Note: Here's chapter four!

Warning: This chapter has some smut. Minors, don't read.

Eventual character death, cancer.

Disclaimer: SVU doesn't belong to us. Neither does The Last Song of Your Life.

Carisi showed up a few hours later, letting himself into the apartment with a quiet knock. Noah was asleep against his shoulder and he nodded slightly at Stabler before carrying the boy to his bedroom. He reemerged a minute later, quietly approaching the couch.

"I, uh, tucked Noah in. He's good for the night."

Elliot nodded, keeping his voice low. "Alright."

Carisi shifted uneasily, rubbing the back of his neck. "How... how's she doing?"

He hesitated and glanced down at Olivia's sleeping form. "She's tired. She decided to stop treatment today."

A small shiver went through Carisi. "Shit..." he breathed.

"Her doctor said the chemo was only stopping the tumor from growing. From here on out, it's just... a matter of trying to manage symptoms and making the most of the time she has."

Carisi sat down in the recliner next to the couch, a devastated look on his face. "Have they said... I mean...she's still gonna be around a while, right?"

"They said she might have a year. If things took a turn for the worse... six to eight, maybe ten months." Elliot dropped his voice, barely willing it not to shake.

He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees and cupping his head in his hands. "Shit," he repeated dumbly. "But...c'mon, there's gotta be something else they can do."

Elliot sighed and absently smoothed his hand over Olivia's hair. "I wish... if there was anything out there that would help her, I'd find it. The chemo was doing more harm than good."

"What... I mean, what about Noah? I know she's been talkin' to me and Fin, but..."

"She's still thinking about it. He knows she's sick, but... he doesn't know how bad it is yet."

He took a deep, fortifying breath. "What...what else can I do to help?"

"I guess... just keep doing what you're doing. She doesn't have a lot of energy most evenings."

"I can do that. I mean, Amanda knows too and she loves when Noah and I come over." He ran his long fingers through his hair. "I'll do everything I can."

Elliot nodded. "I think Liv would appreciate that. She doesn't want to, but she'll be cutting back her time at work."

"Yeah, we've noticed." He subtly wiped at his eyes. "I gotta go. But..." He pulled a card out of his pocket and gave it to Elliot. "That's my number. I know she can be stubborn. If she needs anything at all, I can be here in no time."

"Thank you." Elliot nodded and slipped the card into his wallet.

Nodding tightly, Carisi gave Olivia a once over. Then he nodded at Stabler before slipping out of the apartment.

After ending treatment, Olivia found that gradually, she felt a little better as the side effects wore off. She knew it would only be a temporary relief until her illness started to progress, but for now she welcomed it.

She still didn't have the stamina to go into the field or work full shifts, but she could stay awake longer in the evenings, giving her more time to spend with Noah. More often than not, Elliot stayed, too.

But he understood that she needed alone time with her son and he was willing to give her that. On those nights, he would spend time with one of his kids or work on some of his case files.

Days slipped into weeks, which gave way to a month. They never defined their relationship, and neither of them felt the need to. Elliot spent most nights at Olivia's apartment. Some nights, when she had the energy, they'd stay awake well into the night, talking aimlessly. Other nights, she'd fall asleep against his side and he'd soon join her in sleep.

One Saturday morning, after Fin had picked Noah up for the day, Elliot locked the front door and slipped back into bed with Olivia. She was just beginning to stir and she reached out to him, pulling him closer for a sleepy kiss.

He returned it and settled his hand on her side. "Morning."

"Morning..." She had slept in one of his shirts and little else, and goosebumps rose on her flesh as he touched her.

"How do you feel?"

She yawned and stretched a bit, curling her toes as he kissed her again. "Pretty good..."

"Yeah? That's good." He moved his hand to her cheek and brushed away a stray strand of hair.

She peered up at him with warm eyes. "What are you thinking, El?"

"Nothing in particular." He pressed another soft kiss to her lips.

Her eyes closed as she parted her lips, allowing him to deepen the kiss. Despite the fact that he spent nearly every night there, and had really all but moved in, they had done nothing past a few heated kisses.

When she settled a hand behind his neck and pulled him closer, Elliot wrapped his arm around her waist.

The closer he came, the faster she felt her heart beating. He brushed her hair away and she wrapped a long leg around him. "El..."

For a moment their lips parted and their eyes met, his darkening with longing.

Her heart began beating faster as he freed a hand and ran it down the inside of her leg. "Elliot."

"Is this okay?"

"Yeah..." She nodded eagerly, running her fingers over his arm.

Encouraged, Elliot moved his hands to her hips and turned onto his side, leaning over her.

It was surprising to her, how comfortable and familiar it all was. He touched her like he had done it a million times before, and she pulled him closer, as though she couldn't breathe without him.

Elliot slipped his hand under her shirt. His fingertips lightly grazed her hip as he kissed her again, this time passionately. The eager gasp that escaped her fueled his desire and he moved his lips lower, to the nape of her neck.

"Elliot...please..." She shifted restlessly, turning her head a bit so he had better access.

He continued the trail of gentle kisses and slipped his hand behind her, rubbing the small of her back.

Slowly her legs fell apart and he took advantage, slipping between them as he continued to kiss her skin. Olivia let her head fall back and her eyes close. "I need you..."

The words made his heart skip. He'd been wanting this for so long...

With his other hand he unbuttoned her shirt. His hands brushed her sides as he slipped it off, tossing it aside. He inhaled softly as he took her in, his fingers tracing light patterns on her skin.

"So beautiful…" he murmured as he lowered, trailing kisses down her collarbone and letting his hands explore her body.

She wanted to argue, to point out how thin her body was, how less toned and in shape she had become. But the protests died on her lips as he nipped playfully at her skin. "Fuck..."

Elliot continued to drop teasing kisses against her skin, stopping when he reached the waistband of her underwear. He paused for a moment and when she gave a nod of encouragement, he slipped her underwear down her legs, his hand moving to cup her inner thigh.

It was all too much, and somehow still not enough. He lavished attention on her until she was a quivering mess, and only when they were both ready did she manage to motion to her night stand. "Condom..."

Elliot reached into the nightstand drawer and withdrew the requested item. Moments later he was on top of her again, closing the distance between them with a dizzying kiss.

Olivia returned the kiss eagerly, hooking a leg around Elliot. Was this really happening?

His fingers teased, moving further inward. In the moment their lips parted, she opened her eyes and his heart beat faster at the hunger in her eyes. He shifted his hips, gently pinning her beneath him.

It was everything she had dreamed of, and somehow so much more. He pushed into her and she cried out his name, dragging her nails down his back. "Elliot!"

A shiver went through him as her fingers grazed his back. Elliot rocked his hips, still teasing her skin. The stifled moan that escaped her made him ache with anticipation and he moved a little faster. Their eyes locked, his expression one of longing and affection.

"Liv…"

Her eyes opened and she moved her hands to cradle his face. "I'm here, El," she breathed, touching her nose to his. "I'm here."

"Hmm..." Elliot moved one hand to cradle her cheek, his mouth closing around hers in another kiss.

He moved his hips again and she gasped, clinging desperately to him. He was stretching her, taking her apart and putting her back together in the most carnal way she could have dreamed.

His arm looped around her waist and he rolled over, pulling her on top of him in one swift move. He leaned up, moving his lips from her mouth to the nape of her neck.

Tossing her head back, Olivia braced herself against his chest and sank down on him. "Yes..."

Her body pressed closer to his, making his pulse quicken. Elliot moved his hips again and let his hands wander down her back. "So beautiful..." he murmured again, his voice husky as his lips brushed her ear.

It was all too much, and still not enough. She moved faster against him, stealing heated kisses as she felt her orgasm building. "Elliot...I...I love you!"

Moments later she cried out and collapsed against his chest. A ragged gasp escaped Elliot as the tension piqued, making him shudder and gasp. His arms drew her close and his chin rested against the top of her head. "I love you..."

She curled into him, feeling his heart racing beneath her palm. "I love you, too..."

His hand rested on top of hers and squeezed tightly. He lifted her hand to his mouth and lightly brushed his lips against her knuckles.

Smiling, she ran her thumb over his lips. He insisted on grabbing them something to eat, and Olivia reluctantly sat up against the pillows, watching as he tugged on his boxers and undershirt.

Elliot returned a few minutes later with fresh coffee and some breakfast. He joined her on the bed, his affectionate gaze never leaving her. "Breakfast is served."

"My hero." She accepted the bowl of fruit he offered her. For once she felt like eating and she dug into the delicious looking mix.

Pleased, Elliot leaned back against the headboard and put his arm around her shoulders.

Olivia smiled and enjoyed her fruit. "I can't believe we did that."

He nodded in agreement, smiling contentedly. "I can't, either."

Finishing most of her fruit, Olivia set the bowl aside before curling up in Elliot's arms.

His arms wrapped around her and kissed the top of her head before combing his fingers through her hair. "You seem like you're feeling pretty good today."

"Mm hmm." She arched into him with a happy little sigh.

"Do you need anything else?"

"Not right now. Just stay here," she murmured, feeling his arms tighten around her.

"Okay." He pulled the blankets up and kissed her head again.

Pleased she had gotten her way, she closed her eyes. "Want to watch a movie?"

"Sure." He reached for the remote and turned on the television.

He found some old medical drama and Olivia curled closer to him, enjoying the way he stroked her hair. It was so intimate, so loving that it nearly brought tears to her eyes.

"Comfortable?"

"Mm hmm..." she grasped his hand and threaded their fingers together.

His hand squeezed hers tightly as she snuggled warmly into his side. They spent most of the day there in her bed, with Olivia dozing on and off and Elliot switching back and forth between listening to the TV and watching her sleep.

She was napping lightly that afternoon when Fin brought Noah home. Elliot was rummaging for ingredients to make dinner and stopped to let them into the apartment.

Noah greeted Elliot enthusiastically before he went to his bedroom to put his things away. Fin watched him go. "How's she doing?"

"She's resting right now, but she's feeling pretty good today."

"That's great, man." He walked into the kitchen, trying to avoid Noah hearing them. "You know you can't leave her again...right?"

Elliot's expression faltered for a moment. He glanced at the hall to make sure nobody could hear them and lowered his voice. "I know. I'm not leaving her again."

The words left his mouth with determination. He meant every word of it. Even if he couldn't erase the past, he wasn't about to walk out again.

"Good. And while I got you, you should spend more time with Noah."

"I'd like that."

"He's a great kid." He spotted Noah coming down the hall and he hugged the kid. "I gotta go, Noah. Why don't you see if Elliot needs help cooking?"

"Okay." Noah reluctantly let Fin go and walked into the kitchen with Elliot.

Elliot smiled and set out the ingredients. "I was thinking we'd make some spaghetti."

Noah cocked his head a bit. "With garlic bread?"

"You read my mind."

Finally the little guy smiled, and they spent the next couple of hours talking and cooking.

As they were putting the garlic bread in the oven, Olivia emerged from her bedroom, yawning. "Hey, guys..."

"Hi, Mom! I'm helping Elliot cook!"

"Yeah?" She held her arms out and smiled as Noah ran into them. "I'm sure Elliot is teaching you a lot."

"Mm hmm." He nodded into her abdomen, hugging her tight.

"Did you have fun with Fin today?" Her fingers carded through his thick, unruly hair.

"Yeah! We went to the zoo and I got to see the otters!" He raised his head and grinned up at his mom.

"Wow, that sounds fun. I know you love the otters."

Elliot smiled at the interaction. "He was a lot of help."

Beaming, Noah let his mom go and pulled himself up onto a kitchen chair.

A few minutes later the oven chimed and Elliot retrieved the garlic bread, setting it out along with the spaghetti. "Dinner's served."

"Yay!" Noah waited patiently as his mom served his plate. Then he dug in eagerly.

Olivia fixed her own plate and nibbled at her garlic bread. "This is great, you two."

"That's good to hear." Satisfied that she was eating, Elliot reached over and gave her hand a quick squeeze.

She smiled and returned the squeeze but after dinner she was exhausted again and reluctantly let Elliot usher her to bed. He made sure she was settled before returning to the kitchen to clean up.

Noah finished clearing his plate and cup and he looked up at Elliot. "Mom sleeps a lot," he noted sadly.

Elliot sighed, reaching down to ruffle the boy's curly hair. "I know. She's... she's pretty tired."

Noah peered up at Elliot, his eyes large and worried. "Do you know my dad?"

Elliot hesitated before shaking his head. "I don't."

"Oh." Noah grabbed his glass of milk.

"But..." Elliot sat across from him. "I know you have the best mom."

The boy smiled and nodded. "Yeah. Mom's the best at telling stories and tucking me in, and when I get sick she always makes me feel better."

"I'm sure she does. She's good at that kind of stuff."

Noah played with his glass. "Do you got kids?"

"I have five. Four of them are grown."

His eyes lit up. "I kinda remember now. Mama was there when one was born, right?"

He nodded. "Yep. She actually saved Eli the day he was born."

Noah's eyes grew round and worried. "How? Was he sick?"

"No, not like that," Elliot reassured him. "I was married back then, and I wasn't able to take Kathy to her doctor's appointment. Your mom helped out and they ended up getting in a car wreck. Kathy was in labor with Eli and she was stuck, so it was dangerous for both her and Eli. But your mom helped until they were able to get out of the car."

"Wow..." Noah finished his milk, enthralled with the story. "My mom is a superhero!"

"She really is," Elliot agreed.

He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. "Is my mom...is she gonna get better?"

The question tugged painfully at Elliot's heart. It wasn't his place to tell Noah the full story, so he thought for a long moment before he answered. "Your mom… she's tough."

"Yeah..." Noah yawned and pointed to the couch. "Can I watch a movie?"

"Sure. Pick one out."

Nodding, the boy slid off of his chair and went to the living room to pick a movie. Elliot finished cleaning up the kitchen and joined him a few minutes later. Noah had settled on Toy Story and he scooted closer to Elliot when he sat down.

The move surprised Elliot, but he welcomed it and smiled softly. When the movie ended, Noah yawned. "Are you gonna tuck me in again?"

"I can if you want me to."

The boy nodded, rubbing his eyes. "Do you know any stories?"

"Sure. I can tell you a story."

Smiling, Noah slid off of the couch. "I gotta brush my teeth!"

"Okay. You go do that and then I'll tell you a story."

Grinning, Noah hurried off to brush his teeth and wash his face. Then he went into his bedroom and climbed into his bed, and Elliot came in with a glass of water. Noah snuggled into his pillows as Elliot set the glass down and tucked him in. "What story are you gonna tell?"

"Do you have a favorite?"

"Uh..." Noah thought about it for a while. "Yeah, but only Mama knows it."

"What is it?"

Noah yawned and tugged at his blanket. "It's about a girl knight and she has a best friend, but he goes away. So she finds a baby and teaches him how to be a knight."

"I can work with that." Elliot ruffled Noah's hair and thought for a minute before he started. "Once upon a time..."

Even if he'd never heard Olivia's version of the story, he didn't need to hear it to know what to say. Lowering his voice, he started reciting the story as if he'd told it a hundred times before.

Judging by the way Noah listened intently, even half asleep, Elliot had an idea his version wasn't much different.

Soon Noah was sound asleep, and Elliot turned on his nightlight before leaving the boy's room. He went to the kitchen and cleaned up before climbing into bed with Olivia.

When the bed dipped beneath his weight, Olivia stirred. "Hey..."

"Hey." His arms wrapped around her waist, tugging her close. "Noah's asleep."

"Mm. Thanks," she murmured. "Did he go down easily?"

"Yep." He nodded and buried his fingers in her hair.

"You're wonderful." She stole a soft kiss, twining their legs together.

Elliot returned the kiss, smoothing his hand over her hair. When their lips parted, she rested her head against his chest and he pulled the blankets up further.

She hated being so tired, but Elliot was warm and comforting and she felt herself drifting off again.

He wanted to tell her about Noah's question from earlier, but he knew she was too tired. He closed his eyes and leaned his head against hers. "Good night."

"Night, El..." Her breathing quickly became deep and even.

Minutes later, he joined her in sleep.

Note: So sweet... just a heads up, this chapter is the calm before the storm.

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