Disclaimer: I own nothing
So started their day. Olivia took Alex out to a cafe and they ate a big serving of bacon and eggs on toast. Alex only wanted toast but Olivia over ruled, saying she needed to eat and get some weight back on, she'd been too skinny for too long.
After they went to Olivia's and Alex helped her pack. She wasn't all that impressed with the wardrobe and threatened to take Olivia shopping. Olivia told her to keep her nose out of her wardrobe.
That night Olivia cooked while Alex watched, Olivia had only been teasing about Alex cooking her meals. Alex could barely boil water. Alex tried to help by chopping some vegies but it only slowed Olivia down so she sat back with her glass of wine and watched. She did KP duty after then joined Olivia on the couch to watch a TV. Olivia wanted to watch a cop show but Alex had enough of those and wanted to watch some comedy. They argued good naturedly before giving up and putting on a movie.
At bed time Alex said goodnight with some trepidation, sure she was going to dream. Olivia gave her a hug and told her to think positive and to remember she was there. Alex lay in bed for a long time that night before sleep took hold, wishing Olivia was there to hold her and keep her safe.
Alex's scream had her bolt upright and running for her friend in seconds flat. Unlike last night when she tried to waken her friend tonight she crawled straight into bed and wrapped Alex up in her arms. Alex did wake though but unlike the previous night she knew exactly who was in bed with her and she didn't think twice about snuggling in
"Don't leave me please, don't ever leave" she sobbed
"I won't" Olivia promised rubbing her back "Sshh now, I'm here, go back to sleep" she held Alex close to her left side, Alex's head on her shoulder, the fingers of her right hand entangled with Alex's left and with Alex's left leg thrown across hers. Olivia didn't even want to think how incredibly right it felt.
So the days passed. Olivia worked and went home when she could to have Alex waiting for her, usually with a beer if not too late or if it was then with a warm cup of tea to relax her. They always went off to separate beds but usually ended up snuggling in Alex's after a nightmare.
Alex had given Olivia permission to confide in Elliott and he was supportive of his partner helping their ex ADA out. Cragen knew too as her Captain. Both worked hard to make sure Olivia left at a reasonable time so Alex would be settled. They were all concerned for her health.
The first night she had to stay back late she trudged home to Alex's at 3 in the morning and was surprisingly met at the door by a red eyed Alex. Olivia's heart broke for her friend and after shedding her coat with the help of Alex she opened her arms and had her arms full of woman the next second. Olivia felt her heart jump and was slightly confused by it but brushed it aside, Alex needed to feel safe.
"Come on counsellor, let's go to bed" she whispered and smiled when Alex held her tighter "I'll be right there Al, just let me get changed" she gave Alex a squeeze and let her go. Alex immediately hugged herself, feeling bereft and not really liking the fact. She followed Olivia towards their bedrooms and turned left into hers when Olivia went right.
She slid into bed, pulling the covers up to her chin and waiting. Olivia soon joined her in her NYPD shirt and jogging shorts she wore to bed. Olivia turned off the light and slid in next to her. Alex immediately relaxed at feeling the familiar weight of Olivia beside her, the scent of her and her mere presence before Olivia wrapped her arms around her and pulled her into their standard position with her curled up to Olivia's right side.
Within minutes she was fast asleep, no nightmares to disturb her, just dreams of being held in Olivia's arms for a long time to come.
A couple of weeks later Alex went to her first psych appointment, Olivia got time off to go with her. The psych was very friendly and listened intently while Alex struggled through telling her story. Olivia sat holding her hand and being supportive. At the end of the session the psych said it was great to see she had such a supportive partner and Alex flushed crimson and Olivia chuckled while assuring the woman they were long time friends. The psych watched them for long moments before muttering something about having friends like hers then told her to make an appointment for a fortnight.
Olivia pulled Alex out by their joined hand and refused to let it go while they made the next appointment and leading Alex outside.
"I can't believe she thought we were together" Alex shook her head as they sat in a nearby cafe waiting for lunch to arrive.
"Ouch, talk about an arrow to the heart" Olivia teased "Must be why I'm 43 and single, everybody's friend, nobody's lover"
"Oh hey, I just meant..."
"I know Alex, I'm your best friend, I make you feel safe. I figure I have a few things going against me anyway mainly being I'm female, you're straight and I am blue collar"
"Now wait a minute, I am not a snob" Alex scowled at Olivia across the table then had to lean back when the waiter delivered her toasted Foccacia and Olivia's BLT. At least Alex's appetite had improved and she was looking healthy physically.
"A huh counsellor, how many men have you dated on 50 grand or less?"
"Does it count high school?" Alex asked and Olivia had to laugh and shake her head. Trust Alex to think of that. "Ok so I dated a mechanic once"
"How old was he and how old were you?"
"He was 19 and I was 18, I was rebelling" Alex laughed "it lasted a month"
"Not surprised" Olivia chuckled "Ok so I'll presume you're not a snob. Still have the fact I'm female and you're straight"
"Interesting that twice now you haven't counted yourself in the straight bracket?" Alex raised an intrigued brow
"Can't, I've kissed a girl" Olivia deadpanned and Alex nearly choked on her toasty. She stared at Olivia in surprise and Olivia winked "Babs Duffy remember"
Alex rolled her eyes and shook her head
"Very funny. That doesn't make you gay or bi or whatever. She caught you off guard" Alex took a sip of her drink and sat back to look over her friend "Besides you've kinda lost that butch look you had"
"Excuse me?" Olivia blinked, face slack with shock
"Oh come on Liv, when we first met you were every lesbian's wet dream. Short hair, leather jacket, gun and badge. Not to mention your swagger" Alex grinned seeing her friends dumbfounded look "Many a woman gay and straight in the office used to fantasize what it would be like to go on a date with you, maybe roll naked in sheets"
"You're joking" Olivia blushed "Please tell me you are joking" she pleaded, she would never be able to show her face down at city hall again.
"No, Abbie Carmichael, Serena Southerlyn, even Novak I heard" Alex sat back and Olivia looked at Alex slyly
"Hmmm, what about Alexandra Cabot?" she asked and smirked when Alex flushed lightly but quickly recovered and waggled her brows. "Sure you did Cabot" Olivia chuckled and Alex merely raised a brow just as Olivia's phone went off. They sighed in unison, their peace shattered by Elliott's ringtone.
Olivia answered the call quickly and obtained details before hanging up
"I gotta go, got a body. You'll be good getting home?"
"Go" Alex rolled her eyes "I'll be fine, I'll see you when you get home"
Olivia stood and pulled a couple of wads of bills out of her wallet. She growled at Alex when she went to object. "I'll see you later Lex, if I can make it home by 7.30 I will take you out and you can see if a date with butch Detective Benson lives up to your old fantasy" she chuckled when Alex blushed again and looked down. She liked the blushing shy Alex. Leaning down she bussed Alex's cheeks and whispered "If you're lucky you may even get to roll in the sheets with me" she chuckled and skipped away from Alex's attempt to swat her leg "See ya babe" she called over her shoulder and had the patrons nearby Alex looking at her in amusement as she slunk in her seat. Oh payback was going to be a bitch.