This is just fun to write. I love all of the comments, they really make my day. Feel free to let me know of this chapter. As always, mistakes are my own, otherwise I own nothing. Enjoy!
Also, find me on twitter MR_proud_stan
Fin had been at work since 7:30 that morning. He had finished his paperwork the night before so was just following up on some leads for one of their cases.
The squad room was too overwhelming. Velasco and Rollins were out in the field, interviewing several witnesses and Liv was in a meeting with McGrath, updating him on their current cases. He knew she hated it but she was good at dealing with the prick.
She was supposed to be back around 9:45 which would work well for Fin because he was meeting Stabler around the corner at 10:00.
Liv was running a little late and didn't get back into the squad room until 9:55. As she walked off the elevator, she noticed Fin standing by his desk, putting his coat on.
"Anything I should know about?" she asked, casually checking in.
"Heading out to meet an old friend, will be back in thirty." He said, somewhat dismissively and with a smirk on his face.
It didn't take long for Liv to figure out who he was meeting. The man was persistent, she'd give him that. She didn't really care too much that he was going to talk to Elliot. Elliot would say anything she wouldn't want him to, and Fin wouldn't ask.
"Ah" she whispers with a cheeky look on her face. She continues into her office and when she turns to close the door slightly, Fin is gone.
Fin is sitting at one of the tables for two outside of the café. He has ordered himself a coffee but doesn't order for Stabler, knowing that Italy had ruined him for New York coffee. He spots Elliot walking up the sidewalk toward the café. His hands are in his pockets, but his head is held high. The mans face had never shown as much emotion as Liv's had but Fin could still see a difference. The man was more relaxed. Calm even. Which, considering Stabler, was rare.
The men acknowledged each other with a silent nod as Elliot went to sit down in the small metal chair opposite Fin.
Before Fin could even open his mouth, Elliot started.
"Everything okay? Is Liv alright?"
His previous calm was replaced with some well-hidden fear as the man started to actually consider the reasons that Fin might want to catch-up like this, out of the blue.
"Yea, yea, man. Liv's fine, she's good. I just wanted to, you know, check in. After everything that's happened recently. How's Eli doing."
Not quite believing his innocent motives, Elliot remains sceptical.
"He's good. Its gonna take a while but he's getting there."
"Yea, Liv mentioned." Fin could see a light flash in Elliot's eye at the mention of Liv's name and saw this as his opportunity. "How's that going by the way… you and Liv?"
Elliot's head shot up at that. He knew that they had made progress of the past few days, but they had a long road ahead of them. She had said they were 'friends'. But she also felt the need to say, 'for now'. She had given him hope and he was grateful. He hoped to God that she would say yes to his invitation. He knew that if they were in a casual and comfortable setting, they could focus more on each other. Now runaway kids or violent criminals to distract them.
He also knew her. He knew that, whilst he might be ready for something now, she would need time. He needs to earn her trust back and also that of her son. She had walls which could be a mile high at times because she needed to protect herself and her family. She had been hurt too many times. By her mother, the perps, by him and also in ways that he didn't even know about.
From now on, he was determined to show her how much he loved her. He was determined to protect her and give her everything she needed. For so long he had been unconsciously leeching off of her and now it was his turn to support her. He loved her.
Realising, he hadn't actually answered Fin, Elliot snapped out of his daze and rubbed a hand over his chin. He was smiling now. He didn't realise but he was smiling.
"We're good, um… what, did she say anything?" he was nervous now. What did Fin know? Had Liv told him something?
"Nah, she just… seems different, you know. Since this trial. Happier."
"Oh" he says, a little relieved that whatever they have is still between them. He knows that he has a lot of leg work to do with her before she will trust him again, but the same also goes for the people around her. They have no reason to trust him and are clearly protective of Liv. If he has any hope of finding something solid with Liv, he needed to prove himself to her family. Fin might not be that hard because of their history but he had his work cut out for him. He was relieved though, that for now, he and Liv were still in their little bubble.
"You guys been busy?" Elliot asks, trying to refocus the conversation, away from himself.
"Yea, pretty crazy, you know, the holidays always bring out the worst. We're still understaffed, and our new boss is a prick" he says
Elliot nods, feeling sorry for Liv who had to deal with said prick. He remembers when Cragen had to deal with the brass. He certainly never envied the man.
The two men continued to chat for another ten minutes. Small talk really, talked a little about their latest cases and also Christmas plans.
"Phoebe and I are headed to Ken's, and we'll spend Christmas with my grandson, you?" Fin asks, a smile on his face, both at the thought of his family, but also at the possibility that Elliot and Liv may have Christmas plans.
"Maureen and her twins will be with her in-laws at Christmas, so we are doing a family Christmas get together this weekend. I invited Liv and Noah, not sure if she will come though" he didn't know why he mentioned Liv, maybe he was just trying to manifest her appearance. She still hadn't answered him.
Bingo
"Ahh, sounds nice" Fin says, a knowing smirk painting his face.
"Speaking of Liv, I probably got to get back or she'll whip my ass" Fin jokes, as he stands up, tossing his drink away.
"Nice seeing you man" Elliot offers and extends his hand.
The two men shake hands and turn away to go their separate ways. It's a few seconds before Fin notices that Elliot is following him, walking in the opposite direction of his car.
"Where you going man?" he asks, confused.
"Just thought… you know, I'm in the area, might just pop in and say hi to Liv."
Fin nods his head, raises his eyebrows and turns forward again, they both walk back to the precinct in silence. In the corner of his eye, Fin can see Elliot fidgeting like a schoolboy. All he can think of his how right he was. He is so winning this bet.
They both walk into the squad room and their paths diverge. Fin heading for his desk and Elliot headed toward Liv's office. The blinds are closed, so he lightly knocks. After a quiet response, which Fin can't quite hear, Elliot disappears into Liv's office.
Now, its time to update the others.
Fin whips out his phone, still technically having fifteen minutes left on hid break.
Fin: Saw Elliot this morning. He has asked her and Noah to spend Christmas with him and his family. She hasn't said yes, but he came by the precinct and is in talking to her now. Blinds closed…
Cragen: I really don't think I needed to know that.
Munch: Just be thankful it's not your office, Cap.
Fin: What more proof do you need before you pay up?
Munch: Hey, I'm not being stingy here, I just like to pay my bets wisely. And to be honest, "friends" are allowed to spend Christmas together. This is nothing incriminating.
Fin: You're a pain in the ass, you know that right?
Cragen: Okay, now I'm having flashbacks to Munch's conspiracy theory rants. Let me know where you're convinced John. I'll pay up when you do.
Munch: Firstly, I'm a pain in the neck, not the ass. And secondly, will do cap. See Fin, he's protecting his assets.
Fin: What will it take. If you could just see her face, I guarantee you would believe me.
Munch: Fine, I'll come by tomorrow, we can have lunch.
Fin: Really?
Munch: You're buying.
