When They Met

Disclaimer: I do not own.

A/N: Okay, I wrote this in Spanish class because I was really bored. Really bored. It's not great, but please be nice. It is just for fun. Tee Hee. This story is told from Captain Cragen's POV. ONESHOT.

It is late and most of my detectives have gone home. I look through my window and note that only two remain; Elliot Stabler and Olivia Benson. They are talking and laughing in low voices. I sigh and look at the open letter in front of me. The letter basically states that IAB will be investigating Benson and Stabler's relationship; whether or not it is more than just a simple partnership. I lean back in my chair and think about the first time they met.

"But Captain," Elliot had protested when he first saw her in the squad room.

"She's just a kid!"

"She's tougher than she looks Elliot. Give her a chance." I had replied. Elliot gave me a look that clearly said he would rather not.

"Hey." A detective named Cassidy had walked up to Olivia. "My name is Brian Cassidy. I'm a detective in this precinct. If you're new around here I could show you the ropes."

"Oh, that's very nice of you, but I've already been given a tour. Now, if you get out of my way I might be able to do my job." She had not smiled at him. She had barely even looked at him. I could feel Elliot shift beside me. Olivia looked up.

"Captain." She had said. Then she looked at Elliot. Both of their phony smiles had faltered. Olivia had recovered quickly, though. "And you must be Elliot. Or Detective Stabler, sorry." She had held out her hand. Elliot looked at her for moment, then stepped forward and grasped her hand.

"Call me Elliot."

They had held on for only a second too long, but it was enough for me to notice. For eight years I have watched them fight and grow closer because of it. I have watched and waited for this very moment when IAB would realize that they might just be more than friends. A knock on my door brought me back to the present.

"Elliot and I are heading out Captain." Olivia stuck her head in my office. She was about to turn away when she saw the envelope. "What's that?" She pointed to the letter.

"Nothing." I said shoving the letter into a drawer. "It's nothing. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Yeah…Bye."

Olivia grabbed her bag and Elliot grabbed his coat. They walked out together. I looked around my empty squad room and decided to leave also. I stood, grabbed my briefcase, and followed Elliot and Olivia out the door. They were only a little ahead of me so I could hear and see everything they were doing.

"There was a letter from IAB in the Captain's office. It had our names on it, El." She said quietly, walking close to Elliot.

"They have nothing to go on." Elliot said, but Olivia didn't look convinced. "Hey, it'll be alright." Elliot wrapped his arm around Olivia's waist. She laid her head on his shoulder.

"Hey El? Do you remember the first time we met?"

"How could I not? Why?" he replied.

"You called me a kid."

"You heard that?"

"Yep. I just want you to know," She stopped and looked up at him. "I'm not a kid anymore." Elliot smiled and looked down at her.

"No. You're not."