Set after Season 11, Episode 24 "Shattered"
The main characters of Law and Order SVU belong to Dick Wolf and NBC Universal. This is meant for entertainment, not profit.* There are several characters I have created. I am not sure how many chapters this fan fiction story will be. I hope you enjoy, and I welcome feedback.
"Stepping Time" Chapter 38 of ?
#-#
"So tell me Benson, between Thursday evening and last night I've spent about six hours around your girlfriend," Abbie said lightheartedly as they sat on a step of the Lincoln Memorial eating sandwiches.
"Yes, is there a question," Olivia smiled looking across the National Mall towards the Washington Monument.
"So how is it that a woman as fine, as smart, as witty, and all she is, was single until you roped here-what about six months ago?" Abbie asked curiously.
"God, I'm glad you're basically married now—sounds like you're crushing on my girlfriend," Olivia joked.
"Even if I were single," Abbie started sincerely. "I wouldn't hit on your girl-we look too similar."
Olivia threw a quick elbow into Abbie's shoulder and laughed. "Great to know you have some boundaries my friend."
"So-you haven't answered my question," Abbie smiled. Olivia let out a light sigh and looked at Abbie.
"Her partner, Sheila, was in the Army too. They had been together a few years and Sheila was deployed to Afghanistan and Erin was in Iraq. She was killed in a helicopter crash over there—major mechanical failure Erin said," Olivia stated.
"That's awful," Abbie said.
"And she wasn't able to go to the funeral or anything. Had to stay in Iraq, keep commanding her battalion like nothing happened. She had a couple of friends over there that she could confide in, but…" Olivia said.
"A big part of the reason she is so passionate about DADT being repealed, I assume," Abbie said.
"Yah, she knows others have gone through similar situations and the whole policy is wrong, but especially when it comes to your partner being wounded or killed and being helpless, having no say." Olivia ran a hand through her hair and leaned back on the step. "We're going to Arlington to visit Sheila's grave and the graves of a couple soldiers she commanded when she was in Iraq later this afternoon."
Abbie slid a comforting arm around Olivia's back.
"God Abbie, I hate that she has to go back to Afghanistan," Olivia said leaning into Abbie's shoulder.
"Me too. She's a great woman and I love seeing you happy," Abbie said sincerely, rubbing Olivia's back. "Let's think positive. DADT is repealed, Erin is back in the States for good in March, and for about a year there after you'll get to see me a lot more-and oh Serena too-because you'll be down here visiting Erin."
Olivia laughed. "Yes, that was the first thing I thought when Erin told me about the possible position at the Pentagon-I'll get to see Carmichael more."
"Well, I do miss New York at times, but," Abbie said, eyes panning the Mall, "there are so many things I love about this city."
"You have been quite the ambassador for it yesterday and today," Olivia said standing up and smiling. "I could see you in 30 years in a 'lil red vest and a patriotic hat volunteering at a tourist information booth."
"Hah, as long as you make sure whichever Wal-Mart you're greeting at has enough of those red vests and hats in stock Benson, I'd be happy to pull a shift or two assisting or educating visitors to the nation's capital," Abbie smirked. "Did I give you a good enough tour that you know how to get back to your hotel? It's about time I go get my girl at the airport."
Abbie stood up and Olivia pulled her into a warm and friendly embrace.
"Thank you Carmichael. It's been great seeing you and having your ear and advice," Olivia said sincerely then stepping back slightly from the hug.
"Well remember to ask Erin about brunch tomorrow. I know Serena would love to see you and we'll make sure your woman, God I love saying Olivia's woman, eats a great meal before heading back to Army chow."
"I will," Olivia said laughing as she started to walk down the remaining steps of where they seated at the Memorial.
"And if you want to have a quickie after brunch before Erin has to go to the airport you can use the guest bedroom," Abbie grinned broadly.
"Carmichael," Olivia blushed.
"Anything to support our troops," Abbie exclaimed. "And of course our women in blue."
#-#
Erin had spent the morning and early afternoon in meetings at the Pentagon. She called Olivia at 2 p.m. to let her know they had wrapped up 30 minutes early. Rather than Erin coming back into the city to the hotel they agreed to meet at the cemetery. Olivia hopped on the Metro Blue Line and traveled the short distance to Arlington and the cemetery.
Olivia strolled along the east side of Arlington National Cemetery's Section 60, the final resting place of some from wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and many others from World War II, Korea and Vietnam. The beautiful day contrasted by the dozens of rows of white headstones spilling down a slight slope to a landscaped field accentuated by small, but growing trees.
Olivia saw Erin when she was still a good 150 yards away from Sheila's grave site. Erin was sitting in front of the white headstone and Olivia slowed her steps and walked until she was behind Erin, but separated by two rows of headstones. She stood quietly until she saw the spasms and shakes of Erin's upper body through her ACU jacket and heard the sobs of her grief.
Olivia padded softly to Erin and took a seat next to her on the ground, wrapping a comforting arm around her back.
"Thanks," Erin breathed, dabbing at her tears with a handkerchief. "I probably wouldn't be such a mess if I had arrived 10 minutes later. That service over there," she said pointing down the hill, "well I was walking behind it when the bugler started Taps."
"Erin I don't want you to feel you should or need to hide your emotions from me," Olivia said gently, squeezing Erin's shoulder.
Erin nodded. "I was just telling Sheila that Afghanistan is maybe a little less of a fucking mess than she experienced- -that was after I told her about you-that you make me happy-that she was right, I could and should go on and have love again."
"I agree," Olivia smiled slightly. "And-I think we would both agree that you should take that position at the Pentagon if it happens. Senator Rushing is right you're the ultimate soldier and person for it."
"And you would be okay with it if an occasional story included you, us as a couple, if requested?" Erin asked softly.
"Occasional," Olivia smirked. "Erin, I would never ask you to sacrifice something you are so passionate about and rightfully so. I'm proud to be your girlfriend and I love you," Olivia said looking into Erin's deep brown eyes.
"I love you too," Erin said. She reached into her attaché and pulled out a small American flag on a wood pole and twisted the bottom of the pole into the ground until it was secured upright in front of Sheila's grave. "C'mon," Erin said. "Three more flags to place and then we can do whatever you want."
"What I want right now is to hold your hand as we walk, but I know I can't because you're in uniform," Olivia said softly.
#-#
"Oh Lord," Erin mumbled hearing the shrill ring of the hotel phone. "No way was that four hours of sleep already."
Olivia picked up the receiver and abruptly hung it back up as she heard the automated wake-up call begin.
"It was," Olivia mumbled looking at the clock.
"God, I wish we could just stay in bed until I have to go to the airport," Erin said pressing her naked body into Olivia's.
"Me too," Olivia smiled. "But I think we should cash in Abbie's spare bedroom quickie offer after brunch."
"Definitely," Erin smiled. "Last evening, last night, after midnight was wonderful, but I need and want more of you," she said trailing kisses down Olivia's neck and shoulder.
"I really don't want you to stop," Olivia gasped as Erin's lips and tongue teased a hardened nipple. "But if you don't, you're going to be late for the breakfast and since Senator Rushing is going to be there I really don't want the wrath of TJ again.
"He's ordered to like you now," Erin chuckled gazing up into brown eyes as she rested her chin between Olivia's breasts. "Less than six months hopefully and we can spend many Sundays in bed," Erin mused as she pushed out from under the covers and off the bed."
"Well, I do think we have time to conserve some shower water together, since I am headed to Abbie and Serena's when you check out," Olivia smiled and followed Erin to the bathroom.
#-#
Abbie knocked lightly on the guest bedroom door. "Hey Erin, the taxi should be here in about 10 minutes."
"Thanks Abbie," Erin replied.
"I better get up and put my boots on," Erin said kissing the top of Olivia's head as they snuggled, now fully clothed on the bed.
"I should just go to the airport with you," Olivia said, drawing an arched eyebrow from Erin.
"Babe, I appreciate that but it doesn't make much sense, you'll just be sitting around the airport two extra hours. Besides you can stay here and spend more time with Abbie and Serena and wash these sheets before your flight," Erin smiled.
"True," Olivia laughed. "Must be good houseguests." Olivia pressed her lips to Erin's once more and the kiss quickly intensified as their tongues tangled and tasted once more.
"I love you Olivia Benson," Erin said after finally breaking the kiss. "Fearlessness."
"I love you too Erin "Hot Texan" Mathison," Olivia smiled as she stepped off the bed and extended an arm to pull Erin up.
They walked out of the bedroom together and Erin plopped on the floor next to the front door and began lacing up her boots. Abbie and Serena were sitting on the small sofa near the front door.
"Thank you so much you two," Erin said sincerely to Abbie and Serena.
"You just stay safe and pop us an e-mail when you can," Abbie replied and Serena nodded.
"Abbie just remember they can monitor her e-mails," Olivia said seriously.
"Damn Benson," Abbie laughed. "I won't send any porn 'til DADT is repealed."
"I think I trust you Carmichael," Erin laughed as they heard the two quick honks of a car horn.
Olivia wrapped her arms around Erin once more, kissing her on her neck and whispering "Fearlessness."
"Fearlessness," Erin replied, squeezing Olivia tightly and placing a quick kiss on her lips.
Olivia walked with Erin down the driveway to the taxi and they hugged one more time before Erin slid into to the backseat of the taxi and waved goodbye.
#-#
Abbie was standing at the front when Olivia walked back in. She pulled Olivia into a hug and then handed her a beer.
"Schnapps, vodka or tequila, Liv?" Serena asked. "We're toasting Erin."
"Peach schnapps?" Olivia asked.
"Yep," Serena smiled.
The three women sat and talked and downed a few beers each until Olivia's taxi arrived.
"We really could have taken you to the airport and Erin too," Serena said.
"Well at least the government was paying Erin's fare," Abbie cracked.
"Abbie you were right," Olivia started, before Abbie interrupted. "Did you hear that honey? Benson just said I was right."
"Jesus," Olivia sighed and smiled. "You can't even be serious long enough to let me finish a compliment. Anyway, I should have called to let you know I would be here-but I'm so thankful that you were at Barney's Thursday and everything since then."
"Me too," Abbie said. "We need to do a better job of staying in touch."
"Seriously Olivia," Serena interjected. "Abbie can work some crazy hours, but now that I'm in private practice mine usually are pretty consistent. Please call. I know you worry about her over there, so don't try to handle it all yourself. You have enough stress with your job."
"Thanks Serena," Olivia smiled. "I have gotten a lot better with not keeping everything pent up inside me."
#-#
Olivia dozed off on the short flight back to New York. When she arrived at her apartment she quickly glanced through the four days of mail that had accumulated in her box and then sunk into the couch, turned the TV on and booted up her laptop.
Erin was scheduled to land in Munich in about two hours and then she had to catch a regional flight to Landstuhl before eventually flying to Kabul on a military plane from Ramstein Air Base. She knew that Erin would call at least once from Germany and hoped that she could stay awake until she did. She scoured through her e-mails and was a bit surprised to not find one from Alex. They had been e-mailing rather frequently the first week or so that Alex had been there.
"Duh Liv," Olivia said out loud. "You haven't e-mailed her in five, six days, what do you expect?"
Olivia grabbed her cell phone and called Casey.
"Hey Liv, you back home?" Casey answered.
"Yes, you have a good memory," Olivia said.
"Well Jeff is over here and has been since this afternoon. Erin called him from the airport. You made her a very happy woman Olivia," Casey said gleefully.
"I love her, I really do," Olivia said.
"Please, tell me you're not going to add a but to that," Casey said sternly.
"No, I'm not. I just don't like that I'm going to hurt Alex. I didn't want to hurt either of them," Olivia sighed.
"I know. Hey, I talked to Angie on Thursday and they were headed to that three-day safari in Zambia they were on the waiting list for. Somebody cancelled so they were just about to fly on some tiny plane to Kapinga Camp in Zambia's Kafue National Park."
"Really," Liv said. "I guess that's why Alex has been out of touch."
"I got an e-mail from Angie yesterday," Casey replied. "She said it is amazing there. They've taken a ton of pictures and are having a blast. Oh, and they should be back in New York this Saturday rather than the following Tuesday."
"Good, I worry about her when she's down there and as much as I am dreading the conversation, I need to talk to her in person about Erin and me when she gets back."
"You do," Casey said. "Listen Liv, I'm glad you are back home and definitely want to talk some more, but Jeff leaves for six days to a conference in the morning…"
"No problem," Olivia said sincerely. "Maybe we could do dinner sometime this week."
"Off the top of my head," Casey started. "Wednesday night or Saturday during the day or early evening is open for me."
"Okay," Olivia said. "I'll call you."
Olivia awoke on the couch around 3 a.m. and reached for her phone on the coffee table.
Just made it to Ramstein. Get to crash out in quarters for a few hours before flight to Kabul. Didn't want to wake you. Fearlessness.
She typed back a quick text and then headed off to bed.