Chapter Three

Disclaimer: I don't think I put this in, but it's pretty obvious. I don't own any of the SVU characters. They're Dick Wolf's, and I'm just manipulating them for pleasure (both mine and yours, which I appreciate, so thank you. Keep it coming.)

The significance behind Olivia's statement went over Elliot's head the first time she said those three words. "Late?" he asked in confusion. "I don't get it. You're going somewhere?"

Olivia shook her head. "No, Elliot," she said with mild annoyance. "I'm late," she repeated as she looked up at him with wide, frightened eyes.

"Oh," Elliot said. "Oh," he exclaimed again in a louder tone. The meaning behind her words sunk in. He did not know what to say to her. From the way she had been acting previously, Elliot assumed that she was just finding out the information for herself. He had nothing to say that would make her feel better. He simply pulled Olivia in closer to him and hugged her. He did not want to let her go.

"Yea, oh," Olivia finally said as she pulled away from his embrace and sat back down.

"Are you sure?" Elliot asked as he repositioned himself so that he was sitting comfortably in his own chair. "I mean, there were times when Kathy would just be--"

"I'm positive," Olivia interrupted. "I'm not just talking a few days here. It's been weeks," she admitted. She sighed as she glanced back down at the calendar momentarily. "I guess it makes sense looking back on it. I have been feeling a little sick these past few days. I thought it was just something I ate, but now I know the real reason."

Detective John Munch walked into the SVU and immediately noticed Olivia's presence. "Olivia, nice to have you back," he commented with a small wave.

Olivia forced a weak smile back at him as she watched him retreat over to his desk. Her issue was a delicate matter. She had not intended for Elliot to find out at the same time as she did, but it had happened that way. In her opinion, no one else should know until she was certain of everything that was going on inside of her.

"You still up for working?" Elliot asked with genuine concern.

Olivia shook her head. "I-I don't think so. Not today at least. I need to think about what I'm going to do." Her voice softened to a whisper. "You know," she added. Another wave of panic overcame her. "Elliot, I'm scared," she whispered. She had to fight the urge to break down in tears in front of the other detectives. "What if I can't do this alone?"

"Shh," Elliot whispered as he pulled Olivia closer to him. Her head rested against his shoulder, and he began rubbing her back in a gentle, soothing manner. He could feel her tears rolling down onto his shirt. "Livvy, look at me," he commanded gently.

A low scowl emerged from his partner's mouth, but Olivia did obey. Her eyes were red as she was obviously trying to keep from crying. She tried to look back down at the ground, but Elliot extended his hand and picked her head right back up.

"Livvy, listen to me," he told her gently. "You are not alone in this. You will never be alone in this. You have me. I don't know what that means to you, but I will be there all the way for you. From the Lamaze classes to the baby shopping even to the delivery room if you should desire." He reached out and rubbed Olivia's eyes carefully. "You won't have to worry about being alone. I'm here for you, and I'm sure the entire SVU will support you."

"Support you in what?" Captain Cragen asked as he approached his two detectives from behind Elliot. "Pardon me for interrupting, but this seems important."

Olivia nodded at Elliot as a signal that she could handle it from there. "It is," she admitted. "But only Elliot knows, so I'd prefer to talk about it in your office."

Cragen eyed her suspiciously, but he motioned for her to follow him back towards his office. Once he was in his office, he sat down behind his desk. He motioned for Olivia to sit as well, but she declined. "What is it, Olivia?" he asked with concern. "Are you sure you can handle being back here?"

Olivia was silent for a moment. She had to choose her words carefully. "If you're talking about me being able to emotionally deal with the subject matter again, then yes," she finally spoke. "But if you're talking about me physically being able to sit here in the office and do it, then no," she added.

"I'm not following you," Cragen told her.

Olivia sighed again as she decided it was best if she did sit down. "I haven't been to the doctor's for confirmation or anything, but I have reason to believe that I'm pregnant."

"Pregnant?" Cragen questioned curiously. "But they gave you birth control at the hospital."

"Obviously not enough," Olivia responded bitterly. "I'm sorry," she immediately added.

"No need for apologies," Cragen assured her. "This is a delicate situation. Take the rest of the week off. Go to your doctor, and wait for the results. Take it from there."

Olivia nodded as she stood up. "Thank you," she said softly.

"Of course," Cragen responded as he saw Olivia open the door. "And Olivia," he called. The detective turned back around to face him with a slightly curious expression on her face. "If you are, then Elliot's right. The entire SVU's got your back."