A/N: I know you want to kick me for not updating. I swear its not my fault. I'm currently working on a loaner computer while is being fixed. I will hopefully get it back today *crosses fingers*.

Disclaimer: See Chapter 1

Spoilers: None

We'll See

Chapter 11

Alicia met Eli as he came out of his office building. He was in his typical suit, tie loosened, and his normally perfectly combed hair was slightly askew as if he'd run his fingers through it multiple times. He paused, seemingly to drink in her own altered appearance with a soft smile tugging at his lips.

"I feel singularly overdressed now." He said finally.

"Well, it all depends on where we're going for dinner." She answered with a smirk of her own. "I could be supremely underdressed."

"Never." He commented pointedly. "I like this." Eli gestured to her ensemble. "It reminds me of the night you cooked dinner for me. It was like I was seeing Alicia for the first time, rather than Mrs. Florrick. I like this Alicia person much better than your other incarnation."

"Mrs. Florrick has officially been shoved back into her box, never to be seen again. She exited with as much dignity as she could manage and Alicia was left in her stead, happy to be seen and heard once more."

"Good. Now may I please escort Alicia to dinner?" He asked offering her his arm. She nodded and slipped her arm through his.

Eli steered them back the way she'd come and into a bistro a few doors down. They were seated almost immediately as the maitre'd recognized Eli. The silence was comfortable between them as they looked over the menu and placed their orders. With no barriers between them, it slowly shifted into awkward.

Alicia studied him quietly. His hair was slowly easing into gray. The light strands made him look distinguished. His eyes were a deep shade of brown that was like an endless well, yet they sparkled when he was happy or excited. His smile was one part mischievous little boy, one part sexy and she had to keep a tight rein on her emotions and the purely feminine reaction she had to him, to keep her knees from going weak. It had been a very long time since she'd felt anything remotely similar. Alicia glanced up to find him watching her in return. She flushed, but didn't break eye contact.

Eli found he liked the hint of pink that stained her cheeks, as well as the way she studied him, slightly analytically, but also as a woman. He had no problem returning the favor. He liked the way she had pulled her hair back and he could see all of her face. He also liked the way she had a gleam in her eyes, as if she was finally excited about her life, and to be living. It made her look alive, and human, and very warm.

Their waiter returned with their salads, momentarily distracting them from each other. Finally Eli broke the silence although she didn't think he meant to say what he did.

"You're beautiful." He breathed out, and she looked up at him sharply, not expecting those words to pass his lips. It was somewhat of a shock, but not an unwelcome one and she felt a true smile break across her face. Eli though he was in heaven. He had finally received the gift of seeing a full smile on her face as well having been the cause of it.

The rest of their dinner passed quickly and with great conversation, since he'd broken the ice. They enjoyed each other's company, and continued to talk and laugh until the restaurant had closed down for the evening.

Eli escorted her out onto the street and she slipped her arm through his again. The temperature had dropped a few more degrees. They huddled together for warmth and he made to hail a cab, but she stopped him, stating that she was enjoying their walk and it was only a few blocks to her apartment. It sent warning bells ringing in his head but he ignored them and steered them toward her apartment. They were both shivering slightly so he wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close enough to feel her breath on his cheek, and her arm curled around his waist and suddenly everything felt very right.

They reached her apartment and she offered him coffee to warm up. He could tell she didn't want him to leave and if he told himself the truth, he was reluctant to leave as well.