A/N: I had this idea while watching "Underbelly" (08x07). Yes, I do realize that I have two stories going on and one of them hasn't been updated in over one week but I'm working on that, and I just couldn't resist writing this. This is not supposed to be fluffy or anything like that, just Elliot and Olivia facing their feelings. But maybe I can make it a two-shot and add a second part to it with a lot of romance. It's up to you.
I do not own Law & Order SVU, its characters, or the plot lines I borrowed from the show.
The minute Olivia walked into the SVU Squad Room and spotted a blonde head that did not belong to Kathy or any of Elliot's daughters sitting at her desk, she knew something was up.
- Excuse me – she said approaching. – I'm looking for Detective Stabler.
- He's in interrogation. Maybe I can help you? I'm his partner Dani Beck.
I'm his partner Dani Beck.
I'm his partner Dani Beck.
I'm his partner Dani Beck.
I'm his partner Dani Beck.
Olivia didn't miss the way she had said it. As if it was a definite thing. I mean, it's okay, they didn't know how long she would've had to stay in Oregon, but did anybody actually think it was permanent and she wasn't ever coming back? Did Cragen have the guts to believe such a thing?
"What are you talking about? I AM his partner!" she thought.
- Oh, no, that's okay – Olivia resisted the urge to scream. – Uhm, is the captain in his office?
- Sure.
- Good – Olivia walked towards Cragen's door.
Dani looked at her. Olivia had this strange look on her face, as if she had heard something she wasn't expecting. "Well, maybe it's private", the blonde woman thought, and shrugged, turning once again to the DD5 she was working on.
- Olivia – Cragen said, happily surprised. – When did you get back?
- A couple of days ago.
- And 1PP forgot to notify me – Cragen said in an apologizing tone. – I haven't got a spot for you. Warrants sent a buddy to part with Elliot.
- Yeah, I just met her. How's that working out? – Olivia asked, turning to look outside the window.
What she saw made her want to cry. Elliot was back, and he was behaving towards his partner the same way he used to do with Olivia, friendly. She felt replaced and pushed aside.
- It was a rough start, but it's all good now. I can shift Beck out, but it's gonna take a while to find her a new home.
- No! Don't – Olivia turned to her captain again. – I'm not ready to come back. That's what I came to tell you.
"Actually, I was", she thought, "even though a few weeks ago I was at the Holy Cross Hospital on Oregon whispering Elliot's name in my sleep, according to Hope. I was ready until I met that blond rookie who says 'I'm his partner Dani Beck' as if it was for real". Olivia turned around and walked to the door that led to the hallway.
- Are you gonna leave without seeing Elliot?
- Oh, he's busy, I'll... I'll catch up with him later. Don't tell him I was here.
She quickly waved and got out, leaving Cragen to think about what just happened in front of him and look through the window. He knew Elliot and Olivia were a lot closer to each other than partners should ever be allowed to be but what he had just witnessed... Was it even possible?
- I'll re-interview Belinda, see if I can get Victor's address.
- Why don't we talk to her together?
- Let me do it alone. Trust goes both ways.
- All yours.
Elliot quickly gave in because he had seen her. He had seen her from behind but he knew it was Olivia. He'd recognize her anywhere. When he got to the hallway, though, she was no longer there. Why had she been at the squad and not talked to him?
Olivia wasn't able to hold back her tears before getting to the safety of her apartment, so she simply let them out.
She understood and agreed with Cragen's choice – SVU was complicated and they were always very busy, he couldn't be down one detective for such a long time. But Elliot, Elliot who she loved, Elliot who knew every little thing about her, Elliot who was her best friend, Elliot who she'd follow anywhere...
It's not like Olivia was expecting to meet him sat down and well-behaved waiting for her to come back: this would be an insult to the cop Elliot Stabler was. She knew he'd probably have another partner. But she sure as hell didn't expect this partner to be so comfortable on her desk and see Elliot behaving towards him or her as if they were best friends for nearly a decade. That was Olivia's role on his life and she didn't want him to give it to anybody else.
Casey left Elliot and Dani at the bar to talk to the Homicides' DA and they quickly decided to head home. His thoughts had remained on his partner, his real partner, since the moment he saw her walk outside the 16th precinct.
Why didn't she talk to him? Was she still in? Was she out? Why did she hang off the phone before he even had the opportunity to say "hello, I miss you"? Where had she been? What had she done? Who was with her? How did her undercover operation go?
With so many questions in mind, no answer and alcohol in his blood, all he saw was Olivia. So he gave into his wishes and kissed her, right next to his car. Her phone rang, then his, then hers again and they finally decided that maybe it could be important. And then he saw it.
It wasn't Olivia in front of him. He hadn't kissed Olivia. His mind had played a trick on him and he believed it, and he kissed Dani. He shared such a special act with somebody who wasn't even close to that.
God, his life was a mess.