A/N:

Disclaimer: Forgot to mention – I do not own anything Law and Order! I'm just a fan.

So, readers…

This chapter could be a little weird (but a good weird). I went to the Brad Paisley, Band Perry, and Scotty McCreery concert last night and so I was really inspired when I wrote this, but I was also listening to a varied assortment of music while I was writing (from songs like Rack City by Tyga to songs like Remind Me by Brad Paisley) – very different stuff and so I had like all these different moods going on – haha!

Anyway – I wanted to move the story along a little more because I'm getting to the intense parts soon! SOOO…I'm trying to keep the characters the most IN CHARACTER as I can while moving a little faster.

As always, give me feedback, I love reviews and appreciate all of you guys!

People who especially made me smile: lou3174, SVUandBonesAddict, justliziam, Elliotandoliviababies, sugarlandfan10, Thebanana4brains

Thanks guys!

XXX Kate XXX

"Olivia," he barked, "I just wanted to spend time with you," he spelled it out slowly.

She opened her mouth slightly again. Her eyes filled with confusion.

"Why?"

"Because were friends - aren't we?" he asked.

"Well, yes - "

"and friends spend time together, am I correct?"

"I guess - "

"Outside of work, right?" he prodded.

she cleared her throat, "I suppose,"

"Then whats wrong with it, Liv?"

"I guess...I don't know...I mean why now?" she asked.

"Why not now?" he shrugged.

Olivia smirked. "You are sure full of surprises Elliot Stabler."

"Even after twelve years?" he asked.

"Even after twelve years," she confirmed.

There was a moment of silence. Elliot and Olivia just stared at each other, smiling. It was a puzzling, almost impossible concept - after twelve years was something shifting between them?

Nah... They both shook the feeling.

"So what did you have in mind today?" Olivia asked curiously.

Elliot paused, and then looked guilty, "Well I hadn't really gotten that far. It was a spontaneous invitation," he replied honestly.

She sighed, "Well Elliot, you got me here, what are you gonna do with me?"

Oh Olivia, you have no idea what I want to do with you

"Hmm, well," Elliot paused and looked down, picking up a clump of snow from the bench. He slowly packed it between his bare hands then looked up at her mischievously.

"Stabler..." she warned, "Don't you even think-" as soon as the words left her lips, Liv felt the ball of snow make contact with her chest.

"Bull's-eye!" he shouted and took off running.

"Oh! It's on!" Liv shouted, quickly gathering snow and taking off after him.

"You can't catch me Liv," Eliot turned and shouted, "I've always been faster!"

"You wish Elliot! Admit it, I've had some good perp chases in my day!" she replied, quickening her pace.

He just laughed out loud and kept running. Laughing while running was difficult and it slowed him down.

Olivia took her opportunity as Elliot's sprint turned to a jog. She took aim and flung the ball hard towards Elliot. It made contact with the back of his skull and he yelped in surprise. Olivia covered her mouth as he stopped, his hand flinging up to cradle his head.

"Oh my gosh, El, are you okay? I'm so sorry," she said racing over to him. She hadn't meant to hit him that hard.

He was bent over, his hand still resting on the top of his head.

Olivia reached him, "Are you okay? I really didn't know I had that good of aim, I swear!"

He looked up slowly; a huge grin was plastered on his face. He glared at her, "You're dead Benson," he growled.

Olivia bit her lower lip and screeched, "I'm sorry!" she said and quickly took off down the trail.

Elliot easily caught up to her, wrapped his arms around her waist and swung her to the side, she yelped and he swung her over his shoulder.

"Elliot Stabler, put me down right now!" she commanded, her head pressed against his back.

"Not on your life Liv," he said, lightly patting her ass and walking towards the park entrance. His hand lingered there.

"Hey, hey now, hands off!" she laughed.

"You have the right to remain silent," he told her.

"Oh are you going to cuff me officer?" she laughed.

"Wouldn't you like that?"

She just laughed again. Elliot loved to make her laugh. That beautiful sound.

He set her down once they had reached the street. Olivia reached out and playfully hit Elliot across the chest.

It felt weird to cross the boundaries. It felt weird to touch each other without hesitance. It felt weird...but it felt right.

Olivia shivered, and Elliot took this as a sign she was cold. "Want to go get some hot cocoa?" he asked.

"That sounds perfect," she replied. They crossed the street to the coffee shop in silence. Elliot opened the door for her. She wasn't used to the gentlemanly gesture. "Thanks," she muttered, entering. It was warm inside; the shop must have been running on a generator. It was empty besides for the two teenagers behind the counter and an older man reading a book on the corner sofa.

They walked up to the register and ordered their drinks. Olivia then sat down at an empty table, Elliot sat across from her. This felt different from all the other times they had had coffee with one another. Olivia couldn't pin point how...it just was.

Elliot breathed into his hands and rubbed them together, warming them.

"Are your hands cold?" Olivia asked.

"Yeah, you were smart to bring gloves," he replied.

"Well it's warm in here, so we can defrost for a while," she said taking off her black jacket.

Elliot stared. Were the shirts Olivia wore always this low cut?

She was wearing a tight, white button up cardigan. A sweater that Olivia would normally wear an undershirt with...she wasn't. His breathing hitched and he tried to pry his eyes away. He hoped it wasn't obvious that he was staring.

"Two hot chocolates!" the barista called out.

Elliot hadn't heard. His eyes were glued to his partners' chest. Olivia was beautiful, he had always thought that. She was damn sexy too; he had always thought that as well. But he had never, not once, not been able to control himself. When he was married to Kathy, he had always been faithful to her. He had occasionally checked Olivia out, it was impossible not to, but he had never held a lingering glance, especially when they were face to face.

Olivia cleared her throat, "El..the drinks...are ready."

He pulled his eyes away abruptly, what the hell Stabler, "Shit," he muttered and pushed his chair hastily away from the table. He grabbed the drinks, took a deep breath and sat down to face Olivia again.

"You alright?" she asked, raising her eyebrows.

"Yeah, peachy," he said, making sure not to allow his gaze to wander again.