Disclaimer: SVU and its characters belong to Dick Wolf. I own nothing
While Olivia and Elliot were still waiting for the kids to make an appearance, he received a text from Maureen. She was apologetic, but simply couldn't make it this morning to join them for breakfast. However, she would be able to come over later that evening for dinner instead.
Not long after he'd finished exchanging messages with his oldest, his youngest walked into the living room, stretching and yawning. Dickie was obviously still wearing the clothes he had slept in – flannel pajama bottoms and a tee shirt that looked like it had seen better days – but it seemed he wanted to discuss something important with his father before taking care of his morning routine.
"Hey Dad, can I ask you something? It has to do with plans for today."
Mindful that what the teen needed to talk to Elliot about might be private, Olivia offered to give them some time alone, but Dickie shook his head, insisting that it was fine that she stay. Elliot was proud of his son for feeling so comfortable talking about whatever it was he needed to in front of Olivia, but still needed to know just what that something was.
"What's on your mind, Dickie?"
"I know we stayed in last weekend, and that was fine. Today, I was wondering if you would take us bowling. We haven't been in ages, and we had so much fun the last time."
Elliot exchanged a glance with Olivia. He knew, without question, that bowling would be an impossible activity for her. Not only was her right arm still immobilized, but it was too risky considering she still had the staples in her chest. But her expression also told him that she wanted him to do whatever his children asked, even if it meant it was something she couldn't participate in. Turning back to his son, he gave the safest possible answer for the time being.
"We'll talk it over with your sisters when they wake up, because they will have to be part of the decision, too. I like your idea, though. If for some reason we don't go today, we'll go soon, okay?"
Apparently, all Dickie had heard was 'we'll talk it over', because he was already racing back down the hall to get ready for the day. Elliot and Olivia knew, without question, that the noise he was making would be sure to wake both Kathleen and Lizzie. Sure enough, groans and grumbles of disapproval were heard shortly after from the far end of the apartment, followed by the sound of something that could only be Dickie being struck by multiple pillows. The soft thuds continued to echo down the hall without stopping until Elliot finally had enough and headed to break up the fight.
"All right, you two, that's enough beating up on your brother."
Determined to have the final say, Kathleen and Lizzie each smacked Dickie one final time on the back of the head before going back into their room. Alone in the hallway with Elliot, Dickie gave his father a confused look that clearly read 'what did I do?', then made a mad dash for his room, intent on beating his sisters to the bathroom. He was successful in his efforts, but did not have the intended effect of getting under their skin, because both were taking their time.
Elliot was back in the living room when Kathleen joined him and Olivia, already dressed. At his look of confusion, she explained that she had opted to shower the night before, in order to avoid the morning melee.
"Did you want some help with breakfast, Dad?"
He decided to take her up on her offer. The three of them migrated to the kitchen, Olivia joining to keep them company while they worked. Much like the weekend before, Elliot asked his daughter to slice the berries while he assembled the waffles. Once everything was ready, he called for the twins. They arrived within seconds, Dickie hot on his sister's heels. With Kathleen's help, Elliot brought everything over to the table. Before anyone could even take a bite of the food, Dickie was already asking questions.
"So, I asked Dad if he'd take us bowling today. He said that we had to talk about it. Don't you think it sounds like fun?"
The eagerness in his voice was obvious. Though he had wanted his son to give his sisters a bit of breathing room, Elliot hoped that they would agree. He didn't want to see the teen disappointed. Plus, he knew that as they got older, the likelihood of his kids actually wanting to do things with him would get smaller and smaller. He'd take any chance he could.
"We haven't been bowling in forever! I want to go! Plus, if I remember right, I kicked your ass the last time!"
Lizzie chimed in her opinion, a big smile on her face. Her brother scowled momentarily, which only proved that she was right. Elliot exchanged a glance and a smile with Olivia, knowing that if he did in fact take the kids bowling today, he'd be in store for some high levels of sibling rivalry. Not wanting anyone to feel excluded, he shifted in his seat to focus his attention on his middle daughter.
"What about you, Kathleen? Your opinion matters, too."
Taking a sip of her orange juice, the young woman shook her head.
"I'm sorry, Dad, but I think I'm just going to stay here. The deadline for that paper keeps getting closer, and I'd like to do some more work on it today."
Now, it was Olivia who felt a need to speak up. Though things were considerably better than they had been the previous weekend, she still thought that perhaps Kathleen felt uncomfortable around her, and wanted to do whatever would put her most at ease.
"Would you prefer it if I went with your father and the twins, Kathleen? I know there's no way I can bowl, but if you'd rather I didn't stay here with you at the apartment, I'd understand."
Olivia had set her fork down beside her plate before speaking, so Kathleen took advantage of the opportunity to rest her hand atop the older woman's. She was so incredibly touched over what Olivia was willing to do on her behalf. It made her recall the times she'd spoken without thinking, and she felt her face flush with shame.
"Olivia, no, there's no need for that. Bowling alleys are so crowded, there is no telling who might bump into you there. You're almost healed, you don't want to mess that up now. Plus, even though I'll be working on my paper, it will be nice to have company."
With that decided, the five of them focused on finishing their breakfast. Conversation flowed evenly around the table, and everyone ate their fill of Saturday morning waffles. In the back of Olivia's mind, she tried not to dwell on the fact that even though in some ways it seemed too soon, it was really starting to feel like she belonged to a family.
A couple of hours later, Elliot and the twins were on their way. The plan was for him to take them to the bowling alley, treat them to lunch after, and if there was still time, see if there was anything else they wanted to do. Maureen wasn't scheduled to drop by until later that afternoon around four, and even then, she had a key, so he wasn't worried.
Once it was just Olivia and Kathleen left in the apartment, the two settled in the living room. The teen made herself comfortable on the love seat with her laptop, a bottle of water on the end table beside her. After checking to make sure her presence wouldn't be disruptive, Olivia settled on the couch with a book that she had picked up the last time she was at her apartment. It was one that she'd been meaning to read for quite some time now. Fortunately, it was a hardcover, which allowed her to prop it in her lap and turn the pages one handed.
The clicking of the computer keys combined with the barest hints of music filtering out from Kathleen's headphones provided the perfect white noise for Olivia as she read. She quickly found herself lost in her own little world as the chapters passed by.
Sometime shortly after one, a different sound could be heard in the room. Kathleen's stomach was the first to growl, with Olivia's echoing shortly after. The two women looked at each other and shared a laugh, realizing they had forgotten all about lunch.
After some quick research online, they found a nearby restaurant offering a selection of vegetarian options Kathleen could choose from in addition to a vast menu for Olivia. It didn't take long for them to place their order, and a prompt delivery was ensured. Setting her computer to the side, Kathleen padded into the kitchen to make a fresh pitcher of iced tea so they would have something to drink. The teen was so distracted that she almost missed the sound of the buzzer, and it was only when she was practically running back into the living room that she saw Olivia struggling to not only pay for their meal one handed, but carry the bag as well.
"Olivia, you didn't have to do that. You should have called me, I would have helped."
Kathleen tried her best not to sound admonishing, but she was just concerned. The last thing she wanted was for Olivia to somehow accidentally hurt herself. How would she explain that to her father?Not to mention, she had hoped to treat for their lunch, as a way to make up for her behavior the weekend before.
"It's all right, Kathleen. There are some things I can do for myself."
Despite her proclamation, Olivia surrendered the bag, letting Kathleen carry it into the kitchen. She followed closely behind, and joined her at the table, watching as the food was unpacked. Their drinks were already poured, so all that was left for Olivia to do now was sit.
By now, the aroma of what they had ordered was quickly filling the air around them. Both had selected gourmet grilled cheese for their lunch, with Kathleen opting for a spinach, tomato, and mozzarella on whole grain bread while Olivia had chosen ham, apple, and smoked gouda on sourdough. While their sandwich choices couldn't be more different, the two had agreed on one thing – to share a large order of sweet potato fries for their side. As they ate, Olivia asked Kathleen about the paper she was working on, with genuine interest.
"I finished all the research I needed to do earlier this week. Today I've mostly been making outlines of my notes, so they are easier to figure out when I start writing later. I've already come up with the general idea I want to lead with, so building from there should be pretty easy."
Even after the food had been eaten, the two still sat at the table, Olivia offering what advice she could. She told Kathleen a bit about her mother, and offered some suggestions that had been passed down when she was younger that had been beneficial when she'd had papers of her own to write.
"Thanks, Liv."
Standing, the teen began to clear their empty containers from lunch so she could throw them away. Olivia offered to help, but Kathleen insisted she could take care of it. When she was done, the young woman announced that she was going to get back to working on her paper. That was when Olivia asked Kathleen if she would mind if she were to go and lie down for awhile.
"Not at all, Olivia. Are you sure you're feeling okay?"
With a reassuring smile, Olivia gave her answer.
"I'm fine, sweetie. I just think I ate too much, and it's making me a bit tired."
On impulse, Kathleen hugged the other woman suddenly, thanking her not only for lunch, but for spending the day with her. It was obvious the young woman greatly appreciated the company, and was more than grateful for the advice she had received.
"You're welcome. If you could do me a favor, and have your father wake me when he gets back? I don't want to sleep for too long."
"Of course, Liv. Sleep well."
They went their separate ways then, Olivia heading down the hall to Elliot's bedroom, and Kathleen back to her computer in the living room. As she opened up the laptop and got settled once more, a smile formed on Kathleen's face. If this was how things were going to be from now on, she could definitely get used to having Olivia around on a permanent basis.
Maureen arrived at her father's apartment at the same time he was arriving home with the twins, and the group of them entered together, talking and laughing. To Elliot's surprise, Kathleen was the only one in the living room, and from the looks of things, it had been that way for awhile. Calling out to his daughter, who had removed her headphones to greet them, Elliot tried to hide his concerns.
"Hey sweetie. Sorry we were gone longer than we thought. Is everything okay here?"
"Yeah, Dad, Olivia and I got along great. She just got really tired after lunch, and went into your room to lie down. Oh - that's right, she wanted you to wake her when you got back."
Elliot nodded, seeming to accept the information. In truth he was relieved, because for the briefest of moments, he had feared that something had happened between Kathleen and Olivia today. As he headed toward the bedroom, something else that Kathleen had said struck a cord with him – lunch. He'd forgotten all about setting something up for the afternoon meal for them! Logically, he knew that the two women were capable of taking care of themselves, but he still couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt over not having been more considerate. Curious, he asked his daughter about it.
"We almost forgot about it, actually. It wasn't until around one when our stomachs were growling that we remembered we needed to eat. I used my computer to order us some sandwiches and fries online. It was delivered in no time at all, but before I could stop her, Olivia had paid for it."
When her father didn't say anything in response right away, Kathleen grew nervous. She immediately followed up her statement, trying to explain.
"I promise dad, I thanked her and everything! I wasn't expecting her to treat, honest!"
Putting his hands on his daughters shoulders, Elliot tried to calm her.
"I know you weren't, Kathleen. That's just the kind of person Olivia is. I also know that once she sets her mind on something, there's no convincing her otherwise."
With the teen marginally more at ease, Elliot offered a suggestion.
"Why don't you put your computer away for now? You've been working hard all day. I'll go check on Liv, see if she wants to join us for some family game time or even a movie?"
Kathleen nodded, then moved to do as her father had asked. Meanwhile, Elliot ventured down the hall toward his room. He opened the door quietly without knocking, not wanting to startle the sleeping woman inside.
Olivia lay on her back, her hair fanned out across the pillowcase. Her chest rose and fell at regular intervals, indicating that her dreams were peaceful. Unable to help himself, Elliot stood beside the bed, using the palm of his hand to sweep her bangs off her forehead for a moment before bending at the waist to kiss her softly. As he was pulling away, he saw when Olivia's eyelashes fluttered as she blinked up at him sleepily. The drowsy expression was soon transformed by a smile the second she recognized who was standing beside her.
"You're back earlier than I expected, El. Is everything okay?"
He couldn't hide his smile as he leaned down to kiss her again. What had started out as brief gesture turned more heated, and it was several intense moments before their lips separated. A few seconds later, once he'd finally returned to his senses, Elliot was able to answer.
"It's later than you think, Liv – going on four-thirty. Maureen is already here. Judging from what I heard from Kathleen, you've been napping for almost two hours."
Olivia's eyes went wide as she digested the information, surprised that she had slept so long. Then, the more she thought about it, it actually made sense. She had told Kathleen to have Elliot wake her when he got back, so she must have been expecting it to some degree. At any rate, she was feeling much more rested. After taking a moment to freshen up, she joined Elliot and the kids in the living room.
"Olivia! I'm so glad I get to see you again!"
As soon as she had spotted her, Maureen got up from her spot on the love seat, and came over to give the other woman a hug. Olivia wrapped her good arm around Elliot's oldest daughter. Soon, she found herself seated on the couch as the twins began telling her about their day. Catching Elliot's eye from across the room, she saw as he gave her a smile, and she returned it, reading his thoughts intuitively. Clearly, he was proud of his children, and pleased they were so being so inclusive – as though she had always been a part of their family. In a way, Olivia supposed, she had. It just seemed that as her relationship with Elliot continued to evolve, so would her relationship with his kids.
After Olivia had been briefed on the events of the afternoon, as well as who had won the most bowling games – according to the twins, their father didn't count – Dickie was crowned the winner. Apparently because of the bet he'd made with his sister, his 'prize' meant he got to choose what game they played as a family tonight. Maureen and Kathleen looked on, amused at the fact that they were somehow left out of the decision altogether.
Since they'd gone out for lunch, and had plans on going out again tomorrow for their usual Sunday breakfast, Elliot had already decided he was going to cook dinner tonight. He'd made tacos the night before, customizing Kathleen's by using veggie burger patties and breaking them up so she could enjoy the meal, too.
Tonight, though, he was thinking something heartier. Even though it meant taking a few shortcuts, he rolled up his sleeves and got to work. Twenty minutes later, thanks to the help of a jarred sauce and some no-boil noodles, he had a lasagne prepped and ready to go in the oven. All he'd need to do when it got closer to dinnertime was heat some garlic bread he had in the freezer, and make a salad.
After he had secured dinner for them to eat, Elliot took a few minutes to quickly change his clothes. Stopping back in the kitchen only long enough to pop the lasagne in the oven and set the timer, he joined the rest of his family in the living room. He noted that, for the time being, his son seemed to want to keep things simple. The deck of cards for the UNO game was out on the coffee table, and it appeared that the kids were waiting on his arrival before dealing.
Taking a seat next to Olivia on the couch, he nodded at his son. Dickie dealt the cards to the five other people sitting around him, including himself, and the game began. Unlike the last time they'd played this, Lizzie seemed to have strategically placed herself so that the majority of her cards would have an adverse effect on her brother's game, instead of her father. It appeared she was finding her own way to seek revenge for the afternoon of bowling. Every time she had the chance, she would either change the color scheme, or if she saw the number of cards in Dickie's hand start to diminish, she would lay down a "Draw Four" with an evil grin. At one point, her brother attempted to complain that the scenario was unfair, but her only argument of defense was that he had been the one who dealt the cards to begin with.
Just when Elliot thought he'd have to separate the two, the tide changed. On a turn of play when Lizzie didn't have a card to attack her brother, he lay down a "Reverse" card, and the direction of the game switched entirely. For the next several minutes, he returned every possible play he could to even the odds. The two were so immersed in their little rivalry that they completely missed the fact that Olivia was down to two cards. It was only when she called out "Uno!" upon laying down her next to last card on the pile that they realized that in their scheme to ruin each others hands, they had forgotten about the purpose of the game altogether. With the next round, Olivia won, her first victory ever with the children present – even though she'd beaten Elliot plenty of times.
The game continued a few minutes later, but only after Elliot instructed Lizzie to swap places with Maureen, so she wasn't sitting next to her brother. So far, everything had been in fun, but he knew how quickly things could escalate, and he didn't want the good mood of the day spoiled by a fight. After the seating arrangements had been switched, the next few games went smoothly. In fact, it came as a surprise to all when the oven timer went off, signaling that their dinner was ready.
Maureen was the first to stand, offering to help. Elliot accepted, and suggested that she join him in the kitchen and make the salad. Kathleen followed, announcing she would set the table. Dickie and Lizzie pitched in to clean up the mess in the living room, and soon everyone was gathered around the table, ready to eat. Only Olivia was left still feeling helpless, but resolved that in just a matter of a few days time now, she'd be able to pitch in.
Throughout the meal, it was anything but quiet. Elliot tried his best to keep things in order, but everyone was having too much fun. Ultimately, he just shared a grin with Olivia and shrugged his shoulders, figuring that as long as his kids weren't arguing, a little boisterous conversation never hurt anyone. Plus, they were in the privacy of his own apartment, so its not as though the noise would be bothersome.
Olivia had noticed the look Elliot gave her, and graced him with a warm smile in return. Her thoughts though, were still preoccupied. She was considering how this week, Maureen had come to help her get ready for her date with Elliot, and the time she had spent with Kathleen today. While she hadn't had much one-on-one time with the twins as of yet, it seemed that even they were accepting and comfortable with her presence. The feelings from before of how she finally belonged to a family came flooding back.
Olivia was drawn from her thoughts at the feeling of Elliot's palm on her leg, squeezing gently. She turned to him, a curious expression on her face, only to be met by the concerned one on his.
"Liv, are you feeling okay? You're not eating."
Realizing that she had been sitting at the table daydreaming while everyone around her was devouring their meal, Olivia felt her face flush. Picking up her fork, she took a bite of her lasagne. The last thing she wanted right now was for anyone to worry about her.
"I'm fine, El. My mind just wandered for a few minutes. This tastes amazing, though."
Wisely deciding to let the subject drop for the time being, Elliot said nothing else. Still worry was nagging at the back of his mind. There would be plenty of time to talk to her about it later though. For now, though, he would just enjoy being surrounded by all the people he held dear.
Dinner was soon finished, and there were plenty of leftovers. Elliot promised to wrap some up so Maureen could take them back with her to her dorm, so she'd have something to eat tomorrow. He knew that the time was quickly approaching when his oldest would have to leave, but he hoped to entice her to stay a little while longer.
"If you're not too full, there is some dessert for tonight. We picked it up on our way back home."
At this news, the twins merely grinned, as they were already in on the secret. Olivia, Maureen, and Kathleen, however, were intrigued. In the end, it was Maureen who broke the silence and asked just what after meal treat awaited them.
"Only double chocolate cake from your favorite bakery."
Maureen groaned, saying that she was going to have to hit the gym at school for certain on Monday morning at the rate she was going, and she'd only been at her father's apartment for one afternoon. The smile on her face made it apparent that she was joking, though, and was secretly delighted that he'd bought her favorite dessert.
Once the dishes had been cleared, and everything sorted, they all had relocated again to the comfort of the living room to enjoy their cake. Sadly, their plates were empty all too soon for anyone's liking. There was still half a cake left, though, and Elliot promised he would send a piece back with Maureen along with her leftovers. The rest would be saved for tomorrow after lunch, before he had to drive the kids back to their mothers.
As much as she didn't want to, Maureen knew the time had come for her to head back to her dorm. Her brothers and sisters wouldn't be at their fathers the following weekend, but would return on the one after. She still needed to see what her schedule would allow, but hoped to be able to join them.
"Will you still be here then, too, Olivia?"
There was no mistaking the hope in the young woman's voice as she asked the question. However, before Olivia could answer for herself, Elliot was responding on her behalf.
"She will, Maureen. I already told her I have no intention of letting her go anywhere until she has at least finished physical therapy. Who knows how long they will want her to do that."
Maureen embraced Olivia warmly, clearly pleased by this news.
"I look forward to seeing you soon, Liv. Would it be okay if I called you sometime before then?"
Olivia didn't hesitate in her answer as she wrapped her good arm around Elliot's oldest.
"Of course. I gave you my number for a reason. Use it anytime you need."
Now that she had gathered everything, Elliot volunteered to drive his daughter back to campus, but she declined. She did, however, accept his offer of cab fare. It would be a much more direct route, and faster than using the bus that she had taken earlier in the day. With a final farewell, Maureen exited the apartment, bringing the number down to five once more. Once everyone was settled again in the living room, it was Dickie who spoke up, his voice eager.
"Does anyone want to play another game? It's been ages since we brought out Trivial Pursuit. That could be fun."
Before anyone else could speak up for or against the suggestion, Olivia had something to say.
"That does sound like fun, Dickie, but I think I might have to sit this one out. Don't let me stop any of you, though."
The teen immediately shook his head.
"Don't worry about it, Liv. We can always do something else instead. I wouldn't want to play if you weren't able to join in. Maybe next time."
The conversation continued, and eventually they mutually decided to watch a movie instead. Since everyone was still full from dinner, no snacks were necessary. Instead, they simply made themselves comfortable in their respective spots – Elliot, Olivia, and Kathleen on the couch, and the twins on the love seat. Without even realizing it, Olivia leaned against Elliot's chest, and he wrapped his arm around her instinctively as he brushed a kiss along her temple. It wasn't an excessive display of affection, but it was the most outward sign of intimacy they had shown in front of the children since they had announced they were together. None of the teenagers who observed said a word, but they all shared knowing smiles. As the movie began, their focus was diverted to the television screen, but none of them forgot what they had just witnessed.
One movie somehow morphed into two. Before anyone realized, it was after ten at night, and nearly time for lights out for the twins. After finalizing the plans for the next morning, Lizzie and Dickie said goodnight to all, and headed to their respective rooms. Only Kathleen was left in the living room with Olivia and Elliot. The young woman was still wide awake, and planned to stay that way for a while longer. Olivia on the other hand, was battling drooping eyelids as she struggled not to fall asleep on Elliot's shoulder. Nudging her ever so slightly, he suggested that they, too, turn in for the night. Helping her from the couch, Elliot watched as his daughter hugged Olivia. After reminding Kathleen that she was to be in bed by midnight, he wrapped his arm around Olivia once more, and led her down the hallway to his room.
Once in the sanctuary of his bedroom, the two embraced. They engaged in several passionate kisses as Elliot helped Olivia change from the clothes she was wearing into her usual sleepwear for the night. After making sure she was comfortable and ready for bed, he pulled back the covers and helped her climb in. Several minutes later, after seeing to his own needs, he was joining her. Pulling her into his arms, Elliot didn't bother fighting the emotion that was welling within him.
"I know it hasn't been long, but I think my kids are just as in love with you as I am. I couldn't be happier about that."
Olivia tucked her head against his chest for a moment, before pulling back to gaze into his eyes with an expression of wonder. For her entire life, she'd thought she was unlovable. Now, it seemed she had it in abundance. What could she have possibly done to deserve it?
Not realizing that she had spoken those last words out loud, Olivia felt as Elliot's lips pressed softly on hers. Unlike the heated kisses they had shared moments early, this was gentle and reassuring.
"You, Olivia Benson, are an amazing woman. I may have told you this before, but I think I fell for you even before I should have. You're so selfless and brave. I've always been honored to call you my partner and best friend – now you're so much more."
Struggling to keep her tears at bay, Olivia managed to speak.
"That's quite a speech."
Elliot leaned forward, kissing each of her closed eyelids in an attempt to wick away the moisture he found there.
"I meant every word I said."
Tucking her head under his chin, Olivia let out a shaky breath. She knew what else it was she wanted to ask, but part of her was afraid. Deciding to go all in, she put to words the question on her mind.
"Did you also mean what you said earlier – about me staying here until I was done with physical therapy?"
She felt as Elliot's arms wrapped securely around her, enveloping her in the warmth of his embrace.
"Olivia, if I had my way, you'd stay a hell of a lot longer than that. If my dreams came true, you'd live with me forever."
It was with those words ringing her ears that Olivia drifted off to sleep, knowing that he had spoken the truth. She also knew that as much as the words terrified her, deep down inside she really wanted to stay.