Elliot's last couple of days at the 16th precinct ended up being more eventful than anticipated. After two days of hunting down a serial rapist, it ended with a speedy car chase, Elliot behind the wheel with Olivia by his side. He loved the adrenaline rush of the two of them collaring a perp and it would be a lie if he said he wouldn't miss doing this with her. Back at the interrogation room, Elliot sat at the table while Olivia paced around the room, putting pressure on the rapist until he popped. They were so good at this. The back and forth that made them stand out from any other partnership. They knew exactly what the other was thinking or planning with just a look and they knew they'd never have that with anybody else.
It didn't take long to get a confession and when Melinda came by to confirm the DNA match, the detectives headed back to their desks. To their surprise, there was a cake on Elliot's side, with balloons and champagne. Cragen, Fin, Munch and Casey where waiting and Melinda followed behind. Cragen approached Elliot and shook his hand.
"Didn't think you were gonna get away with leaving quietly did ya?" he smirked.
"Guys come on, you didn't need to do all this" Elliot laughed.
Fin opened the bottle of champagne, passing around some glasses while Cragen made a toast.
"I just want to say that uh, I think we all mean it when we say you'll be missed around here Detective Stabler. And I know you'll make a difference wherever you go, but the commitment and dedication you've shown to this unit for the past 10 years is truly commendable. That being said..." He paused "of the two of you I'm glad Olivia's staying" he grinned and winked at a teary eyed Olivia and everyone laughed. "No, but in all seriousness detective, yours will be hard shoes to fill." He raised his glass; "To Elliot!" Everyone echoed the captain and took a sip of their drinks.
"Ok I guess I should say a few words" Elliot said "you know how I hate public speaking but uh.."
"Yeah right!" Munch chimed in and everyone laughed again.
"I just wanna say that uh, in all seriousness now, it's been an honor to work with you all for all of these years and I'll miss this squad but I'm also looking forward to trying something new. But first and foremost, I'm happy that Liv'll still be here to keep an eye on all of you. I agree with Cap, she is the best." He smiled and placed his hand to Olivia's lower back and everyone clapped.
"Alright alright, enough with the soppiness. Let's cut into this cake, I'm starving!" Munch waved his hands around and headed toward Elliot's desk patting him on the shoulder as he walked passed.
An hour later, the squad room quietened down and while Olivia cleared away some of the plates, Elliot went into Cragen's office.
"Hey Cap, Olivia and I are heading out. I just wanted to thank you for what you said earlier, it meant a lot. I know we haven't always seen eye to eye and I've pushed some boundaries over the years but I hope you know that I've always respected you." Cragen stood and walked around to the front of his desk.
"I know" he said "and I hope you know that I'm happy for you Elliot. You and Olivia. You both deserve this. You deserve happiness."
"Thank you" Elliot said with a lump in his throat. "Can I ask you one thing? Since I'm not gonna be here everyday to watch her back, just promise me that you'll look after her Cap...?
"Always have" Cragen shrugged. The two men hugged and he watched Elliot walk back toward his desk, placing the last of his things into a box. Olivia approached him and put her arm around his waist. He kissed her head and she switched off the lamp on the desk as they both walked out of the precinct as partners, one last time.