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El

On the way back to the house, I kept taking furtive glances at Liv. The tension was building, and it felt so uncomfortably awkward. In my mind, I just kept picturing her grabbing me and putting her lips on mine. And I just stood there. I didn't know what to say. I didn't know where to go from here. How did I feel about Liv? I love her, sure, we've been best friends for years. Why in hell couldn't I see she was in love with me?

"Want a ride home?" I asked a little nervously.

I hope she wasn't pissed. This was beyond awkward...

"No Ell, I'll catch a cab."

"You sure?"

"Yes."

I decided not to say anything after that. It was very clear she was upset with me. I have no idea how to fix it. We arrived back at the house to fill everyone in, and report to the captain.

"what do we got?" Cap asked

"Lauren Henderson, 13, African American; snatched on the way home from school by a man in a mask, raped, and beaten; ended up at Bellevue because she was discovered by her step mother sitting on the steps crying." Liv said giving the captain her report.

"Do we have any suspects?"

"No, Captain. Just that he took her in a black van part of a pet grooming service on wheels."

"You did good, Benson, Stabler. I don't want to see either of you for the next 48 hours. Rest up," Captain ordered.

"I'm out of here now, sir." Liv headed towards her locker and I followed her

"Liv?"

"Just drop it, El. Goodnight" she walked past me without even looking at me

"Liv?"

She stopped in her tracks, and turned her head towards me.

"Do me a favor and text me. I just want to make sure you got home okay. It's pretty late"

"Sure, El."

Liv

I really can't figure him out sometimes. He said nothing in the car. Then offered me a ride home then told me to text him when I got home?! I needed a drink! I stood outside shuffling from one foot to the other waiting for a taxi. One showed up after about five minutes, I hopped in and headed home. On my way home I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket and I saw Elliot's name flash on the screen.

Are we going to talk about earlier today or no?

What is there to talk about?

What you said... and what happened after what you said...

I thought you didn't want to text until after I got home?

We can't avoid this forever, Liv. Text me when you get in ok?

Sure El. Phone dying. Later

I lied, and switched my phone off. Was it really that awful he couldn't even repeat what happened?

El

I was at home lying in bed surfing through the channels, not really paying attention to anything on the TV. I was waiting for Liv to text me. Maybe we could sort this all out. No need for it to be awkward. My phone beeped on my bedside table indicating a new message. I held my breath, because I knew it was her.

Just got in. Going to bed. Goodnight. See you Thursday

Really? Goodnight?

El... I'm tired, ok?

Fine. Goodnight Liv

She didn't reply. Why was she so frustrating?! Maybe we needed some time apart. The second I thought that I dialed the Captain.

"Cragen"

"Cap? It's Elliot" I said hesitantly

"You better not be calling to ask if you can come in to work, the answer is no."

"No it's not that cap. Liv and I need a little time apart. She has rapport with the vic. Take me off the case?"

"I hope you two sort whatever this is out, but sure."

I hoped I wouldn't regret this decision. But I didn't know what else to do. With some time apart I'll be able to think about Liv and I. Think about everything. Especially think about my ability to fuck up my relationships with every woman in my life.

I know I'm awful. But I don't like giving away too much! Don't hate me! I have a lot of tricks up my sleeve!