Alex may have been extremely exhausted but she wasn't going to let that spoil the prospect of a proper date with Olivia. The past 48 hours had been filled with statements and interviews, Olivia's apartment was still a crime scene but George's body was long gone.

There had bearly been anytime to eat let alone sleep and cragan had been pushing the unit hard to resolve the case, like most cops he hated internal affairs hanging around. Thankfully Olivia and Elliot were cleared of any wrong doing and given a few weeks off.

When they were on their way home last night Olivia had suggested they go on a date, Alex was sceptical of the timing but Olivia persuaded her that they needed to take their mind off things. So after about four hours sleep Alex was going to try and get ready. Olivia had left a few hours ago, saying something about how they shouldn't get ready together. Alex didn't see why they couldn't, it wasn't like it was their wedding.

Alex stood in the shower for what felt like hours, washing away the stress of the past day. It did nothing to wake her up.

Next she examined her face in the mirror. There were some remnants of the bruising to her face but they had faded. She easily covered them with minimal make up and then went to work on her hair. In her exhaustion it took her twice as long to get it perfect. Luckily it all fell into place before she got frustrated.

A quick time check told her she only had a half hour left. Alex quickly made a strong coffee and went about picking an outfit. Suddenly she realised she had no idea what they were going to be doing. Alex decided it would be best to ask. She quickly retrieved her phone. It only rang for a few beats before Olivia answered, she sounded much more enthusiastic than Alex was at this moment in time.

"What should I wear Olivia?", Alex tried to sound as upbeat as possible.

"Youre not dressed? I'm on my way over now", Olivia did sound like she was driving.

"You shouldn't be on the phone", Alex still had the energy to scold Olivia.

"Hands free Alex. Just wear something casual. Got to go, I'll be at yours in five", Olivia hung up quickly.

The lack of time spurred Alex into action and within a few minutes she was dressed in snug fitting jeans and a cotton shirt. She got stuck when it came to picking shoes but eventually settled on an old pair of converse she had only worn a couple of times. It was very rare Alex went out on a casual date it was either a fancy dinner or she was working. It was a relief not having to dress up for someone she bearly knew.

The door bell rang and Alex nearly jogged to answer it, she was feeling a lot more excited now. Olivia was at her door with the biggest smile on her face. Alex couldn't help but pause and admire how beautiful she looked when she was happy.

"Ready to go?", Alex nodded and went to leave when Olivia stopped her. Alex was surprised when Olivia quickly leant in to kiss her. She leant against the door and allowed Olivia to hold her in the kiss for a prolonged time. When they finally parted Alex was dazed and Olivia raised an eyebrow at her state.

"Why don't you go down to the car, is it okay if I use your bathroom?", Alex simply hummed an approval and then handed over her keys. She needed a moment to compose herself.

She made her way down to the car and climbed inside. Their past encounter had brought up the question of intimacy in her mind. It seemed like Olivia was ready, but was she? Trust wasn't really an issue anymore so maybe she should take the plunge. She definitely wanted too but she also didn't want to rush.

Olivia suddenly opened the trunk and slammed it quickly, this would have peaked Alex's curiosity but she was too involved in thought. As Olivia climbed into the driving seat, Alex decided she would play things by ear; if things felt right she wouldn't stop it from happening.

"Sorry about that, shall we go?", Alex nodded and they drove off.

It wasn't until they were leaving the city Alex knew something wasn't quite right.

"Where are we going?", Alex asked with a mixture of excitement and curiosity.

"It's a surprise", Olivia didn't take her eyes off the road.

"I don't like surprises", Alex faked a look of anger and stared out the window.

"Guess"

"No, just tell me", Alex was pretend whining and Olivia laughed at her.

"Fine, but only because I hate that voice", Olivia winked and Alex started giggling.

"I have booked a night in a b&b upstate, I know it's a bit much for a first date but I think you deserve it", Alex was shocked.

"Wow Olivia that's incredible", she was really lost for words.

"Not too much?", Olivia still sounded unsure.

"Olivia, I can't wait to get there and for it to just be the two of us", Alex raised her hand and placed it over Olivia's on the steering wheel.

The next thing Alex knew it was early evening and Olivia was waking her up.

"We're here", Olivia climbed out and walked round the car whilst Alex wiped the sleep from her eyes. Olivia opened the door for Alex and held out a hand to help her out.

"Such a gentleman", Alex joked.

"I know", Olivia laughed and retrieved two over night bags. Alex recognised one as her own.

"When did you do that?", she gestured towards her bag.

"Well I didn't use your bathroom", Olivia smiled clearly pleased with herself.

"Crafty", Alex followed Olivia into the motel eager to enjoy the night ahead.

A few hours later Olivia and Alex sat in front of a fire in their room. The large cushioned sofa was the perfect size for the pair to lay next to each other. Alex let Olivia hold her as they quietly watched the flickering flames.

"Tonight has been wonderful Olivia", Alex spoke wholeheartedly.

"The nights not over yet", Alex sensed a seductive quality to Olivia's voice and decided to exploit it.

"Is that right? What else did you have in mind?", Alex turned her head to face Olivia who was laying behind her with her arms wrapped around her waist.

"Well you know. I thought we might..erm.. Get to know each other better", Alex tried to keep a look of ignorance even though she knew exactly what Olivia was getting at.

"But you already know me so well", Alex didn't let on she knew Olivia's game but decided to play one of her own.

" I know I do but there is one way I don't..physically.. Know you yet", Alex almost laughed at Olivia's choice of words.

"Well what is it you want to know ill be more than happy to tell you anything...", Alex realised she'd given herself away when she drew out the last word. Olivia frowned and then smirked. Before she knew it Olivia had shifted into a position directly over Alex, who was now lying flat on her back.

"You are the crafty one miss Cabot. It's a shame I'm too quick for you", it was Alex's turn to take control as she flipped them over again. This time they tumbled the short distance to the floor and Alex gained the upper hand.

"Too quick for me eh?", they both burst out laughing. Alex rested her forehead on Olivia's shoulder. The laughter died away and Olivia gained a much darker look in her eyes. Alex looked deep into them and knew what was going to happen.

"I'm ready Olivia, I want you", Alex watched her and the relief was evident. Even after their flirting and messing around Olivia still hadnt been sure, now that uncertainty had disappeared and Olivia pulled Alex down into a passionate kiss. It started out like the kiss in her doorway but soon it deepened. Olivia's hands started in Alex's hair before moving to her neck.

Alex completely forgot where she was. It had even escaped her that they were stuck in the middle of a cliche. A romantic evening in front of the fire place.

Like before Olivia broke the kiss first, clearly she had more self control than Alex. Olivia went to stand, helping Alex up in the process. Their lips met again as they staggered towards the bedroom. They didn't break apart until Alex quickly lifted olivia's Tshirt over her head. Alex glanced hungrily over her for a minute before Olivia pushed her back onto the bed.

Alex came to her senses when Olivia was knelt over her. If she thought Alex was going to be a pushover in bed she had another thing coming. With ease Alex hooked a leg around Olivia and they swapped positions again. Olivia smirked and watched Alex remove her own shirt, quickly discarding it across the room.

They looked at each other, pausing for a moment. Was this going to change things between them? Would Alex be good enough? Was this really happening? Alex pushed her idle worries aside and focused instead on Olivia.

The next few hours were a blur of heat and absolute bliss. Alex lay trying to catch her breath. She couldn't believe something so amazing had been missing from her life. Now she had experienced this feeling of contentment and joy she knew she was never going to let it go.

Olivia looked up from where her head was resting on Alex's neck, it was obvious by the softness in her eyes she felt it too.

"I love you Olivia", both women knew it meant so much more than the first time she said it. They were able to get through such difficult dark times and still feel this way.

"I love you too Alex"

- Now folks, I am a fan of democracy so if you want this story to continue then tell me and vice versa. Bear in mind I have lots of interesting ideas including another character from the show, aswell as jealousy and a little bit of resolution to the events from the beginning. You decide :) Also, please review...