Semper Fi

New Beginnings

Elliot walked into headquarters about half an hour before he had to begin his class. While the recruits enjoyed lunch he headed to the classroom to get prepared. He found Johnson sitting at the desk packing up.

"Hey man. You got here just in time. Class went good this morning."

Elliot reached out to shake his hand. "Thanks again. I appreciate it."

"Yeah you look like you appreciate it," he said teasing Elliot. "So a good night hunh?"

Elliot wasn't sure how to respond. Johnson was a close friend but he didn't want to talk about Olivia in such a way that would make anyone think any less of her and he didn't want to gossip.

"It was a great night. She's on her way back to New York now. I can't believe you were able to keep her arrival a secret from me."

"I know how you feel about her Stabler. I was just as surprised as you when I got the call. The second I talked to her I knew she loved you just as much you loved her. I'm happy for you man. You deserve it. Plus the look on your face was absolutely priceless."

Johnson's sincerity touched Elliot. He had proven himself to be a great partner. He worried he would never be able to work with anyone the way he worked with Olivia so when he was partnered with him when he got to the Bureau he was more than a little hesitant. Of course they weren't nearly as close or dependent on each other and he was with Olivia but they had each other's backs and supported each other like any good partners would. He covered for Johnson on several occasions when his fiancé was upset because he was working long hours or was called on an undercover assignment. At the time Elliot didn't have much going on personally so he hadn't minded picking up the extra assignments. He was grateful that Johnson returned the favor for him this morning so he could have some extra time with Olivia.

"Thanks. It just sucks to be leaving in a few days."

"Haha. Man you got it bad. I remember when you used to look forward to our undercover assignments. How did she take it when you told her?"

"She actually took it better than me. That's the thing about Liv. She gets it. She's always been the job so if anyone understands how it all goes it's her."

"You think you could get her to talk to my girl?" he laughed.

"She still giving you a hard time?" he asked sitting down and giving Johnson his full attention.

"Yeah. Some days it's fine, others it's a problem. I keep telling her she knew what I was when we got together and that's not going to change so she either has to accept it or...," he responded sadly. Elliot sympathized with him. He had gone through more than his fair share of arguments with Kathy about work and being gone so he knew what Johnson was going through. He wanted to reassure him that everything would be all right but he liked him too much to lie to him.

"How about this? When we get back from this assignment, you and Chelsea come down to New York for a night, double date with me and Liv. We can do a broadway show and dinner on me. I'm sure she will love the romantic night away and I'll see if Liv will talk to her. We owe you one."

"That's actually a great idea. You're on." They bumped fists to seal the deal. "Alright Stabler your students are on the way. Let me get out of here. I'll see you later man."

He pulled out his phone to text Olivia before class started.

Will be in class for the next 4 hours. Don't forget to text me when you land. Love you.

XXXXX

True to her word, Olivia texted Elliot as soon as she landed.

I made it. Thanks for a lovely night. Talk to you soon. Love you.