Chapter 5: Struggles and Cuddles

Disclaimer: I do not own.

A/N: I have decided to enter two chapters today. Aren't you happy? Ok, well, this chapter is kind of short, but all of mine are. LOL. And in case anyone wants to know, the fifth Harry Potter movie comes out July 13, 2007 and the last book comes out July 21, 2007. I was so happy when I read this in the paper I figured I should share it with you all! I may not update tomorrow, I have to go somewhere I really don't want to go. So, without further ado, I give you, chapter 5.

"Elliot!" Olivia screamed as she bolted up in bed. It was only a dream, she told herself, only a dream. Suddenly, Elliot burst into the room, gun drawn. Olivia screamed again and pulled the covers up to her neck.

"Jesus, Elliot!" she breathed a sigh of relief and let the covers fall back into her lap. "What are you doing here? I thought I told you that I was fine and that you should go home."

"You did. I just didn't want to leave you alone tonight." He answered. "And now, I'm glad I stayed. What happened?"

"Nothing it was just a nightmare. No big deal." She said lying back down.

He knew better than to push it. When she had woken up back at the precinct she had asked to see the picture again. After looking at it she had gotten up, gone into the bathroom, and thrown up. When she had returned she had regained control of herself. She had seemed like her old self, but Elliot knew better. He had taken her to dinner then brought her home. She had changed into sweats and an NYPD shirt and they had talked for about an hour. Then, at about 9:30 she had said she was going to bed. She also said that he could leave. But he hadn't.

"Elliot." He snapped back to the present. He looked at her.

"I'll be on the couch if you need me."

"Wait, Elliot." She called as his hand touched the doorknob. "Could you just sit with me? At least until I fall asleep?"

"As long as you want, Liv." He said sitting on the edge of her bed. She smiled.

"And don't you try anything, mister." She said, making a weak attempt at humor.

"Wouldn't dream of it." He smiled back.

Except, he did dream of it. Soon, he too was asleep. A little while later Olivia rolled over in bed and unconsciously grabbed hold of Elliot's hand. They were both asleep, but if one of them were to have opened their eyes, they would have seen that they were sleeping almost nose to nose. But outside the window someone did notice, and they snapped plenty of pictures.

Elliot woke up first. He looked over at Liv. She was turned away from him, but was gripping his hand. He smiled, she hadn't had another nightmare. He untangled his fingers from hers and stood up. He stretched and made his way into the kitchen. He put on a pot of coffee and sat on the couch. He sighed; Liv was hurting and he couldn't help her. He looked up when she walked over to him.

"Hey." She said sitting next to him.

"Hey." He replied. "How do you feel?"

"I feel," she paused. "I feel safe." She blushed slightly when he smiled.

"Good." He said. She smiled up at him and laid her head on his shoulder. She snuggled up next to him and closed her eyes when he put his arm around her shoulder. He grinned in surprise. She had never done this before. He didn't mind of course, he just didn't know how to proceed. He didn't know how she really felt, hell, he didn't even know how he felt about…this. She shifted a little next to him and laid her hand on his chest. He looked down and realized she had fallen asleep again. Outside, someone took a picture.

Olivia jumped awake a few hours later when she heard a knock on her door. She looked up at Elliot, who must have fallen asleep too. She detangled herself from him and looked out the peephole. She couldn't see anyone so, rubbing sleep from her eyes, she opened the door and stepped out into the hallway. Suddenly, someone grabbed her around her waist and neck. She tried to scream but couldn't. Whoever was holding her was strong.

"Elliot!" she finally managed to choke out. He stirred but didn't wake up. "Elliot!" she screamed when her attackers' hold on her slipped a little.

Elliot jumped up and turned to see Olivia struggling with somebody outside the door.

"No!" he whispered.

Olivia watched his face. Fear was quickly replaced by rage. Pure anger. She had never seen him look so terrifying before.

"Shit!" her attacker yelled behind her. "Son of a bitch told me you was alone!"

Olivia tried kicking him again but he was too strong. She was beginning to black out. She looked back at Elliot and her heart stopped. He looked absolutely terrifying. His eyes appeared to be on fire and he had drawn himself up to his towering 6'3 height. He turned and grabbed his gun. He aimed quickly and pulled the trigger. His shot was true and her attackers' brain matter spattered the wall behind them. She fell with him; he still had a strong grip on her. Then, Elliot was beside her, wrenching the guy's arms off of her. He scooped Olivia up into his arms and carried her back into the apartment. He kicked the door shut and sat her on the couch.

"Are you okay?" He asked, though his eyes were still on fire.

"Elliot, I'm fine. Please calm down, you're starting to scare me." He looked at her for a full minute and his face softened. Tears sprung into his eyes and his mouth twitched.

"Elliot? El, what's wrong? I'm okay." She kneeled on the floor next to him and looked him straight in the eye.

"He almost killed you…I killed him. Oh, God." He started to shake. "I just got so mad. I was so scared that he was going to kill you." He brushed some hair out of her eyes.

"Elliot…" she whispered. Then she sealed their fate. She pulled him to his feet and wrapped her arms around his waist. He hugged her tightly. They didn't know how long they stood like that, but when they pulled apart they both realized they were crying.

"Liv." He said, gently touching her cheek. "Liv, I'm so sorry." She closed her eyes and leaned into his chest once more.

"IAB is going to have your head for this." Her voice was muffled by his shirt. He laughed and smoothed her hair. He pulled away a little and looked into her tear-stained face.

"Liv, what-?" But she cut him off.

"One thing at a time." She pulled away from him and took out her cell phone. She gave CSU the necessary information and closed her phone. She turned to Elliot. "They'll be here in 10 minutes. Do you mind handling this while I take a shower?"

"No, not at all." He said. After all, the dead body on her doorstep was his fault.

TBC

Please R&R!!!!