Here you go my dear Sabby one monthly present... hope you enjoy this one too ;-) like the ones before...
I don't own the goodwife... or we would be sure to get an AW baby sooner rather than later.
We are the boxers in the ring
We are the bells that never sing
March: We are the boxers in the ring
Going back to work was not as easy as she could have wished. It was one of the hardest things she could ever remember doing. Saying goodbye to Rachel and her little baby daughter, and driving into work. Walking through the lobby and taking the elevator up. Already in there being faced with others. How they looked at her with a mix of worry and pity. They had all probably heard rumors of her depression and stress that had made her take the long leave (the official excuse her and Will had used). Now here she was back on. She had to admit now she was relieved she had stayed with Lockhart/Gardner and not left with Cary or something similar. It was already hard enough with a baby no one knew about. But if she had done that and would have had to take care of her own firm, too, a firm that might very well be failing or lacking because of the hard economy and all such things, it would only have been worse.
So today she was happy that people might look at her weirdly but she still returned to one of the Chicago's top firms, as an equity partner. That she could walk into a big office and though it would be a long day: She also knew she could go safely home tonight, hopefully not too late, and take care of Cat. That she wouldn't have to struggle economically to provide for her little girl, Grace or Zach that she had all needed to take care of them. She had to smile though as she nodded at her assistant that grinned happily and stood up to hug her and welcome her back. She continued into her office and stopped dead in her tracks. There on her desk was a gigantic bouquet of mixed tulips, red, cream, yellow and variegated ones. She stared at it in surprise for a seconds before regaining herself. She suddenly felt lighter and was smiling. Only Will could be that thoughtful and romantic with her. She walked over and studied the flowers and smelled them. She caught sight of the card attached and picked up, reading it. Tears were forming in her eyes because of the words: "Loved you once, love you still, always have and always, Will."
It was sweet and he couldn't be sweeter. Not only ordering her flowers but making sure she remembered his love for her first thing back at work. He knew she would need it to face this day. She sighed. She hadn't talked to him since last night. She had grown used to having him in her bed, going to sleep beside him, and waking up beside him once more. That was how it had been ever since they had started fully up again, after their valentines date. Last night however he had to work late. He had told her he didn't want to disturb her or Cat at night, knowing she would have a long day today. So it had only gotten to goodnight and I love you exchanged over the phone. Something that had Grace roll her eyes, though she didn't mind she still teased Alicia with how she could be with Will. Telling her she was supposed to be the teen girl, not Alicia.
"I see Will really has not been looking like a giggling fool for nothing..." Someone told her, making Alicia spin around meeting Kalinda who stood at the door. The investigator looked like she had a hard time not laughing for once. Something that had Alicia rolling her eyes.
"Hi Kalinda..." She said. She hadn't seen her since she almost two months ago showed up with a gift for her and Cat.
"Welcome back... I knew you were together with Will I just didn't realize how romantic he has gotten..." Kalinda nodded at the flowers, making Alicia blush a little.
"I assumed he had told you..." She answered, not really sure what else she could.
"Not so far, but I figured it out when he came to work smiling like a 1000 watt light bulb." Kalinda teased her.
"Yeah... I guess it makes sense... I guess I should go see him or Diane though, figuring out where to get started." Alicia answered and Kalinda nodded.
"Well that is actually why I came here. I have the stuff you will need for the case Will has gotten you on... so unless you really need to go see him..." Kalinda continued, making Alicia roll her eyes. She shook her head.
"No let's get started..." She figured it was better. After all they would later in the day tell Diane about their relationship and it was better done if she didn't already find Alicia slacking off at work, her first day back. So no nookie for the morning. She did manage to text Will a thank you with a heart smiley, one Grace had managed to teach her how to do.
The day came to a close and Alicia now had cases going, having forgotten both time and place as she got caught up. She was pulled from her thoughts by a knock on her door, looking up to meet Will's eyes. She smiled the moment she saw him standing there.
He had studied her before coming to her office. All day he had waited for a chance to go see her, but none had come. He had instead been caught up in court and meetings. He hadn't even seen her for lunch. However he had made sure to order pizza for her and have it delivered, so she didn't forget to eat. Now he finally got a free moment as the day was ending. He needed to see her and let her know he thought he better tell Diane about them on his own. First they had decided to do it together. However as he thought more about it through the day he saw he needed to do it himself. They had pushed it back until now when she was back at work. However none of them wished for a secret affair once more. He wanted to be able to come in with her in the mornings, to hold her hand, to kiss her in the hallways because he could. He wanted to get to take her to real lunch on cafes and restaurants without it being an issue. That first and foremost meant telling Diane.
"Hey how was your first day?" He asked her as he stepped into the room. She smiled up at him and stood up from her desk, walking towards him.
He wasn't sure what he was allowed to do here, no matter how much he longed to take her in his arms and kiss her. At least not until they told Diane about them and got it out. However Alicia took it out of his hands by stepping all the way up to him and reaching in, giving him a soft kiss on the lips.
"Thank you for the flowers... it was a very thoughtful of you... and thank you for lunch..." She whispered as she pulled back. He smiled at her and reached up to caress her cheek. He didn't really care if anyone saw them. Not when he was the luckiest man in the world having this amazing woman as his girlfriend.
"You are welcome... I hope your day went well... I am sorry I didn't have time to take you out for lunch..." He told her gently, and she nodded. He knew she understood. She knew how it could be with lawyers.
"Don't worry about it... the pizza was perfect. And I managed to sneak out for ten minutes in the park to see Cat.." She told him softly, her eyes lighting up as she mentioned her daughter. Something he loved seeing.
"Are you heading home soon?" He asked and she nodded.
"Yeah I think so. Should we go see Diane now?" She offered, and he sighed.
"About that... why don't you head home I will go see her and tell her and come over when done..." He could see she was about to protest. "No Alicia, I've been thinking about it, and I really should do this one on my own. It will be easier this way. I can also talk to her about how she can take over all contract related and economical things with you. Salary bumps and bonuses, all of that. That she will from now on be the one to lead those things... Just so no partner thinks you get more because of us. Yes, it is easier now you are an equity partner but it is still smarter to get Diane on it this way..." He explained slowly and she nodded.
"It does make sense... but Will, I should be there when you tell her. I should take my share of the heat..." She told him, but he shook his head.
"Alicia I need to do this one myself... I owe her that much... to do it right this time... go home for today... see Cat... I will be there in about an hour. I am sure she will talk to you about it tomorrow. But let me be the one to break the ice..." He told her, and she nodded slowly.
"About that Will... you should probably go before she learns from the rumor mill... There seems to be a lot of talk going on because of that kiss..." He glanced over his shoulder. He followed Alicia's gaze and had to agree. A lot seemed to be glancing over at them and they all looked as if they were gossiping.
"I will... see you later?" He asked and she nodded.
"Yes, come over... you can watch Cat while I cook if it is alright?" She smiled hesitatingly. Something he still found adorable. She couldn't wrap her head around that no matter how many times he said he loved helping with Cat. Still she wasn't sure on asking for help.
"Deal... you know I love you, right?" He told her as he started to leave, making her grin a little.
"I know..." He started to turn around.
"Will?" She called him back, and he turned his head.
"I love you too..." She offered, and he grinned. A grin that hadn't left his face as he walked into Diane's office.
"Diane do you have a moment to talk?" He asked as he stepped in. She looked up at him from her papers. He was sure she was studying his grin. Probably wondering why he looked like he just won in the lottery.
"Sure, what about?" She asked as she took off her reading glasses. She pushed her chair back and got up. She moved around and found a bottle of scotch she held up, asking him silently if he wanted one. For seconds he was tempted. However he needed to drive home soon, so he shook his head.
"No thanks, but go ahead..." She looked at him suspiciously for a few seconds and took a small glass herself. She looked serious now as she sat down again and studied him.
"What is wrong?" She asked him directly. Will could feel sweat forming on his palms.
"I need to tell you something... and I need to ask you a favor... It's about Alicia..." He offered with a sigh. He felt nervous and he really hoped she would take it better than last time.
She looked confused for a moment, and took a sip of her glass. Though Something in her eyes told him she might already have seen where this was going.
"What about her? From what I saw she seemed to adjust right back into things... I hope she doesn't need another leave soon..." She told him. He felt a little proud for Alicia, that Diane also though she settled right back in. However Diane was clearly not going to make this one easy from him. Since the look in her eyes told him she already suspected what it was about.
"No. nothing like that... I need to ask you to take over all contract related things with her, all bumps or cuts or bonuses should be your approach or the other equity partners. Just so all seems fair... She and I.. We are..." He looked for a word. Calling her his girlfriend seemed juvenile, his lady friend sounded cheap. Lover was wrong, and fiancée didn't work at this point for them. He honestly had no idea what to name what Alicia was to him. What do you call your soul mate you finally really started dating many years too late?
Diane's eyes grew wide for a few seconds.
"You and Alicia?" She asked him, probably to make sure she had gotten it correct. That it really was what he had come to talk about.
"Yes, we are together..." He settled on for lack of a better word. For a few moments Diane didn't say anything. Then she nodded, almost like she was in deep thought. Will had feared she would be angry over this one. Ask him to keep his pants shut or something alike.
"Well at least she is over 25, making her look better for the firm as your date for the gala next month. I guess it means you will be bringing a plus one I can sign you down for..." She offered as answer. Will let out a sigh of relief. It had gone easier than expected.
"Yeah, I guess I will..." He answered. To be fair, he hadn't even really considered that one. However the idea did make him smile. The chance of getting to bring Alicia as his date to one of those parties.
"I will take care of those things... don't worry. She is a good lawyer... and as long as you both keep it out of here..." Diane sighed, and looked at him. The last part was reprimanding. He knew she didn't want a mess again. "I can't really tell you off for it Will. I chose love myself over career not so long ago... " She offered up and he nodded.
"Thank you... and thank you for... the help..." He settled on, not sure what really he could say to that one. Thank you for not getting angry at us both? Didn't seem right. Not when she had just fully accepted he was with Alicia. That he needed her help in Alicia's situation at work.
"You are welcome... also Will please don't let there be any backlash this time... I wouldn't have approved if she was still married or we risked getting in trouble with the states attorney again because of it." Will nodded. He already knew that. That it was different this time, as the game was laid out better. He got up from the chair.
"I better get home... thank you again Diane..." He offered and she nodded.
"Will... can I ask how long it has been going on? Is it the reason for your extraordinary good mood lately?" She looked at him, and he nodded.
"It's been going on for a little while... we just didn't want to tell it here before she came back... and yes it is... " he offered, his face cracking into another grin.
"In that case: I am happy for you..." She offered him with a smile and nod. "Say hi to Alicia from me... and tell her I expect her to come find me at some point tomorrow..." Diane told him, and Will nodded. It didn't surprise him. "It's about a case..." She offered.
"I will, thank you... just please don't be too hard on her with this..." Diane nodded at him and smiled a little.
She liked these episodes where she got to cook. Grace was doing homework, and Will was looking after Cat. It was almost like they were a real family. Like it was something they had done in forever and not something new. She could hear the sounds of the TV. She assumed Will had it on while trickling Cat or something similar. She had fed her already but her little girl didn't seem to have any desire to sleep yet. So when Will came back from his meeting with Diane, he had offered they could just order in but she had insisted on cooking. He had then taken Cat to look after while she made dinner. Now the sauce was simmering, the salad made and the pasta boiling. She stood for a moment enjoy the feeling of once again having a somewhat stable family, and the feeling of serene peace and happiness it gave her.
She walked over so she could look into the living-room. The sight of Will with baby Cat that actually seemed to be sleeping was one she would never get tired of. And that was when she discovered Will was actually watching. Some kind of 3D cartoon. She cracked a smile. Big Chicago's 16th most eligible bachelor watching something that looked like a princess cartoon. She walked in and closer to him reaching down and in over him. She bend so she could wrap her arms around him from behind. She rested her cheek on his shoulder. His one hand came to cover hers. "You got her to sleep?" Alicia whispered, scared to wake Cat up again. Though she guessed there were little to no chance of it with the TV running already. The music from it rather loud. She stared at the screen for a few seconds.
"Of course I did... " He teased her and turned his head so he could kiss her cheek softly.
"Will, what are you watching?" She asked him as she tried to wrap her head around the program of some little princess and a speaking bunny.
"Sofia the First." He offered and Alicia raised an eyebrow.
"You do know Cat is too little to understand it, right? That there will be hopefully years before she will want to watch and understand something like this." Alicia teased him gently. She had to admit the idea that he had settled on a kid show for her baby girl was adorable. No matter if little Cat would understand the show or not.
"Yeah I do... I just figured there would be no risk of images scaring her or giving her traumas or something from sounds with this... rather than something I wanted to watch. And since there was no interesting game on anyway... well, I figured this was fine..." He explained, making her giggle.
"Hey no making fun of me... I think it actually seems like it could be a giving show for little girls..." Will told her in an effort to sound serious, but not really succeeding.
"I see... well I wonder what all the magazines would say to this story. Chicago's 16th most eligible bachelor, watching Disney channel in his free time." She teased him, and she could feel him chuckle lightly.
"I am sure it would shock them... though I guess they would cry more over how he was off the marked now... since there is this lawyer... she is kinda bright and beautiful. Though also teasing a lot... that already caught him..." He answered her, making her heart skip a beat. Just like it always did when he told her things like this.
"I guess..." She whispered, kissing his neck the best she could, before she pulled back a little.
"However you are still so gonna have to pay for Cat's future princess dresses. She will be sure to start asking for them early with the baby lessons she is already given." Alicia teased him making him laugh.
"Deal... will you however then do me the honor of being my date to this gala we are hosting and sponsoring next month?" He asked, and Alicia froze. They had been seen together but this would actually mean them being completely official. She hesitated for a second.
"It would be an honor. Which gala is it?" She offered as an answer. The dream of dancing with Will a whole night already floating in her mind, pushing all other thoughts aside.
"One in the honor of the neonatal unit University of Chicago Medical Center." He admitted softly. Alicia felt like she had stopped breathing and her heart skipped more than one beat at the same time.
"We are hosting a gala for the neonatal unit?" She whispered softly. She could feel tears gathering in her eyes.
"We are..." He admitted and squeezed her hand softly, answering the question she hadn't voiced.
"Thank you Will... it is the sweetest most thoughtful thing..." She told him, gently kissing his cheek again and burying her nose into his warm skin.
"It's nothing Alicia... it is a good cause..." He answered.
"It is a lot Will... I... thank you..." She whispered. She looked for the right words. But she couldn't find any. Instead she just kept hugging him from behind a little longer. She pulled back with a sigh.
"I am gonna pour the water from the pasta... then we are all ready to eat..." She offered him and he nodded.
"I will go put Cat down..." he offered her and stood carefully up again.
"Will, thank you..." She whispered again and moved in and reached up and gave him a light kiss on the lips.
She then moved to the kitchen and finished the last touches on the pasta. Will came and helped her set the food on the table before going to find Grace. She smiled as she sat down at the table with her almost grown up daughter and the man she loved. She was really happy here. She got to listen to Will and Grace in a merry discussion about soccer. One that turned fast to the topic of law. It seemed to be Grace's favorite thing at the moment. Picking Will's brain on why he became a lawyer and how to become a great one. Yeah, this here was her family. Her baby girl sleeping in the next room, Will having remembered to bring the baby monitor in. And a meal shared with those she loved the most.
This was as close to perfect as it could get.
Okay please "Will's puppy dog eyes" let me know your thoughts... I love hearing them...
Also i advice you to look up the meaning of the colors of tulips i used. There were a reason it was them. and the poem I had Will use was sadly not mine either but just found it too cute.