Sleeping Together

By Raheema

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Hi everyone! I am returning to writing by trying to edit my previous chapters before I begin posting any new chapters. Thanks you all for reviewing and being interested in this story and my writing. As a long time reader of fan fiction it was new to be the writer. I experienced the challenge of balancing everyday life and my writing hobby. Since I started writing I have fallen in love, moved, attended college, graduated, and those are just some of the major things! In the next couple months, I will finish editing and have a new chapter up.

Chapter 1

Elliot and I just got back from some dive motel where we've been staking-out a suspected child molester. I'll admit sitting outside a poorly light dingy building hoping to spot an equally dingy man gives a person time to think about the things in life I wish I had. Back to the point, I've been on state-out for three nights in a row in addition to working my regular day shift, Cragen seems to have missed that and I'm hoping he doesn't notice because if…and who am I kidding? WHEN he finds out I'll get an earful…at least.

Tonight I got to sit in the cold unmarked black car with Elliot but the past two nights someone thought it was funny to saddle me with Munch. After listening to that much about conspiracy, I welcomed Elliot's stoic countenance. We'd talked about this and that, the usual about some trouble one of the kids got into and my growing laundry problem since I haven't had time to do my laundry in almost two weeks. Our stake-out revealed nothing and we made it back to the station at about 2:10am. After filling out our reports Elliot decided he ought to go home and see if Kathy would remember what he looked like. With a wave he grabbed his jacket from where it lay over the back of his chair and made an exit.

It must have only been about 15 minutes ago that Elliot left and I'm still sitting here reading the same three lines over and over of some paper work I was trying to get done. My eyes threaten to close and my forehead seems to want to make serious and abrupt contact with my desk. In the past three days I've had a totally of maybe five to six hours of sleep, and that's only if I included the three or four times my eyes drifted shut during one of Elliot's stories about Maureen breaking curfew. I'd apologized for my inattention and Elliot simply told me not to worry but that I should really get some rest.

"Maybe I should, this desk is becoming too inviting for my head to take it any longer…" I spoke out load to the empty squad room, or what I thought was an empty room.

"Burning the way past midnight oil Detective?"

My head snapped up, my hand went to my gun and my eyes immediately going to the source of the voice so fast I could have sworn I hear a vertebra or two pop into place.

"Counselor, you nearly gave me a heart attack…what are you doing here so late?" I looked at my watch for emphasis and watched as Alex moved from her position near the main doors and was now making her way across the room. She dropped her jacket and attaché case on Elliot's desk and perched on the corner of my desk crossing her legs at the ankle. Always a lady. I allowed myself an internal smile at the thought.

"Well, Detective, it seems that our work never ends. I've been in my office since 6 this morning, only leaving for a way too light lunch. I finally kicked myself out of my office when I remembered something about you and Elliot being on stake-out tonight so I thought I'd try my luck…and risk my life by startling one of New York's finest." she explained while absently placing a few stray blonde hairs back behind her ear with her right hand as the other arm supported her weight on Olivia's worn desk and looked into her friend's sleepy brown eyes. Olivia could see the amusement in her eyes.

"It's been a long week for everyone I guess, I'm sorry about reaching for the gun, it's…" Olivia paused and run her fingers through her hair and sighed as she leaned and slouched back in her chair, with her arms dropping lifelessly to her sides. "…are you interested in a lift, Cabot, and maybe a light, albeit extremely late dinner?"

"Why, Detective, if it weren't so late I'd say you where making a pass at me…" Alex teased in her best attempt to butcher her perfect New York high society vocals by adopting a southern twang. With that she slid off Olivia's desk while using Olivia's left shoulder for balance and walked around the desk to retrieve her belongings from Elliot's desk as she spoke. "Come on Detective, pick up your jaw and I'll make us some light pasta; nothing good will be open at this hour." Her friendly smile made Olivia blush a little as she stood to retrieve her own belongings.

"Alex, you don't have to do that, I really wouldn't want to put you out..." she stood and then shrugged on her knee length chocolate brown leather jacket over her burnt orange top with a white under shirt showing at the V neck of her top. Alex watched the Detective and noted Olivia's now signature layered look, Olivia brought new meaning to casual elegance with the right amount of practicality.

"You won't be putting me out at all, Olivia…" Alex spoke seriously as she stood with her jacket draped over one arm and her attaché case dangling ideally from the other while Olivia closed the numerous folders on her desk and extinguish her desk lamp. "…I'm rather in need of some good company after being hidden away in the halls of justice practically all week."

"Alex, I'm glad you came down here, I'd probably be fast asleep on my desk by now, since sleep would have won out over hunger." She walked toward the doors of the squad room as Alex fell into step beside her.

"Come on, let's get out of here. If I see another case file to research and review I might turn your gun on myself." She absently linked her left arm through Olivia's right as they strode out the double doors and down the hall as if it were the most natural, common-place thing.

The two walked out in silence until they reached the street and a cold wind caused Alex to hastily fumble with her jacket. Olivia unconsciously took the ADA's attaché case and held up the appropriate part of the jacket with her other hand so Alex could slip her arm into the other sleeve. Turning toward Olivia she offered a grateful smile and once again linked her arm with the Detective's.

"Where are you parked?" She asked curiously as the made there way to the left.

"Just down here, I lucked out and I signed for an unmarked, plus I knew I'd be late tonight, honestly I didn't think this late…" She explained and gave a tired smile to her companion as they approached a black sedan. Alex folded her arms around herself to guard from the chill as Olivia's warmth slipped away to dislodge her car keys from her tight dark blue jean pocket. She pushed the appropriate button and held open the passenger side door for Alex with a smile.

Alex smiled back as she slid into the seat and put her seatbelt on. It was only then that a moment of panic took hold when she realized she didn't have her attaché case. She calmed as she remembered Olivia taking it from her. She turned at the sound of the backdoor of the sedan opening and she watched Olivia place her case on the backseat and close the door. As the driver's door opened and when Olivia was once again beside her she spoke, "Thanks for holding my brief case, I almost panicked when I got in and realized I didn't have it…" she laughed lightly and there was a genuine sparkle in her eyes.

"Not a problem Counselor, I'm positive there are very important things in that case." Olivia started the engine and glanced at her passenger who seems much more relaxed than she'd been this past week. Alex leaned back into the seat with her legs stretched out as far in front of her as possible and her head tilted to the side in such a way that she had a perfect view of the driver.

"Yes, I just hope I don't have to look in that case anytime before Monday morning." Truthfully, both she and Olivia knew that there was work to be done whether it was the start of the weekend or not. And most likely that briefcase would be opened and its contents examined carefully as Alex sipped her Saturday morning coffee.

"Ah yes, wishful thinking Counselor." Olivia glanced again at her passenger as they made their way uptown. Alex's perfectly tailored navy suit was still as impeccable as it was when she put it on this morning and Olivia noted how Alex knew the right length of skirt that showed enough leg to be beautiful and sexy but would never been considered inappropriate or unprofessional. Alex didn't have her glasses on so Olivia assumed she must have worn her contacts or she didn't need them other than to read.

The silence was not uncomfortable and they made it to Alex's apartment in record time since at almost 3 in the morning there wasn't much traffic to speak of.

As they pulled in a spot near the entrance of Alex's building, Alex smiled at the Detective and opened her door. Olivia taking her queue stepped out on her side, retrieved Alex's case from the backseat. As she locked the car, her eyes followed the ADA as she walked to steps that lead to her apartment building. Alex was holding the large glass door open by the time Olivia made it up the steps to her.

"Let me grab my mail and we'll head up, why don't you call the elevator?" Alex called over her shoulder as she walked over to the wall of mailboxes. Olivia only nodded and moved down the lobby toward to elevator. She was now starting to feel her hunger combined with her exhaustion.

She stood in front of the double doors of the elevator as she felt a presence beside her. Olivia glanced at Alex as the elevator opened and they stepped in. Alex pushed the appropriate button and placed her hand lightly on Olivia's shoulder and held her eyes for a moment.

"I already have lots of left over penne from last night; it won't take long for me to throw some shrimp and the usual suspects in a pan. Plus, there's some hot chocolate with your name on it in my pantry." Alex spoke softly.

"That sounds great, thank you Alex." Olivia spoke as the elevator doors open.

Olivia gestured for Alex to step out first and they made their way to the ADA's door. Alex unlocked the door with her key she retrieved from a side pocket of the attaché case that Olivia had kindly held up for her to access. As they made their way into the dark apartment, Alex turned on a side lamp in the entry and took her case from Olivia and made her way towards the living area.

"Have a seat, I'll get changed and drop this in my office, I won't be long." She turned on a side lamp and gestured to the large cough and moved down a darkened hallway.

True to her word, Alex returned quickly, only to find Olivia looking out her large windows.

"Olivia…" she said the name in almost a whisper. Olivia turned to meet Alex's eyes. Alex walked to stand close to her and raised her hands to the collar of Olivia's leather jacket. She slipped the jacket from Olivia's shoulders and Olivia turned slightly to allow Alex to remove the jacket completely.

"Go sit in the kitchen, I'll be there in a second." Alex looked into her tired eyes as she spoke.

Alex turned and walked to the entry hall where she quickly hung Olivia's jacket in the closet. Alex met Olivia in the kitchen and began moving purposefully around the kitchen as Olivia sat quietly on a stool out of the way. Alex handed her a mug of hot chocolate with a liberal amount of whip cream on top with a smile and then returned to moving about the kitchen. She watched Alex as she sipped her beverage. Alex was clad in navy blue yoga pants and a worn gray t-shirt that carried the logo of her highly regarded law school. Her long blonde hair was now in a casual pony-tail. Before long the air was filled with the smell of sautéed shrimp and pasta. Alex sat on a stool beside Olivia and placed a bowl of pasta in front of each of them; along with her own hot chocolate.

"Thanks again Alex." Olivia said almost shyly, which was highly uncharacteristic of the Detective.

"It's my pleasure, besides I'll expect you to return the gesture in the near future." Alex bantered as she glanced over at a now smiling Olivia.

"Of course, Counselor, I'll be sure to do that." They exchanged smiles, which seemed to be a common occurrence as of late, and continued eating and sipping their warm beverages.

Olivia was first to finish and she stood and washed her dishes even after Alex protested. She even took Alex's dishes after she was done and washed those as well while Alex tidied the kitchen.

As they completed their task Alex took Olivia's hand in hers as she started to exit the kitchen and cross the living room to the hallway to her bedroom.

"Come on Detective, it is way past your bedtime." Alex walked into her bedroom with the Detective's hand in hers; only releasing her hold on Olivia to turn on a bedside lamp. "I'm afraid it would be very irresponsible of me to allow you to drive home in your tired state Detective." Alex cross the room to her chest of drawers and pulled out a pair of gray sweats and another gray college t-shirt and tossed them on her bed. "I've got some perfectly acceptable sweats that you can wear, and I think I might be able to find a spare toothbrush…" she rambled on as she walked into the adjoining bathroom and Olivia could hear her as she pulled open a drawer and searched thought it for what Olivia assumed was a toothbrush. "Here we go..." Alex exclaimed as she pulled out a new toothbrush and Olivia could see her place it on the counter top next to the sink from her vantage point.

Olivia stood near Alex's bedroom door where she'd been since Alex released her hand earlier. She was so tired and the delicious food and the hot chocolate had only helped to relax her.

"Alex, you've done enough already, it's almost 4am. I couldn't stay and intrude on your privacy like this and then disrupt your morning, but thank you for the offer." Olivia protested, although she had taken note of how unbelievably comfortable Alex's queen sized bed looked with it's overstuffed down comforter and lavender and light gray shirts. When Alex didn't answer Olivia had turned around and was about to leave, when Alex emerged from the bathroom. "Don't you dare move Olivia Benson." Alex stood with her hands folded in the threshold of her bathroom; back lit by the bathroom light. Only one side of her body was really visible from the lamp on her side table.

Olivia turned back around to see Alex move back into her bathroom and emerge with a toothbrush still in the package, it had been the one she'd taken out moments early and placed on the countertop. She walked purposefully towards Olivia. As Alex reached Olivia, she moved in one fluid motion, taking the Detective's left hand she held it open and placed the toothbrush in it and closed Olivia's fingers around it.

"I put some clothes out for you. You get the bathroom first. Let me know when you're done." Alex let Olivia's hand fall back to her side as she let go of her and walked past her and out the bedroom door, closing it as she went.

Olivia stood silently for a few beats until she smiled and shook her head in disbelief. She tucked the toothbrush in her pocket as she walked towards Alex's well lit side table and she removed her gun, her badge and her cell phone that was still attached to her waist. She placed them carefully on the side table. She noticed the other side seemed to be used more by Alex since she had noted the other woman's glasses, an alarm clock, and an identical lamp on it. So, that's where her glasses were today. Olivia let her thoughts wonder a bit.

She then sat on the bed. Indeed it was even more exquisite than she had imagined earlier. She leaned down and undid her boots and slid them with her feet to the outside of the night table and out of the way. She striped off her socks and stuffed them inside her boots as she stood. The Detective walked around the bed and grabbed the t-shirt and sweats from where Alex had thrown them earlier. With that she proceeded to the bathroom to wash up and brush her teeth. She changed then went to find her host.

Alex had turned off the entry lamp and the light in the kitchen and sat on the couch in the darkened living room. The only light came from the small side lamp she sat next to; which had been illuminated earlier. She'd felt slightly embarrassed for pushing the Detective to stay. Olivia was a grown woman and was obviously capable of making her own decisions. But after a few minutes of thought Alex decided that she was genuinely concerned about the tired detective and she should have someone to take care of her from time to time, even thought Olivia was capable. I can't believe that there aren't men lining up outside the squad room on a daily basis to take Olivia home. Upon further review, she'd probably book them for obstruction if they persisted in blocking the squad room doors! Alex smiled the silly mental image.

Just then her bedroom door opened and the Detective in question appeared.

"Your turn Counselor." she said with a smile as she plopped down on the couch next to Alex.

Alex smiled back in what seemed to have become their silent smile of understanding. She was halfway to her bedroom door when she turned on her heel and looked at the detective leaning into the cushions of her couch.

"Olivia, I'm…" Her tone gave away her intention to apologize.

"Don't you dare, Alex." Olivia said as she held up her hand. "Thank you for opening your home to me. I don't think anyone has cared enough to take care of me like you have tonight. I only hope I can return the favor." She let her hand fall and she smiled at Alex's frozen form.

Alex nodded curtly and began taking a few steps backward towards her room door and then with a hint of a smile on her lips she turned on her heel again and slipped into her room.

Olivia was starting to really adore Alex's caring nature that was so rarely noted and appreciated by the people the women worked with.

When Alex returned to her room she still had that little smile on her face and she had to make an effort to remove it. She'd noted how Olivia put her things near the illuminated night table and how she'd folded her clothes and put them on top of her boots. Alex shook her head at how Olivia had tried to keep her presence to a minimum and give Alex her space.

She picked up Olivia's clothes and she could catch a hint of perfume. Alex couldn't help but inhale deeply. That smell is so Olivia. Alex placed Olivia's clothes on the bed and quickly got a hanger for her jeans and hung the folded burnt orange top and white under shirt over the jeans. She opened her closet and slid over some of her garment bags and suits and placed Olivia's clothes on the rack.

Alex washed up and brushed her teeth quickly debated whether to go and get the Detective.

"Olivia…" she called softly from her doorway.

Olivia had nodded off on her cough.

Alex seemed to be smiling quite a lot for almost 4am in the morning.

She walked out and lifted Olivia's hand and stroked the back of her hand with her thumb as she gently spoke the Detective's name again.

"Mmhmm…" Olivia mumbled as her eyes slowly opened. As realization hit her she began to apologize but was silenced when a slender finger covered her lips.

"Come on, Liv." Alex tugged lightly on the hand she held and turned off the lamp.

They walked hand and hand to Alex's bedroom for the second time that night.

Alex noticed that Olivia was still half asleep and she lead the Detective to the bed and pulled down the sheets. She lightly pushed down on the Detective's shoulders so that she obeyed her wishes and lay down. Alex pulled the covers up to cover Olivia and turned of the lamp on the night stand.

Alex turned off the bathroom light next, plunging the bedroom into darkness save for a very small bit of light from the moon and maybe a street lamp some where below her window.

She made her way around to her side of the bed by pure memory and climbed under the covers too. It was only when her head hit the pillow did she notice how tired she was. But strangely happy. She stretched and relaxed into her bed. She looked over at her companion who lay on her back with her head turned away from her. She could just make out Olivia's hair and ear. The ADA turned on her side so that she was facing Olivia. It was then, in the still of the pre-dawn night, that she could hear Olivia's steady breathing. Olivia had obviously fallen asleep on contact with the pillow.

Alex had realized sometime that afternoon that Olivia had been working nights as well as day shift for the past three nights. The ADA herself hadn't gotten much sleep in the past few days and like herself, Olivia was truly dedicated to her job. Alex wanted to catch the man they were staking out as well. He'd raped his step-daughter repeatedly over the course of six years since the child was only 6. She somehow escaped after a particularly painful night. He'd found her and shot her twice at close range… with a shotgun. The evidence of physical abuse and molestation had been obvious on the child's body when she'd been discovered in central park by a group of elderly bird watchers. Alex usually didn't think about work before bed, well she tried not to but tonight she couldn't help but think about how hard the Detective beside her was pushing herself day in and day out. She found herself wondering how Cragen hadn't noticed Olivia's exceptionally long hours this past week when even Alex, their ADA had. They were all working hard to catch this man she thought to herself. She cared dearly for Olivia, she deduced, and she had sought her out tonight with every intention of cooking her dinner and making sure she went to bed. I hadn't intended it to be my bed …umm really, I swear. She smiled at her success and refused to read anymore into it as her eyes drifted shut.

The image seemed to be burned into her eye lids. The naked half covered body of a young girl, not more than 12 or 13, lay among the underbrush in the park. The area had been taped off by uniforms by the time she and Stabler had gotten the call and reported to the scene. It was more a memory than a nightmare, which was worse. The girl's skin was ghostly pale, with the bruising standing out in bold relief on the parts of her that where visible. Elliot had slipped on his gloves as she spoke with an officer on the scene about how the body was discovered. She'd remember asking him some standard questions, about whether anything had been moved, and who'd discovered the scene. As if in slow motion Elliot moved forward and knelt down to pull back the sheet to get a look at the victims face. Olivia had turned just as his hand pulled the bloody sheet up. There was no face to speak of or left shoulder either if you wanted to be specific. Only a bloody mess of facial tissue and a hint of a nose or maybe that was an ear. She hadn't remembered hearing any sound in this memory save for a gasp as the sheet was pulled away from the body. The gasp belonged to her. This indeed was a heinous crime.

Olivia's eyes flew open and she sat straight up. Beads of sweat on her body cooling in the cold air. She was breathing hard trying to get her heart rate under control. The gasp must have been magnified in her sleep to leave her breathless.

"Liv, you're okay, everything will be okay." She heard the words but in her confusion she couldn't figure out where they were coming from. As her eyes adjusted to the dawn light she could see Alex sitting up in bed beside her. "Liv…Liv, I'm here." Alex slowly reached out and rubbed her back in slow circles. Even in her confused state, Olivia's breathing returned to normal and she relaxed into the touch as her eyes closed. She felt the weight next to her shift. Alex's hand moved from her back to her shoulder and she massaged the tight muscles she found there. Alex shifted again, this time she scooted up so that her back rested against the headboard.

"Come 'ere…" she spoke so softly Olivia wasn't sure she heard anything. She felt a hand touch her shoulder and she looked back with tear filled eyes at Alex. She felt Alex tug her arm and she complied with Alex's manipulations. She was pulled down gently so that her head rested on Alex's lap. Her head made contact with Alex's left leg gently and she scooted down so she was once again lying down but this time on her side. She only felt Alex at this point. She could feel Alex's left arm come around her left shoulder and pull up the covers. She felt Alex's left arm slip under the covers and around her back and caress her left arm that was now holding the ADA's leg protectively. Alex ran her hand over the calmly skin of Olivia's toned arm as she felt the Detective physically relax. Alex's other hand found its way into Olivia's hair and she was unconsciously threading her fingers through the Detective's hair. "I'm here Liv." She whispered from time to time, reassuring the Detective. Sitting up in bed calming Olivia felt so natural to her. Olivia's head in her lap, her hand holding on to Alex's leg, her fingers in Olivia's hair, it all felt so strangely natural.

It had only been maybe an hour since they'd fallen asleep when she felt Olivia stir violently next to her. She'd thought it was a simple nightmare, but Olivia stirred again and shot straight up with a wild look in her eyes. It might have scared a lesser person but Alex was more concerned for Olivia than scared of her. She'd sat up and spoken out first not wanting to startle the Detective more by taking a hold of her. When she could see Olivia recognize her voice, only then did she reach out to her.

Olivia had never recovered so quickly from her vivid dreams or was it memories. Alex's arm around her that stroked her arm and the hand in her hair stroking her scalp and playing with her hair had calmed her so quickly. The shock of reliving the crime scene was still with her but she felt safe and she began to relax. Thank God for Alex. She'd usually have to run or use some sort of exercise to get the images of violence out of her head but not tonight. Tonight Alex was here. Tonight Alex would keep her safe. Alex would keep her sane.

Alex relaxed too when Olivia relaxed in her lap and Olivia's breathing became deep in sleep again. Alex sighed. She'd never seen Olivia so vulnerable and she was glad she'd been there. She was surprised how quickly Olivia had responded to her words and her touch but relieved. At 5:30am she refused to think anymore about it. She didn't want to disturb her companion so she closed her eyes hoping she could sleep sitting up. She must have fallen asleep because when she awoke again her body was beginning moved by sure, strong arms. One arm somehow had gotten between her back and the headboard and the other was underneath her thighs sliding her down so that she was laying on her back. She blinked her eyes opened to see Olivia reaching for the covers and pulled them over her.

"Mmm, thanks Liv…" she mumbled as she stirred, loving the feel of the soft bed against her back again. Olivia climbed under the covers again. "Mmmhmm." She mumbled sleepily back as she too settled back under the covers next to Alex.

Alex had the overwhelming urge to cuddle up next to Olivia and wrap her arms around her and have Olivia wrap those strong arms around her. Wow where did that come from? She refused to think any further into it and she reached out to the Detective with her left hand under the covers. She felt the Detective's right hand that lay next to her on the bed. It was warm and comforting and Alex laced her fingers with Olivia's and squeezed the hand lightly. She felt Olivia squeeze hers back. They fell asleep holding hands. Neither party having felt this kind of peace in a long time.

They did not stir again until nearly 11am. This as amazing since their idea of sleeping-in was 7am at the latest. They shared this as well as a love of a morning jog at least 3 times a week. That jog had been long forgotten on this morning.

Olivia awoke first. It was so bright and sunny in Alex's room that she squinted her eyes and pulled the covers up over her head with her left hand. She peeked out until they adjusted and it was then than that she noticed she had something in her right hand. Remembering last night, she smiled and squeezed Alex's hand slightly. Alex had really been there when she needed her. She pushed the covers down and put her left hand behind her head. She turned her head towards the ADA and watched her sleep. Alex was light where Olivia was dark it seemed. Olivia's hair was dark, Alex's was light. Olivia's skin was tanned, Alex's was fair. Olivia's eyes where brown, Alex's was crystal blue. Olivia watched the ADA and out of the corner of her eye she saw the clock. It was 11:07am. Christ I've never slept in this much since I was in college! Olivia had no desire to get up however and she noted that Alex's hair tie had gone missing during the night and her blonde hair was fanned out on the pillow around her head. She also noticed that the covers had slipped down to the prosecutor's hips revealing the waist band of her sweats. Being a great Detective, she also noticed that Alex's t-shirt had ridden up sometime while they were sleeping. The amount of skin showing wouldn't have warranted even a PG-13 rating but there was something sensual about the way Alex lay with her right hand resting flat on her stomach and that little bit of toned skin…it all just looked so sexy in the morning light. God what am I thinking? It's no big deal; one woman can admire another woman's figure. I've had a tiny bit of a crush on her for over a year now that I've kept even from myself, but that's not important either.

Olivia looked back up to Alex's face as her eyes fluttered open. Alex smiled at Olivia for what seem like the hundredth time in the past 24 hours. She has a bit of an effect on me. She ignored her thoughts for now.

"Mmm, good morning, Detective."

"Morning Counselor."

Their voices were still deep from sleep and they let their hands slip away from the other's grasp as they stretched.

"Detective, now that I got my way, and you spent the night, do you think you're going to let me make you breakfast? Or are you going to try to run off again?" Alex asked after she turned to lay on her side so that she faced Olivia with her head propped up by her hand.

"I'm afraid I have to turn you down Counselor…" Alex appeared lightly confused and was about to apologize for presuming that Olivia had no plans today, when Olivia continued as she turned to mirror Alex's position on the bed, "…I intend to make YOU breakfast."

Alex laughed nervously. "Had you nervous Ms. Cabot?" Olivia teased.

"Yes, Ms. Benson, I was being to think that I'd lost my touch."

"Hardly."

Their friendly, if not slightly flirtatious banter was interrupted by Olivia's cell phone ringing. She gave Alex an apologetic glance and turn to grab the offending item from the night stand.

"Benson."

"Hey partner, you better not have spent the night with your face in a file on your desk."

Elliot's tone was teasing but there was a bit of concern mixed in there too.

"No, I just got up; I'll give you a call later today."

"Ok, I'll pick you up Monday?"

"Yeah, I'll see you then. And be sure to say hi to Kathy and the kids for me, El."

You could hear the sounds of Elliot's family in the background as they spoke. It was a whole other world to Olivia when she visited the Stabler home. Maybe one day she'd have someone to distract her when she was on the phone.

As if on cue, Alex tried to get up. She was probably trying to give Olivia some privacy but Olivia acted quickly and grabbed the ADA's wrist before she could get up completely and pulled her gently back down on the bed. Alex mock glared, and Olivia smiled sweetly.

"Sure Liv…which reminds me, Kathy wants to know if you don't like her cooking because she hasn't seen you for dinner in at least five weeks..." Elliot sounded highly amused.

Olivia smiled and shook her head. "Sometime next week ok?"

Alex had decided to remain in bed and was now lying on her stomach next to the Detective; looking at her secretly while she talked.

"She said to tell you 'anytime'." Elliot seemed a little more serious, like when he was trying to be subtle and tell her she was always welcome. He's a good man.

"Alright El, see you Monday. Bye."

"Bye."

She pushed END and flopped back down on the comfortable bed.

"Are you trying to keep me hostage, Detective?"

"No, Counselor, I wouldn't dream of it." Olivia spoke her tone thick with mock hurt.

"You're incorrigible, Olivia." Alex said jokingly as she got to her feet. "Come on, I distinctly remember someone promising me breakfast."

Alex moved towards the bathroom and closed the door. After using the facilities and properly washing her face and retying her hair in a loose ponytail, Alex exited the bathroom to find her bed well made and her curtains opened.

She scanned the room for signs of Olivia, not finding her she proceeded to the bedroom door that was slightly ajar. Padding down the hallway barefoot, she found Olivia slightly hunched over surveying the contents of her refrigerator.

"Is everything to your liking Detective?" Alex spoke as she leaned against the door frame of the kitchen entrance.

"Yes, Counselor, I think we've got just the things we need." Olivia spoke as she grabbed the eggs and some other things and placed them on the counter. She grabbed several other items from around the kitchen and placed them too on the counter. Then she noticed what appeared to be Alex's little coffee station and she got the coffee going. With that, she turned to Alex who was still watching from the doorway somewhat mesmerized.

"Come on Counselor, go sit and relax, I'll be right back."

Olivia breezed past her and proceeded to the bathroom. She returned minutes later to find Alex's sitting on a stool in the kitchen with the New York Times and a cup of coffee. Noticing Olivia's presence, "Detective you make a great batch of coffee." she praised.

"Well, when I'm at work and you've have the likes of Munch trying to make coffee in the morning, you learn pretty quick that it's a lot less painful to make the pot yourself." Olivia smirked and started making eggs and French toast for breakfast, with some turkey sausages.

Alex watched her cook. She hadn't had someone cook her breakfast since…well she didn't know exactly, but it's been awhile.

"You have it delivered?" Olivia gestured to her newspaper as she placed a plate with great smelling food in front of Alex and put her own plate down.

"Yeah, it's right outside my door this way. Plus, if it weren't for the paper, I'd probably jump right into reviewing briefs or some such thing." Alex folded the paper and picked up the syrup Olivia had placed on the table earlier.

"I should think about subscribing, but I'm worried if I don't make it home for awhile I might not be able to make it through the mountain of unread newspapers once I do get home." Olivia spoke as she picked up her fork and waited for Alex to finish with the syrup.

"Yes, that would be a problem." Alex nodded and she chuckled at the metal image of Olivia scaling an impossibly large mountain of newspapers.

Olivia chuckled too as she thought about how comical it would be. "Laugh it up, Counselor." They talked some more about random things and sipped their respective coffees.

When Alex was done she leaned back slightly and looked at her table mate.

"Olivia that was the best French toast I've ever eaten, thank you for making me breakfast." She spoke sincerely and placed her hand on the Detective's knee and gave it an encouraging squeeze.

"You're welcome, Alex, you deserve it. I'm glad you invited me to stay last night." Olivia looked into Alex's eyes as she spoke and placed her hand over Alex's hand on her knee and squeezed it gently.

"You're welcome, Liv." Alex smiled and picked up her dishes, followed by Olivia who grabbed her own dishes and made her way to the sink. This time they both did the dishes. Alex washed while Olivia rinsed and put them to dry. They'd laughed some more about how they'd both missed their morning jog and how neither of them had been in bed past 7am since college; or so it seemed.

They cleaned the kitchen and then sat in the living room working on their second cup of coffee. Alex sat at one end of the cough with her legs tucked under her and Olivia at the other end, slightly slouched, with her legs stretched out in front of her.

They sat for a few minutes in surprisingly comfortable silence when Olivia spoke up.

"Hey, I'm sure you have things to do today, but I was wondering if you wanted to meet up later for dinner and maybe we could rent some movies. I know it's kind of short notice and all but…" Olivia rambled on, feeling slightly embarrassed.

"That sounds great!"

"…Okay." Olivia breathed a sigh of relief.

With that they'd looked at each other silently for a second and then burst into nervous laughter for no reason. After finishing their coffee, Olivia had gotten dressed after Alex had showed her where she'd so thoughtfully hung her clothes the night before.

After Olivia got dressed Alex volunteered to walk her out. They spoke as they made their way out the apartment door.

"So, it guess I'll see you tonight, huh Detective?" Alex attempted to confirm.

"Yep, under a few conditions." Olivia smiled mischievously.

"Oh no…and what are those, Detective?" Alex gave her best nervous look. This made Olivia smirk.

"You pick the movies, we order out and you come over to my place." Olivia looked hopeful. Alex was pleasantly surprised at being invited to the Detective's apartment and she was looking forward to it. It almost felt like they were in high school or even college again. All the smiling and shy suggestions, it was not particularly common for either of them, not since they were 21 or 15 at least.

"That sounds fair." Alex smiled. The elevator doors opened and the Detective smiled back and stepped in.

"I'll pick you up here at 7?" Olivia's look told Alex not to worry or argue about taking a cab.

"Yeah, thanks. I'll see you then Liv!" Alex waved quickly as the doors started to close.

"Later, Alex!" Olivia shot back as the doors finally slid shut.

Alex made her way back to her apartment. My God, Alexandra Cabot is actually allowing herself to just be normal and have fun. She smiled to herself as she entered her apartment.

Olivia felt strangely content as she walk to her car. She thought about how vulnerable she was last night and how Alex had comforted her. She never liked showing weakness but she didn't feel like she had. Alex made her feel okay and she was happy to have a friend in Alex.

She started the engine and made her way to her apartment. Driving in the city was hell, but today she felt like she could handle it in stride …or in her ride, which ever.

Once Olivia had tidied her apartment, including getting rid of the layer of dust that covered almost everything, she set out to clean the refrigerator out. She even scrubbed the bathroom.

Her apartment was now spotless, which it hadn't been in weeks, maybe even months. She'd changed her sheets and towels and added the dirty ones to the growing mountain of laundry she had moved to the entry hall. She'd even lit a scented candle in her bathroom, and one in her living room adding faint smells of jasmine to the air. She'd even gone as far as to mop all the floors.

Standing, from her vantage point near the mountain of laundry, she appreciated the sight of her small but clean and welcoming apartment. Stuffing all the clothes in to huge sacks, after she extinguished the candles she'd lit earlier, she exited her apartment dragging the laundry sacks in an oversized clothes basket behind her.

After stuffing the items into the trunk of the car she proceeded to spend the couple hours, at the laundry mat with a least 5 washers and eventually 5 driers working at once.

She past the time by thinking about the things she wanted to pick up at the bodega on the way home and flipping through 3 month old magazines. She also thought about her dream…well, memory really. She knew her job was hard, both mentally and physically but things still got tough sometimes. She'd been caught off guard a little when Elliot had lifted the sheet and looked up at her in what could be described as shock and dormant rage. She'd nodded dumbly as Elliot released the sheet and stood stripping off his gloves. "Get her outta here!" he'd barked as he walked past the ME who'd just arrived on scene.

She'd stood frozen for a few beats before following him under the police tape toward the path that would lead them to the car.

They hadn't spoken about the state of the victim once she fell into step beside him; only voicing the need to catch the prep and about possible leads. She hadn't pushed to talk about it once in the car either, because she couldn't figure out what to say anyway. She was glad that they knew each other and he'd glanced at her once he started the engine, offering his silent form of comfort.

The suddenness of seeing the victim and the brutality of the crime was what had disturbed her. Last night's nightmare was just a reflection of her stress and lack of sleep. Alex had done the right thing to call out to her to focus her. Her voice had brought her back to reality. She was glad that someone, other than Elliot, was there for her too.

After folding all the clothes neatly into the huge basket she threw the empty laundry bags on top. Heading back to the car, she made a stop at the small bodega near her building. She made her way down the aisles grabbing essentials, as well as thinking about some things ADA Cabot might like. Finally she reached the beverage aisle to snag a couple bottles of wine and some corona before returning to the produce aisle for some limes and finally, on to the check-out. She'd seen Alex order a corona once, deviating from her simple white wine beverage of choice, at the bar. The Detective had even gotten chips, two types of dip, microwave popcorn, and an assortment of movie night candy favorites.

Finally parking near her building, near meaning almost a block away in New York, she noted she'd have to make at least two trips to get everything up-stairs. Can't say I didn't exercise today! She smirked and proceeded with taking the groceries first and then returning for the laundry. After her second trip up she packed her clothes away and packed away the groceries. It was almost 6pm, so she decided to take a shower get ready to pick Alex up.

Alex's day had proceeded along similar lines. She'd tidied up some and had taken her dry cleaning to be done, including the navy suit from last night. Throughout the day her thoughts kept drifting back to the Detective who'd shared her bed that night. She'd grown exceptional fond of Olivia over the past year or so, and she'd had to admit to herself that she had an almost school-girl crush on the sexy woman. This was, of course, an extremely new and strange experience for the ADA. She'd even gone to the grocery store to pick up some wine to take to Olivia's. She went to the video store, where she picked up a mix of action and comedy titles. She also included a secret favorite, "Legally Blonde" from her own collection.

She'd gotten back home about four and read though some briefs for court on Monday and organized her attaché case since she'd just been stuffing things in there all week. Around 6, she headed to the shower.

Olivia spent quiet awhile deciding on what to wear; which was highly irregular. She'd probably spent less time in the shower. After blow drying her short perfectly streaked hair she'd stood in front of her closet in only her black lace bra and black lace boy-shorts. She'd decided to wear them on a whim, for some reason she wanted to feel sexy. She's reached into the closet of freshly launderer clothes and retrieved an old pair of faded jeans that hugged her in all the right places. She pondered some more and closed the closet opting instead for a tight light blue t-shirt. Satisfied with her reflection, she settled on her dark blue and white Pumas, which were pretty useless to a serious runner like herself but they were great casual shoes. Styling her hair and applying a very small amount of make-up she grabbed her car keys and cell phone and headed for the door, here she slipped on her black leather knee length jacket, opting to leave her gun home as she did earlier in the day but slipping her badge into her jacket pocket.

She decided to take the stairs down and reached for her cell phone as she pushed open her apartment doors.

She scrolled down until she found Alex's number. Two and a half rings later Alex answered the phone.

"Cabot." She heard the curt but pleasant voice of the ADA.

"Hey, it's Liv, I'm on my way over now…do you need more time?" Olivia spoke as she neared the car.

"Oh no, I'm ready, just buzz the apartment when you're here and I'll be right down, okay?" Alex had been studying her shoe options when her phone rang.

"Sure, I'll see you soon then, bye."

"Bye, Liv." They hung up at the same time.

Olivia opened her car door and made her way uptown again.

Alex looked down at herself. She decided on some tight worn blue jeans and a round neck cotton heather gray sweater. It was a light cable knit sweater from A&F. Finally bending down she reached into her closet and extracted her gray and white Pumas. An impulse purchase but they were cute and she couldn't pass them up.

It was a few minutes to 7 by the time she'd styled her hair, opting to leave it down and as she slipped on her glasses instead of her contacts. Reaching over and grabbing the small shoulder bag she'd put the movies and wine in; she turned off all the lights in her bedroom. Walking down the hall toward the living room, she heard the buzzer.

"Be right down!" she called into the device and sprinted out the door towards the elevator.

Reaching the lobby in record time she jogged down the front steps to Olivia who was leaning against the car. Olivia's hands were in the front pockets of her jeans forcing her coat open so that Alex had a great view of the Police Detective's athletic form. Hmmm, she's in great shape. Alex noted absently.

Thinking quickly to clear her thoughts, "You're right on time Detective." Alex smiled as she stopped in front the other woman.

"Well, I try to be, Counselor." She returned the smile and moved to open the passenger door for the attorney.

As they both settled into the car and Olivia pulled out and headed back to her apartment with her guest in tow.

"Thank you for inviting me over, Liv..." Alex spoke sincerely.

"It's my pleasure, really, I like spending time with you, Ms. Cabot." Olivia answered honestly.

"I like spending time with you like this too, Detective Benson." Alex smirked and relaxed into the passenger seat. They were officially playing the smiling game again.

"So did you get the movies or should I stop at my video store?" Olivia asked.

"Oh Yea, I got them, I brought some comedies and a couple action types to choose from."

"Sounds great." Olivia said as she glanced at her passenger out of the corner of her eye.

Once inside Olivia's apartment Alex's eyes moved around the main room appreciatively. It was evident that the Detective had been cleaning since the last time Alex and some of the squad had come over. During the day she'd imagined that Olivia had regretted inviting her over because she'd be forced to clean and have someone in her personal space. Those fears disappeared miraculously when she'd seen Olivia leaning against the car waiting for her. They were both fairly private people, who'd just opened up their homes and inevitably their lives to one another.

"Make yourself comfortable Alex, there's a drawer in that side table near the couch with tons of take-out menus, let me know what you want." Olivia called as she went to deposit her jacket in her room.

She returned seconds later to find Alex scanning through a huge stack of different colored take-out menus.

Olivia plopped down on the cushion next to her. "There are lots to choose from…" Olivia spoke with an amused tone. "…maybe we can narrow it down by eliminating the types of food you're not in the mood for?" Olivia suggested.

"Hmm, what do you want Liv?" Alex said this as she looked directly into Olivia's eyes. Olivia swallowed.

"I'm not really in the mood for Italian or Indian, and I have Chinese almost every few days for lunch when I'm at work. How about Thai? I love Thai." Olivia suggested.

"Oh God, I haven't had good Thai in so long! Let's go with Thai." Alex exclaimed a little too excitedly for her own good. She blushed when she's noticed her girlish outburst.

Olivia laughed lightly. "Thai it is, Counselor."

Olivia took the stack of menus from Alex and looked through it for her favorite Thai restaurant. She hoped Alex would like it too.

"Here we go, Thai Spice, this is my favorite." She pulled out the light green menu and handed it to Alex.

"Great…" Alex smiled and flipped open the menu as Olivia was about to get up. Noticing Olivia moving to stand, to put the other menu's back, Alex grabbed her arm and pulled her back down beside her never taking her eyes of the menu in her right hand. Olivia looked at her curiously, but she said nothing. Alex only glancing at the menus in Olivia as she took them from Olivia's hand and, leaning over the arm rest, she placed them back in the drawer and closed it. Only glancing away from the menu in her hand a couple times.

Olivia was amused by Alex's actions and she scooted closer to look at the menu in Alex's hands. They sat shoulder to shoulder on the large couch and reviewed the menu.

Alex was the first to break the companionable silence. "I want Pad Thai, is it good at this place?" she enquired.

"Oh yeah, everything is good, I might go for the Basil Chicken over steamed rice." Olivia spoke, still looking at the menu.

Alex leaned back into the couch. "For me, Shrimp Pad Thai it is then." Alex smiled as Olivia nodded to her.

"You want some Thai Iced Tea too?"

"Ooo, that sounds good."

With that Olivia rose from the cough and moved to get the cordless. "You want any appetizers from them? I've got chips and dip."

"No, I'll have some of your chips." Alex smiled as she watched Olivia dial the appropriate numbers and place their orders.

"It'll be about 20 minutes. I'm going to grab us some chips and some drinks…you wanna come see what I got…I kinda went a little crazy." Olivia smiled, blushing slightly.

"Of course Detective, lead the way." Alex stood and followed Olivia into the small but well kept kitchen. In the far corner was every kind of chips known to man, and an assortment of other goodies.

"Well, Olivia, you've outdone yourself." Alex chuckled. Olivia was expressionless as she wordlessly opened the refrigerator door, stood beside it and waved her hand in front of it as though she were Vanna White.

Alex laughed at the sight and shook her head in disbelief at the mix of juices, beer, sodas, a couple wine bottles, and even a few bottled waters as well as some regular refrigerator items neatly arranged in the spotless fridge.

"Wow, I'm impressed, I feel like I'm at the movie concession stand…So many choices, so little time!" Alex exclaimed in mock panic, forcing them to laugh out loud.

"Okay Counselor laugh it up, no Coronas for you then, I even have limes." Olivia warned jokingly.

"Oh Detective you wouldn't…" Alex walked over to stand beside Olivia linking her arm with Olivia and pouted.

"If I ever told Elliot you pouted he'd have me committed for delusional uttering." Olivia said seriously causing Alex to break her pout into a grin and slap Olivia's arm playfully.

"Yes well, I have a reputation to uphold and I trust that you have no intention to be committed, so this pout you say you saw never existed, did it?" Alex stood close to Olivia with her arms now crossed over her crest with her questioning eyes directed at Olivia.

"What pout?" Olivia bantered back.

"Very good Detective, we have an understanding." Alex smiled sweetly and reached past Olivia and pulled out two Coronas. She pressed one into the Detective's hand and closed the fridge door. Noticing the fridge magnet bottle opener at the same time, she grabbed it and looked into the Detectives amused eyes as she put her own bottle down on the counter and then she closed her fingers around the Detective's hand holding the bottle steady as she opened it for her. She removed her fingers from around the Detective's hand slower than necessary and recaptured her own bottle and popped the top.

During the exchange the air had shifted slightly and was charged with some sort of energy.

Neither acknowledged it, instead Olivia raised her bottle in thanks and took a long drink of the ice cold beer. Alex smiled and returned the gesture.

Olivia was the first to speak as she moved past Alex to the counter with all the goodies. "Thank you, Ms. Cabot, how about we get started on some of this and pick our first movie before the food gets here."

"Sounds like a plan, Ms. Benson." Alex moved to survey the goodies in question.

Olivia grabbed a small pink bag from a larger grocery bag on the counter and extracted one of five large limes. Moving over to the dish rack she took a small knife and deftly cut the tart item into wedges on a small wooden butcher block. Turning to Alex who was now leaning against the far counter watching her while snacking on the contents of a tortilla chip bag. Olivia put down the knife and took up two wedges, slipping a wedge into her Corona with a little resistance from the small opening. She smiled mischievously and walked over to Alex. Standing in front of the ADA, she became serious and looked into the ADA's eyes questioningly. Alex nodded slightly and Olivia, never breaking eye contact, slowly pressed the wedge into Alex's bottle opening. As the wedge splashed into the liquid, Olivia gave her a small smile and a playful wink and walked away.

Suddenly Alex's mouth became particularly dry, and she lifted her bottle to her lips and took a long sip.

Olivia pulled open a cupboard and retrieve a short stack of napkins and then took out two folks and two knives from a nearby drawer.

She turned as she exited the kitchen to make sure the slightly flushed ADA was following her.

"It's okay if we eat at the coffee table and watch the movie?" Olivia asked over her shoulder as she walked into the living area.

"Yeah, that's perfect." Alex watched from behind the couch as Olivia put the napkins on the coffee table and set out the cutlery.

As if on cue, the intercom buzzed to alert Olivia that the delivery person was downstairs. Buzzing him up she went to get some cash from her room.

"Alex, pick the first movie…" she called over her shoulder as she pushed open her bedroom door.

Alex opened her bag and took out all the movies and placed them on the coffee table. Noticing the large TV with a DVD/VCR combo, she grabbed 'Legally Blonde' from its case and turned on the TV. She slid the DVD into the tray and closed it. Almost instantly the TV changed from the blue screen to the main menu of the movie. Grabbing the remote, she glanced up at Olivia as she return to the couch. Olivia smiled and was about to join her back on the cough when her door bell rang. Changing direction she proceeded to answer the door and pay for their food.

Olivia placed the bag of aromatic food on the coffee table and pulled out a Styrofoam box with 'Skimp Pad' scribbled on top.

She placed it in front of Alex on the coffee table and put her own down on the table.

"I brought some wine…"Alex reached into her bag and pulled out the bottle of white wine. "I should have given it to you to chill earlier."

"Thanks Alex, how about I put this to chill for later and I bring out one that's already in the fridge?"

"That would be nice." Alex handed over the bottle to the Detective who disappeared into the kitchen only to return with two wine glasses and a freshly opened bottle of chilled white wine.

Olivia poured them each a glass and sat down. "I can't believe it Counselor, 'Legally Blonde'?" Olivia smirked at her couch-mate. Alex blushed slightly but bantered back.

"Detective Benson, this is a perfectly expectable legal film that addresses some key issues facing female law students." Alex looked directly at Olivia trying to be as serious as possible.

"Well, that's great because I like this movie too…it's all about the issues, right Counselor?"

"Precisely..." Alex smiled but turned slightly nervous and reached for the stack of movies on the coffee table "…if you want to watch one of the other…" Alex's arm was tugged back gently before she could reach the boxes.

"Don't you dare, Counselor." Olivia spoke firmly but softly.

Alex half-smiled and relaxed again. They both flipped open their boxes of delicious food as Alex pressed play. Getting comfortable, Alex followed Olivia's lead and kicked off her shoes, Alex even folded a leg under her, feeling more at home.

They ate and laughed at the movie, occasionally sipping their wine. This was one of the best and most relaxing evenings for both of them.

By the time the movie finished, they were pleasantly stuffed. Olivia cleared the coffee table and put the leftovers in the fridge while Alex changed the DVD. She put 'Speed 2' in the DVD tray and joined the Detective in the kitchen. They made a small bowl of popcorn and grabbed some sodas from the fridge, Alex opting for a Diet Coke while Olivia picked up a bottle of Root Beer. Olivia turned off all the lights in the apartment except one in the living room that had a dimmer that she turn way down so there was only a soft glow. Olivia sat in one corner of the couch with her back resting against the arm and one leg bent in front of her while the other hung off the couch.

"I like your shoes Detective; I've got on the same one's in gray and white." Alex smirked as she held up one of her own shoes briefly. They were wearing the same style of Puma in different colors.

"I did make a note of that early Counselor, very nice. Good to know you have acceptable taste." Olivia smiled wickedly. Alex raised an eyebrow and stuck her tongue out at Olivia like a seven year old before laughing at herself. Olivia laughed and shook her head as Alex got comfortable on the couch again. She curled her legs under her and propped her head in her hand that rested on the arm of the couch. Without further ado, they turned their attention to the second movie, occasionally commenting on things and talking about what they thought when they'd first seen it.

The movie was almost finished when Alex's head bobbed and her eyes fluttered open. She must have nodded off. She took off her glasses and placed them on the coffee table, rubbed her eyes. She glanced over to Olivia who was still watching the movie. Alex decided to just scoot down a little so that her head rested on the arm of the couch.

Suddenly Olivia got up off the couch and went down the hallway and into her bedroom. Alex thought she was on a bathroom break when the Detective returned with a pillow. Alex lifted her head and looked at Olivia in question. Olivia sat down on the end of the couch again but this time sitting regularly facing forward. She placed the pillow in her lap and tugged gently on a part of Alex's sweater that she could reach. Alex looked into the eyes of the Detective and scoot toward her. Slowly she lay on her side with her head coming to rest on the pillow in Olivia's lap, her legs finally getting a chance to stretch out.

"Better Counselor?" Olivia inquired as she gently stroked Alex's hair.

"Mmm, much." Alex mumbled, still sleepy.

Olivia was exhausted. She had been at work since 5am and it was pushing midnight by the time she turned off her desk lamp. Elliot had left about an hour ago and she looked up to see Cragen closing his office door behind him as he shrugged into his taupe colored trench coat and looked over a file.

She thought about the call that she'd received only moments ago and smiled, reliving it.

Olivia was going over a file for what seemed like the hundredth time, hoping that a clue or a possible suspect would jump out at her. The ringing of her phone disrupted her.

"Benson."

"God Liv, you're still there...," it was more of a statement but laden with concern.

"Yeah…" Olivia laughed humorlessly, "I've been trying to find something in these random words and phrases in this file."

"Liv come over." Olivia was surprised by the soft concerned voice that met her ear. ADA Alex Cabot rarely sounded as though she was pleading. And come over? It felt good to hear someone, especially Alex telling her to come to their home after a long, hard day.

"I'll leave here in about an hour or so…" Olivia was interrupted.

"I'll be expecting you here in 20 minutes Detective," The firm and sure voice of the ADA was back. "That's how long it's going to take me to make you something to eat and then run the bath water before you are on the front stoop."

"Alex, that's really not necessary, you should be asleep…" Once again Olivia was cut short.

"Olivia, who are you kidding? You're going to be there until dawn working if not crashing in the crib. Come and have a meal with me. Give me some company. Give this friendship and yourself a chance."

"Are you trying to bribe an officer of the law with food and your company, Counselor?" Alex laughed softly.

"I wouldn't dream of it Detective." There was a small pause but Olivia final broke the silence.

"I'll see you in 30 minutes, Alex." They said their good-byes and hung up.

Olivia was brought back to reality by the voice of her Captain.

"Get out of here and get some rest Olivia, it's been a long day and I don't expect to see you in here until Monday morning." Cragen said as he walked up near her desk and looked seriously into her eyes with a caring under current.

"I was just leav…" she began but was cut off.

"I don't want to hear it Benson. Go home. You can't help these people if your eyes aren't fresh, so save me the trouble of suspending you to make you take care of yourself." Cragen then nodded in the direction of the door. "Come on, walk out with me."

"What you don't trust me, Cap?" Olivia smirked and sipped into her leather jacket.

Don Cragen knew better than to trust one of his Detectives to go home without a fight. Little did he know that Olivia had already been summoned by a certain blonde ADA. They walked out and Don hailed a cab for Olivia and bid her good night. She climbed into the cab after returning the sentiment.

She watched the Captain walk to his car before she registered the cabby asking her where she needed to go. Without even thinking twice she gave him Alex's address and sat back into the seat. Only then did she realize how unbelievably tired she was.

Alex had simply held open the door when she'd arrived and let her walk in. Olivia was about to turn to her hostess when she felt hands prompting her and taking her jacket off. Olivia was always a little surprised by Alex's caring side but this was the Alex she'd come to realize existed behind the door of this apartment and even her own apartment.

Turning as Alex hung her jacket in the closet; she failed to conceal a yawn from Alex.

"Into the kitchen Benson, There's some tomato soup and garlic bread. You need to eat something." Alex walked ahead of her and into the kitchen as she followed. Too tired to say anything Olivia sat down on a bar stool and inhaled the aroma of the food laid out in front of her. She ate silently; occasional glancing up at Alex who sat at the island sipping her tea and reading what appeared to be some legal documents. She was wearing navy blue pajama bottom pants and a light blue t-shirt that hugged her upper body.

She was almost done eating when Alex glanced up and met her eyes with a soft expression on her face. Rising from her position at the island, Alex disappeared from the kitchen and a few moments later Olivia could hear water running in the bathroom.

She finished her meal, put her dishes in the sink and was about to wash them when Alex's voice stopped her.

"I ran you a bath and there are some clean clothes on the sink for you." Alex spoke softly but there was obviously no room for argument. "Go…I'll finish the dishes. Although it's late the bath will relax you. "

Olivia looked into the deep blue of Alex's eyes for a moment as Alex came to stand next to her. Alex broke the eye contact first and took the soup bowl from Olivia's hand and lightly pushed Olivia in the general direction of the bathroom.

Taking the hint that protest was futile Olivia walked toward the bathroom but stopped as she reached the kitchen door way and turned to Alex.

"Thank you, Alex."

"You are very welcome Detective, now get going before the bath water gets cold." Alex said before turning to look over her shoulder with a smile.

They'd climbed into bed together and fell asleep almost instantly. That wouldn't be the first time they'd slept together. The second time being the movie night at Olivia's, which ended with both of them falling asleep on the couch. Alex had woken up on the couch sometime early in the morning and woken Liv from an uncomfortable sitting up sleeping position and Olivia had taken her hand, leading her to her bedroom. They had simply crawled under the covers together; too tired to even change.

Now, it was only a few minutes before 6am and Alex looked at the women sleeping inches away from her. They had been spending a lot of their free time together as of late and the knowledge that they'd shared a bed at least a few times in the past two weeks brought a smile to her usually perfectly schooled face. The smile widened when she realized they might get more time together because Olivia worked late a lot and seemed to enjoy being taken care of and she had a big case that week which had finally come to a promising end today. More nights together were seemed to be in their future.

Something was happening here and neither of them was going to stop it.