Conversations

"Kathy," Olivia stated stiffly, sitting down opposite the woman.

"Olivia," Kathy greeted kindly, understanding the ice between them.

"What do you want?"

"I just want to explain a few things," Olivia nodded, but kept her weary stance, "Elliot and I parted on friendly terms a few weeks ago, and," she stopped suddenly, noting Olivia's shocked expression.

"He didn't tell you?"

"No. We don't talk much anymore," Olivia said, though there was an underlying sadness that permeated her words.

"Well, we separated a few weeks ago, and Elliot moved into an apartment. I guess you can say that he was surprised when I asked him to leave yet again. He thought everything was fine, but he was working more, he wouldn't talk to any of us, but he used to talk to you. I know that he talked to you about everything, and he used to soften after he did. He was gentler, like he was at peace with what happened, and suddenly his calming device wasn't calming him and he didn't know how to deal with it," Noting Olivia's partially angry expression, she quickly stated, "You were his best friend also, not just the person who could calm him," before continuing, "So he got mad, and he had nowhere and no one take his anger out on, so he chose the most liable person, and that was you."

She took a deep breath before continuing, "I know this doesn't excuse him, and that's not what I'm trying to do. All I'm saying is that you are the person who should be with him, who should comfort him, hold him, love him and treasure him. He knows that you love him, and he's just come to grips with the fact that he's in love with you also. Just give him a chance, he's an idiot, but once you have his love, you don't lose it, and I never had it; you did."

Olivia sat speechless in her seat. Finally about to form a coherent thought, she spoke, "I'm sorry that it didn't work out between the two of you, I really am, but if what you say is true then why did he go to you after I told him I loved him. He acted like it was the worst thing in the world and he wanted nothing more to do with me."

"He was afraid. He's never been in love, and he knew what was safe. He's had a family for twenty years and he wanted a comfort zone, a place to feel safe and I let him. I should have told him to move on, and to actually tell you how he felt, but I didn't and I can never be more sorry about that."

Olivia was moved by the woman's heartfelt intentions and spoke gently, "Why are you doing this? I mean, I really appreciate it, but why are you trying to help me?"

"I don't want to see two of the people that I care about make the biggest mistakes of their lives by letting each other walk away. I just want to see the both of you happy, together."

"Thank you Kathy, for everything."

"Call me anytime you want to talk."

"Thank you," Olivia said gently before placing a few bills on the table and leaving the café.

With this new information in mind, Olivia went looking for Elliot, determined to make him talk to her. Elliot, not having decided what to do about the information that Munch had given him, was determined to avoid his partner.

Fortunately, for Elliot, the following day there had been a huge case, and there was no time for personal talk and he was able to avoid any conversation with Olivia. Unfortunately, for Olivia this case didn't seem to be going anywhere and a week later, they were all sleep deprived and no closer to catching the man who had raped and killed at least for women.

"How long do we have to wait to catch the son-of-a-bitch?" Elliot yelled angrily, finding the coffee mug on his desk empty.

"Well maybe if you actually worked instead of grumbled we might get somewhere," Olivia retorted just as angrily.

"What, you need my help to be able to string a few clues together?" He screamed at her, standing in front of where she sat, so that she was unable to move.

"No, Elliot. I'm just saying that four minds are better than three. And I am sure that everyone would appreciate it if you would keep that temper in check," she stated, with her anger barely controlled, but her voice relatively calm.

"What the hell do you mean by that?" He exploded.

"Argh! Elliot, all I am saying is that we could concentrate better if you would just SHUT THE HELL UP!" She bellowed.

"What's going on?" Don questioned as he marched out of his office.

"Nothing," Elliot stated sourly before moving back to his desk, his foul mood apparent.

"Nothing my ass. Look I'm sick and tired of you two not being on the same damn page. Now you are going up to the crib, going to sleep for a couple of hours and work out this damn problem before I suspend you both."

When neither of them moved, he yelled, "NOW!"

Reluctantly, Olivia and Elliot made their way up the stairs, both grumbling and trying to keep as much distance between them. The moment the door to the crib shut, Fin spoke.

"You think that's a good idea?"

"It's the only damn idea I got. Besides, now we can actually work, rather than trying to make sure they don't strangle each other."

"But, Cap, you do realize that if this doesn't work Olivia will leave, for good this time."

Don nodded gravely, "That's why I'm hoping this works."

Both Munch and Fin went back to their work, while Don headed to his office. Meanwhile, Elliot and Olivia were laying in silence, the tension in the air palpable.

Finally, Olivia broke the silence, "Look Elliot, we can't avoid this forever. We need to talk and we might as well do it now."

"I have no intention of talking. I want to rest, and I remember that was what we were ordered to do."

"Yes, but we also have to work out our problems and I refuse to allow this to go on any longer than it already has."

"You refuse, do you?" Elliot asked, the tone of his voice evident.

"Yes, I refuse. I'm sick and tired of being the person who shoulders the blame for everything that is going wrong in your life. I'm sick of being the only person who you hurl insults at, and I'm tired of taking the brunt of your anger. I know I deserve some of it, I haven't made things easy for you, but I don't deserve everything."

"You think you're so perfect. You think that because you're beautiful and sexy that no one can refuse you. Well, news flash, I can. I don't care about you anymore. You've made that impossible, so bugger the hell off. Our relationships finished," he paused noting the tears the fell down Olivia's cheeks and then plunged the dagger in tighter, "For good."

Olivia was overcome with a deep sense of sadness and she raced to the door and ran down the stairs and out the precinct, not noticing the horrified expressions of those in the squad room. She couldn't see clearly as her vision was obscured by tears. She ran, not caring where she was going, and not caring who saw her. She just had to get as far away from Elliot as she could. Because she was crying so much, she didn't see the car as it turned around the corner, but she felt it hit her and the last thing she remembered before falling unconscious was a familiar voice which had cried, "Please don't leave me, I love you."

(I promise they will get together. It just seems like everytime I try, they end up having an arguement and being further apart than they were before. But I promise they will be together. I just know it will happen soon.)