The squad room was filled with the sounds of a pen on paper. But it wasn't because Elliot was doing paper work.

It was because Elliot was writing a love note. Well, he was trying to write a love note. But Elliot wasn't the most romantic of people, especially when it came to confessing his love for another man.

Elliot sighed and tapped his pen against his chin, letting his mind wander. Anyone who had seen them interacting over the last few weeks would have gotten the impression that the only emotions they held for each other were hatred and contempt. They'd been at each other's throats, really. Fighting over profiles, interrogation techniques, therapy sessions, even coffee.

Anyone else would have shaken their heads and asked how they hadn't killed each other yet. But in truth, Elliot loved George. He had gotten past the stage where he was trying to fight it; he had already started to accept it. But he knew it would be easier to accept if he had some sign that George returned his affections. The doc was recently single, he knew that much. His last relationship had simply fizzled, and both had moved on.

Elliot, recently divorced, had started to realize how much he cared for him, once he saw George in a relationship with another man. As terrible as it made him feel, he'd actually been somewhat glad when George's relationship had ended.

But he wasn't good at expressing his emotions, and despite his feelings for him, he still hated the psych evaluations. They clashed more than ever, and each time it left Elliot feeling like there was no chance in hell they could have a relationship. But he wanted it to happen anyway.

So here he was. It was the night before Valentine's day- actually, it was Valentine's day, now- and he was trying to pour his feelings out in a love note without making George think he had lost it.

He bit his lip, thinking. Maybe the problem was from the fact that he was trying to be open with his feelings. It wasn't something he was used to. Even with Kathy, he just hadn't been a romantic type. And with George? It just wasn't easy. He rarely thought about pure romance, let alone for another man.

He set his pen down and glanced around the deserted squad room as he let his thoughts roam. Not thinking about what he was supposed to be doing tended to help clear his mind.

He had already gotten George a gift to go with the note. Unsurprisingly, the doc was a fan of fancy wines. Elliot's salary didn't allow him to get a bottle of the highest quality wine, but he got the best he could. He just hoped it would be enough.

An idea occurred to him then. Instead of writing a love note, he simply wrote: I always find drinking better when you have someone to drink with… If you want, we can drink together, tonight. –Elliot

Then he stood and exited the building. He'd sleep for a few hours, then he'd retrieve the bottle of wine and leave it on George's desk before the other man arrived.

Satisfied with his plan, he hailed a cab and rode home.

George arrived at the precinct at his usual time; he was one of the first ones there, but not the first.

He glanced at the people gathered around the room, trying not to think of the fact that there would be more victims than usual today, mostly women who had tried to turn their date's request down only to find themselves facing retaliation. He himself may not have had anyone to share today with, but at least he could be relatively certain he wouldn't face anything as devastating as rape.

Sighing softly, he walked to the coffeemaker and poured himself a cup. He picked his medical bag up and walked to his office.

He crossed the room to his desk, and found a large bottle of wine and a note on his desk. Raising an eyebrow from surprise, he retrieved the note and read; I always find drinking better when you have someone to drink with… If you want, we can drink together, tonight. –Elliot

George blinked confusedly. Elliot, giving him a bottle of wine for Valentine's day? That wasn't just a friendly gesture- but it couldn't be about love, either. Elliot Stabler, asking him to…?

He turned around and walked back into the squad room. Sure enough, Elliot was at his desk, scrawling hastily on a DD-5.

He set a hand on Elliot's shoulder. Elliot startled and quickly turned around, but his face softened when he saw George. "Hey, doc."

George nodded. "I, uh… I got your note."

"And?" Elliot asked. George looked him over, seeing a hint of nervousness that made him smile inwardly.

"I would love to drink with you," George told him, grinning softly. Then his grin faltered a little. "But why do you want to drink with me?"

"Because…" Elliot swallowed. "Can we go into your office?"

"Sure," George said, beckoning. They stood and walked back to George's office.

Once they were inside, and George had closed the door, Elliot turned to George and said, "George, I care about you."

"I care about you t-" George began

Elliot stopped him. "No, let me explain." He waited for George to nod before continuing, "I know we fight all the time. I know a lot of those fights are my fault. But I start them because I don't know what else to do. George, I don't just care about you… I love you."

George sucked in a shocked breath. He had had feelings for Elliot for a long time- even when he was in relationships with other men. He had always tried to ignore it, because he'd thought he could never be with him- but the feeling never vanished. And now, after all this time, Elliot was telling him that he shared his feelings. It felt like a dream.

"George?" Elliot asked quietly, almost nervously.

"I… I love you too, Elliot," George murmured. "I thought… I thought you didn't like me."

"I don't. I know I probably came across as a jerk, but…"

"It isn't just that, though," George said. "That was a big part of it, but… you always seemed straight to me."

Elliot gave a wry smile. "Well, I'm not. Not in your case, at least."

George chuckled softly. "Well, you have an interesting way of showing it."

"That's why I did this. To make up for it," Elliot explained.

"I appreciate it, Elliot," George said, smiling at him.

They both moved at the same time. Elliot set his hand under George's chin and titled his head upwards, and began to kiss him softly, chastely. George found himself surprised at how gentle Elliot was being.

Elliot pulled away and began to stroke George's face.

George grasped Elliot's hand and asked, "Would you like to come to my apartment after work?"

Elliot nodded. "Yeah, I would."

"I'll see you after work, then," George said. He leaned upwards and kissed Elliot again.

Elliot pulled away and began to walk towards the door.

"Elliot?" George called.

Elliot turned around. "Yeah?"

"I love you."

"I love you too, George," Elliot said. He smiled and left the room, excited for the night ahead.

It was going to be the best Valentine's day he ever had, all because of George.