Animal - Ch. 4

[whedonist]

Who Would Have Thought

I stand in the dining room of my apartment and look at the bouquet lying on the table.

Do I take them or not?

On the one hand, they were bought for her, she’s downstairs in the limo and they are pretty, if I do say so myself.

But…is it too much?


There’s so much riding on tonight. At least for me.

Sighing, I grab the shawl from the back of the chair, my purse and coat. I head to the door and stop. The flowers rest on the table, mocking me. Rolling my eyes at my foolish behavior, I turn around and snatch the bouquet off the table.

She’s either going to laugh in my face and tell me to get lost or maybe just maybe; Olivia Benson will allow me to redeem myself.

I make my way out to the limo, praying that she doesn’t chew me up and spit me out.

She needs to know Alex Cabot is back.

Finally.

And I hate referring to myself in the third person. I roll my eyes make my way to the lobby.

The doorman holds the entrance open for me and I pull my coat tighter while clutching the flowers. As the driver opens the door, my smile is brief as one last fervent prayer gets shot heavenward. I slide on the leather coming to a stop next to a smiling New York detective.

I start with the bottom noticing the black, ‘fuck me’ pumps first then allow my eyes to travel north, over silk clad curves that have always done odd things to me. I survey her chest briefly, knowing my cheeks are tinting red, moving further north I travel over soft full lips, and end at warm, brown eyes.

Swallowing, I smile and offer her the flowers. “They just seemed to remind me of you.”

She accepts the bouquet and I hope that she doesn’t know that a few of those flowers aren’t in a standard bouquet. Let’s be honest, I agonized at the flower shop for about an hour today trying to find the right mix.

She smiles, gladly accepting the gift. Internally I do my Cabot Victory Dance. If anyone were to see that in real life I’d die of embarrassment. It’s a rough interpretation of a friend’s happy dance, which consequently shouldn’t be seen in public either.

Leaning in, I say, “You look fantastic.” A slight blush tints her cheeks at the compliment.

Watching her eyes assess my own attire, she extends a similar compliment. Grinning, I settle in for the ride over to the university. Knowing what’s to come, I position myself and look at her. I catch her admiring the flowers, internally; I heave a sigh of relief.

“Liv, did you tell anyone about tonight?” I ask gently.

“Nah, the guys don’t need to know. Should I have?” Her head cocks to the side trying to read between the lines.

I reach for her hand and say, “There’s going to be cameras, press, you know the usual. I just want to make sure you’re ready for that.”

She smirks; the right side of her mouth turning upward and I can’t help but return the smile. “If you mean am I ready to be seen on your arm? Maybe.”

“I really want you to have a good time. If you,” a finger to my lips stops my words.

Olivia smiles warmly and shakes her head. “Look, Lex, I spent the better part of yesterday cursing your name. Not for the first time mind you, but then I realized that I haven’t felt this right since...” She removes her finger and takes my hand. Closing her eyes, I watch her draw in a breath and sigh. “I think it has something to do with you, being back. I’m not sure what that means.” She opens her eyes and looks directly at me, “But I’m willing to find out if you’re willing to put up with me.”

I can only nod my head. I’m about to do something totally foolish, but the driver’s words through the intercom stop me, “Ms. Cabot, we’re here.”

Struggling for my voice, I finally manage, “Thank you.”

I wait as the door to the car opens and I step out to the flash of cameras and shouted voices. I reach my hand in and without hesitation, Olivia takes hold. I help her from the car and we clasp hands as we make our way to the entrance. I stop at the front door and turn around to answer a few questions some of the reporters are asking.

“Ms. Cabot, what’s tonight’s function about?” A sandy haired young man asks in the front of the crowd. I stifle the laugh at his earnestness and wonder if I ever looked that green.

Probably.

“We’re here to raise money for the new children’s oncology ward for the university.”

Another reporter, female, leers and she coos, “Ms. Cabot, who’s on your arm tonight and why didn’t you bring your boyfriend?”

I roll my eyes and resist a scathing comment. I’m here to raise money and put on a nice face. Biting the inside of my cheek, I take a moment before answering, “This is Olivia Benson. Do you have something to ask about the event this evening?”

There are a few random questions thrown out, none that I care to answer. Turning, the doors open and I follow Olivia into the building my hand resting on the small of her back.

Despite the press, I think tonight’s going to be one to remember.

---

I shift in my seat, not really a fidget but…

Okay so I’m nervous. There’s a room full of people. I’m at the head table and it’s a small head table.

How in the name of the goddess I was talked into this is a serious concern. I need to be less of a pushover when my boss asks me to do stuff.

Sure, there’s the ‘it’s for a good cause’ thing. And it really is…

But I’m going to have to speak publicly.

I suck in air to stave off the mild panic attack and manage to choke instead.

Smooth.

The coughing jag garners Buffy’s attention and her gaze turns to me. “Will?”

I waive a hand to ward off the inquiry and squeak, “Fine.”

“Uh-huh” Her eyebrow lifts as she takes my hand. “You know,” she purrs, rubbing her thumb across my knuckles, “I’m not that blonde, honey.”

Of course she’s not.

“Will,” her whisper continues as she leans in. I mirror her actions, letting her closeness affect me. It feels like ages since I’ve felt like this with her.

Maybe since Miami.

Her warm breath grazes my neck eliciting a shiver. “I just wanted to say,” she pauses and her gaze shifts to something over my shoulder. “Son of a bitch!”

Uh? What?

“What the fuck is she doing here?” Her head snaps up and I crane my neck to look.
I don’t have to do much craning before a bright, warm smile fills my line of sight. I look up into crystalline, blue pools to return Alex’s smile.

Her hand’s outstretched and I take it. “Willow, I’m so glad you are here.”

I look at Alexandra Cabot and to her date trying to stop my mouth from falling.

Shit!

Olivia Benson stands there with an eyebrow arched elegantly in question.

I shake off my surprise and say, “Well, you threatened me if I didn’t show so…” I realize my hand is still gripping hers and I grin sheepishly, letting go.

She laughs and motions Olivia forward. Before she has a chance to make the introductions, Olivia snickers, “It really is a small world after all, eh Doctor Rosenberg.” I’m not sure I like the near sneer on her face as she looks from me to Buffy. “Detective Summers.”

Buffy tips her chin and offers a wave by means of hello. Her eyes are hard and I think that spells nothing but trouble.

Boy is tonight shaping up to be more fun than I know what to do with.

It’s like riding the Thunderbolt. Sure it’s all fun and stuff ‘till they make the second lap.
Then it’s just nasty nauseousness.

Alex looks between the three of us mildly lost. “Liv?” she questions.

Before Olivia answers, she pulls the chair out with Alex’s name in front of it. I look at the place cards and see that Olivia’s name isn’t in front of the chair to Alex’s right.

Maybe this was a last minute thing.

As they sit, Buffy takes it upon herself to make the introductions I failed to do. “Hi, I’m Buffy.” She reaches across the table to meet Alex’s hand.

v“Alexandra Cabot.” She smiles at my lover. She seems okay. As she’s turning to Olivia I start to kinda feel bad for the other detective. Alex looks like she’s going to eat her alive…in the not good way. “Don’t you feel it would be prudent to tell me how you know Doctor Rosenberg and Buffy?”

Sympathy swells for Olivia as she withers slightly under Alex’s intense stare.

“Uh,” she nervously rubs the back of her neck and stammers, “that little girl we caught at the hospital…Willow was the attending.” Olivia looks to Buffy and says, “Buffy and her partner are working the case with us. They’re the detectives I was telling you about that caught the dead father.”

I watch the interplay and smile. Glancing at Buffy, I take up her hand again and give it a squeeze. She returns my gesture with a smile all for me.

“So, Alex, how do you know Willow?” Olivia asks wearing a very similar look to the one Alex just gave her. The tables turned so easily.

Olivia’s hands clasp in front of her and she leans forward a little waiting on Alex to answer. Looking at Buffy, I see that she’s enjoying the show as much as I am.

Who knew watching a philanthropist and a detective could be so much fun?

Alex’s smile is teasing as she answers, “Willow has been my liaison at the hospital. She’s been a godsend in helping me setup the fund raiser tonight.” She leans into Olivia’s personal space, brushing a lock of mahogany colored hair off the detective’s forehead.

A slight tint kisses Olivia’s cheeks and suddenly, I feel mildly voyeuristic.

Another look in Buffy’s direction and I see she’s enjoying the subtext being played out in front of us.

Buffy’s always been a hopeless romantic. Somethings don’t change.

I smile wistfully. The last time Buffy’s romantic streak hit? The night we got engaged.

Nearly six months ago.

My face falls.

Luckily, a small cough from Olivia brings me out of the decidedly depressing thoughts I was headed towards.

“So,” Alex starts and raises a glass of water, “while not alcoholic, I feel a toast and a promise are in order for tonight.” She waits as everyone takes up a glass. “To new friendships, new developments, clarity and absolutely no talk of work. Let’s leave the crime for the bullpen and the courtroom.”

“Here, here,” Buffy and Olivia chorus.

I clink glasses and take a sip of water. Setting the glass down, I look at Alex.

Hang on, courtroom?

I thought she was just…

“Courtroom?” I ask.

She smiles and nods. “I’m the A.D.A. for Olivia’s squad.”

Oh.

The surprise must show on my face because she smirks.

“And what is it that you thought I did?” she asks.

I blush not wanting to really answer.

She didn’t seem as shallow as some of the New York socialites I’ve met. She always came off really nice, smart and funny.

Honestly, it was lots of fun to work with her.

Olivia’s face cracks and she smiles half way. Buffy sits back, waiting on my answer. Both of them enjoying my discomfort far more than either of them should.

“Uh, hadn’t really thought about it,” I shrug and hope that vague will work.

Alex laughs lightly, breaking the tension. “I don’t know whether to be upset or not,” she teases. She opens her mouth to say something else, but stops as a woman with a clipboard and headset rush the table and whisper into Alex’s ear. Nodding, she rises and says, “It looks like we’re about to begin. If you’ll excuse me.”

And like that she’s off, leaving us with only Olivia.

Oh, boy.

---

I sip at my glass of wine and lean back in my chair. So this night really wasn’t what I was anticipating, for some reason I’m not too bummed out by the idea. I watch Willow and Alex on the dance floor smiling at each other.

A prick of jealously stings, but I shrug it off. I’ve nothing to be jealous of. A quick glance to my left and I see similar emotions flash across Buffy’s face. I smirk. Glad I’m not the only one.

“Buffy,” I say loud enough to get her attention.

Turning to me, she grins. “Yes, Detective Benson?”

I shake my head. The tone of her voice a little condescending. I think I deserved that. “Alex said no shop talk, but I just wanted to say that I’m sorry for busting you and your partner’s balls yesterday.”

Her eyebrow rises in surprise. Shrugging, she says, “It’s alright. If I were you, I probably would have done the same thing.”

Wow.

She fidgets with the tablecloth for a second before saying, “I didn’t expect you or Elliot to believe me. You don’t know me, but with this case, I’m asking for your trust.”

My eyebrow lifts in further surprise and I’m not sure what to make of it. “Why should we?”

She sips at the wine in front of her before answering, “We want the same things. We’re on the same side.”

“Maybe, but even if we are, you and McAllister are still holding back on us.” My eyes narrow as I say, “If you two are worried about the collar, don’t. I could give a rat’s ass about it. I just want the perp found.”

She nods and sighs. “You think I really care about that?”

She looks at me and I falter. Now not so sure. There’s something that she won’t say. Maybe she can’t say. Taking a breath, I concede. “Right now, Buffy, I’m not sure.” Her shoulders square and I put a hand up. “Look, let’s drop it. We’re getting together tomorrow. Let’s leave it for then, but at some point, you and your partner are going to have to answer some questions.”

I watch her study me. I’m not sure what it is. Yesterday while we were down by the river, I watched her with that stupid beanie she had on her head. It almost made her look twelve. Yet, I can’t seem to shake this feeling. Sometimes she appears larger than she is, more imposing. It’s almost something I could relate to and admire. But she’s pissing me off too much for it to matter.

Alex and Willow decide to come back at that moment, causing my attention to shift. There’s a light sheen covering Alex’s body. Licking my lips, I smile at them. “You two have fun?”

Willow nods and Alex says, “The good doctor has some very nice moves.”

Willow blushes at the compliment and lays a hand over Buffy’s. “It’s really all Buffy. She’s a good teacher.”

“Will,” Buffy says turning to her lover, “you always were able to dance.”

Shaking her head, Willow responds, “You’re delusional. What part of spaz did you miss?”

Buffy laughs and explains a little, “We’ve been best friends since high school.” She looks at Willow and smiles. “While you were a bit nerdy, sweetie, I wouldn’t have called you a spaz. Besides, it was one of the things that attracted me to you to begin with.”

“How long have you two been together?” I ask. Alex seems to be enjoying the grilling and she smiles at Willow slightly shaking her head.

“Thirteen years give or take, but we’ve been together-together for only four,” Willow answers.

I look both of them over again and dig a bit more, “How old are you two?”

Buffy answers, “Twenty-eight.”

Come again? How’s a twenty-eight year old make detective?

Willow smiles and asks Alex, “And you were going to hide Detective Benson from me for how long?”

I take a drink of wine before responding, but Alex beats me to an answer.

“We’re not together.” She looks at them and winks. Turning to me, she says, “Not yet, anyhow.”

I cough and nearly choke on the wine slipping down my throat.

Both of the other women at the table laugh as Alex’s hand rests reassuringly on my thigh.

Well that answers a lot of my questions.

She and I really need to have a serious, private discussion.

Buffy plays with Willow’s knuckles and asks, “Where did you two meet?”

“Work,” I answer, “How long ago now, Alex?”

“Are we counting my time in the program or not?” She smiles a little as my hand covers hers; giving it a squeeze to let her know it’s okay.

“In WitSec and out.” I nod and she counts.

“Nine.” Cocking her head to the side, she says, “God, it feels like a lifetime.”

“That it does, Counselor. That it does.” I shoot a smirk her way and tease, “Although, you’ve been gone longer than you’ve been around.”

She blushes and I just continue to smirk until Buffy interrupts, “WitSec?” She looks at Alex and asks, “You were in Witness Protection?”

I raise an eyebrow. How can they not know? I shrug and waive a hand at Alex “This is your story to tell.”

Alex nods and tucks a lose strand of hair behind her ear. I sit back and just let the sound of her voice comfort me. I know the story. I lived it.

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