Chapter 7


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ALEX AND BRIAN'S APARTMENT

She'd gotten home late last night to find Brian waiting up for her and she immediately threw herself into his arms, unable to hold in her tears.

"Can you just make tonight go away?" she cried. "We can talk about it in the morning, but tonight, I just need to feel you!"

He didn't hesitate to oblige and within moments they'd stripped their clothes away and he was inside her; he made love to her until they'd both fallen into an exhausted sleep and now, as the sun filtered in through the drapes, she lay awake, Brian sleeping peacefully while she lay in his arms.

You WILL help me fix this, or I tell Brian the truth!

His words wouldn't leave her head. She couldn't let him tell Brian, but she also knew that she couldn't give in to his demands. Olivia meant everything to her and there was no way she would ever purposely do anything to hurt her. She thought back to that morning she woke up naked and sore in Elliot's room five years ago; she still had no recollection of what happened that night; only his version of events… you can't allow this, Alex! She thought to herself. She suddenly heard Winnie's little feet making their way down the hall and she quickly slipped from beneath the covers and reached for her robe, putting it on just as the beautiful four year old came bursting into the room, dragging Brian Bear behind her.

"Good morning, Mommy!" she smiled as Alex scooped her up in her arms.

"Good morning baby girl!" she cooed to her daughter as she hugged and kissed her. "How about you and I go to the kitchen and make breakfast for Daddy while he sleeps?" she suggested as she walked out of the room, carrying her daughter.

"Daddy likes Fench Toast!" Winnie recalled with total excitement as Alex shut the door behind them.

"Fench Toast it is!" Alex grinned as she headed for the stairs; she loved these moments with Winnie and as she felt her child wrap her little arms around her neck, she knew that she wouldn't give in, nor would she allow Elliot to take one damn thing away from her!


.

OLIVIA'S BROWNSTONE

They'd been making love since dawn and now she lay on top of him completely spent.

"I wish I didn't have to go in today." She said lazily and kissed his chest; circling his nipple with her finger.

"Call out." He suggested.

"I would love nothing more than staying right here and being impaled on this magnificent cock all day!" her voice was a low and raspy whisper; and when she took him in her hand, he thought he'd come right that second! "but we're working a very sensitive case, so I can't." she said and softly kissed him while he moaned against her lips, shocking her at how fast he'd grown hard again after the marathon they'd just finished.

"If only…" he wished as he attached his lips to her collarbone, kissing and sucking lightly when suddenly his eyes focused on something he hadn't noticed before. "Baby"

"Hmm?"

"What happened to your neck?" he asked, curious about what looked to him like the remnants of a bruise. For the briefest moment she saw Elliot, looking like a madman with his hand gripping her neck; his fingers digging into the skin as his other painfully pinned her wrists.

"The past" she said looking down at him. "and I'd rather not talk about him." She smiled and kissed his lips." Wanna join me in the shower?"

"I don't know; think you can take more of me?"

"If you can dish it…" she grinned naughtily and got up, taking his hands and pulling him along.


.

ELLIOT'S OFFICE. LATER THAT DAY.

"Alex, this is the fifth time I've called you; stop playing games and get your ass into gear!" he yelled to the phone just as his office door opened and Alex walked in. "Where the hell have you been?!"

"Court. I'm a prosecutor, remember?" she said as she stood in front of his desk. "Little early in the day for booze, don't you think?" he gave her an angry stare as he took another drink of his scotch from the glass in his hand.

"Have a seat"

"I won't be staying that long." She refused.

"I said sit down!"

"Go to hell, Elliot!"

"Already there!"

"I thought about your offer and I'm sorry, but I decline."

"That's funny, I don't remember giving you a choice."

"Oh, I always have a choice and I choose to stay far away from you and this path of destruction you're on!"

"You know what's at stake!" he snarled

"I do; which is why I'm fighting for it."

"I'll tell him everything"

"You won't, but go ahead. Tell him every sordid detail; and when you do, I'll cry rape! Considering what you just did to Liv, it won't be that hard to believe. You know, I am so glad that Brian finally sees you for who you are; you never deserved to have someone like him on your side!"

"And what about you? Sleeping with your best friend's fiancé the night before their wedding? You weren't so high and mighty when I was fucking your brains out!"

"I had zero control over that night! I would NEVER have done something like that to Olivia on my own and you know it! You know what our friendship means to me and you know how loyal I am to her; but still, you took advantage and that's something I have to live with every day of my life thanks to you!"

"That and my daughter…"

"She's not your daughter! Brian is her father in every way that counts."

"Except one; DNA. That's all me!"

"I don't wanna hear this!"

"Had my own test done; swabbed her cheek the day of her christening; you remember? The day you made me Godfather to my own damn kid!" Alex was silent for a moment as if turning something in her head.

"I know you probably intended for that little revelation to shock me, but no. I've known all along exactly what I'm up against. I don't care who's DNA she has, you will never get anywhere near my daughter ever again!"

"You run that by Cas?"

"It was his idea!" She lied. It cut Elliot deep

"You put him up to it, you bitch!"

"Don't you get it? He's done! What I don't understand is what kind of sick, deviant are you to be able to do the things you've done and live with yourself? Brian is through making excuses for you; it's time to change, and If you truly love Olivia, put her first and stop hurting her! …but then, who am I kidding?" she left quietly, having made her point, leaving Elliot sitting there at his desk with a blank expression on his face for a moment before picking up the picture frame on his desk that held a photo of he and Olivia, taken on her birthday just a few months ago.

We were so happy… he thought to himself. He remembered the way she looked at him that night, the way she smiled, the way she felt in his arms. He knew that she was the very best thing that had ever happened to him and how blessed he had been to have her…

"So how could you go and mess it all up?" he asked himself out loud. What the hell are you doing? His mind was a mess. He thought about his marriage and how he'd destroyed it with his infidelity and how after three long months, just when he thought that she would never forgive him, there she was, in his arms, in his bed giving herself to him and loving him again. He was so close to having everything back to the way it was before; before Chicago and Mairym and Olivia being heartbroken and divorce papers. Everything was almost perfect again; perfect until she cried his name.

Him. While I was inside her; telling her I love her, making her come, spilling my seed and she had the AUDACITY to cry his name! if it weren't for him, I never would have reacted the way I did; I never would have hurt her, made her cry… he made me; he inserted himself into my marriage. He fucked my wife and made her push me away; he made her want him! She didn't know what she was doing and neither did I. I have to make her understand that what happened that night wasn't my fault; it was his! If he'd never pursued her, none of this would have happened. Now I've lost my wife and my best friend all thanks to him!

There was a sinister glare in his eyes as again looked down at the picture in his hand. he had a newfound determination that he would not let her go nor would he lose her to Trevor; she was his and his alone. Trevor may be in the way right now, but Olivia would come to her senses… she had to! He took a long drink from his glass, before he picked up his desk phone and dialed.

"I knew you wouldn't stay away for long!" Mairym said the moment she answered.

"Don't flatter yourself sweetheart! I want you to come back to work for me."

"Doing what?"

"What you do best; you still where I dumped you?"

"Unfortunately."

"I'll be there at 11 tomorrow. Don't make me wait!" He hung up the phone before she could ask any questions and smiled as he took another drink from his glass.


.

HOWARD JOHNSON'S 11:05AM THE FOLLOWING MORNING.

Elliot rapped lightly on the door to Mairym's room. the door opened quickly and he was surprised to see her standing in front of him in nothing but a thong.

"Hey sexy! Jesus! What the hell happened to you?" She exclaimed upon noticing his injuries. He looked her up and down with disgust and as he walked past her into the room…

"Never-mind that, and do you always have to behave like a cheap whore? Put some clothes on!" she simply glared at him as she shut the door.

"Come on Elliot, it's nothing you haven't seen before; I know you miss it!"

"Like a bad tooth! Did you bring the friend I asked for?"

"Lisa" Mairym called. A naked brunette appeared from the bathroom.

"What the fuck is this?" Elliot asked angrily when he took a look at Lisa

"What? You asked for a brunette, I got you a brunette."

"Jesus, would it kill you girls to eat a fuckin sandwich?"

"You didn't seem to mind a few months ago!" Mairym reminded him.

"That was my dick, it had nothing to do with me!" Lisa stifled a laugh as Mairym threw her a warning look. "You, get out. Your services won't be needed." Elliot said to Lisa

"Why?" she protested.

"Because you look like you're one binge and purge away from cardiac arrest!" Lisa's mouth fell open, shocked that he would be so brazen. This time, it was Mairym who stifled a laugh

"Screw you, Mister!" she said angrily and went back to the bathroom to dress.

Mairym sat down on the bed closest to the window and crossed her legs seductively. Elliot rolled his eyes and picked up the robe that was draped across the chair and threw it at her before taking a seat.

"So what is it that you want from me?" she asked as she put the short robe on. She didn't tie it or even close it, hoping to entice Elliot. He paid no mind and instead, took the flask from his jacket and took a long drink before answering.

"I need you to cause some trouble" he said and took another drink.

"What kind of trouble?"

"The same trouble you caused me and my wife"

"You mean the same trouble we caused? I wasn't balls deep in my own stuff!"

"Look, now is not the time for pointing fingers, you in or not?"

"I don't know, I need more details. She said as she lit a cigarette and took a drag.

"Those things are disgusting!" he closed his flask and put it back in his pocket.

"Says the man getting wasted at 11am!" she retorted as she blew out a mouthful of smoke in his direction. "By the way, how is perfect Olivia?"

"She's perfect… we're working things out."

"Oh, joy!" she said sarcastically. "So who am I causing trouble for and why?" she asked, taking another drag of her cigarette just as Lisa emerged from the bathroom fully dressed.

"You sure you can't use me for… something?" she asked as she looked at Elliot. He gave a sly smile and motioned with his head for her to come over. She did just that; careful that every step she took be as sexy as she could muster while she sauntered in his direction.

"You swallow, baby?"

"Of course!" she smiled.

"Good. Why don't you go and swallow a couple of burgers and a steak?" he peeled off a $100 bill and handed it to her. "On me." he grinned. This infuriated her.

"JERK!" she screamed as she snatched the money and stormed off. When she reached the door, she looked back at him. "your dick's probably small anyway!" she yelled. Mairym shook her head subtly and gestured with her hands implying to Lisa just how wrong she was. Lisa's eyes went wide and she screamed in frustration, slamming the door as she left.

"Who did you say the target was?" she said as she got up to put her cigarette out.

"I didn't but It's Cas."

"Brian?" she asked incredulously. "Trouble in paradise for the dynamic duo, huh? He the reason you look like shit?" Elliot didn't answer but the look on his face said everything. "No fucking way, I'm out!"

"What? I haven't even filled you in!"

"You don't need to! A. that guy's a psycho! B. That psycho hates me! And C. The two of you were practically gay for one another and if this is how he treats his bromantic partner, he wouldn't hesitate to kill me and make sure no one found my body!" she shuddered at the thought and pulled her robe closed.

"You didn't even ask what I'm offering."

"I don't care what you're offering! So you might as well miss me with this bullshit!"

"Come on, for me"

"They guy who threw me out and tried to strangle me while I was mourning the loss off my child?"

"Why do you have to bring up the past? besides, I wouldn't have had to do any of that if you hadn't tried to pin another man's kid on me!"

"Oh sure, play the blame game!" These were two deeply troubled individuals. "What the hell happened between you two anyway? Olivia fuck him to get back at you?" His hand was around her throat before she could laugh and he had her pinned to the mattress.

"Olivia would NEVER let another man inside her!" he screamed as he shook her. "I am the ONLY man she will ever want that way; EVER!" she couldn't breathe and no scream would emit from her throat. He held her there a few seconds longer before he suddenly snapped out of his rage and released her neck, slowly backing away from her.

"Get out!" she croaked painfully, it felt as if he'd collapsed her larynx.

"Mairym…"

"I said get out!" she tried hard to restrain her tears. "Does Olivia know what a monster you are?" he began walking toward the door and then without turning around, he said in the faintest voice:

"Olivia loves me; we're working it out." And he left without another word.


.

BRIAN AND ALEX' APARTMENT, EARLY EVENING

Brian sat in his home office, slowly nursing a beer as he stared wistfully at a picture of Elliot and him from their days on the force. Their team had just won the softball championship and as captain and co-captain of the team, he and El were all smiles in the picture. He couldn't believe how far they'd fallen in such a short time. Less than a week ago, El was his best friend, his brother and there was nothing in the world they wouldn't do for each other but now, here he was two days away from his wedding; Elliot was supposed to be by his side, standing up for him… he wiped the tear that fell from his eye just as there was a knock at the door and Olivia poked her head in.

"Hope I'm not disturbing you." He quickly tried to compose himself.

"No, of course not." He said as she came over and kissed him on the cheek then sat on the edge of this desk. "When did you guys get here?"

"Just a minute ago. Alex asked me to come and get you." She answered as she noticed the picture frame in his hand. "You know, it's ok if you miss him."

"What?"

"Elliot. I know this can't be easy for you."'

"It's… I'll be ok." His tears were building again, and as hard as he tried to fight them, they fell anyway. Seeing his tears hurt her deeply and she hung her head. He quickly ran his hand down his face and wiped them.

"I can't help feeling like this is my fault."

"Liv, no, don't say that. This was in no way your fault; he hurt you." Now she was the one in tears. There was a brief silence between them before she spoke.

"I hate that you know… I feel so – " her voice was barely there.

"I know; and I'm so sorry. I should have turned it off when I realized, but then I heard you crying and I just… " His voice was soft; soothing. "How've you been holding up?" He asked as he handed her some tissues.

"I'm ok. But um, Trevor doesn't know and I – "

"Say no more."

"You know… I know how much you love him; and I just… don't hate him because of me; even though there's nothing left for he and I, I promise, I'll understand if you wanna fix things between the two of you." With more tears threatening to spill, he simply nodded and got up, taking her in his arms in a big hug.

"Thank you." The emotion was evident in his voice.

"You ok?" she asked as they pulled apart.

"Yeah. You gave me a lot to think about."

"Good. Now let's go meet my boyfriend and eat; I'm starving!' they laughed as they left the room and met up with Alex and Trevor in the Living room.

"Did I miss something?" Alex asked, smiling as she handed Olivia, and then Brian a glass of wine. Olivia took Trevor's and he leaned over and kissed her sweetly on the lips.

"Ah, you know us." Olivia said. Baby, this is one of my oldest and dearest friends, Brian Cassidy. Brian, this is Trevor Langan, my boyfriend.

"Nice to meet you." Brian said as they shook hands.

"Why don't you boys get better acquainted while Liv and I finish up with dinner?" Alex suggested.

"Sounds good." Brian agreed. "Trevor, let's talk!" he said, his hand on Trevor's shoulder as he led him away. Trevor looked back nervously at Olivia. She grinned.


.

"You really care about him don't you?" Alex asked as the two women made their way to the kitchen.

"You're probably gonna think I'm crazy, and you'll definitely think it's too soon but…" she looked at Alex, her eyes smiling.

"Already?"

"Yeah." She said as she went to the sink to wash her hands.

"Honey! This is the best, I'm so glad that you're moving on but, are you sure?"

"Al; I'm more sure of this than I've ever been of anything in my life and it scares the hell out of me but it's… he's amazing!" she said as she began chopping vegetables.

"So does he know? Have you told him?"

"We told each other." Alex' eyes went wide with shock and joy.

"No! Are you serious? Oh my god, he loves you!" Olivia's smile was ear-to-ear! "You're blushing!"

"Oh stop, I am not!"

"Yeah, you kinda are!" Alex laughed. "So the important stuff; how is he in bed? I mean, has he kept the momentum from the first time you hooked up; What was it you said? best sex i ever had" Olivia laughed.

"I am not answering that!"

"You don't have to, your face just said it all!"

"My face said nothing!"

"Said nothing about what?" Casey asked as she walked into the kitchen carrying Winnie on her hip. She kissed Alex on the cheek.

"Aunt Olivia!" Winnie shouted as she jumped out of Casey's arms and ran for Olivia.

"Hey baby girl!" Olivia exclaimed as she bent to pick her up; she kissed Winnie's cheeks as Winnie hugged her tight.

"I missed you!"

"You did?" Olivia smiled.

"Yes, this much!" Winnie said as she opened out her little arms as wide as they would go. Olivia laughed.

"I've missed you more, Munchkin."

"Where's Uncle Ellie?"Winnie asked as she played with Olivia's necklace. The three women looked at one another nervously, all rendered speechless by a simple question from a child.

"Um, Uncle Ellie is… He's…" Olivia had no idea what to say and once again, looked to Alex and Casey for assistance; it was Alex who came to the rescue.

"Uncle Ellie isn't feeling well." She said.

"Can we call him?" Winnie asked. Again, the women were at a complete loss for words but were relieved when the doorbell rang suddenly.

"You know what?" I bet that's Nick and Zara." Alex said hoping to deter Winnie from her current line of questioning. It worked.

"Zara!" she yelled and jumped out of Olivia's arms to run after Alex who had gone to answer the door.

"Literally saved by the bell!" Olivia said and took a sip from her wine glass before she continued chopping. Casey grinned.

"I thought Trevor was coming tonight."

"He did. Brian's having a talk with him."

"Awww, always the big brother!"

"I know, it's so cute."

"So, you and Trevor… I mean, I know you said that it's pretty serious but exactly how serious?" Olivia stopped what she was doing and turned to look at Casey.

"He's where I should have been all along."


.

Later that night, after all of the guests were gone and Winnie was asleep, Alex and Brian were relaxing together on the sofa.

"So, what did you think?" Alex asked him, but his mind was a million miles away and he didn't hear a word she'd said. "Hellooo… earth to Brian."

"I'm sorry babe, what?" she laughed.

"I was asking what you thought of Trevor."

"I was prepared to not like him, but he's an ok guy. I can tell that he really cares about Liv; as long as she's happy..."

"She is. Thanks for being supportive; she could really use it." she watched as his mind slipped back to that place it was just moments ago. "Brian, you ok?"

"I just have a lot on my mind, that's all."

"You wanna talk about it?"

"Not really. I just need to take a walk, clear my head." he said as he got up. "I won't be long."

"Be careful."

"I will. I love you" He kissed her before heading to the foyer to grab his keys.


.

TREVOR'S APARTMENT. FIFTH AVENUE.

Olivia's POV

The night was warm and breezy and the sky was clear as Trevor and I cuddled on one of the white chaise lounges that decorated his expansive Terrace as the sounds of the busy city created a beautiful melody that lulled us into a state of semi-serenity.

"Your friends are amazing."

"I think so too." I agreed, smiling lazily with my head against his bare chest. "They all loved you too, you know."

"Glad I passed!" he mused and I snuggled tighter against him.

"You cold?" he asked as he wrapped his arms around me.

"No, I just love being this close to you." I looked up at his beautiful face as he leaned in to my lips, planting a sensual, lingering kiss upon them.

"Damn I love you!" he exclaimed with sheer intensity when our lips parted; looking straight into my eyes. Suddenly, every erogenous zone on my body was ablaze as a lusty sigh escaped my mouth, making him grow rock-hard beneath my thigh that lay across him.

"What is this affect you have on me?" I murmured breathily against his lips.

"The same effect you have on me." he said softly before his lips crashed against mine in a fiery kiss, our tongues dancing intricately as he bunched the fabric of my long, silk negligee in one hand while the other caught itself in my hair as he took my mouth and I mounted him. We made passionate love that night beneath the beautiful sky of the city; our bodies in perfect harmony and holding nothing back as we gave until there was no more and sleep claimed us both.


.

ELLIOT'S APARTMENT

Midnight, and he sat alone in his apartment, his heart and ego bruised and a drink in his hand; lately he found himself imbibing a lot more that he usually would but he reasoned that he needed it to dull the pain that was constant these days. He needed them; he was drowning and he needed them but they'd both walked away and now he had nothing. He could still see the hurt and anguish that filled her eyes that night. The hurt and anguish that never should have been. In this moment, he didn't place blame. It was as if his inebriated state gave him clarity over everything that had happened and he cried out to the picture of her that sat on the shelf across the room as if somehow, she would hear him.

"I didn't mean it!" It was true; he hadn't meant to do what he did. It wasn't an excuse, just fact and now he didn't know how to make her understand; how to make her love him again, trust him again. Then there was Brian. He was so angry with Elliot for what he'd done to Olivia and Elliot equally angry that Brian wanted to keep Winnie away from him; so angry that he'd come thisclose to setting a plan in motion that would destroy his relationship with Alex. Brian was his best friend and he was willing to hurt him to the core just for a little revenge and the worst part, unbeknownst to Elliot was that there was no basis for the revenge he sought, because Alex had lied about it being Brian's idea to keep him out of Winnie's life; they'd never even discussed it; she'd just wanted to hurt Elliot for what he'd done to Olivia and for what he tried to force her convince Olivia to do by threatening to ruin her life.


.

In the hall, Brian stood outside of Elliot's door wanting more than anything to just talk to his best friend, but how? He couldn't forget hearing Olivia sobbing as she told Casey and Alex in detail, how he'd brutalized her and yet here she was tonight, asking that he not hate him for it but truthfully, he never wanted to hate Elliot it was just his emotions getting the better of him. Was he angry? Yes. Had he wanted to kill him in that moment? Yes, but now in hindsight he knows that he could never have done it whether or not Olivia had been a factor in his decision. When Elliot had looked him in the eyes and told him that he wouldn't pull the trigger, he wasn't being cocky. Elliot knew Brian, probably better than Brian knew himself and he knew that regardless of his anger, Brian loved him too much to take it that far.

"It can't end like this" Brian whispered to himself. He and El had been through hell and back together and although Brian wasn't ready to forgive him just yet, he also wasn't ready to completely walk way. He'd need time, but he vowed to himself right there in that hallway that he would find a way to get past this for the sake of everything they'd ever shared and also because Brian couldn't fathom breaking his daughter's heart by ripping someone she loved so much, out of her life so abruptly. If Olivia could let go and move on, he had to too; after all, she'd been hurt the most by Elliot's actions. He turned to walk away then just as quickly turned back around and before he had time to think about it and talk himself out of it, he was knocking on Elliot's door.


.

Inside, Elliot heard the knocking and tossed back what was left of his drink before getting up to answer it, annoyed that someone would be disturbing him this late. When he opened the door, he was shocked to see Brian standing on the other side looking every bit as emotionally beaten as he himself was. they stood there staring at one another for a moment and then…

"Can I come in?" Brian asked.

"Yeah. He said as he stepped aside to allow him in. Brian entered the foyer and stood staring awkwardly at the inlaid marble floor.

"Can I get you a beer or…?"

"Nah, I um… I'm not stayin long I just…" he took a deep breath and exhaled."How you been?"

"Ya know…" both of them stood there, they missed each other terribly but their macho pride wouldn't let them say what they wanted to say.

"El… I never would have pulled that trigger." His eyes were full of tears and his voice was full of sorrow.

"I know." He said and patted Brian's shoulder, fighting his own tears. Neither of them spoke for a long moment. "It wasn't… I didn't… but I deserved what happened, it was only right after what I…"

"Don't; look I don't know what happens next but I miss my brother" Brian confessed as tears fell down his face. "and I know that if I say my vows this weekend and you're not there, it won't be right, so will you stand up for me?" a smile spread across Elliot's face as his own tears began falling.

"Yeah." He agreed.

"Ok. Saturday." He said and turned to leave.

"Cas; thanks!"

Brian gave a nod and left the apartment.


.

BRIAN AND ALEX' APARTMENT

The following morning…

"Alright, we're off to the park!" Brian announced as he came down the kitchen stairs carrying Winnie. Alex was at the counter reading the paper and having coffee.

"Did you remember to take the- "

"Babe, I have everything she needs. You go and do wedding stuff and we'll see you later." He said and gave her a quick kiss on the lips. "So, we alright?"

"We are. I'm still not ok with your decision but I love you and it is your wedding too; and if you want Lord Valdemort there, be my guest."

"Daddy,who's lord baldymore?" Winnie asked. Alex and Brian laughed.

"Nobody baby; Mommy is just being silly." He said while laughing at her mispronunciation.

"Oh. Bye mommy!"

"Bye baby!" She gave Winnie a big kiss. "You be good for Daddy."

"I will."

"I love you." Alex said to Brian as she caressed his face.

"Love you more!"


.

Moments later, Winnie stood beside Brian in the elevator as it made its descent. Brian gave no attention to where it stopped when it did and wasn't aware who'd gotten on until he heard his daughter squeal…

"Uncle Ellie!" she yelled as she jumped into Elliot's arms. He grimaced slightly at the ache in his ribs but was too happy to be holding Winnie to even care about the pain.

"Hey princess!"

"Hey man." Brian said.

"Hey" things were still tense,but they were making an effort.

"Daddy's taking me to the park. Can you come too?"

"Uh, I think maybe it should be just you and Daddy today." He didn't want to push things past Brian's comfort level.

"Please, Uncle Ellie! Please, please, please!" Brian stood against the wall smiling at how happy Winnie was to see Elliot and he knew he couldn't disappoint her.

"Come on Ellie, don't make the kid beg." He joked.

"You sure you don't mind?"

"Nah. So we doin this?"

"We're doin this."

"Yay!" Winnie shouted. "Thank you Daddy! She said as she reached for Brian and when he took her from Elliot's arms and held her in his own, Elliot couldn't help but feel a little piece of his heart break even though the smile never left his face.


.

TREVOR'S APARTMENT

Knowing that she was crunched for time, Olivia had woken, showered and dressed all without waking Trevor. Now as she was ready to leave, she walked out onto the terrace where they'd slept and looked down at his beautiful, naked form. He lay on his back, still asleep and covered only by the silk negligee he had taken off her last night, now thrown loosely across his hips.

"Baby" she called as she leaned over him then kissed his lips. That caused him to stir and he slowly opened his eyes.

"Morning, Beautiful." He smiled. She sat down beside him on the lounge.

"Sorry to wake you, but I couldn't bear to leave without a proper kiss."

"I can fix that for you! " he said and pulled her in for a lingering kiss that she pulled away from and winced when she felt his hand cup her breast, quickly pushing it away. "What's the matter?"

"They're sore."

"Is that normal?"

"Not to this degree; but every month…"

"Oh."

" Yeah. Ok, I should go!" she said as she stood up.

'Oh, almost forgot" he said as he stood up and followed her into the apartment "Are you free next weekend?"

"Both days."

"How do you feel about spending them in Connecticut?"

"Connecti – " she suddenly smiled. "Trevor, your parents live in Connecticut."

"They do. I want you to meet them."

"Are we ready for this?"

"I am if you are."

"That's a huge step; can I think about it?"

"Of course you can, no pressure. And if you're not ready next weekend, we'll do it another weekend."

"That easy?"

"That easy!" he kissed her one last time. "ok, get outta here or Alex will be after me for making you late; I love you!" he said and stole another kiss. Then, as she turned to leave he gave a playful slap to her ass, making her laugh. She was wearing a huge smile as she left his apartment!


.

CASEY'S HOTEL SUITE

Casey had just grabbed her purse and was about to leave her suite when her cell rang. She looked at the time and knew that there was no time to waste so she answered on her way out.

"Hello? Dr. Watson… yes… yes, I know that your nurse has been trying to reach me and I'm so sorry but I've been swamped with…" she continued as she waited for the elevator. "Yes… and I should have called back sooner I just… no, I feel fine, I mean I've been tired a lot but… my test results? What… it'll be a few days before I can get back, just tell me over the phone… Dr. Watson, I am really pressed for time so just tell me… it's fine, spit it out!"

She listened as her doctor ran down the results of the tests she'd taken just before she left Chicago last week and quickly found herself bored with the medical jargon.

"So what does it all mean?" she asked as she stepped onto the elevator

"It means that according to the tests, you're no longer HIV positive; you've developed full-blown AIDS!" Her breath stopped and her arms fell limp to her sides, her phone slipping from her hand and falling to the floor. She stood motionless, speechless, not even blinking as a tear made its way down her face. From where her phone had landed, her doctors voice continued to call out to her.

Miss Novak… Miss Novak… Miss Novak, are you there? Miss Novak…


Was it good for you too? Reviews are love and the faster you leave it, the faster I update, so let's have a love-fest! See you guys in chapter 8… Shit gets real!

A/N Much thanks to the reviewer who noticed the typo I made with Casey's name... 4 times, LMAO! Can't believe I did that!