So so sorry for the MASSIVE delay in chapters here. I got into an accident and trying to get caught up in my courses was brutal. I know this chapter is short, and long over due, BUT I promise to be more efficient in my timing ongoing. I appreciate all the lovely comments from chapter one, and I sincerely hope you enjoy chapter two. More to come! Thanks :)

Chapter Two

Olivia wasn't sure if it was the pain meds the hospital had given her when she arrived or the weight of Elliots hands as they traced small circles on her shoulders, but she suddenly felt too warm and a little light headed.

"Liv?"

Olivia drew in a deep breath and smiled weakly up at Elliot. "I'm fine. You should probably go before..."

Elliot looked at her uncertainly, the burning intensity in his eyes making her feel breathless. He hesitated, then stepped forward, closing what little space was left between them.

"Like hell you are. Look, i can stay if you want me to. The kids are with Kathy this week. I am here for you Olivia." His hands wandered slowly up until they were resting lightly on the edges of her neck. The warmth of his hands and the rough feel of his skin on hers made her shudder. Elliot felt the goosebumps rising on her flesh under his hands, and tilted his head to one side, looking at her intently. "I'm here Olivia. I'm not going anywhere. Not again."

This was too much. He was looking at her so intensely, so comfortable with their proximity that it made her head spin. She had to break the tension, catch her breath.

"I know that El. But you really should go back to the waiting room. You know we only like each other in small doses."

Elliot smiled, the tension broken, the light bouncing back into his eyes. He squeezed her shoulder reassuringly and allowed his hands to slide down her arms and drop to his side.

"Right. Well i'll be right outside when you're done. Have they said if you get to go home tonight?"

"I'm still waiting to hear. If i have to stay i'll have the nurse let you know so you can go home."

Elliot cocked his head and furrowed his brow. That wasn't at all what he had been planning. He opened his mouth to speak, to tell Olivia he had no intention of going home. Especially not while she was here, the nurse came back through the curtain carrying a clip board and all of the necessary equipment for Olivia's blood draw. The nurse was not pleased to see Elliot still in the room.

"Sir i'm going to need you to-"

"Yeah, yeah, i know. Out. Waiting room. Got it." Elliot motioned in the direction of the waiting room outside the ER. The nurse smiled approvingly. "Just...let me know when she's done. Is that ok? Can you do that for me? Please?" He put on his best school boy smile.

Olivia had to stop herself from laughing, Elliot was hard to resist, especially at his best, and the smile he was beaming at the nurse was definitely him at his best. The effects showed on the nurse, whose face colored crimson as she failed to repress a smile.

"If Detective Benson authorizes me to release that information to you, i will certainly be glad to pass the message along." They both looked at Olivia who practically laughed out loud.

"Yes, that'll be fine." Olivia shook her head at Elliot. How was it that he was so damn charming? It was so good having him around again, Olivia smiled brightly despite herself, and the awful circumstance that had caused this reunion. None of that mattered now that Elliot was here.

"Now, Detective Benson, I'll need you to hold out your arm for me please." She pulled the tourniquet off the silver tray on the bedside table. Olivia looked up to watch Elliot leave. He looked intently at her for a moment before giving a small wave, dropping his gaze and stepping through the curtain.

With Elliot hovering protectively in the waiting room, just out of reach, Olivia felt the reality of the situation crash back in. She clenched her jaw, fighting the emotion that threatened to overwhelm her. Tears stung at her eyes, and she blinked hard, forbidding them to make their escape. Olivia let her eyes remain closed and took a deep breath.

"Detective Benson, are you feeling light headed? Do i need to get you something to drink or eat?"

Olivia shook her head keeping her eyes closed. "No. No, i'm fine. Thank you." Her voice shook with emotion and though she couldn't see it, the nurse smiled warmly at her. "Well, we are almost done here. It won't be long now." Olivia nodded remembering the warmth of Elliots hands on her shoulders as she continued to steady her breathing.

"Right." As she opened her eyes her gaze lingered on the curtain Elliot had exited through. He was really back. "I'm sure it won't be long now..."