Author's note: Thanks again for reviewing! Keep it up!

Disclaimer: The only thing I get out of writing this is a wrist cramp and a way out of having a social life.

"So you guys know Smith. What the hell's his problem?"

Olivia was venting out her frustrations about Agent Smith by trying to figure him out. Agents Reynolds and Curry, having both received training from him, were only too happy to offer up information.

The four of them were in Curry's car, headed out to their afternoon orientation at the Quantico Government Training Facility.

"Smith's an ass, but he's damn good at his job," Reynolds began, then hastily added, "I mean, obviously, he couldn't have gotten where he is today without being damn good."

"Obviously," Elliot said. "So what gives on the hating women thing?"

"He doesn't hate women," Curry said. "He just doesn't think they belong in law enforcement."

"He's obviously never had a woman backing him up in tense situations," Elliot said proudly.

Olivia allowed a small smile to break through her anger.

A few minutes later, they were pulling into a clearing in the woods that served as a parking lot. Some agents and detectives were already gathered around a tree stump, atop of which stood Agent Smith.

When the last few cars had parked and their occupants congregated, he began to speak.

"Alright, gents," he started. Olivia clenched her fists next to Elliot, who reached over and nudged her palms open, tugging her pinky teasingly. Smith continued, "our first experiment in trust-building is one that I'm sure everyone's familiar with: the free fall."

There were a few subdued groans and not-as-subdued rolling of the eyes. Olivia, for her part, gave no reaction whatsoever, not wanting to attract Smith's attention again. Elliot, however, wasn't as wary of Smith's eye. He leaned over towards Olivia and muttered, "Wish he'd free fall off a building."

The corners of her mouth twitched and Smith seemed to sense it, because his eyes locked on her and said, "Miss Benson, did you and your partner just volunteer again?"

Liv stuck her chin out defiantly and answered, "It's Detective Benson. And yes, I believe we just did."

Elliot seemed to be a step behind in what had just transpired, because he didn't know why Olivia was dragging him up to the front of the group until they were there.

"Okay, now the first demonstration is gonna be the common free fall. Stabler, you stand here, and your partner is gonna stand behind you. You're gonna fall back when you're ready to, and trust that she'll be strong enough to catch you."

Olivia seethed at his employment of the words "strong enough." Elliot looked at her over his shoulder and nodded reassuringly. He then faced forward and, without hesitation, fell backwards.

Olivia's arms curled under his, and she bent her legs slightly to brace. Elliot grinned up into her face and she returned it before pushing him back upright.

"Okay, I want everyone else to try it," Smith called out, once again ignoring their small victory. "I'll be watching from right here."

A minute later, after all pairs had finished the exercise—some more than once—they regrouped.

"Alright, good work, men," Smith called out. "The remainder of the time today is yours to explore the training grounds here. Orient yourselves with the different areas, as you will have activities on almost all of them this week. There are training agents all around the complex, ready and willing to answer any questions you may have." He looked around the group to make sure everyone's eyes were on him before barking, "Dismissed."

As they dispersed, Agent Stewart came up to Olivia, giving her the once-over, twice. "Uh, Detective Benson?"

Olivia looked at him, remembering him as one of the agents who had tried to use a pick-up line on her. She raised her eyebrows in a "speak" gesture.

"Hey, I'm not sure if you remember—"

"Ron Stewart," she said in a tone that told him to get to the point.

"Right. Well, listen, I think we may have gotten off on the wrong foot…" he said, trailing off.

She stared him down before replying, "Maybe because the right one was in your mouth." Before he could understand fully what just happened, she walked past him with Elliot in tow, howling with laughter.

That evening, in their room, Olivia was back to ranting. She was sitting on the edge of her bed, legs crossed Indian-style and hands making wild gestures to punctuate her talking points.

Elliot kept his attention on her this time, afraid she might throw something a little heavier than a pillow if he were to space out again.

"…don't think that he's allowed to do that, you know? Single us out, I mean. Just because he somehow wants to show I'm weak, thus validating his belief that women aren't cut out for law enforcement."

"I completely agree," Elliot said, his voice flat and gaze unfocused.

Olivia narrowed her eyes in suspicion. "Also, I think on the last day, when we graduate from this seminar, I'm going to receive my certificate naked."

Elliot's expression remained glazed.

"What about you?" she prompted.

He moved his eyes into focus on her face. He stood up from the chair he'd been sitting in and walked over to her. He reached out his hand and gently grasped her necklaces, untangling them and setting them straight before answering, "Absolutely." He then leaned down and pressed a tired kiss onto her forehead before shuffling off to his own bed.

She found that she wasn't angry at him for not listening, mostly because she knew he really did try.

They each settled into their separate beds, and Elliot turned the bedside lamps off.

A minute passed in silence before Elliot said, "Liv?"

"Hmm?"

"If it's an outdoor ceremony, I can help with your sunblock."

To be continued…

Meanwhile, if Elliot goes naked, everyone who reviews gets to help with his sunblock.