Title/Author: "Between the Bars: Logan" by n.s.

Rating: T (minor language, some suggestive scenes)

Summary: A not-canon-but-not-not-canon take on Mike Logan and Claire Kincaid's relationship through seasons 4-6; acknowledgement of Jack McCoy/Claire, also

Disclaimer:I don't own any of these characters. This story is brought to you by 20-year-old repeats of Law & Order that happen to coincide with my daughter's nap time.

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It began unremarkably. He asked her for dinner, she said yes.

No fireworks, no secret longing—on his way over in the cab, part of him figured it would probably end up being a bust after everything, but one worth checking out anyway. She was damned smart, undeniably attractive, and she had an edge—a jagged edge that led to a darkness he couldn't put a finger on but his detective instincts knew was there and that his own dark side was curious about.

She showed up to the first date with her hair in loose waves and a blue sundress that made his eyes linger on the tanned inch of skin it showed above her knee. It was June and they met in Little Italy for veal and red wine. She picked the place—respectable, old Italian joint with untouchable food—and after the waiter brought the wine and they touched glasses, she said:

"And here I thought you hated lawyers."