Author's Note: No matter how hectic my life gets, I can count on you FF readers to make me smile.
Two things. First, I've noticed that Alex and Olivia eat a lot in this story. I guess I must get hungry when I write :)
Second, this chapter is the fluff before the storm. The Titanic is rapidly approaching the iceberg. Brace yourselves...winter is coming.
Alex opened her eyes and smiled. She could feel Olivia's arms wrapped tightly around her, and reveled in how good it felt.
She listened to the hard tapping of rain against the window. It was the perfect morning to be lazy and lay around in bed.
"I know," Alex thought, "Why don't we have breakfast in bed?" She wanted to do something nice for Olivia, and everyone likes being spoiled.
Alex then realized that there was still a lot more to discover about Olivia Benson. For example...what her favorite breakfast food was. She did know that Olivia hated eggs. She referred to them as "chicken snot" on more than one occasion. Alex decided that pancakes, bacon, and coffee were a safe bet.
To Alex, one of the best things about living in New York City was the convenience factor. She could get pretty much anything she wanted at any time. Alex reached for her phone and pulled up a food delivery service app. Several diners would deliver breakfast to her building, so she picked the closest one and ordered.
Once the order was confirmed, Alex closed her eyes and let herself doze off. She was awakened by her phone vibrating. It was the concierge desk letting her know that the delivery boy had arrived.
As much as Alex wanted to stay in bed, she was starving and wanted her food. She extracated herself from Olivia's embrace and got up from the bed.
Olivia stirred and mumbled something unintelligible.
"Shhh, Liv. Stay where you are. I'll be right back."
Olivia grunted an acknowledgment and rolled over on her side.
Alex quickly put on her robe and met the delivery man at the door. She paid for the meal and took it into the kitchen. She set the food out on two plates and located a tray in one of her cabinets.
Alex retreated back into the bedroom with their breakfast. "Wake up, Sleeping Beauty."
Olivia opened her eyes and rubbed them. "Huh?" she said, obviously still in sleep mode.
"I got us breakfast. Let's eat it in bed."
"Breakfast...ok," Olivia yawned. She slowly sat up and stretched.
"Are you always this articulate in the morning?" Alex laughed.
"Mornings are the worst. But they're much better with you around."
Alex blushed slightly. "I think I'll enjoy mornings much more if they start with me in your arms."
"I completely agree," Olivia said. "By the way, this smells delicious."
"Pancakes, bacon, and coffee. No eggs because I know you hate them," Alex replied.
"Eggs are also the worst," Olivia commented. "They're basically chicken snot...disgusting!"
"Yeah, I remember you mentioning that every single time I've eaten them when you're around. You've ruined omelettes for me," Alex grinned and carefully balanced the tray while she settled onto the bed.
"Good...then I won't have to worry about seeing them. Just thinking about eggs is making me gag."
"Well, I hope you like the pancakes. This diner had great reviews."
The two women ate their breakfast in a comfortable silence. Once they were done, Alex took the dishes into the kitchen. Olivia followed her.
"So, what do you want to do today?" Alex turned and asked her.
"How about seeing a play?" Olivia suggested. "I always tell myself I'm going to see more Broadway shows, and I never do."
"Sounds great. Any preferences?"
"Something light and fun. I think we both could use a break." Olivia remarked.
"Hmmm..." Alex searched on her phone for available tickets. "Yes!" Alex shouted. "I've found the perfect show! Rock of Ages!"
"Really? I pictured you as more of a Mamma Mia type."
"Ew, no, I hate disco. Now '80s hair band', that I can get into," Alex admitted.
"What? Seriously?", Olivia asked. "I would have never guessed."
"Yes, Liv. I love 80s rock in all forms."
Olivia laughed. "You should crimp your hair and tease it to the sky for the show. Maybe we can go to Goodwill and find some acid washed jeans for you to wear. That would be amazing!"
"Oh, I think wearing normal clothes will be perfectly appropriate tonight. 80s music is great. 80s fashion...not so much."
"I'm picturing you jumping on your bed playing air guitar. So you rock out to Def Leppard and Whitesnake? That is hilarious."
"Yes I do. And I would totally sing along to 'Here I Go Again' if it came on the radio right now. Now come on, Benson, you must have a secret love of some type of embarrassing music. Everyone does."
"Nope. My tastes are highly refined. Nothing but the most critically acclaimed music enters my ears."
Alex rolled her eyes. "You're full of it! Spill."
"Well, OK. There is one tiny exception. Ugh, I can't believe I'm going to admit this out loud. Now, you know me...I'm a born and bred Manhattanite. To me, the great outdoors is Central Park. I've never even ridden a horse. But despite this...I absolutely love Dolly Parton. I mean, I could listen to her all day, every day."
Alex doubled over with laughter. "I'm dying here. Ms. New York City herself is a closet hillbilly!"
"Hey, watch it," Olivia warned. "Don't you insult Dolly! Show some respect - she's a legend."
Alex had tears in her eyes from laughing so hard. "Next thing I know you'll want to ride to work on a tractor."
Olivia groaned. "You do realize that If you tell anyone, I will have to leave the state. Especially Elliot...I'll never hear the end of it."
"It will be our little secret. Maybe we'll go to Dollywood this summer."
"If Dolly is going to perform, then yes, I absolutely want to be there," Olivia responded.
Alex shook her head. "You're actually serious. If you really want to go, I'll ask Abbie where I can get a cowgirl hat. I would hate to look out of place."
"You would look so hot in a cowgirl outfit," Olivia said.
"Oh great, now look what I've started. OK, topic change...I've just ordered our tickets. I'm going to shower and get ready for the day. Feel free to use my laptop or turn on the TV, Liv."
"It's too early to think. I'm going to put on some mindless television."
Alex smirked. "Yeah, maybe '9-to-5' is on."
"It's a classic!" Olivia defended, but she couldn't help but smile.
"Right." Alex leaned over and kissed her. "See you in a few."
"Don't be too long, Alex. I'll get lonely."
"I won't," Alex promised.
It had stopped raining by the evening. The two women had spent the afternoon lazing around Alex's apartment before leaving for the show. After a nice meal at an Irish pub, they made their way to the theater.
They entered the theater, where an attendant showed them to their seats. The young man handed them their Playbills and two fake plastic lighters. "For the power ballads," he said.
Alex looked around the theater, which was decorated like an 80s dive bar. "This is so cool!" Alex exclaimed.
Olivia took her hand. "Wow, you really are excited. I'm sure the show will be amazing. I'd better hear you singing along."
"Obviously, Liv. As if there was any other option!"
"You're getting a Poison t-shirt for Christmas, you do realize that," Olivia said.
"I already have one," Alex confessed. "I went to their concert in Jersey a few years ago. I couldn't leave without a souvenir."
Olivia's mouth was hanging wide open. "You actually went to see Poison live. I...don't even know how to respond to that."
Alex grinned. "It was a lot of fun."
Olivia was still trying to formulate a response when the house lights dimmed. Soon, the music was blasting and the performers took the stage.
True to her word, Alex sang along with every song. Olivia enjoyed the show, but she enjoyed watching Alex even more. Alex really let loose when she was comfortable around someone. Her Ice Queen status was in serious jeopardy.
As soon as Alex unlocked her front door, Olivia's phone rang.
Olivia glanced at the screen. It was Elliot.
"Hey, sorry to interrupt your romantic evening, but-"
"Let me guess. We caught a case," Olivia sighed.
"Yeah, and this one looks pretty gruesome. Can you meet me at Lenox Hill?" Elliot asked.
Olivia let out a breath. "Sure. I'll head out now. See you in a few." She hung up the phone and turned to Alex.
"I understand. Go." Alex said.
Olivia squeezed Alex into a tight hug. "Tonight was so much fun. I wish I didn't have to go. Unfortunately, Elliot said this one looks pretty bad."
"Just part of the 'cop girlfriend' life, I guess. I wish you could stay too. Please be careful, Liv."
"I always am. I'll let you know what's going on as soon as I can. Keep the bed warm!" Olivia gave Alex a quick peck on the cheek and rushed out of the apartment.
Alex lingered by her open door for a minute before locking up. She knew that these types of calls came with the territory. But now the stakes had increased. Olivia was no longer just her friend. Olivia was her girlfriend. Alex was falling hard and she was falling fast. She probably wouldn't be able to sleep until she knew that Olivia was safe. She wondered if she'd ever get used to this new reality.