This Steamy Photo Of Mariska Hargitay And Christoper Meloni Has Law & Order Fans In A Tizzy

Fans of "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" were thrilled when Christopher Meloni announced that he would be reprising his role as Elliot Stabler in the new series, "Law & Order: Organized Crime." Even better: He would once again be sharing screen time with Mariska Hargitay – who plays Olivia Benson on "SVU" — as both stars would frequently make guest appearances on one another's shows.

Meloni and Hargitay costarred on "SVU" for 12 seasons until Meloni abruptly left after failed contract negotiations. "I was just so sad, because we started this thing and built it together," Hargitay told People. "And we went through so many milestones and spent so much time together and understood so many things that nobody else could understand." The two remained close friends through the years, however, as Hargitay stayed on the show — and "SVU" eventually became the longest-running drama series in television history. In fact, Hargitay is godmother to Meloni's daughter, Sophia, whom the actor shares with his wife, artist Sherman Williams.

The actors' bond meant that when Meloni returned to the "Law & Order" family, he and Hargitay were able to pick up right where they left off  "It was Pavlovian: Ring that bell, and you get right into Stabler and Benson," Meloni told People, adding that the relationship "is simple. We have each other's back." And for many longtime "SVU" viewers, Stablers' return meant there was a chance that he and Benson would finally find love with one another.