Chapter 3 (Part I) - The Stakeout Catalyst

Present Day - February 2, 2015

Looking at his wife at the podium fills Nick with pride. Despite her grief, she is a pillar of strength. She always gives so freely of herself to others without ever asking for anything in return. No matter what she's going through, she's always there for those who need her most— it was one of her many traits that attracted him to her.

Unlike most people that knew her, Nick saw a very different side of Olivia, a vulnerable side that she rarely showed to anyone. A side that he had come to know all too well over the past few days, as she endured waves of grief that seemed to almost engulf her at times. His heart broke for her, knowing there was nothing he could say or do to rid her of pain; so he comforted her the only way he knew how—through his touch. No matter how stressed she was, she always responded to his caresses.

Nick knew that was not always the case, and he recalls a time in the not-so-distant past when the last thing Olivia wanted was for him to touch her. In fact, Olivia didn't want to have much to do with him at all...

Flashback

September 25, 2011 - 16th Precinct

"Olivia, Elliot isn't coming back. If you want to stay at SVU you're going to have to start working with other detectives." Cragen said, as he ignored her hostile glare. "You can start by packing up his desk; we can't keep it as a shrine."

Her scowl only deepened as she cut her eyes at him and walked away.

Later, Cragen walked in with a full bearded and rough looking Nick Amaro, fresh from an undercover sting. Olivia gave him a once over; his eyes met hers, and his lips curved up into a small smile. She narrowed her eyes in response.

Who the fuck does this guy think he is? Please God, don't let him be my new partner.

Cragen filled the precinct in on who Nick was, listing his many accomplishments in Narcotics.

"Well, this is a whole different world, Serpico, not everybody has a stomach for it," Benson retorted. Nick chuckled to himself and smirked as he studied the senior detective. Her eyes bore into him, and shot daggers through him.

Wow. Looks like someone has a raging case of PMS. What the hell is her problem?

Despite her initial disdain for him, Nick had to admit he found her fiery personality, curvaceous body and sun-kissed skin alluring. Even her scowl was sexy. He was married, but he was still a man—and he damn sure wasn't blind.

End of first flashback.

Her eyes.

No matter what her lips said, Olivia's eyes always told the truth. Nick learned early on in their partnership to search her deep brown orbs for answers.

He remembers the very first day that she laid eyes on him. On that day, both her eyes and her voice were in a rare sync with each other, echoing the same emotion: resentment.

Since their first encounter, her eyes expressed a range of emotions: fear (when she was held hostage), gratitude (after he saved her life), hurt (when he announced he wanted a new partner), and anger (when he confessed to her that he pulled a gun on Cassidy).

But lately, her eyes held an emotion that she rarely showed anyone: sadness.

Flashback

December 15, 2012 - 16th Precinct

Olivia entered the precinct, tired and frustrated. Nick scanned her face and sighed, he knew that she was going to be even more pissed when she discovered the day's agenda.

It was going to be a long day.

"Rough morning?"

She sighed, "More like awkward."

Nick took her heavy sighing as an invitation to press her for more information, and was about to, when Cragen came out of his office.

"Benson. Amaro. I need you two on a stakeout in Alphabet City. The Chelsea Rapist has switched gears and has started attacking downtown, Head over to 510 between E 11th St and E12th St."

Olivia groaned, looking more irritated than before, just as Nick had predicted. As if it were possible for this day to get any worse.

"Hmmm, looks like I'll have plenty of time to grill her in the squad car." he thought to himself, when he suddenly saw a set of keys flying through the air.

"You drive," Olivia said, as she slid into the passenger seat.

"Alright, but before we do anything, let's get you some coffee. I think you'd feel a lot better with a little caffeine in your veins."

Olivia rolled her eyes and punched his arm. "Thanks, Nick. Way to make me feel like an addict." Her eyes faltered a bit, "Sorry about my attitude earlier, I was in a bit of a funk this morning."

Nick parallel parked in front of the diner and gave her a small smile. "No worries. You can tell me all about what's bugging you after we fuel up."

Olivia rubbed the back of her neck, "Uhh..yeah sure...maybe later. Right now though, coffee is the only thing on my mind. Jeez, I really do sound like an addict, huh?" she muttered.

"Just remember, you said it, I didn't." Nick smirked.

They ran into the diner and grabbed two coffees and bagels, one with cream cheese for him and one with butter and strawberry jam for her.

Nick got back into the car and passed the coffees to Liv. She took off the lid and paused to inhale the heavenly aroma, before taking a sip. Nick, in typical man fashion, wolfed down his bagel and drained his coffee in about five minutes flat, before he hauled ass to the crime scene.

A/N: I will update as soon as I can. While you're waiting for the next chappie, why not take a gander at my other fic, "A Bensaro Tale: 25 Vignettes." The format may be a little different than what you're used to, but give it a try, you may find that you like it.

Shameless plug, yes, I know. I'm proud to say that I'm not above that, lol.