Title: Minor Key Symphony

Pairing: Olivia/Elliot

Warnings: Probably sex later, but nothing for now. Can you tell this is standard for me :P

Word Count: 1,031

Rating: PG-13

Spoilers: Fault. Again, standard.

Disclaimer: Olivia and Elliot are Dick Wolf's. Minor Key Symphony is Cauterize's. I know the song has nothing to do with the story, but the title still works. The ideas are mine.

Author's Note: Woo! It's a Fault story! I think everyone here has one, and this is mine. I'm still working on Glory Days, for those of you who are reading it. I just can't focus on a single story at a time. Also, my mom accidentally recycled my edits, so it has yet to be edited. So sorry

Minor Key Symphony

Olivia made it a full block before she realized that she didn't want to be alone. She wrapped her arms around herself and bit her lip, contemplating her options. She'd have to fix what happened with Elliot eventually, but eventually didn't have to be now, and she didn't think she had the energy for yet another shouting match. Sighing, she turned around and walked back to the precinct. She avoided eye contact, slipping quietly into the break room. It wouldn't be the most restful night of sleep, but at least other people were around.

Olivia had barely settled down when the door opened. She wrapped the blanket tighter around herself, staring blankly at the wall, hoping whoever it was would leave her alone.

"Olivia? What's wrong?"

The voice surprised her into sitting up and turning around. "John?"

He sat down next to her, looking concerned. "It's Elliot, isn't it?" She had forgotten how perceptive he could be.

Olivia nodded miserably. "The case, too, but mostly him." She paused. "He said we couldn't be partners anymore." She looked at Munch, searching his eyes for the answer. "I don't know what to do."

Munch sighed and wrapped an arm around her. "It's Elliot. We all know how bad his tempter is. Give it a few days, everything will be back to normal."

She shook her head, leaning on his shoulder. "I don't think so. Not this time."

"What else did he say?"

"That I couldn't take care of myself, and that he couldn't keep looking over his shoulder to make sure I'm okay. Basically that I'm not good enough to be a cop, or to be his partner."

"I hate to keep repeating myself, but if you just wait for him to cool down–"

"He expected me to shoot him." Olivia looked up, again meeting his eyes. "He actually thought I could shoot him. If he had to do it again, he would've left me to die." She sighed. "But of course he's right. We shouldn't be partners anymore. How can we, when I can't trust him?"

Munch held her. "Try not to let him get to you."

"How can you even say that?" she said, pulling away. "He's been my partner for seven years, and he'd just as assume let me bleed to death on the ground of the terminal." Munch opened his mouth to reply, but she kept going. "The worst part is that he's right – the job should be my first priority, not him."

"Maybe in theory, but if you ask anyone is this place, they'd pick their partner over the job every time."

"Except Elliot. Everyone except for him."

"Have you ever thought that maybe it's because he cares about you that he wants a new partner? That he doesn't want to have to make that choice?"

Olivia looked away. "Yes, of course. That's what he told me. But…"

"But he's still being an asshole, and it doesn't help at all."

She smiled. "Yeah, pretty much."

Munch smiled back. "Maybe a break wouldn't be a bad idea. For all you know, it could make him realize how much he needs you."

Her smiled faded, becoming sadder. "Right, like he could ever realize that I'm always there for him, that I'd do anything for him."

"It's not just you," Munch said. "You know that, right? He's closer to you than I've ever seen him get before. Even if he wouldn't admit it, which I'm not saying is true, you and the job are the only things that keep him going."

Olivia laughed darkly. "That's what he said."

"Because it's true." He rested a hand on her knee, and she looked at him. "No matter how bad it gets, remember that."

"I…"

The door opened, and she shied away from the sudden noise, tempted to crawl back under the blankets.

"Olivia? What're you doing back here?"

She looked away, keeping her gaze on the floor instead of on her partner. "I…uh…"

"We were just talking," Munch said, giving Elliot a meaningful look. "I'll leave you two alone." He got up and left, closing the door behind him.

Elliot continued to stand, trying to decide if he should leave or not.

"Just sit down, would you?" Olivia's voice was both quiet and angry, but she also sounded almost defeated, and Elliot hated himself for it. He did sit, perching on the edge of the cot opposite Olivia's.

"Liv, I–"

"Olivia," she interrupted, not knowing why. She was just making it worse, but that was all she seemed to be able to do. What made it even worse is that she knew that this is how he must feel, but she still couldn't stop herself. "What are you doing here? I was trying to sleep."

"I'll leave if you want."

"Whatever." Olivia climbed back under the blankets, suddenly exhausted. Elliot always made her differently depending on the circumstances, but this was getting ridiculous. She brought her knees up to her chin, bringing her arms around her legs. Maybe if she closed her eyes, he'd go away…

Elliot sat for a few moments, assessing the situation. He had come in here expecting privacy. Instead he had found Olivia, who was a mess. A mess because of him, no less. He needed to think this through, figure out how to make it better before talking to her. He was no good at thinking on his feet like this. That was how he had gotten them into this mess in the first place. He was so goddamned bad at talking, especially to her. This would be so much easier if he didn't need to say anything.

Maybe I don't, he thought. Knowing it was a bad idea and that he'd probably get slapped, Elliot walked over to Olivia's cot and lay down next to her. He stayed on top of the blankets but wrapped his arms around her, praying she'd understand his apology. She started shaking, and he realized she was crying.

"I'll go," he mumbled, starting to get up.

Olivia grabbed his wrist, pulling him back down. "Don't leave," she said between her tears. "Please, Elliot. For once in your life, don't leave."

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