Okay, so this MIGHT be the last chapter for about a week. This is the week where choir rehearsals take over my life. We're leaving the state for adjudication on Thursday, and we won't be getting back until Sunday afternoon/evening. And you all know how I get when I write during the week when school takes over. But I'll try to get something up. Even if I end up posting a oneshot or something.

I've been watching this SVU marathon. I, uh... -ahem- kind of blew off my homework for it. Of course, the last episode of the night is one I've seen 600 + times, which means my homework will be getting done.

Anyway, wish us luck for our adjudication. I'll work on getting something up.

Oh yes. In this chapter... one step closer to your EOness.

Disclaimer: Nothing's mine. Except Mary Frances Benson. She was kind of named after my grandmother. Because I loved her. And I miss her a lot.

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John was dancing. That was the first sight Olivia saw when she awoke. It was more than she needed to see, especially right after a long nap. She turned her head to look out the window.

"John, what the hell are you doing?" Fin's asked, shooting John a strange look. "You're scaring Olivia."

"Shaking my-"

"Don't say it, John." Olivia cut him off. "Please. You're making me sick."

John stopped and laughed. "Sorry, Liv." He leaned in and hugged her. "It's great to see you."

"It's great to see you, too. It's been forever."

Fin hugged her next. "Glad to see you're doing well."

"You too."

"She awake yet?" Don entered the room, carrying a tray of coffee cups.

"I am." Olivia smiled. "Hey, Don."

"Hi, Liv, how are you?" He set the tray on the table next to the bed and hugged her. "Do you want some coffee?"

"I'm well. As for coffee, hell yes. I haven't had coffee since I found out-" She stopped, remembering the last words Elliot had spoken to her. I'm sorry, Olivia. I wish this would work out. But I need to do what's right for me for once.

"Here." Don handed her one of the Styrofoam cups. He understood. "So where's little Mary?"

"The nurse took her for awhile. She'll be back soon." The room fell silent. "So you all know? About the situation?"

The three men nodded. "Casey filled us in," John said. "We were confused about why Elliot hadn't been himself lately. And when he had to leave early one day, she told us what was going on."

Olivia nodded, silently thanking Casey for saving her of reliving the story. "Where is Casey anyway?"

John looked at Fin. "Actually, she's in the waiting room. With Elliot."

Olivia felt her face burn. "Did he come to see me?"

"He's torn, Liv," Don spoke up. "He wants to see you and his daughter. But he's afraid, considering you haven't seen each other in months."

Olivia nodded again.

"Here she is!" An overly cheerful nurse came into the room, holding Mary. The men watched as she carefully handed Mary to Olivia. "She's fine. 7 pounds, 6 ounces, 20 inches."

Olivia smiled. "Thank you." The nurse left. "Guys, this is Mary Frances Benson."

They crowded around Olivia. "Mary, this is Uncle Fin, Uncle John, and Grandpa Don."

"Grandpa!" Don exclaimed. "You're making me feel old, Liv."

Olivia laughed. She looked down at Mary, who opened her eyes. God, her eyes. I can't believe how much they look like-

"She has her father's eyes," Fin said, as if reading Olivia's mind.

"Scary, isn't it?" Olivia replied. She sighed.

"Is there room for more?" A female voice rang through the room. Olivia looked through the open door, seeing two figures standing there.

"Hey Casey," John said.

Casey. Does that mean-

"Hey, El," John finished.

"My God," Olivia whispered. Was she really ready for this?

Casey stepped further into the room, to Olivia's bed. "Hi Mary, sweetie," she said, lightly running a hand over Mary's head. Her eyes were shut and she was sleeping peacefully. Casey looked at Olivia. "Are you ready? I mean, I can ask him to leave if you want."

Olivia shook her head. "No- no. I need to talk to him sooner or later." She paused. "Thank you."

Casey nodded, then began to walk to the door. "Come on, guys, let's give these two some privacy."

They all crowded around Olivia to give last hugs and kisses.

Casey was the last to leave the room. She looked back at Olivia. "Good luck," she mouthed. Then she was gone, leaving Olivia with Elliot and their child.

"Hey," Olivia said quietly.

"Hi," Elliot replied, just as quietly. He stepped further into the room, shutting the door behind him. He looked at the baby in Olivia's arms. "My God. Is this my little girl?"

Olivia couldn't help but smile as Elliot leaned over, cooing at Mary. She carefully put the baby in his arms. He cradled her gently, rocking his arms. "She looks just like you, Liv."

"You should see her eyes." Olivia looked at the floor. "They're just like yours. And it's tough to see that." A moment of silence passed through the room. The two were both trying to gather words to say to one another.

Olivia spoke first. "Elliot, I-" she stopped for a moment. "There are so many things that I'd like to say to you right now."

He turned to face her, a questioning look in his eyes. He looked straight into her eyes and froze. There was a mix of emotions flowing throughout. Anger, fear, hurt, yet maybe a little joy? "I know, Liv. I don't blame you for being angry with me."

"I'm not-" Olivia was trying to be nice. But the more she thought about all she'd been through, the angrier she felt. "Yes. I am angry with you, Elliot. I don't think you understand what I've been through." Her voice was rising. "No. I know that you don't understand what I've been through."

"Olivia, please. Not here. People are going to hear you." He walked back to her, carefully putting Mary back in his arms. "When can you leave?"

"Tomorrow." Her voice was quiet again. But still angry.

"Then we can talk tomorrow."

"Fine."

He began to walk to the door, but suddenly turned back and face her. "Olivia, I don't want you to think that I don't want to be a part of my daughter's life."

"I know." She was looking down at Mary, who was now awake. "I think it's feeding time, so..."

"All right." Elliot took one last look at his daughter before leaving. Olivia was right. She did have his eyes.

He turned and left the room, wishing that Olivia could look into her daughter's eyes without feeling the hatred toward him.