Stabler knew he had to cheer up his partner. He wouldn't let her feel like something bad was going to happen to her. He was about to go after her when Cragen called for him. Stabler followed him into his office where Cragen looked uneasy.
"What?" Stabler questioned as he stood straight up with his arms across his chest.
"They want to put her on witness protection" Cragen took in a breath.
"What?" Stabler frowned.
"She's not going to like that. I mean, she won't let that happen" Stabler released his arms.
"I know. So, I made a deal" he told Stabler leaning against his desk.
"What?"
"She has to have a guardian, just for her own good… I told my boss that you would be her surveillance" Cragen told him.
"What? She's going to hate that even more" Stabler was getting mad.
"Well, no I don't think she'll mind. I mean, make it like a get together. Treat her like a friend, not a body guard" Cragen suggested as he went around his desk.
"She's not going to like this. I'm not telling her" Stabler refused.
"I'll tell her, you just go and get her for me" Cragen sat in his chair as Stabler shook his head. He rolled his eyes when he finally turned around and left Cragen's office.
Benson was back at her desk. She didn't look too upset- Stabler figured she must have washed up. He went to her swiftly, but hesitantly.
"Olivia" he said not looking her in the eyes.
"Yeah?"
"Cragen wants to see you" he turned his head away.
"Ok. Thanks" she said as he nodded. She got up and went to his office as Stabler went to his desk. Cragen told her what was going on and she didn't know what to think.
"I can take care of myself you know" She argued to Cragen.
"I know you can. But that's not the point. You're a good detective, and I don't want to risk losing you to some kid." Cragen spoke from his heart.
"She's not going to hurt me" Benson said leaning on his desk, her palms sweaty.
"This will only be for a little bit- we need to make sure that there's no immediate threat to you" Cragen pleaded. Benson took in a deep breath as she put her arms across her chest.
"Fine. But only for a week." She left Cragen's office as Cragen went dashing out after her. Benson was heading to her desk, but as she walked by Stabler, Cragen stopped her.
"Olivia, you must understand me, you cannot go any where when Stabler is not with you. I know you don't like this- but do it for me. And do it for yourself" Cragen pleaded again. Benson didn't answer but Cragen knew she understood.
A couple hours had passed and it was getting late, and neither Stabler nor Benson wanted to talk to each other. They had avoided each other as best they could the last few hours, now they had to talk.
"We should probably go soon." Stabler finally chocked out.
"Yeah." Benson commented.
"We'll stop at your place and you can pack." He avoided eye contact as they headed for the door. They got to Benson's home efficiently and after Stabler admitted a thorough check, Benson got into her apartment.
"Help yourself to a drink or whatever" Benson called from her bedroom as she packed. It wasn't until she packed half her bag that she realized she didn't have that many clothes. She scurried into her closet to find any hiding clothing. Stabler poured half a beer into one glass, and the other half into another. He stood in the doorway of her room, as he watched her climb in and out of her closet. The last time she came out of it her hair was a mess, and parts stood on end from static. Stabler couldn't help but smile as she flattened her hair out with her hands.
"Is that for me?" she questioned about the drinks in his hands.
"Awe yes. This is for you" He held out a glass, making her come over to him.
"Why thank you" she fake smiled as she turned and readjusted some clothing in her bag.
"You know, I'm sure you'll be back home before long. Cragen just doesn't want you to be in danger" Stabler sipped his drink.
"I know. And I'm not in danger, but I look forward to new situations. And, living in a house, with your wife, and four children is a very new situation for me" She zipped up her bag as she turned to him.
"Well, I don't know how much I would look forward to it- but it is different then this" he said as he walked back out into her living room. She grabbed her bag and followed.
"Different then what exactly?" Benson questioned curiously.
"You know…" he said as she frowned.
"A small apartment, no siblings or spouses" he told her.
"Oh, you mean someone who doesn't have a life. Yeah, nice to meet you I'm Miss. No-Life, welcome to my humble apartment" she bowed down as he smiled. She stood back up and held her drink out to him.
"Hold this for a second" she said as she went off to retrieve some things from the bathroom. Stabler had finished his drink and put the glass in her sink. She came back out to find him sipping on her drink.
"I think I'm ready to go now" she told him as he gulped down the last part of her drink.
"Ok good" he said as he handed her the glass. She smiled as she took it.
"Thanks" she said as she went and put it in her sink.
"Let's go" he said as he walked out of her apartment. She frowned as she stomped back to get her bag, then hurried to catch up with him.
