"This is not your fault Elliot, don't blame yourself" Benson told Stabler after they heard of the murder of the young boy he let leave the day before.

"Don't tell me that- I let him go through those doors! I let him leave when I knew there was something wrong!" he shouted at her as he stood against the wall.

"Elliot! Stop that! We all regret things we've done and haven't done!" She stood close.

"You did everything you legally could- this wasn't your fault" she quieted down as she looked him directly in the eyes. He looked back into hers as he turned while he choked up a little.

"Elliot…" she said sympathetically as she put her hand gently up on his cheek. He couldn't help it as he wrapped his arms around her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and held him close. He cried into her arms.

"Come on" she said as she led him into an open interrogation room. They stood in the room as he stayed in her arms. He obviously was letting out other emotions through tears as Cragen, Huang, and Fin watched from outside.

"Elliot, you know this isn't your fault" she said as he held her tighter.

"There's other things going on in your life- and you made a mistake. Let's not even go through all the mistakes I've made" She smiled as he listened to her soft voice roll into his ear. He held on to her as she breathed on to his neck, her breath was warm and so was her body. Being closer to her then he had ever been he felt the warmth of her body seep into his pores and her soft hair gently tickle his neck. She started to let go of him, and he let go of her unwittingly. He took in a deep breath and leaned against the wall that was next to the window.

"I do have other things I'm trying to deal with" he admitted as she stood in front of the window listening to him.

"Maybe you want to talk to someone? Like Huang?" she suggested as she watched him.

"I don't need Huang." He shook his head as he looked away. She let out a little sigh. She nodded and turned to leave when she felt his hand wrap around her wrist.

"I could still use someone to talk to though" He said looking at her with hope. She was surprised but nodded and headed to the table in the room. He stood and walked around as he tried to talk. She sat and waited while she watched him try to form words. He finally came around and stood on one knee facing Benson.

"Life can be unfair" He simply stated as he looked up into her eyes.

"I know." She looked back at him. She put her hand on his cheek as they looked at one another deeply. Cragen, Fin, and Huang watched cautiously.

"Not good…." Huang commented as Benson started to lean in.

"….not good…" he said again. Stabler straightened up, to reach her better and they brought their mouths together. At first it was a gentle- an unsure kiss. He slid is right hand up along her leg until he reached her thigh. They kissed deeply as she held the side of his head still. She took in a deep breath as they brought their lips apart for a second. She opened her eyes as he looked into hers, their lips still barely touching. She took a quiet gulp and licked her lips before she pulled her chair back and stood up. She realized what had just happened. What she promised her self she would never do. She looked nervous, and put her hand over her mouth.

"I don't think I can help you with your problems" She said breathing unsteadily as she left the room. He stayed on his knees and took another deep breath while he closed his eyes. What had he done? And more importantly, what would he do?

Finished.