This is for fans who can't wait for Season 22! I've not got far in the series but I'm glad Chris Meloni is coming back to L&O. Welcome home, Stabler! I only own the story. The show and it's characters all belong to Dick Wolf. Please leave a review if you enjoyed reading. The title is inspired by Ed Sheeran's Perfect song. :)

It was a peaceful evening at the Benson residence. The living room lights were dimmed to an extent where the place felt cosy and the faint smell of spaghetti and meatballs filled the apartment. The atomsphere was also filled with laidback music playing soothingly in the background. Olivia had invited Elliot to join her and Noah for dinner and he couldn't be more proud of her for finally achieving her accomplishment of becoming a mother. Noah had long since gone to bed, leaving Olivia and Elliot to sit on the couch and talk about how things have been since they last saw each other. They talked and laughed throughout the evening and it soon felt like old times. They both exchanged smiles when Olivia turned her head in the direction of the song playing on Alexa.

I found a love for me
Darling, just dive right in and follow my lead

Elliot watched Olivia become engrossed in the music surrounding them. He instantly recognised the singer and knew it was one of Ed Sheeran's song. ''I love this song.'' She said quietly. Elliot took a quick glance at the living room before returning his attention to his former partner. He felt his heart beat at the thought of his next choice of words. ''Would you like to dance?'' Elliot surprised himself by not regretting what he had just asked. Olivia turned back to him, stunned at his question but shook it off and smirked at him. ''You're not gonna take 'no' for an answer, are you?'' Elliot returned the smirk. ''No.'' He held out his large hand that was steadily but surely aging and waited for her to accept his proposal. ''I'd love to.'' Olivia smiled, taking his hand and allowed him to lift from her from the couch to lead them into the centre of the living room.

'Cause we were just kids when we fell in love
Not knowing what it was
I will not give you up this time

Elliot took her hand in his left and placed his other hand on the small of her back, holding her close. Olivia slipped her free hand up his chest and gripped his shoulder. She never imagined herself to be in such a composing position with her former partner who she was secretly fell in love with. Elliot smiled down at her which made her chuckle. She locked her brown eyes with his blue ones as he began to gently sway them to the music.

But darling, just kiss me slow
Your heart is all I own
And in your eyes you're holding mine

Olivia gazed into Elliot's eyes as they slow danced to the music. She couldn't after almost 10 years apart Elliot was still as handsome from the last time she laid eyes on him. Time had given him a few wrinkles, his body was still strong and masculine and he was now supporting salt and pepper hair but was still beautiful and his eyes, oh, how she loved to get lost in those blue orbs of his.

Baby, I'm dancing in the dark
With you between my arms
Barefoot on the grass
Listening to our favourite song
When you said you looked a mess
I whispered underneath my breath
But you heard it,
Darling, you look perfect tonight

Elliot started to turn them slightly, making the moment more relaxing and neither of them breaking eye contact. His mind was telling him how lucky he was to have his Livia back in his life. He regretted leaving her, disappearing for nearly a decade without so much as an explanation but what he was sure had hurt her heart the most was she never received a text or a single phone call. Sure she was angry and upset when he came back suddenly and he expected that reaction, but Elliot was grateful she had given him a chance to explain why he had left. And here they were.

Well, I found a woman, stronger than anyone I know
She shares my dreams, I hope that someday I'll share her home
I found a love to carry more than just my secrets
To carry love, to carry children of our own

Elliot searched her eyes as they danced. Never did he once forget how stunning they were, especially how they appeared in soft lightening. He knew the pain hidden within those beautiful brown eyes of hers. Her mother's abuse and finding out how she came into this world was what made her become one of New York's most dedicated cops. Her life and dedication to the job made her the woman she is today. He smiled lovingly.

We are still kids but we're so in love
Fighting against all odds
I know we'll be alright this time
Darling, just hold my hand
Be my girl, I'll be your man
I see my future in your eyes

Olivia furrowed her eyebrows when she realized how Elliot was staring at her. ''What are you staring at, Stabler?'' She asked as they continued to slowly sway to Ed Sheeran. His eyes lit up. ''I'm staring at this beautiful brunette I have right here in my arms.'' His response made Olivia looked away shyly. They both chuckled at her reaction. Olivia looked back up at him, certain her cheeks were beginning to flush. ''Thank you.'' She smiled. Without another thought, Olivia took a step closer and lightly rested her body against his chest, her head tucked under his chin and felt his stubble brush her hair. She closed her eyes and listened to his increasing heartbeat.

Baby, I'm dancing in the dark
With you between my arms
Barefoot on the grass
Listening to our favourite song
When I saw you in that dress
Looking so beautiful
I don't deserve this
Darling, you look perfect tonight

Elliot held her closer. He knew Olivia was one to never be intimate in the past, apart from that time after Eli was born and after the death of Sonya Paxon but this time was different. He knew her reason for being so intimate now and it was because she had sorely missed him. Elliot licked his lips and exhaled quietly. He closed his eyes, baning any more thoughts from entering his mind and stayed with the rythem that had took control of their bodies. It wasn't until a few minutes later when Elliot shot his eyes open when he felt something damp on his shirt. Their dance came to a halt. Elliot moved to his head to look down at Olivia, her eyes shimmering with tears but she wasn't crying. Elliot's voice was tranquil. ''Liv, what's wrong?'' He asked. Olivia loved it when he spoke like that, her heart always melted at the sound of it. She knew her reason behind the sudden tears.

No, no, no

Olivia swallowed the growing lump in her throat before speaking softly. ''I love you, El. I've loved you for as long as I can remember.'' Elliot sighed gently. ''Oh, sweetheart.'' He brushed some hair out of her face and tucked it behind her ear. Elliot loved Olivia with every itch of his soul. He fell in love with her 21 years ago but because he was a married man back then he had to bury them deep down and forget about such possbillites until now. He cupped her face with his hands and gazed into her brown rings. ''I love you too, Olivia. I've loved you from day one. From when you first walked into Cragen's Office and became my partner. I've loved you for a long, Liv. Always have, always will.''
Olivia returned the smile that appeared on his face. Elliot leaned his head to her level and carefully pressed his lips to hers where she welcomed him without hesitation. They stood in each other's arms while their mouths explored and thought of the new prospect which could only be a new life together.

Baby, I'm dancing in the dark
With you between my arms
Barefoot on the grass
Listening to our favourite song
I have faith in what I see
Now I know I have met an angel in person
And she looks perfect
I don't deserve this
You look perfect tonight