Chapter 4- Sleep. Nothing More.

*Olivia's POV*

I woke up the next morning to the sight of the sun beaming through my bedroom window. I couldn't get my mind off Elliot, or that kiss we had shared. Our first kiss. It was the most magical, passionate, tender, sweet, and comfortable kiss I'd ever shared with anyone, and I look forward to many more amazing kisses to come. My thoughts are interrupted by the ringing of my cell phone.

"Hello?"

"Liv. Hey. It's Nick. Listen, I know it's your day off but Fin called in sick and Rollins is out working another case and we are swamped. Is there any way you can come in today?"

"Sure. Let me call my nanny and I'll be there in half an hour."

"Thanks, Liv. See you then."

I hung up the phone and dialed Lucy's number.

"Hello?"

"Hey Lucy, it's Olivia. Is there any way you can watch Noah today? I just got called into the office at last minute."

"Olivia, I'm so sorry but I'm with some friends in the Hamptons all weekend. I can try to come bac-"

"No," I interrupted her. "I don't want to spoil your fun! I'll figure something else out. Have a great time with your friends!"

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"Thank you! Again, I'm so sorry!"

"There's nothing to apologize for, sweetheart. Talk to you soon."

"Bye, Olivia."

I hung up the phone and began to explore my options. I could take Noah to work with me. After all, I am the boss. But on the other hand, I prefer to keep him away from the squad room, especially on chaotic days. A little boy shouldn't be exposed to the things that I work with on a daily basis.

I thought of other people who might be able to watch him. Elliot's name eventually crossed my mind and I dialed his number. He answered on the first ring. I asked if he would mind watching Noah for the day and he happily agreed to do so, saying that he would "love to spend the day with him."

Twenty minutes later, Elliot arrived at my apartment and I left the two loves of my life to have their fun and I went off to work.

*Elliot's POV*

Noah and I had quite the day together. We went for a walk in Central Park, swung on the swings, played ball, and then went home to watch TV. I realized that I was quickly falling in love with this little guy. It's no surprise. He's just like his mother, and I fell in love with her within five minutes of meeting her. We became best friends quickly and I'd always wanted more, but my marriage held me back. This time around, I was free of any strings that could hold me down and I was determined to pursue a romantic relationship with Olivia Benson.

She arrived back home around 5 P.M. and I fixed dinner for the three of us. After we ate, we went into the living room and watched TV until about 8:00. Liv took Noah to bed and I began to gather my things. When she came out she asked, "What are you doing?"

"I'm just getting ready to leave."

"You're leaving?" She asked.

"Aren't I supposed to?" I replied.

"Not right now. At least you don't have to if you don't want to. I was hoping to spend a little alone time with you now that Noah is asleep."

I smiled, intrigued and excited by her invitation. She beckoned me over to the couch and I obeyed. We cuddled in silence as she flipped through channels to find something exciting to watch. Eventually she came across "The Sound of Music" which was playing on ABC Family. I knew it was her favorite movie. It always had been. We watched the movie and when it was over, I began, again, to gather my things.

As I was doing so, she came up behind me, wrapped her arms around my waist, and grabbed my hands, stopping me from what I was doing. "Stay," she said.

I turned around and she immediately sensed the confusion written across my face.

"I want you to. Please." She pleaded.

"Liv, I want to. I really do. But as tempting as that sounds, I need to be a gentleman. You deserve to be treated with so much love and respect and I don't want to spoil what we have by staying here tonight. I want to take this slow and when we do finally make love to one another, I want it to be the most magical and beautiful thing that either of us has ever experienced."

"Sleep," she said. "Nothing more. All I want is for you to hold me tonight. I agree that we need to take this slowly and take steps in this relationship as they come naturally. When the time is right, we will know. But I think that, having been in love for sixteen years, we're ready to sleep next to one another."

"Are you sure about this? I don't want to move any faster than you're comfortable with."

"El, I love you. I've loved you for forever. This evening has been amazing and I don't want it to end. So I'm asking you, please, will you just hold me tonight?"

"Yes. Of course I will." I said.

Liv, though independent, was fragile. I didn't want to hurt her in the least but if this is what she wants, what she needs, then I will happily hold her through the night.

She brought me another pair of sweats of mine that she'd kept. I went into the bathroom, changed into the sweats and walked out to see sitting up against the headboard of the bed, reading a book. The sight of Olivia in the glow of the lamp at her bedside was breathtaking. The way her eyes focused on the words she was reading and the way her forehead crinkled when she got confused by the story may just be the cutest thing I've ever seen. Everything about her amazed me. From the way her body moved when she walked to the way her nose crinkled when she laughed. The way she talked to a victim with sympathy and love never ceased touch my heart. She was the love of my life and I would do anything to make her happy.

*Olivia's POV*

He walked over to the bed and slipped under the covers. I placed my book on the nightstand and he extended his arm around my shoulders and I nestled my head into the crook of his neck. As he wrapped his arm around me more completely, I slid my hand up his torso, resting it on the left side of his chest. I snuggled in closer and laid my head on the right side of his chest. Our breathing became synchronized and I quickly fell asleep to the steady sound of his heartbeat.