Elliot POV

Well, that was only mildly painful. What is it with women and Tiffany's anyways? It's just jewelry in a little blue box….but you know….the look on her face will be worth it. Better hide that box there Stabler….can't let her see it….oh, phone.

"Stabler."

"El, babe. I'm ready for you….and I sure hope you're ready for me."

"Damn Kat…not very shy today are we?"

"Not any day. But uh…..whenever you get back to the car….then we can go home. And I can show you what I bought. Think of it as an early birthday present."

Amen to that. Bye."

Hmm, now I can't wait to get home…huh, funny. Used to I would pour myself so deep into work so I wouldn't have to go home. I'd rather hear Olivia bitch at me for not calling Kathy then hear Kathy bitch at me for not calling her. Olivia…wonder if they've made any progress……

WOW, just look at her. Amazing. A shame I haven't told her that, often. And look at all those bags…..still, small ones…which equals small amounts of clothing. Why can't I just tell her how great she looks…or what I'm thinking….

"Olivia was right." Very smooth Stabler. Very nice….

"And just what made you think of her?"

Quickly, move fast. "She and I had this conversation about us…you and I that is."

"So, you'll talk to her about any issues we have but…"

"Kat. Hear me out. Liv and I work close….spend a lot of time together. She knows me just about as well as you do." She looks almost embarrassed….. "She told me once that I shut everyone out….and that if I kept it up I would ruin the best think I've ever had. And, she was right. I almost did."

"She's a smart woman. And to tell the truth, I'm glad she's you're partner. Really."

Alright, get in the car, it's freezing out here. I'm hurrying to get in too….I hate the cold. What's that look for. "What?"

"You wanna talk to her…see her, don't you? And don't even try lying to me…"

"Yeah, I would. Just to see how the case is going…and to check on her. She was pretty shaken up, like the rest of us."

"She's got no one else to make sure she's okay. Just go El….it'll be okay."

YOU….actually understand. I'm so glad…..so, I guess it's off to the 1-6.