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The Oddly Perfect Couple Chapter 2

Munch walked straight to his desk the next morning, trying very hard not to look happy. Bizarre, I know, but that was how he worked. He knew happiness from him would only lead to suspicion on Stabler and Finn's part, and he really didn't want to deal with that. Yet.

Finn and Stabler arrived about two minutes after he did, and he repeated, Don't smile, don't smile, don't smile. In his head. They said hi, as usual, and then went to their respective desks, so he figured he was safe. Then it was Olivia's turn to avoid acting suspicious. She came in and said hi to everyone, tossing her bag onto her chair. She then made the fatal mistake, she turned to Munch and mouthed, "Hi." When Finn and Stabler turned around from setting up their desks they were met by the sight of the cynical John Munch...grinning like a Cheshire cat. They looked at him curiously, then at each other, and Finn was the first who had the guts to ask, "What's with you, man?"

"Nothing," Said Munch, quickly adapting to his serious and bored nature.

"Don't give us that 'nothing' crap John," Said Stabler sternly, "You just...smiled. A big smile. I'm sorry, but- Finn finished the sentence for him, "that's not like you."

"Olivia quickly walked to the girls bathroom unnoticed in order to contain her laughter at Munch's trapped animal expression. Poor Munch was left alone with two determined detectives to try and wrangle the truth out of him.

"So...Munch..." Stabler put on an evil, yet slightly playful grin, trying not to laugh, "got yourself a girlfriend?"

"No!" He said to quickly. Finn and Stabler were outright snickering now. "

Munch glared, " Oh will you to stop trying to invade my personal life!" He exclaimed, then immediately flinched inwardly, realizing his mistake.

"So, there is something personal, or should I say someone, making you so happy."

"I- began Munch, but Cragen suddenly appeared out of his office, asking, " Why are you two interrogating Munch?" He sounded half demanding, half curious. The curious part won over as he asked again, "So, what's up with Munch?"

"He just smiled capt'n." Replied Finn as it was something totally alien.

Cragen tilted his head, "now I'm interested."

Munch lost it, " Oh my GOD! I've smiled before you know! It's not a big freakin' deal! And yeah, I had a date with someone last night, but it's my personal life! Guess what? That means it's personal!"

There was a long, awkward silence, which was broken when Olivia returned from her laughing fit in the bathroom, oblivious to the outburst that had just occurred. "Hey, guys. What's up?"

"Our John boy had a hot date last night!" Elliot said in a sing-song voice.

"Jeez, is that all?" She asked, "It's none of our business if he had a date, right?" God, she didn't know how long she could keep this clueless act up. The guys, including, to her amusement, Cragen, nodded solemnly at her like children who'd just got caught with their hand in the cookie jar. Munch laughed.

"Oh my god! Now he laughed! Ok, that's it. Who is she?" Exclaimed Finn.

"You don't know her." Munch replied.

"Sure." Droned Elliot.

"Drop it guys, we have work to do." Said Olivia.

"Yeah, paperwork." Grumbled Finn. Olivia glared at him and he sat down at his desk. They spent ten minutes working silently, and when Cragen had returned to his closed office, Finn looked around secretly before leaning over and whispering to Munch, "So...who is it?" Munch through his hands up, "Do you really want to know who?! Are you that pathetic and curious?" They both nodded, Olivia, having a feeling she would be, er, needed, discreetly moved closer to his desk.. Once she was within two feet of him she looked over her shoulder to make Finn turn away, while his back was turned she quickly winked at Munch, letting him know she knew his plan. Boy was this going to be fun. Finn turned back, both the guys were paying attention now, so Munch said slowly, "You want to know who."

"YES!"

"Okay." He said in agreement, "Here's your answer." In one swift moment he pulling Olivia toward him and kissed her passionately. They lost track of time for a moment, and when they pulled apart, they smirked at Elliot and Finn's faces, their mouths gaping like fish. Finn looked between the two of them and then, after making a funny motion with his hands said, "you and-ew, just...EW! I'm sorry I even asked now! I'm scarred for life now! Thanks! Ugh." He quickly turned away. "Thanks for your support !" Munch said sarcastically, still holding Olivia's waist.

Elliot was still speechless, but finally managed to stutter, "Uh, that's great, I- I guess."

Cragen came out of the office asking, "So, who's munch so happy about?"

Finn pointed his finger accusingly at Olivia. "Finn, what? Oh," Cragen took a deep breath."That's good. I'm happy for you two. I always thought you'd make a cute couple."

"You did?" Asked Elliot in disbelief.

"We'll kiss again." Warned Olivia.

"Again?" asked Cragen. Finn and Elliot yelled, "NO!"

Munch and Olivia shrugged and returned to their desks. "Dinner tomorrow?" mouthed Olivia across the room to Munch. "Sure, Liv." He mouthed back.

TBC