Chapter Nine: Fibs

Elliot and Fin walked back into the squad room to see Olivia just getting back. She looked at Gabriel's vacant desk and turned to the two.

"Have you guys seen Gabriel? Did he leave early?" She asked and began to pack up her things.

The two remained silent. The most Fin did was just shrug.

Olivia nodded, "I'll see you guys tomorrow." She said with a smile and turned to walk out.

"Olivia!" Elliot said and made his way to her. Fin got in his way, "What are you doin'?" He asked and glanced at Olivia waiting for a reason why she was stopped.

"What if he's planning to attack her next?" Elliot murmured. "She has to know. We can't keep information like that from her."

"She's not gonna believe you, man."

"Maybe not, but it'll get her thinking." He said and walked around him to Olivia.

"Can we talk?" He asked her and they both walked to the elevators.

"What's wrong, El?" Olivia asked and furrowed her eyebrows with concern.

"We came by some background information on Gabriel. We think he's the one who let Harris loose to rape you. He was a prison guard the same year you went to Sealview and he quit right after Harris was killed. Plus, he joined the squad as soon as you left." He said and held out the papers Fin pulled.

Olivia's eyebrow instantly raised, "You're kidding." She said calmly and ignored the sheets of information in his hand.

Now Elliot was the one who was confused.

"If he worked at Sealview, Elliot, then I would've noticed him. I wish I could believe you but none of it connects."

"Liv, this guy let your rapist free. He's even cheating on you. Trust me. It all connects."

"I'm staying with Gabriel, Elliot. I'm sorry but things have changed." She said irritably and pressed the down elevator button.

Elliot felt the tension build up inside of him. His jaw tightened and his muscles strained. There was only one thing left to try before she got on that elevator. In one swift movement, he wrapped his arm around her waist and forced his lips on hers. Olivia closed her eyes for a second and engrossed herself in the kiss. Then the ding from the elevator brought her back to reality. Olivia pushed herself away. Elliot looked at her, waiting for her to say she loved him. Olivia knew that's what he wanted to hear.

"Like I said, things have changed." She whispered, trying to hold back her tears. She lied. She still loved him but couldn't admit it. Two months away from someone won't terminate the intimacy that grew more and more over eleven years. She turned around and stepped into the elevator. She pressed the button and avoided eye contact with Elliot while the doors closed.

Elliot just stood there. Fin came up and stood next to him.

"At least you tried."

He only let out a deep exhale in response.

Olivia walked in her apartment to find it decorated with candles. The lights were dim and there sultry music was playing. Olivia became puzzled and looked to her living room to see Gabriel standing in front of her coffee table, singing along to the sensual Portuguese music and pouring red wine into two glasses.

"What's all this?" She asked, half smiling.

"I just thought we could have a romantic night."

Olivia smiled weakly.

He studied her face, "Maybe this is what you need. Rough day?"

She nodded,

Gabriel smiled sympathetically and gestured for her to sit down on the couch. She took off her coat and sat down; he sat behind her. He instantly began to give her a massage.

"Damn, you weren't kidding. You're muscles are strained. What happened?"

"I was told something that was completely untrue. It wouldn't upset me normally, but it came from someone I trusted."

"Don't let that bother you." He murmured in her ear. He kissed her cheek while massaging her shoulders. He began kissing her neck and his hands traveled further down.

Olivia closed her eyes and relaxed. She melted into his arms as he ran her hands down her sides and under her shirt. The seductive music filled the room and his lips on her neck aroused her.

Suddenly, his hand ran across a scar on her waist. It was one of the scars Olivia got when she was raped. She inhaled sharply. The moments flashed before her and the last thing that crossed her mind was Elliot's concerned voice telling her Gabriel set Harris free.

"What's wrong?" Gabriel asked, still kissing her neck.

Olivia hesitated, "Nothing." She said. He began to slide off her shirt. Olivia was becoming more and more uncomfortable with what he's doing with thought of what Elliot said still lingering in her mind.

Her shirt was halfway off, his hands finding his way in her bra. His touch became cold.

"Gabriel," She exhaled. He took this as a sign to keep going. He smiled into her neck and moved his hand down to her pants and searched for the button.

"I can't," Olivia said, not finishing her sentence. She began to move away from him but his grip got stronger, forcing her to be close to him. Olivia became a little irritated and a bit scared. She pushed herself away and looked at him. He looked confused.

"What the hell?" He demanded.

"I can't do this." She replied and pulled her shirt down.

"Why?"

She couldn't tell him that they were supposedly onto him in a new crime. She sighed.

"It's just been a stressful day." She simply said and stood up. He seemed upset but the part of her believed everything Elliot said didn't care. The part that didn't was telling her to stop being an idiot, take her jacket off, and have a passionate night with this alluring Brazilian man. He looked at her as she put her jacket back on.

"Where are you going?" He asked.

"I'm just going to take a walk for a little bit. When you leave, don't forget to lock the door." She told him and walked out.

Olivia didn't know where she was going to go. At that moment, she wanted to be anywhere but home. Not only will the candles and bottle of wine be there to remind her of the ruined romantic night, the memories she and Gabriel shared will linger in every room. The memories that could've been shared with Elliot.