Bensler Oneshots

Like It's Nothing

Her first thought is that this is kind of ridiculous. They haven't even kissed yet, and he's agreeing to it without so much as a second thought.

...

They talk more now, or at least they try to between the chaos that has always reigned over their lives through the work they are both so dedicated to. They hadn't seen each other in person, though, for quite some time. Olivia might have even surprised herself when the invite for pizza and a movie at her place with Noah came tumbling out of her mouth a week ago.

Elliot didn't hesitate, though, of course, he didn't.

But the evening arrives, and her stomach is filled with a sense of dread. She spent all day on a kidnapping and torture case that cut a little too close for comfort. There's a buzzing in the back of her skull to accompany that pit in her stomach, and she's not sure she'll be able to hold it together. But the plans were already made. It's too late. Canceling like this would only hurt him.

He brings the pizza and that smile and wears this soft blue shirt that makes his stupid blue eyes pop.

When Noah goes to bed, shooting a way-too-knowing-look between his mom and Elliot, she wants to shove her old partner out the door and go to her room to hide in peace and pray her night terrors don't wake her son.

Before she can execute that plan, it appears that Elliot has already narrowed in on it.

"What's going on?" he asks softly, kneading her shoulder lightly.

Olivia crumples faster than she can ever remember, tears filling her eyes. He just holds his arms open and lets her come closer, holding on tight once she's made the first move. His chest is warm and solid and the familiar scent of his fading aftershave, cologne, or deodorant surrounds her.

"Sorry," she mumbles against the soft blue shirt, now more than a little dampened by tears.

"Wanna talk about it?"

"Not really, was just a bad case. It hit a few too many of my triggers."

"You're shaking."

"Will you stay?" she asks like it's something simple, like they do it all the time, like it's nothing, and like it won't change everything.

He nods, pressing his lips to the top of her head. "Of course."

So, that's how they end up in her bed, her head pressed against his chest and the sound of his heartbeat thudding in her ear.