Disclaimer: This is fanfiction people. FAN… FICTION… That should say it all. They're not mine or we wouldn't still be waiting twelve years later for El and Liv to get together!

A/N: This is my first EO story. I hope I do it justice.

FYI: Here comes the slightly AU portion of the story. In my story, Elliot and Kathy have divorced. Hey, it's my story so I can do what I want! Also, I'm making the time that Olivia had with Calvin a little longer than it actually was.

Comfort. Truth. Hope.

Chapter 2: Truth (2/3)

Elliot closed the door behind him, took off his coat and hung it on a hook. He didn't say a word as he walked over to his partner and best friend. He didn't say a word as he sat down beside her and wrapped his arms around her. Her body tensed next to his momentarily before she relaxed, placing her head on his shoulder.

Olivia felt his cheek rest against the top of her head as he gently stroked her back. He still didn't speak. He simply held her as she cried. He gave her comfort by letting her know that she wasn't alone. He let her know by his actions that there was someone who cared. She'd been wrong; there was someone who would be there for her.

A long time passed before either partner spoke. The only sound in the apartment was the ticking of the clock and Olivia's quiet sobs.

"El?"

"Yeah Liv?"

"Would you have really let me do it?" She asked quietly.

"Yes," he answered softly. He didn't need to ask what she was referring to. After more than a decade of being partners, and nearly as long as best friends, they could read each other almost perfectly.

"You would have just watched as I let Vivian go?" Her voice expressed her incredulity.

"I was ninety-nine percent positive that you wouldn't, but if you had…" his voice trailed off for a moment. "I would have backed your play."

"Why? You were the one asking me how long I was gonna play mom, and you thought that I was stalling about getting the DNA test done." Olivia sat up and turned to look at him.

Elliot looked at her with a tender expression on his face, and reached to wipe her tears away with his fingertips.

"Since Kathy and I divorced, you and I have spent more time together."

It was true, they spent evenings together during the week and spent time together on the weekends; when he didn't have Eli and the twins. Sometimes even when he did have his kids they spent time together, and especially since she'd had custody of Calvin the last few months. They had grown closer, and feelings had deepened, but neither had made any overt moves towards something more.

"We've gotten even closer," he gave a half smile. "I wasn't sure that was possible, but we have. I know you Liv. I've seen how close you've gotten to Calvin, but like I said, you knew this was temporary. I've watched as you fallen in love with that little boy. I love him too, but I knew this day would come, so I held a piece of myself back. You didn't. You gave everything, and it upsets me to see you hurting like this."

"When they dragged him out of there…" her voice failed her, and her face crumpled. The memory of Calvin screaming her name and begging to stay with her was gut-wrenching. She buried her face in her hands. Elliot pulled her into his lap instantly.

"Shh Livvy, I know it hurts baby." He murmured in her ear and made other nonsensical sounds of comfort. He felt his own eyes sting as he listened to her cry.

"I never told you about the day I moved out of the house did I?" He asked after her sobs quieted, and felt her shake her head. "I had picked up Eli to give him a hug goodbye. He wasn't feeling good, cold or something, and he didn't want me to set him down. Finally, Kathy took him out of my arms. He kept reaching for me and calling for me. God, Liv. I could here him screaming for me as I walked out of the house and down the sidewalk. Even though I wanted out of my marriage, I came close to going back and begging to stay. Just so I could be there with him."

"Oh, El."

"That's why it took so long for me to leave Kathy. We both knew it was a mistake to get back together, but she didn't want to go through the pregnancy on her own, and I didn't want my kid to grow up without knowing me. We finally figured out that we were better off apart. For a long time, I thought being there was for the best. Then I realized that being a responsible parent wasn't just about being there, but being happy was a part of it. I can be there for them without them having to watch me and Kath fighting all the time."

"That makes sense. The older kids knew you weren't happy." Olivia told him. He looked at her questioningly and she shrugged. "They talk to me some times."

"I'm glad they have you."

"They know that you and Kathy were sticking together for them, and while they appreciate it, they just want you both to be happy too."

"My kids are something else aren't they?"

"Yeah, they are." Olivia said wistfully. "Cragen was right you know."

"Only partly." Again, Elliot knew what she meant. "You want a family, but you're not so desperate that you would do what he or Hardwicke suggested."

"But I am." She admitted. "I mean, I wouldn't do that, and I couldn't let Vivian go, but I want a family so bad El. I don't have anybody. Simon hardly counts. I don't have any other family. I can't make a relationship with a man work. I want kids, but it's probably too late for me to have one of my own. I've been turned down for adoption. I lost Calvin."

"What about me?" His quiet question stopped her in her tracks.

TBC

Just a quick thanks to all of those who have reviewed. Praise and constructive criticism are always welcome.

I do have one small rant. It really irritates me that people will leave rude comments with just a name and not give you the opportunity to reply to them. It's not like they're even commenting on your work; just giving their 'opinion' on your topic choice.

Here is an example, and just so you know I copied it directly…

"Your and IDIOT! It's done and over. Now you move on and get over the fact that Elliot loves Kathy."

Hello 'tammy' I clearly marked that my story was EO and that it was a romance. If you don't like it DON'T READ IT! Yeesh! Oh, and by the way, re-read your comments before you post them… they might make more sense! LOL

Sorry folks rant over! LOL