Chapter 7: Support
Olivia froze, burying her head in Elliot's shoulder again. It was as if feeling his arms around her was like a shield for her pain. She knew that she shouldn't feel this way. He was her partner, for pity sake. She couldn't help it, though. She depended on him, and she knew she always would. She could feel herself shaking again, and Elliot's grip on her tightened.
"It's okay, Liv," he soothed. "It's okay."
"Oh, what am I doing?" Olivia asked herself silently. "Elliot and I- we'd never work out. Besides, we're partners."
"Liv?" Elliot spoke up, shaking her gently.
"Hmm?" Olivia answered absentmindedly.
"Where were you just now?" Elliot asked her. "You looked about a million miles away."
"Oh, I was just thinking," she answered evasively.
"About what?" he wanted to know.
She sighed. Could she really afford to tell him how she was feeling, or would he dismiss it gently, saying she was feeling this way because of stress? She knew she could trust Elliot, so she opened her mouth to speak as her courage returned. "Elliot, there's something you should know," she began nervously.
"What's up, Liv?" he asked gently. He knew that if he pressed her too hard, she wouldn't feel like talking anymore, and he could tell that something big was bothering her. He knew she needed to talk, and he was determined to be there for her.
"Olivia." He spoke softly, encouraging her to continue.
She sighed again. "Elliot, I've gotta be honest with you," she stated tentatively. "I'm feeling something between us. I know I shouldn't, but I can't help it. I owe you my life because you protect me every day."
"I feel the same way, Liv, but I was scared that you didn't, so I never said anything," Elliot confessed.
Olivia gave him a reassuring hug, silently telling him that she understood, and they stayed there alone for awhile. It was as if a huge burden had been lifted from both of their shoulders with those admissions.
