Disclaimer: I do not own rights to our favorite detectives or any other cast members of law and order: svu…I'm just obsessed with the show.

Elliot lay in his bed, staring at the ceiling as he thought of the day ahead of him. He had woken up about twenty minutes earlier from a bad dream and was unable to go back to sleep. He hadn't gotten a good night's rest in awhile- not with the slew of vicious murders that had been haunting the city for weeks.

They had started right before the holiday season- one brutal attack after another…all women. Beaten, raped, and murdered. Although the crimes had been committed in all five boroughs, the vast majority had been in Manhattan.

The murders were taking a toll on everyone in the unit and had especially been daunting to Olivia. She'd come back to work a couple weeks after Thanksgiving and was just getting reacquainted with the job when the murders began. He worried about her being overwhelmed too soon after the accident, but she constantly reassured him she was fine. That was Olivia.

A small grin tugged at his lips as he thought of his partner. She always was stubborn. Amnesia didn't change that. Despite the tough case, Elliot and Olivia had gotten closer and Olivia started to feel more comfortable around him. They talked, joked around, and shared secrets. It was almost as if nothing had changed.

But some things had changed…and they still were…for Elliot anyway. Things at home were becoming worse, and as of late he wasn't sure how to repair his marriage. Kathy and he would argue all the time…it was all they did anymore. And then there was Olivia…

Their relationship was changing too- and not just because of the memory loss. Elliot gained Olivia's trust quickly after the accident and he was able to develop a friendship that, at times, seemed stronger than the one they'd shared before the accident.

Olivia was more open with him about things- her feelings especially. And because of that, Elliot felt like he knew more about her- that their bond was stronger than before.

And then there were times when she'd be talking to him, or laughing at one of his jokes, or just sitting in that desk of hers- that Elliot would look at her, completely mesmerized by this beautiful creature who'd been his partner for so long. He'd wonder why he hadn't noticed all her wonderful qualities before and why that realization made him uneasy. Then he'd look away, trying to focus on the task before him but always having difficulty doing so.

He wasn't sure why. Actually, he didn't want to entertain the question of why his thoughts always came back to her. Just like they were now.

Elliot turned on his side and closed his eyes, hoping to fall asleep and get his mind off his partner.

----EOEOEOEOEOEOEOEOEO----

"Morning," Olivia glanced up from her desk, giving him a smile. "Hey. I bought you some hot chocolate," he grinned back, yawning. "Ooh…thanks. You look tired," she noticed, taking a sip of the drink.

"I look like crap…I know. I couldn't fall asleep last night," he sat down across from her. "You were thinking about the case?" she asked. Yeah. That and every time I closed my eyes I saw you. "Yeah…I was. I just wanna get these creeps. I'll feel a lot better once I know they're off the street," he explained. Then maybe I won't worry about you so damn much. Maybe.

"Yeah…me too. Mmm…this is really good cocoa; where'd you get it?" Olivia sipped some more, seeming to be mesmerized by the taste.

Elliot stifled a laugh. "What's so funny?" she asked, momentarily lowering the cup from her lips. "Nothing," he shook his head sitting down, "it's funny because I got it from your favorite coffee shop and you love their hot chocolate. Before the accident, the first time you had some, you reacted the same way. It was like you'd never had it before," Elliot explained grinning.

She grinned back, rolling her eyes. "Hmm…I see. Well, detective, I'm glad you find me amusing," Olivia said, standing to file some papers. His laughter subsided as he tried to tear his eyes away from his partner. I actually find you quite beautiful. Elliot watched her burst into laughter as Munch told one of his numerous jokes and he allowed his thoughts to drift back to her, just as they had last night.

He loved seeing her this way…she was so carefree. Even though she was only remembering bits and pieces from the last seven years of her life, she seemed to have accepted things as they were. Olivia seemed happy. And that made him happy.

"Elliot. Elliot!" Cragen's voice filled his ears as he turned his attention toward his superior. "Yeah?" Elliot wondered, standing up. "What's up? You were a million miles away," Cragen asked. "It's nothing…just a little tired. I was thinking about this case again," Elliot replied. It wasn't a total lie.

"Well…I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it looks like we've got another victim," Cragen told him as Olivia appeared by his side. "What happened?" she raised an eyebrow. "Got another victim. It looks like it's related to the other murders, but I need you two to check it out. Here's the address," he handed Olivia a piece of paper. They grabbed their jackets and headed outside.

----

"Hey Melinda. What we got?" Elliot greeted the M.E., who resumed her crouched position over the body.

"37-year old white female, looks like she was strangled with her own scarf," Melinda removed the sheet covering her head and pointed to the bruises on her neck. "There's apparent bruising around her thighs without any apparent DNA evidence. Same M.O. as the other murders. I'm pretty sure this is our guy," she stood.

Elliot frowned, moving closer to get a closer look at the victim. "What's wrong?" Olivia wondered. "Oh God," Elliot covered his mouth, standing upright. "I know this woman. We were in the academy together…Janeen Daniels. She's a cop."

----

"Let me follow you home," Elliot suggested to his partner as she grabbed her things.

"Elliot, I'll be fine. You know my building is secure. Go on home," she urged him. "I don't feel comfortable knowing you're by yourself. Especially after what happened to Janeen.," he explained.

"But Elliot-" Olivia said, but he interrupted her, "No Liv…you heard cap'n…all these victims are women who live alone. I'm not letting you out of my sight until this case is closed," he told her, with an intense look in his blue eyes. Olivia let out a sigh and smirked. No need in arguing. "Okay."

----

Olivia unlocked her apartment door, letting Elliot in behind her. Although she knew she could protect herself, it was comforting knowing he was there for her.

"Thanks Elliot. You know you didn't have to follow me inside," she said removing her coat. "Yeah I did," he replied, walking around her apartment checking everything out. "It's fine, El! Stop worrying," Olivia opened her refrigerator, looking for something to drink.

Elliot walked back into the kitchen, shaking his head. I wish I could, Liv. But I can't get you off my mind. "I can't help it..." he told her, his clear blue eyes locked with hers. Olivia grinned slightly, wishing her heart wouldn't beat so fast when he was close to her.

Elliot got lost in her chocolate eyes...allowing himself to take in her beauty momentarily. He shifted backwards, finally putting a little space between them. "I mean...someone has to protect you. You're not as tough as you pretend to be, Liv."

"El, I promise...I'll be okay. I'll lock the door behind me when you leave and won't let anyone in," she insisted, offering him some iced tea. "What'd you call me?" Elliot questioned, watching confusion spread over her face. "Elliot?" she shrugged.

"No...you called me El. You called me that all the time before the accident," he noticed, taking the tea from her. "Oh..." Olivia paused, "...I didn't even think about it." A small smile came to her face. Maybe her memory would come back afterall.

"Well... El, go on home. Everything's fine," he sighed, nodding relucantly. "Alright, alright...I'll leave you alone," he walked toward the door. "Thanks Elliot. I'll see you in the morning."

"Be careful," his concerned gaze met hers once more. She smiled, "I promise I will."