Regrets on Thanksgiving

It was thanksgiving. Olivia had been busy working all day, dealing with twisted holiday tragedies. Meanwhile Elliot had taken the day off. Even though he and Kathy were officially divorced, they had already invited the family and it wasn't worth spilling the news. They'd fake it for a night. The only person who knew was Olivia, but even she wasn't absolutely sure if it was official.

It had been such a confusing time. She fought with her feelings for Elliot, and the third anniversary of the death of her mom. Thanksgiving at home was never a joy- it was only an excuse for extensive drinking. Though, Olivia smiled as she stared off into space at her desk, she remembered the first thanksgiving she actually enjoyed with her mother. She had just turned twenty three, and for some odd reason she decided to actually spend a thanksgiving at home, which she hadn't in four years. Olivia smiled wider. Her and her mom drank all night. All night. And the next morning, for the first time, they shared something. A hangover. None the less, it was something.

Olivia snapped out of her trip down memory lane when she felt a hand on her shoulder.

"You ok?" Elliot asked, dressed in jeans and a t-shirt. She looked up at him in a daze, "yeah I'm fine… what are you doing here?"

Elliot pulled up a chair and sat next to her with a smile. She didn't get to see that wonderful smile a lot, but every time she did she couldn't help but smile herself.

"What?" she asked bowing her head a little to hide her blushing cheeks.

"I'm spending the afternoon and night at Kathy's house, with the family. But I wanted to tell you something," Elliot paused, and then leaned closely.

He whispered, "I wanted to tell you that I'm most thankful for… for you." He looked directly in her eyes. Olivia felt like a ton of bricks hit her; her heart fell and her eyes locked onto his. Without thinking she touched her hand against his knee, and he, without thinking, cupped his hand around hers.

Olivia titled her head in wonder and curiosity. Elliot knew what to do. He imagined it every day, every time he was close to her, every time he was far away.

He shifted his eyes around then slowly brought his lips close to hers. Olivia watched him carefully, was he actually going to do? Would she let him? She didn't know what she'd do.

But, it didn't matter. There were voices coming closer and closer. Elliot broke away and walked off without even a glance. He grabbed his coat and left the precinct. Olivia found herself in a moment of complete blankness, she let out a long needed breath.

The voices that she and Elliot had heard came walking in. Munch had his arm around Casey supporting her, and she appeared to be intoxicated.

"What happened?" Olivia rushed over to help Munch set her down in a chair.

"I don't know…" Munch shook his head, "One minute there's a bowl of eggnog, the next it's empty. I'm guessing someone played a prank."

Olivia shook her head with a smile, "Someone? Who'd you think it is?" Olivia teased.

"It wasn't me!" Much argued, Casey hiccupped.

"I'll get her some coffee," Olivia dashed off with a smile.

TBC