Elliot POV

What is with us? Making out like two teenagers. Why do I feel so compelled to be this close to her? 'Cause she's beautiful and smart, and a damn fine lover. Yeah, that's it, I would take her right here, right now….if she'd let me.

"Not so fast there….Cameras…"

Damn, shut down. "Aw, come on Kath. The thought of someone watching us…better yet, bet I could get that tape, I mean, I'd have to talk the Feds out of it." Crap, ground floor Oh well, out we go.

"El, the thought of someone else watching us…"

"What's the matter? Don't want anyone to see that cute little face you make Or is it all the swearing….hey, do you confess all those awful things you say?" OWIE! Painful, but worth it.

"Oh, like you're so perfect. You sound like a mongoose in the throes of passion…and you're one to say a work about language."

Mongoose…."What the fuck is a mongoose?"

"Saw it on TV….made a weird noise…."

"Alright. Alright. I surrender."

Here, let me get that car door for ya. So beautiful…oh, I knew she couldn't resist me, but it's not nice to tease the animals. Shut the door, Stabler. Good boy. Now get in…this city, mad house, but I do love it. Now, the people, that's a different story…some real twisted bastards here.

"I was thinking…."

"Now, no good can come from that."

Good one, "Maybe I shouldn't even mention it…after that little comment. BUT, since I was in mid-thought….I was thinking, while we were in the city…maybe you'd like to do a little shopping." And then I can make a stop without you knowing…

"Elliot Richard Stabler, did you just suggest that I go and spend money?"

"Yeah. I did. And you really shouldn't turn it down…you know how rarely suggest anything like that." And it's true. Not that I'm cheap, but four kids….a house…two cars…not cheap.

"Well, I do need to buy you a birthday present."

"Kath, forget it. Just get something for something for yourself…for once." BUT I wouldn't object if you got something that would double as a gift for me.

"You're such a guy you know that?"

"Last time I checked. But I'm a good one."

"Yes, you are. And I'm lucky to have you."

That's good to know. I can't even begin to tell her how wonderful it feels to take her hand and know she'll always be there…."Thanks. For being there, even though most of the time it was pretty cold."

"A promise is a promise; and I can't even believe I considered leaving."

"This is because I bribed you isn't it?" Gotcha! I love that laugh.

"Well….maybe. Just a little."

Always can make me laugh. Even with all these idiots today! Come on….got places to be. A sizeable sum to spend! But, it's worth it.

"So, what's the plan…o' fearless leader? You comin' with me or…."

"Nah. You're a big girl, you can take care of yourself. And as long as I know where you are…and long you're going to be there…."

"Yes, DAD!" Huh, that's where the girls got that.

"I just like knowing where the most gorgeous woman in the western hemisphere is…."

"Yeah, I would too. You ever met her…she sounds nice."

Always with the self loathing…women. "Yeah, I even dated her in high school. And then, I've woken up to her face for very close to twenty years."

"Elliot."

"and that's not just lip service either."

But that is…thanks. But, uh, need to keep my eyes on the road…and find a place to park in this city. Sweet deal. Not to far a walk either. Lucky……kinda like me.

"I'm lucky to have you….and now you can start believing it."

Run. Get out…before she can deny it. Here, I'll get that door for ya. "And don't try to argue."

"I won't. So, I'll meet you back here in say….an hour?"

"Sounds perfect." A polite wave, but the look in her eyes….hmm, I miss her. But, uh, I think this hour apart will be worth it, with the look on her face. And you know something else? I haven't thought about those kids…all day.

She gives me clarity…and helps me with my peace of mind. It'll be nice to give something great back to her…for once.