Chapter Text
It had been a week. A week since the message that made his heart skip several beats had flashed across his phone. The words that he’d been waiting for for so long.
I’m ready.
Those two words, three if you counted the contraction, had become his favorite words. He found himself staring at that message often now.
He’d immediately excused himself from his briefing, telling everyone that he had to make an important call. The smile on his face when her voice, the voice that he dreamed of so often, came across the line was brighter than any smile the team had ever seen on his face before
The detective had asked her to dinner before even properly greeting her. She’d laughed, the sound doing funny things to his heart, and agreed quickly. He knew the dumb smile on his face was probably enough to be seen from space. He didn’t care.
He’d greeted her properly then, asking her about her week, about Noah, about the team. They’d fallen back into their usual rhythm until he realized that he was probably actually needed in the briefing he’d walked out of. So, he’d regretfully hung up after telling her that he’d text her the details later.
And now it was Friday night and he was wearing a nice shirt, tight black dress pants, the shoes he’d paid way too much for, and the smile that he reserved only for her. He’d told her to be ready at 7:30, but he’d shown up at 7:15, too nervous to wait any longer. And when she’d answered the door after he’d knocked lightly, the sight of her nearly took his breath away.
She’d smiled up at him as she finished putting her earrings on. The first thing he truly noticed was the compass lying at her collarbone. She wore it. Knowing that she wore the necklace he gave her made his heart swell. She was still barefoot, his fault for showing up early, and she’d invited him in, telling him over her shoulder that she’d only be a moment.
He caught her wrist in a loose grip as she spun to turn away from him and her surprised eyes met his when he tugged lightly, pulling her back around to face him. Her little grin when she’d fallen against his chest had nearly had him melting on the spot for her. Who was he kidding? Most things she did had him melting on the spot for her. Always had.
“Take your time, Liv,” He’d murmured, his hand moving to cup the side of her neck, his thumb swiping gently over her jaw, “I’d wait all night for you,” He confessed.
The faint blush that stained her cheeks at his admission made his lips quirk up a bit and she breathed out a quiet laugh before nodding and stepping away from him once more.
When she’d reappeared once more, strappy heels on her feet now, he’d finally taken her in fully. The deep green dress she wore hugged her figure just perfectly, stopping a few inches above her knees leaving her long tan legs on full display. She’d curled her hair and let it hang loose around her face and he wanted to bury his fingers in it, feel how soft it was against his palms. Her makeup made her glow, the smoky eye perfectly accentuating her brown eyes and the lipstick she’d chosen making him want to taste her lips over and over again.
“Ready?” He asked.
She heard the double meaning.
“Ready.”
0~0~0
He realized he’d done too much. He just wanted to give her the perfect date. But they couldn’t pronounce most of the menu, the atmosphere was stuffy and uncomfortable, and he didn’t even know what had just been sat in front of them for an appetizer.
He leaned over, slid his hand across her lower back, and brought his lips to her ear, “How about we blow this place and I buy you the greasiest burger we can find?” He offered.
She smiled over at him, her eyes twinkling, “Only if that offer comes with even greasier fries,” She teased. He grinned, nodding his agreement, and ushered her away from the table. He paused long enough to pay for their drinks and the appetizer that neither of them had touched, before leading her out of the restaurant with a gentle hand at the small of her back.
“Sorry, Liv,” He shook his head as they started walking, “I just...” He trailed off and shook his head.
She leaned up and kissed his cheek gently, “Hey,” She murmured, “It’s fine,” She assured him, “I don’t need fancy, El. Never have.” Her words, her words were always perfect. She always knew exactly what to say, “I just wanted to go out with you. I half expected Chinese takeout,” She said, teasing tone in full play.
“If that’s what you want, Liv,” He shrugged, his smile coming back out for her now that his nerves were eased, “I can make that happen.”
“Not a chance, Stabler,” She bumped their shoulders together playfully. “I was promised the greasiest burger you could find and that’s what I want.” Olivia then shifted and took hold of the hand he’d had at her lower back, twining their fingers together as they walked along.
“Alright,” He squeezed her hand, “One heart attack in a box coming right up.”
0~0~0
They’d miraculously found a diner open and not too crowded. He’d ordered two burgers and a large order of fries for them to split. He’d tipped generously before grabbing her hand once again and pulling her out of the diner and toward the park only a block away.
The two of them had settled next to one another at a picnic table, making easy conversation and laughing easily with one another as they ate and enjoyed each other’s company. The smile on her face hadn’t wavered once and he just knew that he was going to spend the rest of his life doing his best to earn that smile and keep it on her face.
“God, Liv,” He whispered at one point and she turned to him, wide-eyed as she shoved several fries into her mouth at once, “You’re so fucking beautiful,” He said in awe.
She rolled her eyes and elbowed him, “Okay, El, how strong was that drink you had?” She asked him playfully after she swallowed.
“Livi, look at me,” He requested gently and she did after a beat, “You are so, so fucking beautiful.” His hand found one of hers and squeezed lightly, “All dolled up like this,” He gestured to her, “In sweats and a ponytail,” He continued, “In full Captain Benson mode,” He smirked at her and brought her hand up to his mouth, kissing her knuckles lightly, “Just beautiful, Olivia. So damn beautiful.”
She cursed herself when she felt the sting of tears and blinked them away as she brought her gaze to her lap for a moment before meeting his eyes again, “Thank you,” She finally whispered and then surprised them both when she brought her other hand up to his cheek before leaning in and kissing him softly. She pulled back after a moment, laying her forehead against his and smirking at him, “Even with a handful of fries hanging out of my mouth?”
“Especially with a handful of fries hanging out of your mouth,” He nodded before he caught her lips once more.
0~0~0
He’d kissed her thoroughly at the door to her apartment. Her arms wrapping around his neck had nearly been his undoing, but he’d told her goodnight, made sure she got inside and locked her door, and left.
He’d called her once he’d gotten home, told her how much he’d enjoyed the evening, and had reveled in it when she’d echoed his statement, telling him that she’d had a great time. Elliot had told her goodnight once more, and she’d whispered her own goodnight back to him before hanging up.
He slept with a smile on his face that night.