A/N - Before reading - you may want to review Olivia's rules from Chapter 2 just as a refresher for reasons ;)

I hope you enjoy the chapter! It's a sweet one! (With smut of course!) There are 16 chapters in total so we are winding down. Don't forget to drop a review! Still a few more surprises in store! Enjoy!


Previously…

"I love you." He said smiling as he kissed her, "I love you. And you-"

"I love you too." She said with a laugh sliding her hands down his waist, "But…I'm…we need…El it's a lot."

"I know." He said leaning back so he could look at her, "I know it is. But right now…I need you to let me in. Just…will you please let me in?"

He didn't just mean her apartment and they both knew it. He was asking for a chance, asking for her to let him all the way in. Allow him to see the parts of her that scared her the most. The parts that she didn't want anyone to see. She could walk away now. She could tell him to leave, pack up all her things and never look back. But she'd regret it for the rest of her life. Reaching into her purse, she pulled her keys out and walked towards the door, walking around him. She knew he was holding his breath, waiting for the downfall. Unlocking the door, she pushed it open and then turned back to look at him, a small smile on her face.

And then she held out her hand, "You coming?"

He let out a shaky breath, relieved and happy, happier than he'd ever been before. Slipping his hand into hers, their fingers interlocked and finally, finally, she let him in.

He followed her into the apartment, it was dark but the lights from the city were illuminating her figure. His eyes roamed her body, his heart pounding as he watched her. He needed this to be it. He needed to know that she wasn't running. He squeezed her hand and she turned, looking at him over her shoulder she smiled, "Hey…"

He took a breath and whispered, "Hey…"

Tossing her purse on the counter she sighed and bent down to slip off her heels, "My feet are killing me…"

He continued to watch her, afraid to take his eyes off of her, "Well then why'd you wear those death traps?"

Laughing, she stood up, tossing her hair back, "Because…they're cute. And…they went with my outfit."

Pursing his lips, he took a step towards her and placed one hand on her hip, running his fingers along the tight black material, "Hm…this outfit."

She swallowed hard, trying to read his expression, "Not a fan of it?"

Looking back at her, he saw the blush in her cheeks and he smiled, sucking in a breath, "No I love this outfit. However, I wasn't a fan of you in it on the arm of another man…"

Her eyes dropped to his chest, embarrassment filling her, "El…I-I-I'm sorry."

They were quiet for a moment, letting her words sink in and then he whispered, "That hurt Liv. It really fucking hurt."

Taking a step back, he recognized that she needed some space. And although he wanted to pull her to him, he also knew that if he wanted her to talk, he had to take it one step at a time. She leaned against the counter behind her, lifted one foot and pressed her toes into the floor, "I didn't like seeing you with Kacie either…"

"You told me to go out with her." He said quickly, "I tried to say no…but you said-"

"I know." She whispered, her eyes closing tight, "I know I did…I just assumed it was the right thing to do."

"How could that be the right thing to do?" He took a step towards her and he saw her stiffen, stand up a little straighter, "Look I know you probably don't want to talk about this all but we have to. There is no way around it…"

Nodding slowly, she lifted her head, her wavy hair setting against her golden skin, "We made a deal." Shrugging her shoulders she whispered, "We said that we'd date other people. That…that this was just to help you out. So that you'd be ready to date someone else."

Rubbing his jaw anxiously he whispered, "We did…you're right. But…I never wanted that."

Leaning back she shrugged, "But you agreed to it so I just…I assumed you did." She paused, "Plus…" He waited and she mulled over her words before whispering, "I just didn't think…I mean I just…you…"

"Liv…" He took another step towards her, holding his hand out between them, "You didn't think what?"

Holding her head straight, she looked right at him, the tears in her eyes reflected by the city lights outside, "I didn't think you'd take me seriously. That…that you'd…that you'd want more than just sex from me."

"Why?" He asked with a shrug, "Why wouldn't I Liv? Why wouldn't I want more? I've known you for eight fucking years. You're an amazing woman…"

She opened her mouth to say something and her phone began to ring, "God it's been ringing nonstop since I left…" She put up her hand, "Hang on a second…"

He sighed and looked at her as she turned, "Ignore it."

She shook her head and lifted it, "It's Fin. He's called at least six times. And Casey's called four times. I have to answer or they'll keep calling…"

Suddenly he remembered what had happened, what he had said and worry pulled at his heart, "Uh…okay. Fine. I'm…can I use the bathroom?" She looked back at him, "All that scotch…"

She laughed nervously, "Yeah…of course." He paused and she smiled, "You're in my apartment El. I'm not going anywhere."

He pointed at her, "I'm holding you to that. We're not done with this conversation."

She smiled, her cheeks flushing and she nodded, "I know."

Stepping towards her, he caressed her cheek with his thumb, tracing her lip, "I love you Olivia Benson."

Butterflies filled her chest and her voice cracked as she whispered, "I have no idea why…but I'm really glad you do." He leaned in and kissed her softly, "And I love you too."

He sighed happily, kissed her two more times and pulled away, "Okay. Call Fin but make it quick please."

She laughed and opened her phone again, "Done sharing me tonight?"

He grunted and walked backwards, "Done sharing you ever."

Those butterflies swarmed again and she smiled, turning her back to him so she could call Fin. She heard Elliot walking towards her room and slip into the bathroom. Fin picked up on the second ring, "Oh thank God you answered."

"Casey?" She asked curiously, "I thought I called Fin…"

"You did! But we're all together." Casey explained, "Where are you?"

Before she could respond, Fin interjected, "Hey Liv, you know I love you. But whatever you are thinking…don't think it. Abort mission girl. If you don't…I honestly think Stabler is gonna be tried for murder."

She started laughing again and once more tried to respond but John cut in, "Oh I don't think it. I know it. He's gonna find Derek and throttle him. Which is a shame because he seems like a decent guy. He just unfortunately didn't get the memo about you two…"

Olivia sighed and ran her fingers through her hair, "You can all relax…I'm back at my apartment. Without Derek."

They were quiet for a moment, "But…are you alone?" Casey asked curiously. "Or is there a tall dark haired man whose name rhymes with…" She paused, "Oh screw it I'm too tired to think of a word that his name rhymes with. Is Elliot there?"

Olivia looked back towards her bedroom and nodded, "He…is. Not that it's any of your business. But yes."

"Liv, he made it everyone's business." John said with a laugh, "The entire NYPD and half the Fire department knows that you two are in love. Not that we didn't already…Stabler just made it more official tonight."

She heard the toilet flush in the bathroom and she frowned, "What are you talking about?"

"I'm sending you something. Watch it. And remember that a man only fights like that for someone he really loves." Casey said.

"So what she's saying is that whatever crazy thing you're thinking…watch this and then forget it. He wants you Liv." Fin said quickly.

Her mind was spinning, "What did he do?"

A ping came through on her phone and Casey said, "Call me later. Or…in the morning. Hopefully late in the morning…Cragen doesn't expect to see you. And Stabler's been suspended so…"

"He was what?" Olivia yelled, "What-"

"Goodnight Liv…" They all said together.

"This is a good thing…a really good thing." Casey said and then they all hung up.

Olivia's heart was pounding as she ended the call and then opened her text messages. Casey had sent her a video, she just wasn't sure what it was. And then, right on her screen she saw him. Elliot, standing in front of Kacie, in front of a whole group of people, all of their colleagues and their boss and he was yelling. Really yelling.

"What the hell is going on?" Cragen asked as he walked up towards them, "Why are you shouting?"

Still he ignored his boss and everyone around them, "You think you know Olivia? You think you know who she is?"

"Of course I do." Kacie said lifting herself up off her chair, "She's the girl you've been in love with for eight years but you were married. And you couldn't do a damn thing about it. Or maybe you did. Maybe you two were fucking-"

"We never crossed any lines while I was married." He said sternly, "I never would have done that and neither would she."

"Oh, like she has any moral ground?" She asked, "Look at her! Everyone knows she dates around. Everyone's heard the stories about her…about her past. She only got where she was by sleeping her way to the top! I bet she'll screw Cragen next so that she can be Captain."

"Now wait a damn minute." Cragen said walking towards her, "How dare you-"

"You don't know a fucking thing about Olivia. No one in this room knows her." He pressed his hand to his chest, his voice so loud it practically bounced off the walls, "No one but me. I know who she is. I know her heart. I know that she gets up every fucking morning no matter how dark it may seem out there, no matter how isolating it feels, or scared she is and she fights. She fucking fights for men, women and children so that they don't have to feel the pain she felt. That her Mother felt. And she will spend her entire life fighting."

Casey had tears in her eyes as she listened to him, John and Fin walked closer to him, "Elliot…"

"No one knows what she's seen. What she's endured or how she gets back up every fucking time someone knocks her down. No one knows how fucking strong she is. How incredible she is. How fierce and bold, smart." His hands were shaking and the whole room was watching, "Not one person here can say they know the real Olivia Benson other than me. And yes I have been in love with her for eight years that is the one thing you got right Kacie. The only thing you got right. And that's on me. But she didn't sleep her way to where she is. And she sure as hell doesn't have too because she is ten times better than every fucking cop in this room and deep down we all know it. No one, no one is as good, as pure and worth as much as Olivia Benson and if I have to spend the rest of my Goddamn life proving that to all of you, and to her…" He slammed his hand down on the table and Kacie jumped, "You bet your ass I will. Because I'd fucking die for her."

Turning he saw his boss. Cragen looked angry, mostly because of the public outburst in front of the majority of the NYPD. But under that, he saw something else. Something he could only describe as a look of pride and understanding. He took a breath and pulled at his coat, "You know they're gonna give you a rip for this…"

He shook his head, his heart pounding away in his chest, "I know. And I don't care. Let them take my badge for all I care. She's worth it."

Cragen nodded slowly, "A week…a week's suspension. And then…we'll have to sort out the rest of this mess. Could mean you being transferred but-"

"She's worth it." He repeated again, more calmly, "She's worth everything."

Her hands were shaking and tears streamed down her face as the last of his words rang through the small speaker. And then he was there, red in the face but reaching for her phone, "I should have known a room full of cops would record that…"

Looking up at him in shock, she whispered, "Elliot…why did you do that? You just put your job on the line and-"

"And I don't give a shit." He said with a snicker, "I really don't Liv. What Kacie did, what she said was way out of line. And I don't care if it was her or anyone else, if someone ever talks about you like that I'm gonna defend you. Always."

Lifting her hand, she wiped at her cheeks, her mascara running slightly, "Fuck El, no. This is your job. Your livelihood. I'm…I'm not worth-"

"Yes. You are." He whispered, he stepped all the way up to her and traced her tears away with his fingers, his voice dropped low and he answered honestly, "Like I said…you're worth everything."

Her knees buckled and her hands shot out, wrapping her fingers around his arm, "I know that…I put on a brave face most of the time. And I could honestly face some of the toughest criminals in the city without batting an eyelash. But you…you Elliot Stabler scare the hell out of me."

Tilting his head to the side, "Liv…I don't want you to be scared of me. I could never…I will never hurt you. I wouldn't lay a hand-'

"I know." She said quickly, "I don't mean it like that…" He was quiet, clearly scared himself and she gathered her thoughts before speaking, "You weren't part of the plan El. At least…you were off limits. For so many reasons. You were my partner, you were married…"

"I'm not married anymore." He said reaching for her hand, swaying it between them, "Liv I can-"

"But you're still my partner." She grimaced slightly, "Although I suppose after tonight that's pretty much shot to hell." More tears pooled in her eyes, "And that…that makes me sad. Really sad."

Threading his fingers with hers, he pulled her closer, "Well it makes me sad too. But…I really believe that what we could have outside of our work partnership will be so worth it. I have loved being your partner. But that's not enough for me…not anymore."

Her eyes fluttered shut as he stepped in, "It scares me how much…how much I care about you. And how much I need you. I'm not supposed to need anyone. I'm supposed to do things on my own."

"Just because you have in the past doesn't mean you have to forever." He whispered, "I know you pride yourself on being independent and I love that about you. But, everyone needs help sometimes Liv. So let me in…let me carry some of the weight when you need it."

Looking up at him she set her jaw and tried not to laugh, "When have you ever let anyone help you El?"

He smirked and then nodded, "Okay…fair enough. So that's something we need to work on." She just stared at him, "Look I know that there are a lot of things to work on. I know that we both have a lot of shit to work through separately and together. But I also know that you and I have always made a great team. So I think…if we do this together…then there is no way we can lose."

She stared at him, considering her words carefully, "We do work well together. But…we also know exactly how to push each other's buttons. And we know what to say to break the other because we know each other's weaknesses and fears. And that's terrifying El. You have no idea the power you hold over me…how one word from you can just shift my entire day, good or bad."

"Same goes for you Liv." He whispered, "And you're right…that is scary. But…there is a reason for it. For why we fight so hard…"

She laughed and pushed him back slightly, walking further into the living room, "Yeah. Because we're both fucking insane."

"Okay that may be partially true." He snorted, "But it's more than that…"

Turning to look at him again, she stood in front of the window and lifted her shoulders, "Which is?"

"Because we really love each other." He answered, "No one pushes me the way you do. No one infuriates me more than you…" He teased and her cheeks flushed, "But no one makes me smile more, laugh more, think, want, feel more than you." He walked towards her and saw that she was breathing hard, "No one excites me…inspires me…supports me or makes me desire more than you do. That's called passion Liv…real passion. And I know that I'm only ever gonna have that with you."

He reached for her again, his hands wrapping around her slim waist and she sighed, "He shall never know I love him; and that's not because he's handsome," Elliot stared at her, confused by her words, but she continued on, "but because he's more myself than I am. Whatever our souls are made out of…his and mine are the same." She smiled softly and shrugged, "Wuthering Heights…it was one of my favorite books when I was growing up. And I always loved that line. And I never understood it…until I met you."

His breath caught in his throat and he moved in closer, "Liv…"

Her voice cracked as she spoke, "I-I know that we have a lot we need to talk about. And I know this is a fucking mess but I just…"

Stepping all the way up to her, he held her face firmly in his hands and rested his forehead against her, "I need you too."

Biting her lip, she breathed him in and held him close to her, "Can…can you…can we…"

He could sense her hesitation, her nervousness but somehow he thought he knew what she was going to say, "You can tell me anything Liv…"

Her fingers trailed up his chest, resetting along the collar of his shirt, "Last night…it was different. You…you were different. And it was…" She started trembling then, "I want…I want that. I've never felt that…and it scared me but it was also…" Lifting her eyes to him she shrugged feeling more vulnerable than she ever had in her life, "Incredible…"

He couldn't help but smile, and he lifted his hand, pushing back her hair, "Ah, so the student teaches the teacher something for once." He teased.

Her cheeks flushed and her eyes darted down, looking at her hands, "Elliot…"

"It was different because I was making love to you last night Olivia." He heard her sharp intake of breath, "That wasn't just sex…I was trying to show you how much I love you."

Her fingers wrapped tightly around his tie, slowly untying it, "Can-can you show me again?"

He pulled back and her hand dropped, he saw the fear, the worry, the vulnerability, and his heart ached for her. Holding his hand out, he waited and whispered, "I was afraid I'd never get the chance to…"

Her fingers interlocked with his and slowly he walked them backwards towards her room, "Elliot…"

He shook his head, and walked her straight to the end of her bed, his fingers lifted and slowly he pulled at the front zipper of her dress. Her chest rose and fell with each breath she took, her breasts straining against her lacey bra underneath, "Liv, if you let me…I'll love you until I take my last breath. And even after…"

Lifting her hands, she never let her eyes fall from his as she began to push down the straps of her dress, letting it slide over her body. As it pooled at her feet and she stepped out of it, she reached for him again and when she spoke, her voice was so soft, so full of genuine fear it broke him, "Please don't break my heart Elliot…I won't survive it."

He let his eyes roam over her, before settling on her face. Reaching out, he trapped his hands in her hair, pulling her close before crushing his lips to hers, "I will never break your heart Olivia. I am yours. Just like you are mine."

She whimpered softly as his free hand slid down her back, resting low on her back. He pulled up and her legs wrapped tightly around him as he slowly lowered her to the bed. And she knew he was right. She was his. And he was hers. And there was no running from this anymore…

He kissed her slowly, so slowly she felt dizzy. Her skin was flushed as his hands roamed her body, his lips soon following. She gripped the sheets on either side of her, trying to breathe as he lowered himself, "Don't move."

Somehow she knew he was going to say that before he did and she had to bite her lip, her back arching off the bed, "El…"

He smiled, biting down on her belly, "I'm in charge again Liv." She sucked in her breath and his tongue traced along the hem of her lace panties, "Although…I think I need to set a few ground rules here."

Tilting her head, she looked down at him, confused by his words. "What?"

Sitting up slowly, he began to unbutton his shirt, watching her intently. Tossing it to the side, his hand reached out and ran up and down her thighs, "You set ground rules the first time…but I'm setting them from here on out. Okay?"

Her brown hair fanned out on the white pillow and her hand fell onto her chest, trying to slow the beating of her heart, "El-" He gave her a look and she nodded slowly, knowing he wasn't going to give this up, "Okay…"

Lifting one of her legs, he pressed his lips to the inside of her ankle, "I'll go backwards." He said with a smile, just like she had, "Rule number five…" His lips lowered to her calf, his hands inching closer to her center, "Everyone can know about this and I mean everyone…I'm gonna scream it from the rooftops Liv. Tell everyone we are together."

She knew what was coming next and tears pooled in her eyes, "Elliot…"

"Rule number four." He bit down on the inside of her knee, "We do go out in Public together. I take you on dates, hold doors for you, give you flowers, and yes there are public displays of affection. I hold your hand, I kiss your check, wrap my arm around you when we're sitting in a booth together. I kiss you…whenever I want."

He moved to her other leg and she sighed, "El…"

"Rule number three…" He looked right at her, his fingers massaging her thigh, "And hear me when I say this, we do not date other people. You want something, you need something? You get it from me. Because I am yours and you are mine. Only mine. Understood?"

She smiled, squeezing the comforter around her, "Understood."

Leaning closer, he kissed across her abdomen again, "Rule number two and this is a big one." He said with a glint in his eyes, slowly he began to tug down each side of her panties, "I'm sleeping over. Tonight, and every night we spend here. And you sleep at my place…we do not sleep without each other. You fall asleep in my arms…and you wake up in them."

Reaching her hand out, she touched the top of his head, "Elliot…"

"And rule number one, the most important of all." He sighed and pressed his lips to her warm center, already ready for him, "Damn Liv…"

She smiled and ran her finger along the side of his face, "What's rule number one El?"

He sighed, tasting her once more before crawling up over her body again, settling himself over her, leaning down to kiss her with his eyes wide open, "I tell you I love you. Every. Single. Day. And you believe me. Because I mean it…and I have loved you for longer than I can even remember." His hand cradled the side of her face and he smiled, "Can you agree to those rules Olivia?"

Holding him closer she sighed, "Elliot.."

He shook his head, nuzzled her nose and kissed her once more, "Can you agree to those rules Olivia?" Another kiss, "Yes, or no?"

Biting her lip, her head was screaming at her to say no. To push him away, to run as fast as she could. But her heart, her heart told her to stay. To hold him and to never, ever let go. "Yes. I can agree to those rules…"

He let out a shaky breath, kissed her again and then began to lower his lips once more, "Good. Lie still…"

She started to laugh nervously just like she had that first day, "Elliot…"

He smiled against her navel, "You with the laughing…makes a man feel self conscious."

She covered her face with her hands, feeling the butterflies fill her entire body from head to toe, "I told you…I laugh when I'm nervous."

He sighed, lifting her leg once more and draping it over his shoulder, "I make you nervous Benson?"

"I told you…" She whispered, "You terrify me El…no one makes me feel the way you do. And that's…scary."

His fingers traced lazy patterns on her outer thigh, "I promise Liv…I will not break your heart. You can trust me." He kissed his way closer to her pussy once more licking slowly he asked, "Do you trust me?"

Her breath rattled in her chest but she spoke honestly, "Yes. I trust you."

He smiled, wrapping his lips around her clit and pulling her closer, his arms sliding under her thighs, wrapping both around his shoulders now, "Good. That's damn good." His fingers dug into her thighs and he sighed, "Watch me Liv…watch me love you."

She tried to breathe, as her eyes locked on him but she was so far gone. His mouth moved, his lips, tongue, teeth and her body trembled as she gave herself fully to him. Her hands slid up her body, wrapping around her breasts, still covered in lace. Her fingers wrapped around her nipple, tugging slowly, "Elliot…"

He groaned, tasting every inch of her, "God I could do this forever…"

Her head fell to the side slightly, "Oh my God…"

He growled and wrapped his hand up and around her thigh, his thumb pressing against her clit, "I said watch me Liv…"

She whimpered softly, dropping her eyes back down to him, "You're gonna kill me, you know that?"

He laughed, remembering he had said the same thing to her, "I don't wanna kill you baby. I wanna keep you around…forever."

She smiled, biting down hard on her lip, her hips rolling, gaining more friction from his touch, "Let me guess…you're adding a rule number six?"

He chuckled, his tongue vibrating inside of her, "Yep. I can call you baby…give you compliments. Remind you how badly I want you all the damn time. Still in?"

She sighed, arching up into him as his fingers moved down, pressing firmly against her entrance, "Fuck yes. Yes Elliot…"

He curled his fingers up, thrusting them hard and fast, "That's my girl…" He wrapped his lips around her clit again and pumped faster, "I want to taste you. All of you."

Her fingers tugged harder on her nipples and her hips rocked against him, "God damn it Elliot…I-I-"

"Mmmm." He sighed, nudging her clit with his nose, "Feel good?"

She laughed, testing her fingers harder, "That's a rhetorical question, right?"

He shook his head and slowed his fingers, only slightly, his tongue licking her up and down, a smirk on his face asking the same questions she had before, flipping everything around, "No…I'm genuinely curious. How do you feel?"

Her mouth fell open as he tugged harder on her clit, "So-so good."

He smiled and sucked even harder, "Good or great? You told me there is a difference."

She arched up into him and started panting, "Past great El…I told you we went way past great a long time ago."

He groaned proudly and pushed three fingers inside of her pussy, hard and fast, "I believe you threw out the word amazing. Do you feel amazing Liv?"

Her head fell back, feeling her orgasm building, "Uh-G-god yes! Yes Elliot! Oh! Oh my God!"

He pulled her flush against his mouth and moaned loudly, the vibrations rushing through her making her crash down around him, "Come on Liv. Come."

She screamed, her body convulsing, holding him in place against her body, "El…fuck…I-I-I can't-"

He smiled, thrusting his fingers up harder, curling them once more, "Yes you can. Again."

Her head thrashed back and forth as she gasped for air, unable to believe that he could bring her here twice with just his mouth and fingers. And yet, here they were. She thought she'd lost him forever, thought she could never have this. But here he was, not giving up on her. Here he was proving to her that he wanted her, that he loved her, that she was worth something, worth everything to him. Tears streamed down her cheeks as the emotions overwhelmed her, shook her to her core, "Elliot!"

He smiled, tasting her as she came hard once more, for him and only him. Licking her slowly a few more times, he moved his his lips upward, kissing up and down he body until he found her lips. "Hi…"

She tried to breathe, reaching for him, her hands wrapping around his neck, "H-hi." She swallowed hard, her lips parting softly, "What the hell was that?"

He laughed and kissed her neck before pulling back, "See? I learned a hell of a lot from you Benson."

She eased herself up on her elbows, "Where-where are you going?"

He looked down at her, pulling his belt through the loops, never breaking eye contact, "What do you think I'm doing?"

Reaching out for him again, she pulled his arm hard, "Come here…"

Kicking off his slacks, he climbed up on the bed again, holding himself above her. He rocked his hips forward, pressing the tip of his cock against her, "Liv…"

Sliding her hands up to her chest, she unhooked the front of her bra, pulling it off, "Elliot…please…"

His hand slid down her side, settling on her hip, pulling her leg up around his waist. He thrust his hips forward again, pushing up into her, only part of the way, "Tell me Liv…"

She didn't need him to clarify, she knew what he wanted, what he need. And after all he'd done for her, to prove to her, she couldn't deny him. She wouldn't deny him, "I love you." Her hand held his face close, "I love you Elliot."

His mouth fell open and he thrust hard, filling her completely, "Olivia…"

Her hand fell beside her, palm up, "I love you. Oh God I love you Elliot…"

His hand reached out, threading his fingers with hers, "I love you. I love you Liv."

Her second leg wrapped around him, her hips tilting up as he filled her, his cock sliding across her clit, "Yes…please…please baby."

He smiled, leaning down to kiss her, biting down on her lip, tugging gently, "Do you feel it Olivia? You feel the difference?"

Her free hand reached up, sliding under his arm, her nails raking down his back, "Yes. Yes. I feel it."

He sighed, breathing her in, burning his face in the crook of her neck, "No more Liv…no more." He turned, pressing his lips to her neck, "This wasn't a game, it was never a game. I've always wanted you. Always…I just didn't know how to tell you. But I need you to hear me…"

She clung harder to him, his fingers threading through hers once more, "El…"

"You are mine. You and me…this…" He panted, thrusting harder, faster, filling her over and over, "No one else…tell me there will be no one else."

Arching her back off the mattress, she pressed herself against him, "It's always been you…" She whimpered, "El it was always you…"

He groaned, leaning further into her, getting lost in her and she knew it. Taking the opportunity, she quickly rolled them and he gasped, falling hard onto his back, "What are you-"

She smiled down at him, leaning over him as she held his face, their hands still interlocked above his head, "Let's see if I have learned something…learned the difference." She rocked her hips, holding herself above him, "Let's see if I can make love to you too."

He smiled up at her, his second hand wrapping around her hip, "Let's see…"

His hand slid up her back, his thumb tracing her spine as she slowly rode him, "How am I doing Mr. Stabler?"

He smiled, wrapping his fingers tighter around hers, moaning softly, "Damn good."

She frowned softly, clamping down around him, holding his thighs tighter around her, "Just good? Not great?"

She leaned in and bit down hard on his nipple and he grunted, pressing his fingers into her back, "Shit…Liv." His eyes closed tight as he moved her hips up to his neck sucking tightly, "Amazing, you are amazing."

She smiled against his neck and sat back just enough to see him, "It's not me El…it's us. I've never had this with anyone but you…"

"Come here." He whispered, pulling her face closer he kissed her hard, "We are amazing. This will be so good…we will be so good. Just let me love you, God let me love you."

She gasped, gripping his shoulder and suddenly he was sitting up, taking her with him. His hand pressed firmly against her back, he lifted her, pulling her back down on him as he sat up against the bed, "Elliot…"

His other hand wrapped in her hair, pulling back slightly as he pressed his lips to her neck, "Let me love you…please let me love you."

Her knees pressed into the mattress and her head fell back, a loud moan escaping her lips, the vibration pressing against his lips, "Oh my God…"

He bit down hard on her neck, and he knew there was going to be a mark but he didn't care, "That's it…just let me love you baby."

She gripped him harder, her fingers pressing into the back of his neck, "Fuck…right there…oh my God Elliot. Please…"

Tilting her head back down to him he kissed her, his eyes open as he watched her ride him, "Olivia…"

Her thighs ached, her body shook but she couldn't bear for this to end, "Elliot, I love you. I love you…"

"You have no idea…" He whispered softly, running his fingers up and down her back, "You have no idea how much I love you."

Holding his face close, she rested her forehead against his and moved slowly, "El…please."

"God I'd give you anything…" He whispered, "Just tell me what you want…anything Liv."

He was breathing hard as he held her there, and she smiled, kissing him softly, never taking her eyes off of him, "I just want you."

Reaching behind his neck, he took her hand and pressed it against his chest, covering her hand with his, "You have me. You always have."

He pulled her close again, their lips locked, his tongue begging for entrance. She whimpered into his mouth, rocking faster against him, feeling it building once more. He tensed, clinging to her as he started to come undone. "Olivia…"

He whispered against her lips, his breath warm, tickling her face and she cried out as his cock slid across her clit, "Fuck El…yes!"

He moaned loudly, helping her continue to ride him, "Jesus Liv…"

He came hard, filling her and her body shook, coming a third time. Her body felt limp as she fell against him and he sighed, kissing her lips and her neck, "El…"

"I've got you." He sighed, his breath coming in hard and fast as he held her firmly against him, "I've got you baby…"

And she knew he meant it. He'd always had her, he'd always protected her, kept her safe, supported her, believed in her, the only one. He'd always been right there, yet he had felt so out of reach. But he was here, in her bed, holding her after they'd made love. He was here, fighting for her when no one else had ever seen her as worth it. She felt the tears and once she would have been embarrassed, afraid, but looking at him, she knew he'd never make her feel less than. He smiled, lifted his hand and brushed away her tears, "I've got you…"

Pressing her forehead against his she whispered, "Jesus El…"

He ran his fingers up and down her back, kissed her cheek and then her nose, "Do you get it now Liv? Do you understand?"

She sighed feeling a bead of sweat sliding down her neck, "I-I think so." She smiled lazily, leaning down to kiss him again, "But…I think I may need a reminder from time to time. That okay?"

He laughed deep in his throat as he tried to breathe, "I think we can arrange that…"

Wrapping her arms around his neck she took a few steadying breaths, "Tell me this is real and that I'm not going to wake up alone tomorrow…"

"Rule number two remember? I'm sleeping over. You want me out of this bed, you're gonna have to kick my ass out. But I don't think you want to do that." He whispered. He waited, and turned his face towards her, "Do you want me to leave?"

Biting down hard on her lip, she held him close, her fingers digging into the back of his neck, "No. I never want you to leave…"

"Good." He sighed, leaning back and taking her with him. "That's what I was hoping for."

Her legs ached as he rolled her to her side so they were laying side by side, "El…"

Reaching out, he pushed back her bangs and smiled, "So I can stay tonight?"

Tangling her fingers with his, she smiled and whispered, "You can stay tonight. I want you to stay tonight."

He saw her eyes closing, saw sleep beginning to take over her, "I love you."

Moving closer, she pressed her lips to his shoulder and he felt her smiling, "I love you too…" She snuggled in closer, and he wrapped an arm around her, "I know…we have to talk but-"

"Close your eyes." He whispered against her forehead, "I'm gonna be right here Liv. Right here…"

Taking a deep breath she felt herself slipping further into a deep, deep sleep feeling safer and happier than she ever had before, "You always have been…"

Elliot watched her, felt her breathing even out as she wrapped herself around him. "And I always will be…"

And for the first time, he really believed that she knew that, that she was ready and he wasn't going to push him away. And that felt damn good. And right beside her, he fell just as deeply asleep, feeling her heartbeat against his.


He woke up before her, the run rising slowly outside. It streamed in through the window as he watched her, she still lay beside him, wrapped around him, holding tight just as she had last night. He smiled, reaching out he ran his fingers through her hair. He heard her sigh happily, felt her reat beat a little faster. Her leg slid between his, "Mmm…"

He smiled and leaned in, kissing the side of her mouth, "Good morning."

Her eyes didn't open but she smiled, "Morning…"

Her voice was low, raspy and sexy as hell, his body ached for her already, "Liv?"

She sighed, and reached out, her fingers trailing up and down his arm, "Mmm…yes?"

He lay there, his heart jumping in his chest as the words spilled from his mouth before he could stop himself. A little bit of fear still swarming in his mind, "I'm your boyfriend now right?"

Her eyes were still closed and she groaned, her nose scrunching up as she stretched her legs slightly, "Ugh, God no El. I hate that word."

His heart thumped hard in his chest, and fear filled his heart. His next words were spoken softly, and he didn't even try to hide the hurt, "So what am I then? What is this Liv?"

She lay there head on her pillow, her fingers running across to his chest, "I feel like at a certain age that boyfriend and girlfriend sounds ridiculous. But…if we need to put labels on this…" Her eyes opened slowly and she looked right at him to make sure that he heard her, she smiled lazily and whispered, "You're my partner. My best friend. Lover. You're my everything." His eyes were wide and she smiled, reaching her hand out, she traced his jaw, feeling the stubble growing under her fingers, "That good enough for you El?"

Sliding his hand up her arm, he rolled over her and smiled down at her, "Yeah…that works."

She sighed and opened her legs to him as he felt his lips press to her neck, "Good."

"Now…if you throw your soulmate in there…you never have to call me your boyfriend." He said, his fingers tickling her sides.

Her body jumped at his touch and she laughed hard, "Elliot! Stop!"

He smiled, tickling her harder, not letting her get away, "Say it Liv! Say it!"

Throwing her head back she laughed harder, clinging to him, "Okay! Okay! You're my soulmate! You Elliot Stabler are my soulmate!" He stopped, smiling down at her and she laughed, "You happy now?"

Tangling his hands in her hair he leaned in, kissing her softly, "Never been happier babe…"

She groaned and pushed him back, "You're gonna call me that all the time now aren't you?"

Lifting her hand, he pressed his lips to her palm and smiled, "Every fucking day. Babe." He dropped her hand to his chest and smiled, "You agreed to the rules, remember?"

Rolling onto her side her cheeks flushed and she smiled, "I remember."

Pulling her closer he asked, "So…waking up beside me for a third time…what's the consensus? Think you can handle this?"

Nuzzling her head against her pillow her cheeks flushed and she whispered, "I think I can handle this."

"That's good…" He watched her carefully and then whispered, "I'm gonna go get us some breakfast."

She frowned as he tried to roll away from her, "What?"

Kissing her once more, he pulled back and said, "Stay here. I've got plans for you today…I've got lots of plans for us."

She whimpered and pulled the blanket up around her, "Don't go…"

He smiled remembering he'd said the same thing to her yesterday and she'd run. But he wasn't running. And he knew she wasn't either. "I'll be back in a bit…I promise."

She sat up, holding the blanket to her chest, "I'll be here…"

Pulling his slacks up over his legs he leaned down and whispered, "I know."

Leaning against her pillow she watched him go as he buttoned up his shirt. He was whistling as he walked towards the door and she sighed. Feeling more content than she ever had. When the door closed behind him, she sighed, her hair wild, her body aching in the best possible way, "This is good…this is really good. Don't screw it up Benson…"

Sitting up, she stretched, feeling all the parts of her body that he'd touched and loved. Walking towards the bathroom, the sheet fell to the ground. Standing in front of the mirror, she looked herself over and couldn't help but laugh as she saw the marks on her neck. "Damn it Elliot…"

And yet, she wasn't mad. Not this time. Turning, reached out and turned on the shower, the steam beginning to fill the small space. She already couldn't wait until he got back.


Elliot stood in line at the small cafe, checking his phone he saw a message from Kathy. The kids were on vacation this week and she was taking him to visit her parents at their home in Florida. He wrote a response back and told her to have the kids check in when they could. It was then that he remembered that he'd been suspended for a week. So what the hell was he gonna do with this time?

"Elliot?" Turning, he saw Lou and Helen standing beside him, "I thought that was you."

Elliot grabbed his coffee's and the bag containing their food before walking towards them, "Lou? Helen? What are you doing here?"

Lou smiled, "Took my love on a little trip…thought we needed a few days away from it all. We saw Olivia the other day. She didn't tell you?"

Elliot shook his head, "We've had kind of a crazy few days…" His cheeks flushed, "With work."

"Sounds like you two could use a break too." Helen whispered, "Lord knows Lou never took one…"

Elliot laughed, "We aren't good at taking breaks. We never have been…but I do have some time off this week actually."

Helen looked at her husband, "Lou…"

Lou reached for a napkin, "Do you have a pen Stabler?"

Elliot frowned, "I don't…"

Lou huffed, "And you call yourself a Detective…"

Elliot laughed and rubbed the back of his neck, "Sorry I failed you Lou…"

Lou smiled and looked as a waiter passed him, "Excuse me, do you have a pen I could borrow?"

The young man reached into his pocket and pulled a pen out, "Sure."

"Thank you." Leaning over the napkin, the older man began to write something down, "A few years ago…Helen and I invested in a little cottage on Cape Cod. Helen's family used to vacation there when she was a kid. It was always a dream of hers…I thought it was about time."

Elliot walked closer to them, "That sounds nice."

Holding out the napkin, he returned the pen and smiled, "It is. And I think you two will love it."

Elliot's eyes went wide, "What?"

Helen smiled up at him, "When things have been crazy…the ocean air can fix everything. Take Olivia away for a few days…you both deserve a break."

He couldn't help but smile as he reached for the napkin, "Now why would I take Olivia with me?"

Helen laughed as she looked up at him, "Because you love her." She raised an eyebrow and asked, "Are you going to lie to an old woman and say you don't?"

Elliot couldn't help but chuckle, "No. I wouldn't dream of it. You're right. I do."

"Good. So…" Lou shrugged, "You gonna go?"

Looking down at the address on the napkin, he couldn't stop the smile growing on his face. This was exactly what he needed. What they needed. "Yeah…we're gonna go."


Fifteen minutes later, Olivia stood in the kitchen barefoot, her hair wrapped pulled up in a messy bun. She wore one of the shirt's he'd left here before and she hated to admit how much she loved wearing it. Somehow, it made her feel sexier than she'd ever felt in her life. Hearing the door open behind her, she smiled and turned to look at him, resting her back against the counter, "Hey…I was gonna remind you that I'm trying to cut coffee but-"

"I got you your fancy tea." He said with a smile as he held out the cup for her, "Relax Benson."

Reaching for it, she wrapped her hands around the cup and her body filled with warmth, "You're the best."

Leaning in, he pressed his lips to hers, "Good. Eat your sandwich and then go pack a bag."

Furrowing her brow, she lowered the cup in front of her, "What do you mean pack a bag?"

"We're going away." He whispered, his hand touched her hip and he pulled her closer, "You and I are going to Cape Cod for a week. No distractions…just us. I'm suspended and you have more vacation and sick days than anyone lined up in the precinct. So call Cragen…take the time off. We're leaving this afternoon."

Her head was spinning and she dropped the cup to the counter beside her, "El…I-I-what? I mean when did you decide this?"

"About twenty minutes ago." He said with a laugh, "I ran into Helen and Lou." He tickled her side, "Thanks for telling me you ran into them by the way."

She smiled nervously, "Things were…I was…."

"I'm joking." He said pulling her closer as he rocked her back and forth, "But they have a cottage and offered to let us stay…and I think if I had said no he would have dragged us there anyway. But I think it's exactly what we need Liv. You and me…a place to just work this all out. A place to relax…no work, no responsibilities."

"But…your kids." She frowned, "El I don't want to take you away from your-"

"They are in Florida with Kathy. I get them for the next vacation…I've got all the time in the world Liv. And I'm going to spend the week spoiling you." He leaned in and kissed her cheek, "So come with me. Pack a bag and come away with me…"

Wrapping her arms around her waist she smiled nervously, "El…"

"Just say yes." He said with a shrug and a sweet smile, "All you have to do is say yes Liv…"

Resting her forehead against his she felt her heart jump in her chest, she'd never been taken care of like this. Never had anyone want to sweep her off her feet, never had someone want to make her smile. Never had anyone to love her. And she couldn't say no. For him, she couldn't say no.

So instead she said… "Yes…"

Wrapping his hands around her waist, he lifted her up and placed her down on the counter, "This is gonna be good Liv…I promise."

She wrapped her legs around his waist, and pulled him closer smiling against his neck she whispered, "It already is…"

He smiled and he knew, she trusted him, she loved him and that meant that that future he wanted so badly with her, was just around the corner. And he couldn't wait to get it started.