title: Next of Kin

author: SVUFanatic611

rating: PG

a/n: You guys are the best reviewers ever! Thanks for all the encouraging words! I love you guys! Ive got things planned out for the next chapters. I'm going to try to update everyday after I get back from my volunteer camp conseling job.

disclaimer: SVU and its associated characters are not mine.

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'Oh God!'Olivia's mind was searching for a quick excuse to get out of telling her co-workers.

"What was that about?" Fin asked.

"Ah…well…um…nothing." Olivia stammered. "Great, that's the best you can do, Olivia?" she told herself.

"Come on, Olivia. 'Nothing' isn't going to cut it." Elliot said, blocking her way. Olivia knew he wasn't going to get out of her way until she gave him answers, real answers.

"Yeah, 'Liv, what's going on?" Munch asked, just as curious as the others.

"She's an old friend's kid." Olivia said, inviting them into the room and closing the door behind them.

"Well, what is she doing here?" Elliot asked.

"We're trying to make living arrangements."

"Why? Where does she live now? Why are you making living arrangements with her?" Fin inquired.

Olivia, feeling the interrogation would never end, reluctantly answered them as she sat down.

"Her father died. I've got to take care of her now."

"Well, is she going to live with you?" Munch asked.

"I don't know…I gave her a choice; to live with here or with the other family who wants her."

"Olivia, you can't do that." Elliot said, taking a seat across from her.

"Why not?"

"Because she had just lost her father – her rock, the person who has always kept things clear cut for her. She's in no condition to make a decision like this right now…You have to be the adult."

Anyone else would've have taken what Elliot said as a blunt, in-your-face comment, but Olivia saw it as the truth; something she always wanted from her friends, especially Elliot. After the divorce from Kathy, Elliot and Olivia had become closer and Olivia didn't have a problem with it. It made their relationship stronger and Olivia had to admit that she was developing feelings for him, true feelings. But it was a matter of a personal policy, one she wasn't about to break again.

"Yeah, you're right. But what do I do now?"

"Are you going to see her again?"

"For lunch, today at noon."

"You have to make a choice. Do you want her to live with you?" Elliot asked, zeroing in on her face, her eyes.

"Yeah, I think so. She seems like a great girl."

"Well…..tell her that."

"There you Go, Elliot. Tell her the truth, lay it down." the Captain said aloud to himself. Nobody knew he had been watching the entire thing from her office.

-

Everyone had been called out of the interview room by Cragen. Olivia looked like she needed saving and even she hadn't, there was work that needed to be done. Olivia started out and Elliot stopped her.

"How long has this been going on for? How come you didn't tell me? I thought we could tell each other everything."

"I just found out like three days ago and I didn't tell you, or anyone else for that matter, because I just wasn't sure of anything yet. You know I can tell you everything it's just…I don't know…Elliot, I was just so scared. I didn't know what was going to happen and if I told you, I knew you would worry and I didn't want to do that."

"Just promise you'll keep me updated. We're partners. We can't keep secrets from each other. I hate that."

"I got it. I promise. I'm always here for you."

And then he took her and hugged her. It felt so good in his arms. She never wanted to leave them. All her worries and doubts were washed away from her when he took her in those muscular arms. It was the one true place she called home, the only place she wanted to call home.

"I gotta go, El', I gotta get ready for lunch."

"Okay. Be safe."

"I will."

She liked how he always watched out for her. She resisted it sometimes, but liked the fact that someone out there cared about her that much. He was, in a way, her bodyguard, her protector and she felt indestructible when she was with him.

-

Corrine was in her room, trying to decide what to wear. She was still trying to make a decision. Should I live with Olivia? She seems nice and it would only be for a month. But would Joe and Anna be upset if I didn't live with them? Her questions seemed endless. They just never seemed to stop, never were answered.

-

Corrine made her way to the precinct. She was surprised that butterflies weren't in her stomach. Maybe it had to do with the fact that she had made her decision. She now knew. Most of her questions were answered. Corrine had only been waiting five minutes when Olivia came up.

"Hey, ready?"

"Yeah, let's go."

"Okay, it's just around the corner."

They walked off together in a comfortable silence. Olivia thinking about what Elliot had said and Corrine just happy that she finally made a decision.

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a/n i know i added the divorce in there without any real prequel, but I wanted to add some E/O for Boscosbabe and i think you guys get the idea. Thanx for understanding. If you have any questions, put them in my reviews or email me. Thanx!