Lizzie, her intuition flaring, turns her attention to her grandmother, her eyes wide with curiosity. "Grandma, you know who it is, don't you?" she asks, her voice filled with a mixture of excitement and anticipation.
Bernie gives a knowing smile, her eyes twinkling mischievously. She glances towards the patio. "My lips are sealed, dear," she says, a hint of amusement in her voice. "And Olivia Elliot is waiting for you out on the patio, dear."
Olivia's heart skips a beat as she hears Bernie's words. Her gaze moves towards the patio, and she can see Elliot's silhouette through the window, patiently waiting for her. She goes to the patio and closes the door behind her.
Kathleen, Maureen, and Lizzie all covertly watch the exchange, their eyes flickering between Bernie and Olivia, clearly intrigued by the situation.
Kathleen's eyes widen in realization, her voice filled with both surprise and excitement "Oh my god, does Dad have a crush on Olivia!?" She gasps, her thoughts racing with possibilities.
"That actually makes sense," she says, her eyes wide with realization. "The way he was looking at her all day, it's like he's smitten." Says Lizzie.
"Grandma! It's Olivia, isn't it?!" Maureen practically squeals, her eyes sparkling with the thrill of uncovering the truth.
Bernie, ever the wise and perceptive elder, gently chides the girls. "Ladies, keep it down," she says with a hint of playful reproach, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Your father hasn't admitted it, but I can see it right through his face. Maureen, give those two some privacy.".
The girls, realizing their eagerness has led them to speak a bit loudly, immediately quiet down, their eyes filled with a mixture of guilt and excitement. Maureen decides to watch quietly as Olivia makes her way outside to join Elliot on the patio.
Elliot, his heart pounding gently, offers a warm smile as Olivia steps onto the patio. He motions for her, the night's cool breeze adding a touch of intimacy to the moment. "Hey, Liv," he says, his voice soft and sincere.
Olivia's eyes widen in delight as she takes in the beauty surrounding them. The flowers, the lights, the moon casting its soft glow on everything - it all creates a stunning backdrop that leaves her breathless. "Oh my god, this is gorgeous," she whispers, her voice filled with genuine awe and appreciation.
Elliot, his gaze never leaving Olivia, smiles warmly at her reaction. He takes a moment to appreciate the beauty of the surroundings as well, the tranquility and beauty of the garden providing a peaceful contrast to the tension he's been feeling all evening. "I knew you'd like it why I wanted to take you out here." Elliot smiles.
Elliot, gathering his courage, gently reaches out and grasps Olivia's hand. His touch is gentle but firm, his fingers intertwining with hers. He looks into her eyes, his gaze filled with an intensity that speaks volumes. The simple, intimate act seems to say more than words ever could.
Elliot, his heart beating faster, gives Olivia's hand a soft, reassuring squeeze. He turns to face her, his eyes locking on hers. "Hey, Liv..." he begins, his voice soft and sincere.
Olivia's eyes flutter at the sound of her name on Elliot's lips. She gazes back at him, her own heart skipping a beat at the way he looks at her.
Olivia's breath catches in her throat at the feel of Elliot's thumb against her hand. His touch sends a shiver down her spine, her heart fluttering in her chest. She looks at him, a mix of emotions swirling in her eyes. "Yes, Elliot?" she whispers, her voice soft and tinged with a hint of anticipation.
Elliot, his heart pounding in his chest, faces Olivia with a determined look in his eyes. He gently squeezes her hand, his voice filled with a mix of nervousness and confidence. "Olivia Benson," he begins, his gaze unwavering, "Will you go on a date with me tomorrow night?"
Olivia's eyes widened at the unexpected request, her heart racing. She looks at Elliot, a thousand emotions swirling inside her. Finally, a smile spreads on her face, her voice filled with a mix of surprise and giddy excitement. "Yes, Elliot. I'd love to go on a date with you tomorrow night."
Elliot's heart leaps with joy at Olivia's words. The tension he'd been feeling all evening evaporates, replaced with a surge of happiness and anticipation. He grins, his eyes shining. "Really? That's...that's great!" he stutters, his voice betraying his own excitement. "I'll pick you up at six tomorrow evening?"
Olivia nods, a grin mirroring his own spreading across her face. She's surprised and thrilled by this unexpected turn of events, her heart lighter than it's been in a long time. "Six sounds perfect," she replies, her words filled with anticipation.
Elliot glances back at his daughter Maureen looking, watching from the window. He smiles and raises his hand in a playful wave. "Looks like we've got an audience," he chuckles, shaking his head in mock despair. "Can't blame them for being curious, though."
Olivia smiles, her eyes filled with admiration as she looks at Elliot. She turns her gaze towards the house, where she can see the silhouette of his family members still watching from the window.
"Your family is really sweet," she whispers, the sincerity in her voice making her words ring even more true.
Elliot's smirk widens into a mischievous grin. He straightens up and clears his throat as if preparing for a performance.
"They can be when they aren't nosy." Elliot laughs. "We can put on a fake show for them."
Olivia suppresses a laugh, her eyes sparkling with laughter. She puts on a serious face and nods in agreement. "Alright, Detective, let's do it," she replies, a hint of mischief in her voice.
Elliot's heart skips a beat as he positions his thumb on her lips. The close proximity, the feel of her breath against his skin, is all too realistic. He pretends to kiss her.
Olivia's heart pounds in her chest as Elliot pretends to kiss her. The intimacy of the moment, the way their breaths mingle together, is overwhelming. She can feel her cheeks growing warmer.
Lizzie, standing near the window, is practically bursting with excitement. She jumps up and down and decides not to say it out loud in case Olivia doesn't want Noah to know.
Lizzie: "Guys! Guys! They just kissed!"
Dickie: "Wait, who kissed? Lizzie, why are you texting? We are in the same house."
Kathleen: "Olivia and dad kissed!?"
Lizzie: "They kissed okay, Dad, get it!"
Eli: "Ew, dad's old…"
Kathleen: "Oh shut up Eli, it's sweet!"
Dickie "Well, didn't you set him up, Dani, remember?" he retorts, his tone playful.
Maureen: "Yes dickhead! Did you also hear Dad say he also has feelings for another woman, and that woman is Olivia!"
Kathleen: "Has he even taken her out on a date yet!?"
Lizzie: "I don't know, but when Olivia and Noah leave, we will ask him!"
Kathleen: "Nobody talks about this. We don't want them to know we know. Even though they probably see Maureen's nosy ass looking outside."
Bernie, hearing the commotion from the kids, steps out of the house and addresses them with her usual cheerful authority. "Hey kids! You all in the mood for some dessert?" she asks, her tone filled with warmth and familiarity.
Elliot and Olivia share a warm smile as they follow Bernie's invitation inside. Hand in hand, they walk into the house together.
Kathleen: "Oh my god, they're holding hands! Ehhhh!"
Lizzie: "They are so adorable. Look how happy they look!"
Eli: "Ew.."
Dickie: "Get it, Dad!"
Maureen: "Dickie!"
Dickie: "I'm just saying!'
Kathleen: "Richard this explains why you're single..now everyone shh they're coming back in!"
Olivia, momentarily forgetting about their joined hands, releases Elliot's hand gently, turning her attention to the cake laid out before her. She picks up a slice for both herself and Noah, her mind still on the night's events.
Noah, holding a slice of cake in his hand, thanks Bernie with a wide smile. He heads over to the couch where the Stabler siblings are seated, his steps light and full of energy. He plops down on the couch beside them, his eyes sparkling with excitement as he takes a bite of his cake.
Noah, eyes wide with excitement, jumps up from his spot on the couch. "Me! Me!" he shouts, waving his hand eagerly in the air. He runs towards Dickie. "Can I play? Can I play?"
Dickie laughs at Noah's eagerness, then grins and hands him a Wii remote. "Sure thing, kiddo," he says. "Grab a remote and get ready to race."
Lizzie, Maureen, and Kathleen sit watching the action, giggling amongst themselves. They exchange an amused glance as Noah confidently declares his impending victory. "Oh yeah?" Dickie smirks, accepting the challenge. "We'll see about that. I'm the reigning Nintendo champion, you know."
Elliot and Olivia, hearing the laughter and excitement coming from the living room, walk into the room and see the Stabler children playing Mario Kart. Upon seeing the game, Elliot's face lights up with nostalgia. "Oh, Mario Kart," he says, a small smile playing on his lips. "Haven't seen that game in ages."
Olivia elbows Elliot gently in the ribs, a playful grin on her face. "Yeah, I bet you always sucked at it, didn't you?" she teases, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
Elliot feigns offense, putting a hand over his heart. "Hey, watch it," he retorts, trying to sound wounded. "I'll have you know I was quite skilled at Mario Kart back in my day."
Olivia laughs again, shaking her head good-naturedly at Elliot's claim. She knows he's not as good as he thinks but plays along with the banter. "Yeah, sure," she teases with a smirk. "You were a regular Mario Kart champ, right, detective?
Elliot grins, his competitive spirit ignited by Olivia's challenge. "Alright, Olivia, let's make a bet," he agrees, his eyes gleaming with determination. "What do you propose?"
Elliot smirked and leaned in close to Olivia, his voice dropping to a whisper. His tone is flirtatious and full of confidence. "If I win," he murmurs, "I get to kiss you tonight before our date." Elliot leans back, pretending to think it over, but his eyes remain fixed on hers. "If you win, you can name your prize," he says, his voice laced with tantalizing promise. "But let me warn you, I don't lose at Mario Kart."
Olivia giggles, looking at him with an amused twinkle in her eyes. "So I win either way, huh?" she teases, her hand still in his.
Lizzie, Kathleen, and Maureen exchange a knowing smile, glancing between Elliot and Olivia's playful banter.
As Elliot and Olivia play the game, they intentionally bump into each other on purpose, their bodies knocking into each other with a playful nudge here and there. The others laugh, watching the playful flirting in action between the two.
Elliot laughs, his eyes never leaving the game on the screen. He bumps into Olivia's shoulder with a playful nudge. "You're cheating!" he accuses, his tone filled with mock indignation. "No way you got a triple green shell!"
Olivia gets on Elliot's lap, blocking his view of the game, and laughs as she wins the race. "I win!" she exclaims, her voice filled with triumph. She turns her head to look at Elliot, her face just inches from his. A smug smirk is plastered on her face as she looks down at him from her perch on his lap.
Elliot, caught off guard by Olivia's victory dance on his lap, laughs and retaliates by tickling her. His fingers dancing over her sides, he grins and playfully accuses her. "You cheater!" Elliot laughs
Olivia laughs, her attempts to stay in control faltering as Elliot's fingers find her most ticklish spots. Her body quivers, giggles escaping her lips against her will. "No, no, stop!" she gasps between fits of laughter. "That's not fair! You cheated first!"
Elliot continues his relentless attack on Olivia's ticklish spots, enjoying the way she squirms and laughs uncontrollably on his lap. With a wicked grin on his face, he shows no signs of mercy.
Elliot finally relents, ceasing his assault of tickles. He lets go of Olivia, a sly grin still on his face. He looks up at her, enjoying the sight of her flushed cheeks and disheveled hair, a result of both laughing and his tickles.
*Olivia, regaining her composure, turns the tables on Elliot. She begins tickling him, her nimble fingers dancing over his most sensitive spots. His laughter filled the room.
Maureen bursts into laughter as she watches Elliot writhe under Olivia's tickling. Her eyes widen with surprise as the usually stoic detective is now reduced to a bundle of laughter. "Who knew Dad was so ticklish?!" she exclaims, still giggling.
Dickie, Noah, Lizzie, the kids, and Maureen all join in the laughter at the sight of Elliot, the usually big bald detective, now being tickled mercilessly. They gather around, watching the scene unfold with gleeful amusement. The room is filled with their laughter and chuckles as Elliot squirms and laughs.
Elliot, his sides aching with laughter, surrenders and pleads with Olivia, his voice filled with mock surrender. "Alright, alright! You win. Please stop!" he gasps, still shaking with laughter as he looks up at her with pleading eyes.
Olivia grins down at Elliot, a mischievous gleam in her eyes. She prolongs her tickling, enjoying the power she has over him at this moment. "Say I'm the best, and I might consider stopping," she teases, her fingers dancing over his sides once more.
Elliot squirms and laughs uncontrollably under her continued tickling. He looks up at her with pleading eyes, desperate for her to stop. But Olivia is not letting up just yet. "Come on, Stabler, say it," she grins. "Say I'm the best, then I'll think about mercy."
Elliot, at the mercy of her relentless tickling, finally capitulates. Between fits of laughter, he manages to gasp out his reply. "Okay, okay! You're the best. Just please stop!"
Olivia grins victoriously, finally ceasing the tickling. She looks down at Elliot, who is now a bit disheveled and breathless from laughing. Her expression is smug as she looks at him, enjoying her little victory. "See? That wasn't so hard, was it?" she teases, a smirk playing on her lips.
Kathleen, watching Elliot and Olivia's playful banter with a grin on her face, whispers to her siblings. "It's kind of cute seeing Dad and Olivia act like kids in love," she murmurs, a hint of amusement in her voice. "They're usually all serious and responsible, but now they're giggling and flirting like teenagers."
Olivia stands up, stretching her limbs after the evening of laughter and games. A warm smile spreads across her face as she looks around at the group. "I had a great time, too," she says, her eyes meeting Elliot's for a moment. "But duty calls for both Noah and me. Work and school wait for no one, sadly."
Everyone says their collective goodbyes as Olivia and Noah prepare to leave the house. They call out their farewells, expressing gratitude and affection for the evening they had spent together.
"See you soon!" Says everyone.
Elliot rises from the couch, offering to walk Olivia and Noah out to their car. The night air is cool and crisp, a gentle breeze rustling through the trees. "I'll walk you both to your car," he says, his voice soft yet full of warmth. He holds the front door open, gesturing for them to go ahead.
Both Olivia and Noah wrap their arms around Bernie in a warm and tight embrace. "Thank you, Bernie. For everything."
"Yeah, Grandma Bernie, you're the best."
Bernie smiles warmly at Olivia and Noah, her eyes sparkling with affection. "Anytime, my dear. You're always welcome here. And don't forget to come visit more often, you hear?"
She hugs them both warmly, a motherly comfort in her embrace. A gentle squeeze before she releases them, watching them head towards the car.
Noah hops into the passenger seat, quickly closing his door behind him. This leaves Elliot standing next to Olivia beside her car, the night air filled with a subtle tension.
Olivia smiles softly at him, her eyes meeting his in the soft glow of the streetlights. "I had a great time too, Elliot," she replies, her voice quieter now that they're alone. "Your family is wonderful, and our time together always feels... effortless and comfortable."
"I had an amazing time with you tonight, Liv. My family adores you, and they're so fond of Noah. Having you over... it was perfect."
Olivia returns his smile, a mix of excitement and anticipation in her eyes. She nods slightly, a small affirmative movement. "Yes, I'll see you tomorrow for our date," she confirms, her voice holding a hint of eagerness. She reaches out, her hand gently brushing against his arm.
Elliot smiles warmly, the sight of her anticipating their date tomorrow bringing a sense of comfort to his heart. "See you tomorrow, Liv," he repeats, his voice soft and affectionate. He hesitates for a moment, fighting the urge to pull her into a tight embrace to prolong this moment just a bit longer. But he holds himself back.
Olivia steps closer to him, a cheeky smile on her lips. She leans in and places a gentle kiss on his cheek, her lips lingering for a moment longer than necessary. Pulling back, she looks into his eyes and whispers a soft goodbye with a wink. "Until tomorrow, Stabler."
Elliot's heart skips a beat as Olivia plants a kiss on his cheek. The touch of her lips sends a jolt of electricity through him, and he finds himself unable to look away as she pulls back, smiling at him with a wink. "Until tomorrow," he manages to reply, his voice somewhat hoarse. He watches as she gets into her car, and drive off he heads back into his house smiling and holding his cheek.
"Elliot's heart skips a beat as Olivia plants a kiss on his cheek. The touch of her lips sends a jolt of electricity through him, and he finds himself unable to look away as she pulls back, smiling at him with a wink.
"Looks like someone got a goodnight kiss," Bernie says, smiling and laughing.
"Mama, were you spying? First Maureen, and now you?" Says Elliot laughing.
"Well, dear you are holding your cheek and flushing red I'm not a detective, but i believe that indicates a kiss." Bernie laughs.
"Okay you caught me she did gimme a little smooch, and we have dinner plans for tomorrow at six." Elliot smiles.
"I'm happy for you son Olivia's the one for you I just can feel it!"
