Carry Me Home - Bensler

Chapter One

"Benson! Where the hell have you been huh? This precinct depends on its employees actually showing up." Cragen told the frazzled looking detective.

"I'm sorry Captain, Noah was being really difficult this morning, wouldn't let go of me and the babysitter had to pry him off. Won't happen again." Olivia responded curtly, taken aback at how her usually understanding Captain had just chewed her ass in front of the whole precinct.

"My office, I need to speak with you about something," He said as he walked off towards his office, the detective silently following behind.

"If this is about me being 10 minutes late, could you spare me the lecture, I already said it won't-"

"That's not what this is about Liv, I'm sorry I got onto you in front of the whole squad, but there is something else I need to discuss with you. You're getting a new partner."

"Now wait a minute Captain, you can't just drop that on me like that. I don't need a partner. I haven't needed a partner since Amaro damn near died. I can't be responsible for that again Cap, I have Noah to worry about now and I can't worry about a partner with a deathwish dragging us into situations where I could get shot, or worse, killed!" She finished with a huff, hoping the captain would understand and send whatever mediocre rookie who'd just finished academy packing their bags and on their merry way.

"Listen Liv, I know that after the whole Amaro situation, you'd be on the fence about a new partner, but it is too dangerous for a New York city cop, especially you seeing as how many enemies you've made in this profession, to try and take on cases by their self. Now, you either warm up to this guy real quick, or it's looking like desk duty for you for the next two months. Am I understood?" He asked in a serious tone, letting her know that he meant absolute business.

"Yes sir. When will he be here?" She grumbled out, wondering how bad the desk duty would actually be.

"Well if my watch is correct, he should be here in about 20 minutes. His name is Elliot Stabler, transferred down from the Jersey department. He's been on the beat for about 17 years, was previously a Marine in Desert Storm. The guy knows what he's doing Liv, just give him the chance." Cragen sighed, he knew this wasn't going to be easy, but he can't have his best detective going on suicide missions every time she clocks in! She is his responsibility and he won't be having anymore instances like Amaro's in his precinct this year. "You're dismissed Benson, he should be here soon."

Olivia left the office, sighing and heading to her desk to prepare for the newcomer.

"Hey Liv," Rollins piped up, "congrats on that new partner of yours, heard some of the guys talking about it in the break room. You think you're ready for that?"

"Good morning to you too Rollins, and thanks. I'm about ready for it as I'll ever be, but if I'm honest, that desk duty doesn't sound that bad right about now." Olivia said, finishing it with a dry chuckle.

A voice piped up from behind her, "Awe thanks, it's a pleasure to meet you too Detective Benson. I'm Elliot Stabler. Your new partner."

//-

"Alright people, what do we got?" Cragen yelled out across the squad room, listening to papers ruffle and voices clear to start talking.

Stabler was the first to pipe up, "We have a dump job that was just found behind a deli on the east side, multiple contusions on the wrists and ankles, we suspect she was tied up and tortured and then dumped. Mid twenties, around 5'6", athletic build, brunette. There's a gym down the street that the deli owner said he's seen her leave multiple days a week for the past couple months. M.E.'s report should be done soon and we can see what really killed her."