Chapter Twelve

Olivia knew he was there but didn't acknowledge it. She hoped he wouldn't think she wanted him to leave, because she didn't. Elliot opened the door more. She didn't even look away from the window, but he didn't want to leave. He cautiously walked over to the corner of the bed where she was sitting. Even though he knows so much about rape victims and so much about Olivia, he didn't know what to say or do. Talk- don't talk, giver her space, or hold her close. He stood next to the bed thinking about what to say and then decided not to even think about it. Just do what felt right. He sat next to her and put his arms around her pulling her closer so her head was now resting on his chest. When he pulled her close he could feel her shoulders tense up then slowly relax. He chose the right action. They sat in silence looking out the window together. She lightly ran her fingers over his LIVstrong tattoo while he gently smoothed her hair.

Olivia hadn't slept all night so she snuggled up closer to Elliot. With his protection she could finally get some sleep. As her breathing slowed into long, sleepy breaths, Elliot kissed her head and tightened his grip even more. Elliot propped himself up on a pillow without disturbing Olivia and they slept in each other's arms the rest of the morning.

Olivia woke up expecting to reach out and feel Elliot sleeping next to her, but she didn't. She climbed out of bed and walked into the living room. She saw him through the window connecting the Kitchen to the Dining area which was also connected to the living room. He was facing the stove and holding a phone to his ear. Olivia walked through the small archway and stood by the counter silently. He was making pancakes.

"No, I let her sleep in… yeah she slept," he said turning to her and winking causing her to smile, "She's holding up really well… I- but Captain… I need to do something… ahh… fun. Will you at least keep us filled in?" He clicked the button off and out the phone down while flipping pancakes with the other hand.

"Didn't know you could cook," Olivia said unable to hide her smile.

"Well, I'm not all looks and books," he joked. They sat and ate their breakfast together chatting casually. After a couple of seconds of awkward silence Elliot spoke.

"So, Olivia, Cragen still won't let us work so I thought we'd run around having fun today, then tomorrow I'll probably force my way into the station and demand they let me help with your case," uh-oh. He called it 'her case'. She didn't seem to mind, but he knew she did.

She's putting up that block… she's pretending to accept it… he knew he shouldn't bring it up again.

"So I guess I can have Casey over then?"

"Olivia, this is your life and your apartment, you can do what ever you want."

"I know I was just making sure she would be a good enough body guard for the thirty seconds your gone… or should I call in border patrol to come baby-sit me…?" she joked mocking his overprotective nature.

"Oh, no, no, no… I'll have someone babysitting you. End of discussion," Elliot added when Olivia tried to object. She playfully slapped him on the shoulder. She hated being baby-sat like this, but this is one of the ways Elliot Stabler shows he cares, meaning protecting her is caring.

Maybe it showed… love? Olivia dared to think… to hope…

Out of nowhere Elliot says, "How 'bout Friday?"

"What?" Olivia asked genuinely confused, reflecting on what they had been talking about to see if she missed something.

"Our date."

"What?" she said still trying to piece together his statements.

"Well, if we're going out, we have to actually go out.

"What?" she asked again unable to come up with a more suitable response.

"Yeah, I don't know. I think it's the same thing as dating and not just literally going out somewhere. Actually, when you go on dates you do go out… or at least you'd think you would…" he said rambling but keeping it cool and calm.

"We're dating?" Olivia asked completely dumbfounded, but there was still a hint of hope n her voice.

"Yeah, I thought so," he said shrugging his shoulders, he was really enjoying this, he knew it would confuse her.

"Did I screw it up? Was I supposed to ask first?" he kept playing along. He purposely didn't ask first.

"No, El, I just thought I'd know if we were dating and since we are, you're the best boyfriend I've ever had. Like you said that one day, working with you is the longest relationship I've ever been in."

"Oh, Liv, I told you to forget about that- I was angry and-"

"No, no, you were right and I'm not mad, El, this is all very amusing, surprising, and completely… wonderful!"

"Well, I am wonderful," Elliot said. Olivia slapped his arm playfully as she always did.

"Ok, so date Friday, but what are we going to do today?" Olivia asked.

"I don't know, but I've got some plans."

Wow guys I'm soooo sorry. I just realized that even if I have it set for thoughts on Microsoft word, it doesn't carry over when I load the document onto the site to post it…

I'm really sorry if that was confusing because there was no way to tell when they were thinking or not.

I'm really sorry… forgive me???