A/N just a quick note to anyone reading this story, upon further research I realised it is in fact McCoy who was DA when Alex returned so her meeting is therefore with McCoy, I'm in the process of making the correction in the last chapter. Hope you enjoy this new chapter.
The next morning was very much like yesterday's, just us following our usual routine. Nothing is more comforting than the simple joys of doing something that feels so natural to us after everything became so cold and unfamiliar in the wake of Alex's 'death'.
Quickly climbing into my car, we begin the journey to the Manhattan district attorney's office, with Alex anxiously awaiting her meeting with McCoy.
Arriving punctual as ever, can't have people thinking Alex's standards are slipping, we walk up to McCoys office, waiting patiently outside his office whilst he converses with Novak on an ongoing case. I didn't plan to come inside with Alex, thinking that she'd prefer to do this alone but she insisted, stating that she needed my support and didn't want to be away from me if she didn't have to.
Finally Novak leaves, greeting us with a polite smile as she heads back to her office.
"You ready for this Alex? Don't forget I'll be right outside the door so if you need me just come get me, no matter how silly ,you think, the reason may be, I'm here"
"Miss Cabot? Are you ready for our meeting?"
"Of course sir." I kiss her cheek, ushering her inside before regaining my previous seat outside the office, anxiously awaiting news of the meeting.
Twenty minutes later and Alex glides out of the office, laughing at something McCoy said, her signature smile in place.
No sooner had Alex closed the door than she rushes over to me and hugs me tight, I return the embrace with practices ease.
"Hey baby, so how'd it go? What did he want?"
"So he's offered me my old job back as SVU's ada. Now before you scream conflict of interest, word travels fast around here so he already knows about us. I won't be the only Ada for your precinct. The case load will be split between myself and casey. She'll handle any cases where your the lead detective ,and any warrants you need will have to be asked for officially by Elliot"
"Wow that's amazing, I'm so glad. I couldn't imagine you working with any other squad. Your part of the SVU family" I give her a short, but passion filled kiss.
"That's not the best part. Since casey and I are splitting the case load, it'll be less work and so therefor less hours. We'll be able to see a bit more of each other and I'll be able to cook for you every once in a while."
"I honestly can't think of anything that could make me happier than getting to see more of your stunning face."
Taking her hand in mine, we take a slow stroll back to the car, discussing any other plans for the day. With nothing in particular in mind we simply head for an early lunch at what used to be 'our' cafe. We'd meet here at least once a week to have lunch together since it's almost exactly halfway between her office and the precinct.
Walking inside we place our usual orders as if the last 18 months never even occurred. The Italian matriarch type woman who owned the cafe was stunned to say the least when she saw Alex gracefully stride into the cafe, sitting at our usual table. After visiting so frequently we came to know Angela quite well so it was no surprise when she quickly rushed over to our table
"Alex?!.. Your alive? I mean.. What? How?"
Alex smiles at how flustered she's become, clearly showing her concern for the younger blonde.
"I'm fine Angela, I promise. I just pushed a little too hard on a case, as I'm sure you know I was shot. I didn't however die, I instead was placed in witness protection. I only recently came back"
"..wow I'm just glad your back, after your 'death' liv here stopped coming in, I missed seeing you two lovebirds in here. It used to really brighten my day." She notices our interlocked hands placed on the table. "I see even 18 months apart couldn't stop your obvious love for one another."
I can't help the beaming smile that spreads across my face.
"Nothing in the world could stop our love Angela, Alex is, as cliched and cheesy as it sounds, my soulmate. She's it as far as I'm concerned"
"Aww your it for me too liv, no one could ever come close to you."
"Don't worry about it, I love cliches, I just wish my Janie could find someone who looks at her the way you look at eachother.. Anyway I'm getting off track. Your meals on the house, it'll be here shortly."
"Thank you very much Angela. We greatly appreciate it, and I'm sure Jane will find love soon enough, it'll just hit her out of nowhere."
With that Angela beats a hasty retreat, heading quickly back to the till as another customer enters.
A delicious meal and good conversation, with even better companionship, we're exiting the cafe hand in hand with promises to come back again soon.
"So counsellor, any where else you wanna go today? I am at your beck and call, after all. I'll even suffer through a shopping trip for you"
"You must really love me to offer to join me on a shopping trip, but how about a rain check on that? I want to return the favour from last night and cook for you. I didn't socialise much in WPP, so I had plenty of time to perfect my cooking skills"
"Ok your on, can't wait to see what you decide to make for me. I'm sure I'll love it whatever it is."
After stopping for supplies on the way home, Alex cooks us a world class meal and we spend the night curled up on the sofa together. Softly conversing over a bottle or two of wine, making plans for the next couple of weeks. As ever ending the night, cuddled up together in our bed, for yet another perfect nights sleep held in each others warm, loving embrace.