Past, Present, Future

Chapter 14

"Hey Elliot, you ever wonder why Munch and Liv never noticed they were friends as kids before?" Asked Fin. They were driving back from the crime scene, and Fin thought it would be a good time to satisfy his curiosity about their partners,

"What kind of question is that Fin? How would they notice?" Asked Elliot, raising an eyebrow slightly.

"Look man, that came out all wrong. What I meant was, didn't it seem like they liked each other, even before this whole thing? They've always seemed close."

Elliot didn't speak up, just merely waited for him to continue. He sighed.

"Like what about when Munch would bring up one of his crazy theories, huh? Wasn't Olivia the first one to go along with it?"

"Actually," Offered Elliot, "She'd usually tease him first."

"That's just it! Who teases Munch?"

"Are you kidding me, who doesn't tease him?" Said Elliot in disbelief.

"Elliot, come on man, I don't mean like jokin' about him or insulting him or anything, I mean straight out teasing with silly grins and laughter and all that."

"Maybe it wasn't teasing at all. Maybe she was flirting with him." Joked Elliot.

"Exactly!" Fin Exclaimed.

"Fin...I was kidding." Said Elliot slowly, a slight look of disgust creeping onto his face.

"So?" Fin shrugged crookedly, " You had a point there." After a moments pause, he continued on, "What's your problem anyway? Have you watched them lately? The way they argue back and forth, it's kinda cute. Reminds me of a married couple."

"Fin, can we stop this conversation please?" Asked Elliot, exasperated.

"Why?" He inquired. Elliot just frowned at him.

"Oh," Began Fin smugly, " I get it. You're jealous." He paused, " I knew it!"

"Knew what?"Elliot asked defensively

"You're in love with Benson." Elliot's face contorted into a look of shock.

"I am not. What gave you that idea?"

Fin gave him his trademark, "are you serious?" look.

"Okay," Elliot began, " I can see where you got the idea. But I'm not in love with Liv, Okay?"

"Why should I believe you?"

"Uh," Started Elliot exaggeratedly, putting a finger to his chin, " How about the fact that it would be like being in love with my sister! That good enough?"

"So this is a protective big brother thing?" Asked Fin, though it was more of a statement then a question. The way Elliot just shrugged and turned to the window with mock disinterest was enough to tell him he was right.

"Oh man, I hope Munch doesn't screw up. I'm not helping him up off the ground if you punch him in the face."

"Why would I punch John in the face?"

"Well, if he ever screwed up their relationship or insulted her- Fin began, but Elliot interrupted him.

"What relationship?!"

"You'll see, just wait." Said Fin enigmatically.

"Now just what is that supposed to mean?"

Fin just smiled, and Elliot sighed, knowing he wasn't going to get much out of Fin now that the traffic had dispersed and they were moving again.

Could Olivia and Munch really have a thing for each other? As he pondered this, he was reminded of Olivia's first day in the squad.

" So, Elliot. I here you got yourself a new partner." Began Munch conversationally.

"Yeah, though I have no idea where he is."Elliot commented.

"The captain's door is closed, maybe he's in there." Shrugged Munch, busying himself with paperwork. Minutes later, Cragen came out of his office with an attractive woman, who looked to be in her thirty's, trailing behind him.

"This is Olivia Benson." He explained, taking note of Munch and Elliot's curious glances.

"Elliot, meet your new partner."

Elliot walked up to her and introduced himself, shaking her hand firmly. He was surprised to find she shook his with just as much force.

"Hey," He smiled, " I'm Elliot Stabler. Welcome to the unit."

"Thanks," She said, and then turned to Munch, smiling nervously. He took away all the tension when he stepped forward and gave a quick, teasing bow.

"I'm John Munch, the resident conspiracy theorist, or so they say."

"Okay," she said a grin forming on her face, she reached forward and took his hand, shaking it warmly.

"I'm Olivia Benson, the 'new kid'. Nice to meet you."

Elliot shook his head slightly, and continued staring out the window, lost in thought, for the remainder of the ride.

TBC