Chapter 4- One Last Case

Olivia's eyes opened slowly, the sleep still heavy on her lids. She took a moment to breathe deeply, nuzzling into her pillow. Elliot's arm had snaked around her waist holding her close. She felt his protective hold keeping her back pressed tightly against his chest. She reveled in the feeling of waking up in his arms, his deep breathing tickling her neck lightly as he continued to sleep. Olivia let her eyes drift close again, enjoying the quiet moment.

Her alarm suddenly went off, signaling the start of another busy day. Elliot stirred slightly, though never relinquishing his hold on her. Olivia reached up to hit snooze. She chuckled lightly when she felt Elliot's grip tighten against her waist. He nuzzled into her neck, kissing her shoulder.

"Good morning," he breathed lightly, his thumb now tracing light circles against her stomach.

Olivia smiled. "Good Morning," she replied lazily, turning to face him. Her arm reached across his stomach as her head came to rest on his chest. She could heart his heart beating steadily. Elliot kissed her forehead, his fingers stroking her back gently.

"I don't want to get up," he whispered into her hair.

Olivia sighed into his chest, eyes still closed, "Me either." They lay quiet for a moment. "We have to go to work, El."

He groaned. "I don't want to go to work."

Olivia laughed, "Well, that's a first."

"I have more…enjoyable endeavors I'd like to be pursuing at the moment." He kissed her again. She giggled softly. "Besides, half the reason I go to work is to see you. And I have you right here, with me."

Olivia looked up at him, surprised at his admission. She propped herself up on her elbow, leaning in to kiss him. It was a gentle kiss, soft and sweet. She lingered a moment by his lips before she settled herself against him again.

"You know we'd be there together right?"

"Yes. But somehow I think our current location is infinitely more enjoyable than the office."

"Mmmm…" she sighed, kissing his chest, "Very true." She snuggled closer to him. "But we still have to go to work. We have an open case, remember?"

Elliot sighed. It wasn't an urgent case, but still one that needed solving nonetheless. "Fine, we'll go in. You owe me though."

Olivia sat up, pulling the sheet around her. "Trust me El, we're out of there at 5:00 sharp today." She leaned into whisper, "And don't worry, I'll make it up to you. We can pick up where we left off last night."

"Good." Elliot pulled her in for one last lingering kiss.

"I call shower first," Olivia said, pulling away.

"Fine, I'll start some coffee."

"Sounds perfect." Olivia stood up and wrapped the sheet around her, leaving Elliot lying alone on the bed. She turned and walked into the bathroom, Elliot's gaze following her as she went.

Twenty minutes later, Olivia walked into the kitchen to find Elliot finishing up some scrambled eggs and toast.

"Breakfast?" he offered. Olivia grabbed a plate, smiling. "Smells great, El."

"Good." He placed a quick kiss on her cheek. "Eat up," he said; walking towards the bathroom, "I'll be right back."

Olivia sat down and ate while she waited. As she settled down with her coffee and newspaper, she heard Elliot's singing coming from the bathroom. Hmm, he's not half bad, she thought amusedly.

When they had both showered and eaten, they headed out together. The traffic was good and they arrived at the station in less than 15 minutes. As they stepped off the elevator into the precinct, Munch looked up at them. "What, now you two are coming in together in the morning too?"

"Good morning to you too Munch," said Elliot sarcastically.

"We just ran into each other downstairs, that's all," Olivia lied smoothly as she sat down at her desk.

"Yeah, I'm sure that's what happened," he replied, only half-jokingly, turning his attention back to his work.

"Alright, "Elliot said quietly to his partner, "I'm going to go talk to the Captain." His tone was somber as he looked at her with sad gaze.

Olivia looked up at him with pain in her eyes. She swallowed hard and nodded. "Ok." Elliot gave her a quick squeeze of the hand before he turned and walked toward Cragen's office. Olivia saw Elliot knock on the door twice and the Captain invite him in.

"Hey, Captain," Elliot said, knocking on the door, "You have a minute?"

Cragen waved him in, "Yeah, sure. What's on your mind?"

Elliot handed him a sheet of paper. He stood across the desk from the captain, hands in his pockets with his eyes cast down at the ground.

The Captain looked up. "Elliot, this is a request for transfer," he said surprised.

"I know." Elliot's voice was steeled, trying to hide all traces of emotion. He shifted uncomfortably.

"What do you mean by this?" Cragen asked.

"I'm resigning Captain."

"I can see that, but what I don't understand is, why?"

Elliot cleared his throat. "Kathy and I are getting a divorce."

"I'm sorry to hear that, Elliot.," Cragen said, his tone sincere. He waited for Elliot to continue.

"My lawyer says that if I want partial custody of the kids…" Elliot paused, "I have to transfer out of SVU. He says what with the long hours, and the dangerous conditions…" He trailed off, not needing to continue.

Cragen put the letter down. "Does Olivia know?"

"Yeah, I told her last night."

"How is she taking it?"

Elliot looked out the office at his partner. She was sitting at her desk, typing. "She's…she's taking it hard. But she understands why I have to do this."

Cragen breathed a hard sigh. "I'm sorry to be losing you Elliot. You're a good detective and a good man. But sometimes a man has to make hard choices for his family. It's been an honor working with you."

"Thank you, Captain."

"Tell you what, why don't you finish out this last case. I'll put in for your transfer in the meanwhile. Once you and Olivia finish up, then we can worry about moving you."

Elliot nodded, turning to leave. "Thanks again, Cap, for everything." He opened the door of the office and walked out.

Olivia looked up as Elliot exited the office. He nodded in the direction of the cribs, asking her to meet him there. She got up and followed him. Once they were there, Elliot closed the door behind him. Olivia leaned up against one of the bunks and waited for him to speak.

"Cragen said I could finish out this case before I have to transfer," he said quietly.

Olivia looked at the floor and nodded. "Ok."

"Come here," Elliot said gently. Olivia walked over slowly into Elliot's open arms. He wrapped her in a warm embrace. He stroked her hair softly. Olivia held him tightly, breathing in his comforting scent. "I'm sorry, Liv. I'm sorry."

A single tear trailed down her face. "One last case," she said.

Elliot held her close. "One last case."

One more chapter to go! Please R&R…reviews would be lovely.