A.N. Hi guys. Well this is the last chapter. It's finished, finally, just in time for Christmas. Anyway, merry Christmas everyone and happy new year…. I haven't really thought about doing a sequel to this, but if you guys want I guess I can. Send me a review.

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Moonlight Whispers

Chapter 3

"El, do you remember last Friday?" Liv asked late Wednesday afternoon. Of course he remembered it. It had been her promise that had caused him not to attempt to find a date for the ball. When those words came out of her mouth he began to hope.

"Yeah what about it?" He tried to sound causal.

"Well, do you remember what you said about us not having dates?"

"Yeah," he replied the hope slowly building.

"Well, does that still apply?" Elliot nodded. "It's just I was wondering do you have a date yet?" Elliot shook his head, he didn't trust himself to speak. "El, neither do I."

"I guess that means we're going together, huh, Liv? If that's okay with you."

"Yeah, yeah it's fine" Olivia looked back at her work trying to hide the huge smile, which was plastered on her face.

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Elliot rushed to get ready, searching his apartment frantically for his tie. Finding it sitting on the arm of the couch where he'd left it, he tied it hastily pulling on his coat as he dashed out the door.

He arrived at Olivia's door only ten minutes late. She buzzed him up. Pacing her apartment nervously, she waited. When she heard a knock at the door a few minutes later, she strode confidently towards it taking a deep breath as she pulled the door open.

Elliot's mouth dropped to the floor, just as Alex's had a week ago. She smiled shyly as he stared her up and down; "Wow," he whispered trying to regain his composure. "You look beautiful," he said sincerely.

"Not so bad yourself, huh?" he laughed. "You wanna come in, we don't have to go just yet."

Elliot entered the messy apartment, placing his hands on Olivia's bare shoulders, kissing her cheek as he did so. It took all the control he had not to jump her right then. They had a glass of water each before it was time to go. Elliot was still fighting an urge to jump his partner, but was successfully warding it off. For now.

On the way to the ball he found it near impossible to keep his eyes off her, as they sat in the cab. His eyes lingered on every part of her body. She could feel his gaze, but refused to let it show. As they approached the ball she turned and smiled at her partner.

He handed over money to the cab driver before helping Olivia out the car. Acting the gentleman he put his arm out and she linked hers through his, they walked up the steps and into the entrance hall.

He smiled over at his partner as they entered the building. He couldn't believe how beautiful she was. More to the point he couldn't believe she'd picked him. She didn't pick you he reminded himself, she's here with you because neither of you had dates, not because she really wanted to be.

He understood sometimes why his wife had always been convinced they'd been having an affair. She was so beautiful. Anyway he was only human, it wasn't like he hadn't thought about it and it definitely wasn't like he'd mind.

They took their seats with the rest of the SVU team. Captain Cragen was nowhere in sight and Munch and Fin were all alone looking as if they wished they hadn't come. Olivia said a quick hello to her colleagues before going off in search of the unit's ADA, Alex.

She found the ADA five minutes later standing in the washrooms tears in her eyes. Her makeup was just beginning to smudge. "Alex. What's the matter?" Olivia asked her soothingly, placing a hand on her shoulder. Alex cried harder. Olivia twisted the woman's body around to face her and pulled her close.

"I think I love him," Alex whispered when she'd finally calmed down.

"Alex that's a good thing isn't it?" Olivia asked pushing herself slightly back from her friend, so she could see her eyes.

"He doesn't love me." Alex said sniffing.

"Oh Alex, how can you possibly know that?"

"I don't know. I just do."

"Look, that's not a good reason. You gotta ask the guy. This is Munch we're talking about, right?" Alex nodded. "Well, ask him."

A hint of a smile appeared on Alex's face, her eyes still red and blotchy. "Yeah," she said. "maybe I will."

"You gonna be okay here?"

"Yep."

"I'll see you in a few minutes. Right?" Alex nodded and turned to the mirror trying to hide some of the blotchiness.

Olivia left her alone, she needed time to think. She re-entered the hall and took her seat next to Elliot at the round table reserved for SVU. Elliot glanced up from his conversation with Munch and Fin and smiled at her. Checking no one was watching he let a hand rest on her thigh. He winced slightly expecting a glare directed towards him, but instead received a smile.

Alex returned a few minutes later taking her seat next to Munch just as a tall man with short brown hair sidled on to the stage at the front of the room. Everyone immediately fell silent; it wasn't just any man, it was the head of the New York Police Department.

"Welcome everyone, you all know who I am" there was a nod of agreement from the gathered police officers. "For those of you who are new to the NYPD and haven't attended this annual ball before, I extend a warm welcome and hope that you will continue to be acting members of the NYPD for a long time. For those of you who have attended this function before there will be some changes tonight, so just sit tight and it will all become clear." There was silence while he let everything he'd said sink in.

"Everyone as I mentioned tonight will be a little different. We have decided that this year our best officers and units are to receive awards. These will be announced later in the evening. First we will give you all a chance to mingle and enjoy your meals." He stepped down from the stage and a hundred or so waiters who had been standing against the walls stepped forward and began to take people's orders.

Olivia placed her order with a young woman and Elliot ordered the same. He knew that if he read the menu his hand still resting on Olivia's thigh would have to be removed. His hand had slowly snaked higher throughout the speech and Olivia had made no protests. As his hand brushed against her most sensitive part she let out a moan, which she cleverly disguised as a sigh. Alex gave her a strange look over the table and Olivia smiled back at her as Elliot's hand slid back down her thigh.

When their meals arrived twenty minutes later Elliot reluctantly moved his hand up to eat his meal. As the conversation ceased and they all began to eat, Olivia let her foot rub up and under Elliot's pants, he moaned into his food. "What was that Elliot?" Fin asked looking up from his food. Alex looked over at Olivia who was smirking and then to Elliot next to her.

"This food is really good" Elliot replied still looking at his food his cheeks getting a slightly pinkish tinge.

As their plates were cleared away the head of the NYPD stepped back onto the stage and the awards part of the night began. The members of SVU were surprised to receive the first award for the unit with the best conviction rate. They went on throughout the night to receive two more awards as a team and four awards between Olivia and Elliot.

They had won the most co-operative unit. The unit with the least complaints made. Olivia and Elliot had won best partnership. Olivia had then won best interrogation of a suspect and best handling of a child victim. Elliot had won an award for the most daring deed to save a partner.

When all the awards had been presented and everyone was safely back in their seats the music started and the dancing part of the night began. "Olivia, would you dance with me?" Fin asked her.

"Sure, Fin." She stood up and was led onto the floor by her colleague. Alex and Munch were also dancing. Elliot and Cragen were still sitting back at the table.

When the song was over, Olivia thanked Fin "I 'spose I better dance with the others too," she said pointing back to the table where Elliot and Cragen sat talking. Fin nodded.

"Captain, would you like to dance?"

"Oh, I couldn't."

"You could and you will, I plan to dance with every man in our unit tonight."

"Ok. One dance," Cragen agreed and Olivia stepped back onto the dance floor in her Captain's arms. However, the one man she really wanted to dance with was standing not far from her dancing with the ADA.

The next dance was Munch's and they waltzed around the room chatting about whatever came into mind. Fin was dancing with Alex, though they both appeared a little uncomfortable.

Then finally it was Elliot's turn. He pulled her gracefully into his arms. As his hand came to rest on her waist she felt a slight tingle, his other hand came to rest naturally on her shoulder.

"You really are beautiful," he whispered as he twirled her around the room. She buried her head in his shoulder as she blushed and he pulled her closer. Her arms were around his neck and her fingers caressing his skin gently as they danced. The night wore on and before they knew it, it was the last song.

A slow melody filled their ears. Olivia snuggled into Elliot's embrace resting her head on his shoulder. They swayed around the dance floor, neither speaking, neither really moving. Just taking their time and savouring the few moments they had together, that weren't rushed or during work.

Elliot smiled he missed the feel of someone's arms around him. He didn't so much miss his ex-wife's embraces. It was the hugs from his four children that he missed most. He'd known for a long time that Kathy neither trusted him nor loved him, but his children still did. He missed the feeling that he was loved. That feeling that's conveyed in every hug by the people closest to you that love you.

Kathy had given away long before the divorce that she was ready to move on. She'd never come right out and say it. But Elliot could see it in her eyes. He could feel it in their embraces. He knew the end was near. He didn't mind, not really-- well he did, he wanted to see his kids. But he was a good Catholic, and being married to Kathy had stopped him from taking anything further with Olivia. Now, maybe that would happen. A tear slid down his face and on to Olivia's.

She looked up "What's the matter El?" she asked seeing the pain in his eyes.

"I dunno, I was thinking. I was thinking about how safe and loved I feel here with you and then about how much I missed feeling like that every day. You know?"

Olivia was a child of rape, her mother had never really loved her, she hadn't known her father, she'd never really been in a serious relationship, and she didn't really know how it felt to be loved, but still with Elliot, she did feel something that she hoped was love, and she wanted it every day. "Yeah, I guess so, El. But I guess I'd just like to feel loved. End of story" she tried to hold back the tear she knew was trying to slide down her face and as the song ended she wiped her eyes dry. Elliot had noticed, but didn't say anything as they headed back to their table.

They all said goodnight and Olivia and Elliot shared a cab back to Olivia's apartment. By the time they got there, it was almost one in the morning. "Come on, El," she said as she got out the car.

"I can't, Liv."

"Sure you can. Come on. It's one o clock, I don't want you going home to an empty apartment. Stay with me." Elliot nodded, handed some money to the cabbie, and they headed upstairs.

Olivia stepped out of her shoes and headed to her bedroom, "Back in a sec, El" she came back wearing sweatpants and a tank top. She threw a pair at him. "Bathroom's down the hall." He came back a few minutes later wearing only the blue sweatpants. Olivia found herself staring intently at him, longing to touch his chest, taking a step closer, she licked her lips. No, what was she thinking? She took a few quick steps toward him, kissed him on the cheek he smiled and she reluctantly said "Goodnight, there's a pillow and blanket on the couch, you sure you'll be okay?"

"Yep. You sure it's fine I'm staying here?" she nodded. "Okay. Thanks. Goodnight Liv" she pulled him close and they hugged for a moment. He smiled as she padded off down the hall to her bedroom, their relationship still intact.

Elliot couldn't sleep. He tossed and turned on Olivia's couch. She lingered everywhere. Her sweatpants, her blankets, her smell, her couch, her apartment. The one person he was trying not to think about was everywhere around him. He tried to think of something else, but everything reminded him of her. It wasn't exactly like he needed any help thinking of her. He did that enough himself. The fantasies, the dreams, everything.

He thought back on the night. They'd been subtly flirting with one another all evening. Why hadn't anything happened? The way he rested his hand on her thigh, her foot rubbing up and down his leg, his hands around her waist as they danced, her head resting against him, the tears. The invitation. Hadn't it all been leading to something? Hadn't it all been angling towards the climax, when their relationship would change? Hadn't it?

He sighed as he lay on the couch. His partner just down the hall, probably asleep by now, not plagued by the same impure thoughts, which plagued his mind night and day. Maybe he should just forget the whole thing. He'd been reading her wrong. But then what about just before she'd gone to bed? Hadn't she kissed him on the cheek? No, he was reading her wrong. He had to forget it all. She was his partner. She trusted him, he couldn't stuff things up like that.

What had she almost done? Olivia couldn't believe it, she'd let her guard down for a few minutes while Elliot was getting changed and then she'd almost stuffed everything up for good. She'd almost jumped him then and there. But she hadn't she got control, she remembered, she'd only kissed him on the cheek. But he'd smiled- she'd kissed him on the cheek, and he'd smiled. Aaaaaah. What was her life coming to? She wasn't meant to be attracted to her partner.

A knock on her door brought Olivia out of her thoughts. "Liv, you awake?"

"Yeah."

"Can I come in?"

"Sure," Olivia replied trying to slow her racing heartbeat.

The door to her bedroom opened slowly and Elliot stood framed in the doorway for a second. Olivia felt sure that if she'd been standing up she would've fallen down. He really did look hot standing in her doorway half dressed like that.

"Can I sit down?" she nodded and moved over slightly to give him more space. Once he was sat comfortably he began. "Look Liv, I really think we need to talk." She didn't answer but looked down at her feet. Eventually she nodded. "Liv, how do you feel about me? Be honest."

For a long time Olivia was silent, trying to think how to word her answer. "El, I trust you, you're my best friend." She stopped there, looking as if she was about to say more.

"That makes this harder to say."

Elliot began, "Look Liv, I'm gonna be honest here, I didn't just want to go with you tonight because I was desperate. You were my first choice. I just didn't know how to ask you." Olivia looked shocked, but still didn't look at Elliot.

"You were my first choice, too," she whispered. Elliot didn't hear her.

"Olivia, I've been hiding from this for too long. You don't have to say anything, you can slap me if you want, but I think I love you." He winced waiting to be slapped, but the slap never came.

Olivia's lips pressed against his in a soft kiss, she pulled away smiling before Elliot even had a chance to register what had happened. "I love you El. I always have." She put a hand on his and pulled his lips to hers again.

His lips were hard, hers soft. He pulled her closer to him on the bed, her hands sending shivers down his back as her fingers danced across his broad shoulders and down his spine. He laced his fingers through her hair and slid his tongue into her mouth. Their tongues danced together until they were out of breath. "Why didn't you say something sooner?" Elliot asked as he hugged her small body close.

"You were married, El," she whispered, reminding him of his recent divorce. "You were my partner."

"I'm still your partner."

"I know." She smiled.

"You're sure you wanna do this" she nodded her consent and pulled Elliot down on the bed next to her.

She pulled the covers back and he slid under them. She was silent not knowing how to say what she knew she had to. "Just hold me, El," she whispered, snuggling into his warm body. And wrapping her arms around him.

She wanted so much to make love to him, she wanted so much to feel his touch. But they had only just discovered this new relationship. She'd waited so many long years, she didn't mind waiting a few more days. She knew he was hers now.

That night, she just wanted to be held, to be warm and safe in someone's arms. She didn't want sex, not that night. Elliot nodded at his partner's request and pulled her closer. He stroked her hair as she entwined her legs with his. His hand had slid under her tank top and his fingers were caressing her lower back. Her breath was warm on his chest as she snuggled closer to his shoulder.

"Olivia. This is perfect"

"Huh?" she whispered sleepily.

"Well, for the first time in years, I feel like everything is right. You, me, us. It's absolutely perfect. I'd forgotten how wonderful it could be when you're in love."

"El, stay here with me, forever."

"Of course. There's nowhere else I'd rather be."

The moonlight shone through the window illuminating Olivia's face, where tears had begun to fall. Elliot kissed her tears away, knowing things couldn't get any better. Well maybe a little. One day they would be a real family. One day there would be little Olivia and Elliot's running around, with Olivia's in his arms his dreams had come true.

The first snow of the year was beginning to fall outside as Elliot and Olivia whispered sweet nothings to each other in the moonlight. Indeed Elliot was right, everything was perfect.

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A.N. So I guess that chapter was a little longer than normal, but yeah. So review, what did you all think?