A/N: I'm feeling jipped by the lack of new Bensler scenes in the new seasons, so here is another update. I own none of these characters, otherwise, we'd have Bensler right now. Enjoy ;)
Elliot POV
I had no clue how to approach this. I noticed that this kid is really observant, and he's gonna know if I give him B.S. So, I do the only thing I can do. I elect to tell him the truth, but I have to tread carefully. Because I don't know what Liv wants him to know.
Noah POV
He has a serious look on his face, it's almost a mixture of pain and fear, but he's trying to mask it. He takes a deep breath. "Noah, it was a complicated thing- at a very complicated time. At that time, I was..." he paused, searching for words; "incapable of giving your mom what she deserved." I need more of an answer than that.
"What do you mean?" I prod, hoping that he'll give me details. He pinches the bridge of his nose for a moment and goes to speak. "We were great partners, friends. And we would've been content staying that way. But after-"
I speak up, " The shooting?" He looks surprised for a moment. "Yeah, did your mom tell you?" I nod my head. "A little, before we went with you. I was asking something similar of her before you came, and she just said it was complicated and that there was a shooting, but she didn't finish. And I think, she was relieved that she didn't have to." I laughed, remembering how fast she jumped up to get the door. She had practically ran. He chuckled a bit, and he continued talking. "I see. So, yes, after the shooting- I was in a lot of trouble. And I didn't want your mom to go down with me. And, I also knew that she was meant for greater things. I knew that she had what it took to go up the ranks. And I felt that I held her back because we were so close. So, I left."
Ok. "So you left. Did you not think that you could stay, and maybe, you know, progress together?" I feel like he's withholding.
"At that time, I had no interest in having a job other than the one I had. I never liked the political side of it. But your mom- she was great at both. That's why she such a good captain. And a good mother." He smiles. I agree. "She's a great mom." So, he's always cared for her. A long time. "So, you left because...you cared for her? Elliot, that doesn't make sense. You don't leave the ones you love." He looked up at me, wide-eyed. Oops, maybe I wasn't supposed to say that.
Elliot POV
I had no clue how to respond to that. This kid was just seeing through my answers, although they were true, I just, I didn't want to overstep. I felt like we were getting into Liv's territory now, and we needed to halt this conversation. "You're right, Noah. You're one hundred percent right. That's why I'm not leaving ever again." He studied me, seeming satisfied with my answer. But I feel like he's not done with me. And I understand his curiosity and his love for his mother. Liv was headed our way from the restrooms, and it felt like I was literally saved by the bell. She got herself settled in to her place next to Noah, and she looked him and me over, trying to ascertain what had happened without her presence. I gave her a quick nod and a smile, assuring her that everything was fine. "So, did you guys have a good conversation while I was gone?" She asks, looking at Noah. He smiles, "Yeah, we did. We talked about you." She looks at me, a little nervous, but doesn't miss a beat. "Oh, really? Only good things I hope!"
"Only how you are the best mom and the best Captain!" He answers her. And she laughs. "Awww, that's sweet. Thank you. Now, let's just hope this "best mom and captain" can eat without needing a bib." We all laugh at that. Noah pipes up. "Elliot, you lived in Rome, right?" I nod. "Sure did bud."
"So I like Chinese, but I also have another favorite. I love spaghetti. Does it taste better in Rome?" I laugh. "Spaghetti is amazing in Rome. The flavor is incomparable. Since I've been back in town, I've been searching for an authentic tasting Italian place, and I haven't found one yet. But- while I was there, I did learn to make it authentically. So, maybe, if it's ok with your mom, maybe I can come over one night and I can show you how it's done. We can have authentic spaghetti a casa di Benson." I looked at Liv quickly to make sure I didn't overstep, and she was watching Noah's eyes light up at the idea. She looked at me, laughing at Noah's "please mom please!" And I knew she wasn't going to deny him.
Olivia POV
Noah was so happy at the thought of authentic spaghetti that he was bouncing in the seat. I looked up at Elliot, and I had decided that he could do that. I felt comfortable enough. For now. "Sure, I don't mind if Elliot does that. Although, we'll have to make sure our schedules align. We'll work out when." He was happy. They kept up the conversation, talking about Italy and the culture and, of course, the food.
"So, Noah, have you and your mom traveled anywhere?" Uh oh. Before I could even react, Noah spoke. "Yes, when I was little, Ed, Mom, and I went to Paris. I remember a little bit. I remember the pastries and the language being funny." Of course he'd remember the food. The pastries were delicious though. I looked up into Elliot's eyes, and there was a sparkle of mischievousness dancing there. "Ed, I'm afraid I'm not familiar with him."
"Oh, that was mom's boyfriend for a little while. They broke up, and he passed away. He was nice. Made mom happy." He said while taking his last bite of Lo mein. I looked at Elliot bluntly; he shrugged and gave a curt nod. He just wanted to see Ed through Noah's eyes. He smiled. "That's awesome, Noah. I'm glad he was good to you guys. And Paris is very nice." He gave me a look and I knew he was being genuine and sincere. It warmed my heart, seeing the two of them getting along. Elliot has always been good with children, and he has five of his own. And grandchildren. I can't believe how much time has passed. It's been so long, and somehow at the same time, been none at all.
We finished our meal, and we made it back to my apartment. Elliot and Noah talked all the way there, and all the way up to our floor. We made it inside, and I went to go change. I wanted to get out of the soiled skirt; although I did a pretty good job of getting the soup stain out. So I elected to change into my silk pajama bottoms and an oversized t-shirt, and I washed my makeup off and bushed my hair, pulling it back into a ponytail. I was comfortable, and quite honestly, tired. But I knew that Noah would want to watch a movie before bed, and that he'd probably invite Elliot to stay. He seems to really like Elliot. Which made me feel relieved. Because I love Elliot.
I made my way out to the living room, and sure enough, Noah had changed into his pajamas, had curled up on the couch and had the TV on. I heard noises coming from the kitchen, and then I saw Elliot. He was getting some drinks. "Mom, can we watch a movie? I've been wanting to watch the new Hocus Pocus." I laugh. "Yes, we can watch it, but you-" he cuts me off. "I know, go to bed after it's over. Deal." Elliot walks over, handing me a glass of wine, and Noah a CapriSun. He has a beer for himself, and we all settle in to watch this thing. I end up sitting between Elliot and Noah, and halfway through the movie, Noah falls asleep.
He's got his legs hanging over the arm of the couch and his head on my lap, and I'm absentmindedly playing with his curls, watching this movie. It's not bad. I kinda like it, it's comical in a way. Then I feel it, Elliot's gaze boring through me. I turn to look at him, and he's smiling. "I always knew." I give him a questioning look. "I always knew you'd be a wonderful mother. He's out." He's smiling again, this time at Noah. "Do you want me to carry him to bed?" I shook my head. "He's a bit too big for that." He chuckles, "It'll be fine, Liv." It's sweet, but unnecessary. I pause the movie. "Noah is usually good to walk, just have to guide him. Noah, sweetie. Time to get in bed." I say, petting him on his shoulder. He stirs, and I help him pull himself up. He starts walking- towards the kitchen. Elliot jumps up. "I got this, Liv." Sure enough, he puts one hand under his elbow, one hand around his wrist, and guides him to the hall. I point him in the direction of Noah's bedroom, and I see them disappear inside. I turn myself around, and take another sip of my wine. A few moments later, El returns, taking his seat next to me. "He's tucked in safe and sound." He studies me. "Do you want to finish that movie?" I shake my head. "No, I'll leave it where he left off so he can finish it later. Do you want to watch something?" He laughs and finishes off his beer. "Nothing on TV." He turns toward me, and grasps one of my hands. "You have a wonderful child. He's amazing, truly, Liv, you've done a wonderful job with him."
"He is a wonderful son. I'm so very lucky to have him in my life. I'm glad you guys seem to have hit it off so well."
He gets a slight worried look. "Liv, I hope I didn't overstep with the spaghetti making thing- but I would love to do it. I want to get to know him, and him to get to know me. I'd like for him to get to know my kids too- when the time comes. He was talking about some video games, and a couple of them I recognize from Eli's stash. They might hit it off in that department. When you're ready. But, Liv, I'm in for the long haul. I just wanted you to know that."
I hope so, Stabler. I hope so.
"We'll take it one step at a time, El. Yes, you can start with teaching Noah your authentic spaghetti. And then, we'll move from there, if that's alright." He nods. "That's perfect. Whatever you want, however you want is perfect."
I look into his eyes, and I watch as they darken. At some point, we had gravitated closer to each other, and our faces are close. It wouldn't take much movement at all for our lips to touch, and I think we both have the same idea. We had already shared our first kiss, and it practically melted me. And here we are. On my couch. And as much as my brain wants to fight it, my heart and body want him. I close the remaining space between us, and I feel his lips meld with mine. Perfection.
A/N: I'm leaving us here. I hope you guys like this chapter! I'm working toward maybe three more chapters before I end it. We'll see how my brain goes. As always, please read and review! I love to hear your feedback. Thank you!!
