Yet again I start with an apology, but I haven't had much time to even breathe since May, got back a week ago from field works and now I have to write about it. I get it when people say they hate paperwork - I'm starting to dislike it too. And ahead - it's gonna be a busy fall too, so it might take me another 3 months (though I hope not) to get the next chapter up.
Hope you like it and don't be afraid to leave your opinion, it's appreciated.
Enjoy summer,
L.
***SVU***
8.01 Informed
It has been months since Gitano and the ultimate fall-out Elliot and Olivia had, months since they found their way back to each other and for now they were doing okay. The bond they share has grown stronger in time, but the shattered glass still has its cracks. In silent agreement they have decided to ignore Gitano and the pregnancy altogether; that was also probably the one thing that kept them going without breaking into fights over small things.
It has been okay, even though instead of going home at normal time, Olivia rather spends her time at the precinct, doing paperwork or looking for new leads or trying to break some cold cases. Elliot knows it's her way of coping and he had decided to let her have it, even when it means that there are nights, when she doesn't make it home.
Last night had been one of those nights, where Elliot went to bed alone and woke up the next morning without her. He sighed heavily and got up, ready to get to work. As he always did in mornings like those, he made coffee and took it to her, because the coffee at the precinct was famous for tasting like someone had died in the pot.
***SVU***
Olivia could feel her eyelids getting heavy, but she chose to ignore it and kept on looking over at the pictures on her screen. She had been reading about the French resistance and how they shaved the heads of collaborators, mainly women, who were sleeping with the German soldiers, when France was occupied by Nazis during The World War II.
The girl Olivia talked with last night – Haley – ended up with shaved head and the girl refused all cooperation. It was their medical examiner, who had given her the idea of looking for collaborator in Haley, but so far she couldn't find anything.
She was pulled from her thoughts, when Cragen walked in.
"Nice outfit," he commented.
"Thanks," Olivia replied without looking up from the screen.
"You were wearing it yesterday," Cragen elaborated.
Olivia was impressed by the Captain's memory of her outfits, but then again he is a good detective. "Yeah, I caught a case last night. Haven't been home since," Olivia explained.
"61 on my desk?" Cragen asked.
"Haven't typed it up yet, it was an unknown assailant, he battered her, shaved her head," Olivia described the crime and looked at her C.O. for the first time.
That caught Cragen's attention, so he dropped the newspaper and walked up to Olivia, "You run the M.O.?" he asked.
"Nothing, but I found this photo achieved on the internet," she said as Cragen leaned over to take a look at old article she found.
"Collaborators with shaven heads are paraded through the town by the French resistance," Cragen read, "Our rapist is getting his ideas from the History Channel?"
"These are women, who cooperated with the enemy or slept with them," Olivia explained.
"A jealous boyfriend?" Cragen asked.
"Victim says no," Olivia replied, "I checked the DIR's. There's no domestic violence calls."
"What does she do for a living?" Cragen asked again.
"Super says she works at a food co-up," Olivia replied.
"Well, if she's collaborating, who's the enemy?" Cragen asked, reaching the point where they needed to take a deeper look into her life.
"I'll go check out the work place, maybe someone from there can give some answers," Olivia offered.
She already made a move to stand up, but Cragen placed his hand on her shoulder and forced her back down on her chair.
"You do that, when your partner gets here," he said softly and removed his hand from her shoulder, "Or better yet let Elliot check it out and you can get some sleep instead," he added.
"I can do it myself," Olivia protested.
"I know you can, but it doesn't mean that you have to," Cragen explained, "It wasn't that long time ago, when you went through something tragic. Just take it easy and don't bury yourself in work, when you have someone waiting at home," he went on, bitterly remembering his beloved wife, who was no longer there.
"Don't go there," Olivia said through her teeth, her facial expression changing quickly and suddenly Cragen felt the urge to slap himself for even mentioning her loss.
Before Cragen could say anything else, Elliot walked in and joined the duo, placing a travel mug along with his keys on the desk.
"Morning," he greeted.
"Good morning Elliot, we were just discussing you," Cragen said.
"What about me?" Elliot asked with slight confusion.
"Liv caught a case last night and today you have the chance to check out our victim's work place," The Captain announced.
Elliot nod, he had seen the bags under his partner's eyes and tiredness written all over her face.
"Good," Cragen said and headed to his office.
Elliot took the travel mug from his desk and handed it to Olivia, kissing the side of her head as he did so, his lips hovering longer than necessary and his hand resting on her waist.
"I missed you last night," he said quietly.
"Sorry, I caught a case and then it was morning already," Olivia apologized.
"I know," he said earnestly, "But I also know that you won't give up without a fight, so how about I check out the work place and you walk me out so you can brief me and afterwards you can check out our victim?" he proposed.
Olivia sipped the coffee and after careful consideration she nod her head. Elliot quickly kissed her forehead and took a step back, his hand falling from her waist. He followed her to the elevator, focusing only mildly on the case she was talking about, because he could only think of his hands on her and it didn't help that her sweater exposed her breasts just enough to make him lose control over his thoughts.
Luckily the elevator was empty, when Elliot and Olivia got in. When the doors closed he stopped her midsentence by pushing her against the wall and crashing his lips over hers. Olivia didn't protest, instead she eagerly went along and returned the kiss, both of their hands gripping the other.
They stopped, when the elevator came to stop and the detectives walked out.
"You weren't listening to me, were you?" Olivia asked, already knowing the answer.
"Of course I was," he said, "But I was focused more on you and I thought I told you yesterday that I love your sweater, but some things should be for my eyes only."
Olivia rolled her eyes and playfully hit his stomach with the back of her hand.
"You have to stop commenting my outfits and how my body parts look," she said seriously.
"I just don't like that everybody could see something that's not meant for them, plus it might put inappropriate thoughts to their minds and I'm not only talking about me," he explained, trying to get to her, "But you can wear whatever you like, when we're at home."
"And we're done discussing it," Olivia was firm.
"Fine," Elliot said in defeat and opened the door for her so they could go out.
They reached the car and Olivia handed her information about Haley with a promise from Elliot that he'd brief her after he knows something more about the place Haley works in.
Before Elliot could leave, Olivia pulled him in for a kiss, which took him by surprise.
"What was that for?" he asked.
"Good luck," she said simply.
Elliot smiled and kissed her again, releasing her lips only when he needed oxygen.
"And this is for good morning," he said between panting, "You should know by now, that my morning starts only, when I've had my quiet moment with you and your lips."
Olivia nod and smiled. She kissed his cheek and stepped away from him, "See you later," she said and turned around.
"I'll call you," Elliot shouted and sat into his car, finally taking the file Olivia had put together and read it, though there wasn't much information yet.
When Elliot was talking with the super at Haley's work, Olivia continued her research on French resistance and she was trying to find some collaborator's angle so they'd have something to go on.
Her focus was pulled, when her phone rang.
"Benson," she said on the phone.
"It's me, Liv," Elliot said.
"What did you find?" Olivia asked.
"She left work early last night to go to a meeting with a group, which is run by her boyfriend Justin. I'm going to see Justin right now. I was thinking maybe you could check her apartment and ask around if she had visitors etc.," Elliot spoke.
"I'm on my way," Olivia agreed, relieved to get out of the desk.
"Bye," he said and hang up.
Olivia grabbed her coat and left the squad room. She decided to check neighbors first and came out they were pissed at her for disturbing their sleep, but Justin wasn't there last night. She also had given up her dogs earlier, which alerted Olivia.
She went to Haley's door and noticed it was open with signs of break in. She drew her gun and started clearing the apartment. It seemed obvious that somebody had been looking for something. When she reached the last room and saw no intruder, she dropped her gun to the holster and picked up some photos of starved dogs.
Olivia stood only to be met with a gun barrel against the back of her head. Momentarily she regret her first idea to radio Elliot about break in and call for backup.
"Don't move," she was ordered, the voice oddly familiar, but Olivia couldn't place it, "I wanna see hands."
"It's okay, let's stay calm," Olivia said just like she was taught so many years ago – staying calm and talking to the capturer is the key, "I'm not here to hurt you," she continued, thinking it's Haley.
The gun was removed from her head right after she had spoken, Olivia hoping her intentions being clear now, but she was surprised to hear a familiar FBI agent call her name.
"Star?" Olivia asked and turned around to meet indeed agent Star from the FBI. She was surprised to meet her like that, especially in the apartment of rape victim, "What's the FBI doing here?" she asked.
"No, no, no. You first," Dana aka Star said as she shook her head.
Olivia laughed at the situation and explained and in return Dana explained the FBI connection. Both of them agreed that Haley was probably at hiding and whoever broke in was looking for something, and of course both decided to make their priority locating the girl.
Dana even took Olivia to FBI HQ and showed her just why they were watching local group Cause, when it had connections with EDG and they were considered serious threat for reason. Eco terrorists seemed not to be scared to burn down some buildings and protest against their beliefs using extreme measures.
Together they would solve the case.
***SVU***
Olivia and Dana worked together a whole one day, before Cragen shut it down. This didn't mean that Olivia would stop and she didn't, she had to find her and get the bastard, who did this to Haley. Haley had been missing since Tuesday and it's already Thursday – 2 days without hearing from her, though Olivia had checked in with Dana, who promised to keep Olivia in the loop.
She stood from her desk and went to get coffee for what seemed like a hundredth time already. She filled her mug with the brown hot liquid and sat down across from Elliot.
"Maybe you should go home?" Elliot suggested.
"No, not yet," Olivia said firmly, "I need to find her."
"Get some sleep, rest your brain and look at things from fresh perspective. I can continue in the meantime," Elliot tried.
"I'm fine, El," Olivia said.
Elliot started to argue her, but Cragen interrupted them.
"Perp matching our History rapist was spotted in gas station," Cragen said, somewhat satisfied, since they had been trying to catch this guy for months and now 8 women were brutalized, "Munch, Fin go," Cragen decided after looking between his detectives and gave Fin a paper with location.
Cragen stepped close to Olivia and leaned against her desk.
"When was the last time you were home?" he asked seriously.
"Monday," Elliot thought – he remembered that well.
"A few days ago," Olivia said reluctantly.
Cragen nod, "Turn off your computer," he ordered.
Olivia looked up at her boss, but he didn't seem to be in a mood to argue, probably still pissed about the way she handled Haley's case – stolen panties and everything.
She turned off the computer and looked at her boss without asking any questions, because she knew what will happen.
"Good, now take your things and Elliot will drive you home," Cragen said quietly, "I don't want to see you here before tomorrow morning."
"I'm fine Captain, I need to work," Olivia tried to protest.
"No, you'll go home right now. If you choose not to listen to me, I have no choice but to suspend you," Cragen threatened.
Olivia stared at the older man, but he was firm, so Olivia stood from her chair in defeat. Elliot breathed in relief and followed her, Cragen watching them until they disappeared into the elevator.
"You know I can continue working," Olivia defended herself.
"But you don't have to. I'll let you know if something comes up," Elliot promised.
He moved his hand to her shoulder and squeezed gently, "You need sleep, plus the bags under your eyes are not nearly as hot as your rested face in the mornings," he tried to make her smile, which she didn't.
The elevator stopped and Olivia rushed out, Elliot hot on her heels. He grabbed her hand and took it in his, slowing her down in process. They got to their squad car and Elliot decided to drive them home, even if her apartment is close to precinct. Elliot kept on glancing over at Olivia, who was fighting to stay awake until he parked in front of her apartment building.
"We're here," he said and looked at yawning Olivia.
He gave her a half-smile and got out of the car. He walked around and opened the passenger seat for her and held out his hand, which she took.
"I'm not your damsel in distress," Olivia commented, she had never been fan of guys opening doors for her.
"But I am your prince Charming on a white horse," Elliot mocked, "Always ready to rescue the lady."
Olivia elbowed him, which caused him to laugh. He wrapped his arm around her middle and led her to up the stairs to her apartment. Elliot used his key to open the door and let her in.
Olivia went straight to bathroom to brush her teeth, while Elliot rummaged through her drawers to find his t-shirt she usually uses to sleep, but unable to find the usual one, he threw his NYPD t-shirt to the bed along with her sweatpants she preferred lately.
"You can leave you know," Olivia commented, when she returned to the bedroom and noticed Elliot sitting on the edge of the bed.
"Wanted to make sure you go to bed," Elliot said and looked smug, he threw her the t-shirt and crossed his hands on his chest.
"You just wanted to see me naked," she accused.
Elliot didn't reply – even though it's not his main objective, he doesn't mind half-naked Olivia one bit, so he kept on giving her the best smug face he managed.
Olivia shook her head lightly and pulled her sweater over her head along with the t-shirt she was wearing underneath it. She unhooked her bra with one hand and expertly took it off, then threw it on Elliot's shoulder, the rest of her clothing following.
"Satisfied?" She asked, when she had finished changing.
"Very," he said and stood up, the clothes fell to the chair as they were discarded.
Olivia climbed to the bed and let him tuck her in like a little kid. It was only then, when Olivia noticed that she was much more tired that she thought. She closed her eyes and relaxed, letting the soothing feel of Elliot's fingers running through her hair lull her to sleep.
When he thought that she was asleep, he kissed her forehead and whispered, "Sweet dreams," then pulled away and was ready to stand, but Olivia grabbed her hand.
"Come back soon," she said and opened her eyes.
"I will," Elliot said, "I'll be back before you realize."
He leaned over her and kissed her lips, allowing himself to linger over her longer than usually, then continued kissing her cheeks and tip of her nose.
Elliot got up and this time he was really hearing her deep breaths, which meant that she was asleep already. Quietly he left the apartment and drove back to the precinct, stopping for coffee on his way. He got to the right floor and took a seat by her desk, sorting through the papers she had been looking for 3 days now. She had list of Cause members and apparently she was doing background search on every one of them along with pretty much everybody from Haley's work and life.
He breathed out through his mouth, knowing it's going to be long case and hard on Liv until they have their perp or at least Haley. And he also knew, that something was wrong with her – after all he had almost moved in with her again, most of his things were at her apartment, but he still had his own apartment he rarely used, but talking about moving in was not in the books just yet. Olivia seemed to be distracted and who could blame her, but it's been months and somehow she still is not opening up to him – she hasn't told him everything about that day and he hasn't pushed either. Elliot has learned not to push her, because that only drives her further from him. As much as this "separation" of sorts is killing him, it's better than being without her.
Cragen walked up to him and woke him from the haze. Elliot looked up and noticed the Captain was wearing his coat which means that he's leaving.
"How's it going?" Cragen asked.
Elliot shrugged his shoulders, "Liv has made thorough research and came up empty. How'd you think I'm doing?" he asked.
"I was hoping you'd make some progress, after all you are well rested compared to Olivia and you offer a new perspective," Cragen said easily
"Sorry, Cap, this time Liv's process will be the best lead we have," Elliot apologized.
"She's doing alright?" Cragen asked.
Elliot nod, "She is pissed at you for forcing her home, but she was fast asleep," he explained.
Cragen laughed, "I'm leaving in case she decides to come back and shoot me or something."
Elliot chuckled.
"Go home, see you tomorrow," Cragen ordered.
"Good night," Elliot replied, but made no move to get up just yet. He tried hard to see something Olivia had missed, if she had missed, but came out empty, so he cleaned up her desk and placed the files in piles, making sure that the most likely suspects stayed on top.
He got up, put on his coat and took empty coffee cup from Olivia's desk, but before he could get to the elevator, Dana stepped off and almost bumped into Elliot, who threw the cup to trash.
"Oh, that's great," Dana said, "Don't recycle. You know, you keep doing that and the eco-terrorists win."
"I recycle sometimes," Elliot tried.
"Is your captain around?" Dana asked, getting to the point.
"You just missed him," Elliot replied, curious what Dana was doing with Cragen, but decided to leave it unasked for now.
"Perfect," Dana said, "How about our partner?" she continued.
"No, Cap kicked her home. She hadn't slept in three days," Elliot replied, "And I don't think waking her is a good idea at this moment. Cragen specifically ordered her home until tomorrow morning at least."
"Shoot," Dana said in disappointment, the joy for not having Cragen around was gone instantly, but she went on and explained her discovery about suspected EDG member, who had statutory conviction – seemed like their best bet.
Elliot was hesitant at first, but when he heard a record of Mitchell Hissam and Haley on record, just before she got raped, Elliot was all in. What's an hour ride with Dana to the cabin anyway?
Elliot followed Dana to her car, while Dana gave Elliot the map and they started driving.
"How's life in NYPD?" Dana tried to make small talk.
"Everything's fine," Elliot replied, "How's FBI treating you?"
"Sending me undercover all the time, but other than that, I'm good. I miss my kids though," Dana said honestly.
"I haven't lived with my kids for almost 2 years now and even though we're at the same city and I see them weekly, it's still hard," Elliot supported.
"Your wife kicked you out infinitely?" Dana asked, she was well aware of his marriage problems.
"Yeah, I'm not going back home, but I think it's for the best," Elliot said with a hint of a smile.
Dana glanced over and rolled her eyes.
"So you've moved on to another bimbo and your wife is thrown out with the trash and kids?" Dana accused.
"Hey, I didn't throw her out, Kathy kicked me out and asked for divorce. I just managed to fall for someone else in the meantime and just for the record she's not a bimbo," Elliot defended himself.
Dana shook her head, "Men you're all the same. Got tired of one woman and then move on to younger version. You're nasty," she continued.
"Can we stop it now?" Elliot asked getting slightly irritated, "Take left here," he added looking at the map.
Dana made a turn which forced Elliot to grab onto the door and curse Dana's driving.
"No we are not done. So, what's your new lady half your age with long blond hair, long legs, huge ass and giant boobs?" Dana accused.
"No, quite the opposite. She's a brunette with short hair and has average body, plus she's my age," Elliot said, hoping to shut her up.
"Oh, you moved on to one of your wife's friends?" Dana continued.
"It's Liv, so shut up already," Elliot almost shouted, "It's always been Olivia and when Kathy kicked me out, I was finally free to act on my feelings. And you don't get to blame Olivia for ruining my marriage," he said softly, but his voice was firm.
"Oh, can't say I didn't saw it coming," Dana said.
Elliot rolled his eyes.
"I'm happy for her, that she finally found someone," Dana said softly, "Everybody deserves somebody."
Elliot looked outside the window and stayed silent until he noticed a little cabin they were looking for and he pointed that out.
Dana parked the car and then both of them got out to search the cabin. Mitchell wasn't home, but Elliot and Dana kept the lights out just in case he returns unexpectedly, so they used their flashlights. Neither of them found anything until Elliot looked in the fridge and found dynamite. Carefully he put it back, but it was still dangerous.
"Let's go," Dana shouted, "Ladies first."
Elliot followed Dana out and they stopped meters from the house to look back.
"That was some kind of adrenaline rush," Elliot panted.
"What kind of idiot would put dynamite in the freezer?" Dana asked, trying to make sense in the situation, "I know it's just a couple of sticks…"
She didn't get to finish her sentence, because the house blew up, the wave pushing both Elliot and Dana to the ground, but they were in safe distance from the explosion. Dana was first to get up from the ground.
"That was close," she commented with a smile as she glanced over at the burning building, but she was alert, when she heard no movements from Elliot, "Elliot? Elliot? Are you okay?"
He didn't react so Dana called for ambulance while holding Elliot's pulse and praying for a miracle so Elliot would open his eyes.
"Oh, god, Elliot, come back open your eyes," she begged after hanging up the phone, "Olivia is going to murder me if something happens," she panicked.
Luckily her panic didn't last for long, because Elliot tried to move himself and opened his eyes.
"Lucky we weren't in that cabin," he said to announce himself.
Dana breathed out of relief, but she didn't let Elliot move himself like he wanted to, because she was scared he might have spine or neck injury.
"You're a jinx," Elliot said wearily.
"Why?" Dana asked, she had no clue what Elliot was talking about.
"Last year at the courthouse when I got shot, you were there," Elliot explained, "You're bad luck," he accused, "Every time you show up, I nearly get killed."
Dana chuckled, "You're still above ground, hon. Maybe I'm your good luck charm," Dana said with a smile.
Elliot tried to get up again, but Dana kept him from standing.
"Ambulance is on its way, just stay down," Dana ordered.
They could hear the sirens coming from distance and then the ambulance arrived along with fire department. Paramedics ran to Elliot and got him on stretcher, doing their check up at the same time. Finally they decided that it's probably a concussion and that's it, based on their examination and Dana's description.
When Elliot was loaded on the ambulance, he barely registered Dana asking for directions and quick fix to continue her look for Haley. She talked to him about that too, but Elliot was having hard time focusing on anything. That's why Dana gave strict orders to call Olivia and notify her – if she wants to go to the hospital it's up to her then.
***SVU***
Olivia was woken from her slumber, when her phone rang. Automatically she reached for the phone and answered through sleep.
"Benson," she said to the phone.
"Is this detective Olivia Benson?" a male voice asked her.
"Yes, this is me," Olivia replied and pushed her hair off her face.
"I'm calling about Elliot Stabler, I was led to believe that you're his emergency contact," male paramedic clarified.
"Guess so, what happened?" Olivia replied, now more alert and awake.
"There was an explosion, detective Stabler was within few meters from the center. He has a concussion," he explained.
"Where are you taking him?" Olivia asked and threw the blanket over herself and moved to sit on the edge of the bed.
"Bellevue," he replied.
Olivia didn't bother to continue the call, she politely said her bye and jumped off the bed. She was glad that she had decided to take shower before going to bed, because there's no way she'd take it now.
Quickly she got dressed and grabbed her things, then she was out the door and on her way to the hospital. Elliot was already admitted, when she got there. Olivia decided to flash her badge instead of play the personal relationship card and it worked – she got directions to Elliot. She met Elliot's doctor, who came out of his room, when she arrived and got information about his condition. Comes out he has a concussion, but nothing serious and probably will get home the next day.
He was in bed, chained to the IV and machines beeping in the room.
"You look better," Elliot said when he noticed her lurking by the door.
"Can't say the same for you," Olivia replied and entered the room, her jacket fell to the nearest chair.
"Gotta have balance," he said with a smile.
Olivia smiled, closed the door and pulled out a chair to sit by him. She took his hand in hers and squeezed gently.
"I'm okay, they say I have a concussion," Elliot said calmly, "They say I have to stay overnight, but I get to go home tomorrow."
"I know," Olivia said.
He could sense the uneasiness in her, so he ran his thumb over the back of her hand soothingly. "I'm fine, Liv," he whispered earnestly.
Olivia nod – she knew that, but it didn't stop her from worrying about him and the problems they were still having, but silently agreed to ignore.
"You promised not to try dying again the last time Dana was working with us," Olivia reminded him.
"I promised to try," Elliot corrected, "Look, I didn't even almost die, I'm okay. Besides I believe that it's Dana's fault – every time she shows up, I end up in a hospital."
Olivia smiled weakly and sat on the bedside instead of the chair. He let go of her hand and placed it on her thigh instead, shifting a little to make room for her in case she wants to lie down with him. She didn't. Instead Olivia ran her fingers over his forehead, where a cut was located, she touched it ever so gently with her fingertips.
Elliot closed his eyes at her touch and let her scent invade his nostrils, making him feel much better instantly. He opened them, when she took his hand from her thigh and held it with both hands. Elliot looked up at her.
"I can't imagine my life without you," She said, her voice shaking and tears threatening to start falling.
"Liv…" he tried, but she shook her head indicating she was not done.
"But the same I don't know if I can be with you and live with this fear every day," she continued, "I know now what Kathy must have been dealing with for all these years. Even though I do the same thing, the fear is still here. I want you and I love you and that's why I'm more scared than ever before."
"Honey, are you breaking up with me?" Elliot asked, his voice full of fear.
Olivia shook her head, "I just wanted you to know," she said quietly.
Elliot didn't have anything to say, instead he looked at her intensely and got himself into sitting position. He wrapped his free hand around her waist and kissed her forehead.
"I love you," was all he could say.
He pressed his lips against hers urgently, to which she responded instantly. She let go of his hand to wrap her hands around his neck. When they broke apart Elliot let his back fall back to the bed and Olivia followed suit. Her head fell on his neck, her forehead touching his chin while one of her hands was by her head and the other rested on his shoulder. Elliot wrapped a hand around her, touching her back while the other hand was on her bicep, stroking her gently.
"I think I should probably go," Olivia said after a while.
"Mmm… why?" Elliot mumbled.
"I should call Dana and see where she's at," she clarified.
"You will find your missing girl," he said confidently.
Olivia nod and removed herself from him. Elliot protested lightly, but he knew she had to go. Olivia gave him a quick kiss and then she was up on her feet. She grabbed her coat and put it on.
"I'll pick you up tomorrow," she promised.
"I know," Elliot said confidently, "When you see Dana, tell he that she's nuts."
"I will," Olivia said and left the room.
She called Dana as she strolled through the hospital towards exit. The FBI agent was still at the scene, but they promised to meet at local Sheriff's office in an hour. Olivia got into the car, looked out the road from the map she always had in the squad car and started driving.
About an hour later she parked in front of the Sheriff's office and waited for Dana to arrive. Dana arrived shortly and was happy to see Olivia waiting for her.
"How's Elliot?" Dana asked.
"He has a concussion and a couple of cuts and bruises, but other than that he seems to be okay," Olivia replied, "They'll let him go home tomorrow."
"I'm sure you'll play excellent nurse to him," Dana teased.
Olivia looked at her with wide eyes.
"Elliot told me about you two," Dana clarified.
Olivia nod, "Right," she said, "I doubt that I'll be playing a nurse and I doubt he wants that either."
Dana accepted Olivia's response to her tease and pointed towards the door.
"Elliot told me to tell you that you're nuts," Olivia said with a smirk.
"That's just the concussion talking," Dana brushed it off.
Both women shared a laugh and then entered the Sheriff's office. They learned more about Mitchell Hissam and his activities, they also learned that he has a girlfriend – Persephone Lee James. It was late, so they called it a night, but decided to go to Persephone the first thing in the morning.
Olivia drove to hospital, she was not in the mood to go home and staying with Elliot seemed more comfortable. The doctors at the hospital were familiar with her and so they let her in, the nurse offered to bring a make-shift bed, to which Olivia accepted. The nurse wheeled bed in along with blanket and pillow, then left Olivia alone with Elliot.
Elliot shifted, when Olivia opened her bed and made it, then she turned off the light from the room to let Elliot sleep. Quietly she took off her coat and boots, then sat on the bed and set an alarm.
"Olivia?" Elliot asked quietly.
"I thought you were asleep," Olivia said apologetically, "Sorry, go back to sleep."
Elliot shifted, turned on the bedside lamp and patted beside him, inviting her to sit by his bedside. Olivia obliged. He took her hand in his, "I'm always happy to wake up and see you," he said earnestly. Olivia gave him a half smile.
"You should rest," she said softy.
Elliot chuckled, "You haven't had a decent sleep in 3 days, so maybe you should rest," he said looking at her seriously.
"I was planning on it," she said with a yawn
Elliot moved further from her to the edge of the hospital bed and popped his head up on his elbow, pulling the blanket with him. Then gave her a look, wordlessly he told her to lie down by his side. Olivia rolled her eyes, but accepted the invitation. She leaned over to kiss his lips quickly, then turned her back towards Elliot and closed her eyes, her hand coming to rest by her head on the pillow. Elliot chuckled, pulled the blanket over her as he wrapped his hand around her middle, his fingers curled around her elbow.
"Sweet dreams," he whispered.
Olivia mumbled something, which sounded like she wished the same for him.
***SVU***
It was 7 am, when Olivia's alarm went off. With closed eyes she reached for her cell phone and shut off the alarm, but she refused to get up or open her eyes.
"I wish you didn't have to go," Elliot said groggily.
"Me too," Olivia replied.
Unwillingly she threw her legs over the edge of the bed and got into sitting position. Elliot's hand fell heavily to the bed, where she had been before and sighed heavily in protest.
Olivia stood and put on her boots, then came back to Elliot's bedside. She sat and leaned over to press a kiss to his cheek.
"Call me, when they release you," she said softly.
"I will, so you can drive me home," he was affirmative and rolled over to his back. His hand caught hers and he pulled it slightly. Olivia obliged and leaned over again, this time meeting his lips. She let him kiss her senses away and make her forget their case, the state of their relationship and everything else going on in her life. So she allowed herself to be swoon by him, because Elliot really knew how to kiss her. It was the kiss in which he told her that everything will work out, letting her know that he'll be waiting for her and yet again confessing his love for her. And he knew that she needed one to face the day about to come. He was also fairly certain that she'll spend the rest of the day worrying about him, even though both knew that he was fine, minus few cuts and bruises. In his mind, he was trying to loosen the burden she was carrying around.
She pulled away, stood up, secured her gun and badge on her belt and grabbed her jacket. "I'll call you if I have any breakthrough," Olivia promised.
Elliot nod, "Be safe," he said softly, "I love you."
"Love you too," she replied and left the hospital room.
Olivia made a quick stop at coffee place, got her regular black coffee and a sandwich. Then she drove to the precinct. Fin and Munch were nowhere to be seen, while light was on in Cragen's office. Olivia sat down behind her desk and opened her computer, while eating her morning sandwich and enjoying the coffee she needed. She went over Mitchell Hissam's file, but also looked into other members, who could be connected to him, because now it's clear that he had something big planned.
Olivia was closed in her mind, so she didn't notice, when Cragen walked past her to make coffee, and she didn't notice, when he stood behind her, she only noticed, when the old Captain took a seat by her desk.
"You're here early," he commented.
"I have a girl to find and eco-terrorists to arrest," Olivia said.
"I thought I told you to go home and given the circumstances I wouldn't mind if you'd stay with Elliot," Cragen said softly, "How is he anyway?"
"He has a concussion, but he should get home today," Olivia replied and closed the file she was reading to focus on her CO.
"Good," Cragen said, glad that Elliot wasn't badly hurt, "Liv, the FBI can handle it. You can stay with Elliot and make sure he doesn't push his limits."
"I can handle it, El will call when he is released," Olivia was confident.
Cragen shook his head slightly, "I don't doubt that you can, I'm just telling you that you don't have to. I wouldn't want you to overwork yourself."
Olivia smiled, "It's the life of a detective – overworked and underpaid," she joked. Cragen smiled a little, "You keep doing whatever you're doing," he said and left Olivia alone.
She emptied her cup of coffee, threw the cup away and before she could start working again, her phone rang.
"Benson," she said, without looking at the caller-ID.
"It's Dana. I'm in front of your precinct," Dana said to the phone, "How about we go and have a nice little chat with Persephone?" she suggested.
"I'll be right down," Olivia said and flipped her phone shut.
She grabbed her coat, keys and file on Persephone, then left the empty squadroom.
Olivia almost ran into Fin, who was coming out of elevator just as she was getting in. "What's the rush?" he asked.
"Suspects never sleep, you know," Olivia said and winked.
"Go get your perp," Fin said right before the doors closed again and took Olivia with them.
Olivia met Dana in front of the building, where she was parked. They exchanged details about Persephone and discussed on how to talk her down.
It took them about an hour, but finally they got to Persephone and met her in the middle of her greenhouse, where she was watering tomatoes. Persephone was more focused on her plants, than NYPD detective and FBI agent, who were talking to her about her boyfriend. Finally she caved and gave away his location.
Olivia and Dana got to Gen-Eng foods, where Mitchell was running a demonstration. While Olivia and Dana blended in with the crowd, FBI agents arrested him and brought him to 1-6, where Dana and Olivia took the lead. In the end Mitchell gave away that EDG had something big planned, but that's all – nothing concrete and nothing about Haley's location.
Dana pulled Persephone from her greenhouse and had her locked up so they could interrogate her next, but there was still the question about Haley's rapist.
"Haley's the one we need to find. She's the one, who knows something," Olivia insisted.
"Fun and games are over. I need to know once and for all, if Mitchell is the one that raped Haley," Dana continued.
"Let's go," Olivia said and pointed towards Cragen's office.
"He in his office?" Olivia asked Fin, who was by his desk. Fin shook his head, "Left with Novak a while ago," he said, unable to give them anything else.
"What do you mean?" Olivia asked, "Where did they go?" she added more to Dana than to Fin.
Dana shook her head and headed towards exit, grabbing Olivia's shoulder so she would come with her. They stopped by Olivia's desk, away from curious ears.
"I say we go have a little chat with Persephone and hope that she talks," Dana suggested.
Olivia nod, "We can worry about that DNA later, Cragen really isn't too pleased with this investigation, so I say we don't interrupt whatever he's doing," she said.
"All right, let's go," Dana said.
Both of them grabbed the discarded coats from Olivia's desk and headed towards the elevators, then Olivia's phone rang.
"Benson," she answered.
"Liv, it's me. They're letting me go home," Elliot said at the other end.
"El, right," Olivia said and looked at Dana, while trying to figure out how to handle it, "I have another suspect to interrogate and it might take a while," she said apologetically.
"It's okay, I can call cab or something," Elliot said easily, though he was a little disappointed.
"I'm sorry," Olivia said.
Dana grabbed phone from Olivia and put it against her ear, "Stabler, it's Dana. Olivia will be right there. You just sit tight," she said and ended the call, then returned the phone to Olivia, who was surprised by Dana's actions.
"I thought we were going to talk to Persephone?" Olivia asked.
"You go get your man, I'll go see what the girlfriend knows. If I get anything or if you're needed during interrogation, then I'll let you know," Dana said and waved her hand to let Olivia know that her protest won't get her anywhere.
"All right, keep in touch," Olivia replied and turned around just in time, when the elevator arrived. Dana got in and disappeared from sight. Olivia went to her desk and grabbed the car keys from the drawer, then left squad room again to pick up Elliot.
She got to hospital in record time without breaking any laws. Elliot was ready to leave, he had finally changed out of the hospital gown and had put on his clothes in which he came in. One nurse was in the room checking the machines.
"Ready?" she asked from the doorway.
"When you sign, then I am," Elliot said and pointed at the papers. Olivia got closer, looked over the papers and signed them.
"He's okay to go home?" she asked the nurse.
"Yeah, Mr. Stabler suffered from concussion, but he is good to go home. He needs to stay home for a few days and then I see no reason why he shouldn't return to work," the nurse said happily.
Olivia nod.
The nurse left and returned with Elliot's personal belongings – gun and badge. She explained that they were removed for safety reason. Olivia accepted Elliot's things and put them in her handbag.
Elliot stood from the bed, wrapped his hand around Olivia's waist and the two detectives walked out of the room. Once in the elevator, Elliot removed his hand from around her, but didn't move away from her. Olivia looked up, questions filling her head.
"The nurse flirted with me the whole way, I just wanted to make sure she got that I'm with somebody," he said as it was nothing.
Olivia laughed, "That's what I get for ending up with someone as handsome as you," she mocked.
"Everybody has their cross to bear," Elliot said and did his best to look serious. He kissed lightly the side of her head and took her hand in his, right before the elevator came to stop.
The detectives walked out to their squad car, Elliot taking the passenger seat for change and Olivia drove away.
"Where do you want to go?" she asked.
"Your place?" Elliot asked – he knew where he wanted to be, but he wasn't exactly sure Olivia wanted him there. He was relieved, when Olivia nod and took direction in her apartment.
"How's the investigation going?" Elliot asked.
Olivia shook her head, "We have Mitchell, but he's not talking. I'm hoping Dana has more luck with the girlfriend, but seems like dead ends."
Elliot placed his hand comfortingly on her thigh, his fingers running over the smooth material of her pants. "You'll get the bad guy, you always do," he said soothingly.
Olivia looked at him for a moment, nod slightly and turned her attention back on the road. The rest of the way to her apartment passed in silence. She parked in front of the building and both got out of the car and walked to her apartment hand in hand.
Once inside Olivia placed his gun and badge on the counter, and followed Elliot to the bedroom. Elliot had already removed his shirt and was undoing his belt, when she noticed Olivia's wide eyes, he smiled at her.
"I need a shower," he explained.
"Okay," she said, "I should get back to work."
"Wait, not yet," he said and closed the distance. Elliot wrapped his hands around her middle and hugged her, then his lips found hers and both of them were lost.
Elliot backed her to the bed, when the back of her knees collided with the mattress she came to stop, but Olivia leaned back, so Elliot gave her a little push and they ended up in bed, Elliot pinned her between the mattress and himself. Olivia let out a loud moan, when Elliot pressed his lips against her neck and sucked hungrily. God, he had missed her – Olivia hadn't let him touch her with these intentions since she returned from Computer Crimes and their intimate moment ended with her tears. She let him touch her through items of clothing in non-sensual way, hug her and kiss her, but she refused skin-to-skin contact and she stopped every time his actions could led to something more.
That's why she surprised him, when instead of pushing him away or pulling away, Olivia welcomed him on top of her. His lips moved downwards, but he avoided moving her shirt away from his way. Olivia trailed her hands downwards on his back, getting hold of his belt and started pushing it down.
"Liv," Elliot grunted, he knew once he had started, he won't be able to stop nor does he want to.
Olivia pushed herself from the bed and pulled her sweater over her head, warily Elliot removed her t-shirt she wore and exposed the skin he hadn't touched in almost 5 months.
"God, I've missed you," he breathed out and latched his lips to the valley between her breasts, his hands unclasping and removing her bra, so he had better access to her breasts. He didn't waste time savoring them.
Olivia moaned loudly, "You're not the only one, who has missed it," she said heavily, doing her best to control her reaction to him, her hands were running up and down on his back, familiarizing themselves with him again.
Hungrily his lips found hers and their bare chests collided together. Olivia wrapped her legs around his waist to bring them even closer together. His throbbing hardened length was almost painful against her aching core. Olivia used her legs and help from him to get rid of his work pants, while he undid her belt, then rolled them over so he could relieve her from her trousers.
Elliot ripped her panties into shreds and rolled them over again to gain back the control. With one hand he pushed his boxers down and hovered over her. He stopped himself for a moment to look at her, but all he could see was lust in her eyes and he didn't need other permission to enter her.
"Oh, Liv," he moaned at the much needed contact.
Her moans filled the room as he pushed inside of her. He was subconsciously wary of her reaction, so he kept looking at her and avoided turning his head away at any cost. He did lose sight of her eyes, when he leaned down to kiss her lips, partly to muffle his moans and partly because she was too irresistible.
"God, El," she moaned through the kiss.
Elliot moved to kiss along her jawbone, his fingers going to her clit, which he rubbed. He knew she was close, but so was he. He thrusted into her hard and then he felt her shake, "Fuck, I'm coming," she managed to say.
Elliot smirked before kissing her once again and picking up the pace, but he was already there. He came with a shout of her name, then his lips were on hers again.
His breathing was heavy and his elbows were screaming from holding him up so long, so he allowed himself to collapse on top of her. He could feel her heart slamming against his, his matching hers perfectly.
Her hands were loosely on his sweaty back and she knew that she had to move. Even though she loved Elliot's weight on her, he was crushing her and she really had to go back to precinct. As if Elliot was reading her mind, he wrapped his arms around her and rolled to his back, slipping out of her in the process, but Olivia stayed against his chest.
"I don't ever wanna move," Olivia said, content in his arms.
"You don't have to," he assured her.
Olivia opened her mouth to say something, but she was interrupted by ringing phone. It was her cellphone.
Elliot leaned forward and got the phone from the pocket of her abandoned pants, then gave it to her.
"Benson," she said to the phone.
"Olivia, how fast can you get back to precinct?" Cragen asked, "We might have a break."
"Give me 20," Olivia requested.
Cragen accepted that and ended the call.
Olivia groaned and threw the phone on the bed, "Don't say anything," she warned Elliot.
"I wasn't going to…" Elliot said easily, even though he was going to protest.
Olivia kissed his jawbone and removed herself from his embrace. In a hurry she picked up her clothes and got dressed, while Elliot watched from the bed.
"We are not finished with this, you know?" Elliot said suggestively.
Olivia gave him a half-smile, came over and gave him a quick kiss, "We'll continue, when I get back," she promised.
"Oh yes. I will be waiting right here, in this bed until you do," Elliot said with a smirk.
Olivia rolled her eyes, blew him last kiss and stormed away. She made it back in less than 20 minutes, and Cragen called out as soon as he noticed her come in.
"How's Stabler?" he asked when Olivia got to his office and closed the door.
"He's fine. I hope he's resting and he'll be back in few days," Olivia said simply.
"Good. Glad we have agent Lewis to keep you company, otherwise I'd have to get back on the field," Cragen joked.
"I'd pay to see you do real detective work for change," Olivia continued.
He gave her file Melinda had given him back in the morgue, "How about you do it for now and we'll see if you can manage?" he suggested, then went on to brief Olivia about their new developments.
"This doesn't make sense," She stated, "Why would Haley kill a drug dealer?"
"Revenge," Cragen offered.
"That's why she wouldn't tell me, who raped her," Olivia concluded.
"Or let us run his DNA," Cragen added, remembering vividly the angry phone call he got from Haley before, "If we knew who he was, she couldn't go back and kill him."
"Is there any chance that Zander is connected the Mitchell? Could he be a member of EDG?" Olivia asked, she still had a picture to put together.
"I didn't see any community activism on his rap sheet," Cragen said sadly.
"Then why did he shave her head?" Olivia asked.
"All we know about him is that he was just released from a federal penitentiary," Cragen gave her all his information.
"For drugs," Olivia said, suddenly it clicked, "Haley was an informant before. The feds are the connection."
Cragen nod and Olivia ran away from Cragen's office, straight to FBI HQ, calling Dana on her way so the FBi agent knew to wait for her. As it came out Haley help put Zander Owens away and now she killed her ex-boyfriend and rapist. She also contacted Dana, so Olivia and Dana finally had Haley, who confessed to the crime and was willing to help them stop EDG attack. That also meant Olivia going undercover – Dana failed to talk it through with her, but Olivia wasn't objective that also seemed to make Casey relax about Haley possibly jumping and running away from justice.
They had one day to talk it through, Dana made sure that Mitchell and Persephone were locked up with no communication so they couldn't warn anyone about Persephone being Olivia instead.
Olivia tried to get home at decent hour, because she knew exactly what waiting for her, but despite her best efforts, the briefing took time and when they did call it a night, it was close to midnight and they still had a lot to discuss. Olivia was tired, she just wanted to sleep when she got to her apartment and unlocked the door. It was dark inside, so she assumed, that Elliot was asleep.
She turned on the kitchen light and took off her coat and boots, then opened the fridge, but unsurprisingly it was almost empty. She drank her juice and took a few bites of her leftover Chinese a few nights ago. Satisfied with the food, she turned the lights off and went to the bedroom, where indeed Elliot was sleeping. Olivia savored the moment, when she watched him sleep peacefully, but he was hugging her pillow against his chest.
Unwillingly she went to the bathroom and brushed her teeth, deciding to shower in the morning to get more sleep. Back in the bedroom she changed into his t-shirt and sweats, then climbed to the bed by his side. She had to use surprisingly lot force to get her pillow back from him, but Elliot finally caved and turned onto his back, but he didn't wake up. Olivia got under the covers and turned her back to Elliot as she usually did.
The shifting of bed finally woke him, so he stood to sit and looked by his side, where Olivia was.
"What time is it?" he asked.
"Late, go back to sleep," Olivia mumbled.
"I have a promise to fulfill," he said suggestively.
Olivia turned towards him, "I'm too tired, El," she said apologetically.
He understood, but still he crossed his arms in mock defeat. "You'd better make it up to me," he requested.
"I will," she promised.
Elliot seemed satisfied, he leaned over and gave her a quick kiss, then rolled to his back, waiting for Olivia to curl up to him. That didn't happen, instead she turned to her right side, facing away from him and closed her eyes. Elliot responded by scooting closer, also turning to his right side as his strong arm fell around her, making sure she stayed there. She intertwined their fingers together by her pillow and relaxed.
"Good night," she whispered.
He approved by placing his head on her shoulder and kissing her neck softly, "I love you," he whispered to her ear.
"Right back at you," she said and laughed, her whole body shaking in the process.
Elliot closed his eyes and let himself drift off to sleep again.
The morning came too fast and the annoying ringing of her cellphone woke them up. Olivia reached for her phone to make it stop. It was Dana, who notified her of their plan and made sure she remembered to come in on time.
Thought both Olivia and Elliot were not glad about the rude wakening, it was close to 11 am, so it was time to get up anyway.
When Olivia put her phone back on the counter and made a move to get up, but Elliot grabbed her and forced her in the bed.
"El, what are you doing?" she asked, but she wasn't angry with him.
"You have a promise to fulfill," he said and rubbed his hardened length against her back.
Olivia smiled and turned around in his arms, so she was facing him. She moved one hand to the back of his head and pulled it to her, so she could press her lips against his. He started fighting with her clothing. With that both of them knew that they'll be getting out of bed when they absolutely have to and not a second before.
***SVU***
Olivia made it to FBI HQ just in time. Casey, Dana and some other FBI agents she didn't recognize. Haley was there to tell what she knew about what's happening, though she didn't know much. Dana had grabbed the fertilizer Persephone was supposed to bring. Haley assured them, that Mitchell hadn't introduced Persephone to anyone, so Olivia was safe. Olivia was given clothes to wear, because she couldn't go dressed as Police officer, so she changed, got the fertilizer and it was time for her and Haley to go.
The night didn't went as planned at all. First of all Haley had no plan to give up the plan, instead she knocked out Olivia the moment they were alone and she proceeded to make the explosive they were planning on doing with EDG. As a result Dana had to shoot her informant she had become quite fond of. Though they did manage in arresting suspected EDG members in the building, but Andy - they guy they were after – managed to escape. Olivia was cuffed along with other members and placed in FBI cage with the other suspects.
Dana interrogated everybody and left Olivia to be the last one. Olivia wasn't too happy about it, because she was detective, who had followed orders and now she ended up being cuffed like scum of the year along with other criminals. It was humiliating to be searched in front of everybody by not so gentle FBI agent.
After a long wait Dana was back with their last suspect, who was led back to the cell.
"Is there anyone else we haven't talked to?" she asked, "Well, I guess that just leaves you, miss. Come on." She said as one agent got Olivia.
"What's your name?" Dana asked from the other side of the cell.
"I'm not telling you anything," Olivia said firmly, when another agent led her to interrogation room, Dana hot on their heels.
"You think we haven't had our eye on you for a while, Persephone?" Dana continued as she followed, "Come on," she said, when she took over leading Olivia, politely she thanked the FBI agent, who had taken Olivia before, but they were left alone in the interrogation room.
"Are you okay?" Dana asked the moment they were alone.
"Get these things off me," Olivia requested tiredly – she didn't like being cuffed.
"You were great," Dana complimented, when she started removing the cuffs on her legs and then on her hands. "You gather any intel on Andy?"
"Andy's probably headed back to Oregon," Olivia said all she knew, Andy seemed to be famous for getting away and getting back to home.
"I've got Mitchell and Persephone. Solitary lockdown, No communication with other prisoners, no mail, no phone calls," Dana said as she finished uncuffing Olivia.
"Why?" the detective asked.
"Because," Dana started, "We want you to make bail and jump as Persephone."
"Star I can't do that," Olivia said instantly and stopped rubbing her wrists, where the cuffs were.
"Andy thinks you're a bona fide member of EDG. You have successfully infiltrated. Do you know how impossible that is?" Dana continued.
"Andy Dell has gone back to Oregon," Olivia tried.
"Yeah, I know," Dana said.
"Thank you very much, but I already have a job," Olivia continued to reject, "I have a life here, I have Elliot and we're good. I can't do this."
"For Haley," Dana said.
That did the trick. Olivia looked at her friend, who seemed sincere and hoped for Olivia to accept her offer.
"Give me a phone, I have to talk it through with Elliot," Olivia said and held her hand up. Dana placed her phone in it.
"Your Captain is on his way in to talk through the details," Dana said, but Olivia wasn't paying attention. She dialed Elliot's number and waited for a reply. It was only then, that she remembered that Elliot was supposed to go to his apartment for a night with his kids. He didn't answer, but Olivia left him a message to call her as soon as he gets this. She looked at Dana, took a deep breath and nod – she could do it, for Haley.
Dana pointed towards the exit door and led Olivia to conference room, where Cragen was already sitting. She explained to other FBI agents that Persephone had dealings with NYPD and they decided to combine – not everybody needed to know who Persephone really was.
Olivia took a seat across from Cragen, Dana sat right beside her.
"Could you explain to me, why I had to come in on Saturday," Cragen requested.
"We'd like to borrow your detective," Dana said.
"Seems like you already have her," Cragen said, not getting why he was called in.
"I mean for a few months. Olivia has successfully infiltrated and we'd like to send her undercover," Dana explained.
"That's for Liv to decide if she wants to do it," Cragen said and looked at Olivia.
Olivia nod, "Yeah, I want to do this," she said.
"Suppose we can work out something," Cragen gave his permission.
"Great. Now, officially we can't take Olivia. You need to put her on vacation and we'll sign a contract with Olivia. The case is classified and we wouldn't want anyone to blow her cover," Dana explained.
"I can do that. Olivia has way to much unused vacation days anyway," Cragen said, sharing a quick smile with Olivia, "She's still my detective, so how much can you tell me about her mission?"
Dana shook her head, "Not much, we'll be sending her to Oregon and that's as much as you need to know at this moment. I can also say that even I don't know everything yet, because we're still working out the details, but I promise you, we'll do our best to keep her safe and deliver her back to you," the FBI agent explained.
"Can I tell that to my squad?" Cragen asked.
Dana shook her head.
"Even Stabler?" Cragen asked again with wide eyes.
Dana shook her head again, "Specially not Stabler. He might do something stupid like try to contact her or chase her down, we can't risk it."
"Does Elliot know?" Cragen asked from Olivia.
"He didn't answer," Olivia said.
Cragen sighed – these months without Olivia will be hard, he could still vividly remember the time Olivia was with the computer crimes. Yeah, it's gonna be tough on everyone, when they have angry Elliot to deal with.
"I need to start making phone calls to fill your spot in time you're gone," Cragen said and got up.
"I'll clean my desk by Monday," Olivia promised.
Cragen walked by her, put his hand on her shoulder and said softly: "Be safe out there, because we'll be missing you while you're gone."
"Look out for Elliot," Olivia asked.
Cragen gave affirmative answer and left the conference room.
There was a knock on the door, and Dana instructed the intruder to come in.
"Olivia, this is agent Porter," she said to Olivia, "He'll be your case worker."
"Agent Dean Porter," the guy introduced himself and held his hand out.
"Olivia Benson, NYPD," Olivia said as she took his hand.
Dana excused herself quickly – she had to process the EDG members they had in cell. Agent Porter took the same seat Cragen occupied before and gave Olivia a file.
"This is Persephone Lee James, you need to know everything about her not to blow your cover. Study it," he said, then opened another file in front of him, "We have arranged a place for you to live and we have intel about a meeting taking place on Monday followed by a protest. That's when you'll get together with them," he explained.
"In 2 days?" Olivia asked, her eyes wide.
"We have arranged a judge to come in and see every one of you tonight. We'll post your bail the moment it's announced. You'll go home, pack and then we'll set for Oregon later tonight," Dean continued.
"That's fast," Olivia commented.
"It's FBI, we're always fast," Dean said and winked, "I need to get you back now, the Judge will be here any moment now."
Olivia nod and held out her hands reluctantly. Dean cuffed her again, quickly apologizing for his actions and took her back to holding. His hand was on her lower back just like Elliot places his, and even though Olivia felt guilty, she felt also weird sensation at the contact.
***SVU***
Elliot returned to work on Monday, the last she saw Olivia was on Saturday before she went to meet the feds and he had stayed at his apartment for the past two days. It didn't help that he left his cellphone to Olivia's, but he figured she'll bring it to him on Monday.
He was greeted by Munch and Fin, who were by the coffee machine.
"I thought you got blown up," Munch commented.
"Yeah, well might put me out of my misery, you know?" Elliot joked.
"Welcome home, man. Glad you're okay," Fin welcomed him.
Elliot thanked him, then looked for Olivia "What's up with Liv's desk?" Elliot asked the moment he turned his eyes to her desk and instead of seeing her sitting there, the desk was cleaned out.
"Little early for spring cleaning," Munch said, all of them looking for Cragen now.
"Where's Liv?" Elliot asked the moment Cragen's eyes landed on him.
"Temporary reassignment," Cragen said painfully and came to his detectives.
"Where?" Elliot asked.
"I can's day," Cragen replied.
"She still working with the feds on that eco-terror case?" Elliot asked again.
"Can't say," Cragen replied, but hoped that the detective was able to read him well enough to know that she was indeed where Elliot suspected.
"How long she gone for?" Elliot asked, getting pissed.
"Real estate is at a premium around here," Cragen said heavily, "We need the desk for your new partner."
"My temporary new partner," Elliot corrected Cragen.
"Okay," Cragen accepted, hoping it's the truth, but he was scared that Olivia might start liking working with the feds too much and since she is a fine detective, deep inside Cragen was scared that FBI might make her a better offer.
"She wouldn't leave without saying anything," Munch offered.
"That's something my partner would do, not yours," Fin supported, earning a glare from Munch.
Elliot had reached for Olivia's desk phone and dialed her number in the meantime, paying little attention to Munch and Fin. "What is this, a joke?" he asked when he took phone from his ear.
"What?" Munch asked.
Elliot put it on speaker so others could hear that Olivia's phone is disconnected – she was not using her own phone.
Munch and Fin could easily see the pain in Elliot's face.
"I'm gonna check her apartment. She wouldn't leave without telling me," Elliot was confident. In fact he had to get away because he'd be damned if he let the other detectives see him cry.
He got out, took his car and drove to Olivia's apartment. He let himself in and saw that she had cleaned out part of the place - some of her clothes, her shampoo etc. He did notice an envelope on the bed with his name on it.
He opened it, read the note and sat down on a bed – this can't be. They had just gotten back to a better place. This can't be… He sat and let his tears fall, but in a moment of weakness he did punch the wall, making her knuckles hurt.
***SVU***
Olivia walked through the crowd looking for Andy. Finally she noticed him in front of others, leading the protest against new real estate developer.
She pushed through and to her great luck Andy noticed her. He gave the lead over to someone else and came to Olivia.
"Persephone, right?" he asked.
"That's me," Olivia confirmed.
"What are you doing here?" Andy asked.
"You know feds are after me in NY, thought I'd try my luck here – what we did a few days ago – this is my calling. I wanna fight for out Mother Earth, before mankind destroys it completely," Olivia explained.
"Welcome, Persephone," he said and extended his hand.
Olivia took it and shook it.
Andy returned to the front, while Olivia stayed in her place and started shouting along. Quietly she took out her phone and wrote a text to Dean.
"I'm in."