Thanks for the reviews guys! I just wanted to clarify something. I got the review that said that Fin was there after Olivia, which I didn't
take into consideration until after the fic was almost done. So, I figured, since it's an AU fic, that fans of the show would let it slide!
Sorry if I confused ya!
Disclaimer: Refer to Chap 1
R&R! Be nice to us!
Chapter Two: The Things You Learn
-----------
"Hello?" The man repeated himself. Olivia snapped out of it.
"Oh..uh...sorry." She said. She could feel the blood rushing to her face. All at once 1 million thoughts went through her head.
Who is this guy? Why is he sitting at the desk across from me? Does he work here? Is he married? Kids?
"Elliott. What did I tell you about doing this?" Cragen said, realizing the man sitting there.
"Sorry, Captain. I just can't figure this case out." He apologized.
Cragen walked over to the desks. "Olivia," he started, "this is your new partner."
"Olivia? Olivia what?" he said to her, in a voice that seemed like he was almost talking to a child.
"Benson. Detective Olivia Benson. And you would be..." she said, trying to remain confident in front of a man that she had just
made a fool of herself in front of not one whole minute ago.
"Elliot Stabler. I take it we're partners?" He said, studying her features. Her wide, brown eyes, her freshly painted lips, her
short, brown hair, her smooth complexion. He knew that Olivia was the type of partner who would have made Kathy jealous.
"That's what the boss-man says." She replied, throwing her thumb in the direction of Cragen.
"That is correct. Now, Elliot, why don't you and Olivia take the day off and get to know each other. If you're going to be working
together, I don't want any conflicting personalities." He looked at them both. "Well," he began, "why are you still sitting here?"
They thanked the captain and started to walk out the door. Once out of earshot, Munch looked at Cragen.
"You never gave me my first day off!" He said.
"There are multiple reasons for that. I didn't like you," he joked, "and I have a feeling about these two. They are going
to be a great team." He finished.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Elliot and Olivia walked in silence. Finally Elliot said something.
"Where do you want to go?" he asked.
"Ummm...well I just moved here three days ago, so I was hoping you would know the best places to go." She replied, not making
eye contact. He grabbed her arm.
"Listen," he said, "I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable back there."
"Oh, no. My fault. I was off in dreamland." She said, finally looking him in his blue eyes. She felt at home. Comfortable.
She realized at that moment that this could have been the best move she had ever made.
"Okay. Well, I thought I was freaking you out." he said, starting the walk again.
They walked the rest of the way in silence.
"Here we go. The Local Cop Bar." He said. "It's not really a cop bar, though. They just named it that."
"So why do you come here?" she asked with a hint of sarcasm.
"Good question, Detective." he replied.
They sat down and started learning about one another. Then, they each ordered a beer and their meals. He, a cheeseburger; she, a salad.
They talked. You know, what people usually talk about when they're getting to know each other. And then Elliott hit hard.
"So," Elliot started, "what do your parents think of your line of work?"
Olivia didn't know how exactly to answer. But she decided to be truthful. "Actually, my so-called 'parents' are the reason I
took this gig." She said.
"Oh? How so?" He pryed.
"Um, well, I, I'm, my mother, well--"
Elliot sensed something.
"My mother, she was so young. She didn't know how to stop it from happening. Her rape, I mean. That's how I came to be.
And be here."
"Oh...my...oh..., I'm...I really didn't mean to. I'm so sorry." he said.
"And that's not even the worst part." she said hesitantly. "One night my mother got drunk and fell down a flight of stairs."
She said. "She died." Olivia looked away and down at her shoes. She couldn't cry in front of him. She's tough. She's a
detective...she's parent-less.
Elliot felt absolutely terrible.
"Well. What about your family?" Olivia changed the subject with a heaving sigh. "What do your wife, and I'm assuming children
by the pictures on your desk, think of this?" she said referring to the ring on his finger and the aforementioned pictures.
"You know? I don't understand why I even wear this anymore." He said.
"Why?" Olivia asked, thinking he was divorced.
"My wife Kathy died two years ago." He said, pained.
"Oh. Well. Now it's my turn to be embarrassed." She felt really bad. "What about your kids?"
"Maureen is 19. She goes to Hudson University, and lives in a dorm. I have a teenaged daughter, Kathleen."
(A/N...Sorry! No twins! I know, it's especially painful to us, seeing as how we're twins, but it's for the good of the story!)
They talked for a little while longer, and then Elliot asked her where her new apartment was.
"Oh, it's only a couple blocks away from the precinct. I'm not even finished unpacking yet." She added.
"Well, we do have the rest of the day." Elliot said to her.
"Oh no. I couldn't ask you to spend your day off unpacking my shit."
"Liv, can I call you that?" She nodded. "You're not asking. I'm offering. Besides, it's better than sitting in a
smoke-filled restaurant for the rest of the day."
They paid the check and headed for the apartment.
"Be careful, it's quite the mess in here. Watch your step." Olivia warned, opening the door.
They spent the day unpacking Olivia's things and getting to know each other. Before they knew it, it was 7:00.
"Elliot, it's 7:00. Do your children know you're here?" She asked.
"I told them I was going into work today, and I usually work late. Maureen stops by pretty much every day anyways." He said.
"Oh. Well, are you hungry? I could order some takeout or something." She said.
"Sure, why not."
Olivia got out her takeout menu.
"You've only been here three days, and you've already eaten take-out from the Chinese place?" He asked.
"Hey! A girl's gotta eat! And I had nothing to cook. So sue me." She called in their order and they watched TV and ate until
about 10:30.
"Liv, I gotta go home. Kathleen is probably in bed, wondering where I am." He said.
"Okay. I'll see you tomorrow. Thank you so much for all of your help, I really appreciate it." she said.
"No problem. Anytime." He said.
As Elliot headed home, he couldn't stop thinking about the day he'd just had. For the first time in a long time, he actually enjoyed
his day off.
----------------------------------
As the months went on Elliot and Olivia learned more about each other. But what was more noticeable was that they're friendship
was growing. Everyone in the precinct thought they would make the cutest couple, but nobody mentioned it to either of the two.
But they did to anyone else that they worked with. Or, basically, Munch and Fin.
You see, Munch, Fin, Elliott, and Olivia had almost become a 'fearsome foursome' in fighting sexual predators...but that's
another story by another author.
One day, around the Holday Season, Munch and Alex got around to talking. (Liv and Elliott were out on a case and Fin got sick.)
"So..." said Alex "you excited about the precinct's Holiday Party this year?"
"Not really. We need something to spice it up. Actually, I was thinking of a match-making. And I think you're just the one to help me."
Munch had a mischevious twinkle in his eye.
"Oohh, let me guess...Liv and Elliot? I was thinking the same thing! What are we going to do?"
-----------------------------------
"Hey Alex!" Olivia yelled from down the hall, "Glad I caught you. I was wondering if you could give me a ride to the big to-do
tonight. Something happened to my car." Olivia said.
"Sorry Liv, I would, but I have lots of shopping to do. Why not ask Elliot?"
"Okay. Thanks anyways." Olivia said.
As she sat down at her desk Elliott made some kind of comment to the effect of a 'Glad you could join us!'
"Oh, shut up. My car shit the bed. Can you give me a ride to the thing tonight?" She asked.
"Sure, if you don't mind being late. I have to pick Kathleen up from her friend's house." He said, entangled in paperwork.
"Okay, thanks." She replied.
----------------------------------
It was about 8 when Olivia's phone rang.
"Hey, Liv. It's me."
"Care to specify?" She quipped.
"Yea...like you have *any* other 'me's in your life." He shot back.
"Touché. Then again, maybe I do. You coming to get me or what?" she asked.
"Yea, I'm on my way." He said.
"OK. See you in a few."
Only minutes later, her buzzer rang. After she buzzed her partner up, she finished putting her make-up away.
"Knock knock." He said.
"Yea, yea. Hold your horses." she muttered, before opening the door.
"Funny you say that, 'cause I don't recall..." He looked at her, flabbergasted. She was gorgeous. She wore a
burgundy floor-length dress with spaghetti straps hugging her shoulders. It showed off every benefit that she had earned from
working out, with two thigh-high slits. Her hair was flawless, as was her make-up. She smiled and did a little twirl, showing
the velvet rose design adorning a deep cut in the back of the dress which was covered by mesh fabric and sprinkled with rhinestones.
"Recall what? Look Elliot, I know I'm gorgeus, but you don't need to stare. Come in for a sec, while I finish up."
As soon as Elliot figured he was out of her sight, he dropped his jaw.
"Stabler, knock it off. Close your mouth and stop being a smartass. Let's go." She walked out into the hall.
"Uhmm..yea." Elliot said, feeling punch-drunk.
As they walked into the hall, Elliot noticed they matched. When he voiced his observation, he felt silly.
"Hey we do match. Funny." Olivia said. They walked, and when they reached the elevator Olivia grabbed Elliot's arm.
"What?"
"Thanks." She looked at him.
"For what?"
"The ride. And even though I know it was a joke, the whole mouth-dropping thing."
Elliot decided to play along. "Yea, well, every once in a while your self-esteem needs a boost."
"Ha. Funny Stabler. This damn elevator always takes forever." She changed the subject. "I'm about ready to take the stairs." She
started for the staircase when the elevator door opened.
"Now why would you want to get all gross and sweaty using stairs when this elevator is right here!?" Elliot said, dripping
with sarcasm.
"Just my luck. Let's go." She said.
-------------------------------------
"Have you seen Stabler and Benson?" Munch was asking everyone he saw at the party.
"Hey, Munch. I just saw Elliot's car pull up. Let's go!" Alex said.
-------------------------------------
Elliot and Olivia hadn't even stepped all the way through the door when they were stopped by Alex and John for a chat. They conversed for
a few minutes when Alex looked up.
"Uh oh." She said.
"What!?" Asked the pair.
"Looks like you guys have to ummm..." Munch started, pointing up to the top of the door.
Olivia looked at Elliot and he looked at her. They kissed. Nothing special. Nothing to spark any interest. But somehow, everyone
had been watching. As they turned to put their coats down, they felt all eyes on them.
After they were free of their outerwear, Elliot looked at Olivia. "Let me know when you're ready to leave. I don't want to keep you
longer than you want to stay."
"Same here. And if I get shitfaced so bad that I won't remember anything tomorrow, pull me out of here." She joked.
"Oh, I will." They parted ways.
Olivia immediately found Alex. "What was that all about?" She asked.
"Don't ask me, you're the one that stood under the damn plant." She said.
"Yet, there's this nagging feeling that you had something to do with it."
"And what makes you think that?" Alex conveyed an innocence she hoped Olivia would fall for. Which she did.
"Because...I...I think so."
"Please. You're going to have to have more than circumstantial evidence to prove anything. Besides, you're up against the
Assistant District Attorney. You're gonna have to do a little better than that." She said.
Meanwhile, across the room, Cragen approached Elliot over near the refreshments.
"That was quite a show you two put on." He commented.
"Oh, uh, sorry." Elliot apologized, feeling flush.
"For what? Elliot, You know I don't listen to the female secretary's mindless gossip, but you have no idea how often you and Benson are
talked about around here. Just a thought." He implied, and walked away.
--------------------------------------
After a night of holiday music and mind-numbing small talk, Olivia and Elliot were ready to go.
Neither spoke a word on the way back to Olivia's apartment, and it was kind of awkward.
"So," Elliot broke the silence, "did you have a good time?"
"I had a fair amount of fun. You?"
"Eh. It was okay." Elliot waited a few minutes to see if she was going to say anything to him. "Liv?" He asked, pulling up to her
building.
"Elliot?" She answered him.
"Um...I can't tell in the dark. Is this your building?" He asked, not wanting to bring 'it' up.
"Yea." She said, a little frustrated. "Hey, Elliot."
"what?" He looked at her for the first time since they had gotten into the car.
"Just so you know...what happened before," she started opening the car door, "I didn't really mind it." She told him, getting out and
closing the door behind her.
Elliot took a few seconds to process what his partner had said, and caught up to her just as she got to her front door.
"Liv!" he yelled, "Well if you didn't mind that one, I'm sure you wouldn't mind another." And then he kissed her. And she kissed
him back. And when, finally, the kiss ended, Olivia simply looked at Elliot.
"Goodnight." She said to him, and kissed his forehead.
"'Night, Liv." He replied and started walking to his car. "I'll pick you up tomorrow for work." he turned to tell her.
"That's all right, Elliot. Alex offered already." She replied.
She got into her apartment, washed up, changed, and went straight to bed.
Neither person knew it, but the night was spent by each of them as a night of tossing and turning.
take into consideration until after the fic was almost done. So, I figured, since it's an AU fic, that fans of the show would let it slide!
Sorry if I confused ya!
Disclaimer: Refer to Chap 1
R&R! Be nice to us!
Chapter Two: The Things You Learn
-----------
"Hello?" The man repeated himself. Olivia snapped out of it.
"Oh..uh...sorry." She said. She could feel the blood rushing to her face. All at once 1 million thoughts went through her head.
Who is this guy? Why is he sitting at the desk across from me? Does he work here? Is he married? Kids?
"Elliott. What did I tell you about doing this?" Cragen said, realizing the man sitting there.
"Sorry, Captain. I just can't figure this case out." He apologized.
Cragen walked over to the desks. "Olivia," he started, "this is your new partner."
"Olivia? Olivia what?" he said to her, in a voice that seemed like he was almost talking to a child.
"Benson. Detective Olivia Benson. And you would be..." she said, trying to remain confident in front of a man that she had just
made a fool of herself in front of not one whole minute ago.
"Elliot Stabler. I take it we're partners?" He said, studying her features. Her wide, brown eyes, her freshly painted lips, her
short, brown hair, her smooth complexion. He knew that Olivia was the type of partner who would have made Kathy jealous.
"That's what the boss-man says." She replied, throwing her thumb in the direction of Cragen.
"That is correct. Now, Elliot, why don't you and Olivia take the day off and get to know each other. If you're going to be working
together, I don't want any conflicting personalities." He looked at them both. "Well," he began, "why are you still sitting here?"
They thanked the captain and started to walk out the door. Once out of earshot, Munch looked at Cragen.
"You never gave me my first day off!" He said.
"There are multiple reasons for that. I didn't like you," he joked, "and I have a feeling about these two. They are going
to be a great team." He finished.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Elliot and Olivia walked in silence. Finally Elliot said something.
"Where do you want to go?" he asked.
"Ummm...well I just moved here three days ago, so I was hoping you would know the best places to go." She replied, not making
eye contact. He grabbed her arm.
"Listen," he said, "I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable back there."
"Oh, no. My fault. I was off in dreamland." She said, finally looking him in his blue eyes. She felt at home. Comfortable.
She realized at that moment that this could have been the best move she had ever made.
"Okay. Well, I thought I was freaking you out." he said, starting the walk again.
They walked the rest of the way in silence.
"Here we go. The Local Cop Bar." He said. "It's not really a cop bar, though. They just named it that."
"So why do you come here?" she asked with a hint of sarcasm.
"Good question, Detective." he replied.
They sat down and started learning about one another. Then, they each ordered a beer and their meals. He, a cheeseburger; she, a salad.
They talked. You know, what people usually talk about when they're getting to know each other. And then Elliott hit hard.
"So," Elliot started, "what do your parents think of your line of work?"
Olivia didn't know how exactly to answer. But she decided to be truthful. "Actually, my so-called 'parents' are the reason I
took this gig." She said.
"Oh? How so?" He pryed.
"Um, well, I, I'm, my mother, well--"
Elliot sensed something.
"My mother, she was so young. She didn't know how to stop it from happening. Her rape, I mean. That's how I came to be.
And be here."
"Oh...my...oh..., I'm...I really didn't mean to. I'm so sorry." he said.
"And that's not even the worst part." she said hesitantly. "One night my mother got drunk and fell down a flight of stairs."
She said. "She died." Olivia looked away and down at her shoes. She couldn't cry in front of him. She's tough. She's a
detective...she's parent-less.
Elliot felt absolutely terrible.
"Well. What about your family?" Olivia changed the subject with a heaving sigh. "What do your wife, and I'm assuming children
by the pictures on your desk, think of this?" she said referring to the ring on his finger and the aforementioned pictures.
"You know? I don't understand why I even wear this anymore." He said.
"Why?" Olivia asked, thinking he was divorced.
"My wife Kathy died two years ago." He said, pained.
"Oh. Well. Now it's my turn to be embarrassed." She felt really bad. "What about your kids?"
"Maureen is 19. She goes to Hudson University, and lives in a dorm. I have a teenaged daughter, Kathleen."
(A/N...Sorry! No twins! I know, it's especially painful to us, seeing as how we're twins, but it's for the good of the story!)
They talked for a little while longer, and then Elliot asked her where her new apartment was.
"Oh, it's only a couple blocks away from the precinct. I'm not even finished unpacking yet." She added.
"Well, we do have the rest of the day." Elliot said to her.
"Oh no. I couldn't ask you to spend your day off unpacking my shit."
"Liv, can I call you that?" She nodded. "You're not asking. I'm offering. Besides, it's better than sitting in a
smoke-filled restaurant for the rest of the day."
They paid the check and headed for the apartment.
"Be careful, it's quite the mess in here. Watch your step." Olivia warned, opening the door.
They spent the day unpacking Olivia's things and getting to know each other. Before they knew it, it was 7:00.
"Elliot, it's 7:00. Do your children know you're here?" She asked.
"I told them I was going into work today, and I usually work late. Maureen stops by pretty much every day anyways." He said.
"Oh. Well, are you hungry? I could order some takeout or something." She said.
"Sure, why not."
Olivia got out her takeout menu.
"You've only been here three days, and you've already eaten take-out from the Chinese place?" He asked.
"Hey! A girl's gotta eat! And I had nothing to cook. So sue me." She called in their order and they watched TV and ate until
about 10:30.
"Liv, I gotta go home. Kathleen is probably in bed, wondering where I am." He said.
"Okay. I'll see you tomorrow. Thank you so much for all of your help, I really appreciate it." she said.
"No problem. Anytime." He said.
As Elliot headed home, he couldn't stop thinking about the day he'd just had. For the first time in a long time, he actually enjoyed
his day off.
----------------------------------
As the months went on Elliot and Olivia learned more about each other. But what was more noticeable was that they're friendship
was growing. Everyone in the precinct thought they would make the cutest couple, but nobody mentioned it to either of the two.
But they did to anyone else that they worked with. Or, basically, Munch and Fin.
You see, Munch, Fin, Elliott, and Olivia had almost become a 'fearsome foursome' in fighting sexual predators...but that's
another story by another author.
One day, around the Holday Season, Munch and Alex got around to talking. (Liv and Elliott were out on a case and Fin got sick.)
"So..." said Alex "you excited about the precinct's Holiday Party this year?"
"Not really. We need something to spice it up. Actually, I was thinking of a match-making. And I think you're just the one to help me."
Munch had a mischevious twinkle in his eye.
"Oohh, let me guess...Liv and Elliot? I was thinking the same thing! What are we going to do?"
-----------------------------------
"Hey Alex!" Olivia yelled from down the hall, "Glad I caught you. I was wondering if you could give me a ride to the big to-do
tonight. Something happened to my car." Olivia said.
"Sorry Liv, I would, but I have lots of shopping to do. Why not ask Elliot?"
"Okay. Thanks anyways." Olivia said.
As she sat down at her desk Elliott made some kind of comment to the effect of a 'Glad you could join us!'
"Oh, shut up. My car shit the bed. Can you give me a ride to the thing tonight?" She asked.
"Sure, if you don't mind being late. I have to pick Kathleen up from her friend's house." He said, entangled in paperwork.
"Okay, thanks." She replied.
----------------------------------
It was about 8 when Olivia's phone rang.
"Hey, Liv. It's me."
"Care to specify?" She quipped.
"Yea...like you have *any* other 'me's in your life." He shot back.
"Touché. Then again, maybe I do. You coming to get me or what?" she asked.
"Yea, I'm on my way." He said.
"OK. See you in a few."
Only minutes later, her buzzer rang. After she buzzed her partner up, she finished putting her make-up away.
"Knock knock." He said.
"Yea, yea. Hold your horses." she muttered, before opening the door.
"Funny you say that, 'cause I don't recall..." He looked at her, flabbergasted. She was gorgeous. She wore a
burgundy floor-length dress with spaghetti straps hugging her shoulders. It showed off every benefit that she had earned from
working out, with two thigh-high slits. Her hair was flawless, as was her make-up. She smiled and did a little twirl, showing
the velvet rose design adorning a deep cut in the back of the dress which was covered by mesh fabric and sprinkled with rhinestones.
"Recall what? Look Elliot, I know I'm gorgeus, but you don't need to stare. Come in for a sec, while I finish up."
As soon as Elliot figured he was out of her sight, he dropped his jaw.
"Stabler, knock it off. Close your mouth and stop being a smartass. Let's go." She walked out into the hall.
"Uhmm..yea." Elliot said, feeling punch-drunk.
As they walked into the hall, Elliot noticed they matched. When he voiced his observation, he felt silly.
"Hey we do match. Funny." Olivia said. They walked, and when they reached the elevator Olivia grabbed Elliot's arm.
"What?"
"Thanks." She looked at him.
"For what?"
"The ride. And even though I know it was a joke, the whole mouth-dropping thing."
Elliot decided to play along. "Yea, well, every once in a while your self-esteem needs a boost."
"Ha. Funny Stabler. This damn elevator always takes forever." She changed the subject. "I'm about ready to take the stairs." She
started for the staircase when the elevator door opened.
"Now why would you want to get all gross and sweaty using stairs when this elevator is right here!?" Elliot said, dripping
with sarcasm.
"Just my luck. Let's go." She said.
-------------------------------------
"Have you seen Stabler and Benson?" Munch was asking everyone he saw at the party.
"Hey, Munch. I just saw Elliot's car pull up. Let's go!" Alex said.
-------------------------------------
Elliot and Olivia hadn't even stepped all the way through the door when they were stopped by Alex and John for a chat. They conversed for
a few minutes when Alex looked up.
"Uh oh." She said.
"What!?" Asked the pair.
"Looks like you guys have to ummm..." Munch started, pointing up to the top of the door.
Olivia looked at Elliot and he looked at her. They kissed. Nothing special. Nothing to spark any interest. But somehow, everyone
had been watching. As they turned to put their coats down, they felt all eyes on them.
After they were free of their outerwear, Elliot looked at Olivia. "Let me know when you're ready to leave. I don't want to keep you
longer than you want to stay."
"Same here. And if I get shitfaced so bad that I won't remember anything tomorrow, pull me out of here." She joked.
"Oh, I will." They parted ways.
Olivia immediately found Alex. "What was that all about?" She asked.
"Don't ask me, you're the one that stood under the damn plant." She said.
"Yet, there's this nagging feeling that you had something to do with it."
"And what makes you think that?" Alex conveyed an innocence she hoped Olivia would fall for. Which she did.
"Because...I...I think so."
"Please. You're going to have to have more than circumstantial evidence to prove anything. Besides, you're up against the
Assistant District Attorney. You're gonna have to do a little better than that." She said.
Meanwhile, across the room, Cragen approached Elliot over near the refreshments.
"That was quite a show you two put on." He commented.
"Oh, uh, sorry." Elliot apologized, feeling flush.
"For what? Elliot, You know I don't listen to the female secretary's mindless gossip, but you have no idea how often you and Benson are
talked about around here. Just a thought." He implied, and walked away.
--------------------------------------
After a night of holiday music and mind-numbing small talk, Olivia and Elliot were ready to go.
Neither spoke a word on the way back to Olivia's apartment, and it was kind of awkward.
"So," Elliot broke the silence, "did you have a good time?"
"I had a fair amount of fun. You?"
"Eh. It was okay." Elliot waited a few minutes to see if she was going to say anything to him. "Liv?" He asked, pulling up to her
building.
"Elliot?" She answered him.
"Um...I can't tell in the dark. Is this your building?" He asked, not wanting to bring 'it' up.
"Yea." She said, a little frustrated. "Hey, Elliot."
"what?" He looked at her for the first time since they had gotten into the car.
"Just so you know...what happened before," she started opening the car door, "I didn't really mind it." She told him, getting out and
closing the door behind her.
Elliot took a few seconds to process what his partner had said, and caught up to her just as she got to her front door.
"Liv!" he yelled, "Well if you didn't mind that one, I'm sure you wouldn't mind another." And then he kissed her. And she kissed
him back. And when, finally, the kiss ended, Olivia simply looked at Elliot.
"Goodnight." She said to him, and kissed his forehead.
"'Night, Liv." He replied and started walking to his car. "I'll pick you up tomorrow for work." he turned to tell her.
"That's all right, Elliot. Alex offered already." She replied.
She got into her apartment, washed up, changed, and went straight to bed.
Neither person knew it, but the night was spent by each of them as a night of tossing and turning.