Chapter 2 is set between Season 8 and Season 9 (4 months after Chapter 1 is set). Olivia is suspended from work for assisting her fugitive brother Simon and Elliot is in trouble for trying to cover up his daughter Kathleen's DUI. Rated M.

Elliot smiles as he pulls up outside Olivia's apartment block. He grabs the takeout cartons from the passenger seat and heads for the apartment entrance door. He thinks how in all the time Olivia has been suspended from work, she has not embraced cooking as a way to fill her time and they mostly live on takeout. She's been bored and frustrated, which has amused him. Olivia without perps to hunt down has been a revelation. She's not cut out for domestic life he thinks. As hard as it is at work without her, he has enjoyed just hanging out together and, if he's honest, he likes being the person she most looks forward to seeing. Between seeing his kids on the weekends and Olivia most weekday evenings, work permitting, his life is pretty full.

She greets him at her door with a wide smile. He's seen her smile countless times but he still feels the flicker of a sensation in his chest every time. He grins at her and holds out the takeout with pride, like he just spent hours slaving over it.

"So how was your day?" he asks as he grabs them both a beer from the refrigerator.

"Boring and more boring," she declares with a sigh. "I enrolled in a yoga class." He spits out his beer as he laughs. She swipes him a punch with her fist.

"It's not for much longer Liv. You'll soon be back at work, unless you get done for beating me up." They carry their takeout and beers to the couch and take opposite ends.

He looks over at her as she tucks her legs underneath her. He thinks about how she enjoyed her time off at first - tidied her apartment, caught up with friends, and got that new haircut. The one that made his stomach flip when he first saw it the week before. He thinks there might be a different haircut for every year he's known her. He liked all of them, especially-

"So any new cases break today?" Olivia asks.

"Nah, pretty quiet really. Guess all the perps are waiting for you to return."

She laughs. God he loves it when he makes her laugh.

"Can't you bring me some case files to read or something? My brain is going to atrophy if I don't get to use it soon."

He smiles. "You know that's not allowed Liv," he says gently. "Munch has some new theory on the link between corporate corruption and… what was it… I'm sure he'd love to explain it to you."

"I miss Munch," Olivia says, a wistful tone to her voice.

"Well hurry back, he's driving me nuts. We could all go out for drinks soon or something."

"Yeah I'd like that." He catches her eye and they smile. It's so easy between them, so familiar and yet so different – this time spent with no work pulling them together, just them. Her suspension and him getting in trouble for covering up Kathleen's DUI had thrown them even closer together. They had supported each other in a way no one else could. All the hassle from IAB had only made them more united, more defiant.

They finish their meal and stretch out – their feet next to each other's on the coffee table. "Movie?" she asks.

"I can't stay," he answers. "I've got an early start and I still haven't finished my interview prep."

"I could help?" Olivia responds.

"You could… but I think we've broken enough rules for a while at least." She nods and looks despondent. He feels for her, he knows the boredom is killing her but she's so adorable when she's like this. He'll almost miss this when she's back at work. It will be good to have her back though. He doesn't like to admit how much harder his job is without her. All of it. He misses the electricity between them when they chase a line of thought on a case. He misses the buzz of interrogating suspects – anticipating each other's moves; their magnetized connection.

He gets up to leave and she follows him to the door. He turns to say goodbye and smiles at her. "See you tomorrow," he says as they hug. As he pulls away, his eyes drop to her mouth as they have so many times before. This time, for the first time, he places a quick, light kiss on her lips. So soft. It's comfort and solace and the hope of so much more.

He sees surprise and what he hopes is desire in her eyes as they stand close, only inches between them. "See you tomorrow," she says with a smile. He heads out the door and as he drives home he can still feel the touch of her lips on his.

"So this badass dude was giving Munch hell, he's like 'you sayin' I'm lyin'?' and starts pushing and shoving at Munch so I whip out my gun and threaten to shoot his balls off." Fin turns to look at Munch. "I saved your skinny white ass. You owe me a beer." Olivia and Elliot laugh so loudly they almost don't hear Munch's protests.

"I had the situation under control my friend. Pistol Pete and I would have come to an understanding," Munch insists.

"Yeah right. The understanding of you being dead," Fin says laughing.

"Pistol Pete?" Olivia asks, trying not to laugh too much.

"That was his name," Munch replies. "Not sure it's the name on his social security but…" He shrugs. "I guess I owe you partner. Anyone else need a refill?" Elliot and Olivia nod and Munch gets up to go to the bar.

"I've really missed you guys," Olivia says, looking at Fin.

"We've missed you too Liv," Fin replies. It's good to see you. Stabler here is a pretty useless detective without you – turns out you're the brains behind your partnership," he says with a smile.

"Thanks man," Elliot responds as Olivia laughs.

"No problem dude." He punches Elliot's shoulder as he gets up from his chair. "I'll go help Munch carry the drinks over. His bony hands can't manage four beers."

Elliot and Olivia look across the table at each other and smile. The subdued lighting of the cop bar they're in catches her hair on one side and her tanned skin seems to glow. She looks down as she fiddles with a coaster and Elliot realizes he's staring at her. "Thanks for suggesting this." She looks back up at him. "I really needed it."

"You're welcome," he replies. His eyes drop to her lips for a second and he thinks of when he kissed her. He wants, more than anything right now, to lean forward and press his lips to hers. Her lips that are glistening and would probably taste of beer. He wishes he could empty the bar of people and it just be the two of them.

"Beers coming through!" Munch announces as he places two drinks on the table. Fin is not far behind him with two more.

"Thanks Munch," Olivia says appreciatively as she raises her glass to her lips. Elliot tries to focus on his own drink and tears his gaze from her lips.

"To Manhattan's finest," says Munch, raising his glass. "Soon to be reunited."

"I'll drink to that," Fin agrees. They eagerly clink glasses and smile at Olivia.

"I should be back at work soon guys," she says, looking slightly flushed in the face Elliot thinks as he puts down his drink.

"Well that's it for me," Munch declares, a few stories later. I'll leave you young ones to drink the night away."

"I've got to go too. I'm meeting Ken," says Fin.

"Thanks so much for tonight guys, I really enjoyed it," says Olivia.

"You take care girl," Fin says, patting her shoulder as he leaves. Elliot watches them walk away and turns to face Olivia.

"It's still early, want to grab some dinner?" he asks.

"Sure. Restaurant or takeout?"

"Takeout," they both say in unison as they laugh.

Or I could make a salad," Olivia offers. "We should probably eat something healthy once in a while."

"Takeout salad?" Elliot suggests.

"Deal," she replies.

They walk back to Olivia's apartment carrying their takeout salad that's more expensive than regular takeout Elliot notes. They walk slowly, the warm summer evening and the couple of drinks they've had relaxing them. The rest of New York seems to be moving slower than usual too, Elliot observes. Or perhaps this is how people walk when they're not protecting the city's streets. He feels his hand brush against Olivia's as they turn a corner. He has the urge to take her hand in his. To feel her skin against his.

They arrive at her apartment sooner than he'd have expected. On the elevator ride to her floor, they stand side by side. He lets his fingers touch hers as the sudden movement jolts them, pushing them closer. Inside her apartment, she walks to the kitchen and he watches as she opens cupboard doors.

"Liv," he says quietly.

She turns around as he walks toward her and they almost collide. Her momentary look of surprise gives way to recognition as she looks at his face. He thinks his eyes must show a trace of what he's feeling as she stills her movement and returns his gaze. Olivia. In front of him. He leans toward her and presses a gentle kiss on her lips. As he pulls away, she leans forward slightly and the expression in her eyes answers every longing he's ever had. He presses his lips to hers for a second longer this time. Then again. Then he takes her lower lip between his. She whimpers faintly and then their mouths are opening and he's kissing her. Olivia.

His hands move to her face when he feels her arms around him. He kisses the corner of her mouth and then her jaw and down to her neck as his arms slide down to her waist. He hears her groan as he kisses her neck and she tilts her head back. Her scent and all that is Olivia fills his senses and he holds still so that he can breathe her in. She seems to understand his need because she doesn't move, just holds him. He trembles slightly as he breathes out and then he's kissing her again. He kisses the small hollow at the base of her neck then moves down her chest. He wants to kiss every inch of her, doesn't want to leave any part untouched.

Her hands are moving over his back now, a slight pressure as she pulls him nearer. He slides his hands underneath her top, lifts them up, up, up her back. Her skin is so soft and warm as his fingers glide over her. She's tugging at his shirt now, pulling at buttons and then sliding it down his arms. He stops to help and then she's kissing his chest. Quick, light kisses all over and he groans as he exhales. He moves his hands to her head and feels her hair slip through his fingers as she moves. She stills for a moment and turns to place her cheek on his chest, her arms around his waist. They stand there, silent, motionless. He hears only the sound of their breathing.

He gently strokes the smooth skin of her back and he hears her take a deep, slow breath. She pulls back and he sees her eyes glistening as she looks up at him.

"I love you," he says, almost a whisper.

"I love you too," she says, her voice faltering slightly.

He sees it in her face and he's sure she sees it in his too – the years of longing, years of feelings pushed aside. It's almost too much. He places a soft kiss on her lips and the sound that she makes nearly breaks him. They kiss with urgency now. He lifts her top and then it's over her head and flung to the floor.

He draws his fingertips along the top of her breasts above her bra with the lightest of touches and then follows the line with kisses. Then she's pulling him toward the bedroom. She falls backward onto the bed and he lies next to her on his side. He moves down the mattress a little and leans over her, placing a line of kisses down her belly. Then up, up again, he kisses between her breasts, up her chest, her neck and her lips. Her hands are in his hair as they kiss and he lowers his body closer to hers. He feels her move against him as she pulls him closer. He wants her so much. All of her. Olivia.

She rolls them onto their side and places her leg over his. He pulls at her bra strap and watches as it cascades over her shoulder and down her arm. They smile for a few seconds and then he reaches round to undo her strap and she flings it away. He looks down to her chest and then places a kiss to her lips. He slides his fingers softly over her breasts. She gasps and he moves lower to kiss the path his fingers traced. She rolls onto her back and he kisses her more intently now. He kisses between her breasts. He kisses the soft skin around her nipple then his mouth is over her nipple and his tongue moves around it. He can feel her fingers digging into his back and he starts to suck. She arches her back and breathes more heavily now. He moves across to kiss her other breast and she starts to gasp and moan.

He places open-mouthed kisses over her toned stomach, her olive skin, down to the waistband of her jeans. He runs a finger along the inside edge and her stomach quivers. He smiles up at her and they laugh. He moves back up her body to her face and scatters kisses across her cheeks.

She pulls at the buckle on his belt and slips her hand inside his pants. He feels a pulsating inside him at the sensation. Then she's tugging at his pants and they both sit up to remove first his then hers. "That's better," she says with a smile as they lie back down. They lie facing each other on their sides, skin touching skin. He feels her breasts pressing into his chest. They stay there, looking shyly at each other. He lifts his hand to her cheek and lingers for a moment. He wants to remember every detail of this, every sensation.

He moves his hand to her side and runs his fingertips lightly down to her waist, over the curve of her hip and to the soft, smooth skin of her thigh. He marvels at how someone so tough can have the softest skin. He tucks his fingers into her panties on her hip and then follows a line across her stomach. He slips his hand inside her black underwear and runs circles over her clit. Her hips start to move against his hand and she makes a sighing sound. He slips a finger inside her and she gasps then starts to thrust harder. The sight of her writhing in pleasure sets off a throbbing inside him and he wonders how long he can last.

"El," she whispers. She's so close now. He lets the pressure build and then watches in awe as she shudders and quivers beneath him. He removes his hand as she catches her breath and places soft kisses on the inside of her thigh. He feels her hands in his hair. He kisses a line up to the top of her thigh then slides her panties down her legs. Then she's tugging at his underpants and tossing them aside. She runs her fingertip delicately over his tip and he feels a tremor at the sensation. She moves onto her back and he kneels over her. She takes him in her hands and he starts to thrust at the pressure. His breaths come out in ragged gasps and he feels close to the edge when he hears her whimper. He can sense the desire in the sound and he lies on top of her, supporting his body weight. He plunges a finger inside her while kissing her mouth. Her moans grow louder and her hips start to move against him. He presses himself into her and they move together. He slips his finger away and the friction of his body against hers takes over.

Then she's pulling him closer, closer and then he slides inside her. Slowly, gently. He can feel the sensation of her around him and he forgets to breathe. They stay there, motionless for a moment and he hopes his eyes convey all that he is feeling. Then she arches slightly and he starts to move inside her, slowly at first. Then they're thrusting harder and harder and he can feel her so tight around him. Her moans turn to screams and he lets himself go as she starts to shudder and then he's falling. He collapses on top of her for a few seconds before rolling away. She shudders and quivers again as they lie side by side, panting heavily. As his breathing subsides he turns his face toward hers. Their fingers find each other on the mattress between them and she meets his gaze. They lie there, silent except for the sound of their breathing, and take each other in.

They awake a short time later, their fingers still entwined. He pulls the sheet over them and they turn to lie on their sides. "Hi," he whispers as they smile at each other. He moves the hair from her face and strokes her cheek. She's never looked so beautiful he thinks. His partner, his best friend, the woman he loves. All of this and so much more. His Olivia.