A/N: Just a small chapter here, but lays the groundwork for things to come. I like to write these small tidbits as a break from huge dramatic chapters, and this one just came to me today at work. Enjoy!

Chapter 76

Orchid

"Olivia! Hi!" Linda hugged the detective outside the bagel shop down the street from the precinct. "It's good to see you, I'm so glad you did this." She rubbed Olivia's arm softly. "It's very sweet."

"Let me buy you some lunch." Olivia gestured inside, but Linda politely declined.

"I would love to, but I've got a meeting on the Upper West Side in about an hour. Let's meet soon though—we'd love to have dinner with you and Alex." Olivia smiled and agreed.

"Sounds good. Thanks again for this." Olivia displayed the fully bloomed sunflower in her hand, still intact with the navy bow tied around it. Linda nodded and gave Olivia a hug, squeezing her a little tighter than the detective expected.

"She'll love it." Linda turned and hailed a cab.

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Alex sat in her office looking over Casey's witness list: she'd never admit it aloud, but she was starting to like the research aspect of prosecuting. There was something about digging for information that she enjoyed. But, as much as she enjoyed it recently, she couldn't wait to get back in the courtroom. Her office phone rang, and noticing that it was Sean, she answered.

"Sean, what's up?"

"Ms. Cabot, there's a delivery for you. Do you want me to take it or do you want them to come in?"

Alex was confused. She wasn't expecting anything, but she thought it couldn't do any harm to take a break. "Go ahead and send them in." He hung up and Alex stood to open the door. As she did so, she saw a beautiful square glass vase full of flowers. She stood aside and as the deliveryman placed them on her desk, she was taken aback by the happiness and admiration that burned in her heart for Olivia—at least, she assumed they were from Olivia.

"Ma'am?"

"I'm sorry." Alex shook her head, assuming she had missed his question. "What?"

"Are you Alexandra Cabot?"

"Yes." She cleared her throat. "Yes, I'm sorry." He smiled and handed her a clipboard. She signed it and handed it back to him. "Thank you."

"You're welcome. Orchids!" He huffed. "Someone loves you." Alex smiled and saw him out, shutting the door behind him. She couldn't get back to her desk fast enough. She pulled the envelope out of the holder and ripped it open, not bothering to sit back down before reading the note.

Alexandra,

It's difficult for me to explain to you exactly how much I love you. And, as I think about it, I know I fell even more in love with you this weekend—which, I didn't think was possible. The relationships you have with your family make my heart smile, and I was so happy to be welcomed into those bonds with open arms. Thank you for that. I'll never forget it.

Tears formed in her eyes as she felt her knees begin to grow weak. She sat down and continued reading, her eyes unable to leap across the card quickly enough.

The guy at the flower shop told me that Orchids symbolize love and beauty. Obviously, you are the most beautiful woman in the world, and I love you, so there's that. He told me that purple Orchids symbolize admiration and respect, and although I could have easily given you a dozen red roses, I think these fit you better.

Over the past two months, you have taught me more about myself than I could have ever hoped to know. You've shown me what real love is, and have helped me through the unimaginable with grace and kindness. I don't know why you choose to love me every day, but I can only hope that you continue to do so...forever.

You are my everything, Alex. I love you.

Olivia

Alex smiled and closed her eyes for a few moments, savoring the feeling of being loved by Olivia. She opened her eyes and examined the flowers: she wasn't sure she had ever gotten orchids before, and she stood up to look closer when her heart dropped.

Sitting in the middle, among the purple orchids was a sunflower, propped up under its bloom. She took it in her hand and lifted it out of the vase, recognizing the blue ribbon attached to the stem. Alex collapsed in her chair, unfallen tears in her eyes. She smelled the sunflower and smiled.

For a few moments, Alex sat just like that: her legs crossed, slumped down in her chair a bit, holding the sunflower just under her nose. She thought about her mother, but even more, she thought about Olivia. And, unlike when she normally thought about her mother, she smiled. Alex realized that in this moment, her mindset had changed—Olivia helped her, whether she knew it or not, to be grateful for the time that she had with her mother, rather than regretting the time she had missed.

Alex leaned forward and took her phone into her hand, sending a text message.

Just letting you know: I'm going to marry Olivia Benson.

The response was instantaneous.

Really? Is this official? Has anyone proposed?

Alex smiled and responded to her father.

Well, no. But, I'm just telling you. Get ready. Alex attached a picture of the bouquet.

Beautiful flowers. Is that mom's sunflower?

Yes!

That's very thoughtful.

Alex sat back and smiled—he was right. It was thoughtful, but it was more than that, and less than that all at the same time: it was pure Olivia. It was always Olivia. Before she could finish that thought, she heard a soft familiar knock on her door. The detective opened the door and poked her head in, pointing toward the vase.

"Oh, you got my delivery?" She smiled as she made her way toward Alex, noting the sunflower lying atop her desk. Alex wrapped her arms around Olivia, holding her tightly.

"Liv, these are beautiful." The detective smiled and held Alex close.

"That's why I thought of you." She winked at Alex and the blonde kissed her firmly, holding her head in her hands. "I love you, Alex."

"I love you too." They parted and Olivia turned toward the door.

"I've gotta get upstairs. I just wanted to stop by and see if they had delivered those yet." Alex walked around to her chair and sat down, and Olivia made her way back to her, kissing her softly on the cheek. "I'll see you later? Serena's opening tonight." Alex nodded as she watched Olivia leave through the door. "Have a great day, beautiful."

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Elliot was down in Melinda's office and Fin and Munch were out looking for a perp, so Olivia knew there was no better time to make the call. She picked up her phone and dialed.

"Hello?"

"Hello, Mr. Cabot, this is Olivia Benson."

"Roger, Olivia."

"Right. Sorry." She winced and rubbed her forehead. "Roger."

"Olivia, it's great to hear from you. What's going on?"

"Well," Olivia hesitated as she saw Elliot walk through the door. She thought about ending the conversation, but then she decided to deal with his harassment once he heard her proposition. "I was wondering if you had any plans for Thursday night? I know it's somewhat short notice, but—."

"No, I'm free. What did you have in mind?"

"Well, I know you're a Sox fan, and one of my friends has season tickets in the Bronx and—."

"Are you telling me you have tickets to the Yankees Red Sox game on Thursday night?"

"Two tickets. And, I'd love for you to come with me."

"You've gotta be kidding."

"Nope. Two seats, first base side, two rows back from the bag."

"You just tell me when to be where."

"Well, sir, I was thinking about doing dinner or drinks first?"

"Sounds great, Olivia. Listen, somebody just walked into my office so can you text me the details?"

"No problem. Talk to you later."

Olivia hung up the phone and smiled—that was easy. When she looked up, though, she had to show some restraint. Elliot put his pen down and squinted toward her.

"So, you're telling me that you have tickets to the game on Thursday and you're not inviting your partner?"

"Elliot listen, I've got two more tickets for Friday and I'm gonna give them to you. I just really need to take him on Thursday."

A confused expression crossed his face. "Wait, who are you taking?"

"Alex's dad." Olivia lowered her voice and didn't make eye contact with Elliot when she said it.

"Whoa. Wait a second…?" Elliot stood up and made his way over to Olivia's desk, occupying Alex's normal spot. He looked down on her and smiled as she avoided his eye line. "Liv. What's this about?" Her smile betrayed her. "No shit. Are you serious?" They never had to even speak to each other to know what was going on.

Olivia nodded and looked up at Elliot for the first time this conversation, whispering quietly. "I'm uh…" she stuttered, "I'm gonna propose to Alex." Tears filled her eyes and a smile beamed across her face as Elliot pulled her into a strong hug.

"Wow. Does she know? I mean, have you guys talked about it?"

"Not really, but a few things have been mentioned." They both smiled as Olivia stood up and motioned her head towards their lockers behind her desk. "Come here and be quiet." Elliot tried to straighten his face as he looked around, making sure no one else was watching. Olivia unlocked the padlock and pulled out the blue velvet box. "This is the only place I could think of to keep it." She handed the box to Elliot and he opened it.

"Holy shit!" Elliot yelled through the precinct loud enough for Captain Cragen to hear. He leaned out of his doorway, turning his attention to the lockers. Elliot waved his empty hand toward him, alleviating his worry. Both of the detectives watched as he sat back down behind his desk before they turned back towards each other. "Olivia what the fuck? This thing is huge." He paused for a few moments. "But, you know what? It's definitely Alex." Elliot pulled her into a hug, snapping the box shut behind her back. "I love you, Liv. I'm so happy for you." They parted and Olivia smiled at Elliot.

"I really owe you, El. You've been the best friend and partner I could ever have asked for. Thank you for everything—for sticking by me all these years." She paused. "I'm sure you know this, but there's just something about making big decisions in your life…you really realize who has stayed by you." They smiled at each other and Elliot took Olivia's shoulders into his hands.

"You, Olivia, are the best." They were interrupted by Munch and Fin escorting a suspect into an interrogation room, and suddenly everyone's eyes were focused in their direction. Olivia slowly put the box back in her locker and sat back down at her desk.

"So," Elliot changed the subject, "Serena's reopening tonight?"

"Yeah. Bring the family. I'll save you a table." Elliot nodded and smiled at Olivia.

"See you there."