Since Elliot's return in her life, Olivia found herself getting back some of her partner-reflexes. She noticed how they became in sync when talking about a joint case, or even just reaching for the evidence board in meetings. She even saw those reflexes back in Elliot as well, when he reached out for two bottles of water in the precinct kitchen without even asking her if she wanted one. It wasn't that he assumed anything about her, he just knew. Olivia thought these feelings of being understood, cared for, which were reminiscent of their partners years, were the source of her reflexes coming back. She felt more and more trusting that Elliot was here, now, with her. Just like before, and yet, not quite.

Those reflexes included being able to sense the moment he walked into a room. As she saw movements from the corner of her eyes, Olivia stopped mid sentence as she saw Elliot entering the room. He had changed into a three-piece Italian suit, which she had no idea where he got in the last 30 minutes, and stepped into the party casually, yet still slightly uncomfortable in these settings. He grabbed a glass of wine from the waiter and his eyes scanned the room, landing on her after a few seconds.

The person she was in conversation with coughed and it got her out of the trance. She excused herself to go after her partner.

She reached him not far from the bar.

"Hey."

"Hey." He greeted her with a warm smile.

"Where did you get that suit so fast?" she asked, as curious as she was impressed.

"I had one in the car." He shrugged. "I didn't particularly care about this party, but you seemed to want me here so…" he continued, a bit hesitant, hoping he didn't read her wrong.

"I did." She replied quickly. "I do." She added more reassuringly.

Elliot tried to read her expression and was satisfied enough to smile.

"Then here I am." He replied softly.

Olivia felt herself relax instantly.

"Here you are." She repeated, smiling.

They stared at each other for a moment before Elliot broke their spell.

"So, done with the schmoozing?"

She looked around the room.

"Hm, yeah, pretty much. I think I've spoken to everyone McGrath pointed me to. I don't see anyone else I recognize, so…"

"Good."

She turned back to him. His tone sounded determined. Elliot took both of their glasses from their hands and put them on the bar.

"El?" she asked, curious.

"I heard there was a handsome man waiting to dance with you."

She laughed, suddenly nervous.

"I told you I made him up to Wilson."

Elliot hmmed and raised his hand between them.

"Maybe you didn't."

Olivia was taken aback at his confidence tonight but found herself liking it a lot.

"I guess I didn't, then." She accepted his hand.