She's a little buzzed.

Cozy at a back table, surrounded by her squad, she realizes how much she's missed this. Bantering, reminiscing, teasing, joking. Laughing so hard that tears roll down her cheeks. She's warm and fuzzy and nostalgic, and basks in how good this feels. Surrounded by friendship, the perils of the job kept at bay for a few hours, where she can just be. With Noah sleeping soundly at Lucy's for the night, she can unwind and relax without staring at the time. It's been forever since she's been able to release the sigh trapped in her chest, the heavy burdens of being everything for everybody always trapped in her soul.

Tonight is light. Fun. She's two beers in and deep in a spirited debate with Fin over the perfect Valentine's gift for Phoebe, when across the room she spots him. He's tucked into a far corner on a barstool, watching her with curious, animated eyes, lips curled into a shy smile when she catches his gaze. He's got that face again, that flirtatious aura that makes her cheeks flush and stomach flutter. She blinks back her surprise to see him, then casually taps her phone.

Hey, stranger. How long have you been staring at me? ?ￂﾠ

Not long enough.

She feels the blush fan her face and smirks at him before replying. So, what- now you're telepathically finding me at bars?

Fin is my crystal ball. He may have tipped me off. Go easy on him.

She laughs then, at both of these men in her life. One like a brother to her, the other, well, it's complicated. Always partner, once best friend, now a tentative rediscovery of what was and what could be.

Ah, I see. Planning to join us, then, Detective?

Nah. You're having fun. I like watching you have fun. Don't want to ruin the vibe.

She shakes her head. Just get your ass over here, Stabler.

He chuckles and shoots her a smug glance before the dots appear again. Your orders don't count here, Captain.

She thinks about her reply when another text appears. Rollins hates me. She deserves a fun night without having to play bodyguard.

She rolls her eyes then and chances another look at him. He gives her a raised eyebrow and a shrug of his shoulders. She knows he's right, but still, she'd much rather have him at her table than texting him like a horny teenager.

And there it is. That feeling that she was afraid to name. It's heady, exhilarating, slightly reckless. Fearless. She wants him, he wants her. For once she doesn't want to think, she just wants to feel. And she wants to feel it all with him. She knows they have miles to go, a lifetime to unpack, but tonight, she wants to make good on lost time. Wants to make his reappearance in her life more than tragic circumstances and problems to solve. She wants, no, she deserves, the Elliot staring back at her, eyes full of heat and light and longing.

Pinky promise that you won't tease me for this, but I can be out of here in 10 minutes. My place?

She watches as his eyes widen in surprise, then soften as he bites his lower lip in a carefully constructed reply. She looks between him and her phone, this response seeming like forever. She worries she crossed a line and misread his signals, but then her phone buzzes and she lets out the breath she's been holding.

Take your time and enjoy your friends, Liv. I've waited 23 years, I can wait a little longer. I'm going to head out, but text me when you're on your way home. I'll meet you there. Promise. ?

When she looks up, he's gone, and she shakes her head in silent laughter. As she picks up her beer to rejoin the conversations around her, her phone buzzes again and a different name flashes on her screen. Fin. She looks at him and he's grinning like a fool.

Would you please get the hell out of here and go fuck that man? I have a 20 year bet to collect from Munch, with interest.

He's next to her in a heartbeat, waiting for the playful slap he deserves, and pulls her into a sideways hug. "Go get your man, Liv."

After the quickest of goodbyes to her squad, she flies out the door, only to see a familiar shadow waiting by her car. She approaches gently, smiling, suddenly unsure of herself. But then he holds up his pinky and smiles. Gratefully, no words are needed. She hooks her pinky to his as he cups her jaw with his other hand, and they share in a kiss filled with passion and promise.