Prompt #18: In every change, in every fallen leaf there is some pain, some beauty. And that's the way new leaves grow. ~ Amit Ray


New Leaves Grow

~oOo~

Elliot stood in Central Park, watching the leaves swirl around in the wind. He could breathe freely for the first time in over a year. He stared at the dancing colors and thought about what he'd lost and gained. I'm moving on, Kath. Hope you've found peace. The kids are good. You'd be proud of them. I hope…I made you happy. I'm going to find happiness.

Closing his eyes, Elliot listened to the sounds of fall for a moment. He was ready to move on. To move forward. It was time.

In the past week, Elliot had spoken with each of his children separately. They'd all approved, some more enthusiastically than others. Kathleen and Liz had been quick to offer tips to him.

Tips on how to woo women.

He'd tried to dissuade them. They'd only laughed at him. "It's Olivia, Dad. You're going to have to up your game for her."

He wasn't sure if he should feel insulted or not by their lack of faith in his abilities.

Elliot had asked Olivia to meet him in the park. He'd come an hour or so earlier because he wanted the time to think and pray. He'd finally admitted to himself that he loved her. I've always loved her.

God forgive me.

But I've always loved her.

It had taken him time to grieve not only Kathy but the repercussions of the decisions they'd made ten years prior. Olivia had been hurt—badly. Not only by his leaving but by things that happened in his absence.

William Lewis.

A name that Elliot hadn't heard of until Olivia began sharing parts of the trauma hidden in those ten years. It was a name that would haunt him for the rest of his life. Her scars were beautiful reminders of her strength and courage. Still, they also forced him to see the physical manifestation of what he'd missed.

It had taken a lot of praying and talking with his therapist to understand that what-ifs helped no one. In particular, they made it about him and not her. He was trying to do better with balance in their relationship.

She'd shoulder so much of his burden when he'd first been back.

Never again.

They'd always been better as partners.

So Elliot had reined in his need to vomit his guilt and rage all over her. It wasn't about him. Instead, Olivia had opened up more and more.

They were in a better place.

He was in a better mental space.

And now he wanted more. He wanted Olivia and Noah to meld in with his family. He wanted so much more than 'for now' with her.

It was time.

Kathy had been his wife. He'd loved her. He adored their children, but he'd reached the 'until death do us part' of their vows.

And his heart had a permanent Olivia-shaped space in it that longed to be filled.

"El? You okay?"

Elliot opened his eyes to find Olivia in front of her. He smiled wildly at her, reaching a hand out to cup her cheek. "I'm good, Liv. Good."

"You ready to go?"

Elliot brushed his thumb against her cheek, continuing to smile at her. "Yeah, I'm ready."


Note: The author of this SVU: Fall in Love story will be revealed in November