A/N: the aftermath of the date! I want to thank everyone for reading, and especially those of you who have reviewed. Even if it's just a few words, it means a lot to me. Here's chapter five (:
The ringing of her alarm dragged her out of slumber. She rolled on her side and yawned.
6:00 A.M. Another day in the life of Olivia Benson, she pondered, glancing at her clock. Swinging her legs over the side of her bed, Olivia stood and stretched. On her way to the bathroom, she spotted the heels she'd worn the night before and every feeling came rushing back - the anticipation she'd had when getting ready, the joy from seeing him at her door, and the relief she'd experienced upon hearing that he was not only doing well, but divorced. As she reached the bathroom, she stopped in the door frame, recalling the kiss that had taken place at the end of their non-date. A smile consumed her face as the feel of Elliot's lips went through her mind. She sauntered over to the sink, a new confidence taking over. Her attraction to Elliot was pushed away for so many years, and now there was nothing to stop it from bubbling to the surface. During her shower, she imagined what dating Elliot Stabler would be like. His romantic side had surprised her last night, and they weren't even really on a date.
I definitely wouldn't mind if a real date happened, she decided, drying herself off and heading to her closet. She didn't have to be in the precinct until eight, so she took her time choosing her clothes and applying minimal makeup. At seven, she woke Noah up and they ate breakfast together. As Noah worked through his French toast sticks, he looked up at his mom.
"How was your date last night?"
"It wasn't a date. But it was really nice." she answered him with a grin, willing herself not to blush in front of her son. "Did you and Lucy have fun?"
"Yeah. We played Transformers and then we watched the Lego movie!" he said enthusiastically.
"I'm so glad you had a good time." Olivia checked her watch quickly and then glanced back at Noah. "Lucy will be here in about twenty minutes," she told him.
He appeared lost in thought as he responded. "Okay Mom."
Olivia had been his mom long enough to know that something was bothering him.
"Is something bothering you Noah?"
He nodded, continuing to play with his French toast sticks.
"Is Elliot going to be my daddy?"
She didn't laugh because she knew he was serious, but she struggled to suppress it. She took a moment to collect herself before replying.
"Not anytime soon, honey. I would like to keep seeing him though," she admitted, then paused to think about what she was saying. "He made me really happy yesterday. But you don't have to see him until you're ready. You will always be the number one man in my life," she finished.
"Thanks Mom. I'm glad he makes you happy. He has a son right?" he asked.
"Yes, his name is Eli and he's ten."
Noah nodded. "Maybe we could hang out with him and Elliot someday. I bet Eli is really good at soccer"
Olivia couldn't help but grin for the millionth time in short while she'd been awake. "He probably is. Maybe we can see them next weekend." She began washing the dishes as Noah finished eating.
EOEOEOEOEOEOEOEOEOEOEOEOEO
Fifteen minutes later, she was on her way to the precinct and Lucy was occupying Noah. Her thoughts consumed her as she drove. Last night with Elliot was a welcome relief from the flurry of stressful cases her squad had seen lately. As much as she hated what he did to her, she could never bring herself to hate him.
Fin greeted her when she walked into the squad room.
"Hey Liv, we got a gang rape on 76th. The vic's at Bellevue."
Not exactly the "good morning" she wanted, but that was part of the job.
"Alright. You and Rollins go take her statement, I'll go with Carisi to the scene," she instructed.
"You got it Cap."
Three hours later, they finished at the scene and returned to the precinct. She found Rollins sitting at her desk.
"You get anything from the vic?"
"Yeah. She left the party she was at alone and they grabbed her. She didn't know any of the attackers, so we have no reason to believe it's personal," the younger detective told her in her slight accent.
"Thanks Rollins. You want to go to lunch?"
"Sure, give me ten and I'll be ready."
They were seated at the restaurant, sipping iced teas when Amanda spoke up.
"You seem really happy today, Liv."
"Yeah. I ran into my former partner this weekend."
"Amaro? I thought he was in California."
"Nope. Elliot Stabler. You've heard stories, I'm sure," Olivia answered with a slight laugh.
Amanda shifted uncomfortably. "Wow. I, uh, I remember how upset you were when he left."
"Yeah," said Olivia, reminiscing for a second before pulling herself out of those thoughts. "Anyway, we had dinner last night. It was really nice."
"Did you..." prodded Amanda, raising an eyebrow.
"No. It wasn't like that. It wasn't even a date. We just caught up. And… we kissed. Like I said, it was really nice."
"That's great Liv, you deserve it," Amanda commented as the waiter placed their salads on the table.
"Thanks. I'm just not sure where he fits in my life. I used to spend so much time wishing we could be together, and then reminding myself that we couldn't. Now we're both single and there's nothing to stop us, but it's also been seven years since we've seen each other," the brunette explained with a sigh.
"Did that make it awkward between you two? The seven years, I mean," Rollins inquired.
"No, actually. A lot has changed for both of us, but I wouldn't call it awkward."
"Then go for it. Take it slow. It's not like you guys are being forced to marry each other. Go on some dates and just enjoy his company."
Olivia nodded. "You're right, Rollins. Don't tell Fin though. I'm not ready for the shit he'll give me when he hears that Stabler and I are…" she faltered, not knowing what to call her current predicament with Elliot "...almost dating."
"Again, you deserve it. Let me know how everything goes. And you know, Fin will find out eventually," Amanda concluded with a chuckle.
"I won't wait too long to tell him," laughed Olivia.
After splitting the check, they stood and made their way back to the precinct.
EOEOEOEOEOEOEOEOEOEOEOEOEOEOEOEOEOEO
Olivia got home around six, grateful as always to see Noah's face after work. He attended daycare on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and Lucy stayed with him on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
"Thanks so much Lucy. Have a great weekend," chided Olivia.
Lucy waved. "You too Liv. And you Noah. See you guys Tuesday." she said before closing the door.
"How's it going, Noah?"
"Really good Mom. What's for dinner?"
"Do you want to get some pizza? Or I have some frozen casseroles that I could bake."
"Pizza," replied Noah.
"Alright. I'll order. Do you want your usual?" Olivia questioned, ringing their favorite pizza place.
"Yes please."
"You got it sir" asserted Olivia, throwing in a salute that made Noah giggle.
Olivia turned to Noah once she was finished ordering one medium pizza with pepperoni and pineapple.
"It'll be here in thirty minutes. Want to play Chutes and Ladders until then?"
"Yes," Noah exclaimed.
Two hours, one pizza, and several intense rounds of Chutes and Ladders later, Noah was showered and asleep. Olivia was cleaning up the remainants of dinner when she heard her phone buzz. Her pulse raced when she read the name – his name.
Elliot: Is now a good time to call?
Olivia typed "you betcha" and then plopped her dishtowel and the counter and moved to the couch. Her phone rang shortly after and she answered on the third ring, not wanting to seem eager.
Since when do I care what Elliot thinks?
"Hey El."
"Hi Liv. You sound calm."
"I sound calm? That's the greeting you choose?" she exasperated.
"Hey, hey, no need to get your panties in a twist. It was just an observation. I'm glad you seem relaxed."
"Well thanks. I am relaxed. Last night was wonderful, and Noah and I just had an evening of pizza and board games. He kicks my ass in Chutes and Ladders every time," she added with a chuckle.
"That game was Eli's favorite. I'm sure he'd love to play with Noah sometime."
"Yeah, that would be nice. Maybe we can get them together next weekend after Eli comes back from Kathy's."
"Sounds like a plan. Speaking of the weekend, will you go on another date with me, Olivia?" he asked tentatively.
"I thought you'd never ask, Stabler. Yes, I would love to go on a date with you."
"Is tomorrow okay?"
"Tomorrow? God, someone's eager," she mocked flirtatiously.
"Liv, I have waited long enough," said Elliot, turning the conversation serious.
Olivia took a deep breath, letting his words sink in. "I agree. I need to make sure Lucy is available, but it shouldn't be an issue. Unless you just want to come over for dinner?"
"As long as you're there, I don't care where we go." he told her sincerely.
"Wow, El. I didn't know you could be so… sweet."
"You ain't seen nothin' yet, Benson." She could practically hear his eyebrows wiggling. "What time do you want me at your place?"
"Is six okay?"
"Perfect. Goodnight, Liv. I… I'll see you tomorrow."
"Bye, El."
Elliot set his phone down and rubbed his eyes.
Did I really almost tell her I love her? Damn.
He did love her, but he knew she wasn't ready to hear it yet.