Alex paced back and forth in her bedroom as she changed outfits for the fifth. She couldn't even remember ever being as nervous about anything as she was that night. She couldn't even remember when was the last time she was worried about what someone would think about her as she did at that moment. Never in her life did it seem as if her self-worth was dependent up on one person, Olivia.

She had spent the week since Olivia had asked her out on a date trying to find the perfect outfit. That of course had to entail about three trips to different clothing stores and still coming up with nothing. It didn't help matters that she had no clue where Olivia had planned to take them. She was trying her hardest to keep from asking finding herself wanting to be surprised for the first time since she could remember. When Wednesday finally rolled around and she still had nothing to wear she had finally relented and asked Olivia what the plans were.

Olivia had looked up from the couch where she was reading a police procedural book and smiled at her. She was amazed that Alex had waited this long to ask questions about the date. She had figured the morning after she had asked her out she would start questioning her like a suspect on the stand. Instead she had simply fixed her some breakfast and layed a gently kiss on her head before heading out for work. Olivia who had really wanted to surprise Alex simply smiled and told her the required dress was business casual.

Alex wasn't sure if she was relieved or made her more frustrated hearing the response. She had tried to find more information out but was met with a brick wall. Then the ever inquisitive attorney side reared and she began to question Ramirez. To her dismay the only thing the officer knew was that it was business casual and Olivia was pissed he would have to tag along. They had reached an agreement where he would be in a black suit and appear as their driver since she couldn't lose him. Alex just nodded as she realized her first date with Olivia would be watched by one of New York finest and could easily be spread around the whole department if they felt the urge.

A knock at the door pulled Alex from her thoughts. She took a deep breath, taking one last glance in the mirror before heading to open the door.

"My god you're beautiful."Olivia breathed out handing Alex a single lavender rose taking in the simple black pants with a cream colored blouse that Alex was wearing. She had topped the outfit off with a pair of maybe two inch heels and was allowing her hair to flow freely.

"Thank you" Alex whispered as she took the rose from Olivia blushing from the compliment and the sight before her. Olivia, who she was coming to realize only owned black slacks, was wearing a pair of black slacks and a light blue turtle neck shirt that formed her body like the charcoal one did the other day. This time instead of her leather coat she was wearing a black blazer. A jacket she had seen several times before in court.

"Are you ready?" Olivia asked pulling her from her thoughts.

"I am" Alex said nodding as she took the hand that Olivia offered her and escorted her down the stairs. She allowed Olivia to escort her from the apartment and down to the waiting car. There was no denying the shivers that ran up and down her spine when Olivia placed her hand on the small of her back.

"How did you?" Alex asked seeing a black Lincoln town car with Ramirez standing by in a black suit.

"The guys" Olivia said as she assisted Alex into the car "I couldn't get them to lose the guard for a night so I told him that they needed to make him look like a driver and not a cop. They pulled this car out of impound and had the motor pool clean it up." Olivia slid in next to Alex and looked down at her hands "I'm really sorry about having to have a third person along. I didn't think when I asked you out."

"I'm with you that's all I want" Alex whispered before laying a gentle kiss on her cheek and settling against Olivia for the ride to the restaurant. Alex laid her head on Olivia's shoulder and closed her eyes enjoying the simple security and comfort she felt being with Olivia. Something that she had never felt with Jess even before the abuse had started.

"You ok?" Olivia whispered against Alex's blonde hair when they had stopped in front of the restaurant and Alex had made no attempt to move.

"I'm comfortable and would prefer not to move." Alex answered leaving out how she felt safe and loved for the first time in years and this was only their first date.

"I would like to give you a proper first date." Olivia said turning Alex's face up so she could look into her eyes "Shall I say as close to a proper date as I can at the moment."

Alex nodded as she leaned forward and initiated the kiss she had been dying for since she walked into the precinct almost a year ago. She opened her mouth and granted Olivia the access she asked for. The kiss was a slow and passionate kiss.

"Your dinner awaits" Olivia said leaning her forehead against Alex's as she struggled to catch her breath.

"My dinner is right here." Alex said not realizing what she had said for a few seconds. "Oh my I...I..."

"Relax Alex" Olivia said as she exited the car and then offered Alex her hand to help her out.

"I guess I let that slip out" Alex said blushing as she accepted Olivia's hand while getting out of the car.

"Make no mistake" Olivia growled as she pinned Alex against the car and leaned in dangerously close "I want you Alex and have for a while. But for once I want to do this right."

"I would too."

"Good" Olivia said taking a deep breath and pushing off and away from Alex. She smiled when she noticed the uneven shallow breaths that Alex was taking along with the flush that seemed to be covering her whole body. The fast beat of her heart was apparent in the pulse point on her neck. The very pulse point she wanted to bite down on and mark Alex as hers.