They had snagged two seats at the bar and sat facing each other as they sipped their drinks. The conversation flowed naturally and they fell into an easy rhythm.

Alex couldn't tell if Olivia was flirting with her or if she was just being friendly. She fought the urge to reach out and touch the brunette. She knew she was drunk and that that was partly to blame for her desire but she also knew that the truth was often exposed to her in these moments. It was clear to Alex now that the build-up had been there and the levee was bursting. The feelings she couldn't quite place... the way her eyes always gravitated toward her... A more emotionally evolved person than she would have figured it out long ago.

Being with Alex in this context gave Olivia a new perspective on her colleague and even more importantly, a better understanding of her own attraction. It was something she knew she couldn't deny any longer, not after tonight. The only question she had left was whether Alex could truly feel the same attraction towards her. Despite Rachel's insinuation to the contrary, her jaded, rational side told her that it wasn't possible. However, the slightly buzzed part of her wanted to believe it…. just a little bit.

"So what is your type?" Alex asked the brunette, seguing into the question smoothly.

You, Olivia thought immediately. She thanked god she hadn't said it aloud.

"No, no, wait - let me guess" Alex interrupted before she could start. "Tall, long dark hair, hip tattoo... Am I close?"

"Oh, you're so clever" Olivia feigned being impressed. She had already assumed her past had been revealed in the course of the night. "I'll have you know that Rachel was a blonde when I met her and that hideous tattoo came long after we were over."

So she likes blondes, Alex noted.

Olivia couldn't stop herself from wondering what it would be like to kiss her. Sure, if she was being honest with herself, she'd admit that the thought had crossed her mind before. But never in a way that felt like anything other than a fantasy. Tonight though, it felt real.

"What about you?" Olivia asked as she ran her finger across the rim of her glass lazily, trying hard not to appear eager for her response.

"One, you didn't actually answer my question. And two, I think that having 'a type' is truly banal" Alex stated.

"Oh really?" Olivia asked, smiling at Alex's cockiness.

"Yes."

"So then why did you ask me?" Olivia asked in a playfully accusatorial tone. She leaned in across the bar, close to the blonde. "This isn't really my wheelhouse but I think that constitutes entrapment, counselor" she half-spoke, half-whispered.

Alex held the brunette's gaze and smiled sexily before responding.

"You should consider leaving the law to me" she said softly.

Their knees were almost touching and Alex could feel the detective's breath against her. Olivia licked her bottom lip and glanced ever so slightly downwards to Alex's mouth.

Alex was certain that she was going to kiss her. She felt her own heart beating loudly in her ears.

Olivia caught herself before it was too late. There was no reason to believe Alex wanted this and she couldn't risk their friendship, especially after all the progress they had made tonight.

"I think we should get you home" she said, pulling back and signaling the bartender for the bill. She glanced back towards Alex who was pushing her fingers through her hair. Her perfect, pale skin slightly flushed.

"Let's do it" Alex replied assuredly, masking her disappointment.