Bensler Oneshots

Elliot Stabler: Hairstylist

"Humph," Olivia huffed for the umpteenth time.

Elliot glanced away from the road. "Sorry, what was that?"

"Nothing. I didn't say anything."

"No, you didn't, but you, uh, you keep making that funny little noise, so I know you're mad about something."

"I have every damn right to be mad. That idiot broke my wrist."

"And you know I'm really sorry about that. I'm sorry I couldn't stop him."

"I'm not mad at you. You didn't fall on top of me."

"Still. I'm supposed to have your six."

"It's not your fault. Really. Our threats don't usually come from the clumsiness of fellow officers."

"Right."

"I saw him slip on that patch of ice. I should've moved."

"It was a freak accident. Couple weeks, it'll be back to normal."

"I know that. I just can't believe I have to go back to the precinct and tell Cragen, Munch, and Fin what happened. It's embarrassing."

"They're not gonna laugh at you, Liv. You got hurt."

"If you say so..."

"Liv, don't. If Munch says something smart, you know I'll beat his ass in your name."

She smiled in spite of herself. "I'm gonna hold you to that."

"I wouldn't have it any other way."

...

Cragen met Elliot at the squad room door. "Stabler, what happened? I get a text saying 'going to hospital. Liv hurt.' That's all I get? What the hell happened? And where is she? Is she alright?" He had effectively entered protective dad mode.

"Sorry," Elliot said sort of sheepishly. "She's fine. She just went to the locker room."

"What happened out there?"

"A uni slipped on some ice at the scene and knocked Liv over. She broke her wrist."

"But she'll be okay?"

"It'll heal. She's angry, a bit embarrassed. She's doesn't want anybody to make a big deal out of it."

"We won't, and it's not her fault. She has no reason to be embarrassed. I'll give Munch and Fin a heads up."

Elliot nodded. "Good. I'll go check on her."

"Go ahead."

Cragen went back into the squad room, and Munch and Fin looked up.

"What's going on?" Fin asked.

"Liv broke her wrist at the scene. I don't want any comments."

Fin agreed quickly. "Of course."

"What happened?" Munch asked.

"A uni knocked her over and she fell. No more about it. Am I clear?"

"Aye, aye, cap," they answered in unison, chuckling to themselves afterwards.

Cragen rolled his eyes.

...

"Drive you home?" Elliot offered as their work day came to a close.

Olivia shook her head. "I'll get a cab."

"Liv, come on. Not while you're hurt."

"I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself."

In spite of the following ten-minute long debate, Elliot ended up driving her home.

...

"You need anything before I go?" Elliot said, looking around Olivia's apartment and spotting problems for her everywhere.

"I, uh, I'm good," she called from her room, her statement in contradiction of the fact that she was caught in her t-shirt.

"Are you sure?"

Olivia tugged on the shirt a few more times before groaning frustratedly. "Hang on. You still there?"

"Yeah. Whatcha need?"

"Can you help me with this?"

He wandered over to her room. "What do you-"

"My shirt's stuck."

"Oh."

"Elliot, I swear, if you're just standing there staring at me-"

"I'm not. I'm not. Here, I'll..." he hurried forward, trailing off as he tugged the shirt the rest of the way down and carefully pulled her casted wrist through the sleeve. "There ya go."

"Thanks."

"Your hair, it's a little," he gestured behind the his head.

She tugged out the ponytail holder and ran her left hand through it. "I'm gonna have to get it cut now."

Elliot shook his head, objecting quickly. "No. Why?"

Olivia sighed. "It's too long. There's no way I can do anything with it now."

"No, if you don't want to cut it, don't."

"What? You gonna do my hair for me?"

"Yeah. I will."

She chuckled. "Don't be ridiculous. I was joking. Even if you could, I'm not waiting until I get to the precinct to do my hair every morning."

"Well, I'll stay here."

"It's like you don't even hear yourself sometimes."

"Hey, it's no big deal. I'll sleep on the couch, and I'm really good at doing hair. I can braid it and everything. I do have three daughters, you know."

Olivia stared at him for long minute before shaking her head. "El, you don't have to."

"I want to. Here, let me show you."

Too tired to argue with him, Olivia grabbed her brush from the bathroom and let him lead her out to the living room to sit on the couch.

"Turn to the side," Elliot prompted.

She pulled her legs up on the couch, sitting cross legged.

He brushed her hair back, loosening the tangles before parting it. He worked quickly, doing a simple braid.

Elliot patted her shoulder. "There you go."

Olivia ran her hand down it. "Thanks," she said, a little surprised.

"I can help you do other stuff, too. If you just want me to pull it back in a ponytail, I can do that, or if you want it straightened or something, I can probably figure that out."

"I'd appreciate that. I kind of like my long hair."

"Yeah? Well, me, too."

She turned around, giving him a small smile, which he returned with a lopsided grin.