"Double Time" Sequel to "Stepping Time" (Highly recommend you read Stepping Time before reading this sequel)
The main characters of Law and Order SVU belong to Dick Wolf and NBC Universal. This is meant for entertainment, not profit.* There are several characters I have created. I hope you enjoy, and I welcome feedback.
Author's Note (Especially for laurel hardy) Characters guide-Primary SVU Characters Olivia Benson, Alex Cabot Primary Original Female Characters Army Lt. Col. Erin Mathison, Attorney Angie Secondary SVU and L&O Characters Elliot Stabler, Casey Novak, Abbie Carmichael, Serena Southerlyn Secondary Original Characters Jeff Stockton, Amelia Stockton, Dylan Mathison, Petraeus (Erin's Chihuahua), Senator Rushing, TJ McCoy
Thanks for reading and the reviews for the first 34 chapters. Love and appreciate the reviews and it means so much that so many are reading this sequel.
#### New Community created by Rach5 (Olivia/OFC Stories) featuring stories with Olivia and original female characters or Olivia with female characters from other shows. Thanks Rach5 for creating and please let us know if we are missing some that you like. #####
#-#
"Double Time" Chapter 35
Erin scanned the remaining crowd in the make-shift dining room of the VFW. The breakfast had ended less than a half-hour ago but with the numerous volunteers the room was nearly restored to its usual meeting room appearance.
"You looking for Olivia?" Dylan asked the pretty obvious. "Dad took her across the street to the bakery for coffee."
"Isn't there enough coffee and food here?" Erin mused.
"Obvious why you aren't a military intelligence officer…or maybe you should have been," Dylan laughed. "He took your cop for a donut and coffee…"
"Oh fuck," Erin accidently said loud enough to turn a few heads.
"Relax Erin," Dylan said patting Erin on the shoulder.
"God he is probably going to scare her away with grilling her about her intentions with me crap," Erin shrugged.
"Stop worrying, you already know he really likes her. Actually I think he likes Olivia more than you," Dylan smiled. "Maybe you should be worried about him telling her not to put up with your shit."
"Thanks bro. Like I'm not already nervous enough about proposing tonight," Erin smirked, slapping Dylan's shoulder. Dylan squared his shoulders and turned to face Erin directly.
"She loves you sis. She's going to say yes," Dylan said softly and sincerely. "You are a very good catch."
#-#
"Thank you for volunteering us to help with the breakfast," Olivia said as she and Daniel slid into one of the small booths at the bakery each with a cup of coffee. "Just some absolutely amazing people."
"Thank you for not only doing it, but embracing it…the people like you did," Daniel replied.
"I don't bullshit, don't say things I don't mean," Olivia said firmly. "I had more emotions flowing through me serving pancakes and bussing tables then I would have ever anticipated. It really was a privilege to just do the little that I did."
"I know you don't BS…one of the many reasons I like you and my daughter loves you. So I am counting on you to look me in the eye and tell me your intentions with Erin," Daniel said earnestly.
"Actually I was going to ask you to talk privately," Olivia replied without hesitation maintaining her focus on Daniel. "I love Erin and I want to spend the rest of my life with her. I am going to ask her tonight to marry me and even though you don't know me well I am hoping to get your blessing."
Daniel took a drink of his coffee before responding, trying not only to hide his smile that Olivia had the same intentions as Erin just hours from now, but to also make her sweat…just a little.
"You have my blessing on two conditions," he replied in an even tone.
"Okay," Olivia nodded eagerly.
"Erin has only told me bits and pieces of this last deployment. And she has told me a little of a few cases you've had since you two have been together. Don't tell her you're fine when you're not. Don't shut her out and don't let her shut you out," Daniel said firmly. "I hope Erin will never physically be in harm's way again, but as you know death and killing end only with those who died."
"I understand," Olivia replied knowingly. "I'm not saying I still don't have some room to improve with opening up, but I also think it is one of the things that make Erin and me so good together. We have different experiences, but we both know the same emotions with them."
"Good," Daniel nodded. "I'm sure Erin told you no amount of women or whiskey and a few other things ever helped me after my tours in 'Nam. It took me way too long to get my shit together and I hurt a lot of people along the way, especially Erin's mom and of course Erin and Dylan."
"I respect your honesty…" Olivia said and then paused, running a nervous hand through her hair. "So with what you just said I hope that means you'll be coming up for Erin's promotion."
"I thought this was my interrogation detective," Daniel smirked. "I screwed up on that, but I already told Erin earlier I will be there."
"I'm glad," Olivia said as she sipped her coffee.
"So the second condition is that when my daughter says yes to becoming your wife that you two get married while my memory is still somewhat intact. If Erin chooses I would like to be the one who gives her away," Daniel said hopefully.
"Well assuming Erin says yes tonight, I don't want to wait real long either. But we have two very good friends getting married in D.C. in June and I think Jeff and Casey are shooting for August for their wedding now," Olivia said thoughtfully. "I would like to do it this year while I'm on my leave of absence still."
"You definitely want to have it when you can go on a honeymoon," he said. "You two deserve a vacation and I think you ought to go on one of those all lesbian cruises…like to Alaska. Erin would really like that."
"We have talked about going on one of those all lesbian cruises," Olivia laughed.
"I was just meaning so you could be open," Daniel quickly retorted. "I didn't mean any offense."
"Oh I know. Erin has told me you have never had any qualms with her sexuality…that you just want her to be happy."
"And she is happy, very happy now that she is with you," Daniel smiled squeezing Olivia's hand.
"Me too. And I'm pretty decisive like Erin too so once she says yes, I don't think it will take us long to set a date and make plans for the honeymoon."
"Good," Daniel said sliding out of the booth. "We should probably get back before we get too much grief about not pulling our fair share of the cleanup."
"I think you're right," Olivia smiled putting her jacket back on. "So I have your blessing right?"
"Yes you do Olivia, but make sure you two decide on that honeymoon trip pretty soon since I'll be paying for it."
"You don't have to do that," Olivia gasped.
"You're right I don't," Daniel smiled holding the door open as they exited the bakery. "So I'll give you a choice of wedding gifts. I either pay for the honeymoon or small kitchen appliances that you don't need or want."
#-#
Olivia awoke from her nap in the separate sleeping area of the suite to near darkness. She glanced at the clock on the nightstand and saw that it was nearing 6 p.m. They had arrived at the hotel in Corpus Christi just a few minutes before their scheduled 2 p.m. massages and then had collapsed on the bed shortly after. It had been nearly 70 degrees when they arrived in the beachside city and looking out the window at the Gulf of Mexico the only indicator that it was late January here as well was the darkened skyline.
Olivia padded to the living area to look for Erin, still trying to fully awaken herself. The TV was off and only a small desk lamp illuminated the living area of the suite. She called out for Erin but received no response. She grabbed a water from the mini-bar and walked to the bathroom.
Babe,
Getting a pedicure. Extra tip for the toes on the casted foot. I'll be in the hotel bar by 6:45. We don't need to leave for the restaurant until 7:15. I set the alarm next to the bed for six, so if it didn't already wake you up…
Love you,
Erin
Olivia smiled and walked back to the bedroom to shut the impending alarm off. They had agreed before the trip that for this dinner at an upscale restaurant that they would each dress up, not formal, but out of their usual apparel and in something the other hadn't seen them wear before. Olivia had been tempted to sneak a peek in Erin's garment bag on a couple of occasions, but she opted not to knowing Erin would be able to tell if she had done so.
#-#
Olivia opened her clutch once more ensuring the ring for Erin was still safely tucked in the gift box. She checked herself once more in the full-length mirror, satisfied that the sleeveless and strapless cobalt bandage tiered dress which accentuated her chest and hit mid-thigh would be to Erin's liking. She wore simple diamond-stud earrings and a thin gold watch.
From the interior glass elevator Olivia could see a portion of the lobby bar. She gazed down as the elevator made a stop at seemingly every other floor on the descent to the lobby. It was when they were stopped on the fifth floor that Olivia saw Erin striding towards the bar wearing a twist-front black strapless dress that clung to her hips and extended not far below. Even with her still casted leg, the short length of the dress made Erin's lanky frame even more stunning.
Olivia slinked up behind Erin at the entrance of the bar wanting to press her lips to the exposed skin of Erin's shoulders and back and wrap her arms around her waist, but opted not to as a group of young men shuffled past and into the bar. Instead she stopped just short of Erin and leaned her head forward over Erin's shoulder.
"You look absolutely stunning Erin Mathison," she whispered. Erin turned towards Olivia and Olivia flashed a cocky grin as she watched Erin appraise her from head to toe but lingering on her breasts.
"My God," Erin husked. "Do you just want order room service? You are so beautiful."
"I think you ought to at least buy me a drink first," Olivia grinned, grabbing Erin's hand and leading them into the bar. She looked to her left and seeing that a small corner table was open she steered them to it.
As soon as they ordered their drinks Erin's phone began ringing. She opened her small purse and fished the phone out mouthing to Olivia that it was Dylan.
"No, not yet Dylan," Erin continued hurriedly trying to wrap up the phone call.
"I will," Erin sighed a moment later.
"Proud of you. Congrats! We'll celebrate tomorrow. Love you. Going now," Erin said enthusiastically but quickly, before ending the call and putting her phone back in her purse.
"Sorry babe," Erin smiled.
"No problem. Sounded like good news though?" Olivia queried.
"It is. They offered Dylan the job."
#-#
"Alex it isn't even eight there yet. I bet they are still at dinner," Angie surmised.
"I know, but I want to know. You know how hard it's been to keep their secrets? And all I got was one text from Liv saying they arrived okay," Alex pouted.
"They both said they would send you a text after the proposal, not play-by-play," Angie smirked.
"You're lucky that I know what a romantic you truly are, because right now you're sucking at it," Alex quipped, pouring a glass of wine.
"It's the romantic in me that says that neither of them would like to have their pre-proposal dinner interrupted by a phone call from you despite your much appreciated earlier assistance in each of their plans," Angie retorted.
"Ok I'll give you that point," Alex said sliding on the couch next to Angie. "I'll just send them each a text message."
"Saying what?" Angie laughed.
"I don't know. I just want to know. It's like waiting for a jury to return."
"No, no, no, it is not," Angie exclaimed with a smile. "No matter how strong of a case you never know what a jury is going to do. The only thing we don't know here is who is going to ask first."
"You're right on that too so I'll just send Olivia a text to build her confidence, because she is probably really nervous," Alex said grabbing her phone off the coffee table.
"Just one?" Angie questioned hopefully.
"Ok….unless of course she asks me a question or something," Alex smiled.
#-#
"This is really, really good," Olivia almost moaned between bites.
"Hard to top Texas beef and Gulf shrimp," Erin smiled. "I'm glad you like it."
"I was thinking maybe we could walk back along the beach to the hotel…burn off some of these calories," Olivia grinned a bit nervously.
"I would like that…Liv…you are," Erin started before they were interrupted by two beeps of Olivia's cell phone. "It's okay, check it," Erin smiled.
Olivia reached into her clutch and snared her iPhone.
"Text message from Alex. Just wants to know if we're having a good time," Olivia said as she quickly texted Alex back saying that they were still at dinner. She put her phone back in the clutch and looked at Erin.
"What were you going to say?" Olivia asked.
"Just something about you always being beautiful but you're absolutely breathtaking tonight," Erin said reaching her hand across the table and lacing her fingers with Olivia's.
"May I get you ladies anything else?" the waitress asked as she removed their dinner plates. "Cheesecake or pie maybe?"
"Liv?" Erin asked still holding her girlfriend's hand.
"I think I'll have my dessert back in our room," Olivia husked as she slid her chair back and stood up. "I'll be back in a moment."
Erin asked the waitress for the check but her eyes stayed on Olivia as she walked across the restaurant towards the ladies' room.
"Special night?" the waitress asked Erin softly as she returned with the check.
"After all we've been through, they're all special," Erin replied. "But yes tonight is extra special," she smiled widely.
"You two look dazzling together," the waitress smiled sheepishly.
"You were going to get a real nice tip anyway," Erin chuckled as she slid her credit card in check holder. "But thank you very much."
#-#
"I felt your eyes on me as I walked to the restroom," Olivia whispered as they exited the restaurant.
"Are you objecting?" Erin smirked.
"Not at all. Does it make you uncomfortable that I can't take my eyes off of you?" Olivia hummed as they reached the beach. She placed a hand on Erin's shoulder to brace herself as she slipped off her heels.
"No, it makes me incredibly hot and wet for you," Erin husked, wrapping her arm around Olivia's waist as they began walking across the beach towards the hotel.
"Me too," Olivia said glancing towards Erin. "But just for the record I find you beautiful, hot and sexy regardless of what you are wearing or especially not wearing."
"You are a charmer Olivia Benson…but other than in my hands or mouth your tits have never looked sexier to me than they do in that dress," Erin admitted with a wide grin.
"Mmmm, I had picked a similar dress, but it didn't show quite as much of your girls," Olivia smirked. "Alex said you would like this one better."
"I love Alex more and more each day," Erin chuckled. "And thank you for calling them my girls."
"They love your touch and admiration," Olivia smirked. "And I love that we're about the only ones out on this beach," Olivia replied.
"Well it is rather chilly out for the locals at least, but it is pretty with the moon and soothing with the sounds of the waves coming in."
"This weekend has been amazing," Olivia said sincerely as she spotted a simple wood bench ahead of them. "Can we sit and take it all in for a minute or two?" Olivia asked a bit nervously gesturing towards the bench with her hand that held her clutch.
"Sure. Someday, hopefully not too long from now, I want to make love to you on a warm secluded beach," Erin drawled.
"Your dad thinks we should go on one of those lesbian cruises," Olivia said as they took a seat on the bench. Olivia dropped her shoes to the sand and moved her clutch to her left side away from Erin. "I think he's right."
"I already told you that I would love for us to go on one. I want to have dinner like tonight with you, but where I can wrap my arms around your waist, press a kiss to your lips, your back, your neck, and not worry about stares or rebukes or worse," Erin rambled as Olivia unsnapped her clutch and grasped the ring box.
"I think we should go on one every year or at least every other year," Olivia said enthusiastically as she stood up and then knelt the best she could in the dress before Erin. "Didn't practice the kneel part in this dress," Olivia murmured with a lopsided grin.
"Olivia," Erin gasped as Olivia placed one hand on her thigh, the other hidden behind her back.
"Erin Mathison you have opened my eyes to a bigger and brighter world, my heart to love and joy that if I believed ever existed would not be experienced at such a level by me. Your love, your dedication, determination, humor, strength and hope inspire me. I love you with all my heart and I want to spend the rest of my life with you," Olivia said in a steady rhythm that surprised even her. She brought her left hand forward and opened the ring box.
"Erin Mathison will you marry me?" she asked looking into Erin's now tear-filled eyes.
"Absolutely…yes, yes, yes I will," Erin gasped extending her left hand. Olivia slid the ring on Erin's finger.
"Do you like it?" Olivia asked.
"It's beautiful Liv…absolutely beautiful. I love you so much babe," Erin declared as she cupped Olivia's face with her hands and pressed a soft, adoring kiss to her lips.
"It's inscribed too," Olivia said as she broke the kiss and sat next to Erin on the bench. "Fearlessness and the date we met."
"I think we are meant to be," Erin exclaimed with a chuckle as she dabbed away almost dried tears with a Kleenex.
"Just think?" Olivia queried with an arched eyebrow.
"No…I know Olivia Benson for many reasons, but also because when we get back to the room you will be able to see a very similar engraving on this ring," Erin smiled as she opened her hand and revealed the ring to Olivia. "I guess I don't really have to ask you now if you will marry me," Erin chuckled nervously. "And the exact words I had planned…well not only can't I remember them all now, they weren't nearly as beautiful as yours. But Olivia Benson you make me happier then I have ever been, and I mean ever," Erin said softly and then took a deep breath. "I want and need to ask you anyway," Erin added and Olivia nodded encouraging her.
"Olivia Benson I am yours body, mind, heart and soul and I want to spend the rest of my life loving you. Will you marry me?"
"Yes, I can't wait to be your wife," Olivia smiled as she extended her left hand and watched Erin slide the ring onto her finger. "It's gorgeous babe," Olivia said crashing her lips to Erin's.
"Let's get back to the room," Erin purred after breaking the kiss for air.
"Let me just text Alex first," Olivia said grabbing her phone. "I promised her…"
"Really, because I was ordered to text her after I proposed to you," Erin laughed.
"How about I text Alex and Angie and you text your dad?" Olivia smirked. "I kind of asked for his blessing this morning at the bakery."
"And he didn't give it away that I was going to ask, because I told him on the phone before we flew down that I was going to propose?" Erin asked as they began walking to the hotel again.
"No not at all," Olivia said. "I'm adding to the text to Alex that we will call her tomorrow."
"Same with dad and Dylan," Erin smirked. "I can't wait to make love to my fiancé."
"Phones off and do not disturb on the door," Olivia smiled.