and kissed Olivia, propping herself up on the seat with her knees. Her hands found Olivia's face, her thumbs resting below her eyes, stroking her cheeks. The kiss was tender, compassionate. Alex pulled away and was lost in Olivia's eyes. The detective winked at her, eyeing her lips before she leaned in and kissed her again.

A knock on Olivia's window made them both jump. "Hey! Quit making out and get in here. I'm starving!" Judge Herman laughed as they both exited the car. Alex made her way around to Olivia, enveloping her in a strong hug. She lowered her voice to a whisper, as her uncle Bill was still only feet away.

"Olivia Benson, I love you more than you will ever know." She put her arms over Olivia's shoulders and ran her hands through the short hair on the back of the detective's head. "And, because I do, I love and have accepted every piece about you. Your past," she kissed the full, pink lips across from her. "Your present," another kiss, "and your future…which, I hope I'm a part of one day."

Olivia couldn't deny the smile that spread across her face. "You're amazing." She must have spoken louder than she thought, because she immediately heard a rebuttal from the judge, who had made his way into the garage by that point.

"Yeah, yeah, she's amazing, Benson. But, if you two don't get your asses in here in ten seconds—!" Alex looked at Olivia, her eyes widening as she laughed aloud. She pulled the detective's hand and ran towards the garage, walking into the kitchen in a little under their ten second limit.

"Alexandra, good morning!" Roger Cabot approached the blonde, wrapping her in a hug. He pulled Olivia close, as well, trapping Alex between them. "Did you two have a good night?" He let go of them and they looked at each other, Olivia bashfully averting her eyes from both of them.

"Yeah, dad. Yeah we did." Alex's courtroom tone helped them avoid any further suspicion.

Soon, everyone came downstairs, taking their place at the long table that sat outside on the deck. Alden approached Alex's chair, still in his pajamas. He gave her a hug around the back of the chair, resting his arms at the base of her neck. She reached up and patted his arm. "Sleep well?"

"Definitely. I don't even remember you guys bringing me home. Except for when that guy pulled out in front of us." Olivia and Alex looked at each other, as Alden moved next to her, behind Olivia's chair. "Morning, Olivia. How are you?" He placed his hand on Olivia's shoulder.

"I'm doing well, man. How are you?"

"I'm good." He saw his mom sitting across from Alex, his eyes shifting towards her. "But, I'm hungry." She smiled and handed him his plate as they walked inside, leaving Alex and Olivia at the table with Linda and Russell.

"So, Aunt Linda, I'm sorry that we weren't able to talk much last night. I would love for you and Russ to get to know Olivia a little better." Alex could swear she saw Linda's eyes move from Alex's to Olivia's for a second before she responded.

"It's ok honey. I knew things would be busy. We will come into the city sometime soon and get dinner with you guys." Alex smiled and nodded before she took Olivia's plate into her hand. She leaned over the detective, kissing her head.

"I'll get you some food, baby. What do you want to drink?"

"Alex you don't have to—"

"I've got it. Drink?" Alex raised her eyebrows, prompting Olivia for an answer.

"Whatever. Thank you." She winked at Alex as she watched her walk away.

"You know, it won't do you any good trying to fight with her. She's gonna do what she wants to do." Alex's uncle Russell's voice echoed from the other side of the table as he and his wife both laughed.

"I'm learning." Olivia smiled, thanking them for their advice. "Hey, Linda I wanted to say thanks for keeping our conversation last night on the low…"

Russell and Linda smiled at Olivia. "It's no problem, Olivia. Trust me, we are the only two you can trust with a secret around here." Russell scoffed and rolled his eyes.

"That's the truth!" Alden, Bill, Charlotte and Roger emerged from the house, silencing their conversation as a low laugh circled the table.

"What's funny?" Bill sat down across from Olivia, his plate piled high with all types of food.

"We were just talking about your son busting some moves on that dance floor last night." Russell saved the other two women sitting at the table, neither of whom made eye contact with the other when he said this.

"Gets it from his dad!" Bill patted Alden on the back and Charlotte laughed and rolled her eyes, as Olivia saw her opportunity to jump in, further drawing out the subject.

"Really Bill? Then how come Roger here had to dance with your wife last night?" She glanced toward Roger as everyone howled with laughter.

"Yeah, yeah. You detectives think you're so smart." He pointed at Olivia with his fork, winking her way. He smiled after he took a drink and placed it back down on the table.

The door opened and Alex appeared, balancing plates and glasses with her hands, struggling to open the door. Olivia started to get up, as the blonde responded. "Don't get up." Olivia did as she was told, as everyone watched the exchange between the two women. The blonde placed one plate and glass down on the counter inside, relieving the others from her balancing act. She brought a plate full of food out and placed it in front of Olivia, along with a glass of orange juice and a bottle of water.

"Thank you." Olivia looked back toward Alex, smiling at her as she retrieved her own plate and sat down next to her.

"So what's so funny?" Alex had heard the laughter moments before.

"Olivia just busted dad's balls for not dancing with my mom last night." Alden answered with a mouthful of food, his mother gesturing towards him—something about being polite. "Sorry! I'm hungry!"

Alex laughed and glanced over her glasses towards Olivia. "Giving the judge a hard time, huh? Let's hope you don't have to testify in his court anytime soon." She laughed and Olivia conceded with a nod of her head. "Also, Charlotte, he's a growing boy! You need anything else?" She looked at Alden as she asked this question. He shook his head, shoveling food into his mouth.

"It's all this swimming," Charlotte exasperatedly said, waving her hand towards him. Olivia smiled: she remembered that all too well.

"Trust me, it doesn't get any better." Alex rubbed Olivia's back just as the detective shoveled two scoops of scrambled eggs into her mouth. She held out her hand and furrowed her brow, asking a question with only her gestures. Everyone laughed as Alex expanded. "I've known Olivia for quite a while, but I just learned a little while ago that she swam in college, and it explains the appetite."

"You're a swimmer?" Alden piped up after he had cleared most of the food on his plate.

"Oh, a long time ago, yes. Yes, I was."

"It wasn't that long ago." Alex rolled her eyes. "And, she's still got it."

"That's interesting. We just keep learning more and more about you, Olivia." Roger entered the conversation. "Alden is getting recruited by a few places, so I'm sure he'd like to pick your brain."

Olivia nodded. "Anytime." She smiled that genuine, open smile that was Olivia Benson, and Alex couldn't help but admire her.

"What event did you swim, Olivia? Ames dabbled in swimming for a while, but it was only to stay in shape for track." Linda sat back and crossed her legs, eager to learn more about Olivia.

"400 IM." She took a drink of her water.

"Wow. Impressive." Bill chimed in, as everyone was seemingly interested in learning all they could about the detective. "If you would have said breaststroke, though, I would have lost it."

"Really?" Alex yelled over the boisterous laughter.

"Ah, let it go Alex," her dad patted her leg. "That's payback for the dance rip." Bill nodded at Olivia and she smiled back at him. A few moments later Olivia cleared her plate and finished her glass of orange juice, placing the empty glass on the table. Alex picked it up and scooted her chair out, walking towards the house.

"Al, you don't have to—." She felt Russell's hand on her arm. He flapped his other hand toward Alex, rolling his eyes. Olivia smiled and stopped speaking. Bill and Charlotte followed Alex into the house, Linda and Russell closely behind. Olivia sat with Roger, and thought this might be a good time to approach the subject.

"Mr. Cabot, I wanted to—."

"Roger, Olivia."

"Right. Roger." She scratched a spot over her eyebrow and continued. "Uh, I was wondering if, before we leave if you and I could take a walk." Roger's smiling eyes met hers. "Nothing earth shattering. Just want to talk, one-on-one." He nodded, noticing Alex walking out of the door.

Roger stood up and collected his plate, making his way through the door Alex propped open. His daughter walked through, placing another plate of food in front of Olivia. "Alex you didn't have to do this."

The blonde smiled. "I know you're still hungry. Besides, I wanted to serve you…" she leaned forward and whispered in Olivia's ear, "after you served me so well last night." Olivia turned her head toward Alex and smiled, looking at her lips.

Roger watched from a kitchen window as he placed his plate into the sink. The way Olivia pushed Alex's hair behind her ear warmed his heart. "Seems like a good one." Russell approached and looked out the window, standing next to his brother.

"Yeah. I think so. There's just something about the way they look at each other. My baby is happy." Russell smacked Roger on the back.

"Good. Then you can do this whole thing next." Russell laughed, but Roger didn't—he slowly nodded, watching as Olivia kissed Alex, her hand supporting the attorney's face. Russell's voice lowered as he turned toward his brother. "Wait, you're serious?"

Roger turned and spoke quietly to Russell as Charlotte and Linda stood behind him. "There just something there, Russ. Olivia asked me if we could 'take a walk together' before they left." The three of them looked at him, their eyes wide. "I don't know what it's about, but I have my suspicions. The way Alex talks about her—I think she thinks Olivia's the one." They all looked back out the window to see the women stand up, gathering their plates. Quickly, they dispersed, all shuffling into different directions.

"Uh, did we interrupt something?" Alex laughed and put Olivia's plate in the sink, wiping her hands on the dishtowel that hung on the side of the cabinet.

"Just cleaning up." Roger patted his daughter's back before he made his way into the living room, sitting next to Bill on the couch.

A half hour passed as the family sat around chatting about the wedding, Alden's swimming, and several other different topics. Alex looked at her watch and nodded toward Olivia. "Liv, we should get going if we're going to make Dickie's game."

Linda jumped off the couch. "Alex! Before you guys get on the road, I wanted to show you something upstairs that Ames came across last week." She widened her eyes at Charlotte behind Alex's back, beckoning her with her head.

"Oh! Yes!" Charlotte got up off the couch, "he mentioned something about that to me yesterday." Alex looked between them and then to Olivia, a questioning look on her face.

"Go ahead. I'll just take a walk."

"It's a beautiful day. A walk sounds like a good idea." Roger stood up and patted Olivia on the back. "Go ahead Alex. Just come find us when you're done."

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"So, Olivia. What can I do for you?" Roger took the lead, walking down the private street Ames' house sat on.

Olivia took a breath. "Well, it's not really anything you can do for me, but I just wanted to have a conversation with you about Alex." He nodded, walking with his hands clasped behind his back, waiting for Olivia to continue. "I guess there's really no other way to say this except to just come out with it." Olivia paused. "I love your daughter, Mr. Cab—Roger. I've loved her for as long as I can remember…and, she's taught me what it is to truly be in love."

He turned to Olivia, placing his arm around her as they walked further down the road. "Olivia, let me tell you something." She listened closely. "I appreciate you doing this—Alexandra has told me a lot about you, but out of everything she has told me, I've learned more about you from what she hasn't said." Olivia could feel her face tighten up into a questionable expression.

"I haven't heard her say she was worried about anything—that anything was stressing her out. She hasn't mentioned all the time she lost when she was away, or how much she misses her mother." He paused and stopped walking, turning to face Olivia. "And, after everything she chooses to tell me, what I hear most is what she doesn't. And it speaks volumes about you."

Olivia smiled, looking down to the ground, listening as he continued. "Obviously, you make her feel safe, and loved. And, I couldn't ask for anything more. I should thank you for that, Olivia."

"Well, I should thank you for making me feel so welcome this weekend." Roger nodded. "I just wanted to let you know that I'll do whatever I can in my power to make Alex happy for as long as I can." Roger waited for Olivia, assuming he knew where this was going to go. "I love Alex, Roger. And I just wanted to thank you for letting me love her." They had circled their way back around to Ames' house, and Alex watched from an upstairs window as she saw her father hug Olivia. She made a mental note to ask about their walk on the way back home.

Roger was surprised that Olivia hadn't mentioned anything about marriage, but he knew it would come at some point—there was no doubt in his mind that one day soon, Olivia would be asking for his permission to marry his daughter.