Elliot POV

Dammit Stabler, get it together. I know she just wants to help but, not now. I have to push her way, not 'cause I want to, but I just can't.

"Kathy, I promise we'll talk about it later. Please. I can't right now. Because….I'm afraid of what I see. And I don't want to scare you, too."

"I'm here. Just let it out."

The way she holds me, kisses my forehead. Even the tone of her voice. Just like when the kids used to have nightmares. She's a great mother. She knows I can't keep this in.

"Baby, let's just forget it now okay? Maureen's gonna be here soon….and I've got a future attorney to make squirm."

She let's go, finally. "Fine. But you won't feel any better bashing Jason."

That's right, back to work…I know she's mad at me.

"I know…but can't you just let me think it will."

Alright….back to the couch. The phone. Christ Elliot. Jus call her, tell her you're okay. She'll wanna know…just do it. Hey, maybe I'll feel better….it'll be good to hear her voice.

"Benson. Special Victims."

"Glad I could catch you."

"Elliot? Oh thank God, I tried to call but…"

She sounds so relieved, maybe even tired…upset. "I know, I was busy. I just wanted to tell you that I was alright." And… "And umm, cough, I'm in leave…for at least a week. I, uh, have to meet with Huang, until he thinks I'm less crazy." That's a polite chuckle, she's on to me.

"Elliot, look. I know you hate this. Makes you think that everyone will see you as weak, and not that hard ass you want to be. Let me tell you, we don't. You've been taking care of everyone else so much recently, you've not been taking care of yourself."

Let her know you are then, moron… "Well, I got to thinking about those kids…and I, umm, cried a bit." Quiet…she's shocked. I like stunned silence. "That all I gotta do to shut you up Benson?"

"Elliot. Seriously, it's good for you. Means you at least are letting some of it out."

Makes me smile to keep her calm. "Liv, I'm…I'm going to talk to Kathy about all this tonight, after dinner. Maureen and her new boyfriend…Jason, I think, are coming over for me to torture."

I can almost see her smile. "Well, at least you'll have everyone home tonight. You need it. I know you didn't call to chat. So, here's what I can tell you…Abraham didn't shoot them. Twenty-year-old female was the shooter, them then herself. So, we've got some serious work to do. I hate to go but…"

"You've got a perp to collar." Do it Liv, bring this monster down, hard.

"Me and Munch. Yeah, so…uh, don't hesitate to call."

"Thanks Liv." Hmm, almost feels like I'm talking to my sister. "Oh and uh, don't let Munch sell you on any of his half-cocked theories. Sorry you're stuck with him."

There's that laugh. "Yeah, me too. Bye Elliot."

"Bye." I needed that. And low, a knock at the door. Must be time for dinner. Oh what the hell… "I'll get it"

"Maureen, baby girl. Good to see you…and you must be Jason. Come on in." My stare make him uncomfortable. Good, very good.

"Daddy, take it easy on this one okay? Just this once."

"Well, I won't promise anything…but I'll try."

"Hey, I like this one. And he's got plans. Unlike the rest of the losers I've had."

"Got a point."

"Hey Dad? You alright….you look kinda tired. Rough day…more perverts and sickos than usual?"

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you."

"Okay…well, take it easy old man. You'll give yourself an ulcer."

"Got 'em already thanks. Hey, go save him from your mother huh."

Kiss on the cheek. Always gonna be my baby. Maybe she knows that. Well, time to call the troops…and let the games begin.