Disclaimer: SVU and its characters belong to Dick Wolf. I own nothing.
Friday passed in a blur for Elliot. For the first time since he'd begun the Partial program, he could honestly say that he hadn't been paying attention. Even just two short weeks ago, when he'd been so excited for his weekend away with Olivia, he'd still been able to focus. Not today. All he could think about was the clock reaching three and going home. Then it would only take him a few minutes to freshen up and get ready for his date with Olivia.
The one positive of the day that kept his mind in the present was that Nathan had returned. His friend had spent two and a half weeks on the inpatient unit, and undergone a medication change, but was doing much better. They'd had a conversation at lunch where the other man had tried to apologize, but Elliot had insisted it wasn't necessary. The other thing Nathan had wanted to do was meet up with Elliot this weekend. He was understanding however, when Elliot told him he would be with his children. Instead, the two men made plans to go out and watch a game one evening after group the following week. Nathan even invited Olivia along.
Now, it was just a little after three, and he was just arriving back at the apartment. Using his keys to open the door, he let himself inside.
"Liv? I'm back. I just need about fifteen minutes, then I'll be ready to leave."
"Don't rush yourself, Elliot. We have plenty of time."
Olivia's voice called out to him from her bedroom. He figured she was still getting ready herself, so he knew she was speaking the truth when she'd said that they had time. Stepping into his room, which he had barely been using since Olivia had been hurt, he made sure everything was still set out on the bed from this morning that he planned to wear. Then he headed for the bathroom to take a quick shower and freshen up a bit.
Five minutes later, he was in his room dressing. Knowing that they weren't going anywhere that required a dress code, he had opted not to wear a suit and tie. Instead he had chosen a nice pair of slacks and a button down shirt. Picking his wallet and phone up from their spot on the bed, he slipped them into his pocket and turned off the lights.
He met Olivia in the living room, and as it always happened lately, her beauty took his breath away. Like him, she had also opted to dress simply. She was wearing a pair of dark black pants and a blouse that had cutouts showing off her shoulders. He wasn't about to leave without paying her a compliment.
"You look beautiful, Liv."
"Thank you. You look very nice, too."
He held her jacket for her so she could slip her arms in the sleeves, unable to resist placing a small kiss on the nape of her neck after he pulled her hair out from under her collar. Taking her hand in his, he led the way out the door.
When they'd spoken earlier today, they'd agreed to go to the movie first, then go to dinner after. It didn't take Elliot too long to reach the theater, and as soon as he had parked, he hurried around to the other side of the car. By the time he'd gotten there, Olivia already had her door open, but she still accepted the offer of his hand to help her out of the vehicle. Hand in hand, they made their way into the theater together.
After stopping to get their tickets, Elliot led Olivia to the refreshment stand. She declined his invitation to buy them some popcorn, not wanting to spoil her appetite for dinner, but did agree to share a drink with him. They waited in line for only a few minutes, then headed to get their seats. The movie was just about to start when Elliot realized that he had yet to let go of her hand. Logically, he knew that if Olivia wanted to, she could have pulled free of his grasp at any time. He wasn't holding on to her that tightly. Still, he felt the need to ask for reassurance. Squeezing her fingers gently in his own, he prompted her to look at him.
"Is this okay?"
She didn't answer verbally, but rewarded him with a smile and a nod that told him all that he needed to know. In addition, she rested her head against his shoulder as the lights dimmed and the previews began to play out on screen.
They sat that way in the dark for the next ninety minutes. Their hands were entwined, and Olivia's head was so relaxed against him that there were times he wondered if she'd fallen asleep. Elliot sincerely hoped that she wouldn't ask him anything about the movie during dinner, because truth be told, he hadn't been paying attention. What he had noticed was everything about her – the soft scent of her perfume, the way the skin of her palm had felt against his. He'd spent so much of his time since he'd left the squad lost in his own mind, but now he wanted nothing more than to be aware of every moment he shared with her. He was pulled back to the present by a light pressure squeezing against his fingers. Looking to his right, he saw Olivia looking at him with a curious expression on her face. He also noticed that the lights had come back up and the screen was blank again.
"Are you all right, Elliot? If you're not feeling well, you should have said something. I would have understood. We can just go and get Eli then go home, if you'd rather."
He let go of her hand, only so he could cup her face in both of his palms. Kissing her once softly on the lips, he pulled back to look her in the eye. Shaking his head emphatically, he gave her his answer.
"No, Liv, I don't need to go home. There is nowhere I'd rather be than out with you right now."
She nodded her acceptance, and stood, offering her hand to him once more.
"Then lets go. You still owe me dinner, and I'm starving."
They arrived to the restaurant, and were met with only a small line in front of them waiting for tables. Elliot went to the hostess stand and put their name in, then joined Olivia on a bench along the wall while they waited. They had been given an invitation to wait in the bar, but since neither of them were going to be drinking tonight, the option didn't really appeal to them.
Since they had a few minutes before their table would be ready, Olivia excused herself for a moment so she could use the restroom. She had just disappeared from his field of vision when his phone rang. Checking the display quickly, Elliot noticed that the caller was Kathy.
"Hello?"
It was difficult to keep the anxiety from showing in his voice, especially since he was supposed to see her in just a few hours when he picked up Eli. Though he'd learned plenty of coping skills and was getting so much better at putting them to use, he couldn't help but worry. What if something was wrong with one of the kids? Kathy immediately calmed him with her first words.
"Hello, Elliot. Don't worry, everything is fine."
He felt himself relax almost instantly, and he was back to the calm mood he'd been in before he'd received the call. Still, he was curious as to what was going on.
"I'm sorry to bother you while you are out with Olivia, but I had an idea. Why don't you text me when you two are done with your date, and I'll bring Eli to the apartment? That way you won't have to drive round trip."
"I appreciate that, Kath, really I do, but then you'll be the one driving round trip."
There was a lengthy pause, and he wondered for the briefest of moments if their phone call had somehow been disconnected. Then, Kathy was speaking again.
"It's no trouble, Elliot. Besides, I'm meeting up with a few friends in the city later tonight. It will be easier for me to bring Eli to you."
"All right, Kathy. I'll let you know when we are leaving the restaurant. Thank you."
They said their goodbyes, then he ended the call. As he hung up, he noticed that Olivia was standing by his side, ready to sit next to him once more.
"Is everything okay with the kids?"
"Yeah, Liv. The plans have just changed a little, that's all. Kathy will be bringing Eli to the apartment and dropping him off."
Olivia put her hand on his shoulder and squeezed gently. She was relieved for him, as she knew how much he was looking forward to this weekend visit with not just Eli, but seeing all of his children tomorrow. She was immensely glad that nothing was going to prevent that.
Before she could say anything else, Elliot's name was called, and they were led to their table. The next few minutes were spent studying the menu and discussing what they wanted to order. When their server returned with their iced tea, they were both ready. Elliot had chosen steak for his entree, while Olivia selected the chicken cordon bleu. They each opted for a side dish of a twice baked potato and a salad to start. Then they were left alone again while they waited.
Reaching for Olivia's hand across the table, Elliot squeezed gently. He studied her face from across the table, searching for any outward signs of pain that would show him she was pushing herself too hard. He couldn't find any. Yes, he knew that her pain was still there to a degree, but it had definitely lessened. Even so, there was something he wanted to ask her.
"Liv? How did you want things to work this weekend? The sleeping arrangements, I mean."
Olivia looked puzzled for a moment at first, then her face morphed into a look of understanding. She knew he wasn't asking only because he was anxious, he was genuinely curious. Truth be told, she didn't need him in the bed with her to help her sleep any longer. However, if she truly admitted it to herself, she wanted him there. The old adage may say it takes twenty one days to form a habit, but she was already accustomed to sleeping in Elliot's arms. The last thing she wanted was to go back to sleeping alone.
"You're welcome to stay with me again, El. Let Eli have the other room all to himself."
She paused then, gnawing on her lower lip. That hadn't come out right. It wasn't what she'd meant to say at all.
"I'm sorry El, that's not what I meant."
Now it was his turn to look worried. Rather than letting go, though, he simply tightened his hold on her hand, and nodded that she should continue.
"What I should have said – what I meant to say – is that I want you to stay with me. I like that we've been sharing my bed."
His next expression was all too easy to read. The light in his eyes not only told her of his happiness at her statement, but let her know that if they weren't in public right now, he'd likely be kissing her senseless. She felt a slight shiver run through her body at the possibility. Though she was still looking forward to her dinner, she was also anxious to get back home.
Dinner had been wonderful. They had shared their entrees with one another, and even though Elliot had offered to get Olivia dessert after, she simply couldn't eat another bite. He did, however, manage to convince her to select something to bring home for later. While it likely would in no way compare to the cake they'd had in the Poconos just a few short weeks ago, she again selected a multi layered chocolate cake. This one in particular boasted a raspberry sauce that was served alongside. Knowing Olivia's sweet tooth, Elliot took care to order two desserts – not that she wouldn't share, but simply because he wanted to make her happy.
While they were waiting for their dessert to be delivered in boxes to the table, Elliot took out his phone and sent a text message to Kathy. He informed her that they would be leaving the restaurant soon, and would be back at the apartment shortly. He didn't have to wait long for a reply, letting him know that she and Eli would be leaving Queens in about fifteen minutes. That timing would work perfectly.
After they left, it was a short drive for Elliot and Olivia back to the apartment. Once there, he let them inside and set the bag containing their sweets on the counter. Before she had a chance to go anywhere, he placed his hands on her shoulders and turned her towards him.
"Thank you, Liv, for going out with me tonight. I know it wasn't even anywhere close to what you deserve -"
"El, stop. It was perfect. I had a wonderful time."
The way she was looking up at him just then let him know she was telling the truth. He remembered then, how he had felt back at the restaurant. There wasn't anything stopping him now. Moving his hands so they were curved around her nape and his thumbs were lightly caressing the pulse points on her throat, he dipped his head until his lips descended on hers.
Olivia's arms wrapped around his shoulders, and a small exhale of breath escaped her as she opened her mouth to him, allowing him to touch his tongue to hers. He felt the intensity of the kiss all the way down to his toes, and wrapped his arms around her as well so he could hold on to her tighter. Gone were all traces of worry and the fear that he would hurt her with the strength of his embrace. All he wanted was to have her as close as possible to him.
Eventually, they had to separate out of a need for oxygen, but they kept their foreheads pressed together. Each of them were seeking a connection with the other. They stayed that way for several minutes, until Olivia broke the silence.
"I'm going to go and get changed. Later, after Eli is in bed, I'll need your help with a new bandage."
Elliot could only nod. For a few blissful moments, he'd almost forgotten about the wound on her back. Now he was pulled back into reality. Still, he tried to remind himself that she wouldn't have the stitches for too much longer. Tuesday would be the two week mark of her injury, and she had a doctor's appointment scheduled for Wednesday. Unlike previous visits, this one was in the afternoon, so he'd be able to meet her for it after Partial. If all went well, the stitches would be removed in a little over five days.
Deciding to follow Olivia's lead, Elliot figured he should change into something more comfortable as well. His son would be here soon, and while parenting never came with a dress code, he'd be more free to spend time with Eli if he were wearing sweats and a tee than the dressier clothes he currently had on.
Once in the room that he'd come to think of as his own over the past couple of months, even if he hadn't been sleeping in it recently, Elliot was struck by an idea. He changed quickly, then went to knock on Olivia's door. Calling out to her, he asked the question that was foremost on his mind.
"Hey, Liv – would you mind if I kept a few things in your bedroom this weekend? So I wouldn't have to keep going in the other room while Eli is sleeping, I mean."
While he was standing there waiting for her answer, the door opened, and Olivia stood there, a smile on her face.
"You must have read my mind, El. That's what was taking me so long- I was rearranging some things so you'd have a drawer to store some things in."
He couldn't resist kissing her again. She never failed to amaze him with the depth of her generosity. Even though she was still injured, she went out of her way to take care of him. Unable to find the right words to say other than 'thank you', he simply uttered them softly to her as he placed another kiss by her ear then went to move some of his things. He had just finished with his task when there was a knock at the door. By the time he got back to the living room, Olivia was letting Kathy and Eli into the apartment.
Despite an invitation, Kathy hadn't stayed for long. She insisted that she was due to meet her friends soon, and simply had to get going. Even though the divorce proceedings were underway, that didn't deter Elliot's worry for her well being. He told her to be careful, and that if she needed anything, to call. Kathy had simply smiled and thanked him for his concern. She had also insisted she would be fine, but did allay his fears by promising to send a text when she was safely home later that night.
Eli showed some minor distress after his mother had left, but was easily calmed by his father. It seemed even Olivia's presence had helped to soothe the boy. After his few tears had dried, he sat happily between the two adults on the one sofa, engrossed in one of his favorite movies. Once the movie was over, though, it was time for his bedtime routine.
"Okay, buddy. Time for your bath, then we'll brush your teeth and get you to bed."
To Elliot's surprise, he wasn't met with any arguments. Eli did however, ask if Olivia would read him a story before he fell asleep. He looked between both adults expectantly as he awaited his answer.
"Of course I will, sweetie. You go with your dad now, and get clean, then I will read you any book you want."
Eli stood up on the sofa cushions to wrap his arms around Olivia's neck, then with her help carefully maneuvered down to the floor to follow his father into the bathroom.
A short time later, Olivia joined Eli and Elliot in the extra bedroom with the book the boy had chosen. She got on one side of the bed, propping herself up against the headboard, Elliot on the other. Eli lay in the middle between them, snuggled under the blankets. As Olivia read, his eyes began to droop slightly, but she continued on until the story reached its conclusion. By the time she had finished, Eli was sound asleep. As she and Elliot eased themselves from the bed and tiptoed quietly out of the room, they made certain to leave a bedside lamp lit on the lowest setting to serve as a nightlight. They also left the door partly ajar, so they could hear if Eli should call out at any time.
Back in the living room, Elliot hugged Olivia again. He just hadn't been able to resist wrapping his arms around her. Any time he saw her interact with one of his children, he was just so filled with love for her.
"You're so good with him, Liv. He adores you."
"I happen to think he's pretty special, too. I've always loved all your kids El, but with Eli there is something more there. I think it's because I was there when he was born."
Unable to find the words to properly convey his emotions in that moment, all he could do was hold her tighter. Perhaps that was why Eli loved Olivia so much. Maybe, in some small way, he had registered the sound of her heartbeat when she'd held him on the way to the hospital. It seems a bond was forged that day, because his youngest son loved Olivia a great deal. Shaking his head slightly to keep his thoughts from spiraling, Elliot instead relied on the skills he'd learned. He tried to focus on the positive. Eli was here, and his other children would be coming to visit tomorrow afternoon. It was going to be a good weekend. For now, though, he had Olivia to take care of.
"Now, Liv, why don't we work on getting you in the shower so I can take care of you?"
"Since when is my getting in the shower something we have to work on? Are you planning on joining me in there?"
There was no anger behind her tone at all. If anything, there was playfulness and a bit of a sultry quality to her voice. Elliot felt it hit him squarely in the gut. If he was being truly honest with himself, the feeling hit him slightly south of that target, too. He didn't know what to make of her statement. The more he studied her expression, the more he realized she wasn't joking. He decided to tease her right back.
"What if that was my plan? What would you say to that?"
As he waited for her answer, he wrapped his arms around her more securely, and placed a kiss to the tip of her nose.
"I'd say that I just might have to let you wash my back – among other things."
She kissed him then, swallowing his groan in response to her reply. When their mouths separated, he raised his hands to cup her face. Looking back and forth between her eyes, he questioned her. All teasing was put aside, his voice completely serious.
"Is this really what you want, Olivia? It's a pretty big step. If you're not sure -"
She cut him off by raising her fingertips to his lips, gently silencing him. Then she dropped her hand from his mouth only so she could cup his face like he was doing with her.
"I'm sure, Elliot."
Nothing more needed to be said. Hand in hand, they walked to the bathroom together. Elliot turned out the harsh lighting in the room in favor of using a small decorative sconce on the wall that gave the room a more muted glow. Then he turned the water on the shower head so that it could warm to the perfect temperature he had chosen.
Turning back to Olivia, he saw her watching him intently. He was about to ask her if she was still sure, but then he read the look in her eyes. It told him all he needed to know. She was waiting for him to make a move. Taking a step closer, he placed his hands at her waist, gathering the material of her shirt in his fists. Not once breaking eye contact, he started to lift the garment up and over her head. She immediately complied, raising her arms to aid with the removal of her shirt. Only when the article of clothing was cast aside on the floor did he lower his gaze.
When she had changed clothes upon arriving home, she had already removed her bra for the night. While he understood the reasoning behind it – it likely still was uncomfortable given her injuries – Elliot couldn't help but feel mildly disappointed that he wouldn't be the one to take it off. Pushing that thought aside, he focused on the view in front of him. She took his breath away. For the first time, he wasn't distracted by the remnants of bruises that still discolored her skin. All he noticed was her beauty.
Before he could make a move, or continue to undress her, it was Olivia who made a move on him. Much like he had with her, she bunched up the hem of his shirt in her hands, and lifted upward to remove it. It took a moment for the action to register, but he was able to react and lift his arms so she could tug the shirt over his head. It soon joined hers on the floor.
He stepped closer to her, kissing her intensely. Her breasts were pressed against the wall of his chest, and the steam filling the room was starting to make him feel dizzy. Elliot broke away from the kiss only so he could take a moment and return to his senses. Looking into her eyes, he saw that Olivia was dealing with the same emotions that he was.
When she gave him a nod, his hands reached for her waist to untie the drawstring of her pants and lower them. Hoping she would forgive him for his urgency, his fingers also hooked around her panties at the same time, pulling down both garments together. The only response Olivia gave him was a knowing smirk. When it was her turn, she seemed to retaliate in kind, gripping both the waistbands of his sweats and his boxers and giving a quick yank so they fell down his legs. He kicked them off his ankles until he stood in front of her completely naked. His heart was pounding from a mixture of nervousness and desire, but he wouldn't change this moment for anything. Even though he wasn't expecting anything to happen beyond their sharing this shower together, the anticipation hung in the air as much as the mist from the steam. This was really happening.
Taking Olivia by the hand again, Elliot led her to the shower. Moving aside the curtain, he stepped in first then guided her in behind him. Pulling her into his arms, he turned their bodies so the water cascaded in a gentle rain over them both. Even though he knew the hot water supply wasn't going to be infinite, the last thing he wanted to do was rush this.
With nearly every inch of their bodies touching one another, he leaned in to kiss her yet again. The feeling of their connection was conveyed so much in that gesture, and both of them felt it.
After some more kisses and some tender exploration of each others bodies, Elliot pulled back. He needed to show her that this wasn't just about the sexuality of the act. The deeper underlying intimacy was what mattered. It was about the trust that they were continuing to build with one another by dropping their guard so completely and baring themselves to each other.
"Olivia, may I wash your hair?"
It wasn't the question she had been expecting to hear, but the meaning behind it touched her deeply. Even now, he was showing her that his every intention was to take care of her. Nodding her consent, she turned around so that she was facing the far wall and that her back was to him. She tilted her head back ever so slightly, giving him complete access to her hair.
Elliot picked up the shampoo bottle and breathed in the scent. It was a smell that over the years he had come to associate with Olivia. When he had first arrived here, and she had granted him use of her bedroom, it had been that scent on her pillow that had offered him the most comfort. Now, he was the one who would get to wash her hair. Squeezing a small dollop into his palm, he rubbed his hands together to build a quick lather. Bringing them up to her scalp, he began to scrub, using just the right amount of pressure to massage lightly without causing discomfort.
He must have been doing something right, because Olivia was unable to contain her slight moan of contentment. He could almost picture what her face looked like now – eyes closed, mouth slightly parted, water cascading down her body. It was a true vision in his mind.
Grabbing the detachable shower head, he rinsed the suds from her hair, taking great care not to get any soap in her eyes. Then he put the shower head back in its rightful spot and placed a delicate kiss on Olivia's shoulder. Unlike previous times when he had done this, now her head lolled back against him, and his lips moved along to graze the side of her throat. Before he could ask for permission to continue further, she surprised him.
"Not to kill the mood here, Elliot, but when you wash my back, you need to use a special soap where the stitches are. The antibacterial soap is there on the shelf."
He was lost in her words for a moment. She wanted him to continue. She'd meant what she said in the other room about him washing her back. Grabbing the soft sponge he spied on the shelf and the bottle of antibacterial soap next to it, he squeezed a small amount out. He washed the area over the stitches gently, unsure of how much pressure to use.
"It's all right, El. It doesn't hurt. You have to scrub a little, to keep it from getting infected."
Following her directive further, he did as she said. He also tried to convince himself that the moisture on his cheeks was solely from the shower, and had nothing to do with the few tears that were leaking from his eyes. He'd thought he was over getting upset about her injury, but being this intimate about taking care of it was bringing those emotions to the forefront again. Reminding himself to stay in the present moment – that he was actually sharing a shower with Olivia – he quickly pulled himself through the anxiety attack that was trying to take hold.
After he had finished washing her back, Olivia turned around so she was facing him again. She said something about it being her turn for a minute, but also poured more body wash on the sponge in his hand. The next thing he was aware of were her hands running a soapy lather across the expanse of his chest. He realized that she was encouraging him to do the same for her. Swallowing visibly, he reached for her.
In this way, they washed each other. After a time, and after checking in with her by studying her expressions, Elliot ditched the sponge and began using only his hands to spread the suds across the front of Olivia's body. He'd touched her before, during their tender exploration of one another when they had first stepped into the shower, but still he wanted to ensure he had her permission.
Things heated up then, as their hands dipped lower, but even then the touches were kept delicate and almost reverent in nature. Neither of them wanted to stoke the fires too far tonight. While each had reached their peak, they had no desire to carry things any further. As the water cooled, they rinsed off under its spray a final time before Elliot turned it off for good.
Opening the shower curtain, he reached first for a towel for Olivia. He dried her gently, taking extra special care of the area on her shoulder where the stitches were. After she was dry, and using a second towel to work on her hair, he dried himself.
"Are you ready for me to bandage you shoulder?"
"Yes."
He went through the same process he'd been following for awhile, but now felt so much different. After he had applied the bandage, he placed a kiss to the side of her neck, wrapping his arms around her from behind.
"Do you need me to grab you clean clothes from the other room, or are you okay wearing what you had on before?"
"Just a change of underwear, please. Everything else is clean."
He nodded, then went into her bedroom. Already he was glad that she had allowed him to store some clothes for the weekend. He grabbed a change of boxers for himself, and remembering her instructions, a change of underwear for her. He couldn't believe she was granting her consent to go into her private dresser drawers. He made sure to grab what he needed quickly without taking too long to linger.
Minutes later, they were back in the living room as they had been before their mutual shower. Elliot had checked on Eli, finding him still sound asleep. He joined Olivia on the sofa, and she immediately snuggled up against him. It was still relatively early, so they were going to have their dessert and watch a movie together before going to bed.
As he held Olivia close to him, Elliot kissed her temple, breathing in the smell of her shampoo. Never would he have imagined when they went out for their date earlier this evening that their night would have ended with a shared shower. Even better, she still wanted him to sleep next to her at night. Today had been a good day. He couldn't wait to see what tomorrow would bring.
