PLOT TWIST

"I know what you are." "Do you?"

[incorrectbensler]

Elliot: You're an awful person.

Wheatley: Maybe. But I'm rich and I'm pretty, so it doesn't really matter.

[crownedcharisma]

@irasciblesoul

[crownedcharisma]

"I want to forget... help me forget." [FLASBACK *eye emoji*]

She was wet.

Completely drenched from the head down thanks to the storm covering all of New York. Lightning struck in the background, thunder echoed all around them. She struck and he followed - lips curling into a cocky grin before he’s pulling her inside of his home, right up against his half naked body, dressed only in dark blue shorts and what lies beneath. His lips are on hers within seconds of her plea and he’s turning her around, hand reaching behind him to shut the door before he’s walking her backwards, hands starting push the wet jacket down her arms, letting it hit the floor.

He isn’t being gentle with the kiss, either. His lips consume hers, tongue dominates, his feet guiding hers. This is how he makes her forget, how he’s made her forget before. This is what their relationship consists of: the use of each other, convenience, somewhere to go and something to do whenever they pleased or needed. Which was fine with Richard since he wasn’t looking for anything too serious or committed, even if he did feel something for this damned woman. For whatever their fucked up relationship was. He couldn’t get enough of her and clearly she couldn’t get enough of him.

His teeth grab hold of her bottom lip and he bites down and tugs gently before he’s letting it slip from his grip, eyes dark and dilated, filled with carnal lust. “Get into the bedroom.” He wasn’t going to bother with any small talk. Why would he? She wanted to forget and that’s exactly what Richard would do. Make her forget about everything except for him.

[flawedmarks-deactivated20220707]

The city was crying. 

Water pour down the sky angrily, lighting and thunder carrying each and every one of her steps to a destination that the should probably forget. It was a bad habit, he was a habit. One she couldn’t seem to quit as much as she damn tried. But here she was, at his door steps panting after walking rapidly through the downpour. Mac stood in front of him, eyes roaming his chest and the familiar stupid ache settling between her legs. She should hate him, honest to God she should but they’ve become too accustomed to each other’s needs. To their use of one another in search for pleasure and momentarily forgot another world outside of them. 

Time was not wasted as he pulled her in, lips on hers instantly and soft mewling sound coming from the brunette’s lips. Mac didn’t even realized how cold she was until their bodies were colliding, his warmth slowly engulfing Sarah in a matter of seconds. Arms around his neck as soon the jacket dropped to the floor, pressing herself closer, as much as she could possibly. She doesn’t come to him for softness, it wasn’t his style and she can appreciate it. Especially when she is angry, livid. Her time in New York was about to expire. Church Falls was recalling her and for the first time in a while, she didn’t want to leave. Ever since she joined the Marines, she’d been moving from place to place, her longstanding place Virginia because of her job at JAG but New York? New York was different, she enjoyed it, enjoyed the friends she’d made and even this, fucking him. Though they’ve met before she even moved to the city, their encounters have been more frequent and nice way to unwind when the stress was becoming too much for her to bear.

Get into the bedroom.

And Sarah didn’t waste any time. 

As she moved into the bedroom, Mac discarded her shirt and shoes, not even caring they were soaking wet. She knows this dance by heart now. They don’t talk, only when one wanted something. “I don’t have a lot of time. So you better make me come hard fast…” She is turning to him as she finally reached the foot of his bed, taking off her jeans. Last thing she wanted was for Richard to fumble taking them off, especially when they were wet.

[crownedcharisma]

What they have between them is more physical than anything and they both know it. They’ve both accepted it, even if he feels something akin to affection in his metal heart for the woman. They’ve had this on and off thing for a while now and sometimes it came with conversations, sometimes it came with sharing knowledge about the other, but for the most part they kept it physical. And he didn’t mind that in the least. He wasn’t looking to settle down. Fuck, no. He had too much to do to even think about that, despite his father wanting him to find a ‘nice woman’ to have in his life and hang on his arm. But a woman that his father approved of. He wasn’t too keen on the ‘relationship’ he had with Sarah, nor with the woman in general, but Richard didn’t give a fuck what he thought. For several reasons.

Reasons Richard didn’t care to think about in this moment. He didn’t care to think about his father in this moment at all, or anything else for that matter except for the woman in his arms, begging to be fucked so hard it was all she could think about. All she could feel. Wouldn’t be the first time, Richard thought to himself with a smug smirk as he kissed her with purpose. Lips, tongue, teeth - biting down on her bottom lip with a tug before he released it and demanded she get into the bedroom. He watched her turn and head right for it, smirking in satisfaction. She could never stay away for too long - no matter how angry with him she was at times, no matter how much she hated him at times and it was amusing for Richard, really. Not to mention, it fueled their passionate sex more often than not - the anger, the frustration, the disdain. 

Oh, how he enjoyed this woman. 

And how he’d enjoy her right now.

He follows her into the bedroom and lets out a scoff at her words, watching with desire in his eyes as she discards her clothing. “I’ll take my time if I want. You came to me, so you’ll get me in whatever way I give.” Son of a bitch, he can practically hear her think and it only makes him smirk more as he’s nearing her, undoing the ties of his sweats to let them come loose. He takes a minute to drink her in, from head to toe, thinking over what he wanted to do to her first... he could get right into it and fuck her hard into the mattress or he could take his time, torment her a little, and piss her off because of it. He didn’t know where she had to be, but he didn’t care. She came to him. 

He approaches her and drags his fingers up her abdomen before he’s grabbing hold of her arm and turning her around, her back against him now, clothed erection pressing into her ass, He rubs up against her and presses his lips to her shoulder while his other hand wastes no time in slipping between her legs, feeling how hot and wet she already is. And not because of the rain, he muses with a smirk, teeth biting down on her shoulder. “You just can’t get enough, can you?” He chuckles. “Richard, you’re an ass...” He mimics her words, slipping a finger between her folds, stroking her. “Richard, I can’t stand you...” He slips a finger inside of her, not being gentle about it, smirking with teeth still biting down on her skin. “Why don’t you tell me how you really feel, Azizam?” 

[crownedcharisma]

"I want to forget... help me forget." [FLASBACK *eye emoji*]

She was wet.

Completely drenched from the head down thanks to the storm covering all of New York. Lightning struck in the background, thunder echoed all around them. She struck and he followed - lips curling into a cocky grin before he's pulling her inside of his home, right up against his half naked body, dressed only in dark blue shorts and what lies beneath. His lips are on hers within seconds of her plea and he's turning her around, hand reaching behind him to shut the door before he's walking her backwards, hands starting push the wet jacket down her arms, letting it hit the floor.

He isn't being gentle with the kiss, either. His lips consume hers, tongue dominates, his feet guiding hers. This is how he makes her forget, how he's made her forget before. This is what their relationship consists of: the use of each other, convenience, somewhere to go and something to do whenever they pleased or needed. Which was fine with Richard since he wasn't looking for anything too serious or committed, even if he did feel something for this damned woman. For whatever their fucked up relationship was. He couldn't get enough of her and clearly she couldn't get enough of him.

His teeth grab hold of her bottom lip and he bites down and tugs gently before he's letting it slip from his grip, eyes dark and dilated, filled with carnal lust. "Get into the bedroom." He wasn't going to bother with any small talk. Why would he? She wanted to forget and that's exactly what Richard would do. Make her forget about everything except for him.

[flawedmarks-deactivated20220707]

-Blows her a kiss.-

Out of all the people in New York City it had to be Richard.

She isn’t too happy about his remand being overturned, and she is certainly not happy to see him in her office, blowing her a kiss of all things. She is annoyed, but the case was no longer hers and in a way that sends a wave of relief coursing through her. He no longer was her problem. “Came to gloat?” She asked, hands finding themselves idle on top of the smooth surface of her desk. Mac had been working, going through cases she can win  -- it wasn’t like she didn’t believe in her ability to prosecute, but there was conflict of interest and she had to recuse herself before Richard could use it against her, though she is lucky that there was another ADA lined up ready to take over. “Because that’s beneath you.” Leaning back on her chair, the brunette chances another look at him. Tailored suite, expensive cufflinks, not a hair out of place. That Richard trademark smirk upon his features.

And infuriating thing really. 

“Aren’t better things you can do with your time than visit me?” Sarah had a feeling that their reunion weeks ago was only the beginning of the nightmare that was to have Richard Wheatley in her life. 

[crownedcharisma]

The monster had been let out of his cage. 

The storm had arrived. 

He smirks at Sarah’s annoyance, even if she tries to hide it, he knows it’s there. Dismay, frustration, disbelief. She and several others, Richard is sure, and it gives him great pleasure because of it. Especially since they had been so sure - so hopeful - that he’d be stuck in that damned cage for weeks to come. For his whole life, even, and the thought had him laughing. One that all of New York could probably hear. And let them. Allies and enemies alike. 

“Gloat? No, of course not.” He feigns disgust at the idea, trying to hide that cocky smirk he so badly wants to give her. “I came to see how you were doing. Couldn’t be easy to recuse yourself from a case so important to so many.” Indirect gloating, you could call it. “But, as I said before, probably best for you. Wouldn’t want such a huge loss on your record. And this trial is bound to get... messy.” A threat? A warning? His tone was steady, calm, giving no indication of either one, but his meaning is clear. This case wasn’t going to be easy for them by any means, though he was sure they knew that. Expected it. There were still some tricks up his sleeve, some plot twists to be dealt out. Those were always his favorite.  The unexpected. The suspense. The unknown. The cliffhangers. 

He’s smirking again and then he’s adjusting his tie. 

“As a matter of fact, I do. I have dinner plans tonight.” He’d been looking forward to this for a while now. Dinner with the woman who had most of his attention at the moment, with the woman who had the attention of many. It was a planned surprise for her. “But I thought I’d drop in before I got started on dinner.” 

[flawedmarks-deactivated20220707]

“And yet you are, in fact, gloating.” Eye roll follow suit, hearing the faux worry in his tone of voice, arms finally crossing over her chest as she leaned back on her leather chair. She should have seen this coming. Richard was the type to go out an asses the damage he causes. Gets him off and the thought alone cause a barely conceal groan pass through her lips. “Drop the act, Richard. It doesn’t suit you. I have way more important things to do than indulge you.” Gingerly, she stands up, fixing her skirt quickly afterwards before moving around the desk to stand face to face with the guy. They are almost the same height, give or take a few inches, but the heels keeps them leveled, “This isn’t about my record, this is about making sure  you get a fair trial, right?” She is raising a brow, tongue clicking. “Besides I have full confidence in my successor.” A shrug, before she is crossing her arms once more. 

It doesn’t go amiss, that well concealed threat. It doesn’t surprise her, nor does scares Sarah in the least. She had gone through enough shit in her life to not be afraid. But just because she isn’t afraid for herself, doesn’t mean she isn’t worried about the people she cared the most for. “Did you really come into the DA’s office to threaten me, Dick?” Because she is /fully/ aware how he hates being called that. “That’s not very smart of you.” There’s a sickly sweet smile upon her features. 

“Just go... enjoy your dinner because they are limited. Like it or not, you are going to jail. We’ll make sure of it.” 

[crownedcharisma]

He held up his hands in mock surrender when he demanded he drop the act, stating she had more important things to do. “Alright. Dropping it. You have my word.” Whether his word could be believed or not remained to be seen, but he’d behave. For now. Besides, he didn’t want to come off as too cocky - that wouldn’t be a great look for him during the next trial. And even he had his limits because as Sarah said, it didn’t suit him. Confidence was something he certainly had, arrogance, too, but it was well earned. Well earned, and well controlled. He knew when to keep most of it at bay, such as during the hearing just the other day. Modesty was key and so was appreciation and good behavior. Cooperation. All which lead to the dismissal of most charges except the one separate charge. That one he knew would not be dropped so easily. 

“Everyone deserves a fair trial. Including myself, contrary to what you all may think.” What with how much they hated him and how obvious it was, but it didn’t bother him in the slightest. He thrived on it really. It fueled him, amused him. And he was able to use it as a weapon against them, a weapon for himself. 

Then he’s calling her Dick and Richard stiffens, head stretching from one side to the next. Indeed, he hated that nickname and many used it just to annoy him. It never did make sense to Richard how that name was considered a nickname for Richard. It really had no relation and he hated it. “Threaten? No. That would only complicate things for myself and threats are beneath me.” He lies through that grin on his face. Threats from Richard came indirectly, words with hidden meanings, though obvious to others. She’s quick to dismiss him and he lets out a sigh of disappointment before he’s taking a step back. “Can’t even enjoy the company of a beautiful woman, but at least I will tonight.” He smiles, then raises his hand to his mouth, voice lowering into a whisper. “It’s a surprise.” Vague on the details, though his wife was a very beautiful woman. Anyone could easily think it was her that he was having dinner with. 

“I have no doubt you all will fight, but so will I.” And that wasn’t a threat. But a promise. 

[irasciblesoul-deactivated202604]

Give Detective Tutuola my best, will you? And do be careful on the road tonight.

To say he was livid about the overturn of Richard's conviction was an understatement. Though he knew it was bound to happen, it didn't stop the stinging feeling within his chest. If he was dangerous inside of prison, having him on the outside will not give the detective any peace of mind. Still, he conceals that anger quite nicely, something he had learned to do recently. He thinks it is because of his therapy sessions, but he is sure that the real reason was to be able to better hide his feelings from Liv, more specifically anger and worry.

He doesn't think he is doing a very good job in her presence though.

"Don't get too comfortable on the outside. It isn't going to last long." Elliot's words are measured, not a single note of disdain in them. And there's pride to be had to not show any signs of the storm he is on the inside. Does he wants to punch the living shit out of the magnate? Of course, only every day but he knows better. Knows that it would be viewed negatively in the trail so he keeps himself, and his anger in check. Arms over his chest tight.

[crownedcharisma]

Richard practically danced his way out of the Prison doors, basking in not only the sunlight above him, but the anger around him. The frustration, the loathing, the dread. He could feel it in the air even if said people were nowhere near him, but he knew. And he had so much planned. A lot of good things in store not only for himself, but those that sought to take him down. Because he knew they wouldn’t be giving up, even with all of the other charges dismissed, he still had the certain murder charge against him. Which was laughable, really, considering his ex-wife was the mastermind because that, but he wasn’t worried. For the time being, while he awaited trial, he had his freedom and he intended on taking advantage of it.

Dinner was high on his to-do list and speaking with the man before him - so unsuspecting of just who his guest was going to be - had him feeling so smug. He wonders if Olivia had told him about the text she received just days ago, coming from an untraceable number, but Richard wasn’t stupid. They probably suspected him given he sent the text that lured Olivia to the hospital. They thought his intention was to kill her, but oh no. His intention was merely to make it known that he was aware of her, that he was aware of them, and to make them aware of Angela and her aware of them. Morales’ death had been a mere hiccup, the loss of his mole, but he wouldn’t be missed. Not by Richard. He was weak, unable to follow through with his assignment, but in the end, it all worked out. They had the blood of their own Detective on their hands, shaking things up within her building, he was sure. 

And that’s exactly what he wanted. To shake things up, to make all of them unbalanced, on edge, especially Detective Stabler. And what better way than through the love of his life? 

“I find your confidence hilarious, Detective Stabler. Were you not so sure I wouldn’t be getting out anytime soon?” He recalls, pretending to think back on their other moments together, knowing he’d plant them in Elliot’s own mind, too. “And here I am. Enjoying the fresh air and in the company of such a fine Detective as yourself. Well, Detective. Doesn’t seem you did your job well enough.” He dares to insult, the smug smirk in place. “Enjoy your date, Detective.”

Richard will be sure to enjoy his own soon. 

[flawedmarks-deactivated20220707]

Someone needs to get a life.

[crownedcharisma]

“Oh, I have mine back. And I’m going to enjoy it.” Well, he had it back for the time being while awaiting the murder trial. “A lot of good to be done.” 

[crownedcharisma]

"What hurts more? A fractured bone or a fractured heart?” 

He smirks.

“Both.” 

[flawedmarks-deactivated20220707]

-Blows her a kiss.-

Out of all the people in New York City it had to be Richard.

She isn’t too happy about his remand being overturned, and she is certainly not happy to see him in her office, blowing her a kiss of all things. She is annoyed, but the case was no longer hers and in a way that sends a wave of relief coursing through her. He no longer was her problem. “Came to gloat?” She asked, hands finding themselves idle on top of the smooth surface of her desk. Mac had been working, going through cases she can win  -- it wasn’t like she didn’t believe in her ability to prosecute, but there was conflict of interest and she had to recuse herself before Richard could use it against her, though she is lucky that there was another ADA lined up ready to take over. “Because that’s beneath you.” Leaning back on her chair, the brunette chances another look at him. Tailored suite, expensive cufflinks, not a hair out of place. That Richard trademark smirk upon his features.

And infuriating thing really. 

“Aren’t better things you can do with your time than visit me?” Sarah had a feeling that their reunion weeks ago was only the beginning of the nightmare that was to have Richard Wheatley in her life. 

[crownedcharisma]

The monster had been let out of his cage. 

The storm had arrived. 

He smirks at Sarah’s annoyance, even if she tries to hide it, he knows it’s there. Dismay, frustration, disbelief. She and several others, Richard is sure, and it gives him great pleasure because of it. Especially since they had been so sure - so hopeful - that he’d be stuck in that damned cage for weeks to come. For his whole life, even, and the thought had him laughing. One that all of New York could probably hear. And let them. Allies and enemies alike. 

“Gloat? No, of course not.” He feigns disgust at the idea, trying to hide that cocky smirk he so badly wants to give her. “I came to see how you were doing. Couldn’t be easy to recuse yourself from a case so important to so many.” Indirect gloating, you could call it. “But, as I said before, probably best for you. Wouldn’t want such a huge loss on your record. And this trial is bound to get... messy.” A threat? A warning? His tone was steady, calm, giving no indication of either one, but his meaning is clear. This case wasn’t going to be easy for them by any means, though he was sure they knew that. Expected it. There were still some tricks up his sleeve, some plot twists to be dealt out. Those were always his favorite.  The unexpected. The suspense. The unknown. The cliffhangers. 

He’s smirking again and then he’s adjusting his tie. 

“As a matter of fact, I do. I have dinner plans tonight.” He’d been looking forward to this for a while now. Dinner with the woman who had most of his attention at the moment, with the woman who had the attention of many. It was a planned surprise for her. “But I thought I’d drop in before I got started on dinner.” 

[elliot-olivia]

You’re both a hot mess.

LAW & ORDER: ORGANIZED CRIME | 1.7 - Everybody Takes a Beating Sometime.  

[flawedmarks-deactivated20220707]

You know, all of the women in my life either end up sticking around or coming back sooner or later. And now here YOU are.

“Coincidence.” Mac counters, fingers tapping against her arm. He was the last person she expected to see. It has been so many years that she almost forgot his face and that would have been a blessing. But here they are, face to face years after their cancerous relationship that probably shaved years off her life span. “You can cast the name aside, but you can never cast that rotten soul that the Sinatra name carries.” 

[flawedmarks-deactivated20220707]

Her words are confirmation that she was, indeed, here on business, and given the cold demeanor she was putting forth, it was not on his behalf. Not that he needed it to be - he already had plenty of help. Both from the inside and outside. A man like Richard - with a lot of history and connections - has a lot of pull, a lot of power and influence. From those he has ‘helped’ and those that fear him. Or that owe him. “We all have a choice. If you didn’t want to be here, you could have simply said no.” Which he wasn’t wrong. Of course it would probably put her job in jeopardy had she turned this down, but still, it was a ‘choice’. And Richard enjoyed getting technical, especially when it proved him right. Egotistical much? He simply saw it as truth. Well earned praise for himself, really, for how far he’d made it in life. And if they thought he was stopping now, if they thought they could stop him, they were dead wrong.

“It could be since we share disdain for the Detective. Shows that we still have something in common even after all of these years. Come on, what happened? He break your heart? Wasn’t a good lay?” Richard dares to question, knowing full well it wasn’t either of those. He was just being an ass. “Oh, wait. No. He was married. Can you imagine being married to the wrong woman?” He chuckles, having realized that feeling after things with Angela ended and he met Pilar. He had no idea of Sarah and Olivia’s history, but any excuse to air the Detective’s dirty laundry out there he’d take. Not giving exact details, but just making people wonder. And question him. Causing chaos just for the fun of it. Especially when it could benefit him.

He hums to himself and sighs, head shaking. Almost in warning. “Are you sure you want to take this case? Saying no wouldn’t look good, wouldn’t sit well with your boss, I’m sure, but losing it would look even worse.” 

Richard always did live in a world where he can exploit technicalities, use them in his advantage and because of that he is quite adept at picking them out from the crowd of words. “I could have.” She said nonchalantly, gaze on her knee, momentarily uninterested in him, finding a spec of lint more interesting than his presence, which it was. “But someone needs to keep you in prison, right?” And who better than Sarah? Prosecuting this case was a world different than being prosecution in JAG. Actually all she has done since her arrival to New York city had been challenge after challenge but it had been preparing her for this. 

“He is in my wheelhouse… Asshole and magician.” Her dating history had been that exactly. A stream of assholes that never gave an ass hat about her or just disappeared. Clayton Webb instantly comes to mind. And Richard? Well Richard was the worse of them all, he only pretended to care or rather that was her perception of their entire relationship. “But no, I’ve never slept with the guy, barely know him actually.” Sarah had only known him by word of mouth, what Olivia had spoken to her about him. The pain she felt when he left, and how hard was it for her to pick up the pieces of her broken soul. “If I didn’t know any better I’d say you are as obsessed with him as your ex-wife, actually even more.” There’s a smirk on her features, her eyes finally on him once more with a shrug.

There’s brow raising. “Have you ever known me to back down from a challenge?” She leveled her gaze to him, leaning forward, hands clasped together on the smooth surface. “Because if you think I will, well, you don’t know me as well as you might think.” 

[crownedcharisma]

“I find everyone’s confidence that I’m staying in here quite admirable. Last I recall, the evidence against me was… lacking.” Especially with his ex-wife in such terrible condition, poor thing. From what Richard heard, she was in bad shape - nearly died. Nearly, unfortunately. Morales failed, but there were still ways. He’d be damned if he let Angela testify against him, but again, he wasn’t too worried. Which he knew is what worried the Detectives most. How calm and collected he was, how in control he seemed to be. Admittedly, there were times where he only faked it - where it was only a façade as to not give himself away and to keep his enemies rattled. To make them feel as though they were missing something. To keep them guessing and on edge. But right now? It wasn’t a façade - his certainty was genuine.

Her disdain for the Detective was certainly intriguing to Richard, especially upon hearing that she barely knew him. He studies her for a moment, wondering what it was that made him dislike him so. Perhaps his past? He certainly had some marks on his record or perhaps he’d worked a case having to do with someone she knew, someone she cared for. No, that didn’t feel right either. “You barely know him and yet you can barely stand him.” He says and then possible realization hits him. “This wouldn’t happen to have to do with a certain Captain, would it?” The way his eyes lit up upon mentioning her. The woman that had captured Richard’s interest as of late. First to taunt Elliot with, but his interest has become genuine. Dangerous. And then he’s laughing at Sarah’s remark about his obsession with the Detective. “I think you have it backwards. The Detective has been obsessed with me from the start. Involving himself in my business, showing up uninvited, becoming involved with my ex-wife.” He points out - all things that connected to him. Obviously it was due to the investigation, but the point remained. “I won’t deny taking interest in the Detective’s life, especially certain parts of it.” 

And now with Sarah involved? Oh, his interest increased ten fold. Then she’s leaning in, eyes leveled with his, unafraid, challenging, and he can’t help but feel a little aroused by it. Excited. He leans in across the table, meeting her intense gaze with his own and his lips quick into a charming little smirk. “I don’t expect you to, aziz-am.”

[flawedmarks-deactivated20220707]

There’s a quirk of her brow at his words. Of course she isn’t surprised about his own confidence in the matter, after all, he was quite adept at covering his track as if they had never existed in the first place. But his cockiness was still as infuriating as ever which, instead of annoying Mac, it actually amused her. Even after all this time he still had the bad habit of bragging. “I see your self-adulation is a strong as ever.” Sarah had gone through every aspect of the case, went through every piece of evidence, witnesses. The one thing she hated the most about it all was how dependent was on Angela’s testimony. Cases like this were easy to be thrown out, specially since the one person that had unloaded all of their knowledge on Richard was still unconscious. Which left the possibility of the remand to be over turned. But seeing as Mac had a bit of knowledge herself when it came to him, she can probably figure something out. “Has anyone ever tell you is not sexy to be a narcissist? Oh, right, I did.”

Shrugs, tight lip smile as she leaned back on her chair once more, this time crossing her legs. 

“I don’t need to know him to know he isn’t a big deal.” Words came more forceful than she intended. Disdain clear in her tone now more so than ever. Richard kept pulling at threads, wanting information she is not willing to share and he will continue to do so. The following sentence causing her gaze to fall on her nails as if they were more interesting than him now. The mention of Olivia made her jaw muscle flinch as she gritted her teeth. He had no right to have her name in his mouth, but expressing so would sell her away. Not that it mattered he hit the nail on the head on his first try, she jus wasn’t going to give him the satisfaction to admit that he was right. “Men and their egos.” Though she is counting on that ego for Richard to slip something out. Not that it would happen any time soon.

I don’t expect you to, aziz-am.

A shiver ran down her spine at the endearment, gaze on him cold. “Don’t call me that.” She is quick to reply. “I’m not your dearest, love, amore or anything like that anymore…”

[crownedcharisma]

“You know, I find it funny how people in this world will tell others to be confident in oneself. To believe, and to love yourself...” He pauses, hands coming together. “But the second someone does, it’s narcissism. Arrogance. Egotistical. They’re ridiculed for it. How is that fair?” Fair question, really. He saw nothing wrong with his confidence, with his pride - he was comfortable with himself and his life. Isn’t that something everyone wanted. “You see it as something negative, but I think that comes from envy. I’m comfortable with my life, with where I am, with how far I’ve come. But I think you aren’t.” He points out, leaning in to stare her dead in the eyes. “You, Detective Stabler, Sergeant Bell - none of you are comfortable with your life. With your mistakes, your flaws, and so you project that onto someone else who is.” And then he’s smirking again, throat rumbling with sarcastic laughter. “And yet, you and I spent a lot of time together. If I remember correctly, there were a few nights where you couldn’t get enough of me.” He has no problems bringing up their past, especially if it riles her up - sets her off balance and makes her uneasy. He’s good at doing that. 

The way she reacts when he barely even mentions Olivia is all he needs to know that all roads do, indeed, lead back to Captain Olivia Benson. She seems to be the sun in this universe - everyone revolves around her, basking in her warmth and radiant rays of light. Take away the sun, destroy everything around it. 

But not so sudden, of course. He’ll take his time with it. Spend more time studying, plotting - inflict a little pain here and there. Instill fear into the hearts of many, make them sleep with one eye opened or, even better, not sleep at all. A way to drain their energy, their strength.

And the pain starts now. Intending to inflict it upon the beautiful woman standing before him with a simple word, a term of endearment reserved for her years and years ago. Truth be told, it still belonged to her. Though, she didn’t seem thrilled about it. “Oh, you always will be something to me.” Wide smile, teeth bared. “Tell me, have you had any drinks since our last time together?”

[crownedcharisma]

Sound The Thunder

“No more than a couple of days. You’ll be out soon.” 

Ah, the satisfaction he felt hearing those words. Not that he ever doubted he’d be out of here, but it was now having knowledge as to when. Two more days, if that? He’d deal with it. As terrible as these living conditions were, but he was a man that adapted. A man that accepted when there was no other choice, at least not for a while. It was knowing that he wouldn’t be in here for long that helped him deal with it, that his temporary stay here would be worth it for what was to come. 

Ah, what was to come. The fun that was to be had as soon as he stepped foot outside of this prison. The chaos that he had planned - chaos that he would watch unfold before him. From the shadows, from the news, from the reactions of those affected. All centered around a certain individual.

Captain Olivia Benson. 

Or rather, Detective Elliot Stabler given he was the cause of all of this, but what better way to ignite chaos and break the man than going after the one true love of this life? Especially knowing what he does now - how much has changed since he was thrown into this cell. The lunch dates, the late night visits and overnights, the smiles shared between the two when out in public together. Oh, he’s very well informed thanks to his contacts on the outside and the inside. He tends to keep tabs on his enemies, and those that have wronged or crossed him, on those that have dared to challenge him. Most that did never came out on top, but he has to say, Detective Stabler certainly is the biggest challenge to date. One he has spent researching and studying. And admittedly, he’s enjoying the challenge. 

The Detective wants to destroy his family? Well, he’s capable of returning the favor. Full force. 

Of course, he doesn’t intent to hurt the Captain. At least not yet. His interest in her is genuine. From her beauty to her brawns and brain, she has it all. From her gorgeous, flowing hair to those sexy long legs - strong, he thinks, what with the way she carries herself. Powerful. A woman so rare, just like his wife. And Sarah MacKenzie. God knows he’d never forget her. Especially now after seeing her all these years later - a true beauty she remained, if not become more of. And she’ll never forget him, either, he muses with a grin. And even better that the two of them have a connection. Liv and Mac. Friends, now working together. He can destroy multiple people at once it would seem, given how so many of them have connections to the Captain. How so many people care about her. She certainly has a large following, many that would die for her, that would kill for her, but it doesn’t scare Richard. In fact, it excites him. 

Lips curling into a sinister grin, Richard pulls the phone out from beneath his mattress and immediately he scrolls to her number. The woman he’s become so intrigued with, infatuated, and he’s looking forward to getting to know her. There’s so much he already knows, some that he can store in his arsenal. Some that he wonders, does her precious Detective know? Ah, secrets. The most powerful of weaponry. 

As soon as he finds her number, he clicks it and types his message. 

‘Dinner soon? 😘‘ 

And then he sends it. Sends it and then lays back on his mattress, blue eyes gazing up at the dark ceiling that makes him think about the darkness that’s to come. The storm that he’s about to cast on her life and, as a result, everyone around her. 

“Trust me, when you meet the monster, you’ll know.” 

Words he spoke to the Detective during their last visit - and true to his words he would be. They thought they’ve seen the monster? He lets out a guttural chuckle, eyes closing. 

They’re about to. 

[crownedcharisma]

" Are you clinically insane or incredibly annoying? "

"Seeing as I have not been formally diagnosed and the second is a matter of opinion, I'd say neither."

Simple answer, charming smile.

[flawedmarks-deactivated20220707]

His answer was met with an eye roll. 

“You always have an answer for everything.” She mused whilst crossing her arms. Not a bad habit, but certainly an annoying one from her point of view. Sure, matter of opinion but one /a lot/ of people would share and sympathize with her about. 

[crownedcharisma]

“Well, I’m not the type to ignore a question, especially one with a simple answer.” Though, he was good at diverting sometimes, but really, he was usually a straightforward person. Truthful answers, most of the time just laced in sarcasm. “And I wouldn’t dare ignore you. Any other questions?” 

[crownedcharisma]

" Are you clinically insane or incredibly annoying? "

"Seeing as I have not been formally diagnosed and the second is a matter of opinion, I'd say neither."

Simple answer, charming smile.

[crownedcharisma]

“Oh, what, so I can’t have any entertainment? Hardly seems fair.” 

[crownedcharisma]

“Well, aren’t they just precious.” 

[irasciblesoul-deactivated202604]

❛ Trust me, when you meet the monster, you’ll know. ❜

There’s a flicker of something in Elliot’s eyes, a muscle that jumps on his jaw. The amount of self control the detective has to not pummel Richard onto the ground a feat that his family would be proud about. He doesn’t even know why he accepted Richard’s request to visit him but here he is, and he is regretting it many times over. “Do you like to hear yourself talk? Do you get off it?”  Elliot’s arms crossed over his chest. “Because you are better off putting a one man show play. Pretty sure a lot of inmates would like to see your scrawny ass on stage.” 

[irasciblesoul-deactivated202604]

“Personal Amusement park? Detective, please. I’m not looking to ride you. I’m not my ex-wife.” Oh, yes, he went there. The thought was quite disturbing and really? What did Angie even see in this Detective? She barely knew him, but had become infatuated so quickly. She put the hit on his wife, yet was so ready to seduce him? it made absolutely no sense to Richard and was very worrisome, even obsessive he’d say. Which, now, would prove to be even worse since Angela now knew the identity of Elliot Stabler’s true love. There was nothing scarier than a woman scorned and Richard, for one, couldn’t wait to see how all of this played out. 

Elliot stays still even at the mention of Olivia, but he swears he could see his shoulders tighten. And his words give him away, even if his body language does not. And he smiles in return. “Oh, I think about her a lot. As I’m sure you do. I can see why, though. One look at her and I nearly fell just as hard.” God, does he love to mess with the Detective. Especially knowing things that not many others do. Not even Olivia herself at the time they met. But now, he wonders? Does she know? What with their relationship having progressed. Yes, he knows all about that, but he isn’t telling Elliot. Though, his comments are probably hinting towards it. “What does she think of Angie?” 

Confirmation that Richard knew they met. That night at the hospital, the message sent to Olivia’s phone not actually being from Elliot. A set up on Richard’s part, and a smart one he has to admit. But they had no evidence it was Richard’s doing. He just gave himself away, until… “I mean, I assume they’ve met?” An easy cover up, not longer a useable confession. Not that they were being recorded anyway. 

Response was met with an eye roll. There was no reason for Elliot to answer back, especially when he brought up Angela once more. The levels of annoyance kept rising, the muscle on his jaw jumping. He had forgotten how much the asshole of a man could make his blood boil but he thinks that there’s pride to be had at the fact that he wasn’t giving into the urge to punch the shitiness out of Richard. But the day is still young, and the man before him had a tendency of /never/ shutting his damn trap. 

“And why would Olivia have an opinion on Angela?” He questioned, but he knows where this is heading. There were no secrets under the sun when it came to Richard, and it is why Elliot have been debating telling Olivia himself the nature of his relationship with Angela. Not that one could call it that. It was a moment of weakness that he regrets. It was a moment when he needed to forget the utter fool he was. How he had put Olivia in a hard place by uttering he loves her. The look on her face, the disbelief. He had done something irreparable by expressing his feelings the way he did. And then he shut her out for a moment, walked away and did something extremely stupid. Now he knows better, can see the picture clearly, Elliot never felt deserving of Olivia and that fact alone sent him into a path of self destruction. 

A shameful part of recent history he thinks. 

Still Elliot is curious about the entire line of questioning. Not that it wasn’t expected, Richard had a way of monologuing like some cliché villain.  But it gave him the impression that there was more to simple curiosity. He can see it in his blue, trickster eyes. Can see it in the way he is carrying himself. There’s something more here but Elliot is having a hard time pulling at the right threads to get the information he doesn’t even know he desires. “Wow, you are great in assumptions for someone who is prison…” Though Elliot is sure that, being in prison is not a deterrent when it comes to knowledge of the outside world. If you had enough pull, enough money, information will find its way to you. The thing was trying to cut off those channels. The more the OC team tried, the harder it became which only left Elliot with one option, protect his love ones with everything he got.

[crownedcharisma]

The fact that Elliot was still here despite the rising annoyance within him was amusing to Richard. It also made him feel in control given the knowledge he possessed. And the power he held. All which Elliot knew, so he was likely doing as Richard ask not for his own sake, but for others. Especially having brought up Olivia Benson which he was sure would’ve struck a nerve in the Detective. He had eyes on the outside and voices on the inside. And his interest in the Captain was ever growing. She was a thing of beauty, very much so, a knockout as he once praised, but it was more than just looks. It was the way she carried herself. The way she looked him dead in the eye, meeting his gaze, and not even taking a step back. He liked that in a woman and he especially liked knowing what made this Detective so whipped for her. 

“Well, as my ex-wife and the woman that murdered yours, I’m simply curious.” He figured Olivia at least knew Angela’s involvement with the Detective’s wife’s murder, but he wondered how much she knew about the two of them. Something he had in his arsenal for later, perhaps. Though, the Captain seemed like a fair and understanding woman. Would she really be upset be upset knowing the man who loved her so dearly kissed another woman? Oh, Richard hoped so. Elliot was intent on destroying Richard’s life, so he intended on returning the favor. Starting with dinner as soon as he got out of here. 

He lets out a chuckle at the Detective’s words and shrugs. “Call it a feeling. They were bound to meet at some point. How is she, by the way? Angie? I heard she fell ill rather quickly.” More like he ordered it, but again, not something they needed to know and with Morales dead - Richard didn’t have much faith in him -, they had no proof of that involvement either. Poisoning his ex-wife, luring Olivia to the hospital with a text for help from Elliot, himself. Didn’t completely work out the way he wanted it to, but it was enough for now. “Makes you wonder why every woman you seem to touch meets some sort of tragedy.” Was he hinting at something? Quite possibly. Perhaps a warning, perhaps a thread. He’s interested in seeing how the Detective would take it. 

[flawedmarks-deactivated20220707]

You know, all of the women in my life either end up sticking around or coming back sooner or later. And now here YOU are.

“Coincidence.” Mac counters, fingers tapping against her arm. He was the last person she expected to see. It has been so many years that she almost forgot his face and that would have been a blessing. But here they are, face to face years after their cancerous relationship that probably shaved years off her life span. “You can cast the name aside, but you can never cast that rotten soul that the Sinatra name carries.” 

[flawedmarks-deactivated20220707]

Her words are confirmation that she was, indeed, here on business, and given the cold demeanor she was putting forth, it was not on his behalf. Not that he needed it to be - he already had plenty of help. Both from the inside and outside. A man like Richard - with a lot of history and connections - has a lot of pull, a lot of power and influence. From those he has ‘helped’ and those that fear him. Or that owe him. “We all have a choice. If you didn’t want to be here, you could have simply said no.” Which he wasn’t wrong. Of course it would probably put her job in jeopardy had she turned this down, but still, it was a ‘choice’. And Richard enjoyed getting technical, especially when it proved him right. Egotistical much? He simply saw it as truth. Well earned praise for himself, really, for how far he’d made it in life. And if they thought he was stopping now, if they thought they could stop him, they were dead wrong.

“It could be since we share disdain for the Detective. Shows that we still have something in common even after all of these years. Come on, what happened? He break your heart? Wasn’t a good lay?” Richard dares to question, knowing full well it wasn’t either of those. He was just being an ass. “Oh, wait. No. He was married. Can you imagine being married to the wrong woman?” He chuckles, having realized that feeling after things with Angela ended and he met Pilar. He had no idea of Sarah and Olivia’s history, but any excuse to air the Detective’s dirty laundry out there he’d take. Not giving exact details, but just making people wonder. And question him. Causing chaos just for the fun of it. Especially when it could benefit him.

He hums to himself and sighs, head shaking. Almost in warning. “Are you sure you want to take this case? Saying no wouldn’t look good, wouldn’t sit well with your boss, I’m sure, but losing it would look even worse.” 

Richard always did live in a world where he can exploit technicalities, use them in his advantage and because of that he is quite adept at picking them out from the crowd of words. “I could have.” She said nonchalantly, gaze on her knee, momentarily uninterested in him, finding a spec of lint more interesting than his presence, which it was. “But someone needs to keep you in prison, right?” And who better than Sarah? Prosecuting this case was a world different than being prosecution in JAG. Actually all she has done since her arrival to New York city had been challenge after challenge but it had been preparing her for this. 

“He is in my wheelhouse… Asshole and magician.” Her dating history had been that exactly. A stream of assholes that never gave an ass hat about her or just disappeared. Clayton Webb instantly comes to mind. And Richard? Well Richard was the worse of them all, he only pretended to care or rather that was her perception of their entire relationship. “But no, I’ve never slept with the guy, barely know him actually.” Sarah had only known him by word of mouth, what Olivia had spoken to her about him. The pain she felt when he left, and how hard was it for her to pick up the pieces of her broken soul. “If I didn’t know any better I’d say you are as obsessed with him as your ex-wife, actually even more.” There’s a smirk on her features, her eyes finally on him once more with a shrug.

There’s brow raising. “Have you ever known me to back down from a challenge?” She leveled her gaze to him, leaning forward, hands clasped together on the smooth surface. “Because if you think I will, well, you don’t know me as well as you might think.” 

[crownedcharisma]

“I find everyone’s confidence that I’m staying in here quite admirable. Last I recall, the evidence against me was... lacking.” Especially with his ex-wife in such terrible condition, poor thing. From what Richard heard, she was in bad shape - nearly died. Nearly, unfortunately. Morales failed, but there were still ways. He’d be damned if he let Angela testify against him, but again, he wasn’t too worried. Which he knew is what worried the Detectives most. How calm and collected he was, how in control he seemed to be. Admittedly, there were times where he only faked it - where it was only a façade as to not give himself away and to keep his enemies rattled. To make them feel as though they were missing something. To keep them guessing and on edge. But right now? It wasn’t a façade - his certainty was genuine.

Her disdain for the Detective was certainly intriguing to Richard, especially upon hearing that she barely knew him. He studies her for a moment, wondering what it was that made him dislike him so. Perhaps his past? He certainly had some marks on his record or perhaps he’d worked a case having to do with someone she knew, someone she cared for. No, that didn’t feel right either. “You barely know him and yet you can barely stand him.” He says and then possible realization hits him. “This wouldn’t happen to have to do with a certain Captain, would it?” The way his eyes lit up upon mentioning her. The woman that had captured Richard’s interest as of late. First to taunt Elliot with, but his interest has become genuine. Dangerous. And then he’s laughing at Sarah’s remark about his obsession with the Detective. “I think you have it backwards. The Detective has been obsessed with me from the start. Involving himself in my business, showing up uninvited, becoming involved with my ex-wife.” He points out - all things that connected to him. Obviously it was due to the investigation, but the point remained. “I won’t deny taking interest in the Detective’s life, especially certain parts of it.” 

And now with Sarah involved? Oh, his interest increased ten fold. Then she’s leaning in, eyes leveled with his, unafraid, challenging, and he can’t help but feel a little aroused by it. Excited. He leans in across the table, meeting her intense gaze with his own and his lips quick into a charming little smirk. “I don’t expect you to, aziz-am.”