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"Tell me again how this isn't meddling?"

"It's not meddling. It's just going to be a careful observation."

"Mhmm. And you're not going to be asking any questions? You're not going to trick her into "accidentally" telling you anything? I know you. When you're trying to find something out, you don't stop until you have all the answers. You're going to put this poor girl on the stand and she won't even know it."

Alex said nothing, continuing to stir the cookie dough. She wasn't going to confirm nor was she going to deny the woman's comment.

"Promise me you'll at least be nice to her."

Alex sighed, putting down the bowl and wooden spoon she had been holding. She wiped her hands on the tea towel next to her and turned to the brunette.

"Of course I'm going to be nice. I'm not going to be malicious or do anything to hurt her. I'm just trying to help Hannah out. She's confused and if I can clarify a few things, I will."

Olivia, sensing the blonde's exasperation with her, relented.

"Fine. As long as you're nice to Lisa."

"Of course I will be. I'm a very nice person," she said, grinning as she paid herself a compliment. She turned back to the bowl and resumed stirring.

Olivia chuckled and moved closer to her.

"Yes," she said softly, wrapping her arms around Alex's waist. "You're very nice."

Alex smiled in response, leaning into the embrace. Things had been slowly changing between them, and she couldn't help the flutter of happiness in her stomach. It had been just under a week since Olivia had asked for space and three days since she had come to Alex, apologising for her actions and asking if they could start over. Alex had asked if she was sure, telling her it was okay if she needed more time, but Olivia had shaken her head, telling her that they had wasted enough time already. That she had wasted enough time already. She apologised several times, but Alex told her that it was okay, that she forgave her.

And she did. The truth was that she would always forgive Olivia because Olivia was her life, her raison d'être. Alex had never ever thought she would become that girl, the one who became so attached to someone that she couldn't live without them, but then, she had never known anyone like Olivia. She had never known a love and connection so powerful as she had with Olivia. She had been ruined her for anyone else, and she didn't even mind. So, as misguided as the former detective had gotten, Alex would of course forgive her. How could she not? Olivia made her feel things she hadn't known were possible. When Olivia was around, she felt immeasurably loved and safe, and that was a feeling she wanted, no, needed in her life.

"What's with the smile?" Olivia asked, pulling her from her thoughts.

"Nothing. Just thinking," Alex replied, smiling wider when Olivia kissed her cheek.

"You have a beautiful smile. Keep thinking."

Alex giggled, turning her head and looking at Olivia. They had shared several kisses since their talk, and she hoped for another right now. Olivia took the hint, moving forward and meeting their lips in a gentle kiss. Alex smiled against her lips, unable to contain the joy she felt. Olivia reached up and cupped her cheek, holding her in place as she pressed forward, adding a little more pressure.

"You're so beautiful," she murmured against Alex's lips, before pressing them together against. They kissed slowly, simply enjoying the contact, until Alex finally pulled away.

"Mmm," she hummed, eyes still closed.

Olivia chuckled, giving her one last peck on the lips. She slid her hands up and down Alex's hips, resting her chin on her shoulder as she watched Alex resumed mixing the cookie batter. They stood there, enjoying the feel of their bodies pressed together. They had a lot of time to make up for, and they had been taking every opportunity to do so.

Alex suddenly looked up, glancing out the window when she heard a dog barking outside. It reminded her of something she had wanted to bring up weeks ago.

"So, I have a question."

"Shoot."

"Are you ever going to get that dog you wanted?"

Olivia sighed and pulled away, leaning against the counter to look at Alex. They hadn't discussed the topic for a long time, mostly because Olivia had been too sad to talk about it.

"Honestly? I pretty much decided it's a bad idea."

"Why?"

"Because I would want to get a rescue, which means the dog will have been abandoned by somebody already at some point in its life. If things here don't work out, if we have to leave…we'll have to leave the dog. It will then have been abandoned twice at least twice, through no fault of its own. I can't do that to a dog. They're so loyal, and they get attached to you. It wouldn't be fair to it to do that. I'll just wait until we're at a point where we have a little more stability."

Alex paused, thinking over the woman's words as she carefully spooned blobs of dough onto the cookie sheet. A sad smile played over her lips as she reflected on what she had said.

"What?"

The blonde glanced over.

"You're so sweet, you know that? I know how badly you want one, but you're right, it wouldn't be fair to a dog to bring it in, make it think it has a home, and then have to give it away. It would be cruel."

Olivia nodded.

"It wouldn't be right, so I'll wait. I'll get my dog one day."

"Yes you will. I think that's very thoughtful of you not to do that to a dog. I'm sorry you aren't going to get one though. I know you really wanted one, especially now that we have a yard."

She shrugged.

"I'd rather not get one than do that to an innocent animal. I can wait."

"I understand," she responded before putting the cookies in the oven. She squeezed Olivia's hand, hoping to offer her a little encouragement. "I'm still sorry you're not going to get one."

"It's okay," Olivia responded. "I have you, and that's all I really want anyway."

Alex smiled widely, leaning forward to kiss her.

"Thank you. Would you mind watching the cookies while I go get ready? Can I trust you not to burn them?"

"Might I remind you of our little incident a couple of years ago? Hmm? With the muffins? I don't think it's me we need to worry about messing up the baking."

"That was not my fault! Who the hell uses Celsius instead of Fahrenheit?" she said, still annoyed at the recipe. "You're a jerk for bringing that up, by the way."

Olivia laughed. The events of that day still amused her. She had been invited over to try the cinnamon apple muffins Alex was planning on making. Alex had followed the online recipe to the letter, and when it called her to put them in at 200 degrees, she had. And they had waited, and waited, and waited…but the muffins wouldn't rise. They waited 40 minutes, rather than the recommended 20, and still they weren't done. It was only after rereading the recipe for a third time that Alex had noticed the little "C" next to the 200.

Olivia had never forgotten about that incident. She had laughed so hard that day, especially when Alex had gone off on a rant about the "ridiculousness" of using Celsius for recipes.

"Yeah, but it's still funny. Now go get ready. I'll watch over these."

Alex grumbled but made her way upstairs and got ready. She was in the process of applying the last of her make up when she heard the knock on the door. She swore quietly and quickly applied her mascara. She heard Olivia open the door as she exited her bedroom and made her way downstairs.

She smiled widely when she saw Hannah standing in the entrance with Lisa. She couldn't help the grin because Hannah looked so damn shy. Normally, the teenager would come bouncing in, very clearly at home in their house, but she now quietly entered and softly introduced them to Lisa. Alex decided to take some pity on the poor girl and took control of the conversation.

"Come on in, ladies. Hi, Lisa. It's nice to finally meet one of Hannah's friends."

Olivia led the way into the living room, Lisa following behind her. Alex quickly reached out and squeezed Hannah's hand, smiling encouragingly.

"She's cute," Alex whispered, causing Hannah to blush.

And she was cute. She wore a light summer dress, and her strawberry blond hair was pinned off to one side with a small clip, resting at her neck. She had big green eyes and flawless skin. Alex couldn't help thinking that the girl was incredibly lucky to have such beautiful features.

"You have a really nice home," Lisa said, looking around.

"Thank you. We like it too. Are you ladies hungry? I'm baking cookies now, and I made sandwiches and potato salad earlier just in case."

Lisa glanced at Hannah, who had made her way to her side.

"Are you hungry?" she asked. Hannah shrugged in response. She suddenly felt incredibly awkward.

Alex sensed the girl's uneasiness and grabbed Olivia's elbow.

"We'll just get things ready in the kitchen. We'll be out in a few minutes."

Olivia followed Alex into the kitchen.

"Poor girl obviously has it bad for that one," she commented. "She pretty much forgot how to speak."

"I can see why. She's gorgeous."

"She's got nothing on you though," Olivia replied, squeezing her upper arm.

Alex smiled at the compliment before turning to take out of the cookies from the oven. She put in the final batch with a satisfied nod.

"There! Thanks for switching the other cookies for me by the way."

"And I didn't even burn them." Olivia said proudly.

"Very good," Alex praised.

Hannah then came into the kitchen, biting her lip. She looked so nervous that Alex couldn't help reaching out to her.

"Everything okay?" Alex asked, rubbing the girl's arm. "If it's too weird being here, you don't have to stay."

Hannah smiled gratefully at her.

"No, it's not that. I'm just nervous that's all."

"Are you always so nervous around her?"

"No. Well, sometimes," she admitted softly. "Sometimes she makes me nervous, but I'm usually pretty good at hiding it."

"Anything we can do?" Olivia asked. It was hard enough having a crush on someone as an adult, let alone when you were a teenager.

"Don't let me throw up?" she joked.

Olivia chuckled and nodded.

"Don't worry, kiddo. We won't let that happen. Now come on, we can't leave her by herself all afternoon. Why don't you invite her into the kitchen? We'll set the table to eat and then we can talk a bit before you two start studying."

"Okay," Hannah agreed before going into the living room.

The blonde reached into the cupboard to grab some plates, but Olivia stopped her.

"I'll get them. You worry about your cookies," she said.

At first, Alex thought the brunette was going to tease her some more, but when she saw the sincerity in her expression, the blonde realised she was just being chivalrous. The thought made her smile.

"Thanks," she said in response.

She watched from the counter as Olivia put the plates down, followed by the silverware and glasses. She then seated the two girls and went to the fridge, making light conversation as she put the plates of food before them. This is what Alex had always wanted, this is what she had desperately missed back in Wisconsin: this simple domesticity.

When she was placed into the WPP, Alex had been sure that she'd never be happy, that she'd never feel at home again. And she had been right the first time. She had always known she could never be happy in Wisconsin. Even though she had tried to be, the truth was that she had been miserable. She had hated every minute of her time as Emily.

But she couldn't believe the incredible difference the second time around. Yes, things had been rocky, and for a while she had been unhappy, but it was never like in Wisconsin. And it was in moments such as this, watching Olivia chat away with the two teenagers as they waited for the cookies to be ready, when Alex thought she could truly be happy here in Wyoming. Things had felt different right from the start and scenes like this gave her hope, especially since they had talked and things were moving forward between them again. Maybe she could have a life here; maybe she could eventually feel at home. She would never be as happy as she had been in New York, but this… this could be a close second.

Alex was pulled from her thoughts by the sound of the oven timer going off. She turned from the counter and pulled the cookies out, placing them on top of the stove. She turned the oven off and removed her oven mitts before making her way to the table. She was happy to note that both teenagers seemed to have relaxed considerably. Olivia always had that effect on people. It was one of the things Alex loved most about her.

"So, are we ready to eat now?"

Hannah nodded vigorously.

"Lunch was forever ago. I'm starving."

"You didn't have to wait," Alex said as she sat. "You could have started eating."

Hannah shrugged.

"It's better when everyone is here."

Alex smiled at her and passed her the potato salad. The girl took the hint and quickly dug in. The blonde then turned Lisa, smiling. It was the first time she'd really gotten the chance to talk to her, and she was going to take full advantage.

"So, how are your studies going, Lisa? Hannah tells me you're an excellent student."

"Did she?" Lisa asked, raising an inquisitive eyebrow at Hannah. "What else have you been telling her about me?" The girl chose not to answer. When she received no response, Lisa turned her attention back to the blonde. "They're going well, thank you. I'm getting nervous for our exams though."

"Which ones make you the most nervous?"

"Physics. Definitely physics. It's my worst class. I'd have a 90 point average if it weren't for that class," she said in annoyance. "I hate that class."

"It doesn't help that it's boring as hell," Hannah added.

"It's the worst, especially when we have it first period. I've had to wake her up more than once," she said, pointing at Hannah.

"Listen, it's not my fault is Mr. Peters drones on like anyone cares about the difference between speed and velocity or why the sound field travels blah blah blah."

"Touché," Lisa grinned before turning to her hosts. "This is really good, by the way. Did you two make this all yourself?"

"Thanks," Alex responded "And I did, yes. Would you believe I used to be a horrible cook? I couldn't even make cereal without it bursting into flames."

"Ah! Simpsons reference!" Hannah said excitedly. "I love that episode."

"You two have that crap on so often that even I'm able to quote it now."

"It's a good show," Olivia interjected. "Maybe you just have terrible taste."

Alex raised an eyebrow. "I'm attracted to you. What does that say about my taste?"

"My point exactly!" Olivia teased. "You could do a lot better."

"I suppose I could," she said, pausing. "Hey, Hannah. Is Mr. Peters single?"

"Yeah but he's nowhere near as good looking as Cam is!" Hannah said enthusiastically.

Alex laughed.

"I'm sure he isn't."

Lisa sat quietly, observing her friend and the two older women. She watched them in silence for most of the rest of the meal, enjoying the playful banter between them. Hannah did not act this way with her family, and she knew from the secrets they had shared that Hannah was not close to her family in the least. It was comforting to know that these women so clearly cared about her. She managed to avoid any attention (as she preferred it) until the end of the meal, when Hannah began teasing her about her intense need to study and excel academically. It was true, she studied a lot and worked hard for her grades, but if not for her, Hannah would not have the grades she did either. She did not let the girl forget that fact, reminding her and squeezing her arm affectionately as she did so. Hannah rolled her eyes in response, but she had a genuine smile plastered on her face. She couldn't help smiling when Lisa touched her. It gave her butterflies. And when Lisa started teasing her and tickling her sides, Hannah's stomach clenched, another side effect to having the strawberry blonde's hands anywhere near her body. They were so engrossed in their banter that they didn't notice the women get up and move to the counter, eyeing them.

"We should really give them time to study. That was the reason they were coming over after all," Alex stated.

"Was it now?" Olivia asked, raising her eyebrows.

"Yes," Alex responded, refusing to take the bait. She had spent enough time observing Lisa while they were eating, but she was looking forward to seeing how she acted when she was alone with Hannah. Well, that is until Alex started popping in to "just grab something" from the kitchen.

Looking to move things along, Alex began clearing the table. Olivia didn't press the issue further, not wanting to risk being overheard. She had taken the opportunity to do her own observing as well, and Lisa was either a very affectionate person or there was a reason she was so touchy with Hannah. And Hannah, well, Olivia was sure she had never seen the girl smile quite so enthusiastically.

After the kitchen was cleaned, the two girls got their school bags and settled at the table. Olivia told them to grab what they wanted from the fridge as she placed a plate of cookies before them.

"You're both old enough to know your limits. If you can handle eating twelve cookies, be my guest," she said smiling.

"Thanks," they said in unison.

Olivia nodded at them before joining Alex, who had moved to the living room.

"So?" she asked, plopping herself down on the couch. She then shifted so that she was facing her.

"So what?"

"What's the verdict?"

Alex bit her bottom lip.

"I think she likes Hannah. Actually, I'm sure of it. What do you think?"

"I can't believe you suckered me into this mess, but my instincts agree with you. She's either a very affectionate person or she's attracted to our little friend. My gut says the latter."

Alex nodded in agreement.

"You don't touch someone like that unless you feel something for them," she said, reflecting on the way Lisa poked, playfully shoved, swatted, and stroked Hannah's arms at the end of the meal. She had been reserved at first, shy, but things had quickly turned around when she warmed up.

"It's cute," Olivia said, thinking aloud. "It's nice that the kids from this generation don't have to worry about the repercussions we had to when we were growing up. People are much more accepting nowadays."

"Definitely. I wonder if Lisa has figured it out," Alex mused.

"Figured what out? Her feelings for Hannah?"

"Yes."

"I'm sure she has. She seems like a smart girl."

"She does. However, you're pretty intelligent yourself and you never caught on," Alex said, grinning.

"That's because you need to hit me with a two by four in the face before I see something like that," Olivia looked at Alex. "You're beautiful, smart, and way out of my league. There was no way I would have ever thought you'd return my feelings. Especially, you know, since you were straight."

Alex reached out and squeezed her forearm.

"I was never out of your league," she said sincerely. "And I certainly was never straight. I just wasn't out. It's not something you advertise, not in my field anyway. Or, my former field that is."

"No, I guess it isn't. I can't believe you didn't pick up on it though, on how I felt. Even El-uh, even the people around me were bugging me about it," she smiled, but it was a sad smile. She missed Elliot a lot, the memory suddenly serving as a painful reminder of how long it had been since she had seen him.

Alex sensed Olivia's sadness, so she scooted closer and wrapped her arms around her. She pulled her in close, taking a deep breath and inhaling her scent. She would never tire of sharing close contact with her.

"I know you miss him," she whispered in her ear. "I miss him too."

"God, you don't even know. I don't let myself think of him, but sometimes I just…"

Olivia shifted back until she could look Alex in the eye. The blonde reached up and cupped her cheek, stroking away a stray tear.

"I'm sorry," she whispered guiltily. "I know it's because of me. I'm sorry you left everything because of m-"

Olivia leaned forward and caught her lips, silencing her. Alex whimpered at the contact, her hand automatically making its way into the brunette's hair. She buried her fingers deep, clinging to the brown locks as she had done so many times in the past. Her stomach fluttered as she felt gentle fingertips stroking the skin at her hip and soft lips pressing against her own. She moaned and leaned forward, half leaning on Olivia as she pushed for more contact. The fingers against her skin were driving her crazy, and Alex was eager for more. Olivia did not disappoint.

She shifted and pulled Alex fully on her lap, tugging her close. Alex moaned into the kiss, and Olivia took advantage of her open mouth to slip her tongue inside. Alex pressed her body forward, her breasts pressing against Olivia's. A spike of arousal shot through Olivia's body as the fleshy mounds pressed against her own. She moved her hands to grip Alex's ass, pressing the woman's centre hard into her lap. She responded by grinding her hips down, causing Olivia's head to spin.

"Oh my God."

Alex gasped at the interruption, ripping away from Olivia's lips and looking over at a horrified Lisa.

"Lisa?" Hannah followed, confused as to why she looked so upset. When she stumbled upon the two women panting on the couch, Val sitting in Cam's lap, she realised what had shocked her friend.

"I'm sorry," the blonde started. "We didn't-"

"No, it's okay. Um, I forgot I have to go home now," Lisa started, racing back to the kitchen and grabbing her things. "I'm sorry, Han. I just… I have to go. There's this thing…I just have to go."

She bolted from the house. Hannah stood transfixed, staring at the front door. Alex slipped from her lap as Olivia got up and made her way to the teen, who now looked completely dejected.

"Hannah. I'm sorry. That wasn't supposed to happen."

The girl shook her head.

"No, it's okay. I just… I guess that tells me everything I need to know, right? She freaked when she saw you guys."

"I don't think you should just to conclusions. Go talk to her."

"I don't know if I can," the girl responded. "Did you just see that? She totally freaked."

"Yes, I did, but I think you should try to talk to her. Come on, if you hurry, you can catch her. Leave your things here. You can come back for them." When she saw that Hannah was debating, she added an enthusiastic "go", which prompted the teenager to move to the door.

"Okay. I'll be back."

"Yes, yes. Go!"

When Hannah left, Olivia turned back to Alex, who had shifted to curl into the couch.

"I feel guilty. I think we frightened that poor girl."

"She'll be okay," Olivia said calmly, making her way back to the couch. She sat next to Alex and wrapped an arm around her shoulders, drawing her in close. She kissed her temple softly. "I can't say I regret it though, because I really don't."

Alex smiled and burrowed into Olivia's side.

"I feel guilty, but I don't regret it either," she admitted, looking up at the brunette. "I just hope we didn't mess things up for them. I wouldn't want to ruin Hannah's friendship with Lisa."

"We didn't. If Lisa did get upset because she saw two women kissing, should Hannah really be friends with someone like that, given that she is also a lesbian? No. I think we probably just startled her. How often do you think she sees two women making out like that?"

"I guess you're right."

Olivia smiled triumphantly.

"And don't you forget it!"

Alex rolled her eyes and settled against her bicep, hoping that when Hannah returned, she'd tell them that everything was okay.

A/N: I'm trying to avoid Val/Cam as much as I can (unless it's coming from Hannah's POV, in which case, it has to be Cam/Val). Please let me know if it's too confusing or if you absolutely hate it. I'm trying to keep it to a minimum, since it'll always be Alex/Olivia in my mind!

A/N 2: That muffin thing... yeah. True story. And it took me forever to figure out what the hell I was doing wrong. I'm not the best baker. Or cook. I'm a bad femme lol. Thanks for reading! Next chapter will be up soon :)