Chapter 29

The Cabot House

"Well, here we are!" William Cabot said, putting the sleek SUV in park in the massive driveway. Getting out of the car, Olivia walked to the back to retrieve her bag, unable to take her eyes off of the massive house in front of her. Her mouth was slightly agape as her eyes scanned the enormous white house, her hands deep in her jacket pockets, bag over her shoulder.

Jesus… I knew Alex had to be rich, but… wow.

"Here, let me grab that for you Olivia," William Cabot offered, grabbing the strap of Olivia's bag on her shoulder.

"You don't have to do that, sir. I can take it," Olivia said with a smile.

William waved her off, lifting the bag from her shoulders. "Nonsense! You're a guest. It's my pleasure."

Olivia continued to smile at him as Alex made her way to her side. Alex linked her arm around Olivia's and turned to look at her, a smile wide on her face. She extended her free arm in front of them, motioning for Olivia to start walking towards the door. "Welcome to my childhood home!"

William and Rosemary were carrying the girls' bags in the house. Olivia couldn't move, not quite yet. She was still taking in the house.

"Jeez, Alex. This place is enormous."

Alex was watching Olivia's expressions intently; she could tell Olivia was in awe over the house. "Yeah, but it's nice and homey inside. Come on, I can't wait to show you around!" Alex turned and began walking backwards, pulling Olivia with her as she surveyed the tire swing, massive trees, treehouse, and the prestigious landscaping.

Walking through the door, everything was just as pristine inside as it was outside. Immediately met with the smell of apples and cinnamon, Olivia looked around at the foyer, which was lined with houseplants, end tables, fancy décor, and photos along the wall. There was a staircase directly to the right, which she assumed led to all of the bedrooms upstairs and a basement downstairs.

Making her way towards the kitchen, Olivia stopped to look at some of the pictures on the wall. Most of them were from Alex throughout the years; baby pictures, birthday pictures, school pictures, awards pictures, family pictures, etc. She couldn't help but smile at a picture of Alex, no more than 12 years old, holding up a spelling bee trophy with thick blue glasses on her face.

"Wow. You are super adorable, Alex."

Alex immediately blushed, trying to pull Olivia away from her embarrassing childhood photos.

"Is that a spelling bee trophy?" Olivia smirked.

Alex folded her arms, her blush spreading to the tops of her ears; her skin now a bright crimson color. "Maybe."

"She won every year! Fourth through eighth grade!" William was now standing next to them, wrapping his arm around his daughter's shoulder.

Olivia turned and cocked an eyebrow at Alex. "Did she, now?"

"Yup! She's such a smart girl. You think that's impressive, you should see her trophy case!"

"Dad!" Alex grumbled, hoping to get the attention off of her. When she invited Olivia to Thanksgiving, she hadn't thought about the embarrassment she was going to have to endure from her loving parents.

Olivia, loving how embarrassed Alex was, only smiled wider as she turned to William. "I think I'd like to see, sir."

Alex put her face in her hands, following behind slowly as he led Olivia to the dining room. Inside the trophy case were easily 20 or more trophies, and tons of certificates and ribbons.

"Here are all of her spelling bee trophies." Mr. Cabot pointed to a middle shelf. "And here are her quiz bowl trophies and debate team trophies." He pointed to a couple other shelves. "And here are her ribbons and certificates from science fairs, future lead –"

"Okay, Daddy! That's enough, please…" Alex was so embarrassed, but Olivia was smiling from ear-to-ear. Alex believed it was stemming from her embarrassment, but that couldn't be further from the truth; Olivia was amazed by Alex. More-so than she already was. She knew Alex wanted to go to Harvard Law, and knew Alex was smart, but she didn't really have an idea of just how smart Alex was. Well… until now.

"Let me guess," Olivia started. "Valedictorian?"

William Cabot smiled proudly as Alex looked up at the ceiling, her arms folded across her chest. "You are correct!" William motioned to a picture of Alex just earlier that year, graduation gown and colorful ropes signaling all of her achievements.

"Let's not forget Casey, too," Alex chimed in. "She was Salutatorian, you know."

"Why am I not surprised," Olivia mumbled, Alex shooting her a look.

"Come on, enough of me. Let's see the rest of the house, and get away from my shrine," Alex grumbled, motioning for Olivia to follow her.

Olivia couldn't help but laugh, following Alex to the kitchen, where her mom was preparing a late lunch.

"You girls okay with having some BLTs?" Rosemary asked, slicing tomatoes on the large wooden cutting board, bacon sizzling on the stove.

"Sounds good, Mom," Alex said, opening the fridge to grab a sparkling water. She grabbed Olivia a plain water – Olivia hated the fizziness of sparkling water. She said it "tasted like TV static." Alex never could let the expression go.

"Thanks," Olivia said, cracking open the Fiji water bottle.

"Alex, dear?"

"Yeah, Mom?"

"Why don't you show Olivia up to the guest room? I had your father put her things there." Rosemary smiled as she began making a garlic-herb spread for the sandwiches.

"Sure. Come on, Liv." Alex grabbed Olivia's hand and led them upstairs. Alex's room was on the far right, and the guest room was all the way at the other end.

Olivia walked into the room, noticing again how pristine and in-place everything was. As she was looking around, Alex shut the door behind them before walking behind Olivia and wrapping her arms around her, laying her head on her shoulder.

"Hi baby," Alex whispered.

Olivia chuckled, closing her eyes as she placed her hands on top of Alex's. "Hi, baby," Olivia whispered back.

Alex released her hold on Olivia and turned her around, leaning down to put their foreheads together. She wrapped her arms around Olivia's waist before dropping down to give her a soft kiss.

"God, I've wanted to do that for hours, now," Alex admitted with a smile.

Olivia let out a puff of air through her nose as she smiled, leaning back up to give Alex another kiss. "Same."

They spent just a couple minutes holding and kissing each other before things started to heat up. As soon as their tongues met, the fire was lit inside of them. Reluctantly, Olivia grabbed Alex's shoulders and put distance between them.

"We gotta stop," Olivia said breathlessly, heat creeping up through her cheeks and body.

Alex, just as breathless and flustered, nodded her head as she let out a huge breath. "Yup. Gotta stop. 'Cause now I'm horny."

Olivia couldn't help the cackle that left her body as she turned away from Alex, unpacking some items from her bag.

"Want to see my room?" Alex asked.

Olivia turned to give Alex a look. "You sure that's the best idea?"

Alex sighed and rolled her eyes. "Yes, I promise. I will behave."

Olivia gave Alex a soft chuckle as she extended her arm towards the door. "Lead the way."

Alex led Olivia over to the other side of the upstairs; the outside of her door had a little plaque that read "Alex's Room" in glittery blue letters. Olivia couldn't help but smile – she figured the plaque had been there a long time.

"Well, here we are!"

Olivia took her time looking around. The walls were painted a light blue, with pictures and lights hanging from nearly every inch of wall space. The wall behind her desk was plastered with a plethora of photos from a Polaroid; mostly of Alex and Casey throughout the years. She had a corner full of stuffed animals and dolls, and the ceiling was still plastered with glow in the dark stars Alex had had since forever.

"Hey, I had those too!" Olivia said, looking up. "If there's one nice thing about my mom, it's that she let me have these stars for my ceiling too."

Alex gave an understanding half-smile before wrapping her arms around Olivia and kissing her forehead. "Well. What do you think?"

"I like your room, Alex. It's very… you." Olivia gave Alex a grin back before sneaking in another kiss. "We better get back down there before your mom gets suspicious."

"Yeah, good point." Alex turned to lead them both back downstairs, but quickly turned back to Olivia for one more quick kiss with a giggle before heading back down.

Rosemary was plating 4 sandwiches with a side of kettle chips as Alex and Olivia returned to the kitchen.

"May I take your coat, Olivia?" William asked, smiling wide with his arm extended.

"Oh. Sure," Olivia said, slugging her coat off and handing it to William. "Thank you." She was sporting a black band t-shirt – Paramore, from their 2010 Honda Civic tour – which hung loosely off of her body. It was coupled with a pair of black jeans, tattered with some holes and a chain hanging from a couple of her belt loops. Alex couldn't help but let her eyes linger over her girlfriend for longer than what would've warranted a "friendly glance."

Rosemary could see the way Alex was looking at Olivia, but didn't say anything. Olivia, looking around, finally met Rosemary's eyes and held their gaze for a moment before looking over at Alex, who was hopelessly staring at her body, before flitting her eyes back to Rosemary.

Shit. Her mother is looking right through me. Alex, for God's sake, stop staring!

"So," Rosemary finally said, putting the plates at the table and clearing her throat. "Are we ready to have lunch?"

Alex whipped her head around to her mom before smiling. "Absolutely. Thanks Mom!"

Alex made her way to the table, as Olivia was still frozen in place for a moment; Rosemary's eyes glued back to Olivia. They shared a silent moment of stares before Rosemary smiled and motioned to the table. "You can come sit down, Olivia."

Olivia returned her smile and sat across from Alex. She didn't want to chance anything by sitting next to her. Rosemary took the seat next to Alex and William took the seat next to Olivia.

Alex sat her elbows on the table and instantly dug into her sandwich, the bread gloriously crunching with her first bite. She moaned at the taste; some of the garlic herb sauce dribbling down her chin.

Rosemary softly turned to Alex and chuckled. "You act like you haven't eaten in weeks, sweetheart. Elbows off the table, dear."

"Sorry," Alex said, mouth half-full as she chomped on some chips.

"Alexandra… don't talk with your mouth full, either. Did you just forget all of your table manners at college?" Rosemary scolded.

"Now, Rosemary. Leave our girl alone. She hasn't had a nice home cooked meal since she left. It's just us, what's the harm?" William then sat his elbows on the table and took a bite of his own sandwich, causing his wife to sigh.

There was no denying Alex was William's daughter – observing them both, their posture was exactly the same. Elbows, chewing, and scrunching their noses. Olivia couldn't help but think it was the most adorable thing in the world.

Rosemary, huh? Explains why Alex's middle name is Rose. After her mother.

Olivia carefully placed the napkin across her lap, kept her elbows off the table, and chewed quietly. Rosemary seemed to be pleased, seeing as she was watching Olivia intently eat.

"So," William said, wiping his mouth and breaking the silence. "Tell me about yourself, Olivia."

"Sure, uhh…" Olivia started. "What would you like to know?" She took another few bites of her sandwich; which, was turning out to be the best BLT she had ever eaten.

"Anything, dear!"

That's helpful.

"Well," Olivia began, taking a sip of water to coat her throat. "My name is Olivia Benson, I'm 21, a junior at Columbia. I'm majoring in criminal justice. I own my own car, and I really enjoy listening to music and playing video games. Also soccer, sometimes. But I prefer weight lifting and working out more."

Alex smiled, her mind pawing over Olivia's muscular arms and back, as well as her toned stomach.

"Very nice, very nice. What are your plans after Columbia?" William asked.

"I think I'll be enrolling in the Academy. I want to be a police officer."

William smiled wide and extended his hand to Olivia. "I wish you nothing but success. Being an officer of the law is very admirable."

Olivia smiled and thanked him as she returned to her sandwich.

"Is anyone in your family in law enforcement? What inspired this career path?" Rosemary asked.

Alex didn't know the answer herself, but she couldn't help but tense up at the mention of Olivia's family. Interjecting herself, Alex spoke up. "Mom. I told you, her family stuff is… a difficult situation."

"Right, right. I'm sorry, you don't have to answer, Olivia," Rosemary apologized with a sincere smile.

Olivia gave a weak smile in return. "No, that's okay, I don't mind sharing. I don't have anyone in my family in law enforcement, but someone… hurt my mother a long time ago. And she never got justice for it. So I'd like to bring justice wherever I can, to hopefully help people who deserve to be helped."

Alex's heart pulled in her chest. Even though she didn't get along with her mom, it was evident that she still loved her. That was just like Olivia Benson; always wanting to do what's best for someone else. Just like when Alex was sick from the wings. She knew Olivia had a big heart, but she was seeing that it was bigger than she could've ever imagined. And she was continually falling harder for her each day.

"I'm sorry for your mother, dear. That must be hard for her. What does she do, if you don't mind my asking?" Rosemary asked.

"Not at all," Olivia weakly smiled, but Alex could see the pain in her eyes. She wished her mom would stop prying Olivia for information. "She's a professor at Columbia."

"Oh, that's nice. What was she doing for the holidays?"

"Mom! Stop, please? Don't ask Olivia about this stuff." Alex couldn't help the defensive tone she took with her mother.

"Alex, it's okay," Olivia assured her. And, it was. She had had to explain this situation numerous times to various people, so it wasn't like it bothered her to explain. Well, the situation definitely bothered her, but she was able to talk about it without breaking down. "Honestly? She is probably getting drunk. My mom drinks a lot during the holidays. And I… don't really like to be around her when she drinks like that." Olivia hadn't talked to Alex about this yet. This is when their fights were the worst – when her mother would drink.

Rosemary nodded in understanding before answering in a soft tone. "I'm very sorry, Olivia. And I'm sorry for prying," Rosemary turned to look at Alex. "Please know, that you are welcome here for the rest of your days for any holiday. We'd be more than happy to have you, dear."

Olivia smiled in return before returning to her food, polishing off her sandwich. She carefully wiped her mouth before speaking up. "I don't know what you did to these sandwiches, but this is the best BLT I've ever had in my entire life. Thank you for lunch, Mrs. Cabot."

Rosemary smiled wide at Olivia. She loved when people complimented her cooking. "You are most welcome, dear! And please, call me Rosemary."

"Beautiful name," Olivia smiled, now trying to charm the pants off of Alex's parents. She was still convinced her mom had some sort of underlying suspicion towards her, but she was willing to try and charm that suspicion away. "I see Alex's middle name is named after you?"

Rosemary smiled again. "Yes, she was! If she would've been a boy, her name would've been Alexander William. But, seems like I was the lucky winner!"

Alex let out a sigh as she began to blush. "Okay, Mom. That's enough."

Rosemary wrapped her arms around Alex and gave her a hug.

"Hey now, I happen to love that we had a little girl. She's my pride and joy!" William beamed, getting up from the table to clear everyone's plates.

"Dad…" Alex groaned.

Olivia couldn't help but chuckle. Alex had the sweetest parents she's probably ever met – including Elliot's parents, who were just like second family to her.

"Now, I am going to start prepping for dinner in a few hours. Don't forget, you have a hair appointment tomorrow afternoon, Alexandra." Alex was relieved – her roots were starting to come back in and she was starting to get annoyed with them. "I believe Brenda Novak made Casey an appointment to get a trim, so make sure you get with her before tomorrow to plan. I have to spend the afternoon baking pies and desserts. Your grandparents will be here tomorrow evening, and the rest of the family is showing up Thursday morning. Are you still getting up to watch the parade?"

"Mom! Slow down! You always get like this every Thanksgiving. I can handle it. Yes, I'm watching the parade, and I've already talked with Casey about our hair." Alex chuckled and rolled her eyes at her mom. "Liv, do you want to go with me to the salon?"

"Uhhh..." Olivia pondered for a moment before pursing her lips. "You know what? That's okay, Alex. You go. I'll find something to do here."

Alex glared at Olivia for a minute before shrugging. "Suit yourself."


Everyone shared a hearty meal for dinner, discussing more about Olivia's and Alex's childhoods, lives, classes, and interests. They then watched an animal documentary after dinner together before retreating up to bed; Rosemary made everyone be in bed by 9:30 since the next day was going to be busy with prep work for the holiday. Unfortunately for them, Alex and Olivia weren't tired. They were used to being up until midnight, usually.

Alex: Hiiiiii!

Olivia: hi (:

Alex: I hope my mom didn't drive u crazy. She's… intense sometimes lol

Olivia: nah, I think I softened her up some. When we first got here tho I dont think she liked me lol.

Alex: why?

Olivia: well, when you were staring at me drooling in the kitchen I swear she was shooting daggers at me with her eyes lol. Alex I think ur mom is at least suspicious.

Alex: well, u are pretty gay, Olivia lmao

Olivia: gee, thanks!

Alex: she doesn't know anything

Olivia: I wouldn't be so sure Alex lol

Alex: oh well. She'll find out eventually anyways so let her wonder lol.

Olivia: wow Alex! Lol.

Alex: what? Its true lol. I miss u.

Olivia: I am at the other end of the hall.

Alex: and? I still miss u! We should be cuddling but whatever.

Olivia: I think u can last an evening without me lol

Alex: ):

Olivia: don't be sad babe. It would be worse if I was still in the city.

Alex: yeah, ur right. Sorry, I'm being clingy.

Olivia: nah, u just love me (;

Alex: I do, Liv. I really do. I didn't even get a goodnight kiss!

Olivia: XOXO

Alex: nope. Come kiss me (:

Olivia: no, Alex. Your parents' room is literally in the middle of yours and the guest room. No way!!

Alex: come on, I'll make it worth ur while (;

Olivia: Alex…

Alex: Olivia…

Olivia: that is not a good idea young lady lol

Alex: why not? U don't wanna see me in my undies? (;

Olivia: allleexxxxxx

Alex: hey if u can't control yourself that's on u lol

Olivia: what! Okay, tease. Also, if I must mention, ur the horndog. :p

Alex: me?! Oh please. U can't ever keep your hands off me (;

Olivia: exactly. Which is why I am NOT going to your room. No way.

Alex: what would u do to me? (;

Olivia: Alexandra Cabot, stop it! Nope. Not doing this lol.

Alex: why not? ):

Olivia: uhhhhh your parents?! And if u get me worked up I might NOT be able to stop myself lol. And that's a bad thing, it wouldn't work lol.

Alex: Olivia, you SEXTED me when I was with them, remember?! So don't pull that card with me lol. And why wouldn't it work???

Olivia: that's different! They're like right there now. And seriously, Alex? Ur a vocal gal lmao u would wake the neighbors as loud as u get sometimes when I'm fucking you (;

Alex: :o I'm not THAT loud… right? I can be quiet, I promise! Just give me a chance? (;

Olivia: not a chance in hell, Alex.

Alex: wow.

Olivia: it's true

Alex: I could be quiet… I do masturbate, u know. I'm quiet then.

Olivia: u masturbating is not the same as when I'm between ur legs lol

Alex: ugh. Fine. I'll go to bed. Horny, uncuddled, unkissed. And when I'm a grouch tomorrow don't be surprised!

Olivia: u are so dramatic lmao. Goodnight Alex, I love you.

Alex: I love you too, Liv. See u in a minute.

Olivia: huh??!

After a few moments, Olivia heard the door slowly open as Alex came in the room.

"Alex!" Olivia whispered with a laugh. "Get outta here!" Olivia tried shooing her away, but it didn't work.

Alex quickly climbed on top of Olivia on the bed, wearing nothing more than her underwear and a thin blue tank top. Placing her hands on either side of her head, Alex smiled down at Olivia.

"Alex," Olivia whispered, frantically looking at the door. "Go. Back. To. Your. Room."

Alex shook her head before whispering back. "Not without my goodnight kiss."

Olivia rolled her eyes and puckered her lips out for Alex, who bent down to meet their lips together. They shared a few soft and quiet kisses before Alex ran her tongue across Olivia's bottom lip, begging for permission inside.

"Alex…" Olivia warned, pushing her head back as far into the pillow as it would go. "Not a good idea."

Alex pulled back from Olivia and pouted, Olivia giggling at her girlfriend.

"Fine." Alex leaned down again and gave Olivia one more long kiss as Olivia let her hands rest on Alex's ass, giving both cheeks a firm squeeze before breaking apart. Alex closed her eyes, relishing in the feeling before climbing off of Olivia. "You play dirty, Benson."

Olivia put her hands behind her head and had the cheesiest grin on her face. "I did nothing."

Alex glared at her before turning the knob to the door, pausing before opening it. "Liar. Just know, I'm right down the hall when you finally decide you can't go another minute without me."

Olivia tried hard to stifle her laughter, Alex smiling at her as she too laughed.

Quickly getting up from the bed, Olivia wrapped her arms around Alex's waist and pulled her in for one more kiss. "Goodnight, Alex. I love you."

"Goodnight, Olivia. I love you too."