Despite her telling him that he needed someone else to rely on to get through it, Captain Olivia Benson was the first person that came to mind as it dawned on Elliot who was responsible for his wife's death. In fact, she was the only person. She had observed their interaction in the last few days as they all worked together. She could see whilst unconventional and complicated their relationship was and probably always had been, there was a bond that went beyond understanding. They may have been at odds, but always in sync. She knew how rare and how important that was in any partnership. Especially one that relied on the other to always have the others back. Benson and Stabler were a league of their own. The legend was superseded by the living. She could tell that nothing inappropriate ever passed between them. They were both too principled for that, but she could also see the cost of twenty three years controlling what came naturally to them for the sake of the greater good.

"Captain,"

"Sargent Bell," Olivia answered, fear rising to her chest,

"He's not injured," she assured her, not quite able to say he's fine, because he wasn't.

"We know who ordered the hit on Kathy Stabler," Liv sat down and placed her hand on her head,

"I thought you might want to come," he needs you she continued silently,

"I'm on my way,"

Olivia made it to the OC a half hour later. They were detaining Angela Wheatley for initial interrogation. Ayanna Bell gave her a nod as she walked in and wordlessly led her towards their interrogations space. Olivia watched him from the door as he stood behind the glass window staring at Angela Wheatley with such intensity that it could be felt from miles away. She noted that she was now alone with him. She was grateful that there were people who cared about him and looked out for him, who thought that she may actually be able to help him. Whilst it may have been a little presumptuous to think he would let her in or that she could possibly ground him after losing the love of his life, here they were.

He felt her presence before she walked over to him. In Liv like fashion she didn't say anything, she just stood beside him. Offering her support, providing him with strength even if she has no idea her mere presence in his life was that powerful. Without looking at him she she sensed his turmoil. That he was trying his best to compartmentalise. Conflict of interest meant he couldn't really be in the room with Angela Wheatley, let along be part of the interrogation process. She had to commend him for his restraint. The Elliott she knew would be in there being all up in Angela Wheatley's face, and yet here he was. Just staring at her. As though she felt his gaze, Angela looked up at the glass window

"I'm sorry Elliott," there was anguish, remorse. It was heartfelt. It was intimate. Olivia let out a quiet but distinct gasp. Elliott turned to her sharply,

"It's not what you think Liv," he silently begged for her understanding. Olivia flinched, unable to look at him. What was complicated before seemed impossible now.

'I love you' echoed in her ears. She tried to silence them, she tried to silence him and all of the words he's ever said to her.

"It doesn't matter," she murmured dismissing his unsaid apology. With defeat she adds.

"It is what it is."

"Transport is on their way. The higher ups have decided to interrogate her in prison." Ayanna walked in interrupting their silent stand off. She looked from one to the other wondering what the hell just transpired.

"Great, if you're good. We, I might head off," Elliott replied,

"Of course," everyone in that room knew what restraint it was taking for him not to rip shreds into Alicia Wheatley, but only Olivia knew the torment he now faced with the revelation of who was responsible for his wife's death the tangled mess he now weaved.

As his friend, she vowed to always be there. Whether or not she wanted to, their souls were drawn to each other like a set of conjoined twins that couldn't function fully without the other. It was a bittersweet codependency. Even when he abandoned her to some level she understood. She hated him for it, but she got it. Olivia smiled at Ayanna conveying her gratitude for looking after her ex partner. Without a word she began to head out, Elliott at her heels.

Noah was at Summer Camp, his first one and whilst she missed him she knew he was having a blast. Having him away meant she didn't have to worry about him and that took a load off. Without a plan or a destination in mind, they just walked.

"Thank you for coming," he said breaking their silence,

"Of course," she replied like it was a given.

"I'm glad I know now. I mean there is the why to still piece together but knowing who makes it real. Like knowing who allows me to move one foot in front of the other," Liv nodded with understanding, she knew what it was like to feel stuck.

"I spoke to Eli. After you and I talked in the stairwell. He said I sounded better too. We're going to a Basketball game this weekend and pizza,"

"That's great El. He misses you."

"I don't want to live haunted anymore Liv. I want to be present. I want to be the best father I can be. The best person I can be. I feel like all I be done is screw up constantly."

"You're grieving Elliott. There's no timeline or quick fixes for that. Kathy was the love of your life. There's no recovering from losing her. You can only make the best of what's in your hand right now. Knowing who ordered the hit hopefully gives you a beginning of a closure,"