I DO NOT OWN OR MAKE ANY PROFIT OFF OF LAW AND ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT AND ITS CHARACTERS.

A/N: I hope you had a great holiday season and I hope that 2024 is treating you well. This is a short and sweet one-shot. Enjoy!

*~*~*~*EO*~*~*~*

11:27p - December 31, 2023 - 16th Precinct

Olivia was stuck at work on New Year's Eve. While relieved to have left Noah in Woodstock with the McCanns, she couldn't shake the overpowering sense of loneliness that permeated. As she looked up from her desk, she saw Fin in her doorway, "Am I good to head out?"

"I didn't even realize you were still here," Olivia slid her glasses off her face."

"I was catching up on some paperwork before we get slammed tomorrow," Fin responded, "And shouldn't you be at home with your boy?"

"The McCanns invited him to their New Year's party," she said as she leaned back in her chair.

Fin cracked a smile, "Try and have some fun tonight, 2023 put you through the wringer."

She chuckled lightly under her breath and agreed with him, "Maybe next year will be better."

As he took a step backward, Fin smiled, "Happy New Year, Liv."

"Happy New Year, Fin," she waved goodbye as he left.

11:51p - December 31, 2023 - 16th Precinct

Almost half an hour later, she made her way to the precinct rooftop. In all her years of living in New York, she never once was able to have a clear view of the celebratory fireworks. On the rooftop, she leaned against the half-wall and stared out at the skyline. All is silent -or as silent as New York City can be.

"The view never gets old…"

Olivia turned her body quickly to come face to face with the voice. Her breath hitched, "Elliot…"

Elliot slowly makes his way over to Olivia and stares out at the skyline, "You ever think of how incredible it is that almost nine million people live here? That almost nine million people have their own individual lives?"

"Elliot…" she was not over his dramatic entrance.

He repeated, "Almost nine million people."

She shrugged off her initial surprise and indulged in his presentation, "That's a lot of people…"

"Think of just how small your chances would be to cross paths with anyone in this city…" Elliot continued with his speech and Olivia let him continue. He turned to face her and gazed into her chocolate-brown eyes, "And somehow the universe led me to you. Out of almost nine million people, I met you, I got to know you, I fell in-"

"El…" she tried to stop him before he dug himself a hole he wouldn't be able to get out of. As she gained his undivided attention, she stated, "You're back."

"I am," he answered bluntly.

The two stared at each other. Silent but expressive, they communicated through their exchanged glances. Olivia slowly interlocked her fingers with his. She closed the distance between them with a small step. Her head cocked and her eyes shimmered in the moonlight, "I missed you."

Elliot smirked widely, "I missed you, too."

Olivia smiled gently in response to his statement. She looked down at her feet quickly with a nervous breath. Their eyes locked once more, and in that moment, everything else faded away. Time seemed to stand still in that moment. They stood frozen in place, feeling the weight of their shared experiences and unspoken emotions. Olivia spoke softly, but with confidence, "I ready, El."

As soon as he heard her words, he brought his hands up to cup her face and delicately placed his lips onto hers.

12:00a - January 1, 2024 - 16th Precinct

Shocked by the loud crashing noise that scattered the sky, Olivia moved abruptly, drawing herself closer into his arms. As they parted lips, she twisted her head to face the sky. Still in his embrace, she grinned, "It's beautiful."

"Really is…" Elliot softly speaks.

As she looked away from the light show in the sky, She caught Elliot looking intently at her.

Elliot cracked a smile, "Happy New Year, Liv."

"Happy New Year, El," she replied. A feeling of warmth spread throughout her body as her lips crashed back onto his. As the fireworks continued to dance above them, a mix of intense bliss and passion washed over them.

The fireworks reached their crescendo, illuminating the night sky with a dazzling display of color and light. Amidst the breathtaking spectacle, Olivia parted from Elliot, "I love you."

Elliot is nearly knocked back by her declaration. With a goofy smile, he announced, "I love you, too"

*~*~*~*EO*~*~*~*

A/N: Hope you liked my quick little story!