A/N: I'm updating a little early because I am going to be in Disneyland for a week and won't be able to write there – I didn't want to leave you all hanging for two weeks.

This chapter is…interesting. I can't decide if I'm 100% satisfied with it, but let me know what you think.

People who especially made me smile:

AdeleParker – thank you so much for reviewing - you have no idea how excited I was to know that an amazing author like you took the time to read my story.

Alliecat8697 – seriously, you are amazing. I love your constructive feedback – SOOO GREATLY APPRECIATED

Ma Vie et Mon Choix – Thank you, thank you, thank you for reviewing -your comments made me grin from ear to ear! (Can't wait for you to update your story)

Edge15684, justliziam, jennifer Caitlin DiNozzo, Elliotandoliviababies, lou3174, SoLetsPlayDoctorBabe, jennb28, SVUandBonesAddict – I LOVE YOU ALL FOR REVIEWING! You make me want to keep writing.

Without further adieu – here we go!

XXX Kate XXX

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

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

Elliot cleared his throat lightly and allowed himself to glance up into her eyes. "So Olivia, were going on thirteen years in the department together… we've got a routine down, we've been doing the same things for more than a decade," he paused and she nodded for him to continue, "I've always wondered…Do you ever think of doing something else?"

The question had surprised her, "What do you mean?"

"I mean, Olivia Benson, do you have plans for the rest of your life…besides working?"

She sighed, "I did always think my life would have more to it than a career…I mean all I have ever wanted was a family, but you know, I've come to terms with the fact that it's a little too late for me," she paused and hesitated, she wanted to continue but her guard had suddenly shot up. There were hazardous lights flashing in her mind telling her to slow down.

"What do you mean it's too late Liv? It's never too late."

"Elliot, let's be realistic. Women are getting married and having children in their twenties, at the latest their thirties, and god knows I'm far passed that expiration date," she continued.

"You are not too old for happiness Olivia, you deserve happiness," he took her hand in his.

Electricity traveled up Olivia's arm as Elliot's frigid hand gripped hers. The conversation had gone deep fast.

"Who's going to want someone like me?" she whispered looking into her lap.

"You're kidding."

She looked up, "I'm old, I'm damaged, I'm a workaholic, I'm hard headed, I'm stubborn—

Olivia could have kept going but Elliot interrupted, "You're beautiful, you're passionate, you're intelligent, you're independent, you're strong willed, you're brave, you're dedicated…and yes, one thing you were right about – you are stubborn," he smiled widely.

She opened her mouth slightly in shock and then swallowed, "Elliot you don't mean all of that."

He didn't hesitate, "But I do Olivia, and so much more."

His penetrating eyes bore deep within her and he didn't blink once. "You are an amazing woman Liv, the most incredible woman I have ever met," he continued.

"Stop. I don't know why you are saying all of this," her voice was cold and confused. His expression was muddled to Olivia and she couldn't tell what was on his mind. "Why are you messing with me El?"

"I'm not messing with you, I'm just stating what I see, what I have seen every day since the day we met," he clarified. He hadn't broken his stare.

Olivia had no idea where this conversation was leading and how it had arrived here so quickly but it was terrifying her.

"I don't know what you are getting at here… I really don't know where this is coming from," her voice was low and distressed.

Elliot sighed thinking he might have come on a little too strong, "I'm sorry Liv, I didn't mean to just throw that all out there – take what I said as a compliment or don't, do what you will with it, I was just trying to tell you what's quite obvious to me. I've never met anyone like you Liv, you are one of a kind and I just think you deserve the best, that's all," he said a little embarrassed.

"Okay Elliot," was all she could muster up.

Elliot sighed heavily and looked down at his watch. "Well its eight o'clock and I'll hold true to my promise. Do you want to go back to the precinct?"

She nodded her head, "I think that would be the best idea."

He was disappointed and she could see it all over his face - but she ignored it, pursing her lips as she threw her coat back on and gathered up her gloves and drink.

They walked out of the coffee shop in silence – a different silence that had walked in with. Things had been said and feelings had been inferred – and there was no taking them back.

"It's going to be a long walk, are we really not going to talk?" Elliot asked as they rounded the first block.

"Sorry, it's cold," she said. Lame Excuse Oliva, she scolded herself.

"So what, your lips are frozen?" Elliot joked attempting to soften the mood.

She looked up and rolled her eyes at him.

"Okay seriously Olivia I really had no intention of hurting you, why are you giving me the silent treatment?" he was offended that he had just put himself out their – the tiniest bit – and had been shut down so heavily. Since when was complimenting a friend a crime? It had been the truth.

"I'm just confused," she said quietly.

"With what?" he asked.

"Why you choose now to tell me how great you think I am. We have been partners for years Elliot, and I can't remember a single time when you have said anything like that to me, ever," she said.

"I have always believed those things…I guess I just have never thought to say them out loud," he replied.

"Why not?"

"You were always off limits in my mind," he said honestly.

"Elliot you were the one who was unavailable, not me."

They were dancing around the true matter at hand. They hadn't even admitted it out loud but they both knew to what each other was referring. Somewhere deep inside them both were feelings for each other – feelings neither of them had ever confessed.

Elliot didn't know how to respond. He was questioning everything he had ever convinced himself about his feelings towards Olivia…everything.

He stopped and stared out towards the street. The snow was beginning to falter and coming down the street was the first car he had seen all day. He squinted, it was a taxi. Thank God.

Olivia noticed too, and saved by the bell, she thought, waving her hands in the air to get the drivers attention. He began to slow down but then drove past them. "What the fuck?" she muttered.

"Wait," Elliot said, observing the driver had merely pulled over a few yards away.

"Thank God," Olivia murmured under her breath.

They both headed down the sidewalk towards the yellow vehicle. The driver got out of the cab and opened the back seat. He ducked inside and pulled out a large duffle bag just as Olivia and Elliot approached.

"I'm sorry," he said with a heavy Spanish accent, "The last customers must have left their luggage," he explained heaving it to his trunk. "Please, get in; I'd be happy to take you to your destination."

"Thank you so much," Elliot said opening the door for Olivia and going around to the other side.

Olivia slid into the cab, using her hands to adjust herself in the seat. When she lifted her right hand to reach for the seat belt something caught her eye.

Red. A red sticky substance was smeared across her thumb. Her heart rate quickened. Blood. It was blood – there was no mistaking it. She looked up quickly, curling her hand into a fist to hide the evidence. She tried her best to keep a normal face as Elliot and the driver joined her in the car. She could see out of the corner of her the driver glancing at her through the rear view mirror. That's when she realized…it was the man from the flyer that she had found this morning outside her apartment. If he really was dangerous like the paper had warned he was sure to have a gun on him. She had to act natural…she couldn't make him suspicious, at least not until they were ready to catch this SOB – if he suspected she knew anything he could drive them off the road or pull a gun on them without warning.

Olivia glanced down again. She could make out more blood on the dark middle cushion. It almost blended in with the fabric. She wondered if Elliot had noticed. She had to think - and fast. Her mind raced…what to do? What to do?