L&O: Crossover

~The Meet Up~

AUTHOR'S NOTE:
I hope you guys are enjoying the story so far, just as i am writing it. Hopefully it makes sense as much as it does in my head. Again I appreciate any feedback and criticism to make sure the story can come out as good of a read as possible. Thank you! :)
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Bustling vehicles with the occasional honking and people walking. Dressed up or in casual wear, going about their lives. The noise of outside almost muted by the glass windows in the coffee shop. El always likes to sit by the windows. The rays of daylight that give a sense of peace. The day wasn't over though...in fact it's only afternoon, early afternoon but feels like the day just started.
Stabler looked at his watch as he waited to meet with Benson. For once he was actually anxious meeting with Benson. Granted everything that's happened these past 2 years with BX9, Shadowërk, and the now found missing girl and her family, everything just felt like it keeps piling. Especially for Captain Benson. But Stabler was more anxious because now he knows what happened in his 10 year hiatus. He understood why she reluctant to tell him anything when he first came back. Felt like it was so long ago. Soon his train of thought was interrupted.
"Hi El, I'm so sorry I was late-"
"You're good Liv...Noah?"
"Yea, I called the McCanns just to check on him. He sounds so happy. He told me everything they did so far," she laughs.
"Sounds like we need to vacation with them for a few days" Stabler jokes.
Liv chuckles,"That would be nice. I'm sure McCanns would like that"
He looks at her in disbelief. "Liv, I was joking"
"I'm aware but after these 2 days...it would be nice just to take 3 consecutive days off" she says as she rolls her eyes and tilts her head for emphasis. And she meant it. It's been a while since she last took a vacation with her and Noah. Elliott raised an eyebrow as he gave a nod in fair agreement. Soon a waitress takes both orders and brings out their coffees and lunch. Time passes and afternoon is on the brink of evening. The daylight becomes a sunset. The conversation simple, business related but also an atmosphere of reconnection between old friends. As they finish up their entree's, Elliot begins, "So how are you doing?"Liv cocks her head in question.
"What do you mean?"
"Like how are you handling everything? You got some pretty big news almost 38 hours ago"
"I'm fine El"
"You sure? Because it's okay not to be. I know you're a Captain and all but Liv, you're still person" he advises.
"Really...El...I'm good. If I'm not, I'll let you know," she replies with a soft smile to reassure him and changes the subject. "It's starting to get dark"
Elliott looks out the window,"It is. I didn't even realize...feels like the old days just talking to you," he looks back at Liv,"It's nice. I enjoy these times with you." Olivia looks at him with gleaming eyes and a warm grin. "You're doing that empathy thing with your eyes" he joked. But he admired whenever she did that. Each time it never got old and she perfected it in such a way that it memorizes and connects with anyone she looks at. One of the many things he likes about her. She gives a small audible laugh. "Yea...Empathy."
"Well Captain, this was nice"
"It was. Thank you Detective."
As they both get up from the table and head out the adieu goodbyes for night. Grinning from ear to ear, Stabler asks,"I appreciate you having lunch with me. Under less stressful circumstances, Olivia my friend, Can I take you and Noah out to dinner...granted not on a school or busy night?" He chuckles as he adds the last part. Both Benson and Stabler remember the first time he asked. It wasn't a good time then and there was still wavy waters between them both. Though she has considered it in the past, it just wasn't a good time. Olivia smiles back and replies,"Elliot, my friend, I think that would be a breath of fresh air." He frowns his brows still smiling because he knew she was about to say something else. "Thank you, Elliot. I needed this. More than you could know."
"Of course." Staring at each other for what felt like minutes. Focusing on one another's features even though they know what each other look like. But something every time is...hypnotizing. Like they've spent past lives together in this everlasting dance. Finally Olivia breaks the silence between,"I'll see you tomorrow Detective Stabler"
"See you tomorrow Captain Benson". They give a brief hug and head to their respective homes. On the drive to their houses, both thought about the case and each other. Last time they were so close and felt safe it didn't end as expected...not because they didn't want to but not the right time. Each wanted it to be. They made to their houses. Olivia opening her door, putting her stuff down and glancing at the her kitchen. She moved from the last apartment because of BX9 but anytime she was I her kitchen the thoughts of "what if" came back. What if she had kissed him that night? What if it did work? What about Noah? How would he feel about it? She turns to head towards her bed room, killing her train of thought and getting her head ready for whatever tomorrow brings. Elliott makes it into his apartment. He checks on Eli and Becky, both who as fast asleep. He gently closes the door and heads to his room. Just so happens he looks over the kitchen island and finds a note. He stops and scans the apartment and patio. He cautiously opens up the note. He immediately puts the note down and rushes the patio, apartment and door. All clear with no signs of invasion or tampering. He picks back up the note, calls Ayanna and immediately has her puts a detail on his and his mother's place.