June 6th, 9:55 PM Stabler residence.
"I got it!" Elliot exclaimed in relief as the last lock was changed and working properly.
Olivia nodded and smiled "I still think you could have gotten it done faster if you would have just let me help you," she said.
"Yeah yeah I know Liv but haven't you enjoyed beating Lizzie at poker?"
"Sure have but that's not the point," she said still smiling "now for the easy part," he said as he began working on putting the chains in.
Olivia just smiled at him and returned to her game "how do you keep beating me every time?" Lizzie asked through a sigh.
"It's all about having a good poker face. If you've got a bad hand you can't let it show on your face or your opponent will notice and use it against you."
Lizzie nodded "how do I get a good poker face?"
"It takes practice sweetie I'm only so good at it because of my job as a detective I have to alter my facial expression a lot."
Lizzie nodded "will you teach me how you do it?"
Liv nodded "I'll try," she said as Izzabella then looked away from the cartoon she had been watching "mommy I'm tired and my tummy hurts..."
Olivia nodded to her slightly "Lizzie did she have any milk today?"
"No mom said she couldn't have it."
Olivia nodded her head relieved then glanced back over to Izzabella "do you feel like you're gonna be sick like before or does it just hurt?"
"It just hurts," she whispered as she was beginning to tear up and Olivia nodded slightly "comere sweetie."
Izzabella slowly trudged over to her and she pulled her into her arms "what's wrong?" Elliot asked having just finished with the back door.
"She's got a tummy ache," Olivia said and Elliot nodded "what do we need? Do we need a trash can and cold rag?"
Olivia shook her head "I think Pepto will do the trick tonight."
Elliot nodded relieved "you think this is from the donuts?"
Olivia nodded "probably Lizzie said she hasn't had any milk so."
Elliot nodded and went to step away "you want me to grab it El? I know you're exhausted."
He shook his head and gave her a smile "quit worrying about me baby," he said as he then stepped away as Olivia rubbed her back and cradled her to her chest.
A minute later Elliot came back with the medicine cup and Olivia gently raised her up "daddy has some medicine here for you to take."
"D-Does it taste yucky?"
"It's not too bad baby and it'll help you feel better," Elliot said.
Izzabella nodded slightly and took the medicine as Elliot smiled slightly, rubbed her forehead for a minute then stepped away.
Five minutes later Izzabella was sound asleep as Liv heard doors opening and closing upstairs but tried to ignore it and soon she heard Elliot walking back down "she out?" he whispered with a hand behind his back.
Olivia nodded with a slight smile as Elliot nodded, smiled and walked past her "whoa dad w-why do you have that?" Lizzie asked alarmed seeing a gun in his hand.
Olivia's head whipped around and she looked at it shocked "there's no need to be afraid Lizzie I promise," he whispered as he put the safety on, sat it down then walked over to stand beside her.
"B-But you h-had a gun a-and you were hiding it behind your back."
Elliot nodded in acknowledgment as Olivia turned her gaze towards her "your dad would never hurt us sweetie I promise if he's got a gun out there's a good reason for it."
Lizzie sighed warily and Elliot rubbed her back "why don't you go over and sit beside Liv okay sweetheart?"
"O-Okay?" she said cautiously.
Elliot continued rubbing her back catching on to her apprehension right away "you trust me right?"
Lizzie nodded her head and Elliot sighed in relief "you're safe and I'm just making sure that it stays that way okay?"
"O-Okay," she said as she slowly moved to sit beside Liv while keeping her eye on Elliot.
"Everything's alright sweetie," Olivia said soothingly as Elliot picked up his gun again, turned the safety off, opened the hall closet and aimed it inside for a moment while looking around.
"What's wrong with him? Why is he doing this?" she asked when he moved on to their pantry.
"Nothing's wrong with him sweetie he's just being protective."
Lizzie frowned slightly as that confused her "tell you what honey I'll talk to your dad tonight and if he says it's okay tomorrow I'll explain to you why he feels like he needs to do this okay?"
Lizzie nodded slightly and finally allowed herself to relax as about 15 minutes later he was satisfied that the house was safe and went upstairs to put the gun away before coming back down and starting a pot of coffee "Lizzie? Honey which guest room would you like?" he asked softly.
"Can I have the downstairs one?" she asked.
"Of course, you alright?"
She nodded "y-yeah I think so it just threw me is all."
He nodded "I'm sorry I scared you sweetie that was never my intension."
She nodded slightly "I know it wasn't it's okay daddy," she said as she reached to hug him.
Elliot leaned down and hugged her gently "I love you sweetheart," he whispered emotionally.
"I love you too," she said back as he smiled, kissed her head then stepped away a minute later to go make her bed.
"Liv? Would you like for me to carry Izzabella to bed?" Lizzie asked.
"Would you? I would but with this arm still in a cast I'm worried I'd drop her or fall down the stairs."
Lizzie nodded "of course," she said as Liv gently passed her over to her and she carried her up.
xxxxx
"Her bed's made," Elliot said as he turned off the coffee then plopped down beside Liv on the couch with a tired smile.
Olivia nodded and wrapped her arm around him "she's taking Izzabella upstairs for me, she offered," she said with a smile.
Elliot nodded, yawned contentedly and let his head fall to her shoulder with out thinking and she rubbed his back gently "t-thank you for everything you did tonight honey," she whispered.
Elliot shook his head and raised it slightly "no need to thank me Liv really you made a big step tonight and I'm so proud of you."
"I couldn't have done it with out you," she said softly.
Elliot kissed her temple "you could have but I'm glad I was here for you."
Olivia smiled slightly "lets just agree to disagree okay El?" she said referring to the first part of his statement as she then kissed him.
Elliot nodded his head then returned her kiss as Lizzie walked back down "she's in her bed and she didn't wake up."
"Okay honey thank you. There are fresh blankets, sheets and pillows on your bed."
"Thanks daddy, good night," she said as she walked in the direction of her room.
"Your welcome, night honey," he said as he then looked back to Liv "you about ready for bed honey?"
Olivia took a deep breath then slightly nodded "w-where are you gonna sleep?"
"I can sleep wherever sweetheart you just tell me where you wanna be."
Olivia sighed in relief "I-I still wanna sleep in the other guest room upstairs but I didn't know if you still wanted to or not."
He nodded "I'm fine with that baby," he said and she nodded her head relieved "t-thank you El."
Elliot shook his head "no need to thank me sweetheart," he said softly and with that he made sure the doors were locked a final time then they headed upstairs, this being the first time Liv was up there since her assault.
xxxxx
"So what happened between me and Don El? It's been nagging at me all evening," Olivia said once they were comfortable in the bed and her head was laying on his chest.
Elliot sighed heavily "I really wish you and him could talk about this it's not my place"-
Olivia went to say something and Elliot held his index finger against her lips lightly "but I promised you I'd tell you so I will. Cragen came to see you in the ICU he was worried you weren't gonna make it, we were honestly all a little worried you wouldn't but he believed it a little more than everyone else."
Olivia frowned slightly and nodded for him to continue "so he ended up telling you some things that he wanted you to know incase you didn't pull through."
Olivia nodded "what did he say? Please please tell me Elliot."
"Baby this isn't... God this isn't my place..."
"Elliot..." she pleaded and he slightly nodded "he told you that you were like the daughter he never had. You told him that he was like the father you never had too but he had stepped out to take a call from the police commissioner so he didn't hear you and that upset you. That's why you wanted to talk to him."
Olivia nodded shocked "d-do you think he meant it El? B-Because that's how I really feel about him I-I just never said it."
Elliot kissed her temple "in my honest opinion he meant it yes but you'll have to ask him that yourself baby."
Olivia nodded her head slightly "i-I will, thank you Elliot. Thank you for telling me."
He nodded "your welcome Liv, I love you get some sleep honey."
"You too El, love you too," she said as she was asleep with in five minutes.
Elliot smiled and fell asleep along with her as he woke up again about 45 minutes later and carefully eased her out of his arms and onto a pillow.
He stayed where he was for about ten minutes to make sure she didn't wake up then when he was satisfied she wouldn't he placed a feather light kiss on her forehead then eased up and out of the room.
Elliot spent about 3 and a half hours out of bed as in that time he dismantled their head and footboards, putting everything neatly into two boxes as he wrote FREE HEADBOARD on one and FREE FOOTBOARD on the other then carried them outside and sat them at the end of their driveway by their mailbox.
Once he was through with that he went out to the shop in back, grabbed a tarp from in there then unlocked their door, went inside and used all his strength to carry their mattress outside as he locked their door again before covering it in the tarp and dragging it to the end of the driveway too FREE Mattress, TARP INCLUDED, NO LINENS OR PILLOWS INCLUDED he wrote on the tarp.
Once finished with that he sighed, relieved and out of breath as he headed back inside again, secured the chain back on the door, drank a cup of coffee then cleaned their bedroom top to bottom I'll put the new mattress in here in the morning he decided once finished as by then it was 3 AM I better shower I'm sweaty as hell he decided as he hopped in there and let the hot water sooth his aching muscles.
June 7th, 3:25 AM.
Olivia shot awake, breathing rapidly and in a cold sweat as she had just had another horrific nightmare about Elliot being shot dead in front of her it wasn't real, it wasn't real his phone's plugged up right there he's probably in the bathroom she told herself in her head trying to calm down.
Thoughts continued to race through her head franticly as when she heard the door slowly creek open she sighed quietly in relief okay Olivia just play possum he's here, he's safe and he'll pull you into his arms again then you'll be able to fall back asleep she told herself as her breaths calmed and her eyes closed as she felt the bed dip and heard him sigh contentedly and lay down.
Another minute passed then she felt him scoot closer to her but not touch her he doesn't wanna wake me that's sweet, she thought to herself as she scooted closer to him subtly.
Elliot noticed and gently pulled her close to him as he noticed the sweat on her back I hope it was a hot flash and not a nightmare, at least she's asleep now he thought to himself as he then immediately fell into a deep sleep and Olivia took comfort from his embrace, falling back to sleep a few minutes after him.
7:10 AM.
Elliot's phone lit up and he groaned slightly having been woken by it not now, not yet he thought to himself as he slightly sighed.
He took about 30 seconds to let his mind wake up slightly as he then rubbed his eyes, grabbed his phone and looked at it.
We're here, she's asleep the screen read as it was Amaro okay im coming he sent as he gently laid Liv down then forced himself out of bed.
"Morning morning and don't you look just peachy today," Amaro whispered once Elliot had unlocked the door.
Elliot shook his head tiredly "didn't sleep much last night," he mumbled lowly.
Amaro frowned "sorry man, Liv having nightmares? If so you might try napping on the couch for a while."
Elliot shook his head "wouldn't dream of it had stuff to do last night."
Amaro nodded "nice new mattress I bet she'll love it once you put it up."
"Mmhmm," he mumbled as he reached out for Zara slightly.
Amaro passed her to him and he silently laid her on the couch and tucked her in "here's her bag, I put a change of clothes in it for her and her batheing suit's in there too."
Elliot took it, nodded and yawned heavily as he sat it beside the couch "well I guess I'll leave you guys to it, I'll call you when I'm off work," Amaro said still smiling slightly.
Elliot yawned again "mmhmm," he mumbled as Amaro then left and he locked the door back, secured the chain back in place then headed back upstairs to get more sleep.
9:45 AM.
"Mmm," Elliot moaned contentedly feeling kisses being scattered on his cheek, neck and shoulder "what did I do to deserve this amazing wakeup call Liv?" he mumbled.
She smiled "you're just you that's all you ever need to be El."
"Oh baby you're gonna melt my heart to the point of no repair if you keep complementing me like this."
Olivia just smiled and kissed his chest happily "I'm sorry I woke you El but I'm hungry and need to take my medicine and I know you'd be upset if I tried to do it all myself."
"You know me so well," he whispered as he kissed her temple then looked at the time "it's fine baby I need to get up anyway what do you wanna have?"
She smiled "bacon, eggs and toast please."
Elliot nodded "you've got it baby," he said as he kissed her temple then headed downstairs.
"H-Hi," Zara said shily when she saw him as she was sitting up on the couch.
"Hi there," Elliot said with a friendly smile as he fixed himself a cup of coffee, turned the stove eye on then had a seat across from her.
"Your living room looks cool," she said as she tapped her leg slightly.
"Thank you sweetheart, are you nervous? You seem nervous."
"A little," she said as she shrugged slightly "I've never been here before."
"I understand sweetheart, Liv will be down soon though, so will Izzabella and we're gonna have a great day okay?"
"Okay," she said as she smiled slightly "may I use the restroom please?"
Elliot nodded "it's down that hall and to the right," he said pointing.
Zara nodded and stood as Elliot smiled and headed back into the kitchen to make breakfast.
xxxxx
"I just got off the phone with Barba, he was remanded," Olivia said as she walked into the kitchen and stood beside El at the stove.
"That's amazing baby," Elliot said with a smile as he pulled her into a crushing embrace.
Olivia melted into him "he'll be in the infirmary for a while but he'll have no tv there and will be handcuffed to the bed at all times."
"Good he deserves that and more," he said.
Olivia nodded agreeing "the food smells great," she said changing the subject.
"Thanks baby," he said as he moved one of his arms from around her to stir the eggs "Liv!" Zara said with a bright smile as she saw her from where she was sitting.
"Hi sweetie!" she called with a smile.
"Come see what I drew!" she said happily.
Olivia nodded and went in there to look "that's great sweetie!" she said with a smile as it was a picture of a cop car.
"Thank you," Zara said with a smile as Elliot walked over "she's right that's really nice. How do you like your bacon honey?"
"May I have it chewy please?"
Elliot nodded "of course," he said with a smile as he saw Lizzie coming out of the guest room "morning honey!" he called.
"Morning dad! The food smells great!"
"Thank you honey! How do you want your bacon?"
"Crispy please," she said as Elliot chuckled slightly "alright," he said.
A little while longer passed as cartoons had been turned on in the living room and breakfast was finished "I'm gonna go check on Izzabella Liv she never sleeps this late," Elliot said as it was a quarter till 11.
Olivia smiled "no need El I peaked in there before I came down here she was playing with her dolls and dollhouse."
Elliot just chuckled slightly and nodded his head "Izzabella! Come on down here honey breakfast's ready!" he called letting his voice carry up the stairs.
A minute later they heard her fast footfalls "hey hey don't run down the stairs baby," Elliot said as she nodded and decided she'd roll down them instead "what's gotten into you today sweetie?" Olivia asked.
Izzabella just smiled at her and jumped up and down happily "honey breakfast," Elliot said as he was trying to be stern but a smile slipped out anyway as she just nodded her head then ran over to him and hugged him.
Elliot hugged her and kissed her head "what's got you so happy today honey?"
She smiled "I got to see barbie again after so much time," she said referring to one of her dolls.
Elliot nodded, ruffled her hair then put her down "that's great honey, do you want grape juice or orange juice this morning?"
"Chocolate milk, please...?"
Elliot sighed "sorry baby not today grape juice or orange juice?"
"Grape," she said sadly and Elliot just nodded and moved to fix it "I've got to find some soy milk somewhere," he told Olivia.
Olivia nodded "I'm sure they have it at the Walmart, Zara can you come to the table please?" she called.
Zara followed directions right away and lizzie came too as once everyone was seated and had their food and drinks they began eating.
"Breakfast was really good Mr. Stabler, thank you," Zara said.
Elliot smiled "your welcome sweetheart but just call me Elliot okay?"
"Okay," she said nodding and he smiled and pulled Liv off to the side for a minute.
"Zara why don't you go put on your bathing suit honey? Your dad said it's in your bag," Elliot asked once he and Liv came back a few minutes later.
"Are we gonna swim? I don't have sunscreen and dad says I have to always where sunscreen to swim."
"Don't worry about that honey we have sunscreen," he said reassuringly "you can get dressed in there," he said pointing towards the guest bathroom
Zara nodded and Elliot looked to Izzabella "come with me baby lets get you dressed."
Izzabella stood from her seat "where are we going daddy?"
"It's a surprise," he said with a smile then headed upstairs as she just smiled and quickly followed him.
A few minutes later she was all ready to go and Liv and El met up in the bathroom upstairs which connected to the guest and Izzabella's rooms "did you decide on what you wanna where honey?" he asked once the door was closed.
Olivia nodded "I think I'll just where my two piece bathing suit and where the cover overtop of it I'm comfortable with you seeing me but just you I don't want a bunch of strangers seeing me."
Elliot nodded understanding "alright baby I'll go get them out of our closet for you."
She nodded "thanks El. Will you grab my makeup too?"
"Ohh Liv you don't have to do that you're beautiful without it and it'll just smudge off."
She sighed "I'm not getting in El I'd have to take the cover off to do that and my cast would get to wet."
Elliot nodded slightly "alright baby," he said sadly as he kissed her temple then stepped out to get what she had asked for as rage filled his brain again at the monster who was William Lewis for stealing the fun of this afternoon away from her.
xxxxx
"Are those covered good enough?" she asked as she had smeared the bruises that were on her arms from all the blood draws with makeup.
"I think so yeah," he said as she nodded her head relieved then began applying it to her face.
"Baby I swear to god you don't need that," he whispered sadly as he hadn't seen her feel like she needed to apply makeup in a very long time.
Olivia sighed slightly "I-I know you don't think I need it El and that means a lot but more people will be there than just you and I don't wanna look"-
Elliot shook his head "I'm gonna stop you right there Olivia because you look beautiful, only beautiful you're the most beautiful woman in the world as far as I'm concerned and I don't want you talking about yourself like you're any less than that."
"B-But"-
Elliot shook his head again "no buts Olivia, no buts if you really wanna wear makeup I'm not gonna stop you but it's gotta be because you wanna wear it not for any other reason baby."
Olivia nodded her head slightly and continued putting it on as she was on eye liner now "i-I'll try and believe you El," she whispered.
He nodded his head slightly "that's all I ask sweetheart," he said softly as he dressed into some comfortable outdoor clothes.
"Why aren't you wearing your boxers El?" Olivia asked confused.
Elliot smiled "surely you didn't think I was gonna let you sit outside the pool by yourself did you? You can't swim so I'm gonna sit outside the pool along side you."
"I can't ask that of you Elliot you should have fun with the kids."
"You're not asking I'm offering besides I could use a little sun and the kids will be just fine as long as we can see them."
"A-Are you sure about this El?"
"Positive," he said with a smile as just then Izzabella ran to the door "mommy! Daddy I'm ready!"
"Patience sweetheart patience!" Elliot called as they chuckled slightly then left the bathroom a couple minutes later "it's 11:45 now I want us all out at the truck at 5 minutes after 12 okay?" he said to the kids once they were back downstairs.
Izzabella and Zara nodded their heads as Lizzie was still sitting on the couch on her phone with her pajamas on "Lizzie are you coming with us honey?" he asked.
"Yeah," she said as he nodded "then go get ready please," he said and she nodded and went to go do as asked.
Once she was gone he slightly smiled "I think I sorta forgot how slow teenagers were until now Liv," he said.
"Same here," she said as she attempted to pour herself a cup of tea "dammit!" she exclaimed when the glass shattered on the floor.
"I've got it baby I'll clean it up it's okay," Elliot said as her hand was shaking in frustration "I want this cast off already!" she said.
"I know I know," he said calmly "it'll be gone before you know it," he said as he handed her a fresh glass after cleaning up the glass shards "I'm gonna go move the stuff from the mattress store off of the tailgate okay?"
"O-Okay, sorry I snapped El."
He shook his head "it's okay baby I understand it this is hard for you I know that."
She nodded slightly, sat her tea down then kissed him "I'll be back in a minute baby," he said after returning her kiss as he then stepped out.
xxxxx
"I didn't know Liv yelled," Zara whispered to Izzabella as they were playing together in the living room.
Izzabella just shrugged and continued playing "does she yell a lot?"
Izzabella shrugged again not interested in the conversation as she raced two toy trucks across the floor and Zara just joined back in "you guys all ready to go?" Elliot asked a few minutes later as he was sealing several envelopes.
Zara and Izzabella nodded eagerly and stood up as Lizzie walked over "I've got the bag with the sunscreen in it! There's rub on and spray on!" Liv called.
"Thanks honey, I'm gonna put the cooler in the back! Lizzie will you take all this out to the mailbox please?"
"Sure," she said as she nodded and took it "you have a lot of bills."
Elliot shook his head "they aren't bills they're your sisters copies of the key to our new locks."
"Ahh," she said as she nodded and headed outside as a few minutes later they were on the road.
xxxxx
"I haven't been here in sooo long!" Zara said excitedly as she was bouncing slightly in her seat between Olivia and Elliot seeing them getting closer to the Queens public pool.
Elliot smiled "we thought you'd like this," he said as Izzabella was squealing in delight in the back as well.
"I'm so happy! So so so happy I just wish daddy was here too."
Elliot nodded "I'm sure he wishes he was too, maybe next time he's off work you can ask him to bring you here?"
Zara gave him a bright smile as he parked the car and they got out and paid "Liv do you want sunscreen?" he asked once they were inside the gate.
"Just on my neck please," she said as he nodded and sprayed it on for her "Izzabella come here honey," he called.
Izzabella walked over and he sprayed her down with it, careful not to get any in her eyes "you can swim in that pool over there, stay where we can see you please," he said pointing at the kiddy pool.
Izzabella nodded and ran off as once Zara had been sprayed down she went to join her "I'm gonna get in the lazy river," Lizzie said handing him the bottle of rub on sunscreen back.
Elliot nodded with a smile as he removed his shirt, sprayed himself with suntan lotion then leaned back in the lounge chair beside Liv and let himself get some sun.
"Can we get in that pool daddy? Please...?" Izzabella asked about 45 minutes later as she was pointing at the big one.
"I'M sorry but no you two are to little to get in there by yourselves."
"Will you come then?"
Elliot shook his head slightly "please daddy..."
"Baby..." he said through a sigh as he looked extremely torn "go on El I'm fine no one's bothered me at all since we've been here," Olivia said softly.
"But what if they do while I'm in there?" he whispered as Izzabella glanced at him again "please daddy...?"
"If they do you'll see you'll just be right over there, have fun with the kids El," she said and he finally hesitantly nodded, squeezed her shoulder gently then stood from his lounge chair "come on girls lets get you both a lifejacket," he said grabbing them both by the hand then walking off.
"You're pretty you know that?" a skinny man around Olivia's age said while drying off as he took Elliot's lounge chair.
"Thank you," Olivia said kindly wanting to be polite.
The man just nodded as he noticed her wedding ring shining in the sunlight "your husbands a lucky man."
Olivia shook her head and slightly smiled "no I'm the lucky one," she said as her gaze then focused on the three of them together in the big pool, Elliot taking turns throwing them up in the air then catching them as Lizzie was smiling too from her float in the lazy river.
By the time 3:30 came Elliot was exhausted and the girls were hungry but refused to admit it "come on girls we've gotta get out and dry off so we can get home and I can get dinner started," Elliot said.
"Five more minutes daddy? Please...?" Izzabella asked.
Elliot chuckled slightly and kissed her head "we've made that deal already, twice. Come on lets go we'll come back another time I promise."
Izzabella, realizing she had pushed her dad as far as she could push him nodded slightly and they got out of the water "hey you three!" Olivia said with a tired smile as sweat covered her face and forehead.
"Hi Liv!"
"Hey mommy!"
"Hey baby," the three of them said in unison as she chuckled "you okay honey? You look like you're burning up," Elliot said worriedly.
"I'm fine El really watching the three of you was worth it. I took some pictures."
Elliot chuckled "and just why am I not surprised huh? You didn't get my bare chest did you?"
Olivia smiled "of course I did, it won't go in the album though."
"You're naughty you know that? So so naughty," he whispered as she just winked and they all dried off, Lizzie having gotten out of the lazy river when El and the kids sat down.
xxxxx
"How does bbq sound for dinner tonight?" Elliot asked as they were pulling out of the public pools parking lot.
A plethora of exhausted "mmhmm's could be heard from the kids and Liv nodded with a smile as Elliot nodded "alright bbq it is then," he said with a smile and turned the radio up some as Black Water by the Doobie brothers played over it.
"Zara once we get to the house I want you to go in and change okay honey? Then you and Izzabella can play until either your dad gets there to get you or dinner is finished," Elliot said with a smile as they pulled onto their road.
Zara nodded "yes sir," she said as Elliot smiled at her "where did you learn those amazing manners hmm?"
She smiled "daddy taught me, he says it's good to call adults ma'am or sir especially if I haven't known them for very long. He says it's respectful."
Elliot nodded and smiled "he's right it is," he said as Liv then noticed their old bedroom set out by the mailbox "El when did you do that?" she asked quietly.
"Last night," he said with a smile.
"Jesus," she said with a concerned frown "how are you even functional today?"
Elliot just smiled "it wasn't as heavy as it looks, the better question is how did you not notice on the way out?" he asked teasingly.
"I was adjusting my phone camera's settings and don't give me that crap I know it was heavy. It could have waited El I don't want you to hurt yourself."
He sighed slightly "I'm good baby I promise you I am, since you caught me in my lie I'll admit that my arms are a little sore but that's it it's nothing serious."
Olivia just nodded slightly as she reached over Zara and Elliot gave her hand a reassuring squeeze, stroked her knuckles with his thumb then let her hand go while he parked as they all then headed inside to get changed.
4:50 PM.
"8, 9, 10! Ready or not here I come!" Izzabella called as Lizzie was helping her count and her and Zara were playing hide and go seek on the deck.
Zara was hiding behind one of the big lawn chairs as when Izzabella spotted her she began running as were the rules of the game "you won't catch me!" she yelled while giggling.
"Will too!" Izzabella yelled back, also giggling as she ran slightly behind her as Liv and El were oblivious to it all, him pealing and rinsing and her seasoning potatoes at the picnic table a little ways over.
They both kept running, Zara's age giving her an advantage as no matter how hard Izzabella tried she couldn't catch her "Zara give her a fighting chance sweetie she's younger and shorter than you," Lizzie said.
"Sorry!" Zara said with a smile as she slowed down a little and Izzabella caught her "good job," Lizzie said with a smile.
Izzabella smiled and they started another round as she hid underneath the table where the radio was sitting "ready or not here I come!" Zara called after counting to ten.
It didn't take them long to begin running again as neither one of them were really looking where they were going, not noticing that they were approaching the steps which led on and off the deck as Lizzie managed to catch Izzabella before she tumbled but Zara wasn't so lucky as she fell down the steps, hit her head on the would and scratched her arm on the sidewalk.
"Dad!!" Lizzie called loudly as Zara laid there crying on the ground.
"Yeah yeah I remember that! There was so much snow and the heat in our Sedan was out too! I swore to myself I'd never leave the house without my coat again in the winter!" Olivia said chuckling a bit as not thinking she put a lot of extra garlic on the potato she was seasoning.
"Woah woah easy on the garlic there Liv," Elliot said smiling as he then stopped what he was doing, his face growing serious "did you hear that?" he asked swearing he heard a whimper.
Olivia shook her head but grew still and quiet too, listening closely to their surroundings "dad!!!" Lizzie called again.
"I heard that," Olivia said as Elliot sighed "let me go see what's wrong," he said as he put his potato peeler down and walked over to the deck to see Zara crying and holding her head "i-it hurts... I-I need daddy," she whimpered.
"Shhh, shhh it's okay honey it's okay can you tell me what happened?"
Zara continued to cry and clutch her head as Elliot looked to Lizzie questioningly "her and Izzabella were playing hide and go seek up here, they were chasing each other, didn't realize they had gone that far and she fell down the stairs."
Elliot frowned "they should have never been playing it up there hide and go seek is meant for the yard."
"I-I'm sorry dad I thought it would be okay I-I thought they would see."
"It's alright Liz," he sighed heavily "it's alright," he said as he then turned to Zara "can I look at your head sweetie?"
Zara nodded slightly and moved her hand some "you've got a little goose egg but that's it you'll be alright I promise," he said softly but she still cried slightly "what happened?" Olivia asked softly having walked over.
"Game of hide and go seek gone wrong," Elliot said pointing at the deck then the steps.
Olivia frowned but nodded slightly "anything I can do?"
Elliot shook his head slightly "I'm gonna take her inside, look her over a little closer make sure nothing else is wrong."
Olivia nodded her head and Elliot looked to Izzabella "why don't you go slide? Zara's hurt right now and it might be a little while before she wants to play again."
Izzabella nodded slightly "will she be okay daddy?"
"She will be I promise," he said as he then looked to Lizzie "will you help Olivia please?"
Lizzie nodded and her and Liv went to finish with the potato's "can you stand up honey?" El asked Zara softly.
Zara nodded slightly and stood with tears in her eyes "I-I want daddy..."
Elliot nodded and rubbed her back "I'll call him as soon as we're inside okay?"
She nodded her head slightly and he slightly smiled "does anything else hurt besides your head?" he asked as they walked.
"M-My arm," she said showing him the rather long scrape that was on it.
Elliot nodded sympathetically as he unlocked the door and they walked inside the house "can you sit on the couch for me sweetheart?"
Zara nodded slightly and did as asked as he walked over a few minutes later with an icepack and the first aid kit "I'm gonna put this icepack on your head where you hit it okay?"
Zara nodded and he gently placed it there "hold it there for a few minutes okay?"
"Okay," she said as while she held it there he looked at the scrape on her arm "this isn't to bad it's long but not deep. I'm just gonna clean it okay?"
"W-Will it hurt?"
"It shouldn't sweetie no."
She nodded slightly relieved and he smiled slightly and gently cleaned it "you feeling a little better now?" he asked softly.
"Mmhmm," she said as she leaned back slightly.
Elliot nodded, smiled and kissed her on the head "do you still want me to call your dad?"
She nodded slightly "I-I didn't get to tell him bye this morning."
Elliot nodded "I understand I'll call him now," he said as he sat down beside her and made the call.
"You've reached Nick Amaro leave a message," they heard after a half a ring and Elliot hung up and redialed seeing the sad look on Zara's face.
"You've reached Nick Amaro leave a message," they heard again and Elliot sighed and waited for the beep.
"Hi Nick it's Elliot Stabler. I'm here with Zara she's missing you and would really like to talk to you. Call me back when you get this, thanks," he said as he hung up and sighed again "I'm sorry sweetheart," he whispered.
"I-It's not your fault he just works to much," she said.
Elliot nodded "my older kids always thought that when they were younger too. If he's anything like me though which I think he is he'll realize one day how much he's missing and slack off."
Zara nodded slightly "I-I hope so. Do you work the same job as daddy?"
"I used to yes," he said as he continued sitting beside her and let her rest her feet in his lap when she laid down as about 20 or so minutes passed that way and Lizzie had brought the potatoes inside "my head still hurts Mr. Elliot," she finally said.
Elliot nodded slightly and glanced at it again "I'm gonna go get you some children's Tylenol out of the medicine cabinet okay? I'll be right back."
Zara looked hesitant "o-only daddy, mommy and grandma know how much I'm supposed to take though w-what if I take to much?"
Elliot smiled slightly "the bottle will tell me exactly how much you need and I'll make sure you get the right amount I promise."
Zara nodded with a slight smile and Elliot stood to go get it "is she gonna be okay dad?" Lizzie asked.
Elliot nodded "she will be she's just a little afraid because she was hurt and she's in an unfamiliar place."
Lizzie nodded sadly "can I do anything at all?"
Elliot shook his head as as he walked on to head to the medicine cabinet he saw Olivia standing on the porch debating with herself and he opened the door "hey honey you wanna come in?"
She shook her head "I-I just came to tell you that the McGuire's are here, asked to eat with us said Ryan smelled the barbecue. I told them yes and Tim just took it off the grill for you. He said it looked done."
Elliot nodded "tell him I said thank you. What's wrong baby?"
She sighed slightly "memories just came back again."
He nodded "the same ones as last night?"
She shook her head slightly "different ones. Talk later? I could tell you were busy."
"Are you sure you can wait? I was just getting Zara some Tylenol and I trust the McGuire's to watch Izzabella."
"I'm sure El I-I just don't wanna get upset again right now and I will when I talk about it."
He nodded slightly "alright baby, I'll be back out there as soon as I can."
"Don't rush El take care of Zara she needs you right now."
He just sighed slightly, nodded and kissed her temple knowing she had a point "love you baby."
"Love you too El," she said as she then went back outside and he locked the door behind her then got Zara's meds.
5:55 PM.
"Mr. Elliot? Can I try to call my daddy back?" Zara asked.
"Of course honey just give me one second," he said as he was pulling cookies out of the oven.
Zara nodded her head and a couple minutes later he was back beside her "the cookies smell really good Mr. Elliot."
"Thanks sweetheart, how's your head feeling?"
"A lot better."
He smiled, nodded and dialed Amaro's number "how about we head outside again then in a few minutes?"
She nodded and smiled but then frowned when they got his voicemail again as Elliot rubbed her shoulder for a minute then stepped away to leave a voicemail "Nick it's Elliot again. Look I know the job better than anyone but your daughter fell earlier, she's fine but she really wants to talk to you and this is the fourth time I've called you in an hour. Please call me back when you get this message, thanks," he said as he hung up, sat back down and tossed the phone on the coffee table frustratedly.
"I-I'm gonna turn on the news," Lizzie said after the room had been awkwardly silent for a minute as Elliot just nodded slightly not really caring what was on at the moment anyway.
"Thank you for choosing Whnt news 19 at 6 I'm your news anchor William Stuts.
In breaking news tonight police are on the lookout for escaped convict Daniel Wane Redding, authorities say he escaped from Rikers Island correctional facility with the help of two corrupt guards. He kidnapped his 18 month old son Gavin Lee Redding from a playground in upper Manhattan and is believed to be armed and dangerous. Captain Donald Cragen from the Manhattan Special Victims unit had this to say."
"Mr. Redding is a violent gang member and drug dealer who kidnapped his own son to avoid capture. If he is willing to do that then he's willing to do anything, finding this man and his son is SVU's top priority but in the meantime if you see him or his son," pictures of them flashed across the screen "do not engage with them, instead calmly call 911 or the number on your screen. We want this man caught and his son saved without bloodshed and that's what I intend to do, thank you."
"I'm afraid you won't be hearing from your dad tonight baby I'm sorry," Elliot whispered as Zara just nodded and gave him a sad knowing smile "he's got to save the world again doesn't he?"
Elliot smiled slightly "that's right," he whispered as the news went on "in other news alleged kidnapper William Lewis has been remanded to Rikers island correctional facility for the foreseeable future after going to arraignment court on the charges of kidnapping and attempted rape and murder of Olivia Benson-Stabler. While his guilt is questionable at this point we sincerely hope that the truth is correctly reached in a court of law, Lieutenant Ed Tucker from the Nu York city police department's internal affairs bureau had this to say about the case."
Elliot sighed and held his breath don't make me have to tell Olivia that the NYPD has turned on her, please god don't make me have to tell her that he thought to himself as he listened closely.
"I just want to say first of all the crimes that William Lewis are being charged with are horrific, absolutely horrific and he had been accused of them long before detective Benson came into the picture. I do understand that her unwillingness to speak to the media often is suspicious but I ask you all to put yourselves in her shoes. Consider how you would be if it was you in her situation then see how you all feel. For now the NYPD is behind detective Benson 100% and we wholeheartedly believe that these crimes were committed. We don't feel that any perjury has taken place at this time but if at any point our view changes it will be investigated in accordance with Nu York law"- as at that point Elliot had heard enough "Zara are you ready to go outside and eat honey?"
"Mmhmm," she said with a slight smile and Elliot nodded "come on then," he said and they headed outside, carrying the cookies with slight smiles.