Disclaimer: The standard - I don't own it, and will never make any money on it, but I will totally enjoy writing it ;)

Lingering Looks

Alex's POV

I wince as my eyes register the harsh sunlight from behind my closed lids. I groan and try to turn away only to find my movements halted by the heavy but comforting arm that is casually holding me against a warm soft body. I feel my lips curving into a slow grin as the memory of last night rises in my mind and I realize that I am in bed with Olivia Benson. Lust is reawakened in me as I register the feel of her naked body curled into mine but I ignore that dominating emotion in favor of others that float beneath the current. Although this position is comforting and comfortable I find myself needing reassurance that last night wasn't just a dream. I inch my body away from yours and roll to my side, turning so that I can see your face. The years and the stress have melted away, leaving your features carefree and breathtaking in repose. I forget to breath momentarily as you slowly open your eyes, blinking once, then twice before your full lips form a sleepy smile I can hear in your soft husky voice.

"Hey you."

The pleasure in your voice assuages any and all trepidation I had at wondering if last night was a mistake. Even if our working relationship is blown to hell I wouldn't trade what transpired between us… in fact… I want more. I want you again and not even the threat of morning breath is daunting enough to stop me as I lean forward and gently press a kiss upon you.

Olivia's POV

It seems so natural, so easy to wake up next to you like this. I smile as your lips press against mine and I return the gesture, slowly reacquainting myself with you. It is early, but late at the same time and I know it will only be a matter of time before we are called back to duty. I open my eyes finding yours looking down at me and fail to supress the combination of laugh and groan as you gracefully swing your leg over mine, straddling me - your heat mixing and mingling with my own and I fight the wave of longing that rises in me - choosing instead to stare up at you, memorizing the way you look, naked and loved as your body bathes in the sunlight that streams through the single window of my bedroom. See there I go again, waxing poetry at your expense. If I were more daring I might take the chance and write some of these thoughts down to give to you - but I am shy in this new talent of mine. I realize, too late it would seem, that you have been awaiting my response to a question I have missed out on hearing and I look up at you sheepishly as you to repeat it. Your husky alto carries an amused tone as you ask me once again what I am thinking. I should lie and say nothing but I press forward - let them never say Olivia Benson was a coward.

"I was thinking how beautiful you look in the morning and how lucky I am to be where I am at this moment."

Alex's POV

I've been told I am beautiful before. It is a constant mantra that has followed me all my life - echoed by parents, friends, lovers, but somehow the way you say it makes me feel beautiful and that is a first for me. I purr soflty as I lean down and taste your lips again - whispering softly that I am the lucky one. The loud ring of your outside buzzer startles me and I scowl as you laugh at my attempt at modesty when I pull the covers over my naked body. You seem to have no issue with your own nudity as you sit up and stride confidently to the panel on your wall to ask who is there. The voice of your partner fills the room as he inquires if you are ready for work. I almost laugh at the combination of surprise and regret that fills your face as you glance at the clock and then at me as you answer that you've overslept and will meet him at the precinct - declining his offer to wait for you. I guess it was a good thing I kept my lust for you in check - I don't think your partner would have missed an opportunity to investigate why you failed to come to the door, and something tells me he has his own key. I feel your arms around me, hugging me, holding me close as you sigh heavily - whispering that you are sorry you overslept, sorry that you have to go. I shake my head, assuring you that if you hadn't been called away I would have been and we share a laugh at the demands of our jobs. I decline your offer to share the shower - it will probably be a good thing if you use all the hot water - I undoubtedly need a chilling reminder to get me back into my "Ice Queen" persona. I can't imagine that my resolve would withstand the sight of your slim muscled body glistening wet….

I let that thought trail off - that is dangerous territory. Who knew a single night with you would incite rather than satiate my need. I let my eyes follow your retreating form before I sit up and move around your apartment gathering the strewn trail of my clothing you so carelessly have scattered. I smile as I pick up my blouse remembering the careful way you sought to divest me of it - I guess you decided to be cost effective last night. I leave my panties off but redress in these same clothes - feeling strangely reminiscent of those few nights I let lust get the better of me in college. I must have stood here much longer than I thought because I am startled by the sudden feel of your arms wrapping around my waist - either that or you take a hell of a fast shower.

Olivia's POV

I hide my amusement as you jump at my touch before relaxing in my arms. I nuzzle my face against your neck as we stand in my living room - knowing that we both need to go but neither of us wishing to make the first move.

Assumptions really do make and ass of you and me.

I would have assumed last night was just a fling for you. Nothing leading up to that moment gave me pause to think this would be anything more - but the way you responded in my arms, the way you woke up beside me and the way you are standing here with me now lead my hopeful mind to think that this is something more than what it seemed.

Not wishing to seem clingy I start to let you go, surprised when you tighten the grip you've placed on my arms - keeping me close, holding me to you. I smile, well I suppose you could call it a smirk as I nudge your long blonde hair aside and nibble on the exposed skin of your neck. Your low moan tells me you still want me and I revel in the knowledge before whispering softly in your ear -

"I've got to go - call me today, and not just about work either."

You turn your head and give me a bright smile - one that I think I have only seen three times since I've known you - your tone teasing.

"Do you think we will be able to hide that our relationship has changed?"

I nod slowly.

"It wont be easy - especially now that I know what lays beneath those fancy suits of yours."

I duck away as you aim a punch at my arm - I had you pegged for a slapper, but then again you never have failed to surprise me.

Alex's POV

You really are incorrigible, but I like this teasing side of you. I think we both keep a side of ourselves hidden from the job and it will be these hidden sides that allow this to work. Choosing seduction as my payback I hook my fingertips in the belt loop of your dark pants and slowly pull your hips flush to my own. I lower my eyes to your lips an slowly snake my tongue out to wet my own. I cup your cheek lightly, my thumb sliding over your lower lip, tugging it down slightly as I slowly press my mouth to yours. I smile and pull back when your tongue touches mine, your groan of disappointment is soft but it still reverberates through me and I am sorely reminded that this has to come to and end. I hear the low vibration of my cell phone and reach into my purse to see that my boss has noticed my own tardiness. I answer as concisely as I dare, ignoring the overwhelming attitude that drips from every word the older woman throws my way. I click the phone shut, pleased by how quick you are to leap forward and open the door of your apartment to allow my leave. I laugh as you bow your head, your arm stretched out in a sweeping motion.

"Ladies first."

I feel my eyebrow twitch even as I advance forward stopping just before I reach the door frame. I smirk back at you and mimic your pose.

"Age before beauty."

And I bite my lip to stop the squeal of surprise as you shut your door, your hands firmly grasping my waist as you press me roughly against the now closed entrance.

Olivia's POV

I shake my head at your cheeky response, despairing silently that we don't have more time to do anything more than tease. If I had my way I would keep you holed up in here with me and to hell with the outside world but something you said early on stops me from giving into this latest whim. Our work is too important for our personal lives to interfere. You of course are right and that more than anything makes me pull back and re-open my door but not before bring my hand across the firm muscles of your ass, my own brand of punishment for your throwing our age difference in my face. You smile back at me as your hand fists the front of my shirt, tugging me forward for a hard quick kiss. Your voice low and sexy as you warn me that every action has a reaction and if I keep that up you will make us both a lot later than any excuse will explain. I heed your warning knowing that you are just daring enough to make good on it, knowing that I am enamored enough to let you. I find myself laughing as we silently compromise and exit my apartment together. I don't know if our paths will cross today or not but I know I will keep the image of your smiling back at me in yesterday's clothes, your eyes conveying so much more than I think you will ever say. My eyes linger on your retreating form and I finally admit that all those story book clichés held a grain of truth - the world really does seem that much brighter and that much lighter when you are in love. I don't fight the easy smile the rests on my lips and for the first time in a long time, I find myself looking forward to what the day will bring.

A/N - As always thank you for the comments, accolades, reviews and support. It's what makes posting the finished product worthwhile. This was a slightly shorter chapter than usual but your patience will be rewarded - the next shall be quite a bit longer. Thanks again for taking the time to read!