New chapter! Disclaimer: We own nothing.

The next morning, Elliot awoke first. He made Noah some breakfast and walked him to the bus stop. Once he was safely on the bus, Elliot made his way back into the apartment.

As he closed the door behind himself, he heard a thud from the bedroom followed by a pained sound. He reacted fast, running to the bedroom and feeling his heart skip with panic when he found Olivia slumped against the bed.

"What happened?" he demanded as he rushed to her side and knelt beside her.

She winced and looked up at him, reaching for his hand. "I woke up and didn't think," she murmured, pain lacing her voice.

Afraid to move her, Elliot looked her up and down for visible injuries. Once he was convinced she hadn't broken anything, he let out a soft sigh of relief. Carefully, he slipped his arms around her and lifted her back onto the bed. "Do you want your pain meds?"

She managed a tight nod. "Yes..."

Elliot left the room, returning shortly with her meds and a bottle of water. He handed both of them to her and sat down on the bed, watching her with visible worry. "Are you okay?"

Nodding, she took a gulp of water. Then she swallowed the pills with another drink. "I'm sorry..."

Elliot sighed, reaching out and resting his hand on top of hers. "Just wait for me next time."

She nodded, and once the pain medications took hold she relaxed into him. "Noah get to school okay?"

"Yeah. I gave him some breakfast and walked him to the bus."

"Thanks..." She laced her fingers through his.

He rubbed the back of her hand with his thumb. "You hungry? I can make you some breakfast."

"Not really." She tucked her head against his shoulder and closed her eyes.

He nodded and wrapped an arm around her. "Alright. Let me know if you need anything."

"I will." She inhaled deeply, just letting herself drowse against him.

Unwilling to leave her side, Elliot remained next to her even as she slipped back into sleep. She dozed on and off for a while before finally waking up. Elliot was still beside her and she gave his hand a squeeze.

"Hi," he greeted. "Feeling any better?"

"Yeah." She yawned and rubbed at her eyes. "Wish I could get cleaned up." The words came out of her mouth without thought and she immediately backtracked. "It's not a big deal. The wipes work better than I thought they would."

"I can help you."

"El, no." She struggled to sit up. "That's… no."

"Are you sure?"

"I'm... I'm sure. I can't ask you to do that."

He didn't want to push her into anything she wasn't ready for, so he just nodded and squeezed her hand. "Let me know if you change your mind."

"I will." She returned the squeeze.

"Do you want some breakfast now?"

Her stomach rumbled loudly. "Breakfast sounds good. Can you help me to the couch first?"

He nodded and stood up, carefully lifting her. "Are you okay? I don't want to risk hurting you after that fall."

"I'm fine. Nothing really hurts." She wound her arms around his neck. "I'll tell you if it does."

Reassured, Elliot carried her to the living room and settled her on the couch. "What do you want to eat?"

"How about eggs and some fruit?" She turned on the tv for some background noise.

"Got it." He made his way into the kitchen and prepared two servings of eggs and fruit. He returned to the living room and handed her a plate. "Here you go."

"Thanks." She settled into his side when he sat down with her.

He slipped his arm around her. "Comfortable?"

"Yes." She ate a bite of her eggs, smiling. "What about you? Are you okay?"

He nodded, rubbing her arm as he pulled her a little closer. "Yep. I've been sleeping a lot better."

"Good. I worry about you."

Elliot shook his head, letting his hand trace comforting circles on her arm. "You don't have to do that. Let me worry about you right now."

"I've been worrying about you for the last two decades. That's not going to stop," she said affectionately.

He let out a low chuckle and moved his hand to her head, running his fingers through her hair. "I guess I should've expected that."

"You definitely should have." She finished her breakfast and set her plate aside. "El… are you sure you're okay being here?"

"I'm sure," he insisted firmly.

She let him hold her closer. "I have a spare room... I mean, if you don't feel comfortable...in mine..."

"I'm fine with whatever you're comfortable with."

"I just know you don't have an apartment... and Eli is living with Maureen, but he's always welcome here."

Elliot nodded, still smoothing his hand over her hair. "I'll tell him."

Relieved, she returned his soft smile. "Maybe tonight we can figure out a shower."

"We can do that." He shifted on the couch, making both of them more comfortable. "How's this?"

"It's good." Her head settled on his shoulder. "Never thought this would happen."

"Me neither." Elliot leaned his head against hers and lightly brushed his lips against her head. "But whatever it is, I'm glad it did."

"So am I." She leaned into the soft gesture.

He moved his hand to her upper back and rubbed, gently massaging her tense muscles.

The motion made her groan quietly. "That's nice..."

Encouraged by the pleased sound she made, Elliot continued, his fingers digging lightly into her shoulders and moving to her neck. "How's that?"

"It's nice..." she leaned closer to him, letting him support her.

He chuckled. "Maybe I missed my calling as a masseur." He continued the massage for several minutes, then wrapped his arms around her.

By then she was nearly limp and humming softly. "Think you did..."

His arms tightened around her and he buried his fingers in her hair. "Do you need anything else?"

"Just this." Her voice was softer than he had ever heard it. "Just… this."

"Okay." Nodding, he closed his eyes, tucking her head under his chin.

Pleased with the closeness, Olivia sank closer to him. "What should we do for dinner tonight?"

"What would you like?"

"How about a nice chicken parm? Noah loves it."

"I can make that."

"Sounds good." She focused on him stroking her hair, and they spent the rest of the day curled up together, half-watching tv. After a while, he got up to start dinner. Olivia nestled into the warm spot where he had been.

Soon he had their dinner in the oven and he joined her on the couch. "Fin said he'd have Noah home soon."

"That's good." She laid her head on his shoulder. "Fin adores Noah."

"I can tell. He's a good kid."

"He really is." As she said that, Fin let himself and Noah into the apartment. "Hey, guys."

Noah hung up his backpack and put his shoes away. "Hi, Mom!"

"Hey, baby."

He hugged her carefully. "Do you feel better today?"

"I do, baby." She returned his hug and kissed his head. "Elliot made chicken parmesan for us for dinner."

"Yum! Can we eat now?"

"Sure. Why don't you ask Fin if he wants to eat with us?"

Noah nodded and rushed to Fin's side. "Can you stay?"

Fin smiled and tousled Noah's hair. "Sure, kid."

Elliot checked on the chicken parm in the oven. "It's ready."

Beaming, Noah went to sit down at the table, with Fin right behind him. Fin almost went to ask Olivia if she needed help, but with Elliot there he just knew better. Elliot carried her to the table and settled her in a seat.

"I'll get your plate for you."

"Thanks, El." Olivia reached over and ruffled Noah's hair.

He fixed a plate for her and set it in front of her along with a drink. "Anything else?"

"No, this is perfect." She picked up her fork and took a bite.

Fin gave the two a knowing look. "How you doing, Liv?"

"Good." She gave him a warm smile. "Elliot's taking great care of me."

Elliot sat next to her, giving her hand a squeeze as they started eating. After dinner, Fin insisted on helping clean up before he left. Noah washed himself up before coming back to the couch where his mom was. "Can we watch a movie, Mom?"

Wanting to indulge him a bit, Olivia nodded and pulled him against her side. "Sure, baby. Elliot, can you make us some popcorn?"

"Sure." He found the popcorn and popped it, making three generously sized bowls and joining them on the couch.

Noah scooted closer to his mom, making room for Elliot. "Thanks!" He said as he took a bowl.

"You're welcome." Elliot handed him the remote. "Wanna pick out a movie?"

"Yeah!" Noah pulled up Disney and found Iron Man, then pressed play before he settled between his mom and Elliot.

Elliot draped his arm around Olivia, settling in more comfortably as the movie started. Olivia fell asleep halfway through the movie and Noah looked at Elliot, his face furrowed with concern. "Are you sure Mom's okay?" he asked softly.

He gently squeezed the boy's shoulder. "She's still pretty tired from being in the hospital, but she's gonna be okay."

Nodding, Noah resumed watching his movie. When it was over, he yawned and rubbed his eyes.

"Ready for bed?"

"Mm hmm. Can you read me a story again?"

"I can. Just pick one out."

Pleased, Noah squirmed off of the couch and put his dirty dishes up. Then he went to the bathroom to clean up. Elliot turned the tv off and settled Olivia in their bed. Then he went to Noah's room, where he found the boy waiting for him with a book. Noah held the book out for him, his eyes already heavy.

Elliot took the book, another one of the special customized stories, and turned to the first page. He read the story, recognizing that the characters were based off of himself and Olivia. He smiled fondly as he read, finishing the story even after Noah had closed his eyes.

Once the story was finished, Elliot tucked the book away and made sure Noah was settled. Then he went back to Olivia's bed. He stripped down to his undershirt and boxers, then slid in beside Olivia.

In her sleep, she curled into him and sighed. Elliot's arms looped around her and he pressed a kiss to her head, closing his eyes. Soon, he joined her in sleep.

The next evening, after Noah was in bed, Olivia was still awake and feeling uncomfortable. She wanted a shower but she couldn't do it without Elliot, and selfishly she didn't want him to see her naked for the first time like that.

When Elliot made his way into the room after cleaning up the kitchen, he was surprised to find her still awake. "Are you okay?"

"I am," she assured him, half heartedly picking at her shirt.

Unconvinced, he sat next to her. "What is it?"

"I want a shower," she blurted out around a sigh.

He nodded softly. "Do you want to try?"

"I do, but..." Her cheeks flushed a bit.

"I think you'd feel better."

"I would..."

"Try it," he urged, smoothing her hair back.

She leaned into his hand, closing her eyes. "But that means..."

His thumb rubbed her cheek. "It'll be alright."

She was quiet for a long time, just letting him stroke her cheek. Finally she nodded. "Okay..."

"Do you want to try right now?"

"Yeah." She nodded again. "I'd like that."

"Alright." He helped her out of bed and into her wheelchair, then wheeled her into the bathroom.

Olivia felt her heart start to beat faster as Elliot set out a couple of towels and a clean pair of pajamas for her.

He turned on the water, adjusting the temperature. "Whenever you're ready."

Nodding, she inhaled and removed her shirt. It took a little longer to unclasp her bra, and even then she held it to herself.

Elliot waited patiently, making sure the shower chair they'd bought was secure before he reached out to help her into it. She inhaled deeply as he helped her with her shorts and underwear, leaving her completely exposed to him.

"You're alright..." Sensing her tension, he smoothed his hand over her hair. "Just tell me what you need my help with."

Olivia let out a slow breath, relaxing a little and trusting him entirely. She held her hand under the water, satisfied it was hot enough. "Just… stay here?" she murmured. "Make sure I don't fall?"

"I can do that."

Nodding, she leaned over and held her head under the spray, soaking her hair. The shower felt more amazing than she could have described, and she took her time washing every inch of herself. As promised, Elliot waited patiently, giving her space but prepared to step in if she needed anything.

When she was finished, she peered over at him. "I'm done," she murmured with a smile.

He handed her a towel. "How do you feel now?"

"So much better," she groaned, letting Elliot help her wrap the towel around herself.

"Good." He moved her pajamas closer to her reach, as well as another towel.

With a little help, Olivia finished drying herself off and changed into the clean pajamas. "I feel human again."

He chuckled, helping her out of the shower. "Do you want to go to bed or stay up a while?"

"Maybe we could watch a movie?" She used the towel to dry her hair.

"Alright." He waited for her to finish toweling her hair, then followed closely as she wheeled herself to the living room.

With Elliot's help, she moved from her chair to the couch. She was drained but eager to watch a movie with him, just the two of them.

Once they were settled, he slipped his arm around her and guided her head to his shoulder. "Are you comfortable?"

She smiled and nodded, stroking his arm. "I am."

He started a movie and pulled her closer, kissing her head. Olivia sank closer to him, smiling softly as the movie began.

By the end of the movie, Olivia was growing tired but still awake and he toyed gently with her hair. "Ready for bed?"

"Mm hmm." She lifted her head a bit and smiled at him.

Without thinking, Elliot leaned closer so their foreheads touched. A moment later, his lips brushed against hers.

Olivia gasped softly against his lips. Was this happening?

Suddenly she reached out and laid her hand against the back of his neck. Then she pulled him into another kiss. Relieved, Elliot closed his eyes, leaning closer and wrapping his arms around her.

They shared a few more kisses before Olivia pulled away and met his eyes. "El..."

"Hmm?"

"Are you… sure?"

"I'm sure." His hand moved to cradle her jaw.

Exhaling softly, she searched his eyes before leaning in for another kiss. He kissed her again, this time softly. She melted into it, making his heart skip.

The kiss went on as Olivia slowly slipped her hands under his shirt, allowing herself to feel him. Elliot's hand found hers and squeezed gently. His other arm wrapped around her, drawing her closer to him.

There was no heat to the kisses, just tenderness and curiosity. She had waited years for this moment, and now that it was happening… she raised her hand and buried her fingers in his hair.

The kiss lasted for several breathtaking seconds before they parted. Elliot rested his head against Olivia's, his eyes searching hers.

She smiled at him, her hand cupping his cheek. "Wow..."

"Good..." He smiled and rested his hand on top of hers. Their fingers laced together as he raised her hand to his lips, kissing gently.

The intimate gesture made her shiver. "El, I..."

"Yeah?"

She smiled and ran her thumb over his cheek. "I love you."

The words almost took his breath away and his smile softened as he pulled her closer. "I love you, too."

They shared another kiss before Olivia laid her head on his shoulder.

His hand rubbed circles on her arm. "Tired?"

"A little," she admitted reluctantly.

"Alright. We'll go to bed." In one swift move, Elliot stood up with her, stealing another quick kiss.

She laughed and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Sounds good."

He carried her to the bedroom and settled her on the bed, then joined her, curling up next to her and welcoming her against his side.

She happily curled into him, draping an arm over his chest. "This is nice..."

He pulled their covers up, closing his eyes. "I've been wanting this..."

"So have I. I'm just sorry it took all of this to make it happen."

"I know..." he held her tighter.

She welcomed the squeeze and nuzzled into his shoulder. "Let's get some sleep," she murmured. "We can talk in the morning."

"Alright. Good night."

"Good night, El."

Two weeks after she was discharged, Olivia's doctor ordered a new set of scans to reassess the severity of her injury. While they waited on her results, Elliot sat by her side, holding her hand.

Finally her doctor entered the room, holding her file. "Ms. Benson?"

Olivia's hand tightened on Elliot's. "Yes?"

He sat down in the chair across from them and opened her file. "Now that the swelling is gone, we were able to get a better image of the damage. I won't sugarcoat it. Even though the physical damage will heal, the effects are permanent. The chance of regaining feeling or motion is very slim."

Olivia's throat suddenly went dry and her fingers clutched Elliot's desperately. "I see..."

"I highly recommend physical therapy," Dr. Thompson continued as Elliot squeezed her hand. "Even if it can't restore your ability to walk, it's important to learn how to get in and out of your chair safely. Physio would help you regain as much independence as possible. You could live a normal life, maybe even still work with some accommodations."

She nodded again, but her eyes were watering. "I understand."

"When can she start that?" Elliot interjected.

"The sooner, the better." He handed Elliot a card that he accepted and tucked into his pocket. "This is the clinic I recommend. I'll leave the two of you alone."

Once they were alone, Elliot didn't miss the way Olivia's shoulders slumped. Leaning close, he pulled her into a tight hug.

She collapsed against him, wrapping her arms around him and clinging to him desperately. "I want to go home."

"Alright." He rubbed her back in gentle motions, holding her close for a few minutes. "Let's go home."

She was silent as he wheeled her out to his car, her mind ablaze and her stomach churning. Since the shooting she had been on leave while they waited to see if she would regain her ability to walk. Now… now what was she going to do?

Elliot helped her into the car and stowed her wheelchair in the trunk. Once he sat in the driver's seat, he reached across the console and gave her hand a gentle squeeze before he started the car.

The ride passed in near silence as Olivia fought back tears. When they reached her apartment, Elliot unlocked the door and reached down to touch her shoulder. "Bedroom or couch?"

"Bedroom," she answered softly. Her head was pounding and she just needed to lie down for a while.

Nodding, Elliot wheeled her to the bedroom and helped her onto the bed. Then he reclined next to her and combed his fingers through her hair. "Tell me what I can do for you."

She turned and burrowed into him, gasping softly. "El..."

"I'm here…" Elliot shifted on the bed, pulling her tightly into his arms.

She buried her face in his neck, clinging to him desperately as she began to sob for the first time since the shooting.

The sound made his heart ache. Swallowing the lump in his throat, Elliot tightened his arms around her and stroked her hair. "Just let it out..."

She shuddered and gripped his shirt in her fist, her sobs shaking her body. "El..."

Elliot rested his head against hers, closing his eyes against the threat of tears. "I'm here. I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere."

She nodded into his neck, gulping in a breath.

He rubbed her back and pulled her even closer. "I love you."

"I love you, too," she managed before another sob bubbled up.

Elliot continued to hold her close, stroking her hair and murmuring quietly against her ear, hoping to provide some comfort to her. After a while, Olivia started to go limp against him. Her breaths came in soft gasps as she continued to cling to him.

"Shh... try to get some rest," he urged, pressing a kiss to her temple.

She nodded weakly, her eyes already closing. Soon, her breathing evened out as she slipped into sleep. Elliot stayed next to her, holding her tight.

Review please!