DISCLAIMER: NBC owns the rights to Law and Order: SVU. I'm just
burrowing the characters for entertainment. No money is being made,
and no harm is intended. I like to tie in music with my work, so
you'll be seeing a lot of music interlaced with this story.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: This is my first attempt at Olivia/Alex fan fic. I hope it's okay.
ARCHIVING: Only with the permission of the author.
The Take Down
By Berg
Part 1
Olivia Benson ran her fingers through her short brown hair and sighed. She leaned back in her chair and looked up at the ceiling. The days seemed to get longer and longer with each passing hour that went by without she and Elliot catching this sick bastard.
"You okay?" Elliot asked as he sipped from his coffee. "God this stuff is just awful. Is it me or is it awful?"
"It's a rhetorical question Stabler," Olivia smiled and stood. "I need a breath of fresh air."
"Back to my first question," Elliot said watching Olivia stand up form her chair. "You okay?"
"Yeah," Olivia nodded. "I just can't shake the feeling that we're missing something right in front of our noses."
"Liv," Elliot said picking up the various folders, "we've been through them twenty times at least. I don't think we've missed anything."
"Well...after I come back from my walk...we'll make it twenty one."
"Enjoy," Elliot waved her off and sipped from his coffee
again. "Poison maybe? They're trying to do away with the entire SV
unit I think." He shook his head and opened up the files
again. "Twenty one," he mumbled and read.
Olivia wasn't sure where she was walking; she just needed to stretch her legs. She and Elliot had been working the case now for almost a week and they didn't seem any closer to cracking it.
There was something she was missing, something they both were missing. Olivia sat on the bench and watched the pond across the way as the children fed the ducks.
"What are we missing?" she wondered out loud. "Motive? Means? Desire?"
"Olivia?" came the voice from behind her. Olivia turned around to see Alex Cabot coming up. "I thought that might be you, but I wasn't sure."
"The hair?"
"No...the jacket actually," Alex smiled. "May I?"
"Please," Olivia said moving over and allowing Alex a seat. "So what brings you to my pond in the woods?"
Alex smiled and lowered her head. "Actually I called Elliot and he said you might be here."
"Yeah, this is my place."
"Your place?"
"Yeah- see most of us have a place we go to think out cases. Work shi.stuff out. This case is bugging me and we've hit a wall. I was hoping if I came here I could work some stuff out."
"I see." Alex nodded. "That makes sense."
"Do you have a thing like that?"
"I think," Alex smiled. "It's a bottle of red wine and Ella Fitzgerald."
"Ella?" Olivia smiled. "Really?"
"You seem surprised," Alex said.
"I am...I would never have pegged you for a Ella Fitzgerald fan." Olivia looked back out at the pond.
"I'm fairly certain there's a lot about me you don't know," Alex said looking out at the pond as well.
"I'm sure you're right."
"So it's the Moonlight killer right?" Alex asked.
"Yeah." Olivia said biting her lower lip. "We're missing something Alex...and it's not something we haven't found yet. It's something that's already there. Elliot thinks I'm in denial...but I just can't shake it."
"What exactly?"
"I don't know. I should get back to the office. Maybe twenty one will be the lucky number."
"Olivia," Alex said softly, "maybe I can help. What if I came over later...maybe we could go over it together. Perhaps another set of fresh eyes would make the difference."
"Sounds like a good point to me," Olivia smiled. "One condition though."
"What's that?"
"You bring that red wine and Ella with you," Olivia said looking at Alex.
"You're on."
Part 2
"You heading out?" Elliot asked as he placed his jacket on.
"Yeah...in about ten minutes."
"Don't worry Liv, we'll get him."
"I know," Olivia smiled. "Go home to your wife and kids Stabler." Olivia smiled as Elliot nodded.
"See you tomorrow bright and early. Remember...ten minutes- no more."
"Yes sir," Olivia saluted.
"Smart ass," Elliot chuckled as he left. One light shined in the office and that light belong to Olivia. The phone rang.
"Benson," Olivia answered.
"You about ready to get out of there?"
"Yeah," Olivia said leaning back in her chair. "You all done with your paper work?"
"Finally caught up," Alex said softly. "I thought it would never happen."
"You sure you want to do this Alex?" Olivia asked. She was suddenly feeling guilty. "I don't want to take advantage of you."
"You're not," Alex answered. "Besides, I know if the shoe was on the other foot, you'd help me."
"That would never happen," Olivia smiled.
"Why's that."
"I wear a size 10...your feet are too small for my shoes." She heard Alex laugh softly.
"Don't quit your day job Bob Hope."
"Never," Olivia said softly. "Ten minutes?"
"Perfect."
"It's fine," Alex said as she made her way in.
"I don't know about you," Olivia said. "But I'm starving. You want to order dinner?"
"Sounds wonderful," Alex said. "I didn't get lunch today and I'm famished."
"Great- dinner on me then. How does Pizza sound?"
"Sounds good." Alex nodded.
"There is this place down the street that has this Veggie pan pizza to die for," Olivia said as she picked up her phone and ordered. "Make yourself at home," she whispered to Alex. "I'm going to go change."
"Okay," Alex smiled as Olivia left the room. Alex had been to Olivia's apartment a few other times, but only briefly. She looked around the room.
She smiled when she saw the picture of Olivia with her mother. They looked so much alike. Alex heard the radio turn on from the other room. The bedroom. The song was familiar to her. It was an oldie. Otis Reading. She could definitely tell it was him by the higher pitch smooth voice.
'These arms are mine. They are burning. Burning for wanting you. These arms of mine they are wanting to hold you. And if you would let them hold you...oh I'll breathe a sigh of relief. Come on...come on.'
Alex smiled. It appeared she wasn't the only one with a taste for older music. A moment later Olivia returned from the bedroom dressed in a pair of jeans and an old academy shirt. "How about that wine?" she asked gliding into the bedroom.
"Sounds great."
"The pizza should be here in about half an hour."
"Perfect," Alex said as Olivia returned with a glass for each of them.
"Now all that is missing is Ella," Olivia said putting the CD in her system. She turned the music down low and soft, so it could be heard but not overbearing. "How is that?"
"You sure know how to charm them Detective Benson."
Olivia took the seat next to Alex as she opened her case. "These are the case files," Olivia said handing some to Alex. "Just give them a read through and tell me what you think."
"Okay," Alex nodded as she sipped from her wine. She pushed her
glasses up on her nose. She reached to take the files from Olivia
and felt her finger touch Olivia's. "Sorry," she said softly.
"I know...me either," Olivia said disappointed.
"You know what might help? Step by step."
"Okay. So...step one...the killer leads his victims to a park. We know it has to be at night since no one has been able to ID them."
"You know the killer has the same MO in each of the cases," Alex said.
"He gags them, rapes them...and then places the bag over their head."
"Except in the Samantha Walkers case," Alex said looking at the folder. "She was stabbed. Why?"
"We don't know...we think it was a rush job. There were no signs of asphyxiation whatsoever." Olivia sipped her wine. She looked up and made eye contact with Alex who tilted her head.
"What?"
"What if it's a woman?" Olivia asked. Suddenly a whole new light had been shined on their case. "Jesus."
"A woman?"
"What if it wasn't a male attacker like we've been assuming all along. What if it was a female attacker."
"But this is not the typical MO for a female attacker," Alex spoke up. "At least not from what I've seen."
"True," Olivia nodded, "but nothing about these cases seem normal. It would make sense wouldn't it?"
"It certainly would put an interesting spin on things that's for sure." Olivia went to reach for a folder and accidentally knocked Alex's wine glass off the table into Alex's lap.
"Shit," Olivia cursed, "I'm sorry Alex."
"It's okay," Alex said trying to absorb as much as she could before it got on Olivia's carpet. "I'm more worried about your carpet."
"Forget the carpet," Olivia mumbled. "I got it at Wal-Mart for $60 bucks. It's that suit I'm worried about. Come here...let's see if we can soak it."
Olivia motioned for Alex to follow her to the bedroom. "Put these on," she said pulling out a NYPD t-shirt and a pair of NYPD jogging pants.
"Okay," Alex disappeared into the bathroom and slipped out of her clothes. She placed on the offered garments and opened the door. "Done." Olivia took the offered stained clothes and brought them to her washer.
"Is this machine wash?"
"Yes," Alex nodded. Alex washed as Olivia sprayed a special stain
fighter on the pants and then tossed the outfit in. "You'll have me
cleaned up in no time Detective Benson," Alex smiled.
"I should get going...I'll call a taxi."
"No...you came here to help. The least I can do is drive you home,"
Olivia said helping Alex to her feet. "Come on."
The ride to Alex's apartment was fairly silent. "Good luck tomorrow with Stabler."
"Thanks," Olivia nodded. "It'll be a hard sell, but I think I can spin it. At least give us some new options."
"This is true," Alex nodded. "It's the forth one."
"On the left," Olivia smiled, "I know." Olivia paused as she pulled the car over. "Alex, thanks...for tonight."
"I had fun."
"Me too," Olivia smiled as she held Alex's gaze for a moment. "I was wondering if you had plans for tomorrow?"
"No." Alex shook her head. "None."
"Would you at least let me buy you dinner? A way to say thank you for tonight."
"Dinner would be nice," Alex nodded. "Thanks."
"7?"
"You want to pick me up or would you like to meet at the restaurant?" Alex asked.
"I'll pick you up," Olivia said.
"Bye," Alex smiled and closed the door. She walked down the walk way and up to the front door of her building. She pulled out the key and looked back to see Olivia still watching her to make sure she got in safe. Alex turned back to the door and smiled. She felt a warm feeling run over her.
Part 3
"Flowers?" Alex's assistant smiled. "Someone sent you flowers. Who or what did you do to deserve this honor?" she teased.
"I have no idea," Alex said taking the offered flowers. She waited politely till her assistant left her alone and pulled out the card. "Thank you for a nice night. You were a great help. Olivia." Alex smiled and lowered her nose to the tulips and took in their soft fragrance. She dialled Olivia's number.
"Benson."
"Olivia, it's Alex."
"Hey Alex," Olivia smiled for the first time that day. She turned her chair to the side so she had more privacy. Stabler noticed her action and tilted his head sideways wondering what his partner was doing.
"I just got your flowers," Alex smiled through the phone. "They're beautiful."
"Well I'm glad you liked them," Olivia said softly.
"You didn't have to do that though...I already told you it was my pleasure helping out. Besides, I had a lot of fun last night. It's nice to have someone you can connect on that level with and not have those worries."
"Worries?" Olivia asked confused. "What do you mean?"
"Lets be honest, there's not many women in our positions, so it's nice to have a girlfriend to talk with when it comes to the job."
"Right," Olivia said softly. She felt a rush of disappointment but she wasn't sure why. She didn't have expectations for a relationship with Alex, even though she did think...no...cared very much for her.
Olivia heard Elliot's phone ring. She was trying to stay in contact with her conversation with Alex, but she sensed her partner's facial expression and body language change. "We'll be right there," Elliot said and hung up the phone. He looked at Olivia. "We got her."
Olivia nodded. "Alex, I have to let you go. I'll see you later on."
"Okay," Alex agreed. "Good luck."
"Thanks." Olivia hung up the phone and grabbed her coat. At least
this day wouldn't end in total disappointment.
Alex signed off on the last of the paper. Her final phone call made she let out a soft sigh. Finally done for the day. The phone rang and for some odd reason her derailed train of thought, this ring actually startled her.
"This is ADA Cabot," Alex said answering the phone.
"Alex it's Olivia," Olivia said from her cell phone. "I'm going to need to take a rain check for tonight."
"Oh, okay." Alex said. A part of her was disappointed. She had been looking forward to seeing Olivia tonight. There was silence on the other end. "why do I have a feeling you're going to call me in there."
"Go with that feeling," Olivia smiled. "We got her."
"Her? You mean you were right."
"Hey- it's what I don't get paid the big bucks for." Olivia chuckled. "Can you come down to the station?"
"On my way," Alex said hanging up the phone and grabbing her
briefcase.
"Nice work detectives," Alex said looking back and forth between the four of them.
"Don't thank us," Munch laughed. "Benson gets the credit for this one."
"Not entirely," Olivia smiled as she locked eyes with Alex. Alex felt a blush creep up her cheek. Stabler watched the exchange and looked back at Olivia.
"Well I don't know about you guys, but I think a few beers would be a great way to end this evening." Elliot looked around at the group.
"I'm in," Cragen smiled.
"Us too," Munch said.
"Sure," Olivia nodded. The group turned its attention to Alex. "You coming Cabot?" Olivia asked.
"Um...sure," Alex nodded. "Don't want to be the only one out."
"Great let's get out of here." Elliot smiled as he handed Olivia her
jacket. Something was fishy and he couldn't wait to get her alone
and talk to her about it.
"To Olivia," Cragen said raising his drink.
"Olivia!" they all cheered and held up their beers.
"Okay...okay," Olivia smiled. "No more...please."
"So modest," Elliot laughed feeling relaxed and good. He looked at his watch. "Geez the wife is going to be looking for me."
"See...that's why I enjoy the single life," Olivia smiled at Elliot. "No worries. No one to piss off if I'm not home on time," she winked. "But...I am envious."
"Of my life?" Elliot laughed. "Teenage daughter...please."
"What's not to be envious of," Munch declared. "Beautiful wife, home, kids...hell I'm envious."
Alex watched with a smile as the Detectives seemed so at ease with one another.
"Not me," Fin slurred slightly. "I'm happy just where I am."
"Well I'm jealous as hell," Olivia smiled. She could feel the warmth of Alex radiating so close to her. She was fighting the urge to just lay her head on Alex's shoulder. Oh hell, yeah she was drunk. But at this point, she didn't care. That was the beauty of being drunk.
"Liv you're drunk," Elliot giggled.
"And jealous," Olivia said correcting him. "You forgot jealous...you have a beautiful wife who loves you, protects you...cares about you. You have children who look up to you, admire you...someone to come home to you have what I dream about," Olivia said the last part so softly that only Elliot and Alex heard her.
"How about you Cabot?" Munch asked. "You jealous or you enjoying the single life?"
"I guess it's a toss up," Alex said. She was nowhere near as close to feeling good as the Detectives were. She was only on her third drink and was babying that as is.
"So we have two undecided, one happy to be single and one...ahhh- hell I forgot already," Fin laughed as he looked into his beer mug.
"Okay," Cragen said. "I'm calling it."
"Me too," Munch laughed.
"Me three," Fin agreed and stood.
Alex and Elliot where the only two still sober ones. "Liv you want me to give you a ride home?" Elliot asked.
"I can take her," Alex spoke up.
"You sure?"
"Yeah," Alex nodded.
Olivia watched the exchange and smiled. "I can answer for myself you know. I am here still, in the room."
"Right," Alex looked to her left and nodded. "Sorry."
"So'K," Olivia smiled and held Alex's gaze. "I'll go with her," she said turning to her side and looking at Elliot. "Thanks though Partner."
Elliot smiled. "See you tomorrow."
"Ten for," Olivia said.
"You sure you're okay with me driving your car? If you want we can take a cab."
"I trust you," Olivia said handing over her keys. The cool night air, for spring, helped to snap Olivia out of her buzz just a bit. "I feel so much better."
"About?" Alex asked as she started the engine.
"Just this case. I can't believe she just confessed like that. It's finally over," Olivia said closing her eyes slightly.
"I thought I was the only one who took work home with me?" Alex stated and looked in Olivia direction. Olivia was asleep and snoring. "Guess not," Alex said softly and smiled.
She pulled Olivia's jacket up just enough so it was covering her upper body. Alex took this moment to appreciate Olivia. It was a rare to never chance so she held on to it with both hands. She took in Olivia's softened facial expression and parted lips.
She looked so at peace and relaxed. Alex suddenly realized the
lengths in which she would go to keep Olivia safe and protected...and
how much she truly cared for the woman. She smiled and put the car
in drive.
Alex drove. She was still trying to figure out the best way to do this. She could drop Olivia off at her place, but then how would she get home? She could drive to her own apartment, but it'd still be a mess.
"Liv?" Alex said softly as she opened the passenger door. "Come on Liv," she whispered pulling Olivia out of the car.
"We home?" Olivia asked through half closed eyes.
"Yeah...we're home," Alex said softly. A sudden warm feeling crossed her heart. She heard Olivia's voice ringing through her ears, 'someone to come home to you have what I dream about' Olivia had said an hour before.
She led Olivia up her stairs and through her front door. "Come on," Alex said softly leading Olivia into her bedroom. Olivia fell back into the bed. Alex wondered how much of her state was from alcohol and how much of it was brought on by the sheer exhaustion she knew Olivia had been feeling for the last few weeks while trying to close this case.
"It all came to a head today didn't it Olivia," Alex said softly as she helped the detective take off her shoes. She pushed her into the bed and covered her with the blanket. Alex grabbed an extra pillow and blanket from the closet and slipped into the NYPD t-shirt and sweats Olivia had given her the night before.
She got some Tylenol and a large glass of water for Olivia and placed it on the nightstand next to her bed. She checked on Olivia one last time and smiled as she closed the door partially.
She didn't want Olivia to wake up in a strange place and become alarmed. Alex made her way to the couch and plopped down on her pillow. She turned the TV on for background noise and felt herself doze off to the smile of Olivia in her mind.