Two weeks later, Elliot's number was still in her phone but she had yet to use it and as far as she was concerned, she wasn't going to. There was no use opening that can of worms and adding more drama into her life that she did not need. And thankfully, the Universe had decided to give her a break because she had not run into Mr. Blue Eyes anywhere else. Not that she hadn't thought of him…in fact if she was honest he had starred in more than a few of her dreams in the last two weeks. But, that was not a piece of information she needed to share with anyone, ever.

It was now the first week in August and summer was flying by faster than she would have liked. She was trying to spend as much time with Noah as possible before school started because that made things even more hectic for them. When she was at work, he was with Lucy and occasionally Alex on days that Lucy couldn't work. She was beyond grateful for both of them but knew that it took a damn village to raise a kid, especially as a single parent.

Today was a day he would be spending with his Aunt Alex when she went into work. She was standing in the kitchen cleaning up from breakfast when she heard the knock on the door. A moment later, Alex let herself in with her key and smiled, "Morning sunshine."

Olivia laughed at her, "Someone's chipper this morning."

"Are there impressionable ears around?" She asked curiously, glancing around the apartment for Noah.

Olivia shook her head, "He's in his room playing with that new truck Matt gave him yesterday. He's obsessed with it."

Climbing up onto the stool at the counter Alex smiled, "That means I get a few minutes to gossip with you."

"Gossip?" She asked curiously as she wiped off her hands, "Gossip about what?"

"Okay not so much gossip as brag about the incredible sex I had last night." She said with a sigh, resting her chin on her hand, "Like mind blowing."

Olivia laughed and leaned against the counter behind her, "Oh here we go…"

"Oh don't be jealous." Alex said with a smile, "You very well could be having your own mind blowing sex, you just choose not to call that hunk of a man."

Olivia narrowed her eyes at her, "Can we not go there? I'm not calling him."

Alex groaned and pushed herself away from the counter and walked towards her, "Olivia, I swear to you last night I died and went to heaven. Matt and I tried this new position and-"

Olivia saw Noah walking out into the kitchen, "And I was shocked too that the Yankees lost yesterday! I totally thought they had the Red Sox this time."

Alex turned to look at Noah and smiled though she was sad she hadn't been able to get through to her, "Hey little dude. Ready for Auntie Alex and Noah day?"

Noah walked over to her and smiled, hugging her tight, "You know I am Auntie A." He squeezed, "What's the plan?"

"Thought we'd hit up the pool for a bit since it's so hot out today and then the sky's the limit kid. Whatever you want." She ran her fingers through his hair, "You got your bathing suit?"

Olivia smiled, "It should be in the laundry basket in my room hon. Why don't you go grab it and put it in your backpack."

Noah smiled and took off, Alex turned to her quickly and said, "I'm just saying…you should call firefighter guy and try this out because you'll be seeing stars. And you deserve that."

"I'm not calling him." She said with a quick laugh as she turned away from her, "It's been two weeks and I have no intention of calling him."

Alex grabbed Olivia's phone from the counter and scrolled through it, smirking as she asked, "Then why haven't you deleted the number yet?"

Olivia swung around and tried to reach for it, "Stop snooping."

"Not until you give me a real answer as to why you can't be happy and just go on a damn date with a good looking man who is clearly interested?" She said with a huff, "What's the big deal?"

Olivia glared at her, hands on hips, "You know the big deal. So don't start."

"I don't get it. No one said that because you have a son you had to be freaking celibate." She said with a sigh, Olivia went to protest, "I understand that you want to protect him. I do. But when do you get to be happy? When he turns 18 and is out of the house?"

"I told you before, I am happy." She said, though her voice was soft and unconvincing, "I have everything I need."

"Except a good di-" She started to say but Noah came back in at that moment.

"Ready!" Olivia was laughing and Noah looked at her, "What's so funny?"

Olivia smirked and walked over to him, "Your Aunt Alex, that's what." Bending down, she kissed the top of his head, "Please be good. Listen, stay close and be respectful. Alright?"

"I know Mom." He hugged her tight and whispered, "And you be safe."

She smiled, holding him back, it was what he always said when she went off to work, "Always babe. Always."

Stepping back, Noah turned to his Aunt, "Ready?"

"Ready kid. Let's hit it." She smiled and pointed at the door, "Meet you at the elevator."

Noah waved at his Mom again and then moved towards the door, leaving the two friends alone once more. Olivia put her hand up to stop her, "Don't start again Alex. I'm not calling him."

Walking backwards, she pointed at Olivia's phone, "Then you might as well delete that number because it's just taking up space. But for the record, I think you're being stubborn and stupid."

Olivia smirked, "Thanks for being such a supportive best friend."

Blowing her a kiss she smiled, "Always. Now go kick ass Benson!"

Olivia sighed and watched her go before looking down at the counter again. Picking it up, she scrolled down to Elliot's number, her finger hovering over the delete button. Just do it. Her brain was screaming at her to do it, get rid of it and just end this. And yet, there was this little part of her that felt sad at the thought of letting it go. She didn't understand why, but she couldn't do it. With a heavy sigh, she placed it down thinking she could do it tomorrow.

Yet somehow she had a feeling she wouldn't…she just didn't understand why.

Elliot was on a 48 hour shift but currently getting a few hours of sleep in one of the bunk rooms. He was out cold but deep in a dream. One of the dreams that had been haunting him for the past two weeks. The kind of dream that tackled what if he had gone to bed with Olivia that night in his apartment?

Her shoes were on the floor so she couldn't have left. His apartment was small. The bedroom had two french doors that opened into the kitchen and living room. The door was cracked slightly and he could see her through the glass. Oh God, he was in big, big trouble here. Walking towards the room, he told Ember to stay and walked to the door entrance just in time to see her shimmying out of her jeans. "Fuck…"

Tossing her hair over her shoulder she saw him looking at her, this time he was unable to keep his eyes on her face, "There you are."

She turned to look at him, now only standing in her white tank top and a pair of very lacey black panties. Sauntering towards him, she saw the way he was standing, breathing heavy, "Um…do you need anything? Water? Advil or-"

"I'm good." She stepped back again moving towards his bed, "You need anything?"

He should have said no, should have done the respectable thing and gone to sleep on the couch. But God he wanted her. So when she asked the question the only answer he had was, "You."

She beamed at him, moving closer, her hips swaying from side to side. Her hand slid up his chest and pulled him closer, "I was hoping you'd say that."

Bending at the knee, he kept his eyes on her and wrapped his arms around her waist, resting his hands on her ass as he pulled up. Her legs quickly wrapped around him and she leaned in, before he could kiss her though he asked, "Are you sure about this Olivia?"

She smiled, curling her hand around his neck, her nails scratching at his short hair, "Take me to bed, firefighter guy…"

And so he did. Walking towards his bed, he kissed her, slowly, and she smiled against his lips, tugging on his lower lip with her teeth. He groaned, and sat down on the edge of the bed, holding her in his lap, she rocked her hips against him and moaned loudly when she felt him already hard for her. His hands slid up under the think tank top, scratching up and down her spine. She shivered slightly and raised her arms above her head, pulling back, she gave him a coy little smile and waited.

Sucking in his lower lip, his hands slid to the front of her, pulling at the material. Still he kept his eyes on her face as he lifted it up and over her head. Tossing it behind her, he still waited and she smiled, "You can look now Stabler…"

He sighed and leaned forward, pressing his lips to hers, "I want you to want me to look."

She laughed softly and lifted her hand, trailing it down the side of her neck as she leaned back slightly, dipping it between her breasts, "Oh I want you to look…so now it's up to you."

Taking a deep breath, he let his eyes look down, following the same path that her finger had gone. And it was well worth the wait. Well worth the wait indeed. He stopped breathing it felt as he took in every inch of her. Leaning forward, he kissed her neck and looked up at her through heavy eyelids, "And what about touching? Is that allowed too?"

She rolled her hips again and hissed, "Yes."

Turning slightly, he lay her down on the mattress below him and continued his trail of kisses down her neck, stopping just above her heart. He smiled when he felt the steady thrum of it below his lips. Her fingers dug into the back of his neck urging him downward and he went willingly. His lips pressed against the underside of her left breast and she inhaled sharply, clearly wanting more. Ever so slowly, he let his tongue pass between his lips and lick from the side all the way to her nipple. It twirled around the bud before closing his mouth around it, moaning softly making her body begin to tremble.

"Elliot…" Her fingers held on tighter, holding him against her breasts and his mouth opened wider, devouring her whole.

His hand slid up the side of her, cupping her second breast, his finger tweaking her nipple between his forefinger and thumb, "Your skin is so soft…" He sighed and she groaned loudly, "Tell me you want me to keep going…that you want me to touch you…"

She whimpered softly and pressed her hips up against him, "Please, please keep going. I want you to touch me Elliot…"

Pulling back slightly, he stared down at her eyes wide with desire, "Where? Where do you want me to touch you Olivia?"

Biting on the corner of her lip she took his hand, "Elliot…"

He lifted their hands and he kissed her fingers, repeating the question, "Where do you want me to touch you Olivia?"

Taking his hand with hers, she slid it down between her breasts, across her belly and let his hands tease her through her lace panties, already soaking wet, "Right here."

Smiling, he kissed the side of her breasts and then lowered his lips, feeling her push his fingers further into her body. His free hand moved to the hem of her underwear, pulling it quickly over her hip. She sucked in a breath, her flat belly caving in. Her hand fell away from his and he took the opportunity to tug the other side down, her lips lifting to help him. Making quick work of that, he flung it to the side, not giving a damn where it landed. Before leaning forward, pressing her legs apart, his hands kneaded at her inner thighs. Looking up at her with heavy eyes, he took her in, all of her and just as he'd expected, she was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen. "God Olivia…"

Her hand reached for him, pressing into the back of his neck again, "Please, I need you."

Licking his way up her inner thigh, he let his tongue slide up and down her wet pussy, drowning in the taste of her, "Fuck…"

Her head fell back against the mattress, and her hands fisted at his short hair, "Yes."

Wrapping his lips around her clit, he tugged gently, "Olivia…"

Her toes curled against the comforter and she moaned loudly, "Yes!"

Leaning back, he quickly tugged his shirt up and over his head before leaning forward once more, his tongue swirling around her clit. She writhed and moaned underneath him, her fingers gripping the sheets tightly, her back arching up and off the mattress. Every sound she made was like a symphony and he wanted it to be the only song he heard for all his life. Over and over he lapped at her, wanting her more than anyone he'd ever wanted in his life. How could it be possible to need someone he'd barely known for 24 hours. Hooking her legs up and over his shoulders, he pressed himself firmly against her, his tongue sliding up inside of her.

"Elliot, please…I need…I need you." She begged.

He growled against her and dug his fingers into her hips, "Let me-"

"No." She panted loudly, "I need you…" Reaching down, she tilted his head up towards her and begged, "I need you in me."

Desperate, and aching, he crawled up towards her, tugging at the zipper to his jeans. She sat up, pulling at the material along with him. Both of them were breathing hard. Shifting off the bed quickly, he kicked his jeans to the side and stood before her. But she kept her eyes on his, waiting just as he had. He smiled, his hand wrapping around his thick cock as he watched her, "You can look now Olivia…"

Biting her lip coyly she whispered, "I want you to want me to look…"

Letting out a throaty little laugh he whispered, "Oh I want you to look…"

Her eyes roamed his body up and down, her eyes settling on his cock. He saw her swallow hard, her eyes go wide and he couldn't help but feel proud. Bracing one knee on the mattress, he crawled up and over her, settling himself between her legs. She shuddered as the tip of him teased her, her wetness coating him. "Elliot…"

Holding himself above her he whispered, "Tell me you want this…"

Nodding slowly, her short brown hair fell to the side and she reached for him again, "I want this Elliot." He kissed her softly and she smiled, "I want you."

Sighing, he moved the tip of him pressing inside of her, her pussy pulling him closer when-

BAM.

Elliot landed with a hard thud on the cold floor beside the tiny bed in the bunk room. Groaning, reached for his head, rolled over and then looked down to see the very evident bulge in his pants. Of course he'd wake up now. It was the same thing for the last two weeks whenever he closed his eyes. He'd see her only she'd slip right through his fingers again.

Sitting up slowly, he was grateful to see the room was mostly empty. Resting his forehead against the bed, he took a few deep breaths and then lifted himself, groaning when he felt the ache from the fall. Sighing, he walked towards the locker room and reached into one of the shower stalls, turning the water on, not bothering to turn the hot water on. Cold was the only option this morning.

He shivered as he climbed in, his hands braced against the yellow tiles. Bending his head low he felt the water trickle down his back. He wasn't surprised when he heard the door creak open, less surprised when he heard the familiar voice. "Another bad dream?"

Elliot huffed and moved his hand to the back of his neck, "Not now Ash…"

From outside the shower, Ashton sighed, "Still no call?"

Poking his head around the edge of the curtain he sighed, "I said not now Ash."

Ashton frowned and nodded, "For what it's worth…I'm sorry." Pushing himself up he walked towards the door, "But maybe don't give up hope just yet…"

Elliot waited for him to leave and then moved back to the shower, closing his eyes tight and wishing he could just forget about this girl. She clearly didn't want him. Looking down again though, he knew he sure as hell wanted her.

Fifteen minutes later, he was standing in the kitchen pouring himself a bowl of cereal. Ashton was the only other person in the room, the rest of the men on shift had moved to sit outside as they often did. Elliot climbed up on one of the stools beside his friend and bent over the bowl, "Look…I didn't mean to get snippy. I just…I feel incredibly stupid."

Ashton smiled sadly at him, "You have no reason to feel stupid."

"Don't I?" He asked curiously, "I met a girl…amost had sex with said girl but tried to do the right thing and take care of her instead. Then I dug the whole a little deeper, skulking around near where she worked hoping to meet her and I did meet her."

"You met her and her son." He pointed out, "And you bought them ice cream. Gave her your number and left the ball in her court…"

Twirling the spoon in the bowl he frowned, "I think I knew she wouldn't call…but I still…"

"Hoped you were wrong." He said with a nod, "I know. I get it. We've all been there Elliot…you're just not used to being turned down." Elliot shot him a look, "Most girls throw themselves at you. And for once in your life you're not automatically getting the girl. So this is new for you…"

Elliot frowned, "I don't always get the girl…" Ashton just glared at him, "Okay so yes, maybe initially I get the girl. But…I can't seem to keep a damn girl. So what does that say about me?"

"That you haven't met the right one yet." He said with a shrug, Elliot looked at him sadly, "I know you thought maybe she was…but you were just…overwhelmed. Caught up in the moment. And if she can't see that you were worth it…that's on her. And someday, she'll regret it."

Elliot sighed and pushed his bowl aside, "Yeah well…I still feel like an idiot."

Smiling sadly, Ashton squeezed his shoulder and whispered, "We've all been there man. Trust me." Elliot just nodded, "Hey, why don't you come over some night this week and have dinner with us? The kids could use some Uncle Elliot time and it might cheer you up."

Elliot smiled and took a big bite of his cereal before standing up again, "Alright. Sounds good. Thanks man." Handing it to him he said, "You want to finish this? I think I'm gonna go for a run to clear my head a bit."

Ashton took the bowl and nodded, "Okay. I know you don't like to talk about things but…I'm here man. You know that right?"

Elliot smiled and stepped back in the room, "I know. Thanks Ash."

And then he was gone, hoping that a run around the city would help clear his mind of all thoughts belonging to Olivia Benson.

Sometime later, Olivia and Fin sat in their patrol car on a corner street. It was a slow day and they were both bored. Fin sighed and slammed his hand against the dashboard, "One of these damn days they'll get cars that have air conditioning. I'm roasting."

Olivia sighed and tilted her head out the window, hoping a breeze would pass through but there was no such luck, "Doubt it my friend."

Fin looked over at her and whispered, "Maybe we'll finally rank up soon and get out of this hell hole."

"You want to get rid of me that badly?" She asked with a smile, "I haven't been a bad partner, have I?"

"Nah. The last four years have been great with you kid. But…we both have bigger dreams, don't we?" He asked, and she nodded, "And if we're lucky, maybe we'll both get SVU."

She smiled and glanced out the window again, "Maybe."

Fin saw the far away look on her face and knew she was thinking. He knew her well after spending so much time with her. He also knew she kept most things to herself. He'd heard rumblings of a run in with the mystery guy from the fundraiser. And as protective as he was of his partner, he also wanted her to find happiness. In his opinion, no one deserved it more.

"So…" Fin mumbled quickly, she turned back to look at him, "What happened with the firefighter?"

Olivia groaned and said, "Oh not you too! Why is everyone so interested in me and this guy?"

"As your friends, we just want to see you happy." Fin said with a shrug, "And Alex said he seemed like a decent guy. Even for a firefighter…"

Olivia laughed and rolled her eyes, "I'm sure he is…but you know I don't have time to date."

"No, I know you choose to not make time to date." He said with a smirk, "You get asked out more than anyone I know and you always say no."

"Between work and Noah, my free time is limited. And what free time I do have should go to my son." She said quickly, "You of all people should understand that."

"I do get that." He said with a nod, "I felt the same way about Ken. But I also realized at a certain point that I deserved happiness too. And when I was happy, my relationship with Ken was better. So don't you think you owe it to yourself and to him to at least try?"

Olivia opened her mouth to respond when a call came through on their walkies. "We've got reports of a woman causing some sort of disturbance around the block from you. Can you two go check it out?"

Glad for the distraction, Olivia responded, "On it." Turning back to her partner she smiled, "Come on partner, we've got a job to do."

Fin sighed knowing the conversation was over and she did not want him to bring it up again. Putting the car in drive, he turned on the sirens and drove towards the location given. A few moments later, they found an older woman standing on the sidewalk looking disheveled and confused. Not wanting to startle her, Olivia and Fin got out slowly and approached her one at a time, Olivia went first, "Ma'am? Ma'am are you alright?"

The woman was muttering something under her breath looking around, "My son. I-I have to find my son. He'll know what to do."

Olivia looked back at Fin and then slowly approached her again, "Ma'am, my name is Officer Benson. I'd love to help you find your son. Can you tell me what he looks like? Or what his name is?"

The woman frowned and looked up at the building in front of her, "He'll..know what to do. Yes…he'll know what to do."

Taking another step towards her she whispered, "Can you at least tell me your name?"

The woman turned to her and whispered, "Bernie. Bernadette."

Olivia smiled softly, "Hello Bernie. Can you tell me your last name?"

She was quiet for a moment before muttering, "Stabler. I'm Bernie Stabler." Olivia held her breath and Bernie whimpered, "Please. Please call my son Elliot. I'm scared…I don't know where I am. I need-I need my son."

And just like that, the Universe was putting her right in the path of the very man she'd tried to forget. Yet, she couldn't ignore this. Nor would she. Looks like she was going to have to call him after all…

Elliot had gone for a run, something he always did when he was having a rough day. Needing as much space as possible, he had left his phone back at the firehouse to be free of any distractions and wondering if she would call. The fresh air and the heat made him feel like he was sweating out the stress, and for now that was enough.

Little did he know what was about to happen as he looped back around to go back to the Firehouse. Ashton was washing the truck with one of the other firemen when he heard a phone ringing. Following the sound, he tracked it to Elliot's locker where all his gear was. Wondering if he should let it go or not, he picked it up and saw a number he didn't recognize. Deciding he'd check and take a message for his friend, he answered, not in the least bit expecting to be talking to who was on the other end of the phone.

"Hello?" He asked, leaning against the locker.

"Um…hi." A nervous voice said, "Elliot?"

Ashton's head started spinning, it couldn't be, could it? "Uh…actually this is his friend Ashton. He left his phone at the firehouse. Can I take a message?"

"I…" He heard a muffled voice behind him that sounded oddly familiar but he couldn't quite place it, "My name is Olivia and-"

"Olivia." He stood up a little straighter, shock but also excitement coursing through him, "As in the Olivia?"

Olivia nervously fidgeted on the other side of the phone before answering, "I…I'm not sure? Olivia Benson…"

"That's the one." He said with a little whistle, "Well I'll be damned…"

Olivia took a deep breath and whispered, "Listen, I'm not sure what you know…or don't know. But there is a reason I'm calling. And…it's important."

Ashton frowned and then heard the voice again, this time recognizing it immediately, "Oh no…Bernie?"

Olivia sighed, "Yes. I'm with…his Mother and she seems a little upset and disoriented. I'm trying to bring her to the hospital but she is refusing to go anywhere until someone finds her son. So…"

Ashton ran a hand over his face, "Okay. Okay…yeah. I…I'll get him. Is…is she okay?"

Olivia looked back at Bernie as she paced on the sidewalk, Fin watched her close by to make sure she was okay, "I'm not sure…"

"Text the address and I will get him there." He paused and then said, "And Olivia?"

She was slightly distracted and then whispered, "Yeah?"

"This probably isn't the right time to say this…" He huffed and looked towards the opening of the garage, hoping Elliot would walk back in any second, "For the record…he's a hell of a guy."

Olivia swallowed the lump in her throat, "O-okay…"

Ashton sighed and reached for the trees to Elliot's truck, "We'll be there as soon as we can. Thank you…for calling."

"Of course." She whispered softly.

Ashton hung up the phone, called out to the other firefighter in the room and walked out to find Elliot's truck. Climbing in, he turned out of the driveway and down the road in the general direction that Elliot usually ran. After a few minutes, he saw him in the distance and honked his horn, pulling over on the road. Lifting his tank top, Elliot wiped the sweat off his forehead and leaned forward, resting his hands on his knees, "What's up?"

Ashton frowned, "I have good news…and I have bad news. Which do you want first?"

Elliot stepped up to the truck and placed his hand on the hood of the car, "Ashton…"

His friend smiled softly, "Well…she called."

Elliot stood up straight, eyes wide, "Olivia? She called?" Ashton nodded slowly, "Then what the hell is the bad news?"

Ashton sighed and knew that what he was about to say was going to cause a lot more stress and worry than his friend needed, "It's Bernie…she called about Bernie."

Elliot's heart dropped to his stomach, "Where is she?"

Ashton leaned forward, pushing the door open, "Get in…"

Olivia stood to the side as Bernie sat in the shade crying. She'd stopped walking, stopped talking but now she seemed desolate. Her heart broke for the woman and for the man that was coming here. If there was one thing she understood, it was family drama, specifically Mother drama. Finally, a truck pulled up beside them and a moment later, Elliot was climbing out. He'd rushed back to the firehouse, rinsed off, changed and took off making Ashton stay behind.

"Mama?" Elliot hopped up onto the sidewalk, running towards her, "Mama, you alright?"

Bernie lifted her head slowly, and looked up at her son, blinking nervously, "E-Elliot?"

Bending down beside her, he reached for her hand and smiled, "Hey…yeah. It's me."

Pressing her fingers to her lips she asked, "I…I don't know where I am. Or how I got here. I just…I wanted to come see you and-"

"Okay." Elliot smiled softly and reached for her arm, lifting her slowly, "Well I'm here now. Okay?"

Turning to her left, Bernie saw Fin and Olivia, both of them dressed in their uniforms, "Oh, oh no. Am I in trouble?"

Elliot rubbed his Mother's back as he held onto her arm gently, "No…no Mama. You aren't in trouble. They are just here to make sure you're safe."

Bernie looked at Olivia, "I'm not in trouble?"

Olivia smiled and stepped forward, "No Mrs. Stabler. Not at all…like Elliot said, we just wanted to make sure you were okay."

Bernie looked at her, then looked at Elliot, "Do you know my son?"

"I…" Her cheeks flushed and she slipped her hands behind her back, "We've met before yes."

Bernie frowned and squeezed her son's arm, "He's a good boy. A kind boy…and I keep screwing up."

"Shhh…" Elliot whispered, "Everything is okay Mom. Okay? Everything's okay. We're good. Let's…let's get you to the Doctor."

Instantly, she froze and then pushed at her son, "No. No Doctors. No Doctors."

Seeing the frantic look on her face, Olivia stepped in again, "Mrs. Stabler?"

Bernie's hands were shaking and she tried to step away from Elliot, "No Joe. No. Don't make me go back there. Don't make me go back there. Please. I promise, I'll be good. I promise."

Elliot's heart was pounding and he knew she was remembering something from years and years ago. A time when his Mother had been unable to take care of herself and his Father had had to commit her for her own safety. "Mamma…I'm not taking you there. Okay?" Still her head shook back and forth and her lip quivered, "Hey…look at me." Bernie looked up and he reached out, brushing away her tears, "It's me…Elliot. Alright? Not Dad. It's me…"

Pressing her fingers to her lips again she whispered, "Don't send me back Elliot…please."

Elliot shook his head and leaned in, wrapping his arm around her shoulder, "I won't. I promise. But I do need to take you to a Doctor just so-"

"No." She tried to pull away again and she started to stumble, Olivia caught her arm before she fell, "Oh!"

Olivia and Elliot both held her up and Olivia tried to soothe her, "Mrs. Stabler…you just need to go and get your leg checked out, okay? Remember, you fell? You may need stitches…and I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't make sure you got looked at."

Bernie looked at her leg and saw the blood trickling down, "Oh."

Elliot rubbed her back gently, "See? Just need to get your leg looked at. Everything will be okay. I'll be with you the whole time. Okay? I promise."

Bernie looked at her son and then looked back at Olivia, "Will you come too?"

"I…" She paused and looked at Elliot who looked like a deer in the headlights, lost and unsure, "If…if you want me too. If…if it's okay with Elliot."

Elliot stared at his Mother, then back at this woman who had been on his mind for weeks. God he'd wanted her to call more than anything. But not for this. Dear God not for this. On top of it all, the last thing he needed was pity. At the moment though, all that mattered was getting his Mom to the hospital and assessed and if the only way to do that was Olivia coming with him, then he would have to accept it.

Elliot nodded slowly, "She can come. Sure…"

Bernie immediately seemed to relax and let them move her towards the truck, "Okay. Okay."

Fin stepped up and he and Elliot helped Bernie get into the truck. Turning back to them, Elliot frowned, "If you have to go-"

"No. It's okay. I…I should follow up anyway." Olivia whispered, "It's…it's totally okay unless you don't want me too."

Looking back at his Mom he frowned, "I'm afraid she'll freak out if you aren't there…"

"Then I'll come." She whispered, "It's no trouble at all."

Elliot nodded slowly, he seemed unable to find the words but she understood. Walking around the truck, he climbed into the driverseat, checking on his Mother before pulling onto the road. Fin and Olivia quickly followed all of them wondering what the hell was going to happen next.

Forty-five minutes later, Olivia sat in the hospital with Fin in the waiting room. They'd had to wait but Elliot was allowed to go in to talk to the Doctors. Sitting across from his partner and friend, Fin tried to read her body language but couldn't quite figure her out. Olivai was quiet about her personal life but he knew more than most. He knew about her Mother, about her struggles, about where she'd come from. He also knew that this scene with Bernie probably brought up a lot of emotions for her. Ontop of all of that, whatever this was or wasn't with this man had to be weighing on her too.

Clearing his throat, Fin leaned forward, "You okay?"

Looking up at him she smiled nervously, "I'm fine. Why?"

Fin smiled and leaned back in his chair, "Can't lie to me Benson…Alex and I may be the two people in this world who know you the best."

Sighing heavily she shrugged, "I just hope she's okay…that's all."

Fin nodded slowly, "I'm sure she will be." They fell into another awkward silence before Fin asked, "You seen your Mom lately?"

Her heart jumped in her chest and she shook her head, "No. Called a few times but she didn't want to talk much…and with Noah it's just…hard."

Fin nodded sadly, "I get it." His phone began to ring in his pocket, "It's Cap. I should get this in case…"

Olivia nodded, "Of course."

Fin stood up and excused himself leaving her alone with her thoughts once more. She felt out of place, very out of place. She knew that Elliot probably hated her. He had every reason to be since she had never called. But she hated that he was going through this right now. She wanted to be here to support him but she also didn't know if he would even want her here. Why was she so drawn to this man when she barely knew him? Today more than ever though, she felt a connection she couldn't understand. Couldn't wrap her mind around it all, all she knew was she wanted to stay here. Right here unless he asked her to leave.

A moment later, Fin returned and sighed, "They need me back at the house."

Olivia stood up slowly, "I should go with you-"

"No, they said you should stay." He said with a nod, "Follow up to make sure she's okay."

Olivia looked right at him and frowned, "Fin…"

He leaned forward and pressed his hand against her shoulder, "I'll leave you the car. Lincoln is gonna pick me up out front."

Sighing, she looked right at him, "What am I doing?"

He smiled and squeezed her shoulder again, "Being the incredible woman I know you to be. Call if you need me."

She watched him go and then leaned back in her seat, wondering what was going to happen next.

Inside the hospital room, Elliot sat off to the side as he watched the Doctor check on his Mother. She'd been stitched up and checked for any other physical wounds. That was the easy part he thought. Now was going to be the challenge.

"Mrs. Stabler…how long have you been neglecting to take your medicine?" The Doctor asked as he looked at her chart, "You know you're supposed to take it daily."

Bernie frowned and looked down at her lap, her hands fidgeting slightly, "I don't like that medication. I don't feel like myself when I take it."

Elliot sighed, he'd heard this more times than he could count. And while he was sympathetic, or as much as he could be, he also couldn't worry about her constantly. She refused to live with him though he'd tried and he couldn't get her into a home. But the constant worry of if something would happen or not was becoming too much. "Mama…"

Bernie looked over at her son, "I hate them. You know I hate them."

Understanding that this was a sensitive topic, the Doctor stood slowly and looked at Elliot, "I'll let you rest for a few minutes…come back to check on things soon. If you need anything…call the nurses out front."

Elliot nodded slowly, "Thank you…" Elliot waited until he was gone, after a moment he pushed himself up off the bed and walked towards her, sitting down on the edge of her bed, "Mama…"

She closed her eyes tight and leaned her head back, "I just wanted to come see you…I had to tell you something. But I got confused…and it was hot-"

Elliot frowned and lifted his hand to wipe away one of her tears, "Why didn't you call me?"

"I lost my damn phone again." She said with a frown, "I can't keep track of that thing."

Elliot nodded slowly, taking her hand in his, "Well…what did you want to tell me?"

Sighing, she rolled her head to the side, "I keep having this dream…"

She'd had many dreams in his life, most his Father called fantasies. But sometimes her dreams became reality. Whenever she had a dream, it was often followed by some important change in their lives. Elliot sat up a little straighter, "Tell me about it."

"It's a little blurry…" She said with a frown, "But I saw you…and you were happy." She swallowed hard and looked right at him, "You were happy Elliot…really happy."

Elliot held his breath and squeezed her hand delicately in his, "Oh yeah? Well, what was I so happy about?"

She'd been given some medication for the pain, and to help sedate her as well as ward off dehydration. Yawning, she leaned back on the bed again, "There was a girl…"

Elliot's heart flipped in his chest, "A girl?"

"A woman." Her eyes fluttered shut and she smiled, "And a boy…a young boy. And you were laughing…laughing in a way I haven't seen since you were a small child."

Elliot's heart was pounding at this point, "Mama…"

"There was a little one too…" She burrowed into the pillows, "A baby…I just don't know…but I know it was yours. And you…you were happy. Truly happy."

Reaching for her again, he smiled, "Mama…"

She yawned once more, "I don't want to take the pills…but I know I should. Especially if I want to see that dream come true…"

Elliot sighed feeling like at least he would win one battle tonight, "You should get some sleep, okay? I'll be here when you wake up. We can talk more later…"

Leaning down, he pressed a kiss to the top of her head and stepped back. He assumed she was asleep and began to walk towards the door. Just as he was about to slip out though, he heard her call to him once more, "The girl in the dream looked like her…"

Elliot frowned and turned to look at her again, his hands resting on the doorframe, "Looked like who?"

Turning her head towards him, she rested her head on the pillow but never opened her eyes, "Like Olivia…that kind police woman." She smiled and whispered, "She looked just like her…"

Elliot's heart squeezed in his chest and he whispered "Get some sleep Mama…"

He'd been so sad the last two weeks, feeling like he was drowning in feelings he didn't quite understand. But now, his Mother's dream gave him a new sense of hope. Maybe it was silly of him, but there was something about Olivia. Something that made him feel like he needed to keep fighting. If nothing else, at least it would give him a sense of purpose again.

Walking out into the waiting room, he was smiling, he couldn't help it. And maybe he shouldn't be. But hearing about his Mother's dream had sparked something in him. And then he realized, if Olivia had called his phone, that meant he had her number now too. Biting his lip he wondered, did he dare call her? He could at least call her to thank her…and maybe just maybe that would spark something more. He was so lost in thought, he didn't quite notice her at first until she said his name.

Freezing in his spot, Elliot turned, stunned to see Olivia sitting there, "H-hi."

Taking a deep breath, she stood up slowly and took a tentative step towards him, "How's-how's she doing?"

Elliot swallowed the lump in his throat and took two more steps towards her, now only a foot from her, the closets he'd been in two weeks, "She's…resting. The Doctor stitched her up and gave her something for the pain…and for now that's as good as it will get I think."

Nodding slowly she tried to offer him a reassuring smile, "One step at a time, right?"

He sighed and ran his hands along the top of his jeans, "Right…"

They stood there awkwardly for a moment, neither of them quite sure what to say. Neither of them quite understanding this tension, this connection that they'd never felt with anyone before. Each of them took a breath and tried to speak at the same time. "Th-" "Lis-"

They both smiled, laughing nervously and she put her hand out, "Sorry…go ahead."

Nodding once he whispered, "I just…I wanted to say thank you. For staying with her. For…for calling." He paused for a moment and looked down sadly, "I wanted you to call…but not for this. Definitely not for this."

She saw a sadness creep up in him, one she often recognized in herself. Before she could stop herself, she spoke again, surprising not only him but herself, "Do you want to get some coffee?" His head snapped up again, his eyes wide with surprise, "I-I mean…" Clearing her throat she pressed her fingers to her throat, "I know hospital coffee sucks…but you might be in need of caffeine and-"

"Yes." He said with a nod, afraid if he said no she'd leave and God he didn't want her to leave, "That…would be great."

The corners of her lips turned up in a nervous little smile and they both turned, walking down the hallway towards the cafeteria. Elliot checked in at the front desk, letting them know he was still here in case his Mother needed him, and then they were off. They were mostly silent as they walked through the cafeteria, ordered their coffee and then found a quiet little table in the corner.

Elliot held his hand out and gestured for her to sit first, "Please."

Sitting down first, she felt oddly out of place in her Uniform when he was dressed in such casual clothes. That seemed silly, especially since this wasn't a date and quite frankly she had no intention of going on a date with him, but still. Another irrational thought she thought. After a moment, he sat down beside her and placed his coffee in front of him, "So…"

Chewing her on her lip slightly she whispered, "So…" She traced a line up and down the cup in front of her and whispered, "I'm glad that she'll be okay…"

Elliot grimaced slightly, "Yeah…yeah she's." He paused, sighing as he lifted a hand and ran his fingers along his jaw, "She…"

His voice cracked as he spoke and she found herself leaning forward, not even realizing it, "You don't have to tell me. It was none of my business." He stared up at her and she found herself speaking again, spilling truths to this man that she barely knew, "But for the record…I understand family drama. Especially when it comes to Mothers…I understand it more than you could possibly believe."

He stared at her, once again wondering what Matt had meant about the world being unkind to her. "Olivia…"

Fidgeting slightly she whispered, "I'm sorry I didn't call…I just…"

Elliot nodded slowly, "I know…to be honest I figured it was a long shot anyway."

Sliding her hands off the table, they settled nervously in her lap and she whispered, "It's not…it's not you. You seem…like a really great guy I just, I'm sorry but I can't."

"It's okay." He whispered, sitting up a little straighter, "Really, it's okay."

They both knew he didn't mean it, but they also knew he'd lie just to make her feel better. She was quiet for a moment and then smiled, he cocked his head to the side curiously, "What's so funny?"

"I…" She sighed and looked up at him, "I was just thinking…you said you hoped the universe would put me in your path again. And…"

The corners of his lips turned up in a smile again, "And…here you are."

"Here I am." Her smile faltered slightly, "I'm sorry it wasn't under better circumstances…"

Elliot nodded slowly and leaned back in his chair, "Life's a bitch sometimes. I think we can both agree to that, don't you?"

Leaning her head back she nodded once, "Absolutely."

Elliot paused, and then found himself muttering words he never said, never told anyone except people he really trusted, "Bipolar." She waited and he frowned, "She…she's bipolar. She's struggled for most of my life with it…as long as I can remember. And…she hates taking her medication. Hence…the episode." He whispered.

Stunned by his admission, she wasn't quite sure what to say, "I'm…I'm sorry." She grimaced slightly, "That's probably not the right thing to say…"

"I'm not sure there is a right thing to say." He said with a sigh, "Just…is what it is. And I am grateful…that it was you that found her. Found her before something worse happened…"

"I'm glad I did too." She whispered, her eyes suddenly burning but she would not cry, could not cry in front of him, especially when there was no reason to cry.

A nurse approached them both and Elliot turned as she spoke to him. "Mr. Stabler? The Doctor would like to speak to you."

Elliot nodded slowly and pushed himself up off his seat, wishing he didn't have to leave her, especially when he didn't know when or if he would see her again, "Right. I'll…" He looked at Olivia, "I should go."

Standing up beside him she nodded, "Of course. I should go back to work anyway…"

Elliot nodded and picked up his coffee, "Thanks again…"

"Don't mention it." She smiled and felt her heart racing as he stepped away, like him wondering when or if they would see each other again.

Elliot turned to walk away, got three steps before stopping and turning back to her, "Can I ask you something?"

Taking a breath, he spoke slowly, "Why'd you stay?" He just stared at him, and he shrugged, "I mean…you could have left once you got her here to the hospital. So…why'd you stay?"

Her heart flipped in her chest and she answered honestly without giving it a second thought, "Because I thought you needed a friend."

Shifting his weight to one side he asked, "Are we friends?"

It felt oddly warm in here now despite the air conditioning, "If…you'd like to be."

Elliot stood up a little straighter, feeling an excitement, a happiness filled him again, "I would like that."

He went to step back and then he opened his mouth and she laughed, finishing his thought for him, "For now?"

He laughed, and nodded, "For now…"

He gave her another quick smile, again one of those smiles that made her feel things she'd never felt before. He gave her a little wave and moved towards the nurse who stood back waiting. And as he walked away, somehow she knew she'd see him soon, sooner rather than later. And maybe…that wasn't such a bad thing after all.

Everyone needs friends, right?