What Do I Say? Part 3 by Marbs

Elliot and Olivia did not to speak to each other the rest of the week. Cragen had partnered Olivia with Fin, while Elliot was partnered with Munch. Cragen knew that Olivia was not ready to speak Elliot yet.

Elliot knows better not to push Olivia. He has learned his lesson and he didn't want Olivia leaving him again without them talking. So he did his best to stay away from her but he made sure he kept an eye on her. He also wanted to talk to Kathy before he talked to Olivia again. Even though they are no longer married, as a mother of his five children, he felt he she still had the right to know. It didn't matter if she agreed with him or not. He just wants to be honest with her.

Elliott had come to their old house on Friday night. All their kids are out with their friends except for baby Eli.

They were sitting down on the couch in the living room. Both were quiet and Elliot for a few minutes until Kathy could no longer take the silence.

"Elliot, you said you wanted to talk, so talk."

"Kathy, I know we are divorced but I do feel that since we have five children together, you still should know the decisions I make."

"Elliot, just because we are divorced it doesn't mean we have to be strangers. We were married for over 20 years. It just couldn't work anymore. At least we tried you know."

"I know. Kathy, I volunteered to be a donor?"

"A donor for what?"

"To be a father."

"What? I'm confused."

"Olivia told me that she is transferring to Computer Crimes because she wants to be a mother. She said that she has decided to have an in-vitro."

"And she asked you to be the sperm donor?"

"No she didn't?"

"If she didn't then why are you telling me that you are going to be a donor?"

"I presented myself to her. I want to be the father of her child."

"Oh. Wow. Elliot I don't know what to say. What did Olivia say?"

"Well, she wasn't too happy about it. She says I'm a selfish bastard. I think upset is an understatement. She hasn't talked to me since."

"Well you are, Elliot. Elliot, how could you put this pressure on her? And why do you want to be the father of her baby?"

"It just felt right to ask her. I don't know. I just…"

"You're in love with her, aren't you? And it's hard for you to let her go. And that you would do anything to keep her in your life. And the thought of her carrying another man's child is killing you, right?"

"Kathy…I…"

"Elliot, I am not blind. I don't know Olivia all that well but I do care about her because of what she did for me and Eli. She's a good person, Make sure you are doing this not for your own selfish reasons but because you know that you are the best for her and for the baby."

"Kathy, are you okay with this? I can't believe we are talking about this."

"Elliot, we have to get used to this. I know that you are a good man and that you never betrayed your vows to me when we were married. But I also know that somewhere along the way, you fell in love with Olivia. It wasn't planned, it just happened. Call it fate. It is beyond our control. No matter what we do, we can't help what we feel. We face it and move on."

"Thank you Kathy. Tell the kids I will see them next weekend, alright? I'll call Maureen to see if I can grab lunch or dinner with her this week. I'm gonna get going."

"I will Elliot. And Elliot, talk to her and whatever her decision is, respect it and don't leave her side no matter what."

"Yeah. Goodnight, Kathy."

"Goodnight, Elliot."

Elliot sat in the car and sighed. He felt a sigh of relief and he can finally admit to himself and to the world, he is in love with Olivia Benson. Now, he just has to talk to Olivia. And talking to Olivia and being open to her is never easy. What is even tougher is to get her to open up. He will try. And he will be understanding no matter what.