AN: HOPE YOU LIKE IT.
DISCLAIMER: L&O SVU AND ITS CHARACTERS ARE NOT MINE.
CH26
Elliot feels the movement in the mattress and doesn't even bother opening his eyes knowing that it is his little son, surely about to wake up, who is making it. Elli moves somewhat sleepy putting his feet up to his father's face. Not many minutes passed before the child opens his eyes sitting in the bed inspecting the place. He soon remembers where he slept and his face lights up with a sleepy smile.
Elliot listens as the child gets off the bed and his light footsteps moves away to the door; he listens how Elli works to achieve it open and as he leaves the room. Elli walks up to the first window he finds fighting with the curtains and trying to peer outside. Standing on tiptoe he looks outside making sure that it was daylight. Once he does he goes back to the room where he has left his father.
Elliot is already hiding under the covers knowing that his son would go to wake him up at any time. Elli goes up to bed with difficulty and slides on it looking for Elliot's hidden face, not finding it he conforms with the ear where he decides to whisper.
"It's morning." He announces waiting him to awake. "Daddy, seriously it is already morning." Elliot just moves a little and fakes a loud snore that makes the child chuckle. "Wakey wakey!"
"Let me sleep." Elliot asks him with his early-morning hoarse and raspy voice.
"But it's morning." Elli complains trying to stand on the mattress finding it difficult with that enormous pajama shirt he had slept on. "Err ... the dress." He complains once he is standing.
Elliot spies through a hole between the covers discovering his son taking the shirt off and leaving only with his underwear.
"And Olivia?" Elli asks with a tone a little louder this time. "Dad?"
"Mmm ... She should be in her bedroom." He replies putting his head under the pillow. The small kid, to see that he has failed to wake up his father, decides to get out of bed again and leaves the room. Elliot then decides to uncover himself and observes to where his son plans to go. By listening how he strives to open a second door he guesses his destination.
"Elli!" He tries calling him softly. "Don't wake her up." He rushed up to see the child in underwear sneak into the room. "Elliot Jr.!" He calls him by full name without success.
Paying attention he tries to listen if Olivia complains but before he can enter the room the child gets out with an upset expression. "She's not in there." Elli informs him walking out the room.
Elliot rubs his eyes a bit and lets out a big yawn before daring to peek into the room where he finds no one. He turns towards her bathroom's door but it is open and the light is off.
"You let her go again." Elliot turns to meet the child's angry expression. "Why?" he babbles.
"Elli, this is her department I did not ... Agh!" He doesn't even try to explain his son because in fact he doesn't even know where Olivia is. He decides to walk to the kitchen listening to his little son's steps after him. "Maybe she needed to go out or something ..." and then he notices a sheet of paper taped to the refrigerator with a magnet. He recognizes Olivia's handwriting so he decides to read the note:
'Elliot, I received a call from the station and had to leave. I didn't want to wake you. Please eat something for breakfast. Tell Elli not to be angry, I'll see him soon. I left a copy of the key on the living room's table; close the door when you leave.
Sorry. '
"Ahm ... She had to work, Elli." Elliot explains to the child taking the note and giving it to the little guy.
"I can't read." He says to his father with his expression still annoying.
"You are learning, try to." Elliot tells him encouragingly opening the refrigerator's door looking for something to eat.
"It's difficult." Elli continues, watching the sheet of paper in his hands. "Here says my name!" He expresses immediately excited to recognize the letters that spell his name. "That's easy. The rest says ... Ahm ... it says she's working." The child surrenders and repeats the information given by his father.
"Told you." Elliot says, smiling and knowing beforehand that the child laziness will give him the reason that would do it easier.
"And when will we see her again?" he asks as a yawn gets out of his mouth.
"I don't know." Elliot answers with sincerity while turning on the stove and putting the pan on it.
"Scrambled egg is okay?"
"Eggs? Again?" The blond boy complains preferring pancakes today.
"Yeah underwear-man, eggs again." Elliot replied mocking his outfit.
"Hey! I'm more comfortable." He explains stretching his little arms in the air to place them on his neck. "And Olivia is not here to see me." Elliot just laughs at his child's logic knowing that actually he would be more comfortable in underwear too.
Soon the two are eating breakfast when they hear a few knocks on the door. Elliot decides to get up a little hesitant and peeks through the peephole.
"Who is it?" Ell questions to not recognize the person in the other side.
"I have a delivery for Miss Benson." A young man's voice is heard. Elliot opens the door and is surprised to see a huge flower ornament.
"She is not here." He says with a somewhat annoying tone.
"Can you receive them?" The young man asks embarrassed.
"Errr ... I don't think there's a problem." He answers receiving the flowers. The young guy only gives him a pen and tells where to sign as delivered and then disappear.
"You bought her flowers?" Elli asks sitting in one of the high chairs.
"No, I didn't." He answers placing the array on the coffee table. He cannot stand the curiosity and decides to look for the small card reading who has sent them.
'For a remarkable woman. You are not alone. '
But it comes with no name. Elliot can't avoid the sudden jealousy and immediately starts thinking about who they might be from. Does the rookie detective really have feelings for her?
- DECISIONS -
"These TV shows." Munch complains leaving the interrogation room. "They have been taught to ask for his lawyer as soon as they can." He babbles wincing in disgust.
"I doubt she would have said something." Amanda says while reading the folder in her hands. "She has been over fifteen years dedicating to kidnap children."
Olivia nods agreeing with her blond partner. If they want to get more information they will have to dig deeper into what happened.
"Hey! You won't believe what we found." Odafin enters the hall with a triumphant smile on his face followed by Nicholas who continues giving them the information they have obtained.
"It turns out we found an adoption agency in New Jersey that has the exact information of three of the children we found." He informs them giving an envelope with the information to Munch.
"Did she adopt them?" Olivia asks really getting into the case.
"So it seems. But she used a different ID." Odafin continues the explanation. "And this has brought us even further." He moves to a computer connected to the screens to show them the new information. "It turns out that this woman has more than 13 names nationwide and four in Europe." Everyone watch surprised to the multiple credentials that appear on the screen, all with the photo of the suspect but from different states and with different information.
"There are more children than those we found?" Olivia immediately asks intuiting that she might use all the ID's for the same porpoise.
"Yes." Nicholas answers by pressing a button to bring up the photos of the children found. "But these children have not been abused. Instead, they were adopted or rather sub-adopted by other families."
" Could it be that this information is false?" Amanda captures everyone's attention. "I mean, have you gone to see if these children really are with these families?"
"Well, we were only able to visit two of them." Amaro answers.
"They are fine. We contact other families who live in different states so give them a visit will not be easy." Odafin continues trying to finish the explanation.
"Then, why do you think some children adopted by her have been placed in good homes and others have been used for sex trafficking?" The captain asks having listened carefully to the information.
"That is what we have to find out." Nicholas responds.
"She already asked for her lawyer."
"We still can make her take it back." Amanda says smartly. "We can let her know that we found the other children and make her believe we can offer a deal if the information she gives us leads somewhere." They all nod knowing that it is the easier option they have.
"Okay. Amaro and Rollins, get in there and see if you can achieve something before the lawyer arrives." The captain gives the order to the young detectives hoping they can act a good scene to convince her.
"Good cop or bad cop?" Amanda asks Amaro while both walk towards the interrogation room.
"Good." Nicolas answers with a twisted smile. Olivia watches them and cannot avoid the feeling of sadness that pervades her. She remembers when those days when they were Elliot and she doing that plan, when they were so young, novice as those two detectives. Involuntarily she lets a sigh out from the bottom of her chest calling Cragen's attention, who immediately knows what goes through her mind.
"You two, get in touch with the other families and ask for the children. If they have adopted them leaping the law it won't be easy. Let them see that the only thing we care about is the well being of these children." The captain continues with the order addressing Munch and Fin. Olivia is silent waiting for her order.
"You, come to my office please." He asks her walking towards the door with his name on it. Olivia makes a face before following him with doubt remembering that time when he asked the same thing only to announce Elliot's departure. She enters the place not knowing what to do.
"Shut the door." He asks with a quiet voice. She does feel a hole in the stomach guessing what is all this about.
"Is everything okay?" Liv asks looking him in the eye.
"Yes. Sit." He asks her politely pointing out one of the chairs next to a round table in a corner of the office, rather than those facing the desk. Olivia does and watches as the man sits in another chair next to her; taking a place not like her boss, but as an equal.
"What happened?" She asks somewhat anxious to know.
"Liv, you know that I am aware of everything that is happening to you." She closes her eyes and sighs not liking much the theme Donald is heading so she just nods. Until then he had not spoken much. But she knew that at some point he would. "And I stayed away because I know you well."
"And you don't know how much I appreciate it." She takes the opportunity to let him know that she wants it to stay that way.
"But I want you to know I'm on the lookout for you. We all are. And whatever it is the decision you make you will not be alone." his hand taking hers as a way to reinforce his words. "You never will be."
Olivia's eyes immediately get flooded with tears and a lump appears in her throat. "I know, thank you." She answers with difficulty.
"Anything, Olivia, here I am." He continues his voice also been affected. "You know you're like a daughter to me. I'm here not only like your captain, but also like your father, Olivia." He says warmly daring to put into words what they both always known. From the moment she accepted him, he adopted her in his heart, and so it will be forever.
Olivia nods and fight the tears that threaten to leave her eyes. She takes Donald's hand patting it in acceptance. "I'll be fine." She says while looking at the fear in his eyes. Fear that she knows well.
- / / / Decisions \ \ \ -
A week later.
"Elli! Stop playing and help!" Richard Stabler yells at his little brother who's running thrilled by the large garden of the house.
"But I've already put in my suitcase!" He complains while running in circles.
"Elizabeth! By the thousandth time, can you bring your suitcase?" Kathy screams getting out of the house with a large suitcase.
"Let me help you." A young man says taking the suitcase from her hands to take it to the car. George, Kathy's new husband, is a young doctor she met at work. Yes, much younger than her. A good man.
"Thank you love." Kathy thanks him getting back into the house.
"I'm not sure everything will fit in." Richard complains watching the trunk of the van.
"You just have to accommodate all." George says leaving the bags on the floor. Richard makes a gesture of disgust.
"So you do it then." He complains from getting away of the car and starts running to the youngest of his brothers who decides to run away from him.
"Come here you little dwarf!" He yells while watching the child running away into the street. "Don't cross it!" He orders Elli getting him sidetracked his way avoiding the street. The kid continues running excited on the sidewalk toward the neighbors' house. "Got yah!" Richard finally reaches his brother and rises him in the air making him laugh. "You have to help." He said walking back to the house putting the body of the kid over his shoulder letting his head hang down his back.
"But I already help!" Elli complains moving in his big brother's arms trying to release without accomplishing much. His movements are stopped at the moment the sound of a motorcycle is listened. Immediately he raises his blond head and looks around in the street to see his father come on the big Harley.
"Dad!" He shouts excited. "Dad! Save me!" Richard turns to see his father pass through the street to the front of the house.
"Hey!" Richard says once Elliot removes his helmet. "I'm glad you've come."Elliot smiles him glad to see his elder boy.
"Let me go you butt face!" Elli requires moving harder. Richard agrees dropping him gently on the grass.
"Babe! Elliot is here!" George yells into the house. "Hello." He kindly greets Elliot.
"Hello." Elliot answers serious before directing his attention to the small kid running directly toward him. "What's up buddy!" He greets Elli placing his hand up to receive a hi five from his little hand.
"What are you doing here?" Elli asks him with eyes full of doubt. "It's not weekend yet."
"I came to deliver some photos to your mother." Then Kathy appears and walks towards them with a look of anguish.
"Hello." She says. "I'm sorry to make you come." She says sincerely. "But Maureen will kill me if I don't take these photos today."
"Hello… No problem." Elliot responds by pulling an envelope from inside his leather jacket. "I brought all I found."
"Dad!" Elizabeth appears in the main entrance of the door and greets him excitedly. She drops the enormous pink suitcase that she had on hand to run toward his father. "How are you?!" She asks really interested in knowing the answer. She has not seen her old man in a month and a half been to busy at school and with her social life.
"Hey princess!" Elliot greets his daughter giving her a big hug. "I'm fine. And you? How are the finals going?" He asks letting her know that he is aware of her life.
"Well ... not bad." She says without much encouragement. "I really need my vacations with my dad."
"Elli! Get away from that thing!" Kathy tells her child who is fascinated watching the large motorcycle. "Why did you bring that here." She complains babbling.
"Let's not start with that." Elliot answers reluctantly.
"you didn't bring Liv?" Elli asks calling everyone's attention.
"Ahm ... No." Elliot replies somewhat uncomfortable for the looks given by his children and ex-wife.
"Ash ... I haven't seen her." The child complains without realizing anything.
"Auntie Livie? Maureen told us that you have talk to her again." Elizabeth announces to her father letting him know they are aware of HIS life. "You gave her the invitation? Is she coming?"
"Yes I gave it. I'm not sure if she will be able to go." Ell answered truthfully. He couldn't see Olivia again after the past weekend and has only spoken to her a few times on the phone. She has promised to tell that night if she can or not.
"Elizabeth can you come and lift your suitcase please?" Kathy orders her pointing the pink suitcase at the entrance of the house. "You have to upload the dresses at the end so thatthey do not crease; and take Kathleen's suitcase."
"I'm going for it." George announces entering the house. Elliot rushes to help her daughter raise her suitcase in the truck.
"Did you package your entire closet?" Elliot teases her. Kathy tries to accommodate those already in the car and gets the pink suitcase some space.
"And… how is Olivia?" She asks trying to sound casual. She is really interested in this information as far as she knows after what had happened to Elliot things didn't finished very well between them.
"Ahm ... fine." Elliot replies dryly without wanting to give too much information. "You don't mind if she goes, do you?"
"Of course not. Elliot, there's no reason why it should bother me." Kathy answers somewhat annoyed by the aggression in her ex husband's voice.
"Here's the other suitcase." George appears with what seems to be the last bag.
"And kathleen?" Elliot asks noticing the absence of his daughter.
"She leaves a week ago." George explains it. Elliot nods smiling, remembering how his daughters were so animated with all the wedding preparations.
"Is everyone ready?! Elli, I want you to go to the bathroom before we left. Richard, can you check that all windows are closed please. Elizabeth, unplug all the electrical appliances. George, we only re missing the three dresses." Kathy gets everyone into action. "Elliot, do not forget to wear the suit neatly pressed. Please don't even think on appearing on that thing." She asks pointing the motorcycle making Elliot to roll his eyes. "It's dangerous. Believe it or not I worry about you. And we do not want everyone noticing the bride's father midlife crisis."
"Enough." Elliot asks her feeling annoyed. He walks to the entrance of the house looking for his children.
"Kids! I'm leaving!" He announces from the doorway. The first to appear is Elli who comes out of the bathroom drying her hands. "Flush it." And he goes back in to pull the toilet's chain.
"I will not forget again." He promises running to his father who raises him in arms.
"See you there, okay?"
"Yep." Elizabeth and Richard are ready to go. Elliot says goodbye to them with a big hug before leaving. George makes sure to close the door. Everyone up to the truck each listing the things they are supposed to bring. Elliot helps the small one to sit in his seat before closing the door.
"Drive carefully, those are my kids." He says George with an expression full of seriousness before he starts the car ready to go.
-/ / - Decisions - \ \-
The next day morning Elliot went to his classes at school waiting impatiently for departure time. Once his classes end he goes straight to his house to take a quick shower and get ready his suitcase. Olivia has already confirmed that she can take off for the weekend and have agreed to drive together. News that has greatly encouraged Elliot. No denying that he is nervous about the wedding and ultimately Olivia's presence will give the calm he needs.
Elliot has everything ready at home and should only wait for her to arrive. They have agreed to take the her car because it is, in her opinion, much more comfortable than his small Chevy or lil 'car as Elli calls it. He is lying on the sofa in his living room with his suitcase ready at the door. He hadn't stopped thinking about that flower arrangement he received for her but he do not dare to ask. The jealous male Stabler appears though it is not something new; but this time he can accept his jealousy without guilt. And, although he doesn't really think that the rookie detective can be competition with him he has already come up with a plan for the weekend hopping she agrees. Maybe he can get to discover if the flowers were actually from the young detective or if it is someone else he should worry about.
Soon he hears the distinguishable motor of the mustang parked outside his home. He is quick to get up and opens the door to find the car top down and a smiling Olivia who hails from the driver's seat. Ell is quick, takes his suitcase and his suit, ensures to have everything he needs and closes the door of the house with two keys. He walks to the car and watches as Olivia gets off retiring her ray-ban glasses.
"Are you ready?" She asks with a smile. Elliot doesn't answer with words but rather he just nods before coming to her and steals a little kiss from her lips. Olivia freezes and is speechless while he handles to put his suitcase in the back seat. He turns to her to find a grimace of disapproval.
"What?" Ell asks trying to hide his grin. He loves how nervous she gets when he kisses her out of nowhere. And indeed he has missed her. They have not put in words what is happening between them but he really don't need words to express what he feels.
"You are taking a lot of freedom with this, Stabler." She complains remembering the kisses he has already stolen her and not thinking in which she has stolen him.
"I missed you." He says coming back to her personal space, daring to be flirty with her immediately feeling the strangeness in the air.
"Err ...me too." Liv answers trying to follow his game without much success.
"Does it bother you?" He asks moving slightly backwards.
"A little. I don't… ahm, I don't really know what we are doing and..." She is interrupted again by his lips.
"Tell you what." Elliot says seeing her in the eye. "Let's not put words in this." He asks after that she nods. It has always been like this between them. Speaking of complicated things is not easy for them. It has never been easy and it will never be. "I have no idea what is happening either but I feel good for the first time in months. A weekend let's just forget about Stabler and Benson… lets be Elliot and Olivia. ok?"
"Eventually..." She says leaning back in her car. "You've lost your head." She mocks trying to hide her nervousness. So many years trying to keep that barrier between them and now it seems to be completely nonexistent. She is afraid ... A lot. In addition, there is a flower ornament among her living room which has entrusted to complicate her life even more. She knows that Elliot was who received them and is sure that the situation pursues him as it pursues her. A situation that has to be solved soon.
"Okay then forget it." Elliot answers for her. "Give me the keys, Benson." He asks stretching his right hand.
"What? You really are crazy if you think I'll let you drive my BABY." She answers with a laugh mocking at how Elliot calls his motorcycle.
"You are making fun of me right?" He says without much encouragement
"Noooo! How can you believe that." She replies with a sarcastic tone. "Get in it's getting late." She orders as she opens her own door and gets up in the driver's side.
"The stubborn Benson." Elliot babbles saying the nickname he has given her since he met her. She just laughs and puts her sunglasses back. She turns to see him and with her right hand s points out the passenger seat giving him a smile.
"Come on!" She says starting the engine. Elliot rolls his eyes and shakes his head slightly before circling the vehicle. He gets on the Mustang without opening the door jumping up and when he lands into his seat he complains.
"I'm too old for a convertible." He says massaging his back.
"And for a motorcycle." Olivia tells him mockingly. She takes the shifter moving it but before starting to move she turns to see Elliot with a twisted smile. "One weekend?" She says repeating his proposal what makes him smile from ear to ear.
"One weekend, forget about all the problems one weekend." He says encouragingly. She is silent for a couple of seconds thinking about it.
"One weekend." She accepts removing the brake and stepping in the accelerator pedal. She must accept that it is not a bad idea to get away from their problems for a couple of days. So this is how they are headed to the Hamptons with a good weekend waiting for them.
AN: THANKS FOR READING! LET ME KNOW YOUR GUESSES… :)