Here we go, another chapter already! LOL Thanks so much to all who reviewed, I really love hearing from everyone reading my stories!
Disclaimer: The characters are not mine, anyone recognizable belongs to Dick Wolf, not me, the broke almost college student. Again, if you want to see the dress Olivia wears go to the site for Windsor Fashions under Prom Dresses, but now its on page 2, titled Royal Blue Satin Halter Dress."
This chapter shows both of them getting ready for the reunion (hence the title). The things going on with them are all happening at the same time, just from different points of view, which will come together at the end. Hopefully I didn't just confuse you more than you already were...enjoy!
Chapter 3---Getting Ready
Olivia's nerves were beginning to get the best of her as she started to get ready. She was knocking things over as she moved around the room, and she'd dropped her hairbrush and make up case more times than she could count. Se decided to try a bubble bath to calm her nerves, instead of showering the chlorine off, since she had time, and didn't want to make Elliot regret inviting her. She rumaged through her bag before gasping excitedly and pulling out her favorite vanilla scented bubble bath that Casey must have thrown in with her things. I'll have to remember to thank her for that.
Soon she was settling into the bubbles with a sigh. She hadn't taken a bubble bath in years, since she'd started at SVU, and man did it feel good. She leaned back against the tub and closed her eyes and let herself relax.
Thoughts of her day and Elliot immediatly cae to the surface. Soemthing had changed between them today. At some point they had blurred the line between their friendship and something more, so much so that it seemed almost nonexistant now. She was comfortable with him, she always had been, that's why they worked so well together, but today, sitting with him on that deck chair just felt so right. When Emma had fallen asleep on her lap, she'd actually pretended to fall asleep as well, and rested her head on his chest. She'd laid there listening to his heart, just enjoying the opportunity to relax, and be that close to him. She wasn't sure if he was aware of it, but he'd begun stroking her arm while they laid there, eliciting chills from her. She'd allowed herself to think about what it might be like for them to be more than just friends.
She had a good idea that he might feel the same way about her. The look on his face when she'd come out in that bikini was priceless, she'd have to thank Casey for making her pack it later. She'd enjoyed his initial shock, but as the day continued, she'd felt him watching her, his eyes making her melt. Olivia knew that what ever happened tonight would change everything between them, "for better or for worse" as the cliche goes.
When the water cooled and the bubbles began dissipating, Olivia climbed out of the bath and dried off, smoothing her vanilla lotion on her arms and legs. She went into the bedroom and slipped on her stalkings, glad she'd let Casey talk her into wearing a garter belt and thigh highs instead of struggling with the regular nylons she hates. Then she plugged in her curling iron while she moved around her room in her robe, gathering things she'd need and tucking away those she didn't.She tried to keep her make up understated, going for a more natural look, and finished her hair, creating simple curls that framed her face and fell softly on her shoulders.
It was twenty til six and she was right on time. She put on her panties and strapless bra and took her dress from its hanger. Slipping out of her robe, she stepped into the satin material and zipped it up, thankful for the side zipper. Standing in front of the mirror, she laced the back and slipped the halter over her head, and stepped back. The dress flattered her in every way. The halter neck exposed her shoulders and the low neckline showed just the right amount of clevage without being tasteless. The open back, which dipped low, stopping at the small of her back showed off her scuplted back, the laces keeping the amount of exposed skin from seeming scandalous. The length was elegant, but still enabled her to show off a little leg. She stepped back, sitting on the edge of the bed to slip into the strappy four inch heels, dyed a beautiful royal blue t match her dress, which flattered her skin tone perfectly. She added a teardrop diamond necklace and matching earrings and touched up her lipstick.
She was ready.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
When Elliot had dropped Olivia off at the hotel a little before four thirty, he wasn't sure what to do. He was a guy, so he figured he'd only need a half an hour or so to get ready for tonight before 'picking Olivia up', but that left him with a little under an hour of downtime. He wandered over to his bed and stretched out, remembering the events of the day.
He too had felt them cross the line earlier in the day. Maybe it was being away from New York, but being with Liv like this, it just felt right. When she'd come into the room in that bikini, he'd had a hard time tearing his eyes away, and was surprised by the intensity of his reaction to her. He hadn't really realized he'd felt that way about her. She'd always been 'Liv, the one who could and would kick his ass if he got out of line, but could calm a skittish victim with her soothing voice and caring nature. But now, now he could feel himself falling for her, something he was sure could be dangerous.
If she didn't feel the same, he might make a fool out of himself, like Cassidy, or make them both miserable. If she did, well that presented a whole other set of problems, like IAB and their partnership. Add that to the fact that Cragen was protective as hell of her, and her track record with men, and it wasn't all that encouraging. But despite all that they had going against them, Elliot couldn't shake the feeling, the need to act on this new possiblity, to see if she even felt the same way. Elliot jumped up from the bed and grabbed the keys to his car. He had an idea, a plan.
It was 5:15 when he pulled back into the hotel parking lot, and returned to his room, smiling and humming a song he'd heard on the radio, and carrying a plastic bag. He showered and dressed quickly. He wore his black tux, something he hadn't worn since Maureen's high school senior father daughter dance. He splashed on a small amount of cologne and pinned on the boutinerre he'd just purchased, with the royal blue ribbon he knew matched the color of Olivia's dress perfectly. He'd caught a glimpse of it when he'd carried it into the hotel room for her.
He looked out his window at exactly six o'clock and smiled. Right on time, he thought, and straightened his clothes before picking up the bouquet and corsage he'd chosen for Olivia. The bouquet was of lilies, which he knew were Olivia's favorite flowers, and the corsage was of small white roses and baby's breath, dusted with silver glitter and held together with a ribbon of the same color as Elliot's and sprinkled with rhinestones.
Stepping into the hallway, he rapped lightly on her door. It opened almost immediatly, and the view in front of him took his breath away. She was stunning. That peek at her dress earlier simply did not do it justice.
"Wow, you look, incredible." He said appreciativly.
"Thanks," she said, almost shyly.
"These are for you." He handed her the bouquet, "and this is for you too. It can be a wrist or a pin, or you don't even have to wear it if-" He began to explain.
"I love it." She smiled at his nervousness and set the bouquet on the table so she could slip the corsage onto her wrist. "It matches perfectly. Good job Stabler." She grinned.
"Ready to go?" He asked, and she nodded, grabbing a small clutch purse that matched her dress before stepping out into the hallway. When they stepped outside the lobby she gasped. Right in front of them was a black stretch limo, and the driver was standing next to the open door, smiling at them. She looked over at Elliot in amazement to find him smiling too.
"You-you planned this?" She asked, looking between him and the limo and back again.
"While you were getting ready," he said with a grin, pleased that she was pleased. "Let's go, our ride's waiting." He took her arm and led her to the limo. Shen they were settled inside and on the road, Olivia turned to him with a smile.
"This is pretty incredible El, I never expected any of this." She said softly.
Only the best, he thought. Out lout he said, "I'm glad you like it."
Please review!
Next chapter will be the reunion...it will also contain some R rated material, though it will be contained to the last part of the story, and will be noted with a divider and a warning. Hope you enjoyed this chapter!
