Chapter Text
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One night a year, the protective forces of New York, the people keeping the streets safe– they all come together for a night of celebration, raising funds for causes they stand for, and meeting the old and the new.
However, Olivia had never actually found herself as excited as her colleagues for the gala night as it approached closer to date. The cases were wearing her down, a room full of people suddenly sounded too overwhelming, and the fun seemed so temporary, she’d rather not engage with any of it anymore.
“They’d want to see Manhattan's finest captain, of course, you should go.”
Amanda’s words echoed in her head as she went through the formal section of her closet– smaller than people might think. All there was to see were a few dresses and a handful of pantsuits, all dry cleaned and safekept in transparent garment bags.
“This is ridiculous,” she muttered underneath her breath as she let go of the cabinet handle to massage her nose bridge, stressed as to why she’s even stressing herself out.
For a moment, she thought of not pushing through anymore. A glass of wine and a warm bath would suffice for unwinding than chatting with dozens of circles and talking non stop about cases they have encountered throughout their careers.
But something inside her was nagging her to come. Like a magnetic pull to join the rest. And before she knew it, her hand was already holding the hanger of her satin brown dress. The one she hasn’t worn since the time she bought it impulsively. It was just hanging in her closet, waiting to be picked for the perfect occasion. And maybe that occasion was now.
With a deep sigh, she closed the closet door, staring at the dress in its entirety, and went to slip it on.
It was a snug fit like it was perfectly tailored to fit her body. She stared at herself in the mirror, smoothing the sides and everywhere else.
The style isn’t something she usually wears in NYPD events, having leaned more into long sleeved-dresses or a casual fit made formal with a blazer, but she figured that there’s a first time for everything.
Once satisfied, she sat in front of her vanity and put a little makeup on, mainly focusing on her eyes to make her irises pop. No grandiose, just enough to be presentable in front of New York’s highest ups in the law enforcement.
While she was strapping her silver stilettos which added to the sultriness of her look, her phone rang on top of the vanity table, catching her attention.
Incoming call
Stabler
She huffed out a smirk as she picked up the call and put it on speaker so she could continue getting ready without having to clutch the phone between her neck and shoulder.
“Hey.”
On the background of his end were the distant chatterings of different voices and the overall humming noise of the venue. “Party’s only started and it’s getting pretty boring. You coming over here or I’m coming over to you?”
She couldn’t suppress the blush that’s rising from her cheeks and the smile that’s beginning to bloom on her mauve shade lips.
“Patience, detective,” she said, smirking.
“Can’t wait to see you,” he replied in his low, gruff voice that made her want to ditch the party and just tell him to come over.
But there’s no thrill in that.
“Save me a seat?”
He snickered on the other line. “You bet I will. Drive safe.”
Once the call had ended, she resumed with the finishing touches of her overall look. She grabbed her spray-on deodorant but immediately frowned when she realized it was too light– it was empty.
She tossed the empty bottle in the bin and rummaged through her vanity cabinet until she came across an opened but unused deodorant bottle. She only sprayed it before to test the smell and completely forgot about it because the fragrance wasn’t up her alley.
Left with no other choice, she sprayed once in mid air and leaned forward to smell it again, hoping it was up to her mood now.
It was decent enough for her situation so she sprayed a generous amount on her bare armpits. She wasn’t even sure why she felt the need to use it given that she generally uses perfume, but she figured that since her dress was sleeveless, it’ll help keep her feeling fresh throughout the night.
After getting ready, she grabbed a silver clutch bag that matched her shoes and packed her phone, her wallet, keys and lipstick– the only things she could fit in it.
One last look in the mirror and she was off.
The gala was held at a ballroom in a hotel in midtown. It’s an elegant affair. People in sparkling outfits, dapper suits, champagne glasses all over the tables. It was a night to step out of their respected precincts, out of their bulletproof vests and just enjoy mingling with one another.
“Waiting for someone?” Bell clocked him out after observing him from across the room.
He’s been keeping watch of the doors, craning his head around in case he missed her entrance, but he knows it’s not possible. He would never miss Olivia Benson’s entrance– not when she has the effortless capability to command a room with her presence.
Elliot grabbed the champagne glass by the stem, swirling the liquid around as he shifted to face Ayanna.
“Just…watching.”
Ayanna slowly nodded her head, already having an inkling as to who was keeping Elliot’s mind occupied. Anyone in the NYPD who doesn’t have a clue is probably living under a rock at this point.
Jet walked over to them, looking visibly uncomfortable in her tight fit dress. “I knew this is a bad idea,” she muttered through her teeth, rolling her eyes as she approached the tall table where Ayanna and Elliot are hanging around.
Elliot looked at her, a teasing chuckle coming out uncontrolled. “Who blackmailed you?” he asked like a father teasing his daughter for wearing something uncomfortable and later regretting it.
She set her handbag on the table and lifted her right foot, massaging her ankle. “Reyes,” she mumbled, brows furrowed so bad– she might actually kill him for convincing her to go.
Ayanna and Elliot exchanged knowing glances. He lifted his champagne glass up to take a sip, but stopped in mid air when a woman in a brown satin dress strutted through the doors, her stance and glow immediately demanding everyone’s attention.
She cut her hair…
Ayanna noticed him freeze in his stance so she followed his line of sight and ended up staring at Manhattan Special Victims Unit Captain, the Olivia Benson herself.
She let out a smirk into her champagne glass, secretly watching Elliot lose his composure over the woman whom almost everyone had greeted as soon as she stepped inside the room.
To say she was beautiful would be an understatement and straight utter disrespect to how strikingly magnificent she looked.
No words in the English dictionary were able to describe how she looked from his perception. She was ethereal in a sense that she carried this innate glow and shine right from the moment she walked in, elegant in the way she invited everyone’s attention but still managed to be reserved when everyone approached her. She was sultry and composed, sophisticated yet simple and blooming in the best way possible.
Her outfit was perfect. The satin fabric highlights every curve and swell of her body. Though the thin straps had him restraining himself because he feared it might snap any moment.
Overall, the dress fell over her body perfectly. Even the strand of decoration hanging from the straps, looking like a vine of leaves made the look more sophisticated.
He wanted to approach her immediately– whisk her away from the male officers greeting her here and there. He needed her to be as close to him as possible.
And so he watched and waited. Despite the desperate attempts of his fists wanting to curl on his sides when another officer makes her laugh, or an old friend in the DA’s office makes her smile, he still manages to keep his resolve.
Jet, despite not being a fan of public displays of affection, especially from her colleague– still found it amusing how Elliot’s mouth had practically fallen open when Olivia walked in.
Ayanna could only roll her eyes and laugh to herself seeing Elliot freeze. Literally freeze.
“Easy, Romeo,” Ayanna said, pulling Elliot out from his thoughts.
“What?”
Ayanna subtly pointed towards Olivia with her champagne glass. “If you wanna take her home, try not to melt her with that bionic stare.”
While Olivia was talking to the officers who basically surrounded and cornered her before she even made five steps inside, she kept craning her head around in between nods and smiles of acknowledgement.
She was looking for someone and it was very obvious. Her eyes were darting around, as if wanting to catch a very specific person's gaze.
And when their eyes met, it was an instant spark of exhilaration and relief.
She was still listening to the people around her, but her focus had long shifted into the man across the room, looking dashing in his grey pants and suit over a white button up shirt. His salt and pepper stubble made her melt a little, enough for people to notice the subtle change in her facial expression.
“Would you please excuse me?” Olivia politely pleaded when the greetings and conversations slowed down.
They let her go eventually, and she wasted no time hastily walking over to him, still keeping that sophisticated composure when she approached.
“Looking good, Captain,” he immediately said when she was close enough for him to be heard.
His gaze briefly shifted to the scoop of her dress, revealing just a little of her cleavage which made something twitch inside him.
Olivia rolled her eyes and let out a small laugh. “Stop with the flattery. It gets you nowhere.”
“Worth a shot,” he said, then his eyes travelled to her bob cut. “You cut your hair.”
She ran her fingers through it out of habit. “Do you like it?”
His lips curved into a mischievous grin as he leaned in to whisper, “Love it. You’re hot.”
She drew her bottom lip through her teeth as she switched gazes between his eyes and his lips. The tension was too palpable, even Ayanna and Jet could feel it.
A waiter passed by with a tray of champagne and Elliot poached one and handed it to Olivia. She murmured her thanks as she shifted her attention to Jet and Ayanna just to take her mind off the fact that she wants to grab Elliot and get out of here.
“Captain, you look absolutely stunning,” Ayanna complimented her as she scanned her entire outfit with admiration flickering in her eyes. “No wonder some people can’t take their eyes off of you.”
Olivia couldn’t help but smile. “Really, now? I wonder who.”
Elliot diverted his attention elsewhere when Olivia tried to catch his gaze. She laughed it off and leaned forward on the tall table, fully engaging herself in the circle.
They chatted for quite a while, mostly updates about each other’s lives after being disconnected for a while due to the demands of their jobs, keeping them busy.
“There you are,” Amanda whispered from behind, causing Olivia to turn around and flash a smile at the sight of her friend’s presence.
“Where are the others?” Olivia asked.
Amanda darted her eyes around the venue. “Fin’s going around tables. Curry’s currently talking with the Brooklyn chief…and I don’t know where the boys are.”
She then brought her gaze back to Olivia, holding her by the arms and checking out her outfit. “Glad you took my advice. You’re turning heads and I heard someone from the DA’s office has been wanting to chat you up since you came in here,” she whispered.
Olivia waved her off. “I’m not talking to anyone.”
Amanda gave a knowing smile. “Oh yeah, I figured. You have a date.”
“I don’t,” she denied, but the flush of her cheeks revealed her lies.
“You know what Jesse says?” Amanda asked, causing Olivia’s brow to shoot upward.
“What?”
Amanda leaned in and whispered aggressively. “Liar, liar, pants on fire!”
A belly laugh escaped from Olivia. “Well, good thing I’m wearing a dress.”
Pretty soon, more people started coming in and the circle they’ve built has dispersed to mingle with other guests.
Once they were left alone, Elliot’s hand sneakily slid around her waist, pulling her close to his side. It was then that his nose caught a whiff of an instantly addicting scent.
“Did you change your deodorant or my nose is playing tricks on me?” he asked with utmost curiosity.
Her mouth gaped in shock, wondering how Elliot knew. The scent was subtle to her nose so she’s surprised that Elliot noticed.
She turned to him. “You noticed that? Seriously, Stabler. I know you’re a detective, you don’t have to prove it to me.”
He let out a warm chuckle. “I can’t help it. I know the difference, and this deodorant smells a whole lot different.”
Olivia rolled her eyes. “Well, is it good different?”
Elliot shrugged his shoulders. “Wait, I’ll check.”
What he did next caught Olivia off guard, her entire face turned red.
He lifted her right arm up and buried his nose on her armpit, his stubble gently tickling her nerves. “Elliot!” she whispered aggressively to coax him into loosening his grip, but Elliot was stronger and she can’t just pull her arm back down.
He breathed in the scent of her deodorant mixed with her natural essence, eyes closing at the new but familiar scent. For a second, he got lost in the moment and attempted to trail kisses on her exposed skin until he realized that they’re literally in the presence of their co-workers and bosses.
When he finally let Olivia pull her arm back down, he received a few playful hits on his arms. “You son of a bitch! This is why I don’t wear sleeveless clothes.”
Elliot couldn’t help himself but to laugh heartily at her reaction. “You smell so good. Don't blame me,” he defended himself as if it would help his case.
Olivia rolled her eyes and folded her arms over her chest, avoiding the same incident to repeat itself. Elliot noticed it and was immediately disappointed so he grabbed her around the waist and whispered to her ear.
“Can I take you away for a moment?” he asked, and even without an answer yet, he was already weaving them through the crowd, sneaking under everyone’s noses until they made it to the hallways leading to the restrooms.
There was an empty hallway that led to a fire escape and as soon as they made it there, he did what he’s been tempted to do all night.
He gripped her by the hip with one hand while the other cupped her cheek before pressing his lips over hers– causing her eyes to widen in shock before ultimately surrendering to the softness of his touch and his kiss.
He guided her against the wall, letting her melt against the marbled surface.
A few seconds into each other’s mouths and she had to break away to gasp for air. “You couldn’t wait ‘til we get home?” she asked, panting, her chest heaving as if wanting to escape from the confines of her dress.
Elliot stared at her lips with a smirk. “Can’t,” he said before claiming her lips once again, kissing her again and again and again like they’ve been starved of each other’s affection for years.
Olivia’s hands fisted on the collars of his shirt, pulling him closer as their tongues delved deeper into their mouths– swirling and tasting the champagne in each other’s throats.
“You knew what you were doing when you plucked this dress from your closet,” he whispered into her lips when they temporarily took a break from probing each other’s mouths. “And when you sprayed that thing on your armpits.”
Despite the heat of the moment, Olivia let out an uncontrollable laughter against his lips. “Now, you have a fetish for my deodorant?”
His hand slid from her hip up to the side of her ribs, brushing his thumb along the smooth satin fabric, heating her skin up under it. “It drives me nuts, yeah. I might just have to buy you an entire stock of that brand and scent.”
His body was pressed up against her and she wanted nothing more at the moment. Now, she realized why she had that nagging feeling to come to the party.
Soon enough, his lips trailed down to her exposed shoulders, leaving soft and warm kisses at its wake. She instinctively tipped her head back to give him better access.
He was travelling around her skin, careful not to leave any mark despite desperately wanting to. She looked so good in her dress, he didn’t want to mess it up for his personal satisfaction.
Olivia’s breath hitched when Elliot’s nose nuzzled against her chest, tracing her cleavage with the tip of his nose. Her knees almost buckled at the sensation.
“You’re killing me,” she whispered airily as her eyes flew shut.
“You smell dang good,” he said while making his way back down to her shoulder until he lifted her arm again– this time he lifted both and held them by the wrists over her head as he buried his nose on the fragrance of her armpits.
She wasn’t used to this kind of gesture because not even her past relationships involved a man sniffing her armpits just cause.
Only Elliot Stabler was crazy enough to do it, and she didn’t know how much she needed to experience it until now that he’s tracing the skin of her armpits to the exposed skin of her side, sparking a newfound kind of want from Elliot.
He trailed kisses upwards, planting them softly on the inside of her arm. The rub of his stubble against her skin caused a different kind of pleasurable sensation setting flames inside her.
Once he reached half of her arm, he moved back to her lips, sucking on her lower lip and leaving it swollen.
“El?” she called out.
He hummed. “Yeah?”
“As much as I want this, babe…they’ll go looking for us if they see us go missing at the same time.”
He wanted to do more but he realized that she was right. He has to keep his hands to himself for the next few hours– or if he can’t take it anymore…
They might have to sneak out of the party early.