Chapter 17

AN: Thank you for the support. I really hope you like this chapter.


Hours after she spoke to Alex Olivia and Noah are walking towards Alex's apartment. While it is a little earlier than when Alex said dinner is Olivia also knows that Alex won't mind them showing up early.

"Mom, who's going to be at dinner?" Noah asks curious.

"Well, it's going to be Alex, and Uncle Rafa and Antonio," Olivia explains. "And you remember Liz, Kathleen and Richard?" Olivia asks her son.

"Yeah, I do," Noah confirms.

"We'll their little brother Eli has been in Rome for a long time, and he's going to be at dinner too," Olivia explains, realizing that it says a lot that she explains who Eli is to Noah through his siblings rather than who his Dad is.

"Cool," Noah says, looking glad, as Olivia gets to Alex's door and knocks. Moments after Olivia knocks the door opens revealing Alex.

"Hey Olivia, Noah, come in," Alex says, letting them into the apartment.

"Anyone else here yet?" Olivia asks curious.

"Not yet," Alex responds. "Hey Noah, would you like something to drink?" Alex asks, and Noah looks at his mother.

"Whatever you like Buddy," Olivia assures him.

"Could I have some juice?" Noah asks curious, looking at Alex.

"Of course, I have orange, apple, or grape," Alex reveals, and Olivia is pretty sure she has never known Alex to have that many nonalcoholic options. "Which would you like?" Alex asks curious.

"Grape please," Noah answers.

"You've got it," Alex says, heading to the kitchen.

"Noah, I'm going to give Alex some help, will you be okay out here?" Olivia asks, as she wants a chance to talk to Alex before the others arrive.

"Yes," Noah answers, and after hearing her son's conformation, Olivia follows Alex into the kitchen.

"Alex, what exactly is Liz saying about what Elliot is doing?" Olivia asks concerned, as while she is concerned about Elliot with what Alex has told her she is even more concerned about his kids.

"From what Liz is saying he is barely sleeping, scaring Eli with how he's behaving, and is barely home which means Eli is alone a lot," Alex explains. "Maureen, Kathleen, Liz and even Richard have been trying to get Eli to go stay with Maureen and Carl," Alex explains, and Olivia knows that they must be concerned if all Stabler children agree about something. "But Eli doesn't want to leave Elliot," Alex explains. "Kathleen and I talked, she suspects Eli doesn't want to leave because he doesn't know his siblings very well and after everything, he's been through he wants to be with someone familiar," Alex explains.

"Sounds about right," Olivia says, knowing she will talk to Eli to see how he is really doing, and Alex turns to look at her.

"Liv, I know what Elliot means to you, and that this might put you in an awkward position, but Liz basically begged me for help and if things aren't good for Eli at home…." Alex starts to say, as she knows this could be bad for her and Olivia, but with Eli only being a child her concern has to be with him.

"I know," Olivia says, with a sigh, as she understands it. "You're right, there was a time where Elliot was incredibly important to me, but that won't blind me, not if Eli's not okay around him," Olivia explains, and Alex nods. After Alex nods, she walks over to Olivia and hugs her, feeling Olivia kiss her cheek as she does.

"Mom! Alex! Someone's knocking on the door!" Noah's voice calls.

"We'll be right there," Olivia calls back, Alex picks up Noah's juice, and the two of them head back into eh main area of the apartment. While Alex walks over and hands the juice to Noah Olivia walks to the front door and after checking through the peep hole opens it.

"Hey Rafa," Olivia says, letting him into the apartment, honestly not at all surprised that Barba is the first to arrive.

"Liv," Barba says, walking into the apartment. "Anyone else here yet?" Barba asks curious.

"Not yet," Olivia answers.

"Uncle Rafa! Uncle Rafa!" Noah says excitedly as he runs up to the pair. "I've been watching ballet videos on YouTube, can I show you and Alex what I've learnt?" Noah asks, as he knows that both Alex and Barba will appreciate it.

"Of course," Barba answers.

"That would be great," Alex says, and they all head over to the living room. Once in the living area Alex, Barba and Olivia sit down on the couch and Noah starts to show what he has learnt.

While Noah is showing Alex, Barba, and Olivia his dance moves the door opens and Antonio, Kathleen, Dickie, Liz and Eli walk in.

"Hi Mami, Olivia, Noah, Rafi," Antonio greats.

"Hi Antonio!" Noah says, stopping what he is doing. "Hi Liz! Hi Kathleen! HI Richard!" Noah greats, and they all say 'Hi Noah' in response.

"Eli, you remember Olivia?" Kathleen asks her brother.

"Yes, hi," Eli says, clearly a little shy as he is around people he doesn't know but who seem to know him.

"Hi Eli," Olivia says to him, using a gentle voice as she figures the teenager is overwhelmed.

"And this is her son Noah," Richard introduces.

"Hi!" Noah says, and Eli gives a small wave in response.

"And this is Rafael Barba, we work together," Liz explains.

"It's nice to meet you, Eli," Barba says.

"Nice to meet you too," Eli responds.

"And this is Alex Cabot, we work together, and she used to work with Dad, for a long time," Liz explains.

"Did you know my mom?" Eli asks Alex, as he wants to know more people who knew his mother.

"I did, but not as well as I would have liked," Alex admits, as she and Kathy got along well, and before Eli can say something else the intercom rings. "That will be dinner, I'll go get it," Alex explains, heading over to answer the intercom.


A little while later, after everyone has eaten dinner, the four Stablers, Barba, Noah, Alex, Antonio and Olivia have all spread out around the main area of Alex's apartment. As she looks around Kathleen sees Eli standing alone near one of the large windows. She is just about to walk over to her baby brother to see how he is doing when she sees Olivia heading towards him, knowing that she will have it well and truly handled Kathleen goes back to the conversation she is having with Barba, while Dickie, Antonio and Noah are talking nearby.

"This must seem very different than Rome," Olivia says to Eli, who continues to stare out of the window.

"Completely," Eli answers. "I know I was born here, and spent years here, but I don't remember it," Eli explains as he finds the city extremely strange.

"So, you must be feeling pretty homesick," Olivia says, and Eli nods. "And missing your friends?" Olivia asks gently, and once again Eli nods.

"Everything here is so strange, and dark; nothing like Rome," Eli admits, as he used to love walking through the cobble streets of Rome, his favorite place in Rome is the Trevi Fountain and New York feels a world away from that. "Dad's nothing like he was in Rome," Eli admits, looking away from the window to look at Olivia. "Dad said you were his partner, Maureen said that meant you were close, that you're family," Eli says to Olivia, still trying to make sense of things.

"I considered you all to be," Olivia admits, knowing she always felt particularly protective of Eli.

"So, I guess you want to know how Dad's doing? That you want to hear about the things he's been doing?" Eli asks as that's what he assumes.

"I know how your Dad's doing," Olivia admits. "What I want to know is how you're doing," Olivia admits, and Eli shrugs and looks out of the window. "Eli?" Olivia asks gently.

"I miss my mom, I miss my home," Eli admits, looking sad. "I know everyone's worried about Dad, and worried about me being around him, but I don't want to lose him too," Eli admits.

"What makes you think you're going to lose him?" Olivia asks, wanting to know exactly what Eli is suspecting.

"He was in a fight… it was bad, and he wants me to go stay with Maureen," Eli explains, looking back at Olivia. "But he's barely home as it is. If I go to Maureen's I'm never going to see him again; it will be like I've lost him too!" Eli exclaims and the fears Eli is explaining make sense to Olivia. "He needs me! I can handle listening to him having nightmares, making sure he looks after himself, and the way he is acting, but what I can't handle is not seeing him at all," Eli admits.

"Eli it's not up to you to look after your father, you're still a kid," Olivia says, the way Eli describing Elliot reminding her a little of her childhood, which is a huge concern.

"We look after each other; we have to," Eli admits. "I'm not leaving him," Eli says, sounding stubborn and determined, aka a lot like his father.

"Eli, I want you to make me a promise," Olivia says and Eli looks interesting. "I know Liz gave you my number, so I want you to promise me that if your Dad's behavior continues to get worse, or he does something that scares you, or put you in danger, you call me straight away, no matter what," Olivia tells Eli, as she will do whatever she can to keep the young boy safe, even if it means going against Elliot.

"I can do that," Eli says, with a nod. "Will you tell Katie that you think I should stay with Dad?" Eli asks, as that's what he really wants, and while he doesn't completely understand he knows that his sisters listen to Olivia.

"I will, but that will change if I don't think you're safe," Olivia explains, and before she can react Eli hugs her.

"Thank you," Eli says as he hugs Olivia.

Across the room Liz and Alex are sitting together, both watching Olivia and Eli. As they see Eli hug Olivia Liz lets out a sigh of relief.

"You okay?" Alex asks Liz curious.

"No," Liz admits. "But I'm glad Liv is talking to Eli," Liz admits. "Growing up I always knew that Olivia was always there for me, that she was just a call away, I'm really glad that Eli has that now too," Liz admits.

"Liz, I know you're worried about your father, and your siblings, you have every reason to be, but have you checked in on yourself? Do you know how you're really doing?" Alex asks concerned.

"I miss my mom, I'm worried that my Dad is self-destructing," Liz admits. "I'm just taking it one day at a time," Liz explains.

"That's all you can do," Alex admits. "And no that you're not alone," Alex assures Liz, as she wants to keep reminding her of that fact.

"I know, and that means everything to me," Liz admits, as she is pretty sure that she wouldn't have gotten through the past couple of weeks if it wasn't for the support she gets from Alex, Barba and Olivia.


A little while later everyone except for Alex, Olivia and Noah have left Alex's apartment. While Noah is lying on the couch Alex and Olivia are in the kitchen.

"I saw you talking to Eli, how was that?" Alex asks curious.

"Enlightening, concerning," Olivia admits, then sighs. "He's in so much pain, and I don't know if he realizes or not, but Elliot is making things so much worse," Olivia admits, honestly wanting to shake some sense into Elliot.

"That's what I've gotten from Liz, Richard, and Kathleen too," Alex admits. "Liv, you know Elliot better than anyone, can you think of a way to get through to him? A way for him to realize what he's doing to his kids?" Alex asks curious.

"I used to know Elliot better than anyone," Olivia corrects, as she isn't sure she knows him best anymore. "He has PTSD, I don't know what can get through to him right now," Olivia explains. "Especially when he won't ask for, or accept, help," Olivia admits.

"Guess we just need to continue being there for the kids," Alex realizes.

"Yeah," Olivia confirms, though she feels like she should be doing more.

"How are you doing after the case?" Alex asks concerned. "It seemed like a tough one," Alex admits.

"It was, it really was," Olivia notes, and as she does Alex reaches out and takes Olivia's hand, squeezing it in a gentle show of comfort. Even though Olivia doesn't say anything, she gives Alex an appreciate look as they drift into silence.

"It's getting late," Olivia notes, breaking the silence after a little while.

"Yeah, guess it is," Alex realizes. "Do you and Noah want to stay over?" Alex offers.

"I would love that," Olivia admits, and Alex knows that she would love that too. "But I don't have Noah's bag, or any of the stuff he needs to sleep," Olivia explains.

"Oh, I didn't even think about that," Alex admits, realizing that she should have suggested the sleep over when she invited Olivia over for dinner.

"It's okay," Olivia assures her. "Next time," Olivia says.

"I like the sound of that," Alex says, walking towards Olivia and once they are close enough the two of them kiss.

Once Alex and Olivia break apart the two of them head back to the main living area where Noah is.

"Noah, it's time to go home, Buddy," Olivia tells her son.

"Okay," Noah says, standing up. "Mom Alex's apartment is really cool," Noah says with a grin.

"I think so," Olivia admits. "Say goodbye to Alex," Olivia says, and once she does Noah walks over to Alex and hug her.

"Bye Alex," Noah says, as he hugs her.

"Oh goodbye Sweet boy," Alex says, as she kisses the top of Noah's head, and as she watches Alex with her son Olivia can't help but smile. "Let me know when you get home safe," Alex says, looking at Olivia, as she and Noah break apart.

"Of course," Olivia responds as she collect's Noah's jacket, which she hands to him. "I'll call you tomorrow," Olivia says to Alex, before she and Noah head out of Alex's apartment. After watching Olivia and Noah go Alex closes and locks the door behind them and then continues to clean everything up.


The next morning Alex is on her way to get coffee before heading into Vita Nova when her phone rings. As soon as she sees Olivia on the caller ID Alex smiles and answers as quickly as possible.

"Hey, how's your morning?" Alex asks curious.

"Good. Noah, all the way home, and all this morning couldn't stop talking about how much he enjoyed last night," Olivia explains.

"That's great," Alex says amused, feeling glad that Noah likes her. "I'm glad he enjoyed himself, he and Eli seemed to get along well when they were talking after you talked to Eli," Alex notes.

"Yeah, I think they did," Olivia admits. "What about you? How's your morning been?" Olivia asks curious.

"Fine, I'm on my way to get coffee," Alex explains.

"Of course," Olivia says, sounding amused.

"Are you at the precinct yet?" Alex asks curious.

"No. Kat and I have de-escalation training today," Olivia explains.

"And you're looking forward to it," Alex realizes, smiling slightly.

"You know, I am, it's important," Olivia admits. "The sooner we put it into practice the better," Olivia explains.

"Yeah, that's true," Alex admits. "Good luck, I hope it goes well," Alex says.

"Thanks," Olivia tells her. "I love you," Olivia responds.

"I love you," Alex responds, and the two of them hang up.


A while after she spoke to Olivia on the phone Alex is sitting in her office at Vita Nova working when there is a knock on her doorframe. Looking up Alex sees Barba standing at her door.

"You got some time?" Barba asks curious.

"Yeah, come in," Alex says, and Barba walks in, closing the door behind him. "Something up?" Alex asks curious.

"Look, I get that Elliot Stabler is a friend of yours, and he means a lot to Liv, but the guy is an ass," Barba informs Alex.

"You don't have to tell me that," Alex admits, as Barba sits down across from her.

"Does he not realize how much he is hurting his kids, or does he just not care?" Barba asks angrily as fathers who hurt their kids, in anyway, is a sore spot for Barba.

"Honestly… could be either," Alex admits. "When I knew Elliot, he would get angry, and he manhandled Richard once that I know off," Alex admits, and she sees a look of anger pass over Barba's face. "But always insisted that he loved his kids," Alex explains.

"Just like every Abuser," Barba comments.

"Raf…" Alex starts to say.

"Please don't tell me that you of all people are going to defend him," Barba says annoyed.

"I wasn't," Alex admits, as she really wasn't. "I was just going to say that Liv thinks he has PTSD, which isn't an excuse, but also isn't helping," Alex says, as she remembers how she was when she was in the program, and when she just got out, so she does have sympathy for Elliot, but she remembers that even at her worse Antonio's well being was her highest priority.

"Then he should damn well get over himself and get some help," Barba says a level of anger to his voice.

"That I agree with," Alex admits, and the two of them drift into silence.

For only a few minutes of silence Alex and Barba sit in silence until they suddenly hear Liz's terrified voice yelling.

"ALEX! RAFAEL!"

Hearing the terror in Liz's voice Barba and Alex exchange looks and go running out of Alex's office so that they can see what is going on.