Work Text:
May 1988
“I can’t believe I let you talk me into this.” Olivia sighed as they entered the bar.
“Oh lighten up,” Syd rolled her eyes, “You’re gonna have fun!”
“You brought me to an open mic night, where participation is mandatory. I write for myself, not others to hear.”
“You let me hear your songs.” Sydney smugly reminded as they approached two vacant bar stools.
“No, you were snooping where you weren’t welcome and found my journal. It was in my pillowcase.”
“Well, I was going to see Ricky and needed a condom and I keep mine in my pillowcase for, you know, easy access. I figured you did too.”
—---------------------------------------
About 20 minutes into their night and 3 shots later, the ladies are slightly buzzed.
“I’m just saying, I– Holy shit!” Sydney’s sudden outburst snapped Olivia back from her daydream. “Look who just walked in. This night just got a whole lot more interesting.”
Olivia swiveled in her seat to face the door, trying to decipher who was standing in the middle of a quickly forming crowd of screaming women. “Should I be excited? Who is he?”
Syd threw her an unimpressed look, “You really need to start watching more tv with me. Elliot…something! He performed at the Apollo last year and blew up. He writes and sings. How the hell did they get him to come here?”
Olivia studied the man, the center of attention. He looks unamused and like he’s ready to flee from all the affection. Uncomfortable . She laughs to herself and snarks at her friend “And that is why my songs remain in my journal. Fame is not all it’s cracked up to be.” Olivia continues her assessment of the star, he doesn’t seem to care for the spotlight, and he’s surely not my type. Syd’s crazy.
—--------------------------------
“Okay people, okay. Back up. Let the man feel normal for one night, please.” Elliot’s friend, Tim, ushered the crowd away, creating a path to a secluded table in the back. “Tonight is going to be fun.”
“Sometimes I regret letting you talk me into performing on that damn show.” Elliot groaned.
“But the chicks are worth it, my guy. I’ll go get us some drinks.”
Elliot sat alone surveying the bar, on alert for another swarm. His life had been hectic with all the constant screaming fans. He hoped that coming to a lowkey bar in the city would allow him the chance to blend in and just be normal again. Wrong. He feels so many sets of eyes on him right now, watching his every move. Waiting for the “perfect” opportunity to pounce. Where the hell is Timmy? Elliot looked to the bar to spot his friend, but instead, blue eyes locked with brown.
Olivia was sat alone perched on her barstool. I’m going to kill Sydney if she’s making out with some loser she met on her way to the restroom. Spinning to look in the direction her friend disappeared, instead of spotting her, Olivia’s brown connected with blue. A sparkle of curiosity and inquisition looked back at her.
It was like time stood still. As if the world stopped spinning on its axis. The music and noise of the bar practically drained. His hearing was muffled and his focus was locked. Elliot felt like he was having an out-of-body experience. Her gaze was so intense, yet soft. She looked at him with contempt and speculation. Eyes reading, “Why are you staring at me?” He couldn’t look away. She’s beautiful and doesn’t seem to know or care about who he is. She intrigued him. He must know her name.
“Why is he staring at me?” All the girls and guys in here throwing themselves at him, just about brawling for his attention, and he’s staring at me? It’s creepy. Trying to determine his motives, Olivia stared back. She worked to identify the emotions and thoughts swirling behind the deep blue. Lust. Intrigue. Curiosity? Don’t back down Olivia, show him that you are not afraid of him and will not be wooed by his asinine antics. His eyes are really blue. I wonder how dark they get when he’s hor- Their staring battle grew competitive, both intent on being the last one looking, not willing to admit defeat, until they were both startled from their leering by the return of their friends.
“Who are you looking at?” Their friends said in unison from opposite sides of the room, swiftly turning to see where their gazes were locked.
“Did you see a guy? Is he cute? Is he tall? Which one is he?” Sydney fired off questions.
“Were you looking at a girl? Who is she? Is she cute? Had to be really hot if she caught your attention?” Tim spoke as he continued to survey the room, pointing at different women to try and garner an answer to his questions.
“Alright, everyone!” The announcer called from the stage, waiting for the crowd to die down and all eyes to fall on him. “We’ve closed the doors and have our even number for tonight’s theme. I see a lot of new faces here tonight, so I’ll explain how Tuesday nights go. At the door, you chose a number out of the bowl. That number matches someone else’s number in here, and a music track. Now, the person who has the same number as you is your partner for the night. You two have to write a smash hit or just a song that’s voted better than everyone else by our judges, yours truly included, and you win tonight’s grand prize of $1000.” Cheers erupted from the audience at the mention of the bounty, excitement growing among the inebriated group. “Find your partner, make some music, and good luck to you all.” The bartender, who also was the host and a judge apparently, ended his spiel and took up his post behind the bar once again.
“Welp, that’s my cue to go find lucky number 15, good luck with number…” Syd took Olivia’s folded piece of paper, “seven. It’ll be a match made in heaven.” She walked away, blowing mock kissy faces at her friend.
An uninterested Olivia stayed seated at the bar. After a few minutes, her inebriated zen was broken by a voice from her right, “Well, it’s been long enough and everyone else seems to have found their number two. So I guess that means you’re stuck with me.”
Olivia turned to the intruder, snarky remark ready to roll off her tongue. “Oh great. Well, lucky…” she froze. It’s him. “me.” She gave a mirthless laugh.
“Elliot Stabler.” The stranger held out his hand as an introduction.
Olivia looked at it with contemplative disdain before giving it a shake. “Olivia Benson.”
—---------------------------------------
The clock is winding down, the two hours dwindling away. Most people were distracted and gave up on the task at hand entirely, drinking and dancing the time away. Olivia and Elliot are 7 shots in, and talking up a storm. Well, Olivia is talking. Elliot is listening intently, studying her face and every little detail he can about her, lest he never gets to see her again. He wants to remember this, her. Something about her draws his energy and beckons his soul to hers. He wants, needs, to know more about her, so if he has to sit for another 20 minutes and listen to her excitedly talk, swiftly and animatedly, about her songwriting process, so be it.
“And I’m gonna be honest. I didn’t know who you were until my friend Syd told me why everyone was crowding around you.” That brought him back from his thoughts.
“Woah, are you calling me irrelevant?” He teased.
“No, I just…I don’t know. Are you? I don’t know anything about you. I’ve been talking for so long. Tell me about you. Who is Elliot Stabler?”
“Well contrary to popular belief, I am very shy and according to my best friend, antisocial. Hence why he dragged me out tonight.” Elliot rolled his eyes playfully.
Olivia couldn’t help herself and laughed, drawing the attention of most of the patrons of the bar. “And you decided to become famous? That was dumb.” Elliot just stared at her, something he refused to acknowledge shining in his eyes, and making his heart clench with longing. “What?” She smiles, head dipping to hide her rising blush.
“I don’t know, I just feel like I can be Elliot, just Elliot, not…a famous star with you. Feels like we’ve known each other our whole lives.” Their eyes locked again for the umpteenth time tonight. Hers shined, pupils akin to the size of dimes, head cocked, a small smile gracing her lips. He would do anything to have her look at him like that for the rest of his life, their lives. What is wrong with me? Why do I feel this way about a stranger?”
Before Olivia could answer, the bartender, Mike, was on the stage again. The two-hour timer turned to one, “Okay people, that’s the first hour. If you haven’t started writing yet, you might want to get to it. Rules are rules. You have to perform something.” Then he was off again.
Olivia and Elliot jumped right into the task. They spent time writing separately and inquired with each other periodically. Sneaky glances and stares were thrown across the table, one admiring the other and sometimes they were caught, softly laughing off the embarrassment. With about 30 minutes remaining, they brought their verses together. Running them with the music. By the 5 minute mark, they were more sober and ready to perform their song. They managed one last run-through before the announcement that stated that demonstrations will begin soon.
The acts were picked through a random draw. Olivia and Elliot were one of the last pairs to go, but when their number was called they were ready. Anxious but ready. They shared an encouraging look as their track began to play. All eyes were on the stage, on them. “They put antisocial with stage fright, what a great pair we make.” Elliot whispered to her, making her laugh and almost miss her cue.
I'd never have given you a second look
That’s because I couldn’t stop looking.
But I like the way you don't give a damn
You seem like someone I could
Pick fight with and dance all night with
Maybe you'll like me the way I am
And even though you got bad tattoos
And smell like booze, I'm into you
And even though you got an attitude
Baby, I'm in love
That was a line they agreed on. Jokingly at first, but they both were shook at how, deep down, they meant it.
I've said a little too much
I'm a little bit drunk
Feels like I know you so well
Olivia turned and sang to the crowd, amping up the energy of the place.
You could be everything
That I've been missing
I'm coming out of my shell
We may be shy any other time, but on this stage, together, in this moment, this is all we need. All I’ll ever need. Olivia thought as she pivoted and her eyes landed on Elliot who was still watching her intensely.
And I never do that
How did you do that?
It's like I've known you my whole life
So what, we're a little drunk
Let's go home together
Olivia winked at him. Getting lost in the melody. Her body moving of its own accord swaying to the beat, encouraging him to do the same.
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Let's go home together
Elliot Stabler, shy 24/7, never seemed to allow himself to be a recluse on stage. His passion for music and creation overtook his senses and it’s as if his fear evaporated into thin air.
I'm never that good in a crowded room, mmm
But everything stopped when I just saw you
You seem like someone I could
Be myself with, no defenses
Maybe you like me the way I am
I want to be Elliot, just Elliot with her for way longer than just tonight. He looked at Olivia, yearning swirling in his eyes.
Even though you talk way too fast
I can't stop looking at your eyes
His partner playfully gasped as he said “eyes”. A scolding finger wag thrown his way, causing the crowd to chuckle through their cheers.
Heads turn every time you laugh
Baby, I'm in love
I think I am. Love at first sight, am I right? Elliot tamped down the urge to tell her.
I've said a little too much
I'm a little bit drunk
Feels like I know you so well
You could be everything
That I've been missing
I'm coming out of my shell
The crowd was fully engaged and enraptured with the performance. Elliot and Olivia were caught up in each other. Singing with conviction, this, this was how they could express what they were feeling for each other.
I never do that
How did you do that?
It's like I've known you my whole life
I want to know you for the rest of our lives. Would that be a good wedding vow? Stop thinking about marrying him. Focus Olivia!
So what, we're a little drunk
Let's go home together
Yeah
Let's go home together
The two inched closer on the stage, face to face, heart to heart, soul to soul.
I'm a little drunk, need a little love
Could be everything that I've been missing
(You could be everything to me)
Elliot grabbed her by the hand, placing it over his heart.
I'm a little drunk, need a little love
Could be everything that I've been missing
They are breathing the same air now. Using only Olivia’s microphone to sing to the audience.
(Baby, I'm in love) (love)
They broke apart to belt out the adlibs. Excitement pouring from them as they danced around the stage, singing their hearts content to the song, the melody they created together.
I've said a little too much
I'm a little bit drunk
Feels like I know you so well
You could be everything (everything)
That I've been missing
I'm coming out of my shell
I never do that
How did you do that?
It's like I've known you my whole life
So what, we're a little drunk
Let's go home together
(Home)
The pair harmonized, the crowd on their feet, the room abuzz with enthusiasm. This was a night to remember for all in attendance.
Let's go home together
I'd never have given you a second look
But I like the way you don't give a
The song ended and the audience went wild. Elliot and Olivia took a few bows, waving to the crowd. The two even excitedly hugged each other, breaking apart when they realized what they did. Sydney and Tim were huddled at the foot of the stage, showing the most elation for the duo.
“I feel bad for whoever has to follow that!” Mike joked as he stepped up to announce the next act.
—---------------------------------
“Alright, alright. Settle down, settle down. The votes are in and our judges have made a decision. By a staggering number of votes and a unanimous decision by our judges, the winners are…can I get a drumroll please?” Mike paused to allow the crowd to drum their hands against the tables and whatever they could reach. “Your Tuesday night song contest winners are, Elliot and Olivia with their song ‘Let’s Go Home Together’. Give it up for them.”
Olivia and Elliot were speechless at their table. Feet glued to the floor as shock overtook them. Syd and Tim ushered them through the crowd and onto the stage. They gave a quick speech as Mike split the money between them. The night winded down and the crowd dispersed. The winners sat in the back of the bar, quietly chatting, while their friends flirted on the dance floor.
“I had fun tonight. Thank you.” Olivia whispered.
“So did I. So thank you. Here, you can have the money. I don't need it.” Elliot handed her the wad of cash.
“Are you offering because I'm a broke college student? How kind. Thanks.” She quipped.
“I… this may be too forward and you may not be interested but I would like to see you again. In a more formal, date kinda way. If uh, if you’d like.” Elliot played with the tip of his ear nervously, awaiting an answer.
“I would love that.” She smiled at him as his head snapped in her direction at the response.
“Let’s go home together?”
“Buy a girl dinner first why don’t‘cha.”