From Hell To Heaven
A/N Review thank yous to Livangel16, DeLene, courtneylovejason, Jennifer Catlin DiNozzo, spacekitten2700, Amanda4Meloni and SteffieDawn. You guys have been fantastic. Also, thank you to Livangel16 for your story alert and raes for adding to favourite author..
Ok, I have to mention it, I got a review from 'ND' and it made me laugh for so long I even showed my friend. "ND:OMFG You guys are idiots. Elliot is with his soulmate KATHY! He has and
always will love her. He has never felt anything other than friendship for Liv. While separated he always thought of Kathy and the kids, never Liv. He even went on a date and all he talked about was Kathy, making the girl he dated say, "I knew you would get back with your wife." so get over it and move on." First of all, I'm not sure you're aware that fanfiction is just that, fiction! As writers, everyone on this site has the right to watch and interpret the shows as they feel. It's not like we're writing for the show, fics are just a way of expressing your ideas. XD
Anyway, here it is, the final chapter! :') It seems strange to be bringing it to a close, especially as it's the first story I ever posted. Of course, it's Liv returning home, because we couldn't let Harris have the last say lol. I hope you like it.
Epilogue
Olivia got home with a feeling of dread; she knew Elliot was going to be mad, he hadn't even liked the idea of her going in the first place, let alone coming back with bruises. She'd sat looking in the rearview mirror for a moment or two, inspecting the markings; they'd fade soon, but not soon enough; Elliot would see them a mile off.
She opened the front door and immediately heard movements in the bedroom; Elliot came from the hallway.
"Hey, Liv, how'd it- Christ, what happened?" He was by her side, his fingers gently grazing her bruises.
"I got in to a bit of a fight." she shrugged, removing herself from his touch with a casual lean back.
"With who?" he demanded.
"Harris." She saw his expression change. "Elliot, don't worry; I took care of myself." She handed him the bloody blade and side stepped him to hang up her coat. He dumped it in the sink, running the tap and then dousing it in copious amounts of straight bleach.
"He dead?" he asked, sounding almost half hopeful, or cautious of what her answer could be. She was home, so that was a good sign.
"And deny him years to rot in jail? Hello no." she said, pouring herself some orange juice.
Elliot didn't like how blaise she was being. "Liv, did he hurt you?"
"Of course he did, he threw me around." she said, sipping her juice, avoiding his eyes.
"Yeah, but are you ok?"
"Probably going to get a reprimand from Cragen in the morning but apart from that." she shrugged; she saw the expression he pulled. She knew what he was asking; she had just confronted and fought her attacker for the third time, he wanted to know if her head was in the right place.
"I'm going to be fine, Elliot." she nodded.
He looked apeased and went back to her bruises. "Damn Liv, why'd you have to go there?" he asked rhetorically under his breath.
"It all started with him Elliot, it had to end with him." He merely nodded in responce.
"Come on," he said, guiding her drink down. "Let's run a bath; help you relax." A hot bath encasing her aching muscles seemed like Heaven.
xXx
A few minutes later they were in the tub. Olivia had never shared a bth before, and it was different to a shower; more romantic and personal, bodies pressed impossibly close together. The hot water was a God sent and as she lay with Elliot, her back to his chest, she let out a deep sigh, feeling relieved after the day she'd had. Elliot was gently kneading her muscles; his fingers resting against her slender collarbones and the pads of his thumbs working against the sensitive skin where the middle of her shoulder met the base of her neck. They were in a comfortable silence, the only sound was the water when they occasionally moved and their breathing in unison.
"You know I love you, right?" His tone sounded unsure, uncharacteristic for him.
"Of course I know." she smiled. "I think I knew even before you did."
He chuckled along; in the beginning, many years ago when they still had a purely professional friendship (if that were ever possible), he would occasionally catch himself thinking about Olivia. In truth, he had sort of stumbled on to his feelings for her and then found it difficult to hide them for so long; obviously Liv had noticed this years before him.
"I mean it Liv, you're so special to me." She didn't recognise the tone to his voice and looked round in concern. She saw the moisture in his eyes, even as he tried to look away.
"El, what's wrong?" She rarely saw him like this.
"I'm just glad you're ok." he said, with a shrug, which she saw was forced. "You know, with everything that's happened, I guess it's a miracle that I still got you." She knew what he was saying, even if he couldn't say it; he thought he had lost her.
"You'll always have me, El. i'm not going anywhere." He nodded along, felt his hands close protectively around her. She rested her head against his chest, the water lapping around her shoulders. "I love you, El. I always will." she mumbled, snuggling against him.
xXx
When they were done and draining the tub, Olivia realised she had nothing to change in to; she could make a dash to the bedroom but Elliot's expansive windows meant the whole opposite building could see her. Elliot had already slid on his fresh shorts and pants, and noticed her predicament.
"I can help with that." Elliot smiled. He plucked something from the cupboard. olivia cocked an eyebrow when he revealed a pink bad with the brand name on the front in swirly lettering.
"I was just going to leave it there and let you find it but-" he trailed off with a shrug as she looked inside. She gasped and lifted it out excitedly.
"El, this is," she gently felt the soft silk of her short dressing gown as he smiled, watching her expression. 'He is so perfect.'
"You like it then? i wasn't sure on the colour." he added. The material was a deep blue, her favourite; she had never been much of a 'girly-girl' so pink was a definite no-no.
"It's beautiful." she smiled, slipping her arms in and loosely around her waist. "What do you think?" she absently asked, inspecting herself.
"You look great." he mused, happy to see her smile. "You're so beautiful; you don't even see how perfect you are."
"You should see me in the morning," she joked. "No makeup, hair's a mess," she teased.
"I have seen you in the mornings, you look incredible." he said, standing behind in the mirror, his arms on her hips.
They looked perfect together, it was like looking at a photograph as they caught each other's eyes in the reflection. She smirked as he gently kissed her neck, careful of the tender markings. She faltered for only a second as Harris flashed in her thoughts, the bruises serving as a reminder. He felt her tremble as it ran through her. He moved to kiss the sensitive skin behind her ear.
"It's all in the past, Liv." he said in a husky tone, making her feel like she was melting. She nodded. 'i won't let anything hurt you. Never again.'
He looked at her questioningly as she opened her robe, but she merely peeled the sodden gauze from her ribs. He looked disapproving as she disgarded it in the trash, but she needed to feel free of everything Amanda and Harris had done. Once she was free of bandages and tied her gown back up she looked defeatedly in to the mirror.
"I look a right sight." she sighed, looking at her scattering of bruises , scabbed knuckles and wet hair.
"No." Elliot said, shaking his head. "You're still my princess." he said in her ear. It sounded silly and ridiculously cliche, but she knew he meant it. She giggled in response, feeling foolishly like a lovesick teenger. "Come on, there's something I want you to see." He took her hand and led her from the bathroom. As they approached the bedroom she smiled. But was left in awe when he opened the door. The bedroom was completely changed.
"Elliot, you did all this?" she asked in amazement.
"Well, you were gone all day; I had to do something with my time." 'Besides going crazy with worry.'
She stepped inside and gazed around. His voice was suddenly serious. "I want you to feel appreciated Liv. This is your home too now, and I want you to feel like you belong, because you do." 'I'll do everything I can to make you happy.' he added cheesily, unsure to say it aloud.
The blue colour scheme was gone, replaced with reds and golds. The simple curtains were now long and shimmering, delicatesequin designs reflecting the light. the aged, bulky bed was replaced with a new frame; a high headboard, with ornate metal delicately curving in spirals, golden butterflies adorning the very centers.
Liv smirked and clasped her hand over her mouth. "You don't mind sleeping in such a girly room?"
"No, not for you." he smiled. "And I'm having the carpet changed next week."
She smiled, overwhelmed by it all. He had replaced the shaving equipment on the chester drawers with a patterned cover, a crystal vase filled with glass beads and flowers. He knew it wasn't much, but it was a step in the right direction. He watched her eyes scan the room, finally landing on her bedside table, where he had added a framed photograph of her mother, their favourite photograph together and a small gift box. She looked up at him with a mixed expression. He took her handand led her across the room. He settled her on the edge of the bed, knelt down before her and picked up the small box. He saw the panic and shock in her eyes as she covered her mouth and he took her hand, her eyes wide.
'Ohmygodohmygodohmygod' her thoughtd raced, her heart pounding to keep up.
"Liv, I know this is probably toon soon, and you're not ready and you don't want to rush things,"
"El-"
"No, please let me finish." She nodded, looking anxiously between his beautiful eyes and the velvet box. "I know this is scaring the hell out of you, and I'm sorry for springing it on you after the day you've had. But I-" he paused, he was never very good when it came to expressing his emotions. He felt her hand on his shoulder; she could always read him like a book. "When you were gone, when they'd taken you, I realised just how important you are. I mean, I always knew, I just wasn't sure you knew." he fumbled, mentally kicking himself for getting flustered.
"I know, El." she said, gently touching his cheek with a look that melted his heart.
"Liv, I can't imagine my life without you in it, I just can't. Not being able to see you everyday, or come home to you, or wake up beside you, it would kill me." She saw the sincerity in his eyes and squeezed his hand. "I'm ready to spend the rest of my life with you, Liv. To be your husband and everything that comes with it. I don't care if you want 1 baby or 100, I'd give you that, Liv. Even if it meant 18 years down the line we end up with a stroppy daughter who insists on dating a motorcycle punk." They chuckled, a deep rumble in his chest making her stomach knot deliciously as moisture beaded in her eyes.
He opened the box to reveal her ring. She couldn't help but gasp when she saw it. It was a delicate silver band that seemed to rope around like ivy. The stones themselves were gorgeous, a big one in the middle, framed in a cascading effect by a series of smaller ones; all of them twinkling like stars. "Elliot that must have cost a fortune." she half scolded.
"You're worth it, Liv." Her lipspuckered slightly in a blushing smile. He lifted the ring out, revealing it attached to a long, thin, equally beautiful chain.
"I know you're feeling overwhelmed." Liv scoffed at the understatement. "But I don't mind waiting Liv. This is a promise, that when you are ready to put this ring on and take the next step, then all you have to do is say so." She looked anxious; she wanted nothing more than to spend the rest of her life with Elliot, but suddenly being faced with a life long committment was daunting. He reached up with the chain; she ducked her head, allowing him to place it gently around her neck. The ring settled just below her bust. She turned it over between her fingers a few times before looking up at him. He looked so vulnerable kneeling in front of her, so happy and yet so scared of being rejected. She leaned in to him, placing her lips against his and felt him relax in to it. She guided him up off his knee, knowing it must be killing him by now.
She pulled him on top of her and hungrily pulled him impossibly closer. He responded amoursly, his hot hands seeming to be everywhere at once. Their clothes were quickly stripped away and soon the only thing against between their naked bodies, amongst the soft caress of the silky sheets, was the ring. It pressed against her skin as well as his, a delicious reminder of their love as he shifted his weight above her. He showered her in gently nipping kisses before their two bodies finally became one.
xXx
Olivia's eyes slowly opened to the darkness and it took her a moment in her new surroudings to rememebr where she was. Before she got anxious, as though reading her mind, Elliot's arms fell around her in his sleep. She gave a soft moan at the warmth, before gently shifting to sit up. She eased her legs from under the covers, careful not to disturb Elliot. She could hear rain hitting the window, and as a clap of thunder exploded in light, she realised what must have woken her. As she placed her feet down she felt something smooth, not the sturdy carpet. She pulled her robe from the floor; despite its sentimental value it had been haphazardly disgarded in their urgency hours before. She dusted it off and slid it on.
She padded from the bedroom across to the kitchen for a glass of water. she spied the knife in the sink, could smell the bleach burnng in her nose. She gave a sigh and turned her back on it. She settled by the window, wrapping the throw blanket, from the back of the couch, around her. She sipped her drink, soothing her dry mouth, but her eyes gazed out the window.
She turned the ring over and over in her fingers, feeling very conscious of it against her skin. She wanted nothing more than to be with Elliot, so why was this so difficult? Why did the innocent piece of jewellery scare her so much? It's just a ring, but the committment it represents is daunting. 'The rest of my life is a long time.' she thought, trying to think how she felt about that. 'Elliot's committed, he's proved that. So why can't I?' she wondered pleadingly.
Every relaitonship she'd been in had had its faults; all relationships did, right? It had either ended with the guys running from committment, or she did. She wanted nothing more than a family, and Elliot could give her that. 'He's already said he wants at least one baby. That's enough, right? Hell, it's more than I've ever had.' she sighed, setting her drink on the table and removing the chained ring to inspect it.
'We fit so perfectly together.' she smiled; even when they fought they always fixed it. And it was true, they were perfect together, they complimented each other beautifully, even their opposites were somehow matched. His heavy boots beside her favourite heels. His strong black coffee in the morning while she sipped her orange juice. Even his heavy duty toothpaste laying alongside her delicate dental floss.
She smirked, pulling her knees up to her chest, thinking of them sweetly. 'His hair has always been receeding, like Bruce Willis,' she smirked. 'But then again I have enough hair for us both.' she chuckled softly. They were meant to be, and now she was realising it.
His strong hands wrapped around her smooth hands. His broad, sturdy chest and arms encasing her curvaceous frame. Even his sometimes rough stubble grazing against her soft skin. He would do anything, give anything, for her and he wasn't going anywhere. She couldn't lose that to fear of committment.
She unhooked the chain, disgarding it on the table and allowing the ring- her ring- to fall in to her palm. She slipped it on her slender finger, holding her left hand up admiringly. She smiled beautifully as she padded back to the bedroom quietly, dropped her robe and slid in to the deliciously warm arms of her boyf-no, her fiance.
She snuggled closer, placing a kiss on his scorchingly hot chest. His arms unconsciously tightened around her, pulling her close. She could catch his intoxicating scent, mixed with the light aroma coming from her flowers beside their bed. She couldn't stop her smile as she thought of the ring on her finger, what her dress might look like, and if their children would have Elliot's blue eyes, her lucious brown locks.
In little over a week her life had gone from Hell to Heaven; her nightmares were behind her and now all she had to do was get anything she ever wanted. And she'll start with the expression on Elliot's face in the morning when he spies her hand.
A/N Like it? Reviews would make me so happy for my final chapter x As for my regulars, you know who you are ;) You guys kept me motivated and confident, even though I was very conscious of what people might think. A massive thank you to everyone who has read, reviewed, added alerts, and most importantly, followed the story through to the end. Love, Kirsty XX