When they got to the bar Elliot held the door open for Olivia.
"After you." Elliot said in a playful tone. He was trying his hardest to make the mood light. Olivia picked up on this.
"Why thank you, Detective Stabler." Olivia's voice was equally playful and she smiled when she said this. But Elliot couldn't help but think that it sounded somewhat…seductive.
They sat at their regular booth. It was isolated in a dark corner. It was perfect and private.
They made small talk for about 15 minutes. They talked about work, Elliot's kids, the now final divorce. Both of them knew what would inevitably come up tonight. It was Olivia, though, that decided to stop beating around the bush.
"Elliot, we need to talk."
"I know."
"Did you mean what you said that day in Starbucks?"
"Every word."
"Elliot, I-"
"Let me say something before you make any kind of decision. From the minute I first saw you I knew you were something special. You quickly became my partner, my equal, and my friend." The last two words stung Olivia. "But lately," he continued, "I've wanted so much more. You know me, you understand me, and I'm so grateful for the friendship we have. But I don't want a friendship. I want more. I want to see you every day. I want to hold your hand and compliment your dress when we go to dinner. I want to spend all my time with you."
Olivia nodded. She felt exactly the same way.
Elliot continued, "So now…now I have something to say. I—I--…" He looked down. "I love you, Olivia Benson."
Olivia put her hand under his chin and lifted his face up. They stared into each other's eyes for what seemed like an eternity. Elliot waited for a response from the beautiful, innocent woman sitting across from him.
"I love you too, Elliot Stabler." She let out a seductive smile. It was the most beautiful smile he'd ever seen.
And with that, Elliot leaned over the table and gently brushed his lips against Olivia's. Olivia could swear that she heard fireworks going off in the back round. He pulled away and looked into her big brown eyes, there faces only inches apart. He wanted to make sure what he just did was alright. She smiled slightly and this time, it was her lips that came crashing down onto Elliot's.