29. Hero Of The Day

Brian was into his Captain's office.

"You did good work with the arrest."

"I did the best I could, Captain."

"And you put another's man life in danger."

"I know it was really risky to have Detective Stabler as bait. I am responsible for his injury."

"You know I can't oversee that."

"Yes, Captain."

"Cassidy, that case has worn you out. Take two weeks off. You took some risks and that was ballsy, indeed, but you crossed the lines. You know the rules."

"Of course I do. And I never meant to have any victim."

"Two weeks leave and two weeks desk."

"I'll take it, Captain."

"By the way, you're the hero of the day, Cassidy. Everyone talks about you. You're in the news. Go now, get some rest."

When he got out of the office, James was waiting for him.

"Hey, Jimbo!"

"Brian, you were great."

"Actually, I did nothing. It was Elliot who did the job. And he got shot and he suffered. I just sent the bastard at hospital."

"Olivia called, he's out of danger. And Thorpe is in ICU."

"I have to see Elliot."

"You never gave up, you were determined to nail him."

"You know what? I was so tired, but he stabbed my partner. I couldn't let him get away with it."

"Brian?"

Casey got in the squadroom and urged to hug him.

"Thank you."

"You don't have to thank me, Casey. I did my job."

"Now I know who killed my husband and I feel safe. Maybe I'll be able to sleep at night."

"Casey, do you want to drink a coffee? Together?"

"Yes. I have an hour to go to the Court."

"Great. Let me grab my coat."

Elliot felt his head heavy.

"Hey, there.", Olivia was on his bedside.

"Liv? You're here!"

"Kathy and the children were here, I sent them home."

"I'm so glad you're standing next to me."

"Baby, I'll always be next to you."

"Have I ever told you how beautiful you were in our wedding day?"

"Your eyes told me so."

"I love you."

"Me too. I was afraid I would lose you…again! You know, I missed so much my friend, my partner… I missed everything about you."

" I want to be with you again. With our child in our apartment. I can't sleep in that mattress. I hate that apartment in Alphabet City."

"It's awful and pathetic.", she laughed.

"Baby, I can't laugh! What about Thorpe?"

"Brian shot him in the chest. He's critical."

"He belongs in prison."

"He won't hurt us anymore.", she bent to kiss him.

"Am I interrupting?", Brian said standing in the doorway.

"Brian, come in. Thanks for all."

"I did nothing, Elliot."

"Guys, I leave you alone. I heard that they make delicious sandwiches at the cafeteria. See you later.", Olivia said and left smiling.

"You know, what, Stabler? I used to know a guy who told me about women and we had some beers together at O'Malley's. I admired him. I thought that he was cool. A great cop, a family man… Dude, I really liked that guy!"

"It must be a long since the last time you drank a beer together."

"Hell yeah! It was a dozen years ago. Elliot, I wanted to be like you."

"You did much better than me."

"Last night, it was the first time I felt like you. I tried to act like you would."

"You took your chances."

"You are the real hero. Anyways, I'm glad you're alive and kicking! And I see that everything is ok between you and Olivia."

"Yeah, and we lived happilly ever after!"

"I caused a hell of a lot of mess. I'm sorry."

He headed to the exit.

"Hey, what about those beers?",Elliot said.

Brian grinned and left.