Olivia stood in the steady stream of the water as it cascaded down around her. The water itself was cold but it was hot out, very hot which wasn't surprising since it was July in New York City. But it felt good. The mud washed off of her as much as possible. Alex stood on the other side of the tent and she couldn't stop laughing, "I'm glad you think this is so funny…" Olivia sighed.

Alex laughed, "You should have seen the look on your face when the dog knocked you in. Pure shock. Takes a lot to make you look like that."

Olivia sighed and tried to pry the mud off of her clothes, "I knew I shouldn't have come."

"Oh come on now." Her friend said, holding a clean towel out to her as she turned off the water, "I wouldn't say it was all bad." Olivia shot her a look as she toweled off her hair, "In fact…" She looked towards the male tents where Elliot was emerging shirtless, "I'd say…it may have been just what you need."

Olivia followed her gaze and froze when she saw Elliot, more specifically his rippling muscles as he dried off his chest, "Don't start Alex." Alex continued to stare at him, wide eyed and Olivia laughed, "Don't you have a boyfriend?"

Alex snapped out of her daze and nodded, "I do. Doesn't mean I can't look and admire a good looking man."

Olivia rolled her eyes and shook her head, "Let it go Alex. It's not going to happen." She looked away from her friend, knowing if she looked her in the eye, Alex would spot the lie when she said, "I'm not interested."

But Alex knew her so well that the way her voice changed told her otherwise, "Uh huh. Sure."

Olivia licked her lips, "Can we just get out of here and hit the pool? I don't want to stay in this all day…"

Alex nodded, "Sure. We can go."

Olivia gave Elliot one last look, her heart thumping faster when she saw him toweling off Ember showing her care and affection. She dropped her own towel in the pile to her left and nodded, "Good. Let's go."

And she moved without looking back. Because if she did, she'd be in trouble and she wasn't in the mood to handle this right now. Or ever…

"Let me just say goodbye to Matt and then we can go okay?" She asked.

Olivia nodded and waved back at her, "Yeah. I'll meet you at the car."

A few moments later, Alex moved towards her boyfriend, "Hey, Liv's had enough I think. I'm gonna take her back to the hotel, but you're gonna meet us out later right?"

Math nodded, giving her shoulder a squeeze, "Of course. She okay?"

She smiled and nodded, "Yeah. You know Liv…she's just stubborn."

Matt nodded and looked back at Alex, "From what I hear, so is he." He saw the look on his girlfriend's face and he had to laugh, "You're gonna try and make this happen aren't you…"

Alex shrugged, "Maybe…"

He laughed and leaned in to kiss her, "Okay. Well be careful. You're playing with fire here Cabot."

"Good thing he's a firefighter then." She said with a smirk as she kissed him back and pushed him to the side, "Text me later!"

Walking towards this mystery man named Elliot Stabler, she hoped her intuition about this guy was right. She hadn't seen that kind of spark between her best friend and any guy in a long time. And as much as she denied it, she knew that Olivia was lonely. Noah was and always would be her number one priority. But her friend deserved love too. And if not love, maybe she could get her laid at least…

"Hey." Elliot turned quickly, holding Ember back, "Sorry…"

Elliot looked right at her, "Uh…hi? Can I help you?"

She cleared her throat and siad, "I'm with Olivia." She paused, "Well I was. I mean…I'm her friend."

"Olivia?" He paused and then nodded, "Oh. Benson."

She smiled and nodded, "Yes. Olivia Benson." Sticking out her hand she smiled, "I'm Alex Cabot."

Elliot shook her hand and couldn't help but look around her looking for the beautiful brunette that had knocked him off his feet, quite literally, "Nice to meet you Alex. I'm Elliot. Elliot Stabler."

"I know." He gave her another strange look, "Just…ya know heard them say your name earlier." He seemed to buy it and she pushed on, "Anyway…Olivia was desperate to get back and change. But she wanted me to tell you that we'll be at The Whiskey later. You know it?"

Elliot stood up a little straighter, intrigued by her words, "Sure. Great spot. I don't live too far from there actually."

She stood up a little straighter and nodded, "Great! We will probably head over around 9? If…you are interested?"

He had no other plans but also didn't want to sound overly excited, "Okay."

She nodded, "Good." She paused for a moment and stepped back, "Then, maybe we'll see you there."

He rubbed the back of his neck and shrugged, "Maybe you will."

She turned to walk away and then paused, not able to help herself, "Hey Stabler?" He just stared at her and she pushed on, consequences be damned, "I know she comes off cold at times…but I promise you there is a heart of gold under there." She saw him swallow hard, "I just thought you should know…she's worth the wait."

Elliot stared right at her, trying to read her body language. He may have chosen the career of a fireman, but it seemed his Father's Detetive instincts still burned through him. "Olivia didn't ask you to tell me to meet you did she?"

Her face flushed and he smirked, "She did…"

"Uh huh." He paused and clipped Ember's leash back on, "Well Ms. Cabot…" He sighed, "Thank you for the information but between you and me…" He walked around her and shrugged, "I figured that one out on my own."

Alex smiled as she watched him walk away, "So are you going to come then?"

He chuckled and waved back at her, "See you around."

She sighed and watched him go knowing that the two of them would be quite a pair indeed. When she finally made it back to the car, Olivia looked over at her and sighed, "What took you so long?"

Alex put her key in the ignition and shrugged, "Made out with Matt a bit…"

Olivia laughed and rolled her eyes but she couldn't help but feel a little jealous as she leaned against the window. Sighing, she slipped her sunglasses back in place, scanning the area, and then she saw him again. Her heart flip flopped once more and damn it, she knew she was in way over her head. At least she would probably never see him again. Or so she thought…

They'd spent most of the afternoon and evening lounging by the pool relaxing. And she had to admit, it was exactly what she needed. Sometimes it was hard though, allowing herself to relax, be selfish and let loose a little. Since the moment she held Noah in her arms she'd put all her energy into taking care of him that her own needs and wants had all but vanished. It wasn't that she regretted it. Noah was the best thing that had ever happened to her. Though he'd been a hell of a surprise, he had shown her once and for all what it meant to be truly loved. He was her everything and she'd move mountains and kill anyone and everything that got in the way or threatened her son.

But right now, as she lay on this luxurious bed in this nice hotel in only one of those plush bathrobes that made your skin feel all soft and tingly, she felt like she could breathe for the first time in years. She felt like a normal human being for once. Like a normal 27 year old woman who didn't have a million and one responsibilities to worry about. She'd taken the longest bath in the spacious tub and used all the sample oils that had been left. Sipped champagne and had snacks and wasn't interrupted once. And damn it, it felt good!

Stretching her arms above her head she sighed and snuggled further into the pillow, "Alex?"

Alex was currently rifling through her bag at the end of the second bed, "Yeah?"

Sighing heavily, she rolled onto her stomach and stared at her best friend, "I know I gave you grief…but this was exactly what I needed."

Alex smiled at her as she took out a shirt she wanted to wear tonight, "Have I ever steered you wrong Benson?" Olivia went to respond and Alex rolled her eyes, "I swear to God if you bring up that time we went to the frat house and drank Jungle Juice and were sick for three days straight I'm gonna hit you…"

Olivia laughed and then sat up slowly, "Fine, I won't' bring it up. But yeah, I'd argue you steered me wrong that night."

"We were nineteen!" She said with a laugh, "And Colin McGrath asked me out. I'd waited a year for that. We had to go!"

"I know. I know." She said with a heavy eye roll, "And aside from hangovers that lasted us a lifetime…you had your very first love."

Alex shook her head, "God when I look back on it now I realize how stupid I was. How naive." She paused for a moment and said, "Remember how he dumped me the night he graduated because he said he needed to find himself? And six months later he was engaged to Caitlin Thorton?"

"Well I heard they are already divorced and it was a nasty one at that." Olivia said with a sympathetic smile, "So I think you dodged a bullet there." Alex sighed and she pushed on, "Besides, Matt is a great guy. I see how happy you are with him…"

Alex's face flushed and her eyes glazed over with happiness as she thought about her boyfriend, "He is a great guy…a really, really great guy and he makes me insanely happy." She stopped and then sat down on the edge of the bed, "In fact…"

Olivia's heart rate sped up and she scooted closer to her, "In fact what?" She nudged her with her foot, "What are you keeping from me Cabot? You know the best friend rules…we don't keep things from each other."

Alex smiled and shook her head, "It just happened yesterday…I didn't have a chance to tell you. But…" She shrugged, "We had a talk…a real talk about our future."

She leaned closer to her friend and smiled, "And?"

"He said he could see us getting married. He said…he wants that." She fidgeted nervously on the bed, "We both want that. And…and kids. We talked about looking at apartments together once his lease is up in a few months too."

Olivia saw tears in her best friend's eyes which was unusual and she frowned, "Hey…what's with the tears? This is a good thing!"

"I know." She said with a smile, "I know it is…sometimes it just all seems a little too good to be true though. He's so different from any guy I've dated before. And I just…don't want to screw it up."

"You won't." Olivia said softly, "I won't let you. This is gonna be good Alex…really good. You'll see."

Alex quickly wiped at her tears, "You're right. You're absolutely right." Sighing she stood up, "Ignore me." Reaching back into her bag she pulled out an outfit, "What do you think of this?"

Trying to keep up with the change in topic she looked the outfit over, "Will look great on you. But where are you wearing it?"

"The bar." Alex said, pulling off her current shirt to put on the new one, "So get up and pick out your outfit."

"The bar?" Olivia asked curiously, "I thought we were staying in and ordering junk food and watching Dateline?"

Alex rolled her eyes, "That's what we do every weekend. Hell no. We're going out. Taking advantage of your ability to go out and be a little reckless tonight since you don't have to wake up early in the morning."

Olivia frowned and felt that familiar jump in her chest, "Alex…"

"Matt is going to meet us out. We'll relive our glory days. Dance on a few bars, take some shots." Olivia groaned and she laughed, "Find you a guy or two you can flirt with and spit back out when you've had your fill."

Olivia laughed and threw a pillow at her, "Is that supposed to be a compliment?"

"It was a joke. But…who knows. Maybe you'll find your future husband tonight." She turned away from her and quietly mumbled, "Or maybe you already met him today…"

"What was that last part?" Olivia asked curiously, "Alex…"

With a heavy sigh, she turned back around as after shimmying into her shorts, "Come on Liv, don't you want to have a night where you can just let loose a little? Not worry about the consequences? Don't you want to just be…"

"Not a single Mother?" Olivia asked with a laugh, Alex's face flushed and she shook her head, "Relax. I'm not mad…and yeah of course I do. It's just…"

"It's just hard." Olivia nodded, "I know. But trust me when I say…you deserve to have fun. You deserve to explore being a single woman. And it still doesn't take away from the fact that you're Supermom…"

Olivia shook her head, "I'm not Supermom, Alex. Far from it."

Walking over to sit beside her, she reached for her friend's hand, "Tell that to that little boy who looks at you like you can walk on water." Squeezing her hand she whispered, "He may only be six but he knows how lucky he is Liv. And he knows how loved he is too…"

She couldn't deny that going out, dancing, maybe flirting a bit, that all sounded really tempting. She didn't need to go home with anyone, but she could enjoy herself if she wanted. And if she was honest with herself, really honest, she wanted that. Chewing on her lip softly she said, "Okay but…I didn't quite pack for a night out."

Alex smiled at her and whispered, "Then it's a good thing I packed for you…"

Olivia watched her jump off the bed and walk towards a third bag she hadn't noticed before. And from it, she pulled an outfit that she wouldn't have picked for herself. Something that maybe years ago she would have worn but not today. "Alex…"

"I'm not taking no for an answer." Alex said with a smile, "We're going out tonight Benson. Just like the old days. And we're gonna have a damn good time."

Standing up, she took the jeans and tight white tank top and sighed, "I hope I don't regret this…"

"You won't." Alex said with a smile, "I have a very good feeling about this."

Shaking her head, she walked into the bathroom and looked at herself in the mirror, "At least one of us does…"

An hour later, they were set up in the crowded bar in a corner booth. Looking around, she had to admit part of her felt a little out of place. The people around them seemed younger but another part of her felt happy to be here. The music bumped through the speakers, practically radiating through her body. She was just about done with her first drink as she people watched.

Turning to her friend, she couldn't help but laugh when she saw her practically on top of Matt's lap. "I'm gonna get another one…"

Alex pulled back just enough to look at her as Matt sucked on her neck, "Need help?"

Olivia laughed and shook her head, "No. Carry on." Just as she was going to ask if they needed anything, they went back to sucking face and she rolled her eyes, pushing herself up off the seat, "I'll be back. Not that you'll miss me…"

Making her way through the crows of people, she waited as the people in front of her started to order. Her body swayed to the beat slightly and she stood to the side waiting her turn. Little did she know, someone else had just entered the bar. Someone that would flip this night on its head in more ways than one.

From the entrance, Elliot glanced around hoping to spot her. But it was packed and he couldn't see her anywhere. It had been awhile since he'd been out like this. A group of girls, young girls walked by him, giggling as they looked at him and he remembered why this wasn't always his scene. He himself was 31 now. And he'd been over the whole getting wasted in a bar scene and trying to pick up a girl for a night for a very long time. Glancing around the bar again, he saw someone, just not Olivia. But the blonde in the corner gave him hope that she was here…just somewhere.

Making his way towards the corner he smiled as Alex jumped up, "You came!"

Elliot nodded, sitting down beside her and her boyfriend in the booth, "I came."

Alex pointed behind her, "This is my boyfriend Matt. Matt, this is Elliot."

Matt held his hand out, "Right, the guy who got his ass whooped by one Olivia Benson."

Elliot's cheeks flushed and he smiled, "That would be me."

Matt leaned in and nodded, "Came back for round two huh?"

Elliot laughed and shrugged, "What can I say…I was intrigued." Nervously, he looked around the dark bar, his sweaty palms running along the top of his knees, "She here?"

Alex nodded adamantly, "She just went up to the bar to get another drink. I think she's on the left side…" She pointed to the distance, "Over there somewhere."

Elliot craned his neck to try and look for her, fully expecting some guy hanging all over her when he did see her, "Hm…"

Alex nudged him, "Would you go check on her for me?"

Elliot turned to look at her and laughed, "I'm gonna go ahead and say that Olivia doesn't need me checking up on her."

"Maybe not." She said with a shrug, "But you need a drink, don't you?"

He looked over at Matt who just shrugged and Elliot nodded, "I could go for a beer…"

"And the place to get that beer would be…" She pointed towards Olivia's general direction, "So…off you go."

Elliot laughed again and stood up slowly, "Why do I feel like I'm walking into the lion's den?"

Alex smiled up at him as he towered over them, "Just remember what I said…" She called out over the loud music, "She's worth the wait…"

Letting out a shaky breath, he turned slowly and stepped down off the little platform onto the sticky bar floor. Pushing through the crowds of people, he kept an eye out for the brunette. As he walked towards her, his heart pounded wildly in his chest. He didn't quite know what he was getting himself into. But what he did know was that he wanted to know more about this mysterious woman. He just hoped that maybe she wanted to get to know him too.

It took him a moment, but he spotted her soon enough. Bent over the bar ordering a drink. And all the men around her, and even a few of them women were staring at her. Not that he could blame them. She looked good. Damn good. Those dark jeans fit her like a second skin and hung low on her hips. She had a white tank top on that rested just above her navel and hugged those damn curves of hers in all the right places. Her hair was down, loose, resting just above her shoulders and he knew he'd give anything to wrap his hands in it and kiss her. As she shifted her weight, his cock twitched and he groaned audibly in the back of his throat making one of the girls beside him laugh.

He looked at her quickly and she quirked an eyebrow as she sucked on her straw, "Hi."

He awkwardly shifted away from her, "Uh…hi." And as he turned back he saw another man leering at Olivia, clearly about to make a move and he couldn't let that happen, "Bye."

Wedgeting himself between the bar and the new guy, Elliot leaned across the bar and shouted, "I'll have whatever's on tap."

Olivia was waiting for her own drink and turned to her left, her eyes going wide when she saw him, "You."

Trying to pretend that he hadn't seen her at all, he gazed in her general direction before standing up a little straighter, "Oh. Hi. Fancy meeting you here…"

She narrowed her eyes at him under the dim lights, "What the hell are you doing here?"

The bartender came back and slid the drink in front of Olivia and then began to fill up Elliot's beer, "Getting a drink, same as everyone else. That a crime, Officer Benson?"

Her sweaty palm held onto the cold glass in front of her and she huffed, "That another one of your police digs?"

Ellit laughed and reached for his beer, slapping down a twenty on the counter, "No. It was an actual question." He pointed at Olivia's drink, "I've got hers too."

Frustration prickled in her chest and she huffed once more, "I didn't let you buy me a drink the first time…what makes you think I'll allow it this time?"

The bartender looked between the two of them, unsure what to do. But Elliot just stared at her, lifting his beer as he took a swig, "I didn't say I think you would. In fact…I'm actually waiting for you to throw that one at me to be honest."

Olivia smirked, "That would be a waste of a perfectly good drink now wouldn't it?"

Elliot shrugged and drummed his free hand on the bar, "I think so. But…I wouldn't put it past you." She didn't move and still the bartender waited, "So…consider it my peace offering for what Ember did to you this afternoon. And since she isn't here and has no money of her own…will you accept it?"

She wanted to say no, wanted to tell him to fuck off. But God damn it he looked good. He wore a pair of dark jeans and a black t-shirt that hugged his muscles in all the best possible ways. Whatever cologne he was wearing was intoxicating and made her want to drown it. That stupid fucking smirk on his face both irritated the hell out of her and turned her on in a way she hadn't felt in years. And she knew whoever the hell this guy was, he was trouble. Big trouble. But maybe for tonight, she could throw caution to the wind and live a little.

Twirling the straw in her drink she nodded, "Fine. I'll accept it."

Both surprised and grateful, Elliot nodded slowly and pointed at the twenty again, "We good?"

The bartender nodded, "Covers them both. Let me get you some change."

"Keep it." Elliot said with a smile, "We took up enough of your time."

"We did." Olivia said softly, "And now, I'm leaving." She waved at them both, "See ya."

Elliot chuckled as he watched her disappear into the sea of people, clearly not expecting him to follow her. The man behind the bar whistled loudly, "There's a lot of pretty girls here tonight but she is…"

Jealousy filled his chest and he nodded, tapping the bar once more, "Yeah. She is. Can you grab me another actually?" The man gave him a skeptical look, "That way I don't have to come back up here. I can actually spend time with her…"

The man laughed and began to fill up a second glass, "Smart man." He slid it over to him and Elliot threw down more money, "Good luck though. If looks could kill…she looked about ready to murder you when she first saw you."

"Wouldn't be the first time." He said with a smile, "Thanks."

Quickly, he grabbed both beers and held them above his head as he made his way through the crowd once more. He saw her, leaning against the booth as Alex and her boyfriend continued to make out, oblivious to the fact that she was even back. Her body moved to the rhythm of the music, her breasts bouncing slightly, a bead of sweat trickling down her neck. Good God he'd never wanted anyone more in his life. Taking a deep breath he reminded himself to play it cool. That if he wanted any sort of a shot with her, he had to take his time. And as Alex has told him twice now, she was worth it.

He'd barely known her a day and yet somehow he knew that to be true. Taking another gulp of one of the beers, he walked towards her, hoping a little liquid courage would settle his nerves. She spotted him immediately, and her demeanor changed. She stood up quickly and crossed her arms over her chest, "Oh no…"

He chuckled and sat down next to her, "Hello again."

Glaring down at him, she put one hand on her hip, "I don't believe I invited you to sit with us."

Before he could respond, Alex pulled back from Matt and interjected, "But I did."

Throwing her friend a conspiratory look she huffed, "Of course you did."

Elliot's heart was rattling in his chest as he watched her. Yes, he wanted her. Yes, he wanted to get to know her, to know what it was that made her tick. What was it that made her so closed off? What was underneath it all? He knew it was something beautiful, something unique and he wanted to be a part of it. But, he also didn't want to annoy her or make her hate him. Didn't want to be the pushy guy. Didn't want to seem desperate (though right now, for her he was). He also didn't want to come across as one of those egotistical guys that believed he was better than the rest. There was just something about this woman that set him on fire in more ways than one and he felt like he'd regret it for the rest of his life if he didn't try and figure out what it was.

The four of them sat there in awkward silence for a moment, Olivia stewing in the corner. The look of rage that crossed her face wasn't one that Alex often saw and for a moment she wondered if she'd finally overstepped. But something in her gut told her this guy, this Elliot Stabler was someone different and God she just wanted her best friend to be happy. Elliot nervously sat in his spot, his foot tapping the ground as he read her body language. And after a moment he thought, maybe, despite what he felt, it was better to go, "Look…maybe I should just g-"

"No." Alex said quickly, grabbing his arm, "You just got here!"

"Alex, if the man wants to go, let 'em." Olivia said quickly, "There's nothing tying him down here."

Alex quickly stood, swaying slightly on her heels, "I need to go to the restroom."

The other three people at the table looked up at her, confused by her sudden shift. Matt stood up quickly, thinking she wanted him to go with her to leave the other two alone, "Ok-"

But Alex quickly pushed him down, "Come with me Liv."

Sighing heavily, but wanting to put as much distance between her and this man that made her feel things she didn't want to feel, she agreed. Maybe she'd get lucky and he'd be gone by the time got back. Or maybe another girl would catch his eye and he'd chase after some easier prey. As she stood up though, she hated how her heart ached at the thought of watching him with some other girl. Shaking the thought from her mind, she took another sip of her drink before placing it down, "Let's go."

Stepping over Elliot, he came face to face with her midriff and had to hold his breath and will his hands not to reach for her. Above him, Olivia gave him a challenging look, wiggling her body a bit more than necessary. Why the hell was she like this, she thought to herself. Slipping out of the booth, she stepped down once more and waited for Alex. Elliot looked over at her friend, desperate for some advice here. Alex quickly leaned in and whispered, "Don't give up just yet Stabler. I can tell you're tougher than that."

Climbing over her boyfriend, she grabbed onto Olivia's hand and dragged her towards the far corner where the bathrooms resided. As they walked, Olivia couldn't help herself as she looked over her shoulder to see if he was still there. And low and behold…he was. He gave her a nervous little smile and she sneered, making him laugh. As he turned back to Matt, he reached for his beer and took another long swig. Matt reached for his own drink and laughed, "Women, am I right?"

Elliot chuckled and leaned back against the booth once more, "Yeah…"

The line was a few people deep, giving Alex the perfect opportunity to try and talk some sense into her friend. The bathrooms were co-ed and snaked around a large sink in the middle. Olivia was only half listening, her mind elsewhere. She'd never admit it, but she was two full drinks in and onto her third now which meant her imagination was running wild. And quite frankly, she was thinking about Elliot Stabler and those big hands of his, what they would feel like running along her body, how well they would tease her, how deep they'd penetrate her-

"Are you even listening to me Benson?" Olivia jumped and looked back at her friend, "Or are you to busy fucking firefighter guy in your mind?"

Olivia nudged her friend with her shoulder and nervously glanced around, "Jesus Alex, keep your voice down."

"No one can hear us over this music. And…" They stepped forward in line, "I'd like to point out that you didn't deny that's what you were thinking about."

Olivia's cheeks blushed and she crossed her arms over her chest, "Why is he here Alex?"

"Because…" She said with a shrug, "This is your night out. And I think it's time you stop living in that world of 'I'm a Mom, I don't deserve to have good sex' mentaility."

"I've had sex." Olivia grumbled, "How do you think I got Noah? It sure as hell wasn't immaculate conception."

"No." Alex said with a laugh, "But Noah's almost seven. So between then and now…"

"I've had sex." She mumbled again, "With-"

"Cassidy." She said with an eye roll, "That loser that worked in the clerk's office. I know. But…as you told me he never quite got you there so I say it doesn't count." Olivia sighed again and Alex continued, "And you said that while you got off a few times with…" Olivia shot her a warning look, they didn't talk about Noah's father for good reason, "You also said it was usually pretty quick and left you wanting more. So," They stepped ahead again, "Don't you want to experience something…better?" Olivia fidgeted nervously, "The kind of sex that leaves your whole body trembling? The kind that makes you believe in just about anything…and makes you want to worship at the guys' altar?"

Olivia laughed and ran a hand through her brown locks, "You've been reading entirely too many smutty romance novels my friend."

"Or, I'm getting that kind of sex with Matt." She said with a smirk, "And I want that for you."

She looked away again, her mind filling with images once more of Elliot bending her over, working her body in ways she didn't know were possible. Making her scream out his name, begging for more as her whole world shattered around her, again and again and - "You're daydreaming again…"

Olivia snapped out of it once more and looked back at her friend, "Okay Ms. Cabot, say I'm interested in your little game." Alex's face immediately lit up, "Hypothetically of course. You want me to…just go off with some stranger and get laid tonight? And then what? It's not like I can have him over for late night booty calls with Noah around. You know I won't do that. I'm not sneaking off in the middle of night to his place so-"

"Single parents figure it out." She said with a smile, "But for the record, I was only talking about one night of really good sex. But if you want a whole relationship with the guy, by all means we can find a way to make that work too."

Olivia's mouth hung open when she realized she'd walked right into that one. She didn't even have to pee but at the moment she needed a little space of her own. Pushing past her friend, she went to the next open stall and stood inside the tiny compartment, covering her face with her hands. "What are you doing Benson?"

But closing her eyes was a terrible idea. The moment she did, images of him shirtless from earlier entered her mind. And then she thought, if his hands were that big, what the hell was his- "Gah!"

A knock on the door startled her and she jumped, "You okay in there Miss?"

She sighed and took a few deep breaths as the person knocked again, "I'm fine! Be out in a second."

As she stood there she thought of all the reasons why she shouldn't. And then…she thought of all the reasons why…maybe she should. One night. That's all this had to be. One night in which she could have her cake and eat it too. And then, she could walk away and never see the man again. People did it all the time. And with no responsibilities to wake up to in the morning for once, why couldn't she be one of those people. "Fuck it."

She laughed to herself as she pushed the door open and went to the sink. Alex was emerging from her own stall at the same time. As she stood across from her at the sink, she saw a shift in her friend's body language and she knew that maybe, just maybe her words had gotten through to her friend. "You good?"

Olivia dried off her hands and nodded, "Great." They walked together out into the little game room off the side, "I think you're right. I think I deserve to have a little fun for once. A little reckless behavior on a night out."

Alex beamed at her, "So…you're gonna give him a shot?"

She smiled at her and said, "More like, I'm gonna take a shot with him and see what happens." She sauntered towards the bar, "Consider it a peace offering."

Whatever the reason, Alex still had a good feeling. And if her friend was determined to make this a one night thing, something about this Elliot Stabler guy told her that he wouldn't give up that easily. So, for now it was a start. She followed Olivia to the bar, ordered the round of shots with her and helped her carry them back to the table. Both men stood as the girls came back, Matt laughed when he saw what they were carrying. Elliot looked terrified and that made Olivia smile, "Is the big bad firefighter guy afraid of a little fireball?"

He couldn't help but smirk at her choice of shots, "Is that another dig at me?"

Olivia shrugged, "Maybe. Or…maybe I just like to play with fire." Holding it out to him she tilted her head to the side, "You in or you out Stabler?"

Alex stood behind her and she gave him a hopeful smile and a big thumbs up. Sighing, he took the shot and thought maybe it was his in. He held the little glass in front of him as Olivia held out hers, "What are we drinking too?"

Olivia considered it for a moment before answering, "To…being young, single and living in the greatest city in the world. That enough for you?"

He let her words sink in for a moment adding, "For yourself you should add, young, single, and sexy as all hell living in the greatest city in the world." He tossed back the shot without waiting for her and slammed it down, "That's enough for me."

She beamed at him before tipping her own glass back and downing the shot with ease, "Well, well, well…maybe I underestimated you completely firefighter guy…"

As she climbed over him again, this time his hands found her hips and he held her in place for a second. He saw the way she sucked in a nervous breath as she stared down at him, her hands landing on his shoulders to steady her. His eyes could have taken advantage and roamed every inch of her body, but instead they stayed locked on her face as he whispered gruffly, "You definitely underestimated me completely Officer Benson…"

Slowly, she pulled her leg up around him and sat beside him, shivering as she sat. But it wasn't cold here. In fact, it was hot, very, very hot. Reaching for her other drink, she wrapped her hand around the cool glass and hoped that it would cool her down. She could feel him still staring though and that burning feeling only ignited in her more. She could hear Alex laughing as she settled in beside her before she leaned in and whispered in your ear, "Somebody is gonna get laid tonight…"

Olivia elbowed her quickly, "Go back to making out with your boyfriend."

"Gladly." She said with a smirk before turning back to Matt.

Pulling one leg up onto the bench seat, she pressed it against her chest and twirled the straw around in her glass. The shot was already loosening her up which she was grateful for. She'd never admit it but this man made her nervous. Not in the sense that he would harm her, but in the sense that he seemed…different. He held his beer between his hands, looking around the bar for a moment. There were lots of beautiful girls around, ones that would be a lot easier for him to get to know and yet, he was here, beside her. As he turned to look at her again, he smiled and something about it told her he was nervous too.

"So…" She whispered, chewing on the straw softly, "You come here a lot?"

Elliot took the small talk as a good sign, a little gesture of hope and maybe interest. "Been here maybe three times? I live not far…" He said pointing towards the exit, "Got an apartment around here about a year ago."

Olivia nodded, "A Brooklyn guy." He nodded, "Do you work here too?"

Shaking his head he said, "Stationed in Manhattan. Over by Bryant Park…"

Olivia nodded slowly, "I'm in Manhattan too. At the 9th Precinct…"

"Ah, over by Katz." He said with a smile, "Love that place. One of our favorite spots to get food for the crew." He shrugged, "Maybe I'll run into you sometime there…"

His voice was low but hopeful when he said it and her heart skipped a beat or two, "It's a big city Stabler…doubtful."

"True." He said with a nod, "But I found you amongst all those people today, didn't I?" Her eyes were wide as she stared at him, leaning forward he whispered, "I bet I could do it again. Especially since I'll be looking every chance I get now…"

Her hands held the glass tighter and she whispered, "Why would you want to do that? I've been nothing but a bitch to you and I kicked your ass today. Hasn't your ego taken enough hits from me?"

He laughed and shook his head, "Maybe I like your spunk." He said with a shrug, "Like you said, you're not like most girls Benson. And between you and me…" He took a sip of his beer, noticing the way her eyes dipped down to his neck when he did so, watching his adam's apple bob, "I find it refreshing and…"

"And?" The word left her lips before she could stop herself and she looked up at him, shocked she'd even said it, "I-"

"And…" He said as he tapped his fingers on the glass, "Alluring…intriguing…exciting."

She was breathtakingly heavy, she knew it and she was more than sure her lack of a bra was very evident at the moment. And yet, his eyes never left her face. He could easily have looked down, taken a peek for himself but his gaze never wavered. Damn him, she thought. That made her want him even more. She was torn between grabbing him and kissing him or jumping up, running away and never looking back. But lucky for her, Alex made the choice for her.

"Ahhh!" She yelped loudly, "Liv it's our song!"

Before she knew it, her drink was slammed down on the table and Alex had grabbed her hand, dragging her up and over Elliot again. His beer sloshed slightly but he made sure to help her first before tending to himself. She threw him a nervous look, an apology of sorts but he waved it off as he watched her saunter towards the middle of the dance floor with her friend. Alex was clearly feeling the alcohol and already moving about. But Olivia seemed frozen, watching him carefully from the corner. He just smiled at her, that freaking smile that made her knees buckle, made her belly do somersaults and made her want him to drag her back to his apartment and do very dirty things to her.

"Olivia Margaret Benson." She snapped out of her daze, "We have always danced to this song. And while I like that you're intrigued by firefighter guy, I'm gonna need you to pay attention here. Because the best part is coming up!"

Pulling herself from her thoughts, Olivia started to move, listening to the beat as the Spice Girls rang through the speakers. She had to laugh to herself as they danced. A million and one memories of college danced before her eyes, her wild years. Damn they'd had fun. It had all come to an abrupt halt when she found out she was pregnant and selfishly, it felt good to feel like that girl again, even for just a short amount of time.

Lifting her hands in the air, she rocked to the music and sang back to her best friend, "If you wanna be my lover, you gotta get with my friends!"

"Make it last forever!" Alex screamed back.

"Friendship never ends!" They both sang and laughed, twirling around on the dance floor together like they had all those years ago.

From his spot at the booth, Elliot couldn't take his eyes off of her. He laughed as he watched them, happy to see a more carefree side to this woman. Glad she was letting loose and having a little fun. He didn't know much about her but he could tell she deserved it. A second later, Matt moved closer to him and sighed, "We might be the luckiest two men in this bar tonight…"

Elliot looked over at him and smiled, "How long have you two been together?"

"Just over six months." He said with a smile as he watched Alex, "But we've known each other for about two years? I used to work with Olivia when she first started but she got transferred. She set us up."

Elliot nodded, "She must be a hell of a cop…"

Matt laughed and reached for his own beer, "Oh you have no idea. She's a spitfire and gives everyone a run for their money. She's damn good at what she does and I know that this is only the beginning for her. She's got big things ahead of her…we all know it. And no one deserves it more." Matt looked at him and saw the way he was staring at her, he smiled before adding, "Alex was right, she's worth the wait." Elliot turned to look back at him, "I know she seems…difficult." He laughed and shook his head, "Comes across as unapproachable. But…the world hasn't been kind to Olivia Benson." Elliot's heart ached at his words, "Yet she never gives up. And she keeps fighting…she just…assumes it means she's not worth all the good stuff she hopes for her friends and the victims she meets and saves."

Elliot frowned and looked back at the stunning brunette that had flipped his world upside down in such a short time, "She's wrong…"

Matt smiled again, "She is…just might take her awhile to figure that out." He took a swig of his beer, "So I guess the question is…how patient can you be Stabler?"

Taking a deep breath he mulled his answer over before saying, "I've waited 31 years to find a girl like that Matt…I can wait as long as she needs me too."

Matt followed his gaze and laughed as he watched his girlfriend and her best friend twirl around on the dance floor, "Good answer man. Good answer…"

The next few hours passed quicker than Elliot would have liked. Alex and Olivia danced on and off, even dragging the boys off a time or two. The alcohol had clearly helped take down Olivia's walls a bit but he also knew that alcohol also made people make choices that they wouldn't necessarily make when they were sober. It was hard though, very hard feeling her pressed up against him as she swayed to the music. He himself wasn't much of a dancer but it was becoming increasingly clear that he would do just about anything for this girl.

As another song came to an end, Olivia pushed him back slightly, "God it's so hot in here! I need air."

Before he could process what was happening, she was pushing past him and walking towards the exit. He turned to see Alex and Matt gesturing for him to follow her. He wanted to of course, but he was still treading lightly here. After another moment, he took off after her again and climbed the stairs to walk outside onto the sidewalk. He looked to the left and didn't see her, turning to the right though he saw her pressed up against the brick wall, eyes closed tight, letting the slight breeze wash over her. She wasn't aware of all the man gawking at her, but he was and that jealousy mixed with his sudden need to protect her took over. He stomped forward and shot a quick look at a group of young men who were leering at her. Immediately they turned away knowing they had no chance.

Clearing his throat, he leaned against the wall beside her, "Hey…you took off pretty fast back there. You good?"

Running a finger up and down her throat she sighed, "I told you, I need some air." Turning her eyes towards him, she pushed her hips off the wall and saw him struggling to keep his eyes on her face, "And there is plenty of it out here."

Don't look down. Don't look down Stabler. Eyes on her face.

His mind was reeling though and it would be so easy to take a quick look. He didn't want to be that guy though. He wanted to show her he was better than the rest of them. So he took a deep breath and stood up straighter, "Outside generally has plenty of fresh air…"

She laughed and turned, resting her shoulder on the wall to stare at him, "I can't figure you out."

Shoving his hands in his pockets he shrugged, "What do you mean?"

"I can't figure out what you want." She said with a smirk, "Most guys would just say it…make a move. Or my attitude would throw them off and they'd bail. Yet you're still standing here and you haven't made any real move yet. So…" Leaning in, she asked, "What's your deal Firefighter guy? You interested or not?"

His eyes locked on hers and he could hear his heart pounding in his ears at this point, "Oh I'm interested."

Raising an eyebrow high she asked, "So then why are you just standing there?"

Elliot pushed himself up off the wall and stood in front of her, his height more evident this way, "You want me to kiss you?"

She shrugged slightly, giving him an innocent smile, "I want you to want to kiss me."

Elliot took a deep breath and rubbed the back of his neck, "I want to kiss you. But…"

"But?" She asked with a little frown, "But what?"

"I want you to want me to kiss you." He whispered, she moved closer and he continued, "And I want to make sure that you know what you're doing and this isn't the alcohol talking."

Sucking in her lower lip, she grabbed him by his shirt and pulled him closer, "I want you to kiss me. And I'm not drunk enough to not know what I'm doing. Does that work for you?"

Maybe he should wait, maybe he should talk this out more but God he was dying to kiss her. And it only had to be a kiss, right? He didn't need to cross any more lines tonight, even if he wanted to. He wouldn't do that. Not tonight, he wanted more than that with her. But right now, he wanted her. Leaning in, he still kept his eyes right on hers and whispered, "That works for me. For now…"

Before she could say a single thing in response, he was kissing her. She'd been kissed before, she liked kissing. But this, this was the kind of kiss that made her wreck in the knees. She stumbled slightly, her back falling back against the bricks and his hands settled on her hips, holding her in place. Her hands slid up his chest and around his neck, pulling him closer, wanting to devour him. For his part, he was pretty sure he forgot how to breathe the second his lips touched her. It was a million times better than he ever would have anticipated. That little spark, that fire he felt when he saw her for the first time was suddenly a full on inferno and there was no way he was going to be able to put it out.

Her nails dug into the back of his neck, urging him on and slowly, his tongue traced her bottom lip, begging for entrance. She moaned softly and opened her mouth, allowing him in. Her hips instinctively rolled into him and he growled, biting down on her lip, "Careful Benson…"

She laughed against his lips, a low throaty little laugh and he sighed, "What if I don't want to be careful?"

Pulling back, he swallowed the lump in his throat and whispered, "You're trouble…"

She laughed, pulling him closer again, "Oh you have no idea…"

Leaning back in, he kissed her hard and fast again, their bodies melting into one another as if they were two puzzle pieces made for each other. He breathed her in, completely lost in her, not that he wasn't before. But now that he'd kissed her, he was a dead man. Pulling back, his lips moved down her neck and she clung to him, "Elliot…"

Biting down on her collarbone he sighed, "This is it…this is how I'm gonna die. Right here against this brick wall with you."

She laughed and pushed her hips into his, "What a sad place to die." Pushing him back she said, "So maybe you should take me back to your apartment instead…"

His hand pressed into the bricks behind her, "Olivia…"

He looked hesitant and disappointment washed over her, "Or not…"

Elliot hissed loudly and looked at her, "I'm just not sure that's what you really want…"

"How would you know what I want?" She asked, shoving him back, the anger replacing the flirty side again, "You don't know me."

Before he could respond, she pushed past him and was walking back towards the ball. Hanging his head, he slammed his palm into the brick wall. She was definitely going to kill him one way or another. Turning, he followed her just in time to see Matt taking Alex up the stairs and she looked like she needed to get home quite fast. "Are you leaving?" Olivia asked.

Matt nodded, "She's had enough…gonna take her back to the hotel. You coming with us?"

Alex shook her head, "Don't go on my account Liv…you're having fun and you never get to go out."

Elliot stood behind her but she was ignoring him at the moment, "I…no…I'll go with you."

Alex leaned in and whispered, "Matt's got me. Stay…come back whenever you're ready. I'm good."

She wanted to be a good friend and go home but she also wanted to have a little more time to herself. And right now, she needed another drink. "I'll be back soon."

She stomped down the stairs and beelined it for the bar again. Alex leaned into Matt and sighed, "The rooms spinning…"

"I know babe. We're gonna go now. Hang on." He looked at Elliot, "Look…I know I don't know you very well but I'm trusting that-"

"I promise you that nothing will happen to her." He whispered, "I'll get her home safe."

Matt propped Alex up against the wall before turning towards him, "I'm glad. But I'm just letting you know that if you don't…all of the NYPD will come for you. Understood?"

Elliot nodded, "I wouldn't expect anything else. But I promise it won't be necessary. She's in good hands."

"That's what I'm counting on." He whispered to him before reaching for Alex, "Come on you…"

Alex looked back at Elliot and smiled, "Take good care of my best friend please!"

Elliot laughed and watched her go, he knew she meant sexually. But he had no intention of taking Olivia to bed tonight, even if he wanted to. He hadn't earned that yet. Walking back into the bar, he looked around and saw Olivia back on the dance floor dancing by herself, a new drink in her hand and he knew it was gonna be a longgg night.

The only way to get her out of here was closing time but he wasn't about to leave her here. She was leaning against him as they exited the bar and she hummed softly to the last song that played. Standing on the corner of the street he had his hand wrapped around her waist, "Liv, where are you staying?"

She was quiet as she looked at him and then frowned, "I don't remember the name of the hotel…"

Elliot sighed and looked for a cab, "Okay, grab your phone then. Call Alex or Matt and they can tell me where to take you."

Reaching into her back pocket, she pulled it out and laughed slightly, "Opps."

Looking down at her he frowned, "Opps?"

Wiggling it in front of him she smiled, "Looks like it's dead…so now what are we gonna do firefighter guy?"

Elliot huffed as a cab pulled up next to him, "Looks like you're coming home with me after all…"

Her heart jumped in her chest and she looked at him, "Oh really?"

Elliot reached for the car door and opened it, "Don't get any ideas Benson. Nothing is going to happen."

Sliding into the cab she smirked, "Sure it won't…"

Elliot smiled nervously and sat beside her in the cab as he gave the driver his address. He kept an eye on her as they drove, worried that she might get sick. But, it seemed she just wanted to sleep. Maybe that would be the saving grace here. They pulled up in front of his building and he climbed out first, paying the cab driver before reaching for Olivia to help her out. Holding onto her arm, he brought her to his floor and tried to ignore the way his body was reacting to her.

You can't sleep with her. Not like this. Don't do it, Stabler.

As soon as the door opened, Ember came running and she squealed, "Ember! Hi you!"

Ember jumped in circles around Olivia and Elliot smiled, locking the door behind him, "See, she really does like you."

Olivia laughed and ruffled her fur, "Well I like her too."

Clearing his throat he pointed to the garden in the back, "I'm gonna take her out real quick. Bathrooms down the hall…help yourself to anything in the kitchen. I'll be right back."

"Okay." She stretched her arms over her head and kicked off her shoes as she walked towards the bathroom, "Hurry back."

Elliot ran a hand over his face and gestured to Ember, "Come on girl."

Standing out in the garden his mind went to all those places that any man's mind would go too. What it would be like to get her in his bed, naked, writhing underneath him, tasting her, touching her. But she wasn't thinking clearly. That much was clear. He couldn't do this no matter how much he wanted to. When Ember was done, he walked back inside and looked around for Olivia but he didn't see her. "Olivia?"

Her shoes were on the floor so she couldn't have left. His apartment was small. The bedroom had two french doors that opened into the kitchen and living room. The door was cracked slightly and he could see her through the glass. Oh God, he was in big, big trouble here. Walking towards the room, he told Ember to stay and walked to the door entrance just in time to see her shimmying out of her jeans. "Fuck…"

Tossing her hair over her shoulder she saw him looking at her, this time he was unable to keep his eyes on her face, "There you are."

She turned to look at him, now only standing in her white tank top and a pair of very lacey black panties. Sauntering towards him, she saw the way he was standing, breathing heavy, "Um…do you need anything? Water? Advil or-"

"I'm good." She stepped back again moving towards his bed, "You need anything?"

Clearing his throat, he pointed towards his bed, "Yeah. One of those pillows and the blanket on the end of the bed."

She stopped moving and frowned, confused as hell by his words, "What?"

Pushing past her slightly, careful not to touch her because if he did he'd fall to his knees, "I'm sleeping on the couch."

Her mouth hung open slightly, "The couch?"

Elliot nodded, taking the pillow and the blanket in his arms, "Yes." He pointed behind her, "You should be comfortable in here but if you need anything else-"

He went to move but she grabbed his arm, "You're not…I mean we're not…you don't want to-"

Elliot laughed and whispered, "This isn't about what I want Olivia. It's about knowing that you are in no state to make this decision." She just stared at him, clearly too stunned to speak, "When and if I get you in bed…I want you to be sure. And I want you to remember in the morning. More than that…I want to make sure you won't regret it."

Her heart was pounding hard in her chest as she watched him, "Elliot…"

Stepping back he willed his body to move and to keep moving, "Goodnight Benson."

Taking a deep breath she stepped back and climbed onto the bed, still not fully believing him, "Fine. Suit yourself Stabler."

His cock twitched as he watched her curl herself around his pillows, not bothering with the blanket. Her ass on full display, her tank top riding up to show most of her back. Ember ran past him and launched herself on the bed, settling at Olivia's side and it was clear the woman was already half asleep. He'd made the right choice but God it was hard. Harder than anything he'd ever done in his life.

Staring at Ember he whispered, "You're choosing her over me?" Ember whimpered and rolled onto her side and he laughed. "Traitor…"

Turning, he walked back towards the living room with his pillow and blanket. Setting himself up on the couch he got himself a glass of water and sat back down on the couch. The doors to his bedroom were open and he could still see her, laid out on his bed, her smooth skin, long limbs and God help him he was either the worlds dumbest man or he was setting himself up for something amazing in the future.

Either way, he sighed and laid back on the bed, pressing his hand over his eyes, "I think you just achieved Sainthood Stabler…"

He mumbled to himself, desperately trying to ignore the ache he felt below the waist and the urge to curl up beside her in that big bed. Today had definitely been a whirlwind and he had a feeling it was all just beginning…