*This fic is greatly inspired by the bowl of strawberries on the table in the SB commercial. ;)
"GO, GO, GO," Olivia screams, as the Bengals run it in for a touchdown. She high-fives Noah as Elliot, Eli, and Dickie groan and boo. The Bensons-Stabler clan have a friendly wager going on at their family Super Bowl Party, and dividing lines have been drawn with amused earnestness. Noah likes the Bengals simply because tigers are his favorite and his last name has the same start as the team moniker, and of course, Liv teamed with her best buddy. How could she say no to that logic? Kieran and Seamus, who now look to Noah like he's the brother they never had, eagerly wanted to be on Team Benson for this bet, and Grandma Bernie and Kathleen joined in for good measure, because they have a crush on Joe Burrow.
The remaining Stabler siblings formed a unified front, solidly siding with the Rams. Carl teamed with his wife, he knew better, and they had fun with the "parents against kids" wager. That left Elliot as the lone hold out.
"What's it gonna be, Stabler? Are you joining your mom, daughter, precious grandchildren, and us Bensons, or are you teaming with the troublemakers?" Liv has a glint in her eye, and everyone is laughing and carrying on.
"The way I see it, Benson, it's six against five. I think I need to stick with the Rams for this, make our bet even." He's treated to a round of cheers and shoulder slaps.
She rolls her eyes and heads to the kitchen to refill her drink, gasping when friendly, familiar hands slink around her waist from behind. Apparently, this is something they do now, their friendship becoming more like friends with benefits with each passing day. He glances over his shoulder to make sure that none of the ten other potential intruders are in their vicinity, but all are crowded around the game, too wrapped up in rooting for their teams. He sneaks a kiss to the back of her neck and growls in her ear. "Care to make a side bet, Captain?"
"Are you gambling, detective?"
""I'm definitely taking a gamble here, Benson."
"She turns to face him, adopting a more neutral stance in case one of the many kids (or adults) catches them in a position they aren't ready to explain.
"If I win, which I will, you let me finally take you out to dinner. An actual dinner. Not coffee, or diner fries, or take out dropped off on your desk. If I win, I get to wine and dine you, the way you deserve."
"Sounds intriguing. You're on." She extends her hand for a dutiful handshake to seal the deal.
She starts to walk back into the living room, but he pulls her back, playfully. "Wait a second, what if you win? What's your proposition for me?"
"You're still taking me on that dinner, only if I win, we skip dessert. Deal?"
His jaw falls open at her insinuation, and Liv laughs at how quickly she's rendered him speechless.
As the game ticks out its final seconds, Elliot's never been more devastated to win a bet in his entire life. However, he sees Liv's burning glimmer from across the room as she sinks her teeth into a strawberry, and he has a feeling that they've both won. Dessert doesn't need to be skipped, afterall.