Chapter 2

The following day was full of not so secret glances shared between Olivia and John. Whenever their eyes met, they blushed. Every time Elliot or Fin saw their partner staring, they would tease them. Of course this didn't make it any easier on the other two. After a while, Olivia and John got used to the mockery and ignore them.

"Hey El, could I ask you something? In private?" Olivia looked up from her computer and looked at her partner.

"Of course," Elliot responded curiously.

Olivia grabbed him by his arm and dragged him to the lockers.

"So, what's your question?" Elliot asked her, leaning against the lockers.

Olivia looked down. She took a deep breath. "I was wondering if you could work this case with Fin? It would just be this case. I have kind of been wanting to…"

"Spend more time getting to know Munch? Sure. I'm pretty sure Fin will be okay with it." He smiled.

"What should I say to Captain?" Her eyes widened. She had no clue what she would say to her boss. He would get suspicious.

"You could tell him we need a break from each other for a little while. It's happened before. And it's not a lie," Elliot laughed.

Olivia punched him. "That wasn't funny, Elliot. But that is a good idea. What are we going to do about Fin?"

"You make it sound like we are going to kill him. But let me handle that. I have an idea. Besides, I kind of owe you for all of the times you helped me with my 'Kathy problems'."

"Thank you!" She hugged him. "You're awesome."

"I know." They both laughed.

"Hey Captain?" Elliot slowly walked into Captain's office.

"What's the matter?" Captain looked at Elliot with concern.

"Nothing. I was just wondering if I could work with Fin for a case or two. Liv could work with Munch," Elliot suggested innocently.

"Sure. Fin was just in here asking the same thing. I'm glad to see you and Fin are working things out." Captain smiled.

"Thanks, Cap." Elliot turned to walk out of his captain's office.

"No problem, Elliot. I need you and Fin to go check out the Abby Shay rape/murder crime scene," Captain told him.

"Sure thing." Elliot smiled to himself as he made his way to his desk.

"Elliot?"

Elliot stopped walking and turned around. "Yeah, Cap?"

"Can you tell Olivia and John to have fun on their date? But you didn't hear it from me."

"How did you know about that?" Elliot gave him a strange look.

"I know everything."

Olivia looked around the precinct. Like last night, she and John were alone. Elliot and Fin had left to check a few things about the crime scene. Everybody else had left for lunch. She glanced at John for a brief moment and wondered if he knew that they were alone because of her.

"Liv, I was wondering if I could take you to dinner instead of just out for drinks," John asked out of the blue.

"Uh…" She was lost for words. They were looking each other straight in the eye and Olivia couldn't think. Why does he have to be so perfect?

"If you don't mind, I know the perfect place to take you." Even though he was nervous, he kept his cool. Why does she have to be beautiful?

"Of course. I just bought this outfit and this gives me the perfect opportunity to break it in." Olivia smiled.

"Okay. I'll pick you up at nine," he told her.

"I can't wait," she admitted.

They went back to work, or at least they tried to. They were both excited for their date. It's not every day you get to go out with the person you like.

John strolled into the elevator of Olivia's apartment building. He smoothed out his black suit jacket with matching black pants and straightened the solid gray tie he was wearing. He pushed the number two and waited for the elevator to let him off. I wonder what that dress she was talking about looks like. She could be wearing a paper bag and she would still look gorgeous. It was five till nine. The date had not started yet and he was already nervous he would do something to mess it up.

The elevator stopped and he walked out of it. He looked around, trying to remember which way he her apartment was. It took him a minute, but he remembered she said her apartment was the fourth to the right. He took a deep breath and knocked on the door. There was no answer. He knocked again, this time a little louder. "Olivia? Are you there? It's me, John." He was now worried she gave him a phony address.

"Yeah, I'm here. I'm not quite finished getting ready, but the door is unlocked so you can come in and get yourself something to drink if you would like," he heard her say through the closed door.

John slowly entered her apartment. Even though she had invited him in, he was scared he would see something she did not want him to see. He looked around, and when he did not see her, walked into her kitchen. He opened one of her cabinets, found a glass, and poured himself some water. He leaned against the counter and waited for Olivia to finish getting ready.