A/N: Every EO shipper is going to kick our asses after this...but it works for the story. Sorry.

Special Victims Unit

Squad Room

November 16

Elliot is sitting at his desk, still fuming. Bobby is seated across from him at Olivia's desk, staring at him.

"Elliot. I."

"What."

"I owe you a question."

"You sure do...you ever wonder if you're as crazy as your mother?"

Bobby shifts in the chair, "That's pretty low, Elliot. But, in the interest of fairness, I'll answer. Sometimes, I wonder...if I'm close to the edge. And still, if I am close, who will keep me from falling off?"

"Maybe...your partner. You two ever, you know, have an evening together?"

"Eames...no. No way. Not even...if I could would I ever. Well, what about you...your partner. She seems to keep you grounded and she matches your stride..."

"You're asking me if I want Olivia to keep me from falling off...or if we had an evening. Never. She's more like my sister than anything. Besides, she's the real independant type. She can take care of herself and won't take any crap from anyone. I need someone who needs me. Not that I've got a complex about it...I'm just, old-fashioned. And besides, she deserves more than me."

Outside the station house...

"I hope we can catch this guy in the act, that is if the powers that be will allow it," Olivia says.

"I think they know the only way we'll catch this guy is while he's hunting for his next target"

"A night at the theater would be a nice bonus too. What else have we got?"

Alex nods. The detectives get out of the car and walk into the building. They wait for the elevator.

"Almost sounds like we're trying to get our partners out on a date," Olivia remarks.

They exchange a look and laugh.

"Bobby. He's that crazy friend that everyone has...and even if I could. I mean, he's my partner, but he's got real "mommy" issues. I have to be a girlfriend...not a mother. What about you and your partner? You two look very comfortable around each other..."

They get on the elevator. Olivia laughs, "Elliot...God no. I mean, I admit..he's a great looking guy."

"If you hadn't said that I would have asked if you have eyes."

Olivia smiles, "Yeah. But you know, not really my type. Total Dad complex; he needs to take care of you and everything else. Not that it's a bad thing; but I'm not into that at all. Would never work."

They get off the elevator and stride into the squad room. Olivia immediately notices Elliot, looking more angry than usual.

"Come up with anything," she asks.

Elliot looks up, "Yeah...Chris's alibi checks. But Mr. Kirkly gave us some valuable information."

"Turns out some guy, matching the description, would come to the theater religiously. Had a conversation with Mr. Kirkly...got a first name, Malachi," Bobby offers.

Cragen comes out of his office, "Good, you're all here. Olivia, ran your idea by the brass...it's a go. We've already secured the tickets."

"Whoa...wait, tickets,"Elliot asks.

Olivia answers, "While talking with some of the cast of Wicked...who also I.D.'d our guy...Alex and I thought we would have a better chance of catching this guy if we got him while he was hunting."

"When?"

Cragen answers, "Friday. So, wear something really nice folks. And you'll all be wired, Munch and Fin will listen from a safe distance," Elliot rolls his eyes at the thought of the theater, "Something wrong Detective?"

"Cap'n...come on..."

"This is not negotiable."

"Not to be a downer, but all we have on this guy is a description and a first name," Bobby says.

"Well...get on it. How many Malachi's can there be in New York City," Cragen says as he disappears into his office.

Elliot punches a few buttons, "Matching our criteria...three...one in Manhattan, one in Brooklyn, one in Queens."

"Sounds like a place to start," Bobby says.

"Tomorrow," Alex says with a yawn, "and sometime after that, Olivia and I have some shopping to do."

Olivia looks at her watch, "It's only eight o'clock at night."

Elliot laughs, "These Major Case kids; they're used to punching out at six."

Bobby smiles, "And that's why we have more than an average two year stay. And with that I'll say good night...Olivia...Elliot."

Everyone mutters good byes. Olivia sits at her desk. Elliot breathes a sigh of relief. Olivia laughs.

"That bad huh?"

"You have no idea."

"Try me."

"Why is it that all the embarrassing things happened to me when you're not around?"

"No clue."

"And how in God's name does that bastard Goren know everything about me?"

"Probably pulled your jacket."

"Wouldn't doubt it. And to top off my crap-fest, that red-headed prick Kirkly..."

"Kirkly? What did he ever do to you...I mean, he did give you a quality lead."

Elliot looks directly at her, "You are sworn to secrecy if I tell you this."

"Under penalty of?"

"Death."

Olivia laughs, "Scouts honor. Tell me already."

"I was feeling sorry for myself, right after Kathy left...and I decided to hit a bar. And when I drink, I talk too much, and to anyone for that matter. So this guy I'm sitting by...starts talking with me. I tell him everything...EVERYTHING about the divorce, my kids, work...and then because I'm drunk off my ass, I start bawling like a baby."

"That it?"

"Uh, no. I decide to get up and go home. He says he'll walk me out...since I could barely stand. We get outside and he hails a cab for me...and I start to say thanks...he...kissed me."

"What."

"Kissed me. Open mouth, tongue. I still brush my teeth four times a day. Anyways, guess that sobered me up...cause I punched him...right in the face. Then I got in the cab and left...went home...and spent the night puking."

"So. My partner...the straightest man alive has had another man's lips grace his," she tries to stifle her laughter and fails, "Sorry...but since it's you..."

He shrugs, "I know. Just...it's just gross. How do people live like that?"

"Hey...where are you staying tonight? Home, here, what?"

"Why?"

"Well, if you were staying here I was going to ask if you wanted to get a drink...and give me some tips on reeling in a man."

She laughs as she dodges the paper wad that was hurled at her.