A/N: And after a long time, an update!! I'm sorry for the late update, life has been crazy, and I've had no time. I hope you guys enjoy this, for this is the last chapter. It's on the short and sweet side. Please read and review!
Elliot POV
Perfection. That's the only word that could come to my mind. She had closed the distance between us, and kissed me. And I reciprocated almost immediately. And it was more than everything I've ever imagined. Anything I've imagined hasn't come close to the reality of this.
I was whole in this moment, the gravity of the last 23 years pulling me down into one moment of perfect clarity. This was it.
I didn't want to push her too far and make her uncomfortable. I held her in a soft embrace, with my hand resting between her hip and the small of her back, rubbing soft circles on her skin from where her shirt had ridden up ever so slightly.
My mouth was begging for entrance to hers, and she allowed me to deepen the kiss. Then, she took me by utter surprise- she leaves her spot next to me and straddles me, taking my face between her hands.
Olivia POV
Before my brain had caught up with my body, I took stock of what my inner sex goddess had decided for me. I was straddling Elliot, on my couch, in my apartment. And we were in a full blown, hot and heavy make out session with no chance for interruption. My body was on fire, my lips completely devouring his, and he was answering back in kind. His hands rubbed up and down my thighs, slow and deliberate, and then settled on my hips. And the way his fingers gripped me- I was almost gone then and there. I was completely turned on and soaked- and I felt him beneath me- needless to say he was ready.
That's when my brain halted me. While my brain had control, I slowed everything down. I gave Elliot and gentle kiss, and removed myself from his lap. And I didn't miss his erection straining against the material of his pants. I ran my hands through my hair and took some deep breaths. Emotionally, I wasn't ready to sleep with him- my body, however- had been waiting- no dreaming of this for 23 years.
"El- I have- I have to slow this down." I backed up to the bar stools, still facing him, watching him trying to gain control of his own desires. Our eyes connected. And I knew he understood. He went to stand, his arousal still evident. Rubbing his own face, he gave me a smile.
Elliot POV
I understood. Things were moving too fast. And the last thing I wanted was to ruin this in any way. I kept the space between us- it was important for the moment- and I gave her a smile.
"Liv, I know. You're in control of this. However this-" I motion between us- "goes. However fast or slow. I'll be here." And I meant it. I gauged her reaction, waiting for her to gather her bearings. Watching her, I felt myself also becoming peaceful. We were in sync. And I caught the look that started to cloud her eyes.
Olivia POV
I want this- want him. So, what is my problem? We've talked about everything, I've forgiven him. Accepted him. Noah likes him, feels safe with him, and that's the most important thing to me. And I know in my soul that Elliot would protect Noah until his dying breath. Then it hit me. I was afraid. Afraid of the unknown. Afraid to lose him. Afraid of Noah getting caught in the crossfire if it didn't work out. Noah gets attached so easily, and it would break his heart as well. I had to be critical with myself, with my choices, for his sake. And also for mine.
"Liv." He takes three steps toward me and stops. "I know what's on the line. And I promise you, you do not have to worry about Noah. I'll always be there for him -and for you." He could always read my mind. And still can. "Give me a chance to show you. Please. When you're ready, close the space."
And there we stood. Benson and Stabler. Liv and El. Him and I.
And in that moment, I knew everything was changing. It was scary. Horrifying. But also enthralling. Exciting. New and somehow- the same. We have always been this. I took a breath. I love him and he- we- are worth this. My eyes met with his blues- and I closed the space, falling into his warm embrace. I was home.
"I love you, Liv." He kissed the top of my head. "I'm never going to let you go."
I pulled back to look at his face, and tears sprung to my eyes without my permission.
"And I love you. And you better not ever let me go. Ever."
We kissed, holding on to each other like the other's life depended on it. And I knew, no matter where this went tonight, regardless of time or space, Italy or Lewis, scars of our past- it would always be him and I.
A/N: And that's a wrap! I hope this ending is as satisfying for you to read as it was for me to write. And as always, read and review. And, now that I have returned, keep and eye out for my new works!! Thank you so much!