the grand ballroom of the plaza was a sea of shimmering silk and overpriced champagne, a world where rafael barba moved like he’d been born in a tuxedo. he was currently holding court near the stage, his hand resting possessively on the small of your back as he debated legal theory with a judge. you looked radiant, a deep emerald gown hugging your curves, your hair pinned up, but the weight of the night was starting to press in on you.

then you saw him.

elliot stabler didn’t belong in rooms like this. he looked like a storm cloud in a suit, standing near the perimeter with a glass of scotch he looked ready to weaponize. his bald head caught the light of the chandeliers, and even from across the room, his blue eyes were locked on you with an intensity that made your skin prickle. he hadn't spoken to you all night, but he'd been watching. he was always watching.

excusing yourself from rafael with a squeeze of his hand, you slipped through the French doors onto the balcony. the cool october air was a mercy against your heated skin.

"i thought you weren't coming," you murmured, not needing to turn around to know the heavy, rhythmic tread of his dress shoes on the stone.

"didn't want to miss the show," elliot’s voice rasped behind you, gravelly and low. he stepped up to the railing, his powerful frame looming over yours. the scent of his cologne, cedar and something metallic, cut through the floral scent of the gala. he leaned back, the fabric of his suit jacket straining against his muscular shoulders.

"you look... different," he said, his gaze raking over you, lingering on the way the silk draped over your hips. "suit suits you. the life suits you."

"rafael makes me happy, el," you said, your voice trembling just enough to betray you. you looked out at the city skyline, anywhere but at him. "he’s stable. he doesn't disappear for a decade."

elliot moved closer, invading your personal space until you could feel the heat radiating off his chest. "is that what this is? payback? or are you trying to convince me, or yourself?"