CHAPTER TWELVE

Olivia pushed through the doors of the house, feeling a little light in her step. She had just spent the last three weeks in Hawaii, a place she had always wished to go, but had reserved for her honeymoon. She chuckled at the thought. It's a good thing she didn't wait for that one.

"If it isn't Miss Olivia Benson," Munch announced, giving her a light hug. "You were missed."

Olivia treated him with a brilliant smile. "And this crazy place as well. Any new developments?"

Just then Elliot and Cragen walked into the squadroom, heads bent, intently studying a piece of paper. Olivia felt her heart jump at the sight of her partner. She hadn't realized how much she missed him.

"Hey Cap, Elliot."

He looked up then at the mention of his name. Olivia looked radiant and, most of all, relaxed. He felt his irritation with her slowly seeping away.

"How are you Olivia? Feeling better?" Cragen asked.

"Absolutely, what have we got?"

"Elliot was just about to interview a wig shop owner. Give him some company."

"I'll fill you in on the way," he said brusquely, grabbing his coat. The slightly off tone didn't escape Olivia's attention.

In the sedan, Elliot quickly filled Olivia in. "…we were able to locate where the wig had been purchased. The owner has been out on vacation, but he's back now. Let's see if he can id our mystery woman."

"So that's how the case is going, how are you?" she asked.

Elliot glanced at her briefly. "Fine. Did you have fun in Virginia?"

"Virginia? I was in Hawaii, not in Virginia."

"Oh…I thought maybe you went down to see Andy…" He felt like a child. Who cares where she went as long as she was getting the much needed rest she deserved?

"Elliot, I wasn't with Andy. I did what you told me to do and I feel great. Thank you."

After a brief silence, "I was worried about you."

Olivia found him trying hard to avoid her gaze. "I appreciate it Elliot, I really do. And I missed you too."

He couldn't help smiling. "I'm that transparent?"

"Crystal."

They pulled up to the wig shop and entered. After asking for Seymour, a middle-aged Korean man emerged from behind the counter. "I am Seymour. What can I do for you?"

After explaining the situation, Seymour shook his head vigorously. "Do you know how many wigs, especially that style, I have sold? It will be nearly impossible to remember."

"It would have been about two months ago, maybe longer," Elliot coaxed, but he knew it was fruitless.

"I'm sorry, I have no idea who it could have been."

They left the wig shop and slowly walked back to the car, both savoring the uncharacteristically warm day. "Have you talked to Kathy lately?"

Elliot grimaced. "Yeah, she filled me on this journalist she is dating. She sounds happy."

Olivia sympathized. "Well, my mother is working late tonight, why don't you stop by and watch a movie with me? We can order in take out."

Elliot started to protest than quickly thought better of it. Maybe that's what the two of them needed, a time to spend together that didn't revolve around dead bodies.

"I'll bring the movies."

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Elliot took the steps two at a time to Olivia's floor. He had stopped by the video store beforehand, picking up Dodgeball and Mean Girls. He figured they could both use a good laugh.

Arriving at her apartment door, he reached up to knock but hesitated. Could you be nervous Stabler, he asked himself. What for? It's just Olivia. He shook his head and rapped quickly on the door.

Olivia answered with a brilliant smile. She had chose a soft teal sweater that clung to all the right places and worn jeans that fit her shape perfectly. She was barefoot and her hair was just slightly tousled. It took Elliot a minute to realize he had stopped breathing.

"Coming in?" she asked him quizzically. He looked somewhat taken aback and Olivia couldn't help feeling pleased.

"Of course," he managed, stepping into the apartment. Olivia had already set plates of steaming Chinese food and a couple of cold beers on her coffee table. "Dodgeball and Mean Girls. Your pick."

"Let's go with Lindsay," she said, plucking the case from his hand and inserting the DVD in the player. They settled comfortably on the couch and dug into the food. While they chatted and laughed along with the movie, Olivia couldn't help thinking how at ease and relaxed she could be when in Elliot's presence. She stared at his profile, the smooth forehead, the strong jaw…

Elliot did a double take. "Liv," he said smiling, a bit unnerved. "You're staring."

Olivia blushed a deep crimson and turned her attention back to the screen. Moments later she felt a hand gently cup her chin and slowly turn her head to the side.

"Liv," Elliot said softly. "can I kiss you?" His bravery shocked even him and he immediately regretted his request. This was his partner. Period. He was on the rebound and it wasn't fair –

His thoughts were interrupted by the soft feel of Olivia lips meeting his. They were tentative at first, each slowly testing out the unfamiliar territory. As they became more comfortable, the pressure increased until they were hungrily seeking out each other's lips and tongues. Finally, they broke apart.

Elliot's eyes focused on Olivia's lips, red from the pressure of his own. "Where… Where's your mom?" he stammered.

Olivia scrunched her forehead. It dawned her then that she hadn't seen her mom all night. "I don't know."

Elliot hesitated. "Would you feel comfortable…if I stayed the night?"

Olivia smiled. Silently, she stood up from the couch and offered Elliot her hand. He took it with a squeeze and followed her into the bedroom.