Disclaimer: I own nothing

This chapter is short and sweet. It is dedicated in the loving memory of a good mate and colleague who died last night in a car crash off duty. I love you mate, your fun ways and laughter will never be forgotten.

The world has gone crazy at the moment, USA is reeling after their shooting. I just can't believe anyone can get a gun over there, it's insane. After all their problems they're bringing in concealed weapon laws? By all means, let's make it even easier for the idiots to kill each other. I'm sorry to all my USA readers if you don't like me for this but if your country doesn't implode in the next 10-20 years I will be truly surprised.

On a note closer to home for any Aussie fan that is affected by the floods mainly in Queensland but also NSW and my home state of Western Australia, my heart goes out to you. I am not sure if everyone worldwide knows, but you should check out the devastation on line.

Don't fuck with mother nature or it will fuck with you.

They went to one of their favourite cafe's nearby, sliding in together in a booth seat and Alex ordered the warm chicken salad while Olivia ordered a chicken and salad wrap. They were sitting close and lost in conversation when a familiar voice spoke above them.

"Do my eyes deceive me Serena or have Cabot and Benson finally got their shit together?" came the soft Texan drawl and Alex rolled her eyes while Olivia chuckled. Pulling back slightly she looked at the other two ladies who were standing beside the table and grinned

"Hey Abbie, Serena" they stood and exchanged the usual greetings before offering them to sit at their table. They slid in opposite and Olivia took a second to look them over before offering up her own smile "Looks like we aren't the only ones to get our shit together" she chuckled and watched Serena's face bloom. Abbie chuckled

"She made me work hard but I wore her down in the end. I'm transferring back to New York by June. Apparently there may be a few spots available to me. Rumour has it the SVU at the 1 6 needs a permanent ADA."

"Maybe" Olivia grinned "Someone needs to keep us in line now Alex is gone. We tend to go feral occasionally, only Alex and Casey could keep us on a leash"

"That so? Maybe I'll need to bring along my lasso and spurs" Abbie wiggled her brows and Olivia's cheeks bloomed much to her amusement. Alex took Olivia's hand and told them to stop stirring.

Alex and Olivia's meal was served then and Abbie and Serena ordered them to eat. Serena's toasty came out shortly after but it took another 5 minutes for Abbie's burger and fries to arrive. Olivia told her friend her arteries would be full of grease. Abbie told her you only live once, may as well enjoy it and hoed in.

By the end of lunch the other two had wrangled an invite for dinner the following night and Serena told Olivia to call Casey. She had sorted her professional life out but was feeling a bit isolated without the unit. Olivia told her she didn't have her number and Serena assured her it hadn't changed and they said their goodbyes.

The next night their apartment was overrun with people. They had that many volunteers it had only taken 2 hours to move everything and only because they hired one trailer and had to do 3 trips. They'd adjourned to O'Malley's for a few drinks before returning to their apartment to let in the caterers and get ready.

Alex realised they were never going to get everyone around her 8 seater table as there were 11 adults and the Stabler twins and Eli. Olivia and the guys had welcomed Casey warmly when she arrived feeling slightly awkward. It wasn't long until she was in the thick of things though arguing with Munch and Fin. George was talking to Don and Abbie. Serena was regaling the twins and Kathy was keeping an eye on Elliott who was teasing Alex but figured she was smart enough to look after herself.

Olivia and Eli had bonded at his birth and every time they were together they became inseparable. Now was no different as Olivia crawled around on the floor with him and chased him around the apartment as he toddled off to check out his environment. She kept a close eye on him as the place wasn't exactly child proof.

Alex kept an eye on her lover, aware how much she loved children. Alex had never really contemplated them, except when her mother had been bugging her to marry and continue the Cabot dynasty. Maybe that could still happen, just not exactly in a conventional way.

Dinner went over well, Alex had warned the caterers they were feeding a bunch of cops that didn't appreciate fine cuisine, just wanted a hardy meal. They had cooked large rolls of roast beef and pork. Offered crunchy rolls and gravy and roast potato and pumpkin. Peas were there for diehard veggie fans.

They sat where they could find a space. Olivia sat on the floor with Eli, helping him eat and ensuring he didn't get too much mess on himself or the carpet. Alex's heart swelled as she watched the interaction between the two.

Someone mentioned a replay of some sporting game or something. That was a cue for Alex. Serena, Kathy and George to head for the dining room to sit and chat while everyone else watched the replay. Alex took Olivia a beer at one stage and found Eli curled up asleep in her lap. She decided it was a Kodak moment she couldn't pass up and ran for her camera.