Prompt #22: Amanda and Carisi play matchmaker for Olivia and Elliot, determined to get them together by Christmas


The Christmas Trap

~oOo~

"He's not what I expected."

"What'd ya expect?"

Now is their favorite part of the day. Girls sound asleep, their baby boy snuggled in his bassinet. The two of them were on the couch, laptops balanced on their thighs, a bottle of wine between them on the console. They're lazily working on work, a deposition for him, and lesson plans for her, while chatting about everything and nothing.

Amanda is once again reflecting on the case Elliot consulted her on months ago, about how respected she felt that he sought her expertise and also inadvertently mended her fractured friendship with Liv. They've had this conversation before—months ago when it happened, when Liv was shot, Jamie killed. It was a sobering reminder of why she left in the first place, as excited as she was about getting a taste of her old life.

Elliot left again soon after, another case that needed his attention and expertise, but Amanda noticed an immediate shift in Olivia this time. Noticed she was lighter. Noticed the piece of expensive jewelry resting on her chest.

The last she heard, Elliot had been back for a few weeks, just in time for the holiday season, prompting this spirited conversation.

"I expected an asshole that abandoned his partner."

"Isn't that what he is?"

"No. Yes. I don't know. I expected arrogance. Audacity. I mean, we've all heard the whispers about their partnership. Liv never talked about him. No one talked about him, ever, not Cragen, or Fin, or Munch. He's been this ghost inhabiting the halls of SVU. The person I replaced. I guess I've always hated living in his shadow. The only person that talked about him was Cassidy, and he made Stabler out to be a prick."

"And he's not a prick? Help me connect the dots here. He walked out on Liv for a decade. I still don't understand Fin's motives for calling him about her award. What did he think was going to happen?"

"I think you and I both know what Fin thought was going to happen."

They chuckle at that, both taking sips of wine, pausing to resume their respective work sessions. After a few clicks of the keyboard, Sonny can't help himself.

"I mean, don't get me wrong, Stabler seems like a good guy. Liv trusted him to bring Noah back from Woodstock, so I guess that says something, but—"

"It says everything, don't you see? The entire time we've known her, she hasn't let anyone in. Even with Tucker, she broke that off the second she felt it was getting too serious. It's like her heart has been waiting for Stabler this whole time."

"And Liv will do anything to make sure he's solid, including getting herself into hot water with the brass. He's toxic, 'Manda."

"When he called me in for that case? I got to see him for the first time clearly. He's a good cop. A great one, actually. I see it. I see why she cares about him—why she'll protect him. And the way he looks at Liv? I see so much hurt. Pain. Worship. My God, he'd burn the city down for her."

"But when Lewis took her, he was nowhere to be found. Why're ya pinning wings on this guy?"

Amanda's brows furrowed, pondering Sonny's statement. "I have a feeling he doesn't know about Lewis."

"Get out of here—it made national news. He had family here, Amanda. Even if he was international by then, someone would have told him."

"Really? Who? His bipolar mother? His kids, desperate to keep their parents together? The squad he left? Who knows, maybe they all tried. Maybe he was unreachable."

"And in the years since?"

"I don't know. But I know Stabler is in love with her. And Liv's in love with him. They need to get out of their own damn way."

"Something tells me you want to give them a shove?"

"Sonny, it's almost Christmas. Don't you want to see Liv finally happy?"

"They're detectives. You know they will catch on to whatever you've got up your sleeve."

"Good. Let 'em. Let's make this the cheesiest Hallmark bullshit to let them know that we think they are being ridiculous."

~oOo~

*December 6th*

Amanda's doing her best not to give away her motives, but the giddiness is practically quaking from her fidgety hands as she taps them on the podium. Her students are meandering in, plugging in their devices, chatting about the first winter snowfall and their favorite seasonal coffee flavors.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

The semester is winding down—just one more week until finals—and she saved the best guest speaker for last.

Well, the two best speakers.

Olivia is next to her, setting up her laptop and connecting to the digital screen, accessing her presentation about the Special Victims Unit. She scheduled Liv on the syllabus months ago—Amanda knew the only way to get her to commit was to book her before CompStat meetings, and it would still be tentative based on cases, press conferences, and phone calls with McGrath.

Which was her rehearsed excuse when Stabler walked in.

Amanda saw him first, strolling in from the back of the lecture hall, following his eyes as they landed on Olivia. He paused for a fraction of a step, a surprised grin forming on his lips, and Amanda's heart leaped with glee.

This was going to work.

She waited for him to approach, chatting with Liv while keeping him in her periphery. She caught the moment that Olivia spotted him, swearing she heard a quiet gasp from her lips.

"Detective, hi."

Elliot gave her a warm nod, and Amanda noticed his eyes dip low as he took notice of the compass sparkling against the contours of her black shirt. "Hello, Captain. Uh, Rollins, did I get my wires crossed?"

"Hey, Stabler. Um, no. I double-booked you guys in case one of you couldn't make it. I wanted to end my final class lecture on a high note. Without a guest speaker, my backup plan was boring."

Olivia smirked, the detective in her eyes casting a knowing yet playful glare. "I see. So, am I still presenting on SVU?"

"Or am I presenting on the psychology behind organized crime?" Elliot chimed in.

"Well, since you're both here, what if you do a little of both and then focus on the psychology of a partnership? Over a decade as partners is so rare that I'm sure my students will have questions. I know I do."

Amanda braced for impact—Olivia was going to throttle her or run, or both.

Instead, she did something unexpected. She laughed. Warm and light and genuine.

"Okay, partner. You up for a trip down memory lane?"

Elliot's eyes crinkled, a mixture of amusement and reverence, and it took everything in Amanda to refrain from a squeal of delight at their soft banter and gentle teasing.

"Ready when you are, partner."

The class was ninety minutes, and for the first time all semester, Amanda wished it could go longer. Not that she didn't love her new career, but planning engaging lectures and timing them perfectly was a skill she was still trying to master. She still felt a bit out of sync and out of her element and craved the job she knew and loved. She waxed nostalgic often lately, focusing on the good instead of the perils and near-death experiences. There was too much to lose now to ever go back, but listening to Olivia and Elliot was mesmerizing.

She finally got it.

Benson and Stabler, this legendary, almost mythical duo, were absolutely captivating to watch. Their talk was a blend of personal and professional, telling stories that highlighted the importance of a dedicated partnership. Her students led with interesting questions that they brainstormed ahead of time, and through this lens, Amanda learned so much about Olivia—a part of her that unlocked after all these years. It was sad in a way, knowing that this Olivia existed and she had never seen it before; her best friend, the godmother of her children, her secret keeper who had so many secrets of her own. But it was thrilling to see her so intensely in sync with Elliot. She could tell that they didn't even realize that they existed in a vacuum—just them in a swirling vortex—and nothing else mattered.

Amanda was so entranced by their presence, that she didn't hear the question until it was too late. It was from that student who had been a thorn in Amanda's side all semester, the brainiac know-it-all who always played devil's advocate with a pseudo-educated retort or some undermining factoid.

"Captain Benson, you mentioned you were partners with Detective Stabler from 1999-2011. How did you cope with not having him for a partner when William Lewis took you in 2013?"

Oh fuck, this was not one of the preplanned questions.

Olivia's eyes widened as several murmurs permeated the room, and Amanda belatedly intervened. "Shannon, I don't think that's an appropriate question for Captain Benson to answer today."

"No, it's okay," Olivia insisted, as Elliot stepped closer to her at the podium. While Olivia delivered a concise answer, glossing over the details and instead focusing on her squad at the time and the importance of a dedicated team, Amanda noticed Elliot place his hand at her back, rubbing gentle, barely perceptible circles while she spoke. There was no shock or surprise in his demeanor; instead, he was calming, comforting, guilt-laden.

He knows.

Well, that solves the mystery, she thinks, and she watches how intimate this looks, Elliot quietly comforting Olivia now, perhaps making up for missed time. He quickly changes the subject on her behalf, using his charm to delve into a few comical moments from their partnership, telling a hilarious story of Liv high on mushrooms and interrogating a suspect about a pickle.

Ten minutes later, the class ended, with a generous round of applause and a reminder from Amanda to study for their final exam. She wants to give smug Shannon a tongue lashing, but before she can make her way, she sees Elliot approach her first. The conversation is brief (she can't hear a word), but for the first time, she sees Shannon appear genuinely sorry for her rudeness. Elliot gives her one last look (which Amanda can only describe as fatherly) before returning to the front of the classroom.

Olivia was packing up quickly, but she didn't seem bothered, just busy, most likely already late for something else that popped up on her agenda.

"Thank you both so much for today. The class loved you."

Olivia gave her a nod and a smile before turning to Elliot. "Please tell me you didn't yell at that girl. She's young—I don't think she meant anything by her question."

"She's been a pill all semester. I should have known she'd come up with something off the cuff to prove she did extra research."

"I didn't yell at her," Elliot promised. "I just kindly reminded her that humility is more important than hubris. Can I treat you both to a cup of coffee?"

"Actually, I have a faculty meeting with the Dean soon, so I'll take a rain check. But the coffee shop on campus has those amazing peppermint oat lattes you like, Liv. You should both go check it out." She held her breath, hoping that she could stretch out their time together a bit longer.

Olivia's eyes fluttered between them before lingering on Elliot's soft smile. "Yeah, I've got a little time before I need to head back."

Amanda poorly concealed her happiness as she gave Liv a quick hug. And since she was feeling daring and like the ultimate Hallmark matchmaker, she went for the gusto. "We're still on for ice skating next week, right? Stabler, you should join us with your family. Bryant Park, next Sunday."

"Next Sunday, huh? Maybe I'll see if the grandkids are available, if that's okay with you, Liv?"

"Of course. It'll be fun."

Amanda noticed that Liv offered zero hesitation; she seemed comfortable and happy. They said their goodbyes, and Amanda watched them walk out together in companionable silence. She packed up for her imaginary meeting with the Dean and chuckled.

Maybe, just maybe, this was going to work.

~oOo~

*December 9th*

Sonny had one job tonight: make everything look nonchalant.

It was a grueling trial, a long, exhausting day, but the guilty verdict came swiftly. When he called Amanda with the news, she insisted he take Liv and the squad out for a celebratory round.

Twenty minutes later, his phone buzzed with a text: Stabler is en route (Fin's idea, I swear). I may have planted the seed, but I'm pretty sure he has a bet to collect on. Be cool. #HallmarkChristmas

Sonny laughed, tucking his phone away as he entered the bar.

He stopped laughing when he saw Brian Cassidy at their table. He whipped his phone back out, ducking into a corner.

It wouldn't be a Hallmark Christmas movie without an old flame entering the scene, right?

What?! Who's there? Is it fucking Cassidy?

Yep—chatting with Liv at the table.

Jesus—get in there and run interference. I'm counting on you, Carisi.

Love you too, babe.

He took a deep breath and joined his friends, shaking Cassidy's hand and giving Fin a pat on the shoulder. The look on Fin's face was a mixture of apprehension and amusement, and they traded knowing glances toward the door as they waited for Stabler to walk in. Sonny didn't know Stabler well, but he knew the feeling of jealousy over a partner's love life—he lived that scenario himself before Amanda kissed him in the moonlight. From the look on Fin's face, any jealousy he's ever acted upon paled in comparison to Stabler's thundering presence. He was expecting fireworks: choice words, Liv's cautionary glare, maybe even a thrown punch or two.

What he didn't expect was Stabler to walk in and hug Cassidy. If Fin's reaction was any giveaway, he didn't expect it either, as he sputtered on his whiskey, ice clanking noisily in his glass. Liv noticed, giving Fin a raised eyebrow before turning her attention back to Stabler and Cassidy.

Maybe he doesn't know that they were together after he left, Sonny wonders. Or maybe he's trying to not be that person again, the person Liv has to reign in and handle with care. Maybe he's trying, period.

If he didn't know any better, Sonny swears he heard Stabler thanking Cassidy for something, and for a fleeting second, his mind drifted to the moments Stabler was absent for: the moments Cassidy covered when maybe it should have been him. He wasn't close enough to read lips—the bar was loud and crowded—but there was an understanding between them: a belated camaraderie.

After that, the evening was exceedingly normal. Cassidy didn't overstay his welcome, rejoining the group he came in with; leaving the current SVU squad together to celebrate the win. Liv didn't seem surprised or unnerved by Stabler's presence, almost as if she had expected him to arrive at a squad gathering like old times—a missing piece sliding into place. Or, she knew Fin would be Fin, and chose to ignore the not-so-subtle hints. Or, maybe they communicated, and she knew he was coming because he texted her to make sure it was okay.

Regardless of motives, Stabler fit in well, spending most of the time enamored by Liv as she smiled and commanded the table with a grace only Liv possessed. His eyes crinkled in adoration, occasionally resting an arm casually on the back of her chair, gently brushing her thigh as he rose to grab another round from the bar.

Sonny's not the matchmaker or meddler that Amanda desperately wants him to be, but he is a former detective and a born romantic. As they all shared drinks and laughs, he viewed Benson and Stabler through a new lens. He viewed them as a mirror of his own journey with his former partner, now his wife.

And if he didn't know any better, he thought that maybe, just maybe, Amanda was closer to the truth than she thought.

~oOo~

*December 17th*

Everything was falling apart.

New York in December was supposed to be cold and crisp—the time of year when the snow on the ground was still white and not city-grime gray. Where you were excited to do things like ice skate and sled down hills in the park, drink hot cocoa and build snowmen, wear cute fuzzy hats, and do touristy things like visit Times Square or the tree in Rockefeller Center. Picturesque, like out of a Hallmark Christmas movie, the ones Amanda has been glued to as she finished her final grades for the semester, plotting and planning for this day to arrive.

It wasn't supposed to be fucking pouring.

New York was unseasonably warm for December, in the fifties all week, and when the skies opened up the night before, their fate solidified.

Ice skating was canceled.

But Rollins was nothing if not determined, and she took to Google to find a family activity for everyone. She bit her lip in concentration while Sonny wrangled the morning routine, scrolling through pages and pages of ideas that just didn't seem exciting enough, especially for another chance at matchmaking Bensler.

(She was proud of herself for that moniker, even though Sonny wouldn't stop teasing her.)

She's not sure what surprised her more: the fact that Stabler knew how to create a group chat or that he swooped in to save the outing, dropping a pin to an indoor ice rink in Long Island City, along with an invitation to his place afterward for pizza and a game night.

What surprised her most: Liv hearted the text. In a group chat that Fin was in. She could envision the dollar signs flashing in her old partner's eyes and reminded herself that she needed to tease him for a cut of the spoils, or at least a really great cup of coffee as payment for her dedication to these two and their future love life.

Oh, today was going to be fun.

Amanda had to admit, Stabler was adorable, especially watching him skate with all the kids. Her girls took a liking to him immediately and became fast friends with his grandsons, who were about the same age. Fin's grandson was a bit shy and attached to his hip, while Noah and Stabler's son Eli raced each other around the rink.

Liv offered to cradle her godson and watch from the sidelines, and while Amanda's hopes of Bensler skating hand-in-hand were dashed, it was nice to link gloved hands with her husband and enjoy some time together while all three kids were occupied.

"Maybe I should take the baby, so Liv can skate."

"Would you relax? I don't think Liv had any intention of skating today. Besides, have you seen her? Look at how happy she looks."

And she did. Genuinely, blissfully happy. Amanda watched her as she gazed at their son in awe and then took in the sights around her, everyone skating and laughing. Noah would occasionally call out to her to show off a dance trick on his skates, and she would respond with a smile and wave to not wake the baby.

Then Amanda saw her watch Stabler. He was an exceptional skater for someone pushing sixty, gliding around the ice with four excited children in tow. Liv looked at him like she still couldn't believe he was there, like if she blinked, he might disappear again. Like she was looking at an idyllic version of a life she'd only imagined, where she could be more than a dedicated friend and captain and a great mom. Maybe she could have it all.

If Amanda could help grant that wish, it would be an honor.

Therefore, she wasn't subtle.

She nudged Stabler when they passed him on the ice, mentioning that Liv looked lonely.

A few minutes later, when he inevitably went to check on her, she sent Sonny to bring them hot chocolate.

When the baby fussed, Stabler took him from Liv, and she could practically see her swoon with adoration, all doe eyes and dime-sized pupils. And she wondered, what if, no, no, she'd know. Liv would have told her. Right?

Back at Stabler's, after interrogating Sonny for every detail of their previous bar outing on the way there, she continued searching for clues but found none. The pair was cordial at best, friendly but not overly so, so Amanda pressed the accelerator.

She made sure they sat next to each other at the table for dinner.

She encouraged them to take a breather in the garden to escape the chaos while she cleaned up, whispering to Sonny and Fin to take over with the kids.

She created the teams for games and suggested that 'Team Benson-Stabler' sounded perfect.

She asked Elliot why he didn't have mistletoe—every house needed mistletoe at Christmas for good luck.

She asked Liv if Noah was spending time with the McCanns during the holiday, and how she was planning to relax in her empty apartment.

She invited Stabler to Mama Carisi's Christmas Eve feast.

By the end of the night, Elliot looked amused, Liv looked bewildered, and Sonny pretended to be oblivious.

Fin slipped her a twenty.

All in all, it was a good day.

~oOo~

*December 24th*

"Could you help me with my necklace?"

Olivia was sitting at her vanity in her fluffiest robe, applying light makeup before getting dressed for dinner at the Carisis. She was a little jittery, nervous energy thrumming through her veins as she fluffed her hair and spritzed some perfume.

A calm hand on her shoulder stilled her, lips grazing the nape of her neck, before picking up the compass and delicately clasping it into its rightful place.

Elliot's fingers traveled down her arms, blanketing her in goosebumps, electrified by his gentle touch.

"We don't have to do or say anything tonight. We can still keep this between us."

"No. Noah is already keeping secrets for us, your kids and your mom know. I told Fin this morning at work. It's time. Besides, I can't imagine the antics Amanda has planned for tonight."

"I'm hoping for mistletoe in every doorway."

"My guess is she hired a troubadour to follow us all night."

"Maybe there's a horse-drawn carriage waiting outside to take us to her house."

"Oh god, don't joke!" She chuckled, the nerves dissipating just a bit. "I don't want to be on display all night. I like that we've been able to enjoy this on our own terms."

"I think it will help settle things down—Rollins won't look at us like a zoo exhibit anymore."

"Hmmm…what animals are we?"

"I don't know, which ones are stared at the most? Zebras? Giraffes?"

"Mmm…how about lions?"

Elliot playfully growled in her ear. "Lions, I like that. Hold onto that thought for later." His nose nuzzled her cheek, placing another teasing kiss. "What was Fin's reaction?"

"I'm sure you can guess. Grinning from ear to ear, claiming he's known longer than we have, gloating. Seriously though, he's happy for us. He may have said a brotherly word or two threatening your life, but he's happy if I'm happy."

"Are you? Happy?"

She picked up on his apprehension—the tentativeness that still popped up as they navigated through the hurt and pain of their time apart. Olivia leaned into him, finding his lips for a passionate kiss. "El, I've never been happier."

In the end, Sonny talked her into just one sprig of mistletoe and talked her out of the matching Christmas Eve pajamas she wanted to get for Elliot and Liv.

They were detectives, after all.

He did love her final idea, one more invite to their celebration. Someone they asked to play Santa this year, and he happily obliged.

Amanda couldn't contain her excitement when Liv and Elliot arrived together, when he helped her out of her coat, when they sat together on the couch while the kids opened presents. Amanda opened a bottle of Liv's favorite red, and the women were two glasses in when she saw Liv place her hand on Elliot's thigh, and he reacted by placing his hand atop hers.

It was all so natural, so normal. So—

"So, where's the troubadour?"

Amanda looked up from Elliot's thigh, meeting Liv's amused gaze. "What?"

"I expected a troubadour tonight. A dozen mistletoe. Or maybe a horse-drawn carriage, that was El's guess."

Sonny laughed while Amanda blushed even deeper than the wine flushing her cheeks. She made sure the kids weren't in earshot before explaining herself. "I guess I haven't been subtle. Kind of did that on purpose. I was hoping to maybe, I don't know, get you laid for Christmas."

"Amanda!" Sonny chortled, while Liv gasped and playfully slapped her arm.

"No, it was more than that. I want you to be happy, Liv. You deserve it all, more than anyone."

"Well, I am happy," Liv blushed, as she and Elliot threaded fingers on her lap. "We've been together since he returned from the op."

Now, it was Amanda's turn to gasp. "That was over a month ago!"

"We just wanted to explore it quietly for a bit. Noah knows, and El's family."

"So you've let me make an absolute fool of myself," Amanda grinned, tipsy and delighted regardless of her influence (or lack thereof).

"Not just you, Fin and Carisi too. It's been fun watching you all jump through hoops."

"So, you knew beforehand that you were both speaking for my class."

"Yeah, and I also texted Liv when I was heading to the bar that night," Elliot explained.

"But Brian being there was pure coincidence, I swear," Olivia said, with her hand in the air, Scout's honor. "Not even I could make up that scenario."

"I really wanted to go skating and get to know you guys better. I figured the rain ruined whatever grand plans you had for us."

"Tell 'em, 'Manda." Sonny eyed her comically.

"Um…Stabler was right, I reserved a carriage ride for you guys."

"Oh my god, Amanda!"

"Well, I thought you needed help. I was willing to pull out all the stops. By the way, I couldn't get a refund, so it's yours when you want it."

"No, it's yours. Pick a day for you and Carisi, and we'll take the kids. It's the least we can do for you working so hard this month."

A wink, a hug, a third pour of wine, and the party was in full swing. Mrs. Carisi cooked a traditional Italian feast, and everyone had their fill of pasta, cookies, and cannoli. The kids were hyped up on sugar, the girls chatting about what they asked Santa for Christmas when the doorbell rang.

"Liv, could you answer that for me?" Amanda asked as she burped the baby over her shoulder.

"Of course." Amanda smiled as Olivia opened the door to the surprise guest.

Donald Cragen, adorned in a Santa suit and white fluffy beard, appeared on the threshold, and Liv immediately threw her arms around him.

Noah smirked, recognizing the face underneath the cloud of white fluff. "Uh, Elliot, Mom's hugging Santa Claus."

Elliot turned and grinned. "That's okay, pal. I'm going to hug him too."

After a chorus of ho-ho-hos and handing out gifts to the kids, the girls scampered off to bed, the promise of more gifts arriving after everyone was asleep. Once the coast was clear, Don shed the Santa attire and joined everyone for more cookies and conversation as they caught up on each other's lives. Noah was between Liv and Elliot on the couch, and before long, he was out cold on Elliot's shoulder. Amanda was in the chair next to him and gave a quiet nudge.

"He likes you," she whispered.

"He's an amazing kid," Elliot whispered back.

"I'm glad you're here."

"Me too. Thank you for playing matchmaker. I know you probably think it was pointless, but it wasn't. It helped us face our fears and be open with the people we love."

"Hey, what are you two whispering about?" Liv grinned, reaching a hand up to caress her son's curls. "We should probably get going soon. You have midnight mass with the kids, and I should get this one to bed. And the Santa that comes to my house still has a few gifts to wrap."

Liv and Elliot said their goodbyes, ushering out a sleepy Noah. Before they left, Amanda stopped them in the doorway and pointed up.

Mistletoe.

"Please? For me?"

Liv rolled her eyes, but when she met Elliot's gaze, she leaned in and gave him a soft kiss on the lips, above Noah's closed eyes. She turned back to Amanda.

"Happy?"

"Very. Good night, lovebirds."

As she closed the door, Sonny's arms wrapped around her from behind.

"Merry Christmas, Mrs. Carisi."

"Merry Christmas, Mr. Carisi."

"What do you think? Next year—Mr. and Mrs. Stabler?"

"I hope so," Don called from the living room. "I bet Fin double or nothing."


The author of this SVU - Heart for the Holidays story will be revealed in January