Note: Here we are, with chapter two! obsessedwithstabler and I have plenty of evil things in store for y'all.

Warning: Cancer and eventual character death.

Disclaimer: SVU belongs to Dick Wolf/NBC and The Last Song of Your Life belongs to P!nk.

The next morning, Olivia awoke with a dry mouth and her head and shoulder aching. She was pressed up against something warm and solid and for a moment she wondered if Noah had had a nightmare and crawled into her bed for comfort.

Elliot's arm draped across her. When she stirred, he awoke with a yawn. "Liv?"

She froze as everything from the previous night came flooding back. "Elliot..."

He smoothed his hand over her hair. "How are you feeling?"

"Like I'm dying." She carefully pushed herself into a sitting position. "Did you stay all night?"

"Yeah." He nodded and looked her over. "Do you need anything?"

"No. I'm going to get myself discharged and go home." She eased herself into a sitting position on the edge of the bed.

Elliot slowed her down with a light hand on her uninjured shoulder. "At least let me drive you."

Her eyes met his and she felt herself waver. "Elliot..."

"Just a ride home," he assured her. "I'm not asking to come in."

She thought about it for a minute. "Fine." But there was no way in hell he was going inside.

Her doctor was reluctant to discharge her, as she quickly found out, but she was determined to leave. Finally he agreed and gave her a prescription for pain medication, and once they were out of the hospital she took a deep, cleansing breath.

Once they were in his car, Elliot started the engine and glanced over at Olivia. "Are you in the same apartment?"

She gave a little shake of her head. "I moved into a new place about nine years ago." Then she gave him the address and settled back in her seat.

Nodding, Elliot pulled out of the parking lot. As he merged into the street, tense silence fell between them.

When they arrived at her apartment building, she directed him into the parking level most convenient to her apartment. "Thanks," she said softly as he pulled into a parking spot.

He nodded, turning his attention to her as she reached for the door handle. For a moment, he hesitated before speaking. "Do you want me to walk you to your door?"

She almost said no, but at the last second she gave him a slight nod. Then she got out of his car, closing the door behind herself.

Relieved, he got out of the driver's seat and followed her into the building.

They took the elevator to her floor in quiet, which she was thankful for. When they reached her door, she pulled out her keys and unlocked it. "Thanks for the ride," she repeated, sounding just a bit exhausted.

He nodded, glancing at the door but remaining in place.

To her surprise, the door swung open and Noah barreled into her. "Hi, Mom!"

Carisi came running to the door, looking apologetic. "Hey, Lieu! I'm sorry, I swung him by to get some stuff."

Curious, Elliot watched as Olivia hugged the young boy. Questions rushed through his mind, making him wonder just how much he'd missed.

Olivia kissed the top of her son's head. "It's fine, Carisi."

The lanky man hooked a thumb over his shoulder. "Since I'm here, why don't I cook you two dinner?"

"Oh, you don't have-"

"I don't mind," he interrupted gently, casting a look at the other man. "No, how's chicken parm sound?"

"Awesome!" Noah replied excitedly, letting his mom go.

Feeling out of place, Elliot glanced at Olivia for a moment. Reluctant to leave but remembering his insistence he wouldn't push, he gave her a little nod. "I'll go now, but... I'll be around. I have a new phone number if you need it."

Noah's brow furrowed as he looked up at the stranger. "Who're you?" he demanded.

Unsure of how to answer, Elliot glanced at Olivia.

Olivia rested her hand on Noah's shoulder. "Noah, this is my friend, Elliot. Elliot, this is my son."

He relaxed and smiled softly. "Hi, Noah."

"Hey." Noah grabbed his mom's hand. "C'mon, Mom! Uncle Sonny said you got hurt."

Elliot watched as Olivia followed him into the apartment, looking back at him over her shoulder. He desperately wanted to go in, but he didn't want to push his luck and he settled for a subtle nod before she turned back around.

The door closed and he lingered for a moment before he left, walking back to his car in silence. Even if he had to face the reality that it would take time to heal the rift he'd built between them (if Olivia even decided to let him back into her life, he reminded himself), seeing her interact with her son put a soft smile on his face.

It faded as soon as it appeared when he remembered her news from the previous night. Elliot's grip tightened on the steering wheel.

One year…

Regret gripped his heart as he thought of every unanswered text, every time he'd talked himself out of returning her calls because he he couldn't find the right words to say to her. He'd wasted so much time only to come back and be faced with losing her in a matter of months.

He should have come back sooner.

That evening, Elliot was just contemplating where to eat when his phone vibrated. A text from Olivia lit up his screen.

Hungry?

That caught his attention and he typed a response. Where?

Her reply came a minute later. My place.

Surprised, he sent another response. I'll be there. He slipped his phone into his pocket and found his wallet and keys before leaving the apartment. He made it to Olivia's apartment in record time. After finding a parking spot, he made his way to her door and knocked lightly.

The door swung open and Noah looked up at him. "Hi."

"Hi," Elliot greeted, stepping into the apartment when Noah moved aside to let him in.

Noah closed and locked the door behind him, his brow furrowed. "How come I never met you before?"

Elliot thought for a moment before he answered. "Well... your mom and I worked together for a long time, but then I moved away for several years."

"Oh." He went back to the couch and resumed watching cartoons.

Olivia stepped out of her bedroom, freshly showered and wearing a baggy t-shirt and sweats. "Hey..."

"Hey." He ventured further into the apartment and looked around, seeing framed pictures of Noah decorating the walls. He didn't know much about Olivia's son, or anything that had happened since he'd been gone, but he couldn't stop a soft, proud smile from forming on his lips.

She ran her fingers through her still damp hair. "I ordered dinner from Antonio's. It'll be here soon."

"Alright." He nodded, grateful for the chance to spend time with her.

She grabbed her robe from the back of the couch and wrapped herself in it. "Do you want a drink?"

"Sure."

Nodding, she went into the kitchen. As she passed him, he caught a glimpse of a shaven spot at the back of her head. His face fell a little but he tried not to let it show as he followed her.

Olivia grabbed two tumblers and a bottle of whisky from the corner cabinet. She poured two drinks and handed Elliot one. He accepted it and sat down as he took a sip from it.

She mimicked him and took a sip, then glanced over to make sure Noah wasn't paying them attention. "I don't know where to go from here," she finally murmured.

Elliot gazed down, quietly nursing his drink. Moments passed before he looked back up. "I don't know, either," he admitted. "But I'm not leaving again."

She felt herself faltering, her defenses beginning to crack. "I..." Her eyes started to sting. "Why did you leave me?"

Elliot's chest constricted. He turned to face her, his features contorted with guilt. "I shouldn't have handled things the way I did," he began. "I was at a point in my life where I felt like I wasn't in control. I needed a change, but I never thought so much time would pass."

He paused for a moment before continuing, his eyes never leaving hers.

"I always wanted to reach out, but… it got harder and harder with time. Days turn into months, turn into years… I just kept waiting for the right moment. I know I shouldn't have waited."

"There were so many moments," she started carefully, her fingers curling around her tumbler. "So many times... I needed my best friend."

"I'm sorry I wasn't there. I missed so much and I know I can't take that back."

Letting out a breath, she suddenly threw back the rest of her drink. Then she poured herself another. "How is your family? The kids?"

"Kathy and I divorced not long after I left. She remarried a few years ago. The kids are great. Maureen's married. Eli just turned thirteen."

"Wow. Thirteen..." And she hadn't seen the boy since he was a toddler.

"Yeah. Almost as tall as me and still growing."

She nodded toward the living room. "Noah is seven. He's growing way too fast."

"He's a cute kid. I knew you'd be a great mom one day."

Olivia chuckled softly. "It wasn't always easy, but I love him more than anything in this world."

"That's great." Elliot's expression softened as he took another sip of his drink.

She ran her fingertip around the rim of the shot glass. "I haven't told him yet..."

At that, his smile faltered. "Fin said it's been rough."

"Yeah. I've pretty much stopped going into the field."

"And there's nothing you can do?"

"I went through two rounds of chemo. It just...kept the tumor from growing."

Elliot's stomach sank. He'd wanted to cling onto hope that she had options, but what she left unspoken only confirmed the truth. He diverted his eyes, staring down into his empty glass. A shaky breath rose in his throat and he contained it before turning his attention back to Olivia.

"Whatever you need… I'm here now."

She took another sip of her drink, willing herself to relax. "At best, I'm looking at a year. At the worst...a few months. I can't put you through that."

He sighed, shaking his head softly. "I'm not leaving you again."

Her hands trembled slightly. "You don't know what you're saying..."

"Maybe," he admitted. "But I wasted so many years that I can't take back. I don't want to do that anymore."

A sharp inhale escaped her when he settled a large hand over hers. "Elliot..."

She didn't return his grip but she didn't pull back, either. Elliot let out a shaky breath and absently rubbed her hand with his thumb. "Whether you let me back in or not… that's up to you. But I want to be here for you."

A sharp knock at the door made Olivia pull away and wipe at her eyes. "That's dinner."

"Right." Elliot nodded and pulled his hand back, watching as she opened the door to accept the delivery.

Olivia took the bags and called to Noah. "Noah, come eat, baby."

Noah turned the TV off and scrambled off of the couch. "Okay, Mom!"

Once the food was set out, Elliot sat down and watched the two with interest. Olivia helped Noah make his plate, then she kissed his head and made her own. When they sat down, Noah glanced curiously at Elliot. Elliot smiled in response.

Noah looked back to his mom. "Are we still gonna go make cookies with Uncle Sonny tomorrow?"

She smiled and ruffled his hair with her good hand. "Sure, baby."

"Fin told me the squad's changed almost completely."

"It has," she confirmed, picking up her fork. "After you left, Nick and Amanda joined us. Then when Nick retired, Carisi came in. You met him yesterday."

Elliot nodded. "Seems like everyone's pretty close."

"Oh yeah." She took another bite of her dinner.

Noah looked at Elliot again. "Uncle Sonny and Aunt Amanda are best friends," Noah informed him.

"Yeah?"

"Yup. But sometimes they kiss. That's kinda gross. I wouldn't kiss my best friend!" he proclaimed, grabbing an egg roll.

Olivia laughed and shook her head. "Noah!"

Amused, Elliot laughed as well.

Noah looked a bit bewildered but shrugged. "And Aunt Amanda has Jesse and Billie!"

"That's cool." Elliot smiled at the boy's enthusiasm.

"Jesse and Billie are Amanda's daughters," Olivia supplied helpfully.

Elliot nodded in understanding. Companionable quiet settled as they ate their dinner. Afterwards, Elliot insisted on cleaning up while Olivia sent Noah to play in his room. Then they sat down on the couch, sitting side by side for the first time in a decade.

For several moments, neither of them spoke. Elliot looked around the apartment before his gaze settled on her. He had so many questions that he wanted to ask, ones he knew she didn't owe him answers to. Eventually he spoke up.

"When did you decide to become a mom?"

She blew out a breath. "I didn't really decide to. I was working a case and we found this baby in the process. His mom was...well, he wound up in foster care, and when he was six months old I had the opportunity to foster him. After a year I had the option to adopt him, and the rest is history."

He nodded, the hints of a smile tugging at his lip when he remembered their conversation from all those years ago. "I knew they were wrong."

A soft laugh escaped her. "He's the best thing that ever happened to me."

"He's a sweet kid."

"He really is." She adjusted her robe more tightly around herself. "Elliot..."

"Yeah?"

"I..." There was so much she wanted to say, so many words on the top of her tongue.

He turned to face her, waiting patiently.

"You left me. You were the most important person in my life and you just...disappeared." Her hands started to shake and she clasped them together. "I had to hear it from Cragen."

The hollow pain in her voice made his heart skip with guilt. He leaned a little closer, his voice dropping to a whisper.

"I should've talked to you. I was afraid." He paused as his voice hitched in his throat. "I was afraid if I heard your voice, I wouldn't have been able to leave."

"Why?" she breathed.

"Because I thought... I knew it would mean hearing the hurt in your voice and knowing that I caused it. Liv, I'm sorry."

The sincere words reverberated through her mind, sending her off balance just as he always did. How did he still have that power over her? Ten years had passed and still it felt like they had not missed a beat. "There wasn't a day I didn't think about you."

Tears pricked the back of his eyes and he blinked. All these years he'd wondered if she'd moved on, doubting he was still a thought in her mind. How many times had he reached for the phone to call her, only to talk himself out of it? How many times had he wondered how she was, what she was doing, when all it took was a text he didn't have the courage to send?

"I thought about you, too."

"I would have given anything..." She swallowed hard and tore her gaze from his.

"I know I can't take back what I did. But whatever I can do, whatever you need, I'll do it."

She wanted to be angry. He had left her for over a decade without so much as a "see you later". Even worse, he had found the time to talk to fin at least once or twice. And had this happened a year ago, or even six months ago, she would have told him to get the hell out and stay out.

But now... Her body trembled and she didn't push him away when he scooted closer. "I'm still angry with you..."

"You have every right to be." After a moment's hesitation, he settled his hand over hers.

A wave of anger and longing washed over her at the touch. "What do you want from me, Elliot...?"

"I... I want you to know I regret walking out. And I want to be here for you now."

She gasped when his arm slipped around her. "Elliot..."

"I know we can't just act like the last ten years didn't happen. If I could take it back, I would."

Her gaze swung up to his, searching frantically as he touched her cheek. "I..."

His eyes softened as he looked back at her with more affection than she'd ever seen. Longing suddenly washed over him and he leaned in, pressing his lips to hers.

Every emotion she had ever felt when she looked at him hit her full force when their lips touched. She was going to die and she was finally experiencing the deepest desire she had since the day she laid eyes on him.

When she didn't pull away, Elliot deepened the kiss. Slowly she settled into it and his hand cupped her cheek, his thumb brushing against her jaw.

As they kissed, Olivia brought her hand up and cupped the back of his neck, gently pulling him closer.

Elliot's other arm slipped around her waist as he closed his eyes. When their lips parted he touched his forehead to hers and met her eyes.

Her dark eyes were teary and she exhaled quietly. "El..."

A soft breath escaped him as he brushed a stray tear away. His own eyes glistened as he tried to find the right words to say, failing.

Trembling just a bit, she leaned into him and tucked her head under his chin. Elliot's arms wrapped around her, pulling her closer to his chest.

Some time later, Noah slipped out of his room and quietly approached the couch. "Mommy?"

Elliot glanced down, where Olivia had dozed off against his shoulder. "She fell asleep. Do you need something?"

Noah shifted uneasily. "It's bedtime and Mommy always tucks me in when she's home..."

"Well, she's pretty tired. Maybe I can do that?"

He hesitated but finally nodded. "Okay, I guess."

Elliot carefully separated from Olivia's side and followed the young boy to his room.

Noah turned on his night light and crawled into his bed, allowing Elliot to tuck him in. "I saw your picture," he murmured sleepily.

That piqued Elliot's curiosity and he couldn't contain his surprise. "What picture?"

Noah snuggled deeper into his pillows, yawning. "By Mommy's bed."

Still surprised that she'd kept the picture all these years, Elliot nodded and adjusted Noah's blanket. "Need anything else?"

"No..." He was already falling asleep as Elliot reached to turn the bedside lamp off.

"Alright. Good night." Elliot turned off the lamp and quietly slipped out of the room.

It was the same picture he kept in his wallet, not taking it out even after he'd left. Elliot set the picture down and quietly made his way back to the living room.

Olivia stirred briefly when he settled down beside her. Even in her sleep, she seemed to seek him out.

He smoothed his hand over her hair. She curled a little closer to him and for a moment his expression softened. Maybe time could slowly heal what he'd done. The smile faded from his face when he remembered just how little time she had. Tears pooled in his eyes and he stifled a trembling sigh.

He only hoped he wasn't too late to make things right.

Note: Thanks for reading! As always, please review!