A/N - This is strictly a one shot! Set after Olivia drops Elliot off at the 3-7 and they see Frank. A little what could have been if they just stopped being so stubborn and TALKED. A little smutty, a little flirty, a little angsty, a little funny and a whole love of EO. Hope you enjoy!

"So how'd it feel working an SVU case again?"

"I thought this was an OC case."

"It's always good to work with you Liv."

"And how's your search for the truth going?"

"What's that?"

"With your Dad."

"Long. Complicated. Painful. Hey-"

"Well, ain't this a treat."

"Yeah."

"The Captain Benson at the lowly 3-7."

"Oh I'm just playing Uber driver for my old partner."

"Hey, I gotta personally thank you. Both of yous for doing such a hell of a job bringing Sara Santos back home."

"Well we were just doing our job. And I'm just glad that we could help out a fellow cop."

"Yeah well I sleep a lot better at night knowing somebody like you is in charge."

"Well I gotta tell you, I'm a little jealous because Elliot here tells me that you're the second best partner that he ever had."

"Really? I'll have to work on changing his mind about that. See if I can make myself number one. Night kids."

"Night."

Knowing Frank the way he did, there was something in his tone, something about the way he looked at her that Elliot didn't like. Then again, when it came to his former partner, anyone that looked at her, especially any male to him, was a threat. He could feel her watching him in that way that she always did and he tried to calm his nerves before turning back to her. Her head was leaning against the headrest, her wavy hair fanned out over her shoulders and she was smiling, softly. But underneath that smile, he saw it. Her concern. Always her concern.

Clearing his throat, he reached for the door handle, "Well…thanks for the ride Captain. And for…well," He laughed and turned back to her, leaning against the side of the car, "Everything."

"Anytime." He smiled and squeezed the door frame and went to turn away from her when she called back to him, "Uh, hey El?" He knew what she was going to ask next, she couldn't help herself, "Are you okay?"

Letting out a shaky breath, he turned all the way back to her and lifted a shoulder, "Sure."

Chewing softly on her lip her smile turned into a small pout, "You may have the world fooled with your tough guy image Stabler…" Leaning over the console she bent her head so he could see her eyes, "But you don't fool me."

There was so much he wanted to say, so much he'd always wanted to say. His chest burned with all the unspoken thoughts and feelings, his worries and fears. But as usual, he couldn't bring himself to say them. Especially not here. Not when he felt like Frank was still watching. Clearing his throat he knocked his fist into the side of her car, "I'm good Liv…" Holding his hand out he waved awkwardly, "Really…"

"Well when you decide you aren't." He paused again and watched as she put her hands on the steering wheel, "Call me."

And then, she was gone. He watched the car driveway and thought about all the times he'd watched her leave. All the times he'd sat at his desk at the 1-6 and watched her packing up her stuff, dreading the inevitable moment when she'd walk away. Both of them finding little ways to prolong it. But always, the time would come and she'd leave. And he'd be left with his thoughts, with all those complicated feelings. Running a tired hand over his face, he turned back to the building behind him and sighed.

What a long way down you've fallen Stabler he thought to himself. Even if he knew this was all a show, there was part of him that felt he deserved it. That he was the monster they all made him out to be. And sometimes it seemed that the only person who didn't see him that way…was the very woman who'd just driven away. Swinging his keys on his finger, he moved one foot in front of the other wondering when and if he'd ever have the chance to say all the things he'd never said. All the reasons that made her his best partner. All the reasons that no one could ever even come close to taking her place.

Late that night after he'd crawled out from under a large pile of monotonous paperwork, he'd dragged himself to his car and driven home. As soon as he pulled up out front, he saw another car. The very car that had dropped him off at the 3-7 earlier. Part of him wanted to feel irritated, and yet, he couldn't stop the smile that slowly filled his face. She must have seen him, because he saw her stepping out of the car, slamming the door shut behind her. She waited, and he felt guilty thinking that she was always waiting, just waiting, for him to get his shit together. Leaning against the hood of the car, she crossed her ankles and her arms over her chest.

She had such a presence about her, a commanding force that made you want to know her, maybe even fear her. She was beautiful, everyone could see that. Physically, she was the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen. Her golden smooth skin, luxurious long brown hair, those legs that went on for miles and those curves, those damn curves that taunted him even when he tried to hide thousands of miles away. Oh yes, she was beautiful, sexy, every man's fantasy. But she was so much more than just a beautiful woman, her soul, her heart, her strength and perseverance made her irreplaceable in his life. And above all, her belief and trust in him despite everything he had done kept him moving. And he knew he didn't deserve her. But God if he had the chance…he'd do anything she asked just to make her smile.

Watching her now, a taunting little smile on her face, he wondered if this was that chance. That moment that they'd both been waiting for. Maybe this was his opportunity to start something new, to make things right. And above all, to be the man she'd always deserved. As he stepped out of the car, words rang through his mind. His wife's words that he'd written on that paper, why he still wasn't quite sure.

And if there was a man in my life, he should be the kind and faithful and devoted man I deserved.

What if that man could be him? What if it was always meant to be him? Straightening up, he shut his car door, locked the car and slipped his keys in his pocket before walking towards her. She didn't speak, just waited. The gravel crunched under his feet, the traffic down the road, a faraway siren were the only sounds he heard. Taking a deep breath, he stopped a foot away from her, the corners of his lips turning up into a slow smile, "What are you doing here?"

Tilting her head back slightly, she shrugged, her hair falling towards her back, "Like I said…you don't fool me." He went to protest and she shook her head, "And I knew you wouldn't call. Besides, I think Frank interrupted our conversation."

Little did she know he'd picked up his phone more than a million times in the last 12 years but he always chickened out. It seemed she made the choice for him this time though. Swallowing hard, he looked back at his building, "Wanna come up?"

She nodded slowly, her toe of her boot digging into the pavement below, "Yes…under one condition." He raised an eyebrow and she smirked, "No alcohol."

He nodded slowly and stepped back, "Okay…need to get back to Noah?"

She nodded once in response and pushed him back, her fingers pressing into his firm stomach, "That. And…I don't trust either of us."

She whispered that last part, very close to his ear and he shivered, feeling the change. He let out a little laugh and leaned into her touch as her hand slid across his abdomen, across his arm before dancing along his palm. His breath rattled in his chest and his heart pounded, she made him feel like a young man again, made him feel things he'd only dreamed about. Walking up behind her he leaned in close to her ear, "You probably shouldn't trust me sober either…"

Looking at him out of the corner of her eye she smirked, "Oh, I know."

They walked side by side, their stride the same pace, always in sync. Both of them couldn't help but laugh as they moved, it all felt so normal, so right, just as it had been working together the last few days. As they rounded the corner of the back garden, both of them faltered slightly, "What's that smell?"

"Shit." Another voice mumbled followed by a quick cough.

Elliot hung his head as Olivia started laughing, "Jesus Mama…"

She continued to cough, waving her hand in front of her face, "Oh don't get all sanctimonious on me about a little pot Elliot. I still maintain it's less deadly than that poison you put in your body called whiskey."

Elliot sighed heavily and looked up at her as she shuffled towards them, "Is Eli home?"

"No. He went with Dickie to some game and they were going to get home late so they thought it would be better if he crashed there." She looked over at Olivia and smiled, "Captain Benson." She narrowed her eyes at her and asked, "You ever smoke a doobie? You look like a girl who did in her day…"

"Mama!" Elliot howled in disbelief, "Jesus…"

Olivia laughed harder and her cheeks flushed but she shrugged, "Hi Mrs. Stabler." She paused and Bernie still stared at her, waiting for her answer, "And…I plead the fifth."

Bernie snorted and stepped back, pointing at her she grumbled, "In my experience that means yes…" Sighing, she walked towards the house, "Anyone want some ice cream?"

Elliot's jaw clicked and he rubbed the back of his neck anxiously, "Hm…"

Olivia looked over at him and smiled, "Ice cream sounds delicious Bernie. Thank you."

"Come in. Come in." She beckoned towards her, "It's one of my weaknesses." She smirked and opened the door, nodding her head towards the corner where she'd been standing before, "One of my many weaknesses."

When she slipped into the house, Olivia looked back at Elliot and smiled, "What do you say, partner?"

Partner.

There it was again. He could never explain to her fully how it felt to hear her call him that earlier. A title he felt he no longer deserved. And as frustrated as he was with his Mother right now, nothing could upset him if she was beside him. Reaching out, he placed his hand on her shoulder and whispered, "I say…You grab the bowls, I'll scoop. Partner."

He knocked his hip with hers and she laughed as she stumbled forward towards the back door. His hand slid down her back as he followed her and he felt her body shiver. Eyeing his Mother in the kitchen, she was smirking and he had to bite his lip so he didn't say something. Hopefully, she'd get tired soon because he had a lot he wanted to say to his best partner and he finally felt tired of waiting.

Bernie set out the tubs of ice cream on the counter and Olivia grabbed the bowls. He reached for the scoop and spoons before settling himself between them. Two of the most important women and people in his life. Lately, everything seemed so damn complicated and unnerving. But here, in his kitchen, beside both of them, he felt at ease and he wished it could always be like this.

"For you Captain." He whispered, sliding it towards her, lifting his hand he licked a bit off of his thumb and smirked when he saw her swallow hard watching the movement, "You good Benson?"

It took her a moment, but in typical Olivia fashion, she knew just what to do and say to flip the script on him. Lifting the bowl, she gave him a challenging look, took the spoon, dipped it in the creamy desert and lifted it to her perfect lips. She smirked as she wrapped her mouth around it, moaning softly, "Mmm…" Now it was his turn to swallow hard, and more than that, he had to adjust his stance, "I'm great. You good Stabler?"

He watched as she licked the back of the spoon slowly and he grunted, "In front of my Mother?" He growled.

She only laughed, gave him a little wink and then stepped back to join Bernie at the other end of the counter. He heard them talking, laughing to themselves so he took the opportunity to calm himself. His fingers dug into the edge of the counter and he closed his eyes counting to ten. But all he saw was Olivia, her body, the way she moved today beside him. The way he wanted to do so many things to her…to taste her, touch her, fuck her. How was it possible to still want someone so badly after all this time? Maybe even more than back then?

"Earth to Elliot." His Mother's voice pulled him from his thoughts, "Grab the whipped cream in the fridge would you? I forgot."

"Oh. I love whipped cream." Olivia said with a little glint in her eyes.

Elliot huffed again and turned towards the fridge, "Sure."

Grabbing the can, he walked towards them and popped off the cap. "Gimme."

Bernie grabbed the canister and started to shake it, "Geez…" Elliot mumbled as he straddled the stool and sat down, "Slow down Ma…"

"Remember when you were little?" She said with a laugh as she piled her ice cream high with the sugary cream, "Your Dad would get so mad but when I wasn't looking…I'd take the can and…" She turned back to him, eyes wide and hazy, "And…"

Elliot looked at her and shook his head, "Mama, don't you think I'm too old for-" But she didn't let him finish, cutting him off by sticking the tip near his mouth and spraying him with whipped cream, "Really?" He mumbled through a mouthful.

Olivia and Bernie were both laughing hysterically as he wiped his mouth, "Oh come on Elliot! You gotta live a little!" Bernie said with a smirk, spraying some into her own mouth, "Or in my case, live a lot!"

Elliot reached for a paper towel and cleaned himself off, "You always did know how to have a good time Mama."

Bernie smirked and slowly stood up, "You should take a page from my book son. You only live once…and when you get to my age you start thinking about all the things you wanted to do that you didn't do…" She cocked her head towards Olivia, "Including beautiful old partners…"

Olivia ducked her head and laughed softly again, he shot her a look, "Bernadette Stabler…don't you think it's time for bed?"

Bernie gave him a wink and shoved the canister in his hand again, "Sure do. Oh and Olivia…" She turned back to the brunette who looked at her curiously, "I'm pretty deaf as it is…but Eli got me some noise canceling headphones for Mothers Day because his damn video games tend to keep me up. So you know…" She gestured with her free hand as she stepped back, "Have fun…"

Olivia's mouth hung open as the older woman turned around, practically skipping towards her room, humming to herself. "She thinks she is hilarious…" Elliot grumbled.

Olivia smirked and swirled her spoon around in her bowl, "She's something alright…would have been interesting to see her and my-" Her cheeks flushed and she looked away from him, "Good ice cream…"

"Her and your Mom?" He heard her inhale sharply but he didn't need her to respond, "Yeah…it would have been. I often wonder what they would have made of each other." He paused and said, "I should have introduced you to my Mom sooner, Liv…I should have done a lot of things sooner."

Peering at him out of the corner of her eye, she smiled sadly and rested her elbows on the counter, "It's fine El…"

He watched her carefully, his own ice cream forgotten about as she took another bite. She was looking straight ahead, but from what he could see of her face, he knew she was thinking. He knew her thinking face. He'd watched it for 12 years from across his own desk, across the car. He knew her face like the back of his damn hand. Wanting to lighten the mood a bit, he lifted the whipped cream canister towards her, "Did you want some?"

She looked at him anxiously, her eyes darting down to the red and white bottle, "What?"

He shrugged and gave her that infamous Stabler smirk, "Did you want some whipped cream? You did say you loved it."

She bit her lip as he moved it closer to her, "Elliot, don't you da-"

"Open up Benson." He teased, holding it above head, his pointer finger ready to pull the trigger, "Come on…don't be shy."

She ducked her head and grimaced, "I mean it Stabler…don't you da-"

"What'cha gonna do about it if I do?" He asked, his voice low and husky, sending a rush of desire straight to her core, "You gonna hit me Captain?"

She was breathing heavily, the heat rising and she felt like a teenage girl across from her first crush at an ice cream shop, "Maybe…"

Leaning in even closer, his eyes darted to her lips before he whispered, "I told you that you shouldn't trust me…even if we were sober." He bit the corner of his lip and mumbled, "Open up."

She shouldn't, she knew she shouldn't. And yet, there was so much temptation. There always was. And the longer he stayed around, the harder it was to deny these feelings. "Elliot…"

He took the slight movement, the parting of her lips and took his opportunity, squirting way too much whipped cream into her mouth. She shrieked and he laughed, shrugging and not looking the least bit sorry, "Opps…"

She pushed her stool back and reached for the paper towels on the counter, "You're the worst…" She mumbled through a mouthful before swallowing, "Truly."

He laughed and leaned in, resting his elbow on the counter, feeling bolder by the second, "Aw come on now Benson…you don't mean that."

Taking a deep breath she fell back onto the stool and looked down at him, "Maybe I do."

Tilting his head to the side he pouted, giving her those damn puppy dog eyes, "You wound me Captain…here I was about to sing your praises and tell you that Frank could never in a million years replace you as my best partner." He heard her inhale quickly, saw her cheeks flush and he leaned in, his eyes falling on the little bit of whipped cream still sitting on the corner of her mouth, "No one ever could…"

And then he was leaning in and she felt it, and knew what he was going to do. Her mind was spinning a mile a minute. Yes she'd flirted. But she'd always flirted. It's just what they had done. There had always been an invisible wall between them though, one they never quite crossed. But the closer he got, she realized it was completely shattered now and any second he would be kissing her.

Panic filled her chest and she jumped back, practically falling off the stool. It tilted backwards and Elliot had to grab onto it so he didn't fall over. Both of their stools feet slammed into the ground, "Liv-"

She wiped nervously at the corner of her lips and then brushed her hands over her thighs, "I-I should go."

Taking a slow, deep breath, he tried to regain his composure. It had felt like she wanted him to kiss her so he'd leaned in, decided not to look back or hesitate. But as he watched her now, he saw that gone was the confident, bold, former partner and Captain that he knew. Before him stood the scared, unsure woman that she never let anyone see. As she moved around looking for her keys, he knew exactly what was fueling it.

Hurt.

And as much as Olivia Benson had been hurt in her life, no one, not a single person had hurt her the way he had. The ultimate betrayal. She was halfway across the living room when he found his voice again and thank God he did. Because if he let her walk out that door now, he wasn't sure they'd ever get past this. "Liv…wait."

She froze, her hands clenching and unclenching at her sides, "Coming here was a mistake."

Sighing, he pushed himself up off the stool and slowly walked towards her, "Don't say that. You don't mean that."

He watched as her shoulders rose and fell with each breath she took, "What is it about you Elliot?" He froze and she took a moment before turning to look at him, "Why can't I stay away from you?"

Swallowing hard, he felt shame fill his body as he looked down, "Do you want to stay away from me?" She didn't answer and he wasn't sure he even wanted her too, his next words slipped from his lips before he could stop himself, "She said you were like a drug…" Her eyes narrowed at him, confused by his words and he grimaced, "Kathy…" She took another step back at the sound of his wife's name, "We got into a fight one night…I was drinking. We'd been in Italy for about four months. And I must have…I think…" He paused and rubbed the back of his neck, "I think I called her Olivia…" He saw her gasp, "Wouldn't have been the first time…but it sure pissed her off that night. She said you were like a drug and I was an addict. That I couldn't stop…"

Her gaze lowered and she pressed a hand to her belly, "Elliot…"

"And I think she was right." He sighed and walked closer to her, "No matter what I did…no matter how far I went…it was always you I was thinking about. And she knew that. It's why she made me write that letter. She still felt threatened."

She grimaced slightly, "I don't want to talk about the letter…that ridiculous letter."

"Olivia…" Nervously, he took another step towards her and she didn't move, "I know that you have every reason to hate me. Every reason to tell me to go to hell. But you're here…you came here." She closed her eyes tightly, "And whatever that reason is…it keeps bringing us both back together."

She seemed to be fighting some inner battle with herself, her legs trembled slightly and she shook her head, "I should go…"

He took one more step and the wood floor creaked beneath his feet, "Yeah you should…"

He reached for her, his hand settling on her hip and she quickly lifted her head to look at him. She spoke again, in barely a whisper but he heard it loud and clear, "But I don't want to…"

And then he moved, quickly before she could change her mind. He grabbed her quickly pulling her flush against his body, his hands holding her hips firmly in place. She gasped just before his lips found hers, but her hands cradled his face, curling around the back of his head, giving just as good as she got. They stumbled slightly, both of them fighting for control which wasn't surprising. Their whole partnership had been like that. Both of them too stubborn to let go give up the reins fully.

She tasted sweet, like the ice cream, the whipped cream and something that he somehow knew was just her. Her lips were soft, and he groaned when he felt the warmth of her tongue, tracing his bottom lip. He could feel her heart pounding, felt it pressed against his own and he had to smile to himself realizing that even their heartbeats were in sync, the same solid, thump, thump, thump. His hands slowly slid up under the hem of her shirt and she whimpered as soon as she felt him touching her bare skin. He was moving them towards the couch, but before he could pull her down with him she had pulled back again making him fall backwards on his own with a heavy thud, "Oomf…"

The quick burst of air that passed between them from her sudden movements made him shiver, "Liv…"

She shook her head quickly and looked around again, "I-I should go." She looked back at him, sitting there, hunched over on the couch, forearms resting on his knees, the veins in his arms bulging. Her eyes dipped lower and her eyes went wide realizing what else was bulging, "I really should go."

He sighed heavily and hung his head, "You keep saying that…"

"Well I mean it." She whispered quickly, "I…I shouldn't…we shouldn't." She paused and stood up straighter, "We can't."

Cocking his head to the side he whispered, "Why can't we?" She froze in her spot and he shrugged, "Why can't we Liv? All those reasons why…why we couldn't before…they're gone now aren't they?"

Her arms closed in around her body and she whispered, "Yes. But…" He waited, allowing her time to process, "But now…now there are more." He leaned back and she knew he knew what she was thinking because he always did, "You hurt me Elliot…you-you-" She sucked in her lower hip and sighed, "God, you broke me." Stepping closer to him, she saw the sadness wash over his face, the regret, the pain he felt for hurting her, "Elliot you fucking broke me. You." She pointed at him, and shook her head, "And I…I needed you. God I fucking needed you…"

Slowly, he pushed himself off the couch and walked towards her, "I know. Liv, I kn-"

"No." Without realizing what she was doing she lifted her hands and shoved him backwards, "No you don't know! That's the fucking problem Elliot! You don't know! You don't know."

He felt the hot wave of shame pass through his body, "Olivia…"

Tears streamed down her face and she clenched her hand into a fist, slamming it into the hard plains of his chest. He grimaced and she was reminded of Santos' wife doing the same thing. But somehow, she knew, her punch hurt worse as did her words. "You don't know what happened. What I went through. How I was all alone for ten years because you-you-" She hit him again and again and he stood there, taking each blow, not even trying to stop her, "You don't know what he-what they-" She stumbled and fell hard against him, hating that as scared, as angry as she was, that what she needed was his arms around her, just like she always had, "You don't know how much I needed you. How much I've always needed you."

Closing his eyes tight, he wrapped his arms around her, locking them in place. His eyes closed and he pressed his lips to her temple, "I'm sorry. God…I'm so sorry Olivia. You will never…ever know how sorry I am."

She cried softly into his chest, her tears seeping into the tight black shirt he wore, "I should fucking hate you."

Ducking his head into the crook of her neck he kissed the spot below her ear, "You should."

Her fingers dug into his hips and she whispered, "I should. But…" She hiccuped nervously, "But I don't."

He rocked them back and forth, side to side, moving her further into his apartment and away from the door. Even if she tried to fight it, he couldn't let her leave now. Not like this. Not ever again. "Olivia…"

She clung to him harder as if she was afraid if she let go he'd slip through her fingers once more. That he'd vanish for another decade and she'd be left here all alone. "I should hate you Elliot Stabler…" She mumbled again, "But God help me…I love you."

He froze, they both did as soon as the words left her mouth. Pulling back slightly, he moved one hand from her back to the side of her face. First he wiped at her tears, and then he slid his fingers into her dark hair, "Olivia…"

Sniffling slightly, she stood up and whispered, "I love you…and that's why I can't stay away from you. No matter how hard I try. It will always be you Elliot…always."

Elliot felt his own tears burning, he rubbed the back of her neck with his fingers, "I love you too." Her fingers bit into his lower back, "It's why I left…" She tensed and he frowned, "Whether right or wrong…I loved you. And I'm sorry…I'm so fucking sorry for what I did. To you. To us…you will never know how sorry I am."

She felt dizzy, they both did, so many boundaries had been crossed. The air between them was thick with desire, need, want, love. And maybe it wouldn't make sense to anyone. Maybe they looked insane, sick, twisted. But they needed each other. They'd always needed each other. Swallowing the lump in her throat her eyes fell to his lips, "Elliot…"

He felt it again, her heart beat against his chest, the same steady rhythm as his own, "Olivia," Brushing back her hair again he whispered, "You have no idea how good it felt to work beside you again. You can still read me better than anyone. It felt like…like no time had passed. Like it was always you and I…like it always will be-" His voice cracked softly, "I missed you Liv. I don't think I let myself feel how much I missed you until today…and I realized how much better of a man I am with you by my side." Another tear fell down the slope of her cheek and he caught it with his thumb, "Maybe that's selfish of me…in fact I know it is…" Taking a shaky breath he whispered, "But it's you…it's always going to be you."

This time, she was the one who moved in first. Her mouth latched onto his in a fiery kiss, leaving him breathless, practically knocking him off of his feet. But he recovered quickly knowing that it was likely she'd pull away again. So he walked them backwards towards his room. It felt like they were devouring each other and so far it was just a kiss. What the hell was it gonna be like when they…

They stumbled through the door of his bedroom and he kicked it shut, she pulled back slightly, "You're Mom-"

"Noise canceling headphones, remember?" He teased as he panted heavily, reaching for his shirt before yanking it over his head and tossing it to the side, "Remind me to thank Eli for that later…"

She laughed, kicking off her boots, stepping down and once again reminding them both of their height difference. She swallowed hard, looking at him, the rock hard expanse of his chest, "Elliot…"

He took a step forward and she took one backwards towards his bed, "Olivia, you know I won't do this if you don't want it. If you don't want me." They kept moving until she reached the base of his large bed, "But just so we're clear…" He lifted his hand and ran his finger along the side of her cheek, his thumb settling on her bottom lip "I want you. I want this. I want…" Leaning all the way in, he kissed her with his eyes wide open, "Us."

Her hands once again fell to his forearms, clinging on tightly, "Elliot…"

"You were my best partner Benson. And watching you today…seeing how far you've come…" His thumb moved across her lip to her cheek, resting on the base of her neck, "I've never been so proud. You, you, Olivia Benson were born for this. You never needed me…"

Biting her lip softly she shook her head, "Yes I did."

"No." He shook his head and smiled sadly, "No you didn't. You're stronger than the both of us combined. Even if you had never showed up at the 1-6 and been assigned my partner…you would have done great things. I'm just the lucky bastard that got to go along for the ride for 12 years…" His voice was laced with emotion as he spoke the next part, "And I'm hoping…you'll give me the chance to be along for the next part of this journey too…"

Her hand slid up his arm, resting on his wrist, "Elliot…"

Leaning forward, he kissed her nose, her cheeks and then her lips, "I will never let you down again Liv. I couldn't if I tried. You don't need me…but I need you." Resting his forehead against hers he sighed, "I've always needed you." He sighed and pulled her even closer, "And everyone knows it…Without you I'm…I'm only half of who I could be. Of who I should be. I need you Benson…I've always needed you." Kissing her softly again he pulled back just enough so he could see her face, "I love you."

Her chest rose and fell slowly, and he could tell something was holding her back still. He waited, patiently, he owed her that much. She'd waited all this time for him to prove himself. He could wait a little longer if he needed too. Lifting her hand, she began to pull at her shirt, her voice was low and nervous, "I'm not the same woman that I was back then El…"

He shook his head slowly, "I'm not the same man either…"

Time seemed to slow down as she began to lift her shirt up and over her head, and then he saw it. What she really meant. The reason she had needed him so badly. Her eyes welled with tears and she lifted a shoulder, "But will you still want this broken version of me?"

Elliot stepped back and he knew she thought he was retreating, running, turning his back on her because he was disgusted. Instead, he did something she had never expected. Slowly, he dropped to his knees in front of her, his lips now at level with her navel. She watched him with fascination as he leaned forward, kissing one scar, and then another, letting his tongue trace the outline of her belly button, his eyes never leaving hers. She inhaled sharply, her belly caving in and her hands fell to the top of his head, "Elliot…"

His hands lifted and his thumb flicked the button on top of her pants. "Olivia…" He knew she was holding her breath, his hands fell to her sides, tugging slowly, "You are not broken." He kissed just above the line of her panties and she whimpered, "You're beautiful." Nuzzling his face against her abdomen, he breathed her in, "So damn beautiful…"

Her hands massaged the top of his head, tilting it backwards, "If you can love this version of me…if you swear you'll never leave me again…"

Slowly he pulled her pants down until they pooled at her feet, leaving her long legs bare to him. His lips pressed against the thin material still between them, he felt the warmth of her, her physical need for him, "Never Liv. Never."

Sighing, her fingers slid up and down the expanse of his head, "Then I'm yours…"

Gently, his fingers tugged at the sides of her panties, pulling them down the same path of her pants, "And I have always been yours." He pressed his lips to the apex of her thighs, "You may not believe me…but my heart was always yours."

When his tongue pressed between his lips and slowly along the length of her pussy, her legs fell open and she sighed, "Elliot…"

He moaned softly against her and smiled, she was even sweeter than the ice cream they'd had earlier, "Lie down Liv…"

She looked down at him nervously, "I…"

He smiled, shook his head and kissed her hip playfully, "Lie down…"

His voice was low, gravely, desperate and she shivered . Reaching behind her, she sat down slowly on the edge of his bed, the mattress dipping slightly below her weight. She was closer to him now, and could see how dark his eyes were. But beneath the desire, she saw something else. Love. Truth. Sincerity. He wasn't going to leave her again.

His hands landed on her knees, but his eyes never left hers. Pushing apart her thighs, he leaned forward just as she leaned back, resting on her elbows. She watched him in amazement as his tongue rolled around her clit, she could hear and feel her arousal. There was no denying how much she wanted this man, how much she'd always wanted him. His lips wrapped around her clit and she gripped the comforter on either side of her body, "Oh…oh my God…"

His hand slid down the length of her right leg, lifting it slowly, pressing her heel into the mattress, "Liv…"

Her head fell back as his hand inched upward, gripping her full breast through her bra, "Elliot…please…"

Lifting her other leg, he hooked it over his shoulder, leaned in and pushed his tongue all the way up inside of her making both of her legs tremble. His fingers danced up and down her outer thighs, her smooth skin sprinkling with goosebumps as he moved. Her hips rolled against his mouth, his nose pressing against her clit. Her hand lifted, covering his over her breast, squeezing tighter, desperate for more friction.

Her back arched up off the mattress, her free hand reaching for the back of his head, holding him in place as she rocked against him. Her mouth hung open in shock and in pleasure as he made love to her with his mouth both passionately, slowly and rough all at the same time. Something she had never quite experienced before. He licked, kissed, tasted, bit and teased until her whole body trembled and a beat of sweat fell down to her naval, "Fuck…"

His lips wrapped around her clit, tugging slightly as his fingers curled up inside of her, "Olivia…"

The rough timber of his voice sent a wave of vibrations that passed from his mouth to her pussy and up to her heart, "Elliot!"

Her legs clamped down on either side of his head, holding him firmly against her body as she shattered. But even as her orgasm ripped through her body, he didn't let up. His tongue never slowed down, not giving her a moment to breathe until she quickly rose once more, coming down hard and fast for a second time against his mouth. Sweat dripped down his back and he smiled against her, kissing across her thigh. He tugged at his own pants, pushing them down over his hips before turning back to her. He moved across her leg, up to her hip, along her abdomen, over her scars. Pressing his lips against her heart, he felt it pounding below his lips. "Liv…"

Sighing heavily, she lifted her hand and touched the side of his face, "Damn Stabler…"

He laughed and pressed his lips to her chest again, before moving up towards her neck, across her jaw and to her lips, "What can I say? I was highly motivated after 23 years of waiting…"

Her hands slid up under his arms, her nails raking at his back, her fingers dancing along his spine. He settled himself between her legs, the tip of him pressed between them and she sighed, "Elliot…"

He held himself above her, memorizing her face in this moment, the look she gave him. "Today…when we were going into that house…I didn't feel the need to hesitate." Biting down hard on his lips he whispered, "All these years without you…I often hesitated. Waited…expecting you to be there. And today you were…" His hand slid down between them, teasing her once more until her legs opened wider to him, "And I felt…" Sighing softly, he grabbed his cock, running his hand along the length of it, "I felt like myself again…" He paused for just a moment before saying, "I…thought I lost that man. That version of myself…but it turns out he was always there." Leaning forward he pressed his lips to hers and then entered her quickly, "I just needed you to help me find him…"

She gripped his back hard, her legs instantly wrapping around his waist, "I see you…I've always seen you." He thrust forward, rocking against her, pushing back farther on the mattress. One hand slid up his back, to the side of his face, turning him towards her, her thumb pressing between his lips. He sucked it into his mouth, slamming harder into her, "I know who you are Elliot Stabler…"

She moved her hand again, holding his cheek against her palm, "Olivia…"

Harder and deeper he thrust, filling her in a way she'd never felt before, "And despite what you think, you're a good man." Pulling him closer, she kissed him hard, "And you are my man. Mine."

Grunting loudly, he gripped her hip, pulling her thigh up higher on his waist, "Yours."

His hips smacked back and forth, his body crashing against hers. They came together hard and fast. She was breathing hard, her body shaking as he fucked into her. He swallowed her loud moan, their tongues dueling for control. He hissed as her nails scraped down the muscles of his back, marking him as hers to prove her point. But he knew she didn't need to. The world knew. They all knew. His head moved to the curve of her neck, his lips biting down hard on her collarbone.

Wrapping her arm around the back of his neck she held on tight, panting against him, "Elliot. Elliot…Oh God…"

He left open mouth kisses along her neck, sucking harder, moving faster, filling her fully, "Olivia. Olivia. Olivia…"

Somehow she knew that he had not said her name for so long, been afraid too. Just as she'd tried to hold back saying his. But here, in each other's arms, wrapped up in his bed, it was only the two of them. Nothing else mattered. He pulled back slightly, adjusting her leg to try and slip inside of her even deeper though he filled her to the hilt. He slipped slightly and she used that as leverage, grasping his hips. Trapping her knees on either side of him, she flipped them and he fell back against the mattress, staring up at her in shock.

But the corner of his lips turned up in a smile as she lifted her hips almost pulling back completely, stopping only when the tip of him was still inside of her. His hands settled on her rounded hips, his nails digging into her flesh and she beamed down at him. Flipping her hair back, it cascaded down her shoulder, "Elliot…"

His hand slid up her back and made quick work of the clasp of her bra, "Yes?"

The straps fell down, slowly revealing the last of her body to him and he held his breath, "Tell me again…"

And somehow he knew what she needed to hear. She rocked her hips, sliding against him, but letting him penetrate fully, "I love you." She sank down slightly, but not fully, "Only you." Reaching for her, he pulled her closer, her lacy bra falling against his chest as he kissed her, "And you were and always will be…my best partner."

She sighed and fell against him, making him fill her once more, "Elliot…"

She rocked against him and his hips met her thrust for thrust, "I may not have written that letter…but what I did write…I meant." He kissed her hard as they moved together, "It will always be you and I."

Resisting her forehead against his, she held onto him tightly, "You and I…"

His hands raked down her back, across the smooth curve of her ass, squeezing tight as they moved together. Just as they had today, they could anticipate each other's movements, needs. Her legs locked on either side of his body as he fucked up into her, leaving her breathless once more, "Oh God…"

Her hand shot out, gripping the headboard behind them as she slipped forward. His lips wrapped around her nipple, tugging hard making her whimper, "Olivia…"

Her eyes closed tight as he moved within her, making her feel things she didn't know were possible. She could feel it, taste it. She was close, and so was he. At one time she would be afraid to let this end, afraid that it would never happen again. But as he gripped her hard, flipping them again until she lay sideways on the large expanse of his bed, as he moved within her, she knew no man would ever touch her again. She reached for him again, holding his face between her hands as he curled her leg up beside him, his nails digging into her thigh. "Olivia…"

"Yes…" She sighed, arching up into him, "I'm with you." Pulling him closer, she kissed him again, "Just as I always have been."

His mouth fell open, and he fell forward, his cock buried between her legs, at this angle slipping against her clit. Her mouth fell open, and a low, deep moan escaped her lips. He leaned forward, swallowing it down once more before emptying himself inside of her. His hips still moving back and forth, slower, his body shaking as he did so. He slumped forward, her hand sliding down his back, holding him against her. He sighed and tried to catch his breath as he buried his face in the crook of her neck, "Olivia…"

Massaging the back of his neck she smiled, satisfied, completely and utterly satisfied and sighed, "Was I right?"

Turning his head towards hers, he frowned, still breathing heavily, "What?"

She smiled, rubbing her finger across the slope of his nose, "Was I right earlier? You said you were fine…but I knew you weren't."

He sighed and curled up beside her, pulling her against him to ensure she couldn't leave his side. Reaching for her hand, he held it between them, running his finger along the lines of her palm. Pressing his lips to the center of her hand, he lifted it and placed it against his chest so she could feel the beating of his heart. "Of course you were right." He saw her bite down hard on her lip, "You were also right when you said I wouldn't call you…" He sighed and whispered, "Even though I would have wanted too…I would have been afraid."

Shifting closer to him, she wrapped her leg around his hip, "Wanna know a secret?" He nodded slowly, "I turned around three times driving here…" Sucking in her lip she nudged him with her hips, "I was afraid too…"

Elliot reached out, tangling his hand in her hair he rested his forehead against hers, "Liv…"

"I asked Noah how he knew you…" She whispered softly, "How he recognized you…" Elliot waited for her to continue, "He said Fin showed him a picture of you…" She smiled softly and shrugged, "Of us…he told him that you were important."

Elliot swallowed the lump in his throat, "Am I?"

Looking down at his chest, that fear filled her again and she whispered, "I want you to be." He pulled her closer and she flattened her palm against his chest, "I want you to be here…with me. But I need to be sure…I need you to be sure."

He breathed her in, his hands settling in her hair, "I'm sure…" Her eyes shifted, looking up at him before he whispered, "I'm sure Liv." He saw her hold his breath and he smiled, kissing her softly, "Hey my friend, Olivia…" Her cheeks flushed and he smiled, "I'd really like to take you and your son Noah for ice cream since you never got to get it on Mother's Day."

She smiled softly, and whispered his name, "Elliot…"

He kissed her softly, his nose bumping against hers before asking softly, "So…what do you say partner?"

Sucking softly on her lip, her hand slid down his chest and wrapped around his waist, holding him closer, "I can't think of anything better than getting ice cream with my two favorite guys…" She kissed him, her eyes still open and she smiled, "Unless maybe…" He looked at her, waiting for her to speak again, "Eli wants to come too?"

He softened and pulled her closer, "Liv…"

She sighed and held him close, "If we're gonna do this…really do this." She kissed his chest and sighed, "We have to be all in. All of us. Will it be okay?"

"It'll be okay." He whispered to her, "I promise, it will be okay." Running his hands up and down her bare back he laughed when something drifted in through the window again, signaling that Bernie was once again having a little fun of her own. "Dear God…"

She started to laugh, pressing her lips against his chest, "I think we woke your Mom up again…"

She snorted softly and he laughed, pressing his hand over his face, "Between the two of you…I'm in big trouble, aren't I?"

She laughed, turning her face towards him, "Oh…you have no idea Stabler. No idea…"

Rolling her over quickly, he lay before her and smiled, "I always liked a challenge…"

She laughed and pulled him closer finally feeling like she had her partner back again. This time, for good.