Standing outside the police station, Olivia's head was spinning. So much had happened in a short span of time. She'd gone home expecting to see Elliot, to have some grand reunion only to see him with his new partner, thinking he had moved on without her. She'd run, the only thing she could think of rather than facing the heartache. Then she was crying on a plane and he'd suddenly been there. None of it made sense. And yet, when she thought about it, with the two of them, it made perfect sense.

Standing on the curb, waiting for him, she was thinking of so many things. So many years of their friendship, their partnership, the months leading up to her going to Oregon and what they had shared. And then she remembered something, one night early into this new relationship and suddenly it all made sense that he had hopped on a plane for her.

They were curled up on her couch, a bowl of popcorn sitting between them as they watched some romantic comedy. The man in the film was currently on his way to find the love of his life, racing in his car to track her down before she moved away. Olivia sighed, "Oh please…"

Surprised by her outburst, Elliot looked down at her and frowned, "What?"

She was nestled up against him and she pointed at the screen, "This is so unrealistic. All these movies…the big grand gesture at the end. The flash mobs and the big public display of affection. That would never really happen."

"Why do you say that?" He asked curiously as he watched her.

Sitting up, Olivia rolled her eyes and looked at him, "Because that's not real life. No man would do that just for a girl."

Moving the bowl to the coffee table, Elliot frowned, "They would if they really loved the girl."

Shaking her head, "I highly doubt it."

Without missing a beat he answered honestly, "I'd do it."

She had been about to get off the couch and then she turned back to him, "What?"

Shrugging, he left his hands in his lap and repeated himself, "I'd do it."

A lump formed in her throat and she felt overwhelmed, standing up and reaching for the bowl, "Well lucky Kathy."

He watched her move towards the kitchen and he sighed, reaching for the remote, he clicked off the TV and followed her, "Who said anything about Kathy?"

Olivia placed the bowl down on the counter and reached into the fridge, "Want another beer?"

Elliot slowly closed the fridge before she could reach for them, "I hate to admit this but…the most romantic I got for Kathy was flowers on the rare occasion and a few spontaneous dinners. Maybe a gift or two but-"

She shook her head, pinching the bridge of her nose, "El, I don't need to hear all the details about your relationship with Kathy. In fact, I'd prefer not to."

She went to move past him and he huffed, reaching for her, he lifted her easily and placed her down on the counter ledge, "I never traveled cross country for Kathy or fought that hard to make things work. And to me that says more about our relationship than anything else."

Her fingers curled around the granite behind her and she tried to push him back with her foot, "Elliot…"

"But if it came to you…if I had to find you…get to you somehow…there is no limit to how far I'd go." He whispered honestly.

Her breath caught in her throat and she whimpered, "El…don't say things like that."

But he ignored her, "I know that you're still scared. Afraid that I'm not in this…that I couldn't possibly mean it when I say I love you. But I do." Leaning forward he pressed his lips to hers in a soft kiss, never closing his eyes, "So if you get the urge to run…I'll follow you. No matter how many miles…I'll follow you."

She felt like her heart might burst from her chest as she looked at him. She wanted to call him out, say he was just trying to say the right thing. But the look on his face told her he meant what he said. He would follow her. No matter where she tried to run, he wasn't giving up on her and that made her feel something she'd never felt before, safe and understood. Her hands moved off the ledge and quickly wound themselves around his neck, "Elliot…"

"I've got your six Benson. Always have. And I always will. No matter what." Leaning in, he kissed her.

Olivia smiled against his lips and whispered, "You're not real Elliot Stabler."

"Okay." He smiled and kissed her again, "Then we're living in some parallel universe…that's fine with me. As long as we're in the same one."

She laughed and wrapped herself tighter around him, "Well today you don't have to travel miles…but you do need to follow me to the bedroom."

Elliot growled and stepped back helping her hop down, "Lead the way babe. I'm right behind you."

Slipping her hand into his, she walked backwards towards her room, the movie long forgotten.

Wiping a tear away from her face, she heard movement ahead of her. Looking up, Elliot was walking out of the police station looking pretty disheveled. Trying not to laugh, she put her hand up, "Wait. Stay right there."

Elliot frowned and froze in place, "Why?"

Taking her phone out of her pocket, she snapped a picture and smiled, "Promised Cragen I'd get a photo."

Elliot slipped his wallet into his back pocket and walked towards her, "I'm glad you're enjoying this."

Olivia smiled, took the three long strides to get to him and pressed up on her toes, wrapping her arms around his neck, "You followed me."

Elliot closed his eyes tight, breathing her in, he wrapped his arms around her waist and lifted her off the ground, "I told you I would."

Pressing her face into the crook of his neck, "El…"

Placing her down on the sidewalk again he sighed and let go, only enough to move his hands to wrap them in her hair, "I like the bangs…"

She looked up and bit her lip, "This is insane…"

Nodding his head, he leaned in and kissed her again, "Yes. We are insane. But crazy people do crazy things when they are in love."

"You and…" Her voice cracked, "Your new partner…"

He shook his head, "I know what you thought. But nothing happened and nothing ever would." Tilting her head back he frowned, "To be fair, that was the first night I was even nice to her. I was in a good mood because of the custody trial…and the letter you wrote on my behalf."

Her heart jumped in her chest, "How did it go?"

"Fifty-fifty." He said with a happy sigh, "After hearing what you wrote…Kathy tried to stop the whole thing anyway. Changed her mind. She felt bad. But…we have fifty-fifty custody now."

Her hands stroked his cheeks gently, "El I'm so glad to hear that. You never should have been taken from them to begin with."

Swallowing hard he whispered, "Turns out that wasn't the only letter you wrote…" Her cheeks flushed, "Liv…I didn't see it. I thought you…"

"Coats have pockets, Stabler…" She said, nudging him playfully, "You idiot."

He laughed and squeezed her hips, "Big idiot. I spent six weeks thinking you left me…and it was hell."

Resting her forehead against his, she frowned, "I'm sorry. God El, I'm so sorry. I didn't want to go. Everything happened so fast and they wouldn't let me-"

"I know." Kissing each of her cheeks he breathed her in, "I know that now. But I didn't then…" Letting out a shaky breath he whispered, "But, we're here now."

Looking up at him she nodded, "We're here now." And then a slow smile spread on her lips, "Outside a Detroit Police Station, you're on a temporary no fly list and neither of us have any luggage other than what I have in my carry on."

Elliot huffed, "Is Cragen pissed?"

She shrugged, "He said he was less surprised than he should be." Stepping back, she took his hand, "Come on."

"Where are we going?" He asked knowing that he would follow her absolutely anywhere.

"I got us a room at the hotel nearby. We'll spend the night and then figure out what the hell we're gonna do after that." She said.

He pulled on her hand quickly, his heart hammering away in his chest, "Tell me you aren't still taking that job…"

Turning back to him, she saw the fear on his face and her heart ached for him, "No El. I already called and told them I'm not taking it." He let out a shaky breath, clearly relieved, "But I do have to go to Oregon to get my stuff…"

"Well you're not going without me." He said quickly, "Liv-"

"I figured you'd say that." She said with a nod, "Which is why I called in a favor. But we'll worry about that tomorrow. Yeah?"

Elliot stepped closer to her and threaded his fingers through her hair, "What are we doing tonight?"

She smiled, shook her head and swung the keys on her finger, "Get in Stabler."

Giving her a little salute he smiled as he rounded the other side of the car, "Yes ma'am."

Walking up to the front desk, Elliot refused to let go of Olivia's hand. She smiled and leaned across the desk, "Hi. Reservation for Olivia Benson."

The woman behind the desk smiled, "One moment please. Can I get a credit card for the file?"

Assuming Elliot had nothing with him, she reached for her own wallet when he stopped her, "I've got this." Glancing at him curiously, he opened his wallet and took out two cards, "Split it on these would you? And if there is some sort of suite, can you upgrade us to that?"

Frowning, Olivia put her wallet back in her carry on bag, "El-"

"Don't worry." Giving her a wink he whispered, "It's on Munch and Fin."

Olivia couldn't help but laugh as she took the room key, followed the instructions and followed Elliot to the elevator. She thought of that first night when he'd showed up at just the right moment, whisked her off to dinner, started to change her belief in love and romance. She thought of the way he'd held her hand in the elevator, how the butterflies had swarmed in her belly as she tried to make sense of what was happening. Thought of the moment they crossed her threshold when he'd taken her in his arms, when he'd kissed her for the first time and everything fell into place. Her breath caught in her throat realizing how close they had been to losing this.

He heard it, and let go of her hand, only to wrap his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close and pressing a kiss to her head, "I know."

Tilting her head up, she kissed him softly as the bell dinged and the doors opened. Without saying another word, they walked together down the hall, still wrapped in each other's arms. She carefully used the card key and pushed the door open walking into the large suite. Walking in, she dropped her carry on on the desk in the corner, "John and Fin are gonna kill us." Turning back to him she smiled, "Remind me to thank them when-"

But her words were cut off because his lips were on hers and she was stumbling backwards. Pressed against the wall much like she had been that first night. She whimpered softly but didn't push him away, only held on tighter. But when he pressed her more firmly back and her aching muscles felt the pressure she gasped, "Ow."

Pulling back, he frowned, his eyes searching hers quickly, "Ow? What did I do? I-"

"No…" She carefully soothed him and sighed, "No, it's not you." He was pulling her away from the wall again and she sighed, "El, really I'm fine. I just-"

But he didn't listen, turning her slowly he lifted her shirt and growled when he saw black and blue bruises along her lower back and side. It was then he realized he had no idea what had happened while she was undercover. "Who?" She shook her head and he gripped her hand tighter, "Olivia…who?"

"No one." She pressed her hand to his cheek, feeling the stubble growing there, "He doesn't matter. I got away…" Smiling, her thumb traced his lower lip, "I had a really great partner who showed me self defense." Her free hand moved to touch the pendant on her neck, the very one he'd given her the night she'd been taken away, "You were with me El. I'm okay. You were always with me."

Letting out a shaky breath he tangled his hands in her hair and pulled her close, "I love you so much."

They walked backwards towards the bed and she sighed against him, "I love you too. I should have told you sooner."

Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out the letter she'd written, the one he'd missed, "You did."

Her hands reached out for him, tugging his rumpled shirt out of the waistband of his pants, "You came after me."

"Always." He said placing the letter back in his pocket, not wanting to lose it as they both quickly began to shed each other's clothes.

Standing in front of him bare and vulnerable, she let her hands slide up his chest, resting above his heart, feeling the steady rhythm of his heart and she couldn't stop the tears, "Elliot…"

"It's alright." He smiled softly and wiped at her tears with his thumb, "I'm here." Easing her back on the bed gently, he made sure she was comfortable as he hovered over her, "We're here."

Not able to wait another moment, she pulled him down to her and captured his lips with hers once more, "Love me."

His hand slid up her leg, along her inner thigh, his fingers trembled as he caressed her gently, feeling her warm and ready for him, "Olivia…you have no idea."

"So show me." She whispered as her legs widened, begging him to take her, "Show me how much you love me. How much you missed me."

Biting down hard on his lip, he took one of her legs and hooked it around his waist, braced his other hand beside her and thrust forward hard, filling her completely. They both cried out, feeling themselves finally back with their missing half. One of her hands snaked up around his neck, digging into the muscles there as the other reached for his arm, sliding it down to tangle her fingers with his, "Elliot…"

He couldn't look away from her, completely mesmerized by the look on her face, the feel of her beneath him, of being inside of her, "I thought I lost you."

Her fingers soothed his neck and she shook her head, "You will never lose me."

Over and over his hips moved, deeper, harder, never losing his steady rhythm as he filled her. She hooked her other leg around him, digging her heels into the muscles of his ass, pulling him deeper still, making her lose herself already, "Liv…"

She shuddered and shook, lost in him, "Right. There. Please. I-"

He leaned down, kissing her, taking the breath straight from her lungs as he slammed back into her, feeling her walls tighten around him and stifling the scream that threatened to escape her lips. But he didn't stop as she rode the waves of her first orgasm. He was nowhere near being done with her. He slowed his movements just long enough to let her catch her breath before he started up again. Her fingers raked down his back and he groaned loudly, "Fuck Liv…"

She gasped for breath, her body shaking as he continued to move within her. Her body was already deliciously sore and she knew he was not going to stop and nor did she want him too. She'd feel this later and she welcomed it because it let her know that this was real. That he was here. That she hadn't lost him. That he had not given up on her. That he believed in her, in them and there was nothing that could tear them apart again.

As her fingers moved up his back again, he quickly grabbed them and dropped them on either side of her, "What are you-"

But her breath caught in her throat as he pulled out of her, and his lips began to burn a trail down her body. Not leaving an inch untouched. Her hands were still trapped at her sides and her legs unwrapped from his body, in shock as he moved lower and lower. She couldn't think straight as she watched him through heavy eyelids and he buried his face between her legs, wrapping his lips around her clit, "God you taste incredible."

Her legs widened and she felt the tremor in her belly, "Jesus Elliot…you can't be real."

He laughed, the movement causing a burst of vibrations that exploded within her as his teeth grazed her clit, "I'm real baby. And so are we."

Her eyes rolled into the back of her head as he continued to make love to her with his mouth. She felt frozen, unable to move or process what was happening. Turning her head to the side, she bit down on the pillow beside her, groaning loudly, "Mmmm…"

Gripping her hands harder on either side of her he arched closer to her, running his tongue along the length of her pussy lips. She was dripping with need and he happily lapped up everything she had to offer, getting lost in her. He felt dizzy, felt like he had slipped in one of his dreams that haunted him while she was gone. But she was here, she was real, warm and willing, wanting him just as much as he wanted her. Letting go of one of her hands just enough, he slid both of their joined hands to her chest, grasping her breast over her hand and she started to shake, "El-Elliot-I-ca-"

Growling, he sucked her clit between his lips again before groaning, "Come."

Whenever he was possessive and showed his dominance in bed, she couldn't help but think that had it been anyone else, she'd shy away. But with him, she was so turned on she could barely see straight. She loved how much he wanted her, how badly he wanted to please her. He made her feel things that no man ever had or ever could and she never wanted another lover. No one could compare. Glancing down, she saw him watching her, and she knew what he wanted. He loved to watch her when she came undone under his touch, "Elliot…"

He shook his head, his stubble tickling her inner thighs as he tugged harder on her clit, "Come."

His voice was low and raspy, and she could hear her desire for him against his mouth. When he squeezed down harder on their hands she shattered for the second time, "Fuck!"

His mouth never stopped, only slowed, easing her down from her high. The tremors in her body made him even harder, needing to bury himself between her legs again but he needed to know she was okay, that she was ready. Moving his mouth back up and over her he rolled them both to the side, as she tried to breathe. Gathering her in his arms, he traced circles against her hips, nuzzling the side of her face, "You're so beautiful."

Lazily, she hooked her leg up around his waist and sighed, "Jesus Stabler…"

Laughing, he tangled his hands in her hair, feeling the sweat at the base of her neck, "What can I say? I'm highly motivated when it comes to you…especially after six weeks."

She groaned and rolled him over, onto his back where he fell with a huff. Trapping his own hands above his head she sighed and started to trail a path of kisses along his neck and chest, "Then maybe I should go away more often…"

He knew she was teasing but he lifted his hips and she gasped, lifting off the bed with him, "Hell no."

She laughed and pressed one hand to his chest, "Down boy." Tossing her hair to one side, she went back to her mission, "You couldn't get rid of me if you tried."

The lower she got, the more he forgot how to breathe, "Go-Good."

And when her tongue traced the length of him before her lips closed around the tip of him, slowly easing him into her mouth, "Mmm…"

Without thinking, he held the back of her head in place and gently thrust forward, "Fuck Liv…"

She whimpered softly but didn't let go of him, taking him for all he was worth, loving that she could taste herself on him. Stradling one of his legs, she couldn't help herself as she rocked against him and he growled loudly. When he hit the back of her throat she pressed her hands into his abs. His head was thrown back against the pillow and his eyes closed tight trying to control himself. Every muscle in his body was tight as he clenched, feeling her take control and he couldn't stop himself from thinking how miserable he would have been without her. And thank God she was here.

After a few more minutes of excruciating pleasure, he pulled her arms up and her mouth left him with a wet pop, "El-"

But he quickly rolled them over and crushed his lips to hers, "Not yet."

Smiling softly up at him, her brown hair fanned out around her on the white pillow, "El…I'm not going anywhere."

Bracing himself on his forearms on either side of her, he nudged her nose with his, "Promise me."

Swallowing back the emotion, she held his face in her hands and whispered, "I promise you. You and me…this is it."

And then he was inside of her again, moving slowly but deep and he held her close, unable to look away, "This is it."

And she knew that he understood what she meant. She saw it all. That dream she'd so desperately wanted, a home, a family. It was right here. He took her hand pressing a kiss to her palm before holding it beside her head, tangled with his. Their eyes locked as they moved together, their bodies slick with sweat, flushed from their love making but they couldn't stop. Dipping his head slightly, he pressed his lips just above her heart, "Olivia…"

And she felt it, heard it, the desperation in his voice and she arched up against him, whispering in his ear, "I'm right with you. I always have been."

He sighed against her skin, focusing on the rhythm of her heart as he thrust forward again, and she clenched down around him, sending him into his own release. He could tell she was crying and he lifted his head, still moving his hips gently as he kissed away each of her tears. "Hey…shhh…it's okay."

She held him closer, as he rolled them to the side and she curled up against him, "God El…"

One hand wrapped in her hair, threading through her long locks, the other locked protectively around her, running along her bare arm, "Mhm…"

Sighing, she ran her fingers along his chest and pressed a kiss to his neck trying to breathe, "Next time we fight…" He froze for a moment and she smiled against his jaw, "Just remind me that you can make me come three times in a row and I promise I'll forget all about it."

The laugh that shook his body made her whole body move too and he tilted her head back, "Okay."

Leaning into his touch she bit her lip, "Tell me this is real…"

His blue eyes met hers and the smile that spread on his face made her weak in the knees, "This is real."

He pulled her even closer and she held on tight, "I'm sorry…"

"Nothing to forgive." He whispered against the top of her head, "It's my own damn fault for not checking the pocket."

She laughed and traced slow patterns on his chest, "Yeah well…"

They lay there quietly for a few minutes, both trying to come down from their high. Both trying to process what had transpired in the last few hours. He felt her shift slightly and he eased his hold on her to let her move. When she sat up, he saw a nervous look on her face and he reached for her, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing." She reached back and squeezed his hand, then turned her head, "It's just…"

Sitting up beside her, he let his fingers trace along the line of her collarbone, "Come on now Liv…we've made it this far. Don't hold back on me now." When she didn't respond he cleared his throat, "When you were gone…did…did something happen. Did you-"

"No." She held his hand firmly in hers, "God no El. There was no one else." She cringed slightly, "But if you thought I was gone…I'll-I'll understand if-"

"No." He cut her off quickly with a kiss, "There was no one else. Not Dani…not anyone. I swear to you."

Leaning into him she sighed, "Dani…so that's her name."

He couldn't help but smile at the jealousy in her voice, "Liv…there is absolutely no competition. She meant nothing to me…"

"I just saw you smiling at her…standing there beside her and I remembered what it was like to work with you. But to not be able to be yours. And it brought up all these years of insecurities."

He moved slowly, pulling her into his lap, "Liv…"

"All the years when I couldn't have you. Or when I thought I wasn't good enough for anyone let alone you. That I wasn't worth waiting for. And I wanted to get out before you could break my heart completely. I couldn't breathe. So I ran." The tears fell hard and he once again wiped them away.

"Liv, baby. Shhh." Pressing his lips to each cheek he sighed and wrapped his arms around her, "I'm sorry you felt that way, but I swear to you that it's always been you. Nothing happened with Dani. Nothing would have happened with her. I was a mess without you and after the custody trial…hearing your words…I wanted to find Dana. I was going to find you one way or another."

"I wasn't supposed to need anyone." She whimpered, holding his face close to hers, "But God I need you El."

"I need you too." He whispered, slowly lowering them back to the bed, "It's okay. Everything is going to be all right now. I promise."

A few hours later, Olivia woke up in the comfort of his arms. A golden light was starting to stream through the window signaling a new day. Sighing, she looked up at him and kissed his shoulder before slowly extracting herself from his grasp. He sighed, rolled to the side and continued to sleep.

As quietly as she could, she tiptoed out to the main part of the suite, grabbing her carry on bag as she slipped into the bathroom. Her body hummed and ached, she felt him, every place he had touched and loved. She could hear the shower dripping slightly and she smiled, remembering how they'd found their way into the shower, and again against the sink, before he'd taken her back to bed. Turning the water off completely, she rummaged through her bag. She had never even unpacked it after her first flight back to New York.

And when her hand fell on one item in particular, she smiled. She didn't have much to wear, he had only the clothes on his back. But she had this. His jersey. His favorite jersey, the one she had no intention of ever giving back. The one she'd worn in Oregon desperate to feel connected to him. Slipping it on over her body, she checked herself in the mirror and saw a bite mark on her neck.

She laughed, trailing her fingers along it knowing that she had left her own marks on him. Quietly, she walked out of the bedroom and saw him still fast asleep on the bed. Reaching for the menu on the desk and the phone, she walked to the balcony to call in an order. The sun was beginning to rise and her stomach growled. They'd been so consumed with each other they hadn't stopped to eat anything. When she was done, she placed the phone down on the little table beside her and shivered in the cool morning air. Pulling her legs up against her chest, she tugged the jersey down over her legs, wrapping herself in it. She made a few more quick calls to finalize the plans she had set in motion yesterday and then leaned back, taking it all in.

She'd made it a habit to watch the sunrise while in Oregon wondering where Elliot was, what he was doing. And now she knew he was asleep in the room behind her. Or so she thought. The smile grew on her face when she felt his hands on her shoulders, "It's cold out here."

"I know." She sighed and leaned into him but he lifted her slowly before he froze and she knew why, "What?"

His hands trailed down the material of his jersey and he smiled, "My jersey…"

Taking a deep breath, she turned in his arms and wrapped her own around his shoulders, "Dana Lewis may not be my favorite person. But somehow…she knew to pack this."

He smiled sadly thinking of her all the way in Oregon, still wearing his jersey, still wearing his pendant and working to get back to him. It made him love her that much more, "You look good in my jersey babe…"

She leaned in, pressing her lips to his, "I think at this point…it's mine."

"Looks better on you anyway." He sighed and started to walk backwards through the sliding doors, "But come back to bed…"

"I ordered breakfast." She said as he lifted her and sat her down on the bed, "We need sustenance."

She couldn't help but laugh as lowered his lips down her neck, across the jersey, "Mmm…I am hungry for something…"

His hands slid up along her thighs and she shook her head as a knock on the door echoed through the room, "Elliot…stop."

He huffed and rolled onto his back, "Fine…"

Leaning over him, she dropped a kiss to his lips and pulled back, "Get some food in you and then we can discuss a repeat performance of last night."

His hand trailed down her back, smacked her on the ass and growled, "I'm holding you to that missy."

He heard her laughing again as she walked to the door. Throwing the comforter over himself, he listened to her talking to the person outside and he couldn't help but smile. God he had missed her. After a few minutes, she was back and he sat up smiling as she handed him a cup, "Coffee sir."

He took the cup and breathed in the aroma, "Mmm…smells good." He took a sip and then looked down at her cup, "Is that a flower in your cup?"

She laughed and crossed her legs, "It's tea…"

Elliot scrunched up his nose, "Well maybe some things have changed…"

"Not the important things." She whispered before putting it back on the table beside him, "Definitely not the important things."

Reaching across from him, he squeezed her leg and smiled, "I'm glad to hear it."

Placing the tray between them, she watched as Elliot reached for a slice of bacon and laughed when his mouth growled, "Thought you weren't hungry…"

He smirked and rolled his eyes, "You shush…"

Picking up a strawberry, she took a bite and felt him shift on the bed. She looked back up at him and saw the way his eyes were dark, "What's with you?"

"Really?" He said nodding towards the half eaten berry in her hands, "If you tell me you don't remember…I'm going to be very insulted."

Glancing down at the berry in her hand, she smirked, took a bite of it and let the last piece of it trail along her lips, "Oh I remember…"

He breathed heavily for a few moments before lifting the tray and leaning down beside the bed, "Screw this."

She laughed and felt him lay her down on the bed, "You're insufferable."

"A man can't be deprived from the sexiest woman in the world for six weeks and be expected to keep his hands to himself." He mumbled, his hands sliding up and under the material of the jersey.

Sighing happily, she ran her hands up and down his back, "Babe…as much as I'd love for you to ravish me, we don't have much time."

Pulling back slowly, he looked down at her and frowned, "What do you mean? We don't have any plans."

She shrugged, "I have to get to Oregon to get my stuff and check in to get all my paperwork in order."

Elliot groaned again and lay back on his back once more, "Hm…"

"Hey…" She rolled to her side, letting her fingers dance along his chest, "You are coming with me."

"Liv, I'm not allowed on a commercial flight for a bit. On account of them thinking I'm a crazy person." He said with a huff.

Olivia smiled and turned his face towards him, holding his jaw in place, "Who said anything about a commercial flight?"

Leaning up on his elbows he frowned, "What did you do?"

She smiled and caressed his neck gently, "Ryan is coming to pick us up in a few hours. He went by your place and packed a bag for you so you at least have some clothes. He'l drop us off in Portland so I can do what I need to do. And then…"

Raising his eyebrows he leaned closer to her, "And then…"

"And then…you'll find out the rest once we get there." Rolling to her side she reached for the tray on the floor and placed it on the bed again, "So eat up. We need to meet Ryan by 10:00. He's going out on a limb here for us." He stared at her in shock and she smiled, "What?" She asked as she took a bite of bacon, "You're not the only one who can plan surprises, Stabler."

Elliot smiled, reached out and caressed her thigh, "Liv…"

"Nope." She tossed him a strawberry and smiled, "You'll just have to wait and see. It's my turn to be romantic now El. Let me be in charge this time."

Smiling, he took another bite and laughed, "As long as you're not leaving me…we can do whatever you want to do."

"Good answer." She nudged him playfully, "Eat up. If you're a good boy I'll let you feel me up in the plane again…"

He chuckled and reached for a fork, "Yes ma'am."

Pulling up to the small airport, Olivia and Elliot exited and found Ryan waiting out on the tarmac, leaning against a small plane. Olivia slipped her hand into Elliot's, squeezed and they walked towards him, "Well, well, well…" Ryan said with a shake of his head, "If it isn't NYPD's Modern day Romeo and Juliet…"

Elliot smiled and reached out to shake Ryan's hand, "Yeah, yeah. Good to see you too Ryan. Thanks for doing this."

"I would like to point out that I told you I didn't think she was gone for good." He said quickly, "If you had just listened to me…maybe you wouldn't be on a temporary no fly list my friend. Tried to call in a favor but they said they'll forgive you in a week or so. But they do not wish to see your face right now."

Elliot laughed and Olivia pressed her lips to his shoulder, "That gonna impact my flying lessons?"

"I testified on your behalf that it was a crime of passion." Leaning forward he covered half of his face pretending to whisper to Elliot, "And then I showed them a picture of Olivia and they understood. So we're good."

Olivia laughed harder and Elliot huffed, "What is it with everyone having pictures of my girlfriend?"

Ryan shrugged, "Listen, you're lucky I am even here." Turning, he grabbed a bag out of the plane and tossed it to him, "Change because you look like shit. Did you at least shower?"

"Oh we showered alright." Elliot said with a smirk running his hand along Olivia's back.

"File that under things I don't need to picture." Ryan said, covering his face, "Which reminds me…"

"Uh oh…" Olivia said with a smirk, thinking she knew what was coming.

"If you think I don't know what went on in the back of my helicopter, you're wrong. And there will be no repeat performances. Understood?" He said pointing between them.

Olivia looked at Elliot who rolled his eyes, "Jealousy is an ugly thing my friend…"

"Just go change, would you? I gotta get back to New York sooner rather than later." He teased.

Elliot held the bag close and leaned in to kiss Olivia, "I'll be right back. You have my permission to hit him if he starts acting up."

"Noted." She smiled and let her hand trail down his arm as he stepped back, walking towards the building behind them.

When he was out of sight, Ryan smiled, "I knew you were one of the good ones."

Olivia's cheeks flushed and she sighed, "Thank you for doing all of this. I know it wasn't easy for you to get all of this done…"

"Elliot's a good friend." He answered, "He probably didn't tell you this…but I had some pretty intense PTSD for a while. And he was there for me. Helped me keep fighting. Without him I would have lost my family. So…whatever he needs. I'm here." Nodding towards her he smiled, "And he needs you."

Licking her lips she looked down at the ground below them, "Did you see Kathy?"

"I did." Ryan said with a nod, "She actually asked me to give you something."

Her heart jumped in her chest, "She did?"

Pulling something from his pocket, he handed her an envelope, "I'm gonna go check the plane again. Take your time."

Olivia took a deep breath, smiled and took a few steps back to have some space. Nervously, she unfolded the envelope and pulled a short note out of it.

Olivia,
I'm not sure that I could apologize and have you truly believe it. But I am sorry. I got lost in my old jealousy, something I am not proud of. But Elliot deserves to be happy, and you, you make him happy in a way I never could. My children need their Father at his best, and he is his best self when he is with you.

We may never be best friends, but I want you to know that I respect and accept your place in Elliot's life and in the lives of my children. We all deserve the kind of love you have found with Elliot and I have found with Michael. So from here on out, you will have no more trouble from me.

Take care of him. He needs you.

Wishing you both the best.
Kathy

Taking a deep breath, Olivia looked up and saw Elliot walking towards her. She saw the nervous look on his face and she smiled, holding out the letter for him. Curious, he took the letter and read the words on the page. Sighing, he looked back at Olivia, trying to read her expression. When she smiled, he breathed a sigh of relief and reached out pulling her against him, "You okay?"

Kissing him softly she smiled, "Of course I am. I'm with you. How could I not be?"

Dropping a kiss to the top of her head, he walked with her to the plane, helping her up and into the back. They strapped themselves in and waited for Ryan to start the plane. Turning back to them he smiled, "Everyone ready?"

Looking back at Olivia, he threaded his fingers with hers and smiled, "I am. Are you?"

"Definitely ready." She said before turning back to Ryan, "Lead the way Captain."

Ryan smiled and started to move the plane forward, "Who knows, maybe next time, it will be Elliot flying us."

Looking over at Elliot, she saw the excited look on his face and she hoped they could find his dream after all. She already knew she was getting hers…

By the time they made it to Oregon, Elliot was exhausted but had never been so happy. They climbed out of the small plane and Olivia turned to Elliot, "I'm gonna go in and get my bags. Check in with Dean."

Elliot frowned, "Sorry I can't go help you with your bags…"

She laughed and shook her head, "It's much better if you stay out here. Trust me."

She went to walk away but he grabbed her hand, "Liv…"

Turning slowly, she leaned up on her tiptoes and kissed him gently, "Breathe Stabler. I'll be right back." Winking, she pulled back, "I've got plans, remember?"

Swallowing hard, he nodded once and let go of her hand, "Okay."

Elliot watched her walk away, reminding himself that thots was a good thing. It was the start of their future. He was so lost in watching her, he didn't notice Ryan walking towards him until he heard him whistling, "Geez…just drop down to one knee already man."

Elliot's face flushed and he looked over at his friend, "Ryan…"

Leaning back against the plane Ryan laughed and pushed his sunglasses up on top of his head, "Oh please, you gonna try and tell me you don't want to lock her down?"

"I wouldn't call it locking her down. Do I want to marry her?" The smirk on his face grew, "Hell fucking yeah."

Ryan nodded slowly, "So what's the hold up? You just risked your neck chasing her down. Just do it." Pointing at himself, "I mean as a Pilot Captain I am licensed to officiate if need be…"

Elliot laughed and shook his head, "Well you have competition. I may have already promised John Munch he could do it."

"After all I've done for you?" He said with mock disappointment.

Elliot smiled, "Would you settle for Best Man?"

Ryan smiled and stuck out his hand, "I'd be honored. But…you have to ask her first."

"And I will." Elliot said slowly, "When the time is right…you don't know Olivia like I do. It has to be at the exact right time."

"Whatever you say." Ryan said, stepping backwards, "But just do us all a favor…check your damn pockets from now. You don't know what she'll leave in there for you." Turning around he saw Olivia walking towards them with a tall man, "And do us both a favor and don't hit the FBI Agent? You're barely off the shitlist as it is."

Elliot took a deep breath and followed his gaze, immediately he felt jealousy course through his body, "Who the fuck is that?"

"Here we go…" Ryan said, turning back to the plane.

Olivia rolled her suitcase up in front of Elliot, "Okay. Thanks Dean. I've got it from here."

Dean ignored Elliot and looked back at Olivia, "There's really no talking you out of this huh?"

Olivia smiled and shook her head, "There is really no talking me out of this Dean. No."

Dean looked back at Elliot, "Hi."

Elliot stood up a little straighter, "Hello."

Gazing between the two men Olivia couldn't help but smile, "Elliot, this is Dean Porter. Dean, this is Elliot Stabler."

Reaching his hand out, Dean held it between them, "Nice to meet you."

Elliot glanced down at the hand in front of him but didn't move until Ryan cleared his throat behind him. Moving his hand reluctantly, Elliot shook the man's hand, "Yeah. Sure. You too."

Dean looked down at Olivia, "You're positive about this? You could have a really great career in the bureau Olivia."

Looking right at Elliot she didn't miss a beat before nodding, "I'm absolutely positive. I belong in New York."

Elliot smiled and locked eyes with her, Ryan leaned between them and whispered, "That's your cue to leave buddy…"

Dean stepped back and laughed, "Yeah…I can tell when I've been beat." Turning to Olivia he smiled, "I wish you nothing but luck Detective."

Olivia smiled back and slipped in beside Elliot, "Thanks Dean. But I don't need luck…"

Elliot wrapped his arm around Olivia tighter, she wrapped her own arms around his waist, "Bye Dean."

Olivia nestled her face in the crook of Elliot's neck and laughed as Dean walked away. Ryan smiled and patted his friend on the back, "Good job listening to me about not hitting him. Next time try not looking like you want to rip his eyeballs out of his sockets."

Olivia laughed harder, "Ryan…"

Ryan laughed and pointed behind him, "I gotta fuel up and then take off again. You two good here?"

Olivia nodded, "We're good."

Elliot frowned and looked down at Olivia, "We're not going back?"

"Not yet." She said giving his waist a squeeze, "All part of that plan of mine." Turning to Ryan she smiled, "Thank you for everything." She hugged him tight, "You're a good friend."

Ryan stepped back and pointed at Olivia, "Don't let this one go again Stabler. She's a good one."

"I have no intention of letting her go ever again." Elliot said, reaching out to shake his hand, "Thank you."

When he walked away, Elliot turned back to Olivia, "So…what's going on?"

A jeep pulled up behind them and Olivia smiled, "You trust me?"

Elliot's heart jumped in his chest as he watched her and he nodded honestly, "With my life."

"Good." Turning to the man climbing out of the jeep she smiled and took the keys, "Thank you." Cocking her head to the side she muttered to Elliot, "Hop in Stabler."

Watching her climb up into the jeep he lifted his own bag and hers before tossing them in the back. Climbing in beside her, he turned to look at her and asked, "I only have one question."

Putting the car in drive she smiled, "If we aren't going home now…how are we getting home if I'm not allowed on a plane?"

She laughed and started to drive down the small tarmac towards the road, "You got a one week suspension Stabler. So we have until Saturday to explore a little."

Raising an eyebrow he was shocked, "What does that mean?"

"Wouldn't you like to know." She gave him a wink and put her sunglasses on, "Just hold tight. I've got it all under control."

Leaning back Elliot took a deep breath and let himself give in to her this time around. He knew whatever she had planned was sure to be worth it. More than that, a week alone with her sounded like exactly what they both needed.