Tough Questions
Summary: Olivia's thoughts before she makes her request to Cragen at the end of "Fault". EO. Major spoilers for "Fault".
Spoilers: "Fault", obviously.
Author's Note: OMFG! Not what I expected. Gah! And this is my 100th story all together, so yay. It's very exciting. I'm very excited.
Elliot's words cut deep through Olivia. They could no longer remain partners and friends at the same time. She was the only person keeping him going. She knew that. Deep down, she always knew about his feelings. She did not want to mention anything while he was married in fear that she was misreading his signals. She was afraid to broach the subject during his divorce because she felt it was inappropriate. She definitely did not want Kathy getting the wrong idea.
If she ever had any doubts about his feeling towards her, they were cleared up that day. He came to her. He saw Gitano stab her. He rushed to her and held her in his arms. He was speaking to her. She did not remember what he was saying. She was in too much shock and pain. She just remembered the look in his eyes.
She had never seen him like that before. It was a mixture of fear, concern, and love. He could only stay there for a couple seconds before he had to check on Gitano. But in that moment, she knew. There was no clearer evidence.
Was that situation with Gitano really a test of her relationship with Elliot? Could they still afford to be partners and friends? Were they becoming more than friends?
She honestly did not know. Elliot blamed her for what happened back at the station. Would he be doing that with every case when the two of them were in danger? Choosing her over the civilians? She did not know for sure. Would she?
Definitely.
She loved him. That was why this was the hardest thing she would ever have to say. She walked into Cragen's office.
He immediately gave her his attention. He worried about her. Her neck had bled on a couple of occasions after the accident. However, this time her hands were no where near the wound. He eyes her curiously. He did not figure her for someone who wanted to take off because of something like this. "Olivia, what's up?"
Olivia looked down first. She could not believe she was about to say this. She could not believe this was happening. Seven and a half years. She and Elliot have been partners for seven and a half years. This was the hardest decision she had to make. It was going to be even harder to say it and go through with it.
"I want a new partner."