Disclaimer: SVU and its characters belong to Dick Wolf. I own nothing

Sunday had been a whirlwind. Olivia had woken up with Elliot's words from the night before still ringing in her ears. However, rather than obsess about it, she had allowed herself to be easily distracted when he'd led her to the bathroom for their fifth consecutive morning of sharing the shower together. It had been hard to concentrate on anything else when his hands and mouth were creating magic all over her body. Even better, thanks to the close proximity that the tile walls provided, she had been able to easily return the intimate touch. As much as she was greatly enjoying their current level of physical intimacy, Olivia hoped that at her appointment tomorrow, she'd be given the all clear to resume normal activities.

Currently, she was in the living room, waiting for Elliot to get back. He'd left with the kids about twenty minutes ago to take them home to their mother's. Olivia could scarcely believe another weekend had come and gone already. Pushing those and other distracting thoughts out of her mind for the time being, she tried once more to focus on the book in her lap. At some point, she must have nodded off, because the next thing Olivia was aware of was Elliot brushing her bangs off her forehead, bending low to place a kiss on her lips.

"Sorry to disturb you, Liv, but I figured you wouldn't want to sleep too long. Especially since we have to get up early for your appointments tomorrow."

She blinked up at him sleepily, wondering just how it was that ever since she got back from Oregon, she had barely been able to get a decent night of rest in her own place, but here in Elliot's apartment, she had been sleeping like a baby – no matter what time of day it was. Even more so when she was nestled within his arms. Not wanting to focus too much on that for the time being, she instead diverted her attention to the man standing in front of her.

"El? Is everything okay? You look as though something is bothering you."

Sinking down into the cushions beside her, Elliot braced his elbows on his knees as he swiped his palms over his face. What he needed more than anything right now was to talk with his best friend about what was troubling him, but the fact that his best friend and his girlfriend were now one and the same, he wasn't sure if he could. Especially knowing that Olivia would likely blame herself for what he was about to say. After remembering a previous conversation where they had mutually agreed not to hide anything from one another, he knew he had to tell her the truth.

"I talked with Kathy again while I was at the house, Liv. Actually, talked doesn't quite describe it. Argued is more like it."

They sat quietly for a few moments before Olivia spoke up. She didn't need him to say anything further, already instinctively knowing what his and Kathy's argument had been about.

"You fought about me, didn't you."

Her words had been a statement, not a question, and the barely concealed pain behind them nearly broke Elliot's heart. Reminding himself that he wasn't doing this to hurt her, but rather, it was all in the name of honesty, he pressed on.

"Your name did come up, yes."

Exasperated now, Olivia used her good hand to brush her bangs off her forehead in frustration. While part of her appreciated Elliot's protective nature in the field and while she had been healing, now was not one of those times. Though, the more she thought about it, her recent behavior might have caused his hesitation. Still, she wanted to make it known she was more than comfortable with their present status.

"Cut the crap, Elliot. You don't have to treat me with kid gloves. Kathy hasn't pulled any punches regarding her opinion of me. I'm a big girl, I can handle it."

Elliot hoped his eyes hadn't gone as wide as they felt. This was quite a change as he'd ever seen in Olivia. Not in her attitude – she was as much of a spitfire as he'd ever known her to be – but it seemed the confidence he'd always admired was back. Gone were any traces of self doubt, and the woman sitting in front of him seemed fully secure. Logically, he knew that this wouldn't erase all her lingering fears, and that they might crop up from time to time, but it was wholly apparent to him that she had every intention of living up to the promises they'd whispered to one another in the wee hours of the morning before succumbing to sleep.

"Okay, Liv. You're right, I'm sorry. I'll tell you everything, I promise. Just – can I hold you while I do it? I need to feel you in my arms right now."

Knowing just what it cost him to make that admission, Olivia moved willingly into his embrace. As Elliot wrapped his arms around her, she rested her head against his chest and waited patiently for him to tell her what had happened between him and Kathy only a short while ago.

With Olivia nestled safe against him, Elliot began his tale. Even after all her reassurances, he was still doing his damnedest to protect her. He kept the details brief and succinct, only giving away the bare minimum of facts.

He spoke of how, when he'd dropped the kids off, Kathy had been waiting outside the house, her arms folded across her chest. The stance had been a stark reminder of when she had been in his apartment only two days before. He'd groaned inwardly, realizing he wasn't going to make the escape back to Manhattan without a confrontation.

To his relief, his ex wife had waited until Kathleen, Dickie, and Lizzie were inside the house before she had launched into her tirade. Apparently having the entire weekend to think about things had not done Kathy any favors. Now she was more determined than ever to prove that Elliot and Olivia had been having an affair for years. She even planned to contact her lawyer the following morning to amend the custody agreement, claiming that by engaging in such scandalous behavior, Elliot had forfeited all rights to see his children.

When Olivia shifted, Elliot stopped in his narrative, bringing one hand up to cover her mouth lightly. Knowing her as well as he did, he'd already anticipated not only what she was about to do, but what she was going to say, as well.

"It's okay, Liv. I'm not angry. Maybe at one point I would have been, but I know she has no base for her allegations. Still, I'm going to contact my own lawyer tomorrow just in case."

Olivia studied Elliot carefully, trying to determine if he was telling her the truth. Part of her still thought he was trying to protect her for her own benefit, even though she'd told him there was no need. When her gaze fell upon his face, though, his features were completely relaxed. This let her know that he had been completely honest with her. Though irritated with his ex-wife, he wasn't angry.

"All right, El, if you're sure that you're okay. I won't lie and say that part of me doesn't feel the slightest bit responsible, but I'm keeping my promise. I'm not going anywhere."

"Thank God for that."

His arms tightened around her as he kissed the top of her head. In that moment, everything else evaporated away but the two of them. Nestled together in their own little temporary cocoon, they took solace in one another. Olivia found her comfort from the anxieties that were creeping their way back into her subconscious, and Elliot found the peace he needed to calm him.

Even though he'd told Olivia he wasn't upset by his encounter with Kathy, there was still a part of him that was left shaken. It wasn't anger he was feeling, but rather hurt that the woman with whom he had spent the majority of his adult life could ever think he was capable of betraying their vows. They may not have gotten married under the most ideal of circumstances, but his love for Kathy had been genuine. Even now, after it had all fallen apart, she would always have a place in his heart.

Olivia shifted in Elliot's arms, bringing his mind back to the present. He loosened his hold only slightly as she continued to turn, his hands dropping to her waist. Once Olivia was facing him, it wasn't long before they were kissing. Their lips had only connected for the second time when they were interrupted by the ringing of a phone. Groaning, Elliot reached for his, until he realized that wasn't where the sound was coming from.

"That's your phone, Liv."

"The number looks vaguely familiar, but I still don't recognize it."

Still curious, she answered, only to be met with a recorded message. It was an automated call, its purpose to remind her of her doctor's appointment the following morning. She'd received a similar one the night before from Dr. Cook's office. However, as Olivia hung up, she looked at Elliot with a puzzled expression on her face.

"What time did I say my appointment was with Dr. Cook tomorrow?"

"Eleven, I believe. Why?"

Olivia shook her head, setting the phone back to the side once more. Looking up at Elliot again, she explained.

"Because the orthopedic says my appointment is at nine-thirty. I could have sworn I saw Doctor Cook first."

Brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear, he couldn't resist the urge to kiss her again before asking his question.

"Does it matter? Plus, look at it this way – by the time we see Dr. Cook, chances are good you'll already be free of the sling."

Nodding, Olivia conceded that he was right.

"I know. I just hope I can get rid of this damn sling tomorrow. You don't realize how much you take for granted something as simple as using both arms."

Then, as though something had only just occurred to her, she parroted some of Elliot's own words back to him.

"Wait a minute – did you say 'we'? As in when we go to my appointment tomorrow?"

Cupping her cheek in his palm, Elliot leaned forward until their foreheads were touching. He kept that connection for a few moments, then pulled back to look into her eyes.

"Of course I did, Liv. I've been by your side ever since you got hurt. There is no way I'm going to stand by the sidelines now, not when you're this close to the finish line."

He paused then, suddenly unsure of himself.

"That is, unless you want me to?"

Olivia reached out then, her hand on his chest. Mentally, she was berating herself for ever giving him doubts.

"No, El, no. I guess that was just some of my old insecurity creeping in. Finding it hard to believe that I don't have to do everything on my own."

He kissed her then, one full of intensity and promise. When they separated, both were a little short of breath, and clinging to one another.

"Olivia Benson, I swear to you that you'll never be alone again."

Had Elliot made a vow of commitment like that to her even as little as two weeks ago, she likely would have run for the hills. Olivia tried to fight the urge to blush in shame, remembering that she had run when things got too emotional between them – and not just when she was here in his apartment. But that was in the past now, and apologies had already been made. Now, they only had the future to look forward to. For her, the current future meant getting through the next day. Realizing that worrying about what was going to happen wouldn't change the outcome, she instead shifted her focus to other things. First and foremost, that meant giving Elliot a response to his statement. Leaning in, she placed her lips against his, putting every once of emotion she possessed behind the kiss.

Reluctantly, Elliot was the first one to pull away. He mentioned something about them needing dinner, and laughed at the fact that the evening meal would not cook itself. After checking in with Olivia for her preferences, he gave her one final kiss before heading out into the kitchen.

A short while later, they were seated at the table together, side by side. Dinner was simple tonight – just a stir fry of chicken and vegetables served over rice, but to Olivia, it smelled delicious. After a few short bites though, she set down her fork, unable to focus on her food any longer. Her mind was too preoccupied. There was something she needed to ask of Elliot, but given the light of the new intimacies between them, she hated to go back to old patterns.

"What's bothering you, Liv? You've been eating meals here for awhile now, so I know my cooking isn't that bad."

His comment had the intended effect of putting her at ease. It even earned him a smile. Still, Elliot was worried. It had been a long time since he'd seen Olivia this troubled. Rather than push her, he simply placed his hand on top of hers and squeezed gently. He was letting her know he was there, and would wait however long she needed. After several moments of silence, Olivia spoke up.

"I need to shower alone tonight, to get ready for my appointment tomorrow morning."

This wasn't what Elliot was expecting to hear, and while he was confused, he was supportive. He would never expect that they shower together, even if he had been enjoying their new habit.

"I can respect that, Liv. It's not a problem at all. But tell me, did I do something wrong, that you were afraid to tell me this?"

Olivia blushed slightly, and her head dipped down. It was as though she were ashamed to make eye contact, something completely out of character for her. At first, Elliot didn't think she'd elaborate, but before he realized it, she was speaking again.

"No, El. You didn't do anything wrong. It's just that I want to shave for my appointments tomorrow."

He nodded absently. Her explanation made sense, to a degree. Still, he would have understood if she'd have wanted a few moments alone first, then have him join her. However, he wasn't going to push the issue. He respected her decision and her choices, no matter what. But suddenly, something stuck out in his mind – how had she manged to shave all this time without hurting herself?

"You mean to tell me you've been shaving yourself this whole time? Liv, you're not supposed to be lifting your arms!"

Olivia's expression shifted from annoyed to amused in a matter of seconds.

"Who did you think was doing it? Besides, I was careful."

Knowing that his next comment was likely to earn him a smack upside the head, Elliot navigated very carefully into dangerous waters with his next words.

"Honestly? I just thought that you had waxed recently before you had been injured. It wasn't until Tuesday night when I noticed the cut on your, um -"

He swallowed harshly as his voice trailed off awkwardly, a faint blush staining his cheeks. Clearing his throat, he tried to finish his sentence.

"I didn't even make the connection then. If I had known all along, I would have helped you."

Olivia, still amused, smirked at him.

"You only just saw me naked six days ago, yet I was supposed to have let you shave me this entire time?"

Now it seemed it was Elliot's turn to be embarrassed, as another flush worked its way from the back of his neck and swept over his face.

"Not what I meant, Liv, and you know it. I could have helped you while you were properly covered, or even dressed in a tank top and shorts."

"Have you ever even shaved a woman before, Elliot?"

Now it was Elliot's turn for silence. He didn't know if his answer to the question would add even more tension for an already uneasy Olivia. Still, he was determined to be honest.

"Once. I tried to help Kathy shave her legs when she was pregnant with the twins. She got so mad at me, claimed I was doing everything all wrong, and refused to let me try again. She said she couldn't trust me near her body with a razor."

Olivia was quiet for several moments, and Elliot could practically see the wheels turning in her mind as she ruminated over what he had just revealed. Then, a smile graced her features, and he was instantly at ease.

"I trust you Elliot, and I know you'll always have my back. Not only in the field with a badge and gun, but here and now. I know it will make our second one of the day, but will you shower with me later before bed? I need you to help me shave."

Instead of answering in the affirmative, the only response he gave her was a heart stopping kiss. Elliot knew what it had cost Olivia to ask for help with something that personal, and he was deeply touched that she considered him worthy of the honor to be the one to give her assistance. When they finally separated and settled in their seats once more, it dawned on them that their dinner had grown cold during their conversation. Laughing, he kissed her again, then picked up their plates and stood, announcing he was going to reheat their meal.

Several hours later, after they had spent some downtime together cuddled on the couch watching a movie, Elliot and Olivia found themselves in his master bathroom. Everything they needed to change into after their shower was sitting on the ledge by the sink.

As he helped Olivia slip out of her sling, Elliot couldn't help but brush her hair to the side to place a kiss at the junction of her neck and shoulder. He could tell from her body language that she was more nervous now that she had been in the past several days, even though he knew she trusted him more than anything. It was just a matter of dropping another one of her personal defenses. He knew what that was like. He supposed that if the tables were turned, he'd feel awkward if he needed to ask Olivia to shave him, too.

When they were both naked, Elliot adjusted the temperature of the water. Checking in with Olivia once more to be sure that this was what she actually wanted, he stepped into the enclosure, reaching out his hand to help her inside after him.

Once their bodies were sufficiently wet, he gently maneuvered Olivia back toward the bench. They'd discussed it earlier, and already figured out things would work better if she was sitting down when he shaved her legs. Olivia sat gracefully, twisting to the side and swinging her legs up so they were perched in front of her. She bent them at the knee, giving Elliot full access.

As he reached for the can of shaving gel on the shower shelf, Elliot silently willed his body to remain under control. There was no way he could concentrate on the task at hand if he got distracted. Squirting some gel from the can into his hand, he rubbed his palms together until a lather was created. Starting at her ankle, he spread the foam up the expanse of Olivia's leg, gulping audibly as it dawned on him just how long it was as he made his way toward her thigh.

Just when he thought he was handling the situation remarkably well, and was ready to applaud himself for keeping his attention focused, Olivia shot him a look that sent all the blood in his body rushing rapidly south. His hands were still wrapped around her thigh, and she arched her eyebrow at him, giving him a knowing smirk. Then, ever so subtly, she spread her legs wider, as if inviting him to touch her core. Elliot couldn't mask his groan.

"Olivia..."

He rasped out her name, having leaned forward until their foreheads were touching.

"Hmm?"

"You are an evil, evil woman. I'm trying to concentrate here, and you keep distracting me."

It wasn't the first time he'd said the words to her, and he had a feeling it wouldn't be the last. Biting back another groan, he watched as Olivia tilted her head against the wall, exposing her neck and arching her back in the process. For all intents and purposes, it looked like a simple stretch, but the action pushed her breasts up higher toward his face, and her impish grin was impossible to miss.

"I'm sorry. Is this bothering you? I can stop."

"No. Dammit, Liv! You know exactly what you are doing. What do you say we compromise here? You let me shave your legs, then I'll reward you?"

A pensive expression crossed Olivia's face before she ultimately nodded. She didn't know where her prior nerves had come from, this was going to be entirely too much fun.

"A reward sounds nice. If I'm good, do I get another one after you shave under my arms?"

She was going to kill him – there was no doubt about it now. Just like there was no longer a way to hide his obvious desire for her, it was impossible for Elliot to keep his ragged breathing under control. As he picked up the razor, he prayed that his hands would hold steady. He'd never forgive himself if he accidentally nicked her while doing this.

Recognizing the strain he was under, Olivia wisely kept silent as Elliot lifted the heel of her foot in one hand and raised her leg slightly off the tile bench. He was gentle as he began his task, his brow furrowed with concentration. She could scarcely even feel the blade dance across her skin as he skimmed the razor upward in slow, even strokes.

He repeated the process with the other leg, using the utmost care and precision. When he was finished, Elliot set the razor to the side, and reached for the detachable shower head. Rinsing away any remaining traces of foam, he ran his hand down each leg, testing them for smoothness.

"You may want to double check my work, but it's not a bad job, if I do say so myself."

Olivia shook her head, indicating that she didn't need to check anything. Instead, she waited until Elliot had put the shower head back in its rightful place, then crooked her finger at him, beckoning him to her.

"All right, Stabler. I did what you asked. Now, where's my reward?"

With her body stretched out in such an alluring fashion on the tile bench the way it was, Elliot needed no further encouragement. However, he did have a few other ideas in mind. Gently pulling her to her feet so they would be more equally matched in height, he reached out to let his hands roam her body. His lips followed in their wake, and when he reached a particularly sensitive area on her breast, he began to suckle softly. Olivia's hands clutched around his waist reflexively. He knew if she had her way, she'd rather be clasping the back of his head, holding him to her, but they had already discussed the risks of her lifting her arms so high.

After the incident the other day, he had told her that whenever he marked her, he would be sure to do so where no one could see. Tonight, though, Elliot exercised extreme restraint. Though Olivia was just as swept up in the passion of the moment as he was, he knew she would be none to pleased with him if she went in for her appointment tomorrow to have her stitches removed and a hickey was visible on her breast. In fact, the sheer thought of all the ways she could possibly hurt him gave him momentary pause – enough so that Olivia called him out on it.

"El, are you all right?"

Her voice was breathy from his attentions to her body, but laced with concern. Deciding to go for broke, Elliot answered her honestly.

"I was just trying to be careful, Liv. I remembered what you said the last time I marked you, and didn't want to leave anything behind for your doctor's visit tomorrow. I figured you'd kill me if I did."

Olivia placed an open mouthed kiss over the pulse point on Elliot's throat, darting her tongue out to tease it softly. Her one hand strayed lower below his waist, wrapping around his length and squeezing him briefly before returning to its original spot on his hip.

"I think killing you is a bit of a stretch, but punishment would definitely be involved. I couldn't exactly deprive you of anything, because that would be punishing myself in the process, but I'm sure I could figure something out."

As her words swam through his head, Elliot groaned at their implication. Just when he thought he had her figured out, she always found a way to shock him yet again. It seemed every day he learned something new about her. He hoped that would never change.

After the temporary distraction, Elliot resumed his journey of Olivia's body with his hands and mouth, intent on giving her her complete 'reward'. If he had thought his knees could withstand it, he'd have knelt down on the floor of the shower and made love to her with his lips and tongue right then and there. But he wasn't as young as he used to be, and some things were better reserved for the comfort of a bed. Reminding himself that they would have all the time in the world tomorrow after her appointment, he renewed his focus.

Moving his mouth to cover her other breast, Elliot gradually worked his right hand lower until his fingers were stroking her intimately. He kept his left arm wrapped around Olivia's middle, anchoring her body close to his and preventing her from falling. Her hands still clutched at his waist, her breathing coming in choppy little pants and moans as he built her up to the inevitable.

When he felt one of her hands leave his hip and venture south to wrap around him again, Elliot reluctantly stilled her movements. Shifting slightly to place a kiss just behind her ear, he whispered to her softly.

"It's all right, Liv, this is for you. I know you're stressed and anxious about tomorrow. Let me take it all away."

Olivia rested her head against his chest, sighing as the pleasure continued to build within her. Yet again, he was working magic on her body. She loved him for his devotion to her, but the last thing she wanted tonight was to submit to her desires alone. As Elliot's thumb swiped over her center once more, it was more and more difficult to speak coherently. Still, she tried to explain.

"What I need is to touch you. Please don't stop me. Let me make you feel good, too."

She felt him nod against her skin, and when her hand wrapped around him a second time, he didn't deter her. Instead, he fused their mouths together, introducing his tongue into the kiss. As his fingers continued to play over a particularly intimate spot, Olivia felt her knees start to buckle. She wasn't going to fall, though – unless you counted falling more in love with the man who currently held her in his arms.

As she felt herself getting closer to the edge, Olivia increased the pace with which she was stroking Elliot. Their pants, though equally choppy, were in complete tandem. A few breathless moments later, Olivia's body began to shudder first, with Elliot's following soon after. They climaxed simultaneously, crying out each others name. The passion between them already burned so brightly, and they had yet to give themselves to one another completely. Both wondered what it would be like when they could fully consummate their relationship as they struggled to come down from their high.

Once his breathing had returned to normal, Elliot reached for the body wash. Gently and lovingly, he washed Olivia clean, then rinsed her. When he was sure she was ready, he picked up the razor again to finish the job he had started.

"Let me know if I hurt you, Liv."

Olivia nodded, then eased her arms up gradually, until her hands were resting on Elliot's shoulders. Even at that limited height, he still had reservations, but was determined to work as efficiently as possible to help her. Luckily, his task wasn't too difficult, and the job was soon complete. Before lowering her arms, she leaned forward and kissed him deeply. When she pulled back, Olivia had a wistful expression on her face. Concerned, he questioned her.

"What is it? What's wrong?"

Smiling, she shook her head.

"Nothing's wrong. Not really. I just wish I could return the favor somehow, and shave you, too. I hadn't realized how intimate this would be."

Now that understanding had dawned on him, Elliot grinned.

"How about I give you a rain check? Once you get the all clear, I'll let you shave me any time you like."

"Deal."

Kissing her once more, he only pulled back reluctantly when he realized he was getting carried away again.

"I think we'd better get your hair washed and get out of here before the water turns cold."

Positioning her in front of him, he lathered her hair, giving extra special attention as he massaged her scalp with his fingertips. No sooner than he had finished rinsing the suds away, did Elliot feel the water start to turn. He hurried Olivia away from the spray, and dried her briskly with towel, wrapping her in another to keep her warm.

"Wait here, Liv, I'll be right back. I just want to wash up real quick."

She tried to stop him, concerned."

"But, El, the water is probably freezing by now."

He gave her a knowing grin, then closed the door, ducking back under the spray.

"That's all right. This isn't the first cold shower I've had to take because of you Olivia. I'm sure it won't be the last, either."

Olivia waited patiently, leaning against the sink for Elliot to emerge from the shower once more. She didn't have to wait for long. He soon appeared, wrapping a towel around his waist after perfunctorily swiping it over his body. Then, he went about getting her dressed and back in the sling. As always, he was putting her needs above his own.

Only when she was in her usual night attire and he was in his boxers did Elliot suggest they go to bed for the night. They would have an early morning, and now that she was sufficiently relaxed, sleep was a greater possibility. Olivia started to take a few steps toward the bedroom when she was suddenly swept off her feet into Elliot's arms. He carried her to the bed, placing her down against the mattress and pillows. A few moments later, he was crawling in beside her and pulling her against his body. After sharing a few tender kisses, they both drifted off to sleep, hoping the following day would bring what they both wanted.