AN: I was not planning on abandoning this for over a month, but who would have thought that the master's program leaves too little free time to write... Guess they weren't thinking about me, when the program was submitted.
Anyway, I'm sorry for this long delay, but I can't promise that the next one won't take that long either, but as I said before - I'm not abandoning it. I do have 2 exams next week and then there are new things I'm not even thinking about yet, so the wait might be even longer this time. But I do have some ideas for this, but set in future sometime, though I'm getting closer to one of my fav episodes "Fault" and I even have a plan how to bend that arc.
The wait was longer, but this is also a little longer than my usual chapter length. And also now this is the longest story I've ever written and I'm not done with it for awhile.
I hope you like it, I sure liked writing it.
L.
***SVU***
7.08 Starved
He was watching her, intensely, some would think that it was creepy even, hell he would consider himself a creep if it was any other situation, but at this moment he finds his actions more possessive. He had kept his eyes on her the moment she descended from the shower and watched her put on lacy silver underwear with a matching bra. He watched her look for that silver dress, which was way too showing in his opinion, but she was way past asking that. Now all he could do was sit back and watch as she got ready to go on a date with some other guy.
He unlocked the door to find her in the living room with an open folder in front of her. He tossed the keys on the counter, took off his shoes and coat, then joined her on the couch.
"What, one man not enough for you or you broke up with me without really telling me?" He asked.
Olivia looked at him curiously, obviously lost.
"Captain said you have a speed dating event later tonight," Elliot explained.
"Oh, yeah, I have," Olivia confirmed, pushed the papers together and closed the folder, deciding she has finished with studying her profile for the night.
"You planned on sharing that with me?" Elliot asked, almost offensively.
"Sounds like you already know," Olivia said, looking at him.
Elliot leaned back on the couch, putting his hand over the headrest and collecting his thoughts for a moment.
"You should have told me," he stated.
"I know, it just happened so fast, besides you were working with the victims. I had to talk to George about my profile, which he put together and now I'm off to shower," she informed her.
"We've talked about it, we should make those decisions together, Liv," he said seriously.
"Like you did, when you went undercover as rapist mere months ago," she shot back.
Elliot mumbled something about acting at the moment and no time, then pushed himself away from the headrest, closing the distance between them all at once.
He put his hands on the either side of her neck, moving one upwards and running circles with his thumb on her cheek, she leaned into the touch.
"Just let me know the next time," Elliot said softly.
Olivia nod.
"I will, but I have to take a shower now," she said, moving away from him and standing up.
She fixed her hair, and put on a generous amount of make-up, with her back to Elliot.
"Any chance you could put on some other dress?" Elliot said almost painfully.
Olivia turned around and exposed the front part of the dress, causing the distress in Elliot to grow – it covered her breasts, but then again the imagination room was utterly small.
"El, I work at weird hours, I don't own that many dresses to have a choice," she said apologetically – she wasn't thrilled about it either.
Elliot mumbled something and Olivia turned back to putting on her make-up. Satisfied, she took a pair of her overpriced earrings and put them on. She finished it all with a touch of pink lipstick. Finally she rose from the chair and turned to Elliot.
"So, how do I look?" she asked him.
"I'm seriously considering not letting you go to that speed dating thing," he said honestly, studying her looks and trying to memorize it.
"Elliot," she said tilting her head and raising her eyebrows.
He shrugged his shoulders and made a face.
Olivia simply shook her head and looked up the dark gray blazer to satisfy him and also make her more comfortable. She put her phone and wallet in her handbag along with some other necessary things and headed out of the bedroom.
Elliot followed her, catching her putting on her heels and giving herself one last look in the mirror before heading out.
He stopped her by grabbing her hand, using his weight advantage he pushed her to the wall and pressed his lips to hers, urgently and possessively.
"There will be dozens of horny guys trying to get into your pants, so just remember who you come home to, because I am a very jealous guy," he whispered to her ear after pulling away.
"I love you too," she replied with a sly smile.
"Hmm, call me old fashioned, but will you be my girlfriend?" he asked sheepishly.
Olivia smiled and instead of responding covered his lips with hers. He pressed his chest firmly against hers and wrapped his hands around her back under the blazer, his hold on her tight, successfully bringing their bodies as close as he could. She supported his actions with winding her hands around his neck, her grip equally strong.
After pulling apart she kept on saying yes as they caught their breath.
"I still don't like the idea," he said and released her.
"Fin will be there the whole time, it's gonna be okay. And for the record, I'm not thrilled either," she said.
Elliot nod, but then Olivia's phone started ringing – indicating that Fin's downstairs.
"I'm going to the precinct," Elliot announced.
"I'll come there afterwards, grab me a change of clothes," Olivia said with a smile, pecking his lips before flying out of the door.
***SVU***
When Olivia and Fin got back to the precinct, Elliot was not at his desk or anywhere to be seen, but he did leave a change of clothes on Olivia's chair. She got changed, lucky to be out of the dress and stop being Rachel, so she could be Olivia again.
Fin rushed to see O'Halloran, since he had left a couple of messages for him.
Olivia kept her e-mail open on her computer while she did some tiresome paperwork.
Elliot appeared awhile later, glad to see Olivia behind her desk.
"Any word?" he asked and collected the messages left for him and came to stand behind her.
"Not yet," she replied, barely looking up.
"Well, maybe you're not his type," Elliot said, knowing it's a lie, Olivia is every man's type in his opinion.
"Oh, no, he was interested. I could feel it, you know?" Olivia said, chuckling.
Elliot glared at her seriously and came across her, sitting on the edge of her desk.
"Yeah," he said, nodding neutrally. "You think he's our perp?"
Olivia shook her head and looked up.
"I couldn't get a read on him," she said, "Normally, I need two minutes in the box with a guy, then I know if he's guilty but…"
She was interrupted by her computer binging, indicating a new e-mail.
"E-mail?" Elliot asked.
Olivia nod and opened it.
"I've got a match," she said, smiling.
"Romeo?" Elliot asked, secretly hoping it's not, because that would mean another date with their perp.
"He wants to buy Rachel a drink," Olivia announced.
Elliot stood from the table and came behind her, his hands on the back of the chair as he leaned in.
Olivia tilted her head, so she could look at him. She moved her left hand to rest on the side of his head, pulling him in for a kiss.
"I know who I'm coming home to," she said pulling away.
"Mmm," Elliot mused and kissed her again, "You'd better be, because I don't like to share."
Olivia smiled against his lips, "Possessive, huh?" she asked teasingly.
"Very," he replied firmly, pressing his lips possessively to hers again as if he was trying to prove his point.
She pulled away at the sound of someone's footsteps approaching, but she didn't pull away from Elliot's touch who was still behind her, his hands on her shoulders.
They saw the intruder, when Cragen appeared on sight with coffee tray in his hand and newspaper under the elbow, his tired eyes catching the detectives instantly.
"How was your date, Olivia?" he asked.
Elliot pushed himself off and went to the tray to pick up two cups – one for him and the other for Olivia.
"I have a match," Olivia said with a proud smile.
Elliot carefully placed her cup in front of her, which she gratefully accepted and hungrily sipped, enjoying the burning in her throat and the bitter taste of her beloved liquid in her mouth.
"Romeo?" Cragen asked hopefully.
"Yeah, he wants to buy Rachel a drink. So I have a date tomorrow night," Olivia announced.
"It's a good job Olivia. You'll be working with Huang tomorrow to perfect your profile and looks like Fin gets to wear a suit again," Cragen said, already thinking ahead.
"Cap, I want to be her backup this time," Elliot interrupted.
Cragen shook his head firmly – putting Elliot in the same room was not an option, because everybody knows about his boiling temper and if some guy is flirting with Olivia and she is pretending to enjoy it – that might be enough for the volcano eruption.
"Not an option," Cragen said.
Before Elliot could protest, Olivia reasoned.
"El, you don't wanna be there. I can't have you there, because as disgusting it is to flirt with him, it gets much worse with you there. Besides you'd lose your temper the moment I sit down with him. Fin will be there, you can wait outside or something," she said calmly.
"But I'm your partner. I'm supposed to have your back," Elliot said stubbornly.
"Not on this one. It's not up for discussion," Cragen said, successfully ending the discussion, "I expect your reports on my desk," he added, checked the time, and left the squad room with his coffee.
Clearly disappointed and silently angry Elliot sat behind his desk, loudly took out the report he had to finish and started writing once again, Olivia doing the same across from him, only she was much more controlled than he was.
***SVU***
Once again he was stretched over the bed, while Olivia got ready for her date. This time she chose silky navy blue one, which was even more revealing than the last one she wore, leaving her back exposed, and Elliot was not pleased with her choice, but this time he chose not to question it, no matter how much he disliked it.
"You look stunningly gorgeous," he said, when she was ready.
"Thank you," she said with a genuine smile.
He hopped off from the bed and closed the distance, letting his hands fall on her shoulders, moving downwards, embracing every curve he met on his journey, finally resting them on her hips and his eyes wandering, seemingly lost.
Olivia slightly tilted her head and looked at him, but failing to meet his eyes.
"What are you thinking about?" She asked.
Elliot looked at her and shook his head slightly, brushing off the subject.
Olivia raised her eyebrows, silently repeating her former question.
He removed his left hand from her hip and placed it on the back of her head, steadying her before he gently brushed his lips against hers.
"I'm deciding if you should wear dresses more often or not, because you make me fall in love with you even more, but I'm not too keen on the idea of other men seeing you like this, you look so damn irresistible," he said simply.
Olivia chuckled.
"I'm sensing a little jealousy," she said, smiling mischievously.
Elliot laughed, "Guess you're right, you should know by now, that I like my possession," he admitted.
"As annoying it is at times, at this moment I find it extremely hot," she said seductively to his ear, pressed her lips to the sensitive spot right behind his ear and pulled away.
"Liv, you know what you're doing to me right?" he said, his voice low on his throat.
She nod innocently.
He cursed loudly before pressing his lips to hers urgently, his hands found the dress and pulled it up, then he lifted her, Olivia automatically wrapped her legs around his waist, and he backed them against the wall.
"El , Fin will be here any moment now, we don't have time for this," she said, suddenly remembering her date with "Romeo" the night and Fin probably arriving any minute.
"Liv, I honestly don't care," he said between planting open-mouthed kisses on her neck.
He secured his hands on her back and kissed her, pulling her off the wall and putting her on the bed instead, climbing over on top of her with his intentions clear.
***SVU***
Once again Olivia was on a date with Romeo while Fin was sitting at the bar sipping his soda and keeping a close eye on Olivia. Elliot stayed at the car, because Olivia basically ordered him to stand down, he knew it was best if he was not there – he didn't want to see it and she didn't want him to see her, but it didn't mean, that he liked it.
"I can't remember the last time I met a woman, who had brains, beauty and a successful career," Jim aka Romeo said.
"Wow, it's nice to meet a man, who appreciates all three," Olivia said, thinking how lucky she was that Elliot understood it all, specially the career part.
"I do," Jim assured with a genuine smile lingering on his lips.
"Thank you," Olivia said, smiling.
Jim moved his hand, pushing her hair back from her face.
"Ah, that's better," he said, satisfied with her hair for the moment.
Olivia moved, placing her hands on her knee intertwining her fingers as she did so, hoping Jim would make a move or say something to give her a reason, so she could end this date. She wasn't too happy to do this, but in all honesty Olivia had to admit that it felt good to have someone constantly complimenting her – making her feel good and Jim was professional in making her feel good about herself. She did miss that part of the relationship with Elliot, though they didn't do dates and their get-to-know phase was long over before they ended up together. The date felt good and Olivia knew that it was wrong, so she had to get out of here before she'll forget who's waiting her at home and this man is a rapist.
The waiter came to take Olivia's empty wine glass.
"Would you like another drink?" The waiter asked.
"Sure, I'll have another glass of cabernet," Olivia said, thinking a little, figuring he'll fix her order and that's reason enough to walk away. She wasn't mistaken.
"No, no, she doesn't want that," he said, "She'll have a vodka martini, dirty with extra olives."
Silently she screamed "Success" in her mind over and over, but controlled her emotions enough, when she argued him.
"Oh, I don't drink vodka. I think I'll stick with the wine, thanks," Olivia said, laughing.
"Trust me, you'll love it," Jim said to Olivia, then turned to the blonde waitress still standing by their table, "Would you get the lady her vodka martini, please?"
Olivia's smile faded for a moment as she realized that they had found their guy, but she composed herself fast and wide genuine smile was back on her face.
"So how many times have you tried speed dating?" Jim asked.
"You are my first," Olivia said, "And last," she added in her mind.
"Wow," Jim said.
"What about you?" Olivia asked, trying to focus on him.
"I just got back on the market," he said.
"Long term relationship?" she asked, "Or then long history of being an rapist," she thought.
"A year," Jim confirmed, "But I knew two months into it that she wasn't it for me. Too clingy. Insecure," he explained.
"Well, you kept seeing her. Had to be something you liked," Olivia reasoned, recognizing herself – Insecure. What if Elliot was feeling the same?
"She was a good cook. She kept the apartment spotless. But we didn't have any common interests," Jim said.
Once again Olivia felt like she was punched in gut.
"You're looking for an equal," she said, finally understanding.
"I need a woman, who knows what she wants, and how to get it," Jim confirmed.
Olivia nod – yeah, this guy is their rapist. Even though it took her much longer than usually, she could confirm it now, all they need is confession and she made a mental note to check out that previous girlfriend.
"What are you thinking right now," Jim asked, changing the topic. He moved his hand to rest on her knee, coming in contact with her bare skin.
Olivia looked at his hand in place, where it shouldn't be. As the touch made her feel disgusted, she knew she had to get out, there was no other way now.
"I'm thinking that it's late. And I've got a long day tomorrow," Olivia said and stood up, Jim did the same.
"Rachel, please stay," he said, close to begging.
"Thanks for the drink. Good night," Olivia said, smirking.
She walked away, letting her smile drop the moment she turned her back to him. She let out a breath she had been holding all this time, giving a look to Fin and then left the bar.
Jim dropped some cash on the table and was quick on her heels, probably thinking she won't notice, but she did. She was a cop after all.
Fin followed Jim and drove to Olivia's fake apartment with Elliot, who was even too happy about the date ending and getting an opportunity to arrest the perp. Knowing he has the chance to interrogate the bastard gave him satisfaction, because he didn't take him flirting with Olivia too lightly.
Olivia of course was aware that she was followed by 3 guys, she knew the game plan. The whole evening was a nightmare and she was happy it was over, but also she knew, that it was far from over – now she and Elliot had to get confession out of him.
Once she closed the door and Jim walked to it, Elliot and Fin showed themselves and arrested Jim. Patrol car outside took Jim to the station, while Fin and Elliot were supposed to wait for Olivia. She was down in a matter of moments and they drove to the station.
Elliot took him first, Olivia joined him after changing into something more suitable. To their great surprise Jim's aka Mike's – his real name is Mike Jergens – girlfriend came and gave him alibi along with a lawyer. So they basically had nothing.
"Mike spent half our date bad-mouthing Cora. He doesn't love her, he just needs an alibi," Olivia said, having hard time believing that girlfriend was saving him, while he was just using her.
"Which will hold up without any physical evidence against," Casey said, turning away from watching their suspect with his girlfriend and lawyer.
"No evidence? All three victims ID'd him," Olivia argued.
"Yeah, as the man they dated. Not as their masked rapist," Casey said back.
"Mike went out with three women. All three women were attacked. That's a clear pattern admissible in court," Elliot said, trying to figure out a way to get their bastard.
"Yeah, but it's still circumstantial. It's not enough to convict," Casey shut down his idea, "You should've waited for him to attack Olivia," she added.
Elliot made a pained face and came behind Olivia, his hand ghostly lingering on the small of her back.
"The women were raped weeks after they dated Mike. We couldn't wait," Olivia said, barely registering Elliot's grunting at her sentence.
"And I can't indict. Cut him loose," Casey said sadly and moved away.
"He's gonna do it again," Elliot said, looking at Casey's back.
"Then break his alibi," Casey said, leaving the room.
Olivia looked over at the scene happening in the interrogation room, leaning her hand on the glass and going over their options. Elliot still stood beside her, he wrapped his strong arms around her middle and hugged her from behind, his jaw falling to her shoulder.
"I'll take a run at Cora," she decided.
He nod against her shoulder.
"You can get through to her," he said with confidence.
"I did date her boyfriend," she added, causing Elliot to grunt again.
"But let's do that tomorrow. It's been a long day, let's go home," Elliot said.
Olivia nod.
He loosened her grip and placed his hand on the small of her back, leading her back to the squad room.
"We can't indict him, what is your plan?" Cragen asked the moment he noticed his detectives.
"Liv will break his alibi tomorrow," Elliot explained, stopping.
"Good, go home, it's late," the Captain instructed, both of his detectives nod, "And Liv, I want that alibi broken," Cragen added.
"Yeah, Captain," Olivia said, wanting the same thing, determined she'll be successful.
Olivia and Elliot left the precinct, leaving the room empty and drove to her apartment. Elliot looked for some leftover pizza in the fridge and warmed it up for them, while Olivia sat by the table.
"Liv, do you think maybe we could move in together?" Elliot asked warily.
Olivia stared at him with her eyes wide.
"I mean I spend most of the nights here anyway, my things are either here or in the precinct. I rarely use my own apartment," Elliot explained.
Before Olivia could say anything the microwave peeped, letting them know the pizza was ready.
"Saved by the bell," Elliot said.
Olivia sighed – she wasn't sure she was ready for the next step.
He placed the pizza on the table and took a seat beside her.
"You don't have to answer right now, just think about it," he said, noticing her lack of words and kissed her temple. He moved his hand to her shoulder and massaged it gently.
"El, I've been living alone since I left the academy," she said.
"Well, I've been basically living here for the past year," Elliot said between eating.
"Elliot," Olivia said, almost warningly.
"Eat. Maybe I should have told you about this later," he said, noticing her total lack of appetite, "And it's okay if you're not ready. Just let me know when you are."
He seemed neutral compared to her shock.
"I'll think about it," she promised.
"That's all I'm asking," Elliot replied.
Olivia nod and eat 2 pieces of their pizza, while Elliot destroyed the rest. He did the dishes, letting Olivia descend to the bedroom – his way of giving her space, because even though they were almost living together and having an healthy relationship, both of them still needed time to be alone, especially after dropping a bomb like that on her.
He followed her quarter of an hour later to find her already under the sheets, presumably almost asleep. She barely registered him entering and getting into the bed, he shut off the light and wished her good night in whisper, getting same back from her. For once he let her be and rolled to his side with his back towards her when sleep claimed him.
***SVU***
"I can't do this any longer," Elliot said.
"Elliot," Olivia pleaded weakly.
"I can't deal with your insecurities, your unwillingness to let me in and every time I try to open the window, you close another door. I can't do this. I don't have time to break through this. I'm not a teenager anymore," Elliot argued.
"I'm sorry. I haven't done this before," Olivia explained.
Elliot shook his head and continued throwing his clothes in his sports bag. Olivia took a hold of his hand, but he shook her off. Tears were falling from her eyes, but he seemed not to care.
"Elliot, please don't do this to me," Olivia begged.
"Liv, don't you see it. I'm not interested in this relationship virgin, while we have nothing in common, beside our work. You're insecure. You're clinging to me, taking away my room, I need room to breathe. I can't do this with you hovering over me," Elliot explained, not giving in.
"I promise to pull back, El. I promise to be better," Olivia said through tears.
"And you still don't get it. I'm going back to Kathy. She's not lying to me and she doesn't have those insecurities. She's so much better than you'll ever be. After all I married her and had kids with her," Elliot said firmly.
"But I haven't lied to you," Olivia argued back.
"Honey, you've been lying to me the whole time," Elliot said, "You say you don't want kids, but you do. I can't spend my life with someone who is lying to me. I can't do this. We can't do this with such fundamental differences. I don't want another kid. I'd rather shoot myself than do this again."
"I can give kids up. Elliot, I can be better. I can't lose you," Olivia bargained.
"It's done, Olivia. I can't do this anymore," Elliot said, zipped her bag and moved towards the door.
"No, Elliot, please stay," Olivia begged, not caring how low she sounds, she feels even lower than that.
"I can't. I guess you can go to your Jim or Mike, whatever his real name is. He seems to admire your beauty, accomplishments and brain. Maybe he'd like to have kids with such insecure woman as you," Elliot said from the door and left, shutting it after him.
Olivia was left all alone in her now empty apartment, crying. She kept on calling his name, but he didn't come back. She was all alone. Elliot had left her.
And then she opened her eyes.
Elliot felt Olivia growing restless, she was talking, but she didn't sound calm, instead she seemed to be in distress. Thinking she'll snap herself out of it, Elliot chose to take no action, but stayed alert just in case. When he realized, that it won't pass, he pulled on her shoulder, shaking it lightly in an attempt to wake her up, but she didn't. Instead she kept on crying out his name, her tears becoming visible.
Elliot scooted to her side and pushed him up on elbow. Gently he touched her face, wiped off the tears and kept on whispering her name soothingly, but still her nightmare seemed to get worse, until finally she sat up with her eyes wide open and said his name loudly.
"Olivia," he said, also sitting up, their hands coming to contact.
"Elliot," she said, turning to him.
"I'm here. It's okay," he said soothingly.
Olivia turned head towards him, studying his features with the best of her abilities in the dark bedroom, then lunged at him. In surprise Elliot managed to catch her, but failed to maintain his balance and he fell back on the bed with her.
"I promise I'll try to be better, please don't leave me. Give me a chance to prove myself, I can give up kids, but I can't give up you. Please stay," she said weakly to his ear.
"I promise I'll be here," Elliot said, sincerely meaning it.
He wrapped his arms around her, holding her tight.
"But you left and didn't come back. You said that you can't handle me. I'll be better, I swear," Olivia kept on saying, new tears falling down her face.
"Shh, it's a bad dream. I'm here. I'll be here," Elliot said, running circles on her back with one hand, while the other rested in her hair, letting his mind process every word she'll say in this post-nightmare waking, while she'll probably never say those things, when she's lucid.
Olivia stayed quiet, but Elliot knew she was not falling asleep.
"I wanna be close to you," she said, her sentence more calculated – more conscious.
"Oh, Livvy darling, you can stay as close as physically possible," Elliot said with smirk appearing on his face.
Olivia rose her head, their eyes meeting for a moment and then kissed him – slowly, almost desperately even – her emotions and state of mind obvious as she poured everything into the kiss.
"Make love to me, El," she said quietly after breaking apart.
For some reason Elliot hesitated for a moment, but recovered quickly and pulled her for another tender kiss, letting the passion grow as the kiss progressed. He let his hands move on her back possessively clutching the fabric of his t-shirt she used for sleeping, yet keeping his touch tender and composed.
He dropped kisses on her jaw, but settled on sucking and kissing the skin on her neck, drawing moans from her. Olivia gave him access to her neck and shifted on him, during which she accidentally brushed against his bulge causing him to bite her neck.
"Sorry," she said quickly.
Elliot responded by flipping them over, continuing to harass her neck.
"El, don't leave any marks," Olivia said, "Don't wanna wear a turtleneck tomorrow."
Elliot frowned as he was denied access to part of her he was fond of, but he moved back to her lips, kissing her eagerly while his hands fought with her shirt, finally getting it off with a little help from her. He broke the kiss and moved to caress and pay attention to her breasts, making her moan and wriggle underneath him again.
Olivia gripped his bare back, marking his skin with her nails, finally she grabbed his ass, making him exhale sharply at her already sensitive left breast and he looked up at her. Olivia just smiled and let her hand wonder underneath his boxers, slowly pushing them down. She teased him with touching exactly where he wanted to be touched, but keeping the touch short lived and nearly not enough.
Elliot couldn't remove her panties fast enough and his hand was massaging her clit, successfully getting her hot, wet and moaning. He took pride in knowing exactly how to build up her orgasm and in the end making her come just for him, and for over a year he has been the only one for her.
Olivia returned the favor by running her hand up and down on his hardened length, her movements slow and her touch loose – barely touching him. That did the trick and he grabbed her hand, guiding it to his back as he positioned himself over her and then slowly entered her.
"Oh, God," she moaned at the movement.
He kissed her lips, pushed his tongue to her mouth and slowly started moving inside of her. She picked up the pace, meeting him with her hips, both taking their time. For once they found they took their time, slowly building up the eventual climax, while their tongues moved in unison, for once not fighting for dominance.
Feeling herself getting close, she pressed her heels at his bottom, urging on his movements and picking up the pace herself.
"Lost your patience, detective?" Elliot asked teasingly, refusing to grant her request just yet, but knowing he will as his own release wasn't that far either.
"Lost your speed, detective?" she shot back, "Could it be a sign of detective Stabler getting old?" she teased.
"Never," he said and slammed into her hard.
"El," she squeaked, unprepared, but fully enjoying it.
"I'm gonna show you old," Elliot said seductively and picked up the pace.
He pushed her over the edge in a matter of moments, following her not long after, calling out her name in ecstasy.
Elliot buried his face in her short hair, coming down from his high and waiting for his breathing to even out. Once he was down to Earth, he pulled out from her and rolled them back over.
Olivia reached for the abandoned blanket and pulled it up so it covered her up to waist and snuggled in his side, their legs intertwining in the process.
"Thank you for loving me," Olivia said.
"Oh, Liv, with you it's always been about making love," Elliot said, "Because that's how much I love you."
"I love you too," she said through yawn.
She met him in a lazy post-climax kiss, once again making both of them thankful for having each other – for giving themselves a try.
"Good night," she whispered and closed her eyes, her head resting on his muscular chest.
"Night," he replied, "And don't you dare roll away from me now," he playfully threatened.
Olivia shook her head with a smile and kissed his chest.
Elliot wrapped his hands loosely around her, closed his eyes and waited for sleep to claim him once again, hoping she'll sleep peacefully till the morning now.
***SVU***
The alarm rang too early and Elliot stretched his hand to shut it off. He opened his eyes and examined the bedroom. Olivia was slowly waking at the other side of the bed – Elliot must have been in deep slumber for not feeling when she rolled away.
"Morning," she said, rolling over to her back.
"Good morning," Elliot replied.
"I'm gonna take a shower," Olivia announced and got off the bed.
Elliot stared at the closed bathroom door, but decided he needed to get up or he'll fall asleep again. So he got up, got dressed and decided to start the coffee.
Olivia joined her at the table, where they ate in silence, then headed to work. Olivia instantly went to talk to Cora and Elliot stayed at 1-6. It was just another day at work.
***SVU***
The case had finally settled down with Mike in prison, but the female detective had been worried about Cora and rightfully so.
Elliot could sense, that it was not just the case which made her distant from him, as if she was slowly pulling away and he had no idea why. That caused him to be distracted and hovering more than he usually is, there also came his clue that he and Olivia needed to talk about whatever it is that's bothering her, when she even didn't register and shove him away – she usually hated, when he is hovering, specially at the precinct, because they had promised to kept things professional.
And so Cragen ended up sending Olivia home at night, when she was radiating exhaustion and he could no longer ignore the bags under her eyes. She even didn't protest, just merely said her goodbye to Elliot and their Captain, then left.
Elliot stayed in to finish up on some paperwork he had ignored before, but can't ignore for much longer. Soon he was the only one in the squad room beside Cragen.
Much later Cragen shut off his office lamp and walked through the squad room to leave for the night. He noticed Elliot still sitting there, seemingly lost in the papers.
"You're here late," he commented.
"So are you," Elliot replied.
"Not for long. You afraid your paperwork will run off if you leave it alone?" Cragen asked.
Elliot chuckled and looked up.
"It has to be done, plus I'm not tired," Elliot replied and shrugged his shoulders.
Cragen nod understandingly, sat on the edge of the desk and waited for a moment.
"Is Olivia okay?" he asked finally.
"You know her, she gets close to victims, but in this case Cora and she's worried. She'll be fine once the case is over," Elliot said neutrally, honestly not knowing what else was bothering her.
"All right. Maybe it's just my head, but lately something seems off with her," Cragen said worriedly.
"Yeah, but I honestly don't know what. She has been distancing herself lately and I don't know why, but I never thought that it would be easy with her," Elliot said and run his hands over his face.
"Guess she'll talk, when she's ready," Cragen said comfortingly, "So you two are doing all right?"
"Yeah, we're good," Elliot said with a smile, "Asked her to move in with me, but she hasn't given me answer yet."
"Liv will say yes. Give her time," Cragen said confidently, happy with his detectives.
Elliot smiled and nod – he hoped that she will.
With that Cragen left, making Elliot promise not to stay in too late and go home to a woman, who has a special place in both men's hearts.
Despite his promise Elliot was still sitting behind his desk hours later. He looked at the time and it was almost 3 am already, but he still had a couple of folders waiting on the edge of his desk. So he poured himself another cup of cold coffee and started working once again, knowing he doesn't have to come in till noon the next day.
His cell phone rang and without looking at the ID he answered.
"Yeah, Stabler," he said.
"Elliot it's me," Olivia said sleep still evident in her voice, "Send a bus over to Cora's and call Rikers and have Mike Jergens put on suicide watch."
"I'm on it," Elliot said, already dialing number on his desk phone, he figured she'll fill him in sometime later.
"Thanks," Olivia said and hang up.
***SVU***
She got up in almost record time, dressed and grabbed the car keys. Olivia caught a glimpse of the falling rain outside and cursed herself for leaving her rain jacket at work. Lucky for her, she found Elliot's jacked hanging by the door and the decision was made.
Thankful that the squad car was parked across the street she turned on the sirens and drove to the scene. She parked in the middle of the street and left the key in ignition, running to the scene.
"Hey!" she caught one of the officers, "How drunk is she?"
"I did CPR until EMS got here," the officer said.
"CPR? What the hell happened?" Olivia asked, already rushing to the paramedics. Olivia jumped to the bus, demanding answers and found out that Cora's situation was far worse than she anticipated – they were losing her.
Olivia took the ride to hospital, worried about Cora. She called it in, letting Cragen and Casey know about the situation, but the night shift couldn't say anything concrete yet. She promised to be there in the morning to learn about Cora's situation.
She walked numbly through the halls, ending up by the nurse's station, where Elliot was already waiting for her. He instantly went to her and hugged Olivia, kissing the side of her head and holding her tight. Olivia didn't return the hug at first, but ended up wrapping her arms around him.
"Come on, I'll get you home," Elliot said, after pulling away.
Olivia nod.
He wrapped his hand around her waist and guided her outside to his car. In silence they reached her apartment and walked through the rain one last time to get into her building, finally getting into her apartment.
Elliot took off his jacket and studied Olivia in his raincoat, which was huge on her.
"Have I told you that you look good in my clothes," Elliot said, trying to lighten her mood.
"Only every time I'm wearing something yours," Olivia responded.
Elliot smirked.
Olivia took off the jacket and put it on hanger to dry.
He closed the distance, placed his hands over her shoulders and kissed her, successfully making her wrap her arms around him and forget the events of these past days. He ran his hand on the shirt she was wearing and noticed that it was wet and she was shivering.
"You're soaking, Liv," he stated.
"Your jacket is not effective anymore," she explained.
"Yeah, been meaning to get a new one," Elliot commented, "Let's get you out of these wet clothes and into bed."
Olivia raised her eyebrow – his sentence could be considered very suggestive.
"To sleep. Let's go to sleep," he cleared.
Olivia nod, mocking him.
"Come on, I'm too tired to play this game or any games for this matter," he said and put his hand around her shoulders, then lead her to the bedroom. Both of them got changed, brushed their teeth and got to bed.
Elliot rolled over to her side and hugged her from behind to offer her some extra comfort.
"Olivia?" he asked.
Olivia mumbled in response.
"Are you okay?" Elliot asked, "You've been distant lately, tell me what's bothering you."
"It's the case," Olivia said fast.
Elliot made a sound of disbelief. He moved his hand and caught hers, giving her a little squeeze and waited.
"I don't wanna end up like Cora," she admitted.
"As an alcoholic?" Elliot asked, surprised, but careful since Olivia's mother went down the same path.
"No," Olivia said fast, "In a relationship, where the other is feeling suffocated. I don't want to be that insecure clingy girlfriend you can't handle. I don't want my baggage to ruin this."
"Let me be the judge of that," Elliot said, smiling, "You're not clingy and insecure, you're a strong woman and I respect that, but you don't have to be anymore. Let me in so I can love you the way you deserve," he continued, trying to break down the wall she has built around her.
"I love you, all of you," he added for good measure.
"I love you too," she replied automatically.
Elliot kissed her hair, and scooted as close to her as he could, their finger intertwined and he rested his head on her shoulder.
"Now go to sleep and let me hold you," Elliot ordered playfully.
"Yes, boss," she replied with a smile.
Sleep claimed both sleepy detectives fast.
***SVU***
It was a little past 9 am, when Olivia was in kitchen making coffee and breakfast for herself, while Elliot slept in the bedroom, unaware that Olivia was already awake. She had to go to hospital and then to precinct, but Elliot had the morning off due to court duty.
She had the radio playing silently on the background and quite frankly she was enjoying this silent morning, using the time to think about the case, about Cora and of course about Elliot.
Her thoughts were interrupted by soft knocking on the door.
Curiously she went to the door, looked through the peephole – Kathleen and opened the door to let Elliot's daughter in.
"Olivia," she said hesitating.
"Kathleen," Olivia greeted, "Come on in."
Olivia held the door open so Kathleen could come in.
"I went to dad's apartment first, then to the precinct and Fin drove me here, suggesting I'd find him here," she said, hesitating.
"El's asleep, but you can save me the trouble of waking him," Olivia said, pointing to her bedroom.
"Oh, I can come back later," Kathleen said, still unsure.
"He'll be happy to see you," Olivia said with a smile.
Kathleen nod and walked to the bedroom, where Elliot was indeed sleeping. She noticed how peaceful he looked in his sleep, hugging the pillow and snoring lightly.
She sat down by the bed and gently shook Elliot's shoulder.
"5 more minutes, Liv," he mumbled and turned his head away.
"Wake up dad, it's me," Kathleen said.
Elliot froze for a moment, then rolled himself to his back and blinked his eyes open.
"Good morning, darling," Elliot greeted, "How are you?"
"I'm doing good," Kathleen replied.
Elliot pushed himself up, so he was sitting, his back against the wall. He rubbed his eyes to get rid of the sleepiness.
"So it's true, what Maureen slipped up – you are dating Olivia," Kathleen said, getting to the point.
"I was planning on telling you that, I just don't want to rush Liv with this," Elliot said seriously.
Kathleen turned away with a mock smile, shaking her head.
"Dad, the moment you got divorced you found yourself another woman. How do you think that makes mom feel? Especially if the woman is Olivia, you knew how mom disliked you two working together," Kathleen asked.
"Your mom left me. She left me and asked for a divorce. She lost the right to everything then. And Liv? She was to pick up the pieces and that made me realize, that I can't be without her – the rest just happened, but I was faithful to Kathy. It all started long after she had left," Elliot explained, "How is she?"
"She's doing better now and also she's been going out with this nurse from work, Mike or someone, but it doesn't seem too serious," Kathleen said neutrally – she has gotten used to the idea of divorce and tried her best to accept it.
"Good. I happy for her," Elliot said, "Shouldn't you be at school?" he asked remembering the time.
"No, I don't have classes until 11 am," Kathleen replied.
"Okay. I believe Liv has made coffee and I think we can find something to eat," Elliot proposed.
Kathleen nod.
She left the bedroom so Elliot could get dressed. She sat down on one of the kitchen chairs and Olivia instantly placed a plate with eggs in front of her along with a glass of orange juice.
"Dad's awake," Kathleen said to fill the silence.
"Good, he has to court soon," Olivia replied, placing her coffee cup on the table and taking a seat on the other end.
"He told me about you," Kathleen stated, though it was pretty obvious that she realized it the moment Fin dropped her off.
"It hasn't been a secret," Olivia confirmed, "I'm not trying to replace your mother or at any way come between you – your sisters and brother – and your dad."
"I wouldn't expect you to," Kathleen agreed, knowing the older woman long enough.
Olivia nod and offered a smile.
Kathleen played with her fork, collecting her thoughts and then finally looked up at Olivia.
"I don't hate you, none of us does, also I'm not surprised of the outcome, but it might take some time to adjust to these changes. You've been working with dad for so long and you probably know him in a way no one else ever will. I'm also glad that he has been more relaxed and less angry lately, and I could only assume it has anything to do with you, but I have to warn you. Don't you even dare to break daddy's heart, because it won't end good with you," Kathleen ended her speech, glaring at Olivia intensely.
"Not planning on doing it. I love your dad," Olivia said calmly, fully getting the threat, but she wasn't concerned as she had no intentions to break Elliot's heart.
Kathleen nod in agreement and silently ate the breakfast Olivia had prepared.
Olivia took a look at her watch and excused herself, she had to be in hospital soon. She met groggy Elliot buttoning his shirt in the bedroom, where she grabbed her own blouse and quickly got ready.
"Guess now have 2 kids down and 2 to go," Elliot said.
"Yeah," Olivia agreed, "Kathleen doesn't seem angry."
"She's not," Elliot confirmed.
Olivia smiled and finished getting ready the time Elliot got his shirt buttoned up.
"Haven't said good morning to you yet," Elliot said turning to Olivia.
"Morning, honey," she replied.
"Good morning, Liv," he said and leaned in.
He didn't go for a peck morning kiss, instead he went for morning make-out session which was stopped by the lack of oxygen.
Olivia left the bedroom first, Elliot right behind her trying to fix his tie, but failed.
"There's coffee in the pot," Olivia said to him.
Elliot nod.
In rush Olivia grabbed her jacket and put on her boots, grabbed her badge and gun from the counter next to Elliot's.
"Where are the squad car keys?" Olivia asked, not finding them anywhere.
"Check my jacket pocket," Elliot said, also coming to Olivia, who successfully got the keys to their squad car.
Olivia dropped them to her jacket pocket and grabbed Elliot's tie, quickly fixing it.
"You're going to the hospital?" Elliot asked.
"Yeah, and then I'm going to see Casey, so I'll be in quite late," Olivia answered.
Elliot nod.
"You two have a good morning," Olivia said, remembering Kathleen was also there, and made a move to leave, but Elliot caught her hand and pulled her back for a quick kiss, then let her leave.
"See you later," he said.
"Bye Olivia," Kathleen said – she had turned around.
Olivia waved her hand and rushed to the hospital.
Elliot went to the coffee machine and poured himself a cup of warm coffee, then grabbed a plate and covered it with the rest of eggs still on the frying pan, and took a seat Olivia freed before.
"How come you spend so long time away from work now?" Kathleen asked curiously.
"I got home around 5 am last night and today I have court," Elliot explained, "And now I don't have an hour long drive to work."
Kathleen nod, satisfied with the answer.
"I've been thinking about inviting all of you over so I can tell everybody about Olivia and spend some quality time with my kids," Elliot proposed.
"Sounds good, dad, Dickie is annoyed that he's the only male in the house, so it would be nice," Kathleen said, thinking about her brother.
"Then that's what we'll do. Maybe I'll have time this weekend and your mom lets me have you. We haven't been together for a long time and games night sounds perfect," Elliot continued, liking the idea more and more.
"So you're not afraid we'll scare Olivia off?" Kathleen teased.
"Seriously?" Elliot asked, "Liv's not a stranger to you and she adores you – she'll be fine, so will you."
"Yeah, everybody likes her," Kathleen agreed.
"I'd hope so too," Elliot said, "Don't scare her off, I really like her," he playfully threatened.
"I know, dad," Kathleen said, smiling.
Elliot focused on the eggs on his plate and gulped the coffee hungrily.
"Enough about me, what's new with you?" he asked.
Kathleen was eager to talk about her school, grades, her friends and all the decision she'll be making in short time – she was graduating soon. And she was happy that her father was willing to listen to everything and show how proud he was along with some wise advice.
Finally Elliot dropped Kathleen to school and got to court for his duty.
***SVU***
Finally everything was over with this case, Mike was in jail and Cora was released to her mother. Olivia got back to the precinct to finish her paperwork, where Elliot, John and Fin were doing the same.
"How was the drop off?" Elliot asked her.
"Hard," Olivia said with a sigh.
She slouched on her chair and opened the report on the edge of her desk, read her notes and continued writing everything down. She didn't get too far before Elliot was standing behind her, his hands massaging her neck and shoulders.
"Shouldn't you be working?" she asked.
"Nope, and neither should you. It's late, come on let's get out of here," he said casually.
"El, I'm not in a mood. I just need to do this for Cora," she argued.
Elliot pulled her chair away from the desk, walked across it and held out his hand.
"You'll do it tomorrow," he said and tilted his head.
Olivia rolled her eyes and ran her fingers through her hair.
"Look – you're tired and exhausted. This was a hard case. Let's get home, get some sleep and then you'll be fresh tomorrow to finish it. The papers aren't running anywhere," he said.
Olivia yawned and took his hand in defeat. Both of them grabbed their coats, said goodbye to others and left hand in hand. Elliot drove to her apartment building and soon they got inside. She took a long hot shower and went straight to bed, where Elliot was already waiting.
"El, if it should come to this, I don't wanna be a vegetable," Olivia said in all seriousness.
"Okay. We don't have to discuss this right now," Elliot said, not even wanting to think about if something was to happen to her.
"It just needs to be said," Olivia replied, "I need to sign that paper and give you the legal right to make decisions."
"Or we can make a quickie wedding," Elliot proposed in a lighter tone, getting inspiration from their case.
Olivia looked at him seriously, nearly killing him with her look.
"Joking," he said with a smile, "Let's take one step at a time."
"Yeah, let's do that," Olivia agreed.
She turned off the lights and rolled to her stomach and closed her eyes. Elliot pretty much covered her body with his, his head on her upper back.
"El," she said after a moment of silence.
"Mmh?" he replied.
"I think moving in together is not that bad idea," Olivia said.
Elliot suddenly pulled away from her, causing her to turn around in surprise.
"Is that a yes?" he clarified with a huge smile on his lips.
"Yes," Olivia confirmed.
"Oh, Liv, I love you so much right now," he said and leaned in to kiss her, passionately.
"You too," she replied between kissing him.
After breaking apart he kissed his way down, finally burying his head on her breasts, getting comfortable and enjoying the feeling he was having at this moment.
Both of them were fast asleep with smile lingering on their lips, happy to be taking the next step in their relationship.