Disclaimer: See chapter 1.

Elliot was still stunned by the news that Olivia had dropped on him. He still looked at her with wide eyes, his mouth slightly open.

"Um, but Liv, you said he didn't…"

He couldn't finish that statement. He didn't want to think about the pain it caused her and the pain it caused him that he wasn't able to save her before that happened. He swallowed and looked at her.

"El, I'm sure he didn't. I know he didn't. The only other person I have done that with is you."

"You mean?"

"Yeah, yeah, it's yours. We're having a baby."

Olivia had tears in her eyes and she looked away.

"What's wrong, honey? And don't say hormones."

"This is just…it's a miracle. It feels like a dream."

"What do you mean?"

"I, I, it feels like yesterday we were just partners and you were still married to Kathy, and now we're having a baby and we're finally together. It all feels so unreal."

Elliot pulled her to him.

"I'm real, baby, and I'm not going anywhere. Olivia, I love you more than you can imagine. I will love this baby and be there for it no matter what."

Olivia wrapped her arms around him.

"This isn't a dream. It's real. I'm here and I love you."

"I believe you, El. Hold me tight and never let me go."

"Never, baby."

They stayed embraced together before Olivia's stomach grumbled. Elliot chuckled.

"Hungry?"

"Starving."

She smiled and he got up, pulling her up with him. He tugged her into the kitchen and set her in the chair at the bar. He went into the kitchen and began cutting up some chicken breasts that he had pulled out earlier. He diced it into cubes and pulled a large pan out. He poured some canola oil in it and slid the breast into the pan. It sizzled as it seared. He then pulled the packaged stir-fry vegetables out of the freezer and cut the bag open.

"I hope you like stir-fry. It's one of the dishes I learned how to cook."

"It smells delicious. I love it already."

Elliot smiled and checked the chicken. It was finished and he added the vegetables. He stirred it and added the sauce to it, stirring it again. He put the lid on and then pulled a medium sauce pan out of the cabinet. He filled it partway full of water and set it on the stove to boil. He set a box of rice next to the stove and waited for the water to start boiling.

"Who taught you how to cook it?"

"Uh, Fin, if you can believe that. One of the girls he dated taught him and he taught me."

"I would've never pictured him one of the cooking type."

"I didn't either, but he's damn good."

"Come to think of it, I've always thought you two didn't like each other. What changed?"

Elliot checked the water and stirred the mix before replacing the lid and turning back to Olivia.

"Well, one night, after the Beltway rape case, he took me out for drinks. We talked and come to find out we have a lot in common."

"Wow, really?"

"Yeah, he brought up that his girl taught him how to cook stir-fry and I've always wanted to know how to make it, so he taught me."

"So are you two pals now?"

"No, but we've come to understand why we do what we do how we do it."

She raised her eyebrows at him in confusion.

"It's a guy thing."

She chuckled at him. He turned around and poured the rice into the boiling water, put the lid on, and turned off the heat. He checked the mix and noticed it was ready. Once the rice was finished, he plated the stir-fry and moved over to the bar. Olivia poured a little soy sauce on top and took a bite.

"Mmm, this is delicious! Remind me to tell Fin thanks for teaching you to cook."

"Hey! That's supposed to be between you and me!"

"Oh, just like your sweet side?"

"Too late for that."

Olivia chuckled and they finished dinner making small talk. Olivia moved to clear the dishes when the nausea hit her. She ran to the bathroom and threw up dinner. Elliot held her hair and rubbed her back gently. He ran a washcloth under the sink and handed it to her. She took it gratefully. She wiped her face and leaned up.

"That sucks because dinner was very good, the first time."

"I know, but it'll be over soon enough."

He kissed her head and helped her up off the floor. She brushed her teeth and Elliot guided her to the couch.

"You watch TV and I'll clean up, okay?"

She nodded and he cleaned up dinner. When he came back, Olivia was dozing off. He sat down next to her and she opened her eyes and was back in the room. She leapt off the couch and went to the wall. She whimpered softly. Elliot jumped up and went to her slowly. He had his hands up and spoke softly to her so as not to startle her.

"Baby, Olivia, it's okay. It's me. You're safe. You're home. Olivia, look at me. You're safe."

Olivia finally focused on him and breathed deeply. She broke down sobbing. He wrapped his arms around her gently. She jumped at first, but then sunk into them. It wasn't long before the sobbing stopped and her breathing evened out. Elliot knew she was asleep. He lifted her into his arms and laid her in her bed. He covered her and went out to sleep on the couch. He punched the cushions in anger, more to himself than anything else. He collapsed on the couch, but sleep wouldn't come for him. He stared at the ceiling and waited for the screams to come.

AN: I know it's short, but it's something. My muse has been lazy. I hope you enjoy this chapter!