Disclaimer: Law & Order SVU/OC and its characters don't belong to me. This story has been written for fun only, not for money. Also, English is not my native language so I had some help with vocabulary, but all ideas and dialogues are mine.

Spoilers: SVU24 & OC3

Summary: Elliot is back. This is the Epilogue of my 4 minutes and 59 seconds (5minCalls) series. It can still be read as a standalone. Written before S25 / S3.

Author's Note 1:So! I started this chapter / story back this Fall when I was writing my 5-minutes Calls fanfic. Even though the possibilities of stories were endless, I found myself thinking a lot about how Elliot would come back, after all these months of sporadic phone calls. Hence, it turned out to be way longer than anticipated hehe I decided to make it as a fic on its own for two reasons: 1- it allows me to add chapters to the 5minCalls series if I'm inspired and 2- Stabler's return can be a stand alone, if you haven't read the other story (all of this before the start of the new seasons of course hehe). I hope you enjoy!

Author's Note 2 : Alright, so this story ran away from me a little bit! It started with the idea of how Elliot would come back after months of 5 min calls as their only contact, but then I couldn't stop my finger from writing a whole gala night story. It can be read as a standalone or as an epilogue of my 5-minute Calls series. All of it was written before S25 / S4 aired.

Please enjoy and review!

Longer than 5 minutes

By musical-Aven

Olivia sat in the passenger seat of her Sergeant's SUV, both dressed up for a NYPD gala. Fin had suggested they go together, saying that they would be less bored and that it saved her from finding a proper date to this thing, a proposition that had made her roll her eyes, but she had agreed. As their small conversation came to a halt, Fin noticed Olivia looking out the window with a wistful look in her eyes and that her fingers were absently tracing the compass necklace around her neck. Tutuola knew that expression: his Captain's thoughts were wandering toward a certain Detective.

In the past month, Stabler's calls had become scarce, causing a subtle but persistent worry in Olivia's mind. She had sought information from Sergeant Bell, against her better judgment. Ayanna had reassured her, revealing little but confirming that Stabler was on the brink of closing in on the criminals he was pursuing. It made sense for him to keep a low profile, but it still left her disappointed. Olivia was pulled from her thoughts as Fin parked the car in front of the gala venue.

"I lied to you," Fin admitted, putting the gear in park.

Olivia froze.

"What?"

"I'm going to this thing with Phoebe." He said seriously, unlocking his seatbelt.

"Okay."

Olivia was surprised, confused. To be honest, she didn't really care. She was used to navigating these events alone. But why did Fin had to lie to her about it?

"I got you a date, though." He smirked.

She barely had time to sigh in exasperation but before she could reprimand him, her door opened, revealing Elliot Stabler, standing there in an expensive suit.

"Hey." He greeted warmly.

"Elliot." She said, surprised.

Breath caught in her throat, a whirlwind of emotions hit her. He was back, and he looked good.

Fin exited the car, heading towards the entrance.

"I'll see you both inside!" He called, a grin on his face telling of how satisfied he was with himself.

Elliot smiled, extending his hand.

"You coming?"

Speechless, Olivia took his hand and stepped out. He closed the door behind her, standing close.

"When?" she asked, barely managing one word.

"Traveled for a full day before getting in early this morning. I had a couple of debriefs, and Ayanna said you were all going to this thing, so…" he shrugged.

"You wanted your first night back to be at an NYPD gala?" she tried to deflect.

Elliot shrugged again, a bit vulnerable under her gaze.

"I wanted my first night back to be with you." He admitted, and something warm spread through her instantly.

They stood there, staring at each other. He hadn't let go of her hand since helping her out of the car. Olivia squeezed his fingers.

"Welcome back." She smiled, and his blue eyes sparkled.

They stared at each other, emotions radiating between them.

"Thanks." He smiled back tenderly, and the air seemed to change around them.

Elliot half-turned, offering his arm.

"Shall we?"

Smiling, Olivia wrapped her hand under his forearm, and they walked toward the entrance together.