7.05 Strain
Olivia, Fin and Huang were all at precinct in early hours. They were putting their information on the board, getting an early start to their current crime. Huang had already gotten started with their profile, when Cragen arrived with a tray of coffees.
"The early bird catches the perp," Cragen said and placed tray down on Elliot's desk, "How're we doing?" he asked.
"It's gonna take weeks to rule out the store employees and customers. We got a busload of finger prints," Fin said.
"I doubt the killer left his, the crime scene is too methodical," Huang voiced his opinion
Wires, shoes, lights – that must've taken at least an hour, that's a long time to go without slipping up," Cragen said as if doubting the doctor.
"I don't think e did. Every element of staging was intentional and meaningful," Huang explained.
"Ok, so what's up with these shoes?" Fin asked.
Olivia turned from the board where she had put down the timeline they had so far and grabbed a cup of coffee – God knows, she needs it.
"Well, they're all pointing at Robin as if there is a crowd around watching one," Huang gave a reason.
"So you are saying, the perp staged it like some kind of sick play?" Cragen clarified.
"It's theatrical, he wants the attention as if he is saying 'look at Robin', we all stand in judgment of him. Your perp is trying to tell the story. To catch him, you gonna need to know more about who Robin was," Huang explained.
Fin had answered his phone while Huang informed Cragen and Olivia.
"We can ask his father, he's on his way to the morgue to ID the body," Fin said, putting down his landline.
Cragen nod.
"Liv, is Elliot coming in today?" Cragen asked the female detective.
"I hope not. He caught a cold and he is extremely contagious," Olivia answered.
"Then maybe I should stay away from you too," Fin said to her.
Olivia sipped her coffee and half-smiled.
"El has been staying at his place, I don't wanna be near that thing," she replied.
Fin glanced at Olivia, trying to decide if it was safe to stay around her.
"Fin, Olivia go to the morgue, see what his father can give us," Cragen ordered.
**SVU***
Olivia drove the car to Ken's apartment building, she stopped the engine, but neither of them made a move to get out. Olivia kept on looking at Fin – probably finding out your son is gay though murder investigation is not the best way.
"You want me to talk to him?" Olivia asked.
"No, I'll do it. Wait in the car," Fin said firmly, before he left Olivia alone.
As soon as Fin disappeared Olivia got a call that CSU was at their victim's apartment, so that would be their next stop, after finding out Ken and Robin were in the same place at the same time.
While waiting Olivia chose to check up on Elliot, so she dialed the familiar number.
"Stabler," he answered.
"It's me," Olivia said.
"Oh, miss me already?" Elliot smirked.
"In your dreams, Stabler. I get to drive along with Fin, plus he actually lets me drive and he actually spends his time focusing on the investigation and not getting some," Olivia said.
"Because if he did, he'd be dead," Elliot threatened.
Olivia laughed. She could hear Elliot coughing on the other side of the phone.
"How are you?" She asked.
"Let's see, my head is full of bricks, my throat is sore, I have a runny nose and I can't help but cough, and to add up I'm bored. So, yeah, I feel like crap," Elliot admitted.
"Oh, poor you. I'll come by later with chicken soup," Olivia said.
"I don't care much about the soup, but it would be nice to see you. Specially since I haven't seen you in last few days," Elliot perked up at the thought.
"I had too much paperwork to finish and deal, plus I had to check up on Maria and her mother. I've been busy," Olivia explained.
"Liv, you don't have to explain work to me, I already know," he said, understanding the commitment.
"Yeah. I hope you get better soon though," Olivia said, hearing him sneeze.
"I know you miss me," Elliot said confidently.
"Good to see you haven't lost your ego, that must be a good sign," Olivia said rolling her eyes.
"I miss you too," Elliot replied.
"I know," Olivia chuckled.
"I think I'm gonna fall asleep again," Elliot said as his eyelids were becoming extremely heavy.
"I'll let you sleep then," Olivia said.
"No, just talk to me. I sleep much better with you around. The bed feels so empty and uncomfortable. I don't sleep well alone. Besides if your boyfriend is sick you should come by and make him feel better," he whined.
"I'll come by later," Olivia promised.
"And please wake me up, if I have managed to fall sleep again," Elliot ordered.
"I will," Olivia said, she saw from the corner of her eye that Fin's approaching," Fin's back. I gotta go," she said.
"Say hi to Fin and warn him to keep his focus on work and not you," Elliot said.
"I can deliver the message," Olivia said.
Fin sat in, obviously distraught.
"I love you, Liv," Elliot said through yawn.
"Love you too," Olivia said and hang up.
Olivia turned her focus to Fin.
"He didn't know Robin Weller, didn't recognize him from his picture," Fin announced.
Olivia nod.
"Crime scene is on the way to Robin's apartment," she said.
"Let's go," Fin told her.
Olivia started the car.
"Elliot says hi," Olivia said, changing the topic.
"How is he?" Fin asked casually.
"He's sick and finally admitting it. Also I'm supposed to warn you to focus on the work and not me," Olivia said hesitantly, but a promise is a promise.
"Noted. If you wanna go see him, you can go," Fin offered.
"I'll go by after work," Olivia said.
Fin shrugged and chose to stay silent.
***SVU***
After knocking for the third time, he finally opened the door. Olivia just stood there for a moment with hot soup in her hand.
"You look awful," she said stepping into the apartment.
Elliot closed the door and muttered "Been better" under his breath.
Olivia guided him to the couch, gently pushing his shoulder, so he'd sit down. She put the can of soup in front of him and grabbed a spoon from the kitchen drawer.
"Eat," she ordered.
"Hello, Honey, how was your day?" Elliot asked sarcastically.
"It was fine, nothing interesting," Olivia replied, "How's your fever?"
"I'm down to 100, I'll be back tomorrow," Elliot said.
Olivia put her palm on his forehead, confirming his fever and frown appeared on her face.
"You are not back tomorrow. Now eat and I'll make you some tea," Olivia ordered.
Elliot obeyed and started eating the chicken soup Olivia had brought him, while Olivia familiarized herself in his kitchen. She heated the water and made him a cup of herbal tea and coffee for herself.
"So how are you and Fin working out?" Elliot asked.
"We'll do just fine," Olivia said neutrally, "I passed along your stupid warning."
Elliot smiled.
Olivia pulled the blanket over his shoulders and sat down next to him.
"This is good," Elliot commented on the soup.
"The best in Manhattan," Olivia said proudly.
Elliot sneezed and cleared his throat. He put down the spoon and leaned over putting his head on Olivia's chest and his arms around her. She was surprised, but let him snuggle and placed her hands on his back, holding him.
"Liv, I hate being sick. I feel bad and I'm bored out of my mind," Elliot said quietly.
"I hate that you're sick too. Wish you'd be better," Olivia said.
"I feel so cold," Elliot said, his body shivering.
Olivia tried to envelope him in her arms, just like he had done with hers so many times, but her attempt was not as successful since her body is much smaller than his, nevertheless she pulled him more into her and held him in tight grip.
He could feel his body relaxing with every passing moment. He shifted trying to get closer to her warmth. Elliot moved his head to her shoulder, pressing their chests together, climbing practically on her lap, seeking the contact he had missed for last couple of days.
"El, you should get to bed," Olivia said, thinking rationally.
"Are you joining me?" he asked hopefully.
"I have to get back, we're already down one detective," Olivia said sadly – she'd love to stay at home with Elliot.
"I get it. Maybe now I'm starting to get the phenomena of detective's boyfriend," Elliot said understandingly.
Olivia let out a small laugh, at which Elliot took his head from her shoulder and removed his hand from around her. He placed it on the back of her head and pressed his lips gently at hers without any protest from Olivia. She steadied her hold on his back, as the kiss deepened. Elliot shifted; he lifted his leg, putting his knee on the other side of her, straddling her, while his hands ended up on the sides of her head. She leaned back, letting his firm body press her tightly between him and the couch, after all Elliot's weight on her has always felt good.
He broke away abruptly, moved his face away from her, turned it to side and covered his mouth with his hand as he coughed.
"Well, that's a mood kill," he said, turning back to Olivia.
Olivia nod.
Elliot climbed off of her, sipped the tea she made and stared right ahead. Olivia enjoyed her coffee – she had a feeling it's one of those days when blood will be replaced with caffeine in her circulation.
"How long do you have?" Elliot asked.
"My lunch break should last for 20 more minutes," Olivia said, looking at the time.
"You wanna talk about your case?" Elliot asked.
"Nothing to tell, we only got the call last night," Olivia said truthfully.
"Any leads?" Elliot asked.
"There is this guy's father, but that's about it," Olivia said.
Elliot nod.
Before the silence took over again, Olivia's phone rang – Fin. Apparently their suspect's father was on his way in and Olivia was needed. She promised to be there in 20 minutes.
"Duty calls," Olivia said to Elliot after putting her phone away.
"Go," Elliot encouraged.
"Try to get some rest and hope you feel better soon," Olivia said.
"I'll try. Will you come by later?" Elliot asked.
"I'll try to get off at decent hour, so I can come by," Olivia promised.
Elliot seemed satisfied with the answer, knowing there is a good possibility that she won't make it. She gave a quick kiss to his cheek before grabbing her jacket and leaving Elliot alone once again.
***SVU***
Despite her attempts to go home early, Olivia found herself stuck in the office. They had some troubles tracking down their victim's boyfriend, but Olivia and Fin were giving their best. It was getting late, but for some reason Olivia felt it's wrong to go home, while others stayed in working and they had a perp to catch.
She was so deep in her thoughts, that she didn't notice someone approaching her desk.
"Olivia?" came a hesitant voice.
Olivia looked up from her computer screen to see Kathy standing by her desk with an big envelope in her hands. She looked good as ever, always taking good care of herself.
"Kathy," Olivia said, surprised.
"Is Elliot also somewhere here?" Kathy asked.
"No, he's home sick," Olivia said.
"Oh," Kathy replied with a surprise.
Awkward silence filled the room for a moment as Olivia waited for Kathy to make the first move, but the blonde was trying to figure out how to approach.
Fin saved them from the awkwardness.
"Liv, we got the address," he said, coming to the squad room with a paper in his hands.
"I'll be there in a minute," Olivia said, turning around and discretely pointing at Kathy.
"All right. I'll wait by the car," Fin agreed.
After Fin was out of sight, Olivia turned back to Kathy.
"I'm sorry Kathy, I have to go. If you want me to pass a message…" Olivia said, trying to leave her boyfriend's wife.
"It's just. I wanted to drop these off," Kathy said and held out the envelope.
"Oh, you can leave it on his desk," Olivia said and pointed at Elliot's desk across from hers.
"I'd rather have you hand them to him personally, don't think everyone in the office should know," Kathy said, holding the envelope in front of Olivia, who hesitantly took it.
"Okay, I will give them to him," Olivia promised.
"And before you ask – these are divorce papers. He needs to sign them," Kathy explained, knowing the detective was wondering.
"Oh," Olivia said – it still is a sensitive subject and apparently she's in the middle of this.
"Olivia…" Kathy started hesitantly, "Do you know if he's seeing someone?"
Olivia winced, but not long enough for Kathy to notice it. She didn't want to lie to Kathy, but she is not the right person to talk about it with Kathy – Elliot should do it.
"Elliot likes to keep his personal life private," Olivia said carefully.
Kathy nod.
"Okay. Seems like you are busy, so I'm not keeping you," Kathy said.
Olivia nod, said her goodbye to the other woman and practically ran out of the squad room to join Fin. As Fin said, he was waiting by the car, standing and looking over at the sky – despite the light pollution, some stars were visible.
"Where are we going?" Olivia asked as she approached Fin.
"169 Dnane street, Lydon Grant has a loft there," Fin said looking over at the paper.
"Let's drive then," Olivia said, getting into the car.
Fin followed suit, started the car and drove away from the parking lot.
"What did Kathy want?" Fin asked.
"To give Elliot divorce papers," Olivia said bitterly.
"I almost forgot he's still married," Fin confessed.
"Me too," Olivia whispered.
"Liv, your relationship started after he separated from his wife and now divorce is just a formality. He's committed to you," Fin said.
"Doesn't change the fact that I had an affair with a married man," Olivia said, "Correction, am having an affair with a married man," she added.
"Elliot will sign the papers and you're free," Fin said.
"Yeah," Olivia agreed with a small smile.
"Does Kathy know about you?" Fin asked.
"No and I didn't tell her either," Olivia said quickly.
Fin nod and chose to stay quiet – after all their relationship was none of his business.
They arrived at the boyfriend's house to find out that he's dead, killed recently. Olivia and Fin secured the crime scene and called in CSU and Warner and seeing as they had nothing more to do, they decided to call it a night. Against her better judgment, Olivia went home that night – she couldn't face Elliot now with the divorce papers, she also needed some time.
***SVU***
After their morning briefing and visit to narcotics task force were not much of a help, Olivia knew exactly what they needed to do, but she also knew that Fin would not approve it, but that needed to be done anyway.
That's why she told everybody she's running an errand, letting Cragen, Fin and Munch think that she has gone to check on Elliot, which she intended to do later, but first things first – Olivia set up her meeting with Ken, which gave them their next lead – a party going down that night.
Olivia chose not to drop by Elliot's – she'd already missed a great amount of time, maybe Fin and Munch also got something.
After getting back, Fin and Munch were sitting behind their desks, acting as if they were working.
"Where have you been?" Fin asked, noticing Olivia.
"Had some errands to run and I got a lead," Olivia said.
"That's a good girl, so tell us what lead did our contagious detective give us?" Munch asked.
"I didn't see Elliot, but there is a party at a club called Euphoria, MKS will be there," Olivia said, sitting down.
"That explains why your line has been red for whole morning," Munch commented.
Fin picked up his ringing phone, letting Munch and Olivia exchange comments in peace, until he realized who's calling. He covered the mouthpiece with his palm and turned to Olivia.
"Liv, it's El, he's been calling you and now he's stalking me," Fin said.
"Um… Tell him I'm on the field," Olivia quickly instructed.
Fin nod and lied to Elliot, gaining a judgmental look from Munch, who directed it between the detectives.
Cragen walked in before the argument could get started and after Olivia shared her new information with him, leaving out her informant's name, all of them focused on the undercover mission going down that night.
"I don't get why I always get to play the pimp," Fin whined.
"I could be the pimp, if you are the prostitute," Olivia shot back, not liking the idea.
"Forgot to shave my legs, can't wear a silky dress without shaving," Fin said smartly.
"Like that's the only reason," Olivia mocked.
"Hey, I'm a good catch. If you weren't with Stabler, you'd be drooling over me," Fin said confidently.
"Yeah, we've been working together for over 5 years and the attraction only disappeared the moment me and Elliot found each other," Olivia said sarcastically.
"Exactly," Fin said, looking proud.
"Kids, you can stop arguing, because obviously I'm the best looking guy in the squad and Fin, actually I'd pay money to see you not wear a silky dress, but I'd pay to see Liv in hooker's costume, but I have the feeling that the lucky guy Liv tries to hook up with tonight is our beloved Captain," Munch interrupted, successfully ending the debate between Olivia and Fin, with Cragen arriving during his speech.
"I don't wanna know what your plan is, but I'd like if we'd stick to the one we agreed and I won't be there to hook up with hookers, I'll be the John, but I better keep away from any services they offer," Cragen said, trying to logic out his detective's problems.
"We're rolling already?" Olivia asked, looking over at her watch.
"Not unless you get dressed," Cragen responded.
Olivia looked over at the landline, time and Cragen – she wanted to call Elliot since she has been avoiding him since she went to see him at lunchtime and then her visit was cut short. She figured she could call Elliot when they get back or then send a text. He's a big guy, he'll be alright, beside he knows the job all too well.
"Okay," Olivia said and nod her head.
Fin followed her to the lockers, where their costumes for the night were waiting. Fin got to wear shiny black suit with matching hat, while Olivia had short and revealing light blue dress along with coat and knee length shoes.
"I take it back. You look definitely better in that thing than I'll ever do," Fin said teasingly, in a way giving her a compliment.
"You bastard," Olivia muttered under her breath.
Fin smiled and winked at her before walking out of the locker room with his clothing in his hand – he decided Olivia deserved to keep at least that much of her dignity and dress alone, beside Elliot would probably not appreciate it.
So, when she was alone, Olivia gave a quick look at her outfit and started undressing. She realized, that she was given a new bra too – a pushup, which made her shook her head, but she got her dress on, just realizing it was barely long enough to be decent, covered herself with coat and took a look at the mirror. She fixed her look with putting on heavy make-up, picking out the right earrings and finished with her hair. Taking another glance at the mirror, she felt like she was looking at someone else, maybe her loose twin or someone, because there's no way Olivia Benson would ever go out like this, but tonight she's not detective Benson for uncertain amount of time – she just another call-girl trying to make living.
Of course others were all waiting, when she got back to the desks. To her luck none of the guys commented on her outfit, but she could imagine what they were thinking. But that was not her main concern – they still had a killer to catch so gays could breathe easy again.
***SVU***
The mission was successful and they managed to get their guys – one even had "killer" tattooed on his forearm. All of the suspects were transported back to the precinct while Fin and Olivia rode back with Cragen.
Back in squadroom there was a surprise waiting for them – Elliot was sitting behind his desk, when they arrived back.
"I'm gonna change, don't start without me," Olivia said.
"Damn, I wanna get out of this thing," Fin commented.
Cragen laughed at his detectives.
Elliot turned around, when he heard voices and that's when others noticed him too.
"El, what are you doing here?" Olivia asked instantly, feeling guilty for ignoring him before.
"Man, you're supposed to be sick at home," Fin said, pulling his shirt up to his face, covering his nose with sleeve as a way of protecting him from germs.
"I feel better and I was going out of my mind, decided to drop by," Elliot explained.
"You could have called me first, so I could have told you to drop by hours before, when we could have used you," Cragen deadpanned.
"Yeah, then Liv could have had a choice of men," Fin teased, earning a smack from Olivia in response.
Elliot looked lost for a moment, but then he focused on Olivia, tilted his head for better view since Olivia was standing halfway behind Fin. He widened his eyes as he noticed the way it exposed her breasts and her long legs, leaving pretty much nothing to imagination. He stood up and walked over to her,
"You changed vocation while I was away?" Elliot tried to joke.
"Yeah, I couldn't handle the stress of police work any longer, so I decided to become a prostitute, work hours are flexible, pay is bigger and no stress," Olivia ironized.
Elliot made a mock smile.
"Okay, Olivia and Fin, go change and then take on our killer, officer should bring him up soon," Cragen ordered and went to his office.
"Gladly," Olivia and Fin replied in unison.
Fin walked away instantly, but Elliot grabbed Olivia's hand forcing her to stop. She looked up at him quizzically.
"Have you been avoiding me?" Elliot asked.
"Why'd you think that?" Olivia asked, avoiding answering.
"Maybe because you didn't come by yesterday or today, you have been avoiding my calls…" Elliot trailed off.
"I've been busy, the case is not progressing and I've been mostly out of the office," Olivia explained, not exactly lying.
"Okay," Elliot accepted.
Olivia nod.
They stayed in silence for a moment, Elliot debating if he should push the topic forward or not, he knew she was not telling him everything.
"I'm gonna change and then I have a suspect to interrogate," Olivia announced.
Elliot nod, letting go of her hand.
"I'll be here," he said, pointing towards his desk.
Olivia walked away, while he glanced over at her desk noticing a big envelope with Elliot's name on the corner. He recognized the handwriting instantly – Kathy.
"Liv," he called.
Olivia turned around.
"What's that?" he asked motioning to the envelope.
"Oh, Kathy was looking for you yesterday. Asked to give it to you," Olivia explained.
"Did you look inside?" Elliot asked while opening the envelope and getting out some papers. He looked at them, noticing he had received his divorce papers.
"Oh," he said and looked up, catching a glimpse of Olivia's disappearing back.
Elliot took off his ring before he first slept with Olivia, which was about a year ago. He didn't consider himself married anymore, but officially he was. That could explain the reasons behind her recent distancing – she was sleeping with a married man after all.
Elliot dropped the papers on the table and rushed where Olivia had disappeared just moments ago. He ignored Fin, who walked past him before he could get to the lockers.
Olivia had taken off her coat and earrings, when he got there. She looked at the intruder, but chose not to acknowledge his presence vocally.
"I got the divorce papers," he announced.
Olivia stayed silent.
"But you already knew it, didn't you?" Elliot asked.
"She told me, so yes," Olivia answered.
"I'll sign the papers and then it's over," Elliot said carefully.
"Okay," Olivia said neutrally while taking off her boots.
"So, we're good?" Elliot asked seeing Olivia's attempts to ignore the subject and him along with it.
"Yeah," Olivia said and placed the boots neatly on the bottom of her locker.
"Something's bothering you," Elliot stated.
"That a question?" Olivia asked.
"No, a statement. Talk to me," Elliot requested.
Olivia stopped her movements and turned to face Elliot. She took a deep breath before speaking.
"I'm sleeping with you and you are married. When she came by, I couldn't look at her without feeling extreme quilt, thinking that maybe without me you wouldn't kicked out of home," Olivia started.
"You are not the blame for the divorce," Elliot interrupted.
"Then why do I feel so guilty?" Olivia asked.
She continued, before Elliot could answer – not that he had an answer to satisfy her.
"She also asked if you're seeing someone," she added.
"Did you tell her?" Elliot asked, already running every possible scenario in his head.
Olivia shook her head.
"I couldn't," she said, "Besides it's not my place to tell her about it," she added.
Elliot took a few steps until he was close enough to touch her. He placed his hands on her forearms, moving upwards until he reached her shoulders and coming into contact with the material of her dress.
"I don't know what to do. It's just too complicated. You're married with kids and I am playing the role of home wrecker and I don't wanna be that. I just want something that's simple, why can't you be simple? And I don't know what is the right thing to…" Olivia rambled, until Elliot stopped her.
He crashed his lips on hers, finding himself softly kissing her lips. Elliot pulled her closer by shoulders, then slipping his hands to her back, he groaned, when he felt her skin under his hands instead of her dress fabric.
Olivia instantly responded to the kiss, welcoming the closeness as well as his tongue in her mouth. She wrapped her arms around his neck, letting him invade all of her senses like he always does and wash away all the insecurities she's been having.
"I love you," he whispered after pulling apart.
"You too," she said breathlessly.
Elliot moved his hands on her back, feeling her soft skin under his fingers, coming across her bra straps now and then.
"Damn this dress," Elliot groaned, getting familiar feelings below his belt, but that should be reaction every man gets seeing her in that dress.
One swift movement and he had picked her up, crashing his lips to hers with more urgency. Olivia's legs were wrapped around his waist, holding herself tight against him. Elliot moved, pushing her back against the lockers and slamming their chests together.
Olivia was the first to gain self-control, so she turned her head, forcing their lips apart. Elliot looked at her, waiting for some explanation, arousal written all over his eyes.
"El, you need to go," she said seriously.
"What's the matter?" he asked, suddenly worried.
Olivia rolled her eyes.
"We're at the precinct – anyone can walk in. We're not doing this in here," she explained.
"I'll be fast," he said and winked at her.
"No…" she said, when his focus was now on her neck.
"Shh… just let me make you lose everything else for a moment. Just let me take the wheel," he said seductively, dropping kisses along her jaw and then to her lips, taking away her chance to protest, his hand already moving between her thighs.
Elliot felt her head nodding lightly through their kiss, but not breaking the contact, gaining confidence and determination in his mind, he started working on his magic.
***SVU***
With a little help from Ken they managed to get their killer. Comes out their victims were in fact killers with their "killer" HIV strain, infecting others and bringing them to their early graves.
Despite Elliot's urgency in coming back, he didn't come to work the next day. Instead he signed the papers Kathy had given him and decided it's time to see her. He'd avoided her as much as he could only meeting, when he's there to pick up kids or drop them off.
So there he was – ringing a bell to a house he called home for countless years with his soon to be ex-wife and their kids.
Kathy appeared on the door instantly. She smiled seeing Elliot and he returned the favor. She opened the door and let Elliot in.
"I heard you were sick. Good to see you're feeling better," she said.
"It was just a bug. Liv tends to make things sound way worse," Elliot brushed it off.
"Liv does a lot of things I'm sure," Kathy said, empathizing Olivia's nickname Elliot chose to use.
Elliot looked at Kathy seriously, sensing some sort of jealousy over Olivia, but that was not new.
"How are things? How are the kids?" Elliot asked, changing the subject.
"They're good. We're trying to adapt to these changes," Kathy said.
"Kathy, it's been a year," Elliot reasoned.
"Elliot, it's not like that is getting easier. Dickie and Lizzie are still in a need of father and after Maureen moved out – it's just a lot has changed," Kathy explained.
"You moved away. You left me," Elliot said bitterly.
"Because you made it impossible to stay with you," Kathy attacked.
Elliot turned his head away from her, trying to calm himself.
"If you really want something, you'll find a way," Elliot said simply, refusing to fight.
Kathy stayed silent.
"Are you seeing someone?" she asked.
"Yeah, I am. Are you?" Elliot asked, regretting the question just after he said it – he wasn't sure if he wants the answer.
"I've gone on a couple of dates," she said neutrally.
"Good. I'm happy for you," Elliot said sincerely.
Kathy nod, accepting his response. Both sides hoping to make this as easy as possible for the kids and also stay on speaking terms even after the divorce, after all they spent a long time together.
"I just came to drop of the papers," Elliot said, suddenly remembering the envelope he was holding in his hand.
He placed it on the table.
"You have kids every other weekend, but you can come to see them any other time you want. I'm not planning on taking them away from you," Kathy said, feeling he needed to hear it.
"I know. You wouldn't do that to me," Elliot replied.
Kathy let out a weak smile.
"The kids should be home soon, if you want to stay and spend some time with them," Kathy offered.
"I'd love to," Elliot accepted the offer. He really missed his kids these days.
Elliot took a seat on the couch. Kathy came to sit next to him. They stayed silent, looking at the table, where the end of their marriage was situated.
The silence was broken by Elliot's phone ringing.
"Yeah, Stabler," he answered.
"Hey, El, it's me," Olivia said on the other side.
"Do we have a case?" Elliot asked.
"Yeah, I'm meeting vic in hospital. Fin and Munch should already be on scene," Olivia explained.
"You want me to come to you?" Elliot asked.
"Well, you're still on leave, but I thought you'd want to know," Olivia said.
Elliot glanced at Kathy for a brief second and then turned his eyes back to the envelope.
"Liv, I came to talk to Kathy," Elliot said, wincing a little – Olivia is understanding, but telling that he's with his soon to be ex-wife to his girlfriend is not pleasant.
"Oh, sorry for interrupting, I thought you were going there after kids are at home. I'll just get Cragen then," Olivia said easily.
"Miscalculated the time," Elliot joked.
"That sounds like you," Olivia said with a smile.
"I'll call you when I'm on my way," Elliot promised.
"Okay. I might not answer, because I might be with the vic and afterwards I'm going to the crime scene and then to her apartment. So I also wanted to let you know, that this might be a long night," Olivia said, hinting that he should go to his place for the night.
The front door burst open and nagging twins ran inside, shouting for Elliot the moment they noticed him. Both of them lunged at him.
"Dickie and Lizzie are attacking me, I'm gonna hang up now. See you later," he said before Lizzie managed to take it away from him and drop it on the couch between Kathy and Elliot.
"See you," Olivia said, before she ended the call.
Kathy took a quick look at the phone, noticing how a contact formerly named Benson was replaced with Liv, as it was written on the screen along with her number. She couldn't help but wonder if the woman in question lied to her just a couple of days earlier and she was the one with Elliot now… It would make sense, but that would also bring the question if they ever crossed the line, when Elliot was still living in home.
Looking at the sparkle on their kids faces, she felt happy. Even if it's just for a moment, she felt like the family is together again, but she also was positive that she and Elliot had finished their long run.
***SVU***
Elliot walked to the squad room late the next evening. He had decided to take another day off, because he felt like he needed to be alone and Cragen was willing to let him stay home, besides it gave their Captain a reason to go on the field for a change.
To his great surprise the squad room was empty, a dim light came from Cragen's office, but other than that no-one else was there. He looked over at her desk and noticed that she didn't have her personal belongings there.
Absentmindedly he strolled to Cragen's office, knocking before entering.
"Elliot, I'm glad you're feeling better," Cragen said.
"I am good. I know you caught a case 2 days ago, where is everybody?" Elliot asked.
"Fin and Munch are running surveillance and I sent Olivia home a couple of hours ago," Cragen said easily.
"Is she okay?" Elliot asked instantly.
Cragen chuckled and momentarily studied Elliot's features, finding worry written all over him.
"She's okay. She pulled two all nighters and she was practically sleeping behind her desk, so I took her home," Cragen explained.
"Tough case?" Elliot asked.
"Not tougher than any other. Our victim was having an affair with a married man, we're thinking his wife paid someone to rape the girlfriend," Cragen explained.
"Okay," Elliot replied.
"Go home Elliot, check on Olivia or sleep it off. Nothing happens today, but I probably need both you and Olivia on top of your game tomorrow," Cragen ordered.
"Night," Elliot said and walked out of the Captain's office with every intention to check up on Olivia. He registered Cragen's goodbye, but didn't look back.
He drove to Olivia's and walked to the fourth floor, using his key he let himself in. Even though he was positive, that Olivia was still trying to keep her eyes open, focused on the case; but he was relieved, when he found Olivia sleeping on the couch.
He dropped his keys and phone on the counter, took off his jacket and shoes and quietly walked to her, squatting by the couch. He pulled the blanket over her shoulders, but didn't remove his hand, instead he started rubbing circles on her shoulder with his thumb. He leaned in, lowering his head to hers and pressed his lips to her temple.
Olivia shifted a little, subconsciously angled her body towards Elliot and made a sound. Elliot brushed away some of the hair that fell to her face.
She turned again, mumbling in her sleep, "But I'm not a home wrecker."
Elliot shook his head – Olivia was never something like that. He watched her for a moment, letting her talk in her sleep. That's one thing he noticed, that she liked to talk in her sleep, more often after a stressful day or difficult case, though usually her talking was just unintelligible mumble, but from time to time he managed to catch, what she was saying. He also wasn't positive if she knew about her sleeping habit or not.
He studied her for longer period that is considered acceptable, which made him feel like creep. He decided, that she looked uncomfortable and he should take her to bed, so she could really rest. Elliot glanced over at the table where the casefile was situated – of course she fell asleep while trying to solve the case – that would also explain her sleeping on the couch.
Decided and done – he picked her up carefully and carried her to bed in bridal style. She didn't wake up, even didn't react to the stress in her sleeping environment – her position and location.
He placed her carefully on the bed, glad that she hadn't made bed so he doesn't have to pull the covers from underneath her, instead the blanket lay messily on his side, disregarded since the last time she spent the night here.
Elliot undid the button and zipper on her workpants and took them off along with the sweater and replaced the last with one of his t-shirts she had smoothly called hers the moment he decided to leave them in her apartment, not that he minds though.
He was confirmed by her deep slumber, when he could even undress her without any reaction from her. She did roll over, when he finished and covered her with the blanket, tucking her in like a child. He spent a moment watching her breathe in and out steadily, deep in the land of dreams, which were hopefully filled with butterflies and bunnies instead of the perps she faced every day.
Elliot chuckled, took off his jacket, loosened his blue tie and unbuttoned his shirt, then entered the bedroom to brush his teeth.
"El?"
Elliot went to the bedroom to find Olivia still sleeping, talking just in her sleep.
He spit and rinsed her mouth.
"Elliot."
He entered the bedroom again, finished undressing and sat on his side of the bed. He climbed under the covers and pulled her against his chest.
"I love you, El."
A beaming grin appeared on his face – she was even seeing him in her dreams and that gave him greater satisfaction than words can describe. He felt proud of himself, for making Olivia happy and in the process he found his long lost happiness too.
No, he didn't regret Kathy and his kids, he never could regret them, because he truly loves her. He couldn't have known then that after 15 years of marriage, he meets his true soulmate. He will always love Kathy at some degree, but he loves Olivia more. He's content, that he had the chance to meet his other half and that he has the chance to hold her in his arms. In a way Kathy plays big part in the meeting that happened in 1-6 over 7 years ago – he joined NYPD to feed her and Maureen. She is partly the reason he found Olivia, but he's positive that he would have found her anyway, because sometimes fate works in strange ways.
She became restless in his arms and rolled herself over towards the edge of the bed, out of his grip, mumbling something about the warmth.
Elliot sighed – yeah, he still needs to work on Olivia rolling away from him, but not today. Because for now, it's enough, she right here, on the other side of the bed wearing his t-shirt is enough.
"I love you, Liv," he whispers before closing his eyes.
And first time in the past days, his former life is wiped from his head, and instead thoughts about the days to come is running through his head, and he can't wait for them to start. Forever's gonna start tonight.