The Ante

Chapter Fourteen

By: Lizzie B

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Authors Note: And now the semi-exciting conclusion where we find out of Liv went to Elliot's apartment or not! Please, read and review.

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Elliot Stabler rubbed at the bridge of his nose while listening to his ex-wife whisper harshly about another weekend he had to spend working instead of with his kids. Like he needed her to attack him about it, he already hated himself for it.

"Kathy," He said when she stopped for a second, "I'm sorry. Cragen needed everyone in on this case, okay? He's given me next weekend off to make up for it. I'll pick the kids up on time, I promise."

Kathy drew a deep breath, "Thank you, Elliot. Your kids miss you."

"I know."

"You need to see them more."

"I know." Elliot frowned at his door when someone knocked, "Hey, Kathy, I'll see you this weekend okay? Someone's at the door."

She muttered something Elliot figured he didn't want to know, "Fine. Goodnight El." And she hung up. He hated that she was so angry at him. He knew his job was the main reason is marriage broke up, but his ex-wife's continual hatred of it was getting on his nerves.

"I'm coming!" He yelled at the door and dropped the phone into the cradle. Still thinking about his ex-wife and kids, Elliot didn't bother with checking the peep-hole before he opened the door. The moment he actually looked, he almost hit himself in the face with the door. "Olivia."

"Hey, El, can I come in?" He stepped back automatically and let her in. She looked around his tiny apartment, very similar to hers.

"Somethin' up, Liv?" He asked cautiously, unsure of what could have brought her here. He didn't even bother with wondering how she got his address, since she was a cop, a computer one at that.

"I wanted to see how you're doing," She said with a shrug and moved to look out a grimy window.

He narrowed his eyes, "Someone ask you to check in on me?"

She glared over her shoulder at him, her eyes accusing. He looked away. What could he really say? Since the moment she walked away he didn't know where he stood with her anymore. She said it wasn't his fault, but he still had his doubts.

"I'm fine, Liv." Silence fell between them so he looked his fill. Was it the time apart that made her seem more beautiful than before? Or maybe it was the way the city lights reflected off her face and hair.

"What are we doing El?" She whispered, startling him out of his study. "What happened to us?"

We fell in love, he thought, watching her. "We chose each other…"

"Don't give me that again," She snapped, turning to face him, "I would always choose you, don't you get that? Every time Elliot."

He didn't know what to say. He wanted desperately to take a step towards her and show her that he too would choose her every time, but it wouldn't solve anything. "I know. That's why you left."

"Don't you get it at all?" His heart shredded at her tears. "You know what El? Fuck it. I'm sick of this."

"I know, Liv," He said pained. When she stomped towards him he expected her to storm right past him and out the door. Instead she stopped in front of him, grabbed his face in her hands and kissed him. For one stunned second he did nothing and then instinct took over. One hand fisted in her hair, the other pressed the small of her back until she was flush against him. He tasted years of longing, lust and need. He answered with all the guilt, pain and desire that he felt for her.

It was a wonder at all he heard the phone at all, through the roaring in his ears. He wrenched himself away and stared. Liv's cheeks were flushed, she was breathing fast and her lips were swollen. He almost groaned aloud at the sight. Instead he grabbed the phone, praying he could get rid of the distraction as quickly as possible. Then Olivia's phone went off and he knew, they weren't going to finish this tonight.

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Author's Note: Ha! I'm so evil!