a/n: Elliot is Olivia's partner in New York. (They're detectives for the NYPD. :)

Sara looked up from Trent's shoulder to watch Derek and Olivia dance. She had to admit this wasn't how she expected her night to turn out, but she wasn't about to complain. Trent was far too good a dancer to do that.

The evening had started slow, with Sara and Olivia trying to find a club playing good music. They eventually settled on The Velvet Underground, with it's good music, cheap drinks, and clientele that didn't make them feel too old. The pair got some drinks and headed to the dance floor.

Everything was going great until a slower song came on. Some guy immediately swooped in and took Olivia into his arms. Olivia gave her a questioning look, as if asking Sara if it was okay. Sara nodded and Liv danced away happily. Sara stood lost on the dance floor for a moment before moving off to the side.

"Felt like a break?" Liv asked as she flopped onto the couch next to Sara with more drinks.

"Uh, yeah. Good dancer?"

"Yeah, I guess."

"But Elliot's better." Sara added, smiling. Olivia laughed,

"Yes, yes he is." They sat and watched the dancers for a few songs. A new song started and Liv grabbed Sara's hand. "Come on, I love this song."

The next time a slow song came on, the same thing happened again, except for Liv suddenly spinning Sara around into a chest.

"Hi there." The chest rumbled as he laughed. Sara looked up into the nicest green eyes she'd seen in a long time, "so, want to dance?" Sara's cheeks flushed when she realized she'd been staring. She hastily nodded and off they went. The four danced together for the rest of the night.

When Derek suggested they go grab some coffee, Liv politely declined. She'd been tempted until she'd seen Sara's eyes flash in fear at the prospect.

"Maybe another night. I'm still on New York time." She yawned for emphasis. Soon the entire group was exchanging numbers, and attempting not to yawn.

Once they were settled in the cab, Liv turned to Sara,

"Why didn't you want to go with them?"

"I just…I didn't want to."

"Okay." Liv couldn't help herself, her cop-side kicked in. She knew Sara was shy, but what if there was something more? "Why not?" she asked. Sara stared at her.

"Liv," Sara started, "I'm not one of your victims. I just didn't want to lead them on."

"One of my victims?" Liv did her best to stay calm.

"Look, I didn't mean it that way."

"Right. Then what did you mean?" Sara could tell Liv was really pissed. 'Good one, first night here and you have a fight. Way to go.' Sara mocked herself. She sucked in a breath and tried to calm herself down, and Liv.

"It's just the way you asked 'why not', like you thought someone had…hurt me." Liv was silent for a bit, then she spoke,

"I'm sorry; I saw the look of fear in your eyes when they suggested the coffee. I just wanted to make sure you were okay."

"I really just didn't want to lead them on, that's really all it was." Sara took Liv's hand and looked her in the eyes. "No one has hurt me that way. You can relax, okay?" Liv nodded, mostly mollified. "But thank you for your concern."

Liv returned Sara's smile.

Sara woke when she heard someone moving in her kitchen. Then she smelled the pancakes and heard Liv humming. Relaxing, she put down her gun. Liv was humming Sarah Slean. Sara smiled and got up.

"I've got that song on cd." The frying pan clanged loudly.

"Shit, Sara, you scared me."

"Fair's fair, you scared me with all your banging."

"You forgot I was here, didn't you?" Liv asked, smiling.

"Only for a moment." Sara said, sheepishly.

"Anyway, you got lucky." Liv got an evil look on her face and held up a glass of water, "this was for waking you up."

"What's Greg doing today?"

"He's working, why?"

"What about the rest of the guys."

"Everyone else is on because I'm off."

"Oh."

"You sound disappointed."

"I wanted to meet these people I hear about all the time. What about we go in?" Liv asked.

"You're serious?" Liv was serious, "do you realize the ribbing I'll get for coming in on my vacation? Actually, I suppose you would. Okay fine, but how about tomorrow? I don't feel like putting pants on today." Liv smiled and shrugged her shoulders.

"So, what do you want to do today?"