The Ante
Chapter Ten
By: Lizzie Bundick
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Author's Note: Yes, I'm still avoiding studying for finals. I really don't want to type out the flow chart for the dual court system. But I guess now I have to. Le sigh.
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Detective Olivia Benson stuck her head back in her partner's room, intent on a quick goodbye, but Detective Elliot Stabler was asleep. So, Olivia quietly made her way to the side of his bed and watched him sleep. He was okay, but it would be a long time until she didn't panic at the mere thought of him being shot. God, the moment when she'd heard was so filled with panic and a gut wrenching fear she had frozen in place. She only vaguely heard Cragen telling her that it wasn't a serious wound and that Elliot would be fine. She'd started breathing only when Elliot had smiled from her from his hospital bed. But he was okay, and she was going to be.
She remembered when Fin had been shot, how the guilt has almost taken her apart. Elliot had kept her together through that. Now, Elliot was the one shot, and she was surprised at the lack of guilt she felt.
It was anger that consumed her. If that damn kid wasn't dead already, Olivia would be hard pressed not to go after him.
It was terrifying to think of what she would do to protect Elliot and what she would do if someone hurt Elliot. When had her life become defined by her relationship with this man?
A man who was now on his way to divorce, which was just terrible. And Olivia loved it. In the darkest part of her heart she planed their whole lives out, how they'd have a sweeping romance, get married and live their lives out together. And she hated herself for that.
Since he was sleeping and she was shaken to the core she leaned over lightly pressed her lips against his. It was barely a kiss, but it blew her away. She pulled back and stared down at her partner. This man was going to break her heart and for the first time in all the years of their partnership she walked away afraid.
When her footsteps were gone Elliot Stabler opened his eyes and stared at the ceiling one thought circling around his head. Olivia Benson had kissed him.
His life had reached a new high and new low all in one moment.
He had never admitted to himself that his interest in his partner had been anything else besides a man noticing a woman like any man would notice a woman. Now though, with the feeling of her lips still lingering on his, he knew it was more. Probably more than he'd ever felt in his life.
Damn her for changing that, he thought slamming his fist against the bed. He had been thinking that maybe he could salvage his marriage. There had to be a way for him to make things right, but now there never would be. He would kiss Kathy and feel Olivia. He would look across the dinner table to Kathy and long for his desk so that it would be Olivia. Worst of all was he would see Kathy lying next to him and wish, pray for Olivia.
She had changed it, unintentionally, but it was there. He was never going to tell her that he had been awake for that kiss. And he most certainly was never going to let their relationship go beyond partners.
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Author's Note: You know what's coming next don'tcha? FAULT! Oh I can't wait to get my hands on that episode! insert evil laughter