Author Notes: So, I need someone to sit down and explain to me HOW the writers can have Olivia in a hospital bed, repeating Elliot's name over and over again. And then have him get back together with, with… her. I just… the vicious anger. I just explained this to my best friend( who doesn't watch the show) But got just as angry as me… Gr.
Any way. This was my coping mechanism. It takes places in season three, complete and utter Alternative Universe. But whatever, you have to do what you have to do. Bullshit… calling his name and then him going back to her. Ugh.
Summary: They have only been partners for three years, but they had the most unique partnership that anyone had ever seen. What happens when Olivia finds herself with some extra baggage? Elliot decides to take on a bigger a role in her life. What could possibly go wrong?
Disclaimer: SOO not mine. Thank God for Dick Wolf.
(August 2002)
It had been three years since they became partners. Since they had become each other's pillar. She ran to him just to sit with someone through the silence some days. And he ran to her just so he could find strength to go home some nights.
They had the most unique partnership that anyone had ever seen. Both John and Cragen had stated this fact on numerous occasion.
It didn't bother them though. When all was said and done he would go home to his family, his wife and children. She would go home to an empty apartment and an old beat up radio. And the next day, they would do what they had to do.
And then it changed. She had met Mr. Too Perfect, as John called him. He was tall, brown hair with dark green eyes. Perfect body, as if it was sculpted. Chiseled features and a straight smile, perfect teeth. Money dripped from his pockets as he took her out and showed her off. She swore she had never been happier.
Elliot had hated him. Said something in his gut told him that the guy was bad. That her boyfriend was not worth it. She ignored him and continued riding her new favorite roller coaster of life.
Four months later, he seemed to just, disappear. She couldn't get in touch with him, she didn't see him. Nothing but a faded voicemail on her answering machine. Nothing but words full of feign apologies. Suddenly, she was back to square one. Leaving work, and going home to an empty apartment.
At least, until she caught the flu, and had to stay in bed for over a week. Elliot had been her pillar. He didn't mention Mr. Too Perfect, and he didn't tell her he had told her so. He had gone above the call of duty (as the usually did with each other) and had spent the week tending to her.
She had questioned, only once, why he was spending time with her then with his family. His wife and four children. He didn't even look up. His voice was low and she knew a nerve had been pinched. She decided that she would let him come to her about family.
The only problem was, her flu was not going away. She would constantly get nausea and dizzy at work. Finally, she ended up fainting, right in the middle of a meeting.
She had woken up in the hospital. Elliot's worried face staring back at her. She laughed as she tried to sit up, only to be nudged back down my Elliot's strong hand.
"Ms. Benson?" She had looked up. The doctor was elderly, but had a warm presence about him. "Good news." He smiled brightly, causing a slight confusion with-in her. She had looked over at Elliot, who wasn't nearly as confused as she was. In fact, he looked as if he knew something she didn't. "You're pregnant."
And that was when Olivia Benson figured out, she was never going home to an empty apartment.
---
"I can't do this." Olivia stated, sitting on her couch, staring at the blank television screen. "I can't do this."
Nothing answered her back. She had sent Elliot home, to his own children, so she could collect her thoughts on everything that had happened in the span of a few hours. She was carrying a child.
Her eyes looked down at her stomach, her smooth, flat stomach. Her hands rested over it. There was a life growing inside of her.
A groan escaped her lips.
Was she even capable of giving birth? Surely this was fate playing a joke on her. What about her job? What would Cragen say? She wouldn't be able to do half the shit she did. Was she ready to give up her job? The doctor said she didn't have to completely stop working. At least probably not until the eighth or ninth month. Desk duty would be a must by month five, he stated. But, even if she did stay, and then went on her maternity leave, would she be able to do it? Face preps with guns and knives, all ready and willing to kill her. She could die.
And dying never seemed like an issue before. Of course, it came with the job. Dying in the line of duty. But here she was, a baby on the way. It's not like there was a father to leave the child with. Her child would have no mother or father.
Jumping the gun.
She had yet to die in the line of duty. There was no reason to kill herself off just yet, she should at least wait till she had the baby. Then she could kill herself off.
She fell over, and stared at the ceiling. The cushions were so soft around her. Her hands fell over her face and she let out a stifled scream.
Pictures of homemade dinners. A large house with a big front yard. A dog sitting diligently on the porch. Two new cars sitting in front of her gray and white garage. All seemed to diminish.
Elliot's words, from the car ride from the hospital to her apartment, rang through her brain.
If anyone could do it, it would be you, Liv.
The thought didn't make her feel so much better, but it did promote her to think in a more positive direction.
She was Olivia Benson, directed police officer. Upstanding citizen. And a beloved co worker and friend. She could do it. A smile flashed across her lips.
Thoughts of dirty diapers. Toys strewed about her clean apartment. Baby food smudges on her white walls. Her smile slowly diminished.
Hands flew to her face and another stifled screamed escaped.
---
Elliot sat at his desk, looking at the clock and then the door that led into the bull pen. His heart was currently steady, waiting for his partner to arrive. He had tried to call her, but she had turned her phone off and had allowed her answering machine to pick up at home. He had told Kathy about Olivia's pregnancy. Maureen had overheard and began jumping up and down excitedly. Kathy, however, gave him a withering look. He decided not to question it or further the Olivia being pregnant conversation.
Later that night, as the children slept, and he laid in his bed far away from sleep, Kathy asked about the father. He said there was none. He couldn't believe Olivia would try and persuade what's his name to father her unborn child. Kathy scoffed and glared over at him. She stated, in a very small and mean voice, that Olivia better not expect him to play up the father roll.
To say the least, he ended up sleeping on the couch.
Olivia walked in, hands wringing, and her face full of concern. Elliot gave her a large smile, which seemed to make her even more tense.
"Hey."
"Hi." Her voice was so small. He resisted the urge to pull her down into his lap.
"Are you ok?"
"I have a doctor's appointment." Olivia sighed, refusing to sit down. He noticed she had stopped walking, but her hands were still wringing. "I have to tell Cragen."
"Do you want me to go with you?" He wasn't sure what possessed him to ask. It would be highly inappropriate, seeing as how it had nothing to do with him. It wasn't his child.
A knot suddenly formed in the pit of his stomach.
He looked over at Olivia who was now looking around the bullpen as if someone was going to jump out at her.
"Hey lovebirds." Fin stated, walking towards his desk. Elliot rolled his eyes, while Olivia simply ignored him. "What's up?"
"I'm pregnant." Olivia stated, still looking around the bullpen. Elliot looked at her and then at Fin who's mouth was hitting the floor.
"What?"
"I'm a month and a half pregnant." She focused looking at him. "I have a doctor's appointment at three. I'm nausea. I'm, I'm," Cragen walked out of his office and was suddenly pushed back in by a nerve wrecked Olivia. The door closed and Elliot looked back at Fin.
"Is it," Fin cleared his throat. "What?"
"She found out Tuesday, when she fainted. I took her home yesterday morning. I think she's still in shock."
"I would be too. Oh man, we're gonna have a toddler wobblin' around." Fin leaned back into his chair, and then up to the cribs where John was currently emerging from.
"Good morning." He said, his tone suggested it was not good morning. "What did I miss?"
"Olivia's pregnant."
It all honesty, none of them could have prevented the coffee pot hitting the ground, sending glass and steaming coffee all over the break table.
Elliot stood up, grabbing some paper towels and began to gently clean up the mess, a frozen John had made.
"John, a little help?" Elliot asked, but was rewarded by nothing.
"Are you serious?" He asked, eyes in Fin's direction.
"Yeah. Baby girl is gonna be a mommy."
Elliot rolled his eyes, dumping more and more paper towel on to the mess on the ground. He looked over towards their captain's office, which was quiet and still locked up.
"Who's the father?" He noticed John look in his direction and then quickly back to Fin, who simply shook his head and shrugged.
"That guy she was seeing." Elliot stated, clearing his throat, his eye focusing on the paper towel soaking up the spilt coffee.
"Mr. Too Perfect? No Shit. I hated that guy." John looked towards Cragen's office. "Is he going to be involved?"
Elliot shook his head. He had asked this of Olivia as he drove her home. She had said no right away. That she knew, deep down, the guy would want nothing to do with the baby. It had been too easy to dispose himself of her.
"I could have some people go and rough him up." John said, his voice bordering anger.
"Yeah, I can call up some of my boys. They would love an excuse to exercise their rights." Fin cracked his knuckles.
Blue eyes rolled, at least Olivia would have the support of her co workers.
The door to the office opened, a red eyed Olivia walked out, a smile playing on her lips. Elliot was about to walk over to her when John jumped out and pulled her into a bone crushing hug.
"If you need anything, you tell me, ok? We got your back." Olivia looked over to Elliot who shrugged. She hugged John back and laughed.
"Thanks John, I appreciate that."
"Don't worry babe, we'll do anything we have too." Fin winked over at her, which caused another laugh to escape.
"You two are fantastic." She pulled away from John and wiped a few of the tears that had floated down her face. "Do you think one of you can come to my doctor's appointment with me?"
He heard the joke in it, she didn't really expect any of them to volunteer. But he quickly walked forward and nodded his head.
"I'll go with you Liv."
She focused over his blue eyes, shock and relief mixing in the chocolate color of her own eyes. He could feel the relief and appreciation radiating over her body.
"I was joking, El, you don't have too."
"I want, too. I'll go talk to Cragen." He smiled and walked off, not waiting for a response.
"Are we sure he's not the father?" He heard John whisper quietly to Fin. From the corner of his eye he could see Olivia had went back to her desk.
He opened Cragen's door and gave the older man a smile.
"What can I do for you?" Cragen had a smirk over his lips. "If you tell me you're pregnant, I'm going to have to resign."
Elliot laughed. "No, I was just wondering if it was ok if I went with Liv to her doctor's appointment."
"Um, sure." Cragen seemed to become rather hesitant. "It's been a quiet week, I don't see the harm. Keep your beeper on." He gave Elliot a rather significant look. "Are you sure you should be going with her?"
"Yes." He wasn't sure why the answer had come out so quickly, but he nodded his head. "I don't think women should have to go to those type of doctor appointments alone."
"Ok, well, you would know." Cragen gave him a smile and then turned his attention to some paper.
Eliot exited, closing the door behind him. He looked over to see John and Fin leaning against Olivia's desk. She was smiling and nodding her head.
"Ok, well, we're all set for three." He noticed Fin and John exchange a look, but ignored it.
"El, you really don't have to come." Blue crashed with brown.
"Liv, it's not a big deal. Honestly." He smiled and moved to sit across from her. A smile lit up her face and she quickly began to busy herself with random papers on her desk.
Fin and John walked over to their own desks, talking in very hushed tones. He had a feeling that the two were talking about him and Olivia but he couldn't prove it. Fin looked over at him, back to John, said something, and then they both broke out into laughter, which caused Olivia to look up.
Oh yes, they were definitely talking about him and Olivia.
---
The room was cold. This is valuable information for any future pregnant women. That examining rooms are cold. Of course, the fact she was wearing a thin hospital gown was probably a good reason to the unnatural coldness.
Elliot was standing behind her, away from the bottom half of her scantly clothed body.
She was as red as tomato. She had thought she would at least get to keep her clothes on. But here she was. Almost naked, laying on an examination chair, cold, and with her partner standing behind her. Life was getting ridiculously cruel.
"Hello Ms. Benson." She smiled at her doctor walked in. "Congratulations."
"Thank you."
"Are you the father?" Elliot's face began to grow red. Luckily, before he had to answer, Olivia shook her head and laughed.
"He's not the father. There is no father." The doctor smiled but continued to eye Elliot.
"Are you taking the role of father?" This time, both their faces turned a brilliant red. She shook her head, this time there was no laugh, only a small cough.
"This is Elliot Stabler he's my partner." The doctor nodded in understanding, having been seeing Olivia since she was at the academy.
"Very well then. Let's see. Everything is looking good. Normal vitals. The baby is about a month and a half." The doctor nodded his head. "I understand you recently found out."
"Tuesday." She stated, brown eyes dancing around the room.
"Very good then. Ok, well, I want you to come back in two weeks time. We'll do an ultra sound and a few tests. I need you to stay away from medications, caffeine, and cleaning products, especially bleach and chlorine. As of right now work and such seems ok. In your profession I would advise caution. Lots of fluids, especially water, juice, and milk. And, really, congratulations."
Olivia thanked him and then allowed Elliot and the doctor to walk out so she could put her clothes back on.
The doctor shook hands with Elliot and gave him a very wide smile.
"Should I expect you at our next appointment?"
"Um," Elliot laughed a bit and began rubbing his neck. "I don't know. I'll have to see how my own schedule is."
"Well, in any case I have a feeling I'll be seeing you soon." And with a pat on the shoulder the doctor was walking down the hall.
The door open and a shy Olivia stepped out. "I should have been allowed to keep my clothes on.
Elliot opened his mouth and then closed it again. Deciding a shrug would suffice.
They walked to the car in silence. Thoughts brewing through their heads. The warm sun seemed to hit them from it's lowering position, making Olivia suddenly thirsty.
"What did Cragen say?" He had been curious, but didn't think earlier had been the right time to ask.
"He said that I could stay active until it was time to go on desk duty. He also stated that if I needed anything at all to ask him. He wants to help out." She smiled, thinking of her captain's kind words. "I told him he could be the grandfather."
Elliot chuckled. "That must have made his day."
"He tear-ed up. I told him that I didn't care if I had only been here for a few years, that everyone in the unit was more my family then my actual family. I have no plans of going anywhere. I want all of you to be apart of this kid's life." Her hands found their way to her stomach.
"So you're feeling better about this, huh?" He patted her knee, the light slowly turning green. "Considering this morning I thought you were going to break down before talking to Cragen."
"I was." It was the truth. She was teetering on manic since she had found out about this lovely little gift of fate. "But, you know, I think it's starting to settle into my brain."
"Good." Elliot nodded his head. He took a deep breath. "Look, I know it doesn't mean too much, since everyone has already offered it, but, I'm here for you Liv." She looked at him, her heart beating a beat faster. "I mean it, if you need anything, do not hesitate to call me."
"Kathy is going to flip out." Olivia mumbled, but still loud enough for him to hear.
"Don't worry about Kathy." His tone was strict. "That's my problem to deal with. Not yours. You worry about this little one." His hand rested over her stomach. He looked over and saw tears rolling down her face. "Oh god, Liv, I didn't--"
"Elliot. You're amazing."
---
(November 2002)
In had been three months. She was now four and a half months pregnant. Eighteen weeks. She luckily wasn't showing too much. Only when she wore one of her button down shirts could you assume she was pregnant.
On this particular day, a beautiful Saturday in which she didn't have to work. She had opted for a pair of black track pants, a black tank top, and a white sweat jacket completed her relaxation attire.
She was lounging on the couch, a bowl of ice cream resting on her stomach as she stared into the abyss of her apartment. Thinking had become a big part of her days now. Just laying around and day dreaming made everything slightly better.
Not that anything was wrong. They had started turning her second bedroom into a nursery. Currently there were boxes of random things piled into the semi-decent sized room. A crib, changing table, bookshelves, all still in their boxes. And then there were bags of random outfits and toys that Alex had started buying. Olivia insisted that they were all simply doing too much. But she was basically drowned out.
There was a knock on the door, which brought Olivia out of her daze.
"It's open." She shouted. The door opened and closed, an exasperated sigh being heard.
"Honestly, you don't get up and greet your guest anymore?" She smirked as she looked over her shoulder at the blonde A.D.A.
"I prefer if you just walk in." She shrugged. Alex rolled her eyes. "What did you buy?" The bags looked rather heavy in Alex's hands. The blonde woman smiled excitedly and sat down next to Olivia's feet.
"Nothing much." Alex stated, trying to conceal her smile. "I really wish you would find out if it's a girl or a boy."
"Good thing it's not your kid." She shoved a spoon of ice cream into her mouth.
"I bought some books, a few photo frames, and a few onesies."
"Alex, you have to stop buying things. The nursery is almost filled to the brim."
"I know," A sigh escaped her lips. "I just never got to spoil a baby before. My sister lives half across the country, I couldn't even be there for the birth."
Olivia looked at her friend and nodded in understanding. "Well, then, you can always start buying me maternity clothes." She started to laugh, only to stop as she noticed the huge grin over Alex's lips. "Please don't tell me you bought me clothes."
"Only a few outfits!" Alex grabbed one of the bags and shoved it past the bowl of ice cream into Olivia's arms.
"You are too much." She stated, peaking into the bag. "I have money you know. I can buy some of this stuff myself."
"You bought all the furniture."
"Oh please," Olivia made a face. "I had to practically wrestle Cragen to give my credit card to the cashier."
"No one told you to bring Don with you." Alex gave her a pointed look.
"Elliot was busy." Olivia shrugged. "I needed someone with experience."
Alex rolled her eyes. "Where is dear old Elliot? I figured he would have moved in by now."
"He has a house to go home too." Olivia stated, pushing the bag of clothes on to the coffee table.
"So? He practically lives here." The A.D.A scoffed.
"He does not."
This was not the truth and Olivia knew it. Elliot had been practically been living out of her apartment for the better part of a month. He stated it was to make sure she felt secure. She had, at that point, explained in detail how she was a cop and could handle herself just fine. And either he was ignoring her speech or he just didn't give, but he would come by with movies, dinner, and had even gone above the call of duty and bought paint and decorations for the nursery. Not that she didn't love having him around. He would rub her back and tell her jokes so she was always laughing. He would even go and get her whatever she was craving. It made her feel special. And it always made her angry. He was not her husband, he was not the father of her child. He was her friend. He had a wife and children. He needed to be with them.
He was not hers to have.
"You like him." Olivia was shaken from her thoughts and she turned to look at Alex, who was wearing a grin the size of long island.
"I do not."
"Yes you do. Aw," Olivia rolled her eyes and pushed herself into a sitting position. She placed the bowl of ice cream on the coffee table and leaned back. Her hands resting on her growing belly.
"He's married."
"He's your lap dog." Brown crashed with royal blue. "Oh please, don't tell me you're not the slightest bit attracted to him. The sexual tension is so tense we need oxygen masks." Alex shook her head. "That man has never like anyone you have dated. He almost killed that Michael Duncan man. And you hate Kathy."
"I do not hate Kathy." Olivia said quickly. "I have nothing against Kathy."
Alex gave Olivia a look that clearly stated she didn't believe a word she was saying. Olivia turned to stare at the opposite wall.
She really didn't hate Kathy. Sure, they didn't get along and Kathy thinks that she and Elliot were having an affair. But, that didn't mean she had to hate the slightly unpleasant woman. She was her partner, and best friend's wife, the mother of his children. She had gone above and beyond for his family numerous times. Nothing recent, because she had worries of her own. But she had done her share. Besides, Elliot would never do anything to hurt Kathy.
Which is completely besides the point.
Another knock was heard, and this time is was Olivia letting out an exasperated sigh.
"It's open!" He practically strutted into the apartment. Her hand hit her forehead as Alex's look became one of victory.
"How's my two favorite ladies?" He smiled, one of his weak in the knees smiles and she had to stop herself from shuddering.
"We're fine. I was just bringing presents." Olivia was grateful when Alex leaned back on the couch, rather then jumping up so the pair could have 'alone time'.
"Anything good?" Elliot smirked over to Olivia, who ran her fingers through her semi-short hair.
"It's always good." Alex gave an indignant look to Elliot.
"What are you doing here?" She asked, his eyes fell over her. He knew Saturdays were girl days. At least when neither of them had to work.
"Calm down." He ruffled her hair and then walked towards the kitchen. "I just came by to see if you needed anything." Olivia watched as Alex's eyebrows raised.
"I'm fine." He walked back towards them, a water bottle in his hand.
"What are you doing tomorrow?" Alex watched him carefully.
"Nothing?"
She hesitated about answering this. The last time she had said nothing, she was roped into coming for dinner at his house. This was the night of her first doctor's visit. It couldn't have gone worse if they had rehearsed it. Kathy was so bitter that Olivia had almost turned around and walked right out of the house. The children were good. They were all excited about a baby. Maureen and Kathleen both begged to be the official babysitters, which Olivia had agreed too. Lizzie and Dickie began thinking of names she could use. Let's just say Clark and Felicia were now on the maybe lists. Elliot had been all smiles, either ignoring his wife's sharp looks, or was completely unaware of them.
Olivia shook her head, scenes from the dinner flooding out of her mind.
"The kids want to go to the park. They invited you."
"Oh, I don't know." Unconsciously she began rubbing her stomach. "I don't want to intrude."
"Kathy won't be there." Elliot said, his voice casual.
"I don't know."
"What if Alex goes?" The two turned to their A.D.A who suddenly looked like a deer caught in a crossfire.
"I, um,"
"Ok, so are you two coming?" He folded his arms over his chest. He hadn't meant to be so pushy, really he hadn't. Kathy had booked them a trip to Florida, to see her aunt. He was going to be gone for two weeks starting Monday. He hadn't told Olivia, and he wanted to before Monday came and she wondered where he had gone. He also wanted to get some time in with her. He would miss her. As friends, of course.
"Ok, ok." Olivia rolled her eyes and stood up. "We'll go."
Elliot nodded, his smile taking over his face. He leaned down and gave her a kiss on the cheek, and then disappeared out of the door.
"Um, how did I get involved?" Alex asked, looking at one of her closer friends.
"I have no idea." Olivia threw her arms in the air. "I have no idea how anything happens in my life anymore." She disappeared through the door of her bedroom.
Alex watched her leave and then leaned back into the couch. Her arms sharply folding over her chest.
---
They weren't a hundred percent sure how the Stabler outing had turned into an afternoon unit party. But Olivia and Alex were sitting on a bench watching as Elliot, Fin, Lizzie, and Dickie were racing up and down the basketball court. John and Cragen were in charge of the barbecue. Maureen and Kathleen were basking in the bit of sun they could find, talking amongst themselves. And Kathy was sitting on the sidelines, cheering her children on in the game of basket ball.
Olivia noted that it seemed almost surreal. That was until John mentioned Elliot going away for two weeks and this was like a going away party.
That was about the time Olivia decided a nice walk was necessary. And now, she and Alex were sitting on a bench watching the miniature party go into full swing.
"This was pointless." Olivia mumbled. Alex, who was leaning forward, her elbow on her knee, and her chin in her hand, looked at her friend and nodded. "This was so pointless. We should go. We should go and get ice cream." Alex rolled her eyes.
"Slow down dear." The blonde sat up and stretched, leaning back into the hard bench. "You know Elliot will freak out if you leave."
"Why didn't he tell me he was going away for two weeks?"
"Were you not just saying how you wanted a break from him?"
"So?" Olivia looked at Alex and then towards the basketball hoops. Her eyes fell over Kathy. "She's been such a bitch."
Alex looked to where Olivia was glancing towards and nodded her head. Kathy had been giving them both dirty looks and curt responses. It was Alex's third time meeting the woman and had formed a hostile enough opinion of her. Though, Kathy was being especially rude to Olivia.
It wasn't so much as what she was saying. It was in the way she would look at Olivia. How her blue eyes flared up when Elliot was around the brunette. How her children laughed and talked and patted Olivia's stomach. Alex noted that she was not a very self assured or happy woman.
"Alright!" Fin shouted and gave a high five to Lizzie. Obviously they had just one the game. "Hey Liv! Did you see that play! We beat your boys!"
Olivia smiled and nodded to Fin. "Is he brain dead?" She mumbled over to Alex who was giving him a righteous look.
"Honey, they're all brain dead."
"I think my boys did a fantastic job." Kathy stated, ruffling her son's hair and giving a kiss on the cheek to Elliot.
"Well, I guess you would." Alex stated, a sly smile forming over her lips. Kathy shot her a look but bit her tongue. Having a fight with an A.D.A was never a good thing.
"We let you win." Elliot pushed Fin good naturally, obviously directing attention away from the women. John smirked and looked over to Cragen.
"The hens all want a piece of the rooster." His smirk diminished as Alex's royal blue eyes pierced his own brown eyes.
"Maybe we should play again. This time, we can put your money where your mouth is." Fin smirked, completely ignoring the other occupants around the grill.
"You three can play, I'm done." Lizzie stated, she was standing next to Olivia and placed her hand on the growing bump. Olivia looked down and smiled at her.
"I'm tired too." Dickie stated, looking at his dad.
"That's fine. Maur! Kat! You want to play?" Muar gave her father a disgusted face, while Kathleen, the more athletic of the two, simply shook her head.
"I guess it's just you and me." Fin gave Elliot a large smile.
Olivia watched the two jog back over to the court. Between Elliot's stubbornness and Fin's competitiveness it was to be a long game in deed. Olivia felt Lizzie move away towards her sisters, and was met with Kathy's glaze.
"So, no word from the father?" And here we go.
Alex, who had sat down at the picnic table had lifted up her head. John, Cragen, and Dickie had followed Elliot and Fin towards the courts to watch.
"Um, no. I decided to raise the baby by myself." Olivia stated.
"Funny, with my husband always at your place I assumed he was going to help raise your child."
"I don't ask him to do half the things he does Kathy." She began looking off in the distance. Not looking at Kathy was a good thing.
"You enjoy it all the same."
"If your implying that I enjoy having the company, yes I do."
"So you enjoy having my husband?" Olivia looked at her, crossing her arms and resting them on her bump.
"What do you want me to say Kathy? I'm sorry he's not home as much as you want him to be. You're going to be with him twenty four seven for two weeks. And yes, I do enjoy having your husband, my best friend, around me." And with that, she swiveled around and began walking away.
Alex stood up giving a haughty look at Kathy and then following Olivia.
"You ok?" Olivia looked at Alex, and then over her shoulder to the party they were leaving. She wrapped her jacket around her, the November breeze finally getting to her.
"I just want to go home." She stated.
"Come on, I'll take you." Alex gave her a smile and then looked back at the group. "I'll call John when we get in the car. Tell him you weren't feeling too hot."
"Thanks. God, that woman just rubs me the wrong way."
"Yeah, well, I don't think she knows how to rub anyone the right way." And with that, the two giggled off towards Alex's shiny blue sedan.
---
Olivia sat in her desk, trying to shoot baskets with the mess of papers on her desk. Cragen, who was briefing John and Fin turned and shot her a strict look.
"Benson, I will make you go home if you can't concentrate." Olivia nodded and then stuck her tongue out after he had turned around. She felt like such a teenager some days when they were having a draught of cases.
Her eyes flickered over to Elliot's desk. He was coming home in a span of a day. She was teetering with excitement. He had called her twice, to make sure she was ok. He explained in the second phone call it was a little hard to get away from the tour group. She knew it was hard to get away from Kathy, who probably was on his ass like a piranha.
"How's our little mascot doing?" Olivia rolled her eyes and shot a look over to John.
"What did I say about calling my child that?"
"What? Elliot's kids are too old to be mascots. And so is Ken." Fin gave a snort. "It's up to you to bring us a mascot."
"You," Olivia gave him a pointed look and got up to get a bottle of water. "Are crazy."
"That doesn't answer how my mascot is doing." He shouted after her, earning a few confused looks.
"She's going to kick your ass. And I'm just going to sit there and laugh."
"It's good to know you have my back."
"It's not hard, you know, considering how paranoid you are with leaving it unguarded." The two turned to see Elliot standing with a wide grin on his face.
"Well look, it's Mickey mouse in human form." John smirked.
"Shove it." Elliot stated, looking around. "Where's Liv?"
"Getting some water. She's gonna burst when she sees you."
Olivia walked back into the bullpen, trying viciously to hold back a yawn that was trying to escape from her lips. She looked over to John and Fin and then in the direction they seemed to be focusing on. Her mouth dropped slightly. Elliot came home early. A day early, but early none the less. He looked good, better then he did before he left. He was a little tanner and much happier.
"El? Oh my god!" She walked over and gave him a hug, inhaling the mixture of sun tan lotion and his own scent.
"Surprise." He whispered, letting go of her. "And how's my baby?" He gently patted her stomach, mumbling baby talk.
John looked at Fin, a pointed look on his face. Fin cleared his throat.
"Your baby?"
Elliot looked up "It's as much mine as any of yours."
"Yeah, ok." John rolled his eyes. "Yet, neither myself or Fin have called the unborn child, ours."
Olivia was looking at John and then Elliot. Her heart beat had finally gone back to normal. His baby? Had he actually just said that?
Elliot shrugged and placed an arm around Olivia's shoulders. He had missed her. A lot. It was strange, ever since she had gotten pregnant, he found himself wanting to be closer and closer to her. Or as Alex had stated when he had called Olivia's cell phone after they had left, he was 'finding out exactly what Olivia meant to him'. He wasn't entirely sure what the blonde had meant, but he did know that he missed his brunette.
John looked at the pair and then folded his own arms, leaning back into his rickety chair. Fin was watching them closely as well. The two of them had a bet going until the two partners gave into their 'animal' instincts. And with Olivia in her second trimester, and being extra 'sexually charged', they were all more then happy to be as patient as possible.
"Did I miss anything exciting?" Elliot ask, his arm moving from her shoulders to rest on her lower back. Olivia glanced at him and then began looking around the room. When had they gotten to the level of this comfortableness?
"Well, we closed up the Macavoy case." John stated, his eyes still piercing Elliot.
"And this one has been trying to jump every man she sees." Fin smirked. Olivia's mouth dropped open, the thought of killing him, gauging distance and wind factors, were swirling in her mind.
Elliot looked at Fin and then down at Olivia. Right. Kathy had been a mere cat during month six and seven. Olivia must have started early. He did note that she looked especially cute in her black pants and red sweater, her bump being showed off almost perfectly.
"I guess he won't be able to help with that." His thoughts were driven back to the two men in front of him, both snickering.
"Help with what?" He was confused, this is what happens when he gets too close to her. Did she smell like baby powder?
"Help Olivia with her needs." Fin stated. Olivia had long ago put her hands over her face. Elliot was going to begin freaking out and try to murder them and then back off from her. Which might not be a bad thing considering Kathy wanted to kill her. But then were would she be? Without Elliot, that's where.
Elliot looked over at her, noting her face was currently covered. "As much as I would like too, I highly doubt I'm her type."
And then, hell froze over.
John, Fin, and Olivia all turned to stare at Elliot. Had he just admitted he wanted to sleep with her? Had he NOT just spent two weeks with his wife and children? Doing god knows what to pass those long Florida nights.
Olivia was the first to recover. She moved away from him and sat down, her hands going towards her stomach. Goosebumps were forming under the soft feel of sweater. Dryness entered her mouth and she began having daydreams of a picket fence with an overly big Christmas tree in the front window.
John and Fin, however were still both processing what had just happened. Both trying to determine if one, this would allow either of them to win the bet and two, was the baby really his? With the way he had been acting, it was a thought that crossed their minds. He was really playing up this partner, best friend, 'she needs me' act. Both of them knew he liked her, he was attracted to her. A blind man would know. Had he not want to beat down every man she had ever dated? Had he not threaten to kill Mr. Too Perfect when she had admitted she called him and was promptly hung up on?
Clearing his throat, John stood up and scratched the back of his head.
"I think you are definitely her type." And with that he scurried out of the bull pen.
"Yeah, definitely." Fin winked over to Olivia and then quickly followed his partner.
Elliot, who was leaning against his desk, arms folded, looked at Olivia who was the color of stop sign.
"I was joking." He stated, going over to their desks, to see what cases might be going on.
"Joking you'd be glad to help me or that you're not my type?" He froze, refusing to face her.
"I was just joking." Olivia laughed, which he knew was not meeting her eyes.
"It was funny. Cute. I have to use the little girl's room. Excuse me." She stood up and began careful lying making her way towards the bathroom.
First the bathroom, and then to murder John and Fin.
