A/N: Just a little oneshot that was inspired by the last OC 'Diplomatic Solution.' Dedicated to my dear friend Marissa (CrimeShowDevotee) who gets to marry the love of her life this weekend. Mostly fluff/comfort and smut, but a trigger warning for PTSD applies in one scene. There's also a scene that deals with the topic of Dementia so please proceed with caution with those scenes. Thank you to 13Starbuck42 for beta reading :)
He gave her the key to his place a month after they'd stood in her kitchen and she'd told him she wasn't ready.
They had talked off and on since then. Their conversations weren't very in-depth; just occasional check-ins through text, and a time or two they had lunch or coffee. It wasn't that they were avoiding the hard conversations... They were just busy.
At least, that's what they told themselves.
The conversations they needed to have weren't the kind that could be done over the phone or on a thirty minute lunch break, but Elliot didn't want to push. The ball was in her court and whatever happened next had to go at her pace. He would wait however long it took, but he couldn't deny that the waiting was killing him. He wanted them to work through things, but worried if he brought it up and pushed too hard, she would run.
On the other hand, she had told him once that he hadn't asked her anything about her life in the ten years he'd been gone, and he didn't want her to think that by not doing so he didn't care. Because that wasn't true in the slightest; he loved her and wanted to make her happy. He just didn't think he deserved her.
He planned to try today, but she had to cancel their lunch plans because of a case. He told her he understood and that he would bring something for her anyway because he wanted to make sure she'd still eat. He could practically see her eyes roll through the text.
I'll be fine, El. I've got snacks in my desk drawer.
Just wanna make sure you're healthy, partner. Do you have enough water? I've got bottles in my fridge.
I assure you I am well hydrated, Detective. I'll talk to you later.
Good luck, Captain.
He decided to take Kathleen to lunch instead, and he should've known the topic of his former partner would come up.
"So, how's Liv?" she asked after taking a sip of iced tea as she sat across from him.
"Oh, I think she's fine. Just working a lot."
His daughter, ever the hopeless romantic, gave him a look. "Dad, come on. That's all?"
He sighed. "We haven't talked much, Katie. Life is just-"
"Don't pull that bullshit with me, dad."
"Language."
Kathleen raised an eyebrow. "You guys really can't make any time for each other?"
"Why are you so invested in me and Olivia?"
"Because I love you, and I love her, and you both deserve to be happy."
"It's not that simple."
"I'm not a kid. I know it's not that simple, but you guys are never going to resolve anything if you keep avoiding each other."
"We are not avoid- why'd you have to go to school for Psychology? I have a therapist already."
"Dad-"
"Look, I hurt her. A lot. I have to give her time."
"Well you're running out of time. You don't have the same amount of time you're used to. What if one day…" she trailed off, and he knew where her mind was going. "What if one day you don't remember each other?"
"Grandma still knows all of us, honey."
"She does now, but tomorrow she might not. You and Liv aren't getting younger, dad. Let yourselves be happy while you can remember what loving each other feels like. Don't wait until you're grandma's age and have even less time."
His mother's declining health had been weighing heavily on both their minds lately. He wasn't ready to think about a world without her, and he couldn't even begin to think about losing Olivia, not even to old age.
"You hurt Olivia the most by leaving, right? It's not time you need to give her. It's proof that you're staying. Proof you don't wanna be anywhere else."
"How the hell am I supposed to do that? I've been here for three years, but I'm not sure I'll ever earn her trust back."
"She trusts you with her son. That's progress. You've just gotta keep showing up for her, for both of them. Don't just tell her you'll never leave again. Show her." Kathleen paused again to sip the last of her tea before asking, "Does she have a key to your place?"
"You don't think that would be moving things too fast?"
"You had keys when you were partners, didn't you? It doesn't have to mean anything. It's just something that will show her you're here to stay, and that when she's ready she can come to you. If she and Noah ever need something or if she's just in the area and bored. You're available now, you're someone they can depend on. The worst thing she can do is tell you she's not ready again and give you the key back, but at least you'll have tried. You'll have made an effort for her and chosen her. That's love. Don't you think she deserves that?"
"Of course she does."
"You both do." She stood up and kissed the top of his head. "I gotta get back to work. Love you dad."
"Love you too, sweetheart."
When she was gone, he pulled out a picture of Olivia he'd kept in his wallet and stared at it, contemplating his daughter's words.
X
He stopped by the precinct a couple of days later and felt the eyes of her newest detectives on him as he walked to her office. He stood in the doorway watching her for a moment before she noticed him. He'd always known she was beautiful, but there was something about watching her hard at work that made his heart swell with pride.
Fuck, he loved her so damn much.
"Elliot, hey," Olivia's voice interrupted his thoughts. "Is everything alright?"
"Yeah, yeah it's fine. Do you have a minute?" He stepped into her office fully, trying to hide his nerves.
"Sure. Have a seat. You sure you're, ok?"
He smiled warmly at her. "I'm fine, Liv," he assured as he closed the door and sat across from her.
"Those glasses look good on you." He let his eyes linger on her for too long, and she cleared her throat, urging him to get on with whatever he'd come here to do.
"Did you need something, Detective?"
He swallowed hard, knowing it was too late to talk himself out of it. "A couple of years ago, I told you I didn't know where to begin."
"Elliot-" she interrupted, and he saw the minute her guard went up, but forced himself to continue.
"I know I've screwed up so many times, and I know I've hurt you so many times, and you don't owe me anything. You don't owe me forgiveness, the support you've given me, anything."
"El, I don't think this is a good time."
A sad chuckle escaped him. "That's the problem, Liv. It's never a good time."
She crossed her arms, leaning back in her chair and glaring at him. "You of all people know how this job is."
"I do know, and I'm not trying to fight with you, Olivia. I'm really not."
"Then what exactly are you doing?"
"You told me in January that you weren't ready, and I respect that. I just- I want you to know that I will wait for you, and that no matter how long it takes I'm not leaving. I've made a lot of mistakes in my life, but walking away from you was the worst. I broke your trust, and I know that promising you I won't leave again isn't enough."
"You didn't just break my trust. You broke my heart. You abandoned me like I was nothing."
"I never wanted to hurt you, and you're not nothing. I love you, and leaving you behind killed me."
"Then why, Elliot? Why did you do it?"
"Because I was a coward, and I swear I will give you a better explanation than that when you're ready to hear it." Elliot paused and took a deep breath. "But for now," he pulled the key from his pocket and held out to her, "consider this an olive branch."
Olivia's eyes widened. "I- this is how you respect that I'm not ready? I wasn't ready for a kiss a month ago, and you think I'm just gonna move in with you? Are you insane?"
"No! No, I'm sorry. I should've-" he huffed in frustration with himself. "I'm not asking you to move in with me. I'm trying to show you that I will wait as long as you need me to, and when you are ready my door is open. Even before you're ready; if you need something, anything at all, I'm here for you. You'll always be welcome. You and Noah are part of my family. If you just need a friend. Even if you're never ready for anything more than that. I'm home, Olivia. I'm not going anywhere, and I know you've got no reason to believe me just based on my words, so if you need reassurance… just come over. Any time," he flashed a grin at her again. "Although, just a warning, my morning workouts are between 6:30 and 8." He leaned closer and dropped his voice an octave, winking at her. "No clothes involved. Less laundry that way."
Olivia failed to hide the flush on her face at the image his words brought to her mind.
"I'll let you get back to work, Captain." He kissed her forehead before he left. "See ya."
Once she was sure no one in the squad room was looking into her office, she slipped the key into her purse. Not because she planned to use it, but because she didn't want to leave a house key out in the open in a police precinct.
At least, that's what she told herself.
Because Elliot Stabler was slowly chipping away at her walls, and there was nothing she could do to stop it.
X
Olivia didn't even consider using the key until March.
He had texted that morning to say he wouldn't be able to get coffee with her because he'd tested positive for COVID. He told her he was okay, and she knew he was vaccinated, but she still worried about him. It didn't matter how much time had passed, he was still her partner in the ways that mattered, and her first instinct was to take care of him.
Symptoms?
Headache, cough, low fever, sore throat and everything else hurts too. I think I'm dying.
She didn't realize she had replied that she'd be right over until his next text came through.
No! I don't want you to get this crap. I'm fine, Liv.
Are you fine or are you dying?
Uh… both.
You are such a man.
Thanks?
She shook her head and drove to the pharmacy to pick up some zinc, mucinex, and tylenol (and some crackers, in case he needed something light on his stomach). The mother in her decided to buy a thermometer, tissues, and a pulse ox too, as a precaution.
She knocked on his door and heard him break into a coughing fit when he tried to speak. "Liv, I told you not to come over. I'm sick."
"That's not what you said when you gave me a key. You said to come over whenever I wanted."
"Ok, smartass. If you want my germs, go ahead."
She rolled her eyes. "I don't want your germs, crankypants, but I bought you some stuff. I'm just gonna leave it outside the door."
He wheezed and coughed again, and her heart clenched with concern when she heard how harsh it sounded. She had to fight the urge to use her key and check his oxygen level in case he might need to go to the hospital.
"How's your breathing?"
"I think my lungs hate me right now."
"I got you some decongestant. It should help. You sure you don't need me to come in?"
You got anyone taking care of you? A memory from a lifetime ago sparked in her mind.
"I'm sure."
"Call or text me if you need something, ok?"
"I will. Thanks, Liv. Get home safe."
He inhaled sharply before he sneezed.
She didn't exhale until a week and a half later when he told her he tested negative and thanked her for nursing him back to health.
X
The first time she actually used her key was in April.
Bernie had moved back in with him, and her dementia was progressing. Elliot was worried about her being alone, but she'd gotten upset with him for sending Jet over to 'baby-sit,' so he decided to call Olivia to see if she could stop by for a little bit and check on her. Bernie knew Olivia, so Elliot hoped she would simply see the visit as a friend stopping by rather than her son treating her like a child who had to be watched.
Olivia closed the door gently when she came in, not wanting to startle the old woman.
"Olivia! Oh you should've told me you were coming over, dear. I didn't make enough tea."
It broke Olivia's heart, because she knew for a fact Elliot had told his mother she was coming over. She had just forgotten. Still, Olivia smiled. "It's alright. I was just… in the neighborhood." She couldn't think of a better excuse so she added "I had to talk to someone a few miles away for work."
"You don't have to lie. I know my son asked you to come because I'm losing it."
"He doesn't think you're losing it. He's just-"
"Worried?"
"Yes. Because he loves you."
Bernie was silent while she put another tea bag in the kettle to make some for Olivia.
Olivia waited patiently for her to speak again, but she simply turned around, sipping her tea, and jumping when the kettle whistled.
"What's that noise?"
"I'll get it." She turned the stove off, pouring herself some tea. "Thank you Bernie."
"For what?"
"For-" Olivia shook her head, not wanting to confuse her more. Instead, she followed Bernie's gaze out the window.
"It's pitiful. Look what my son has done to my garden."
Olivia snorted. "He never had a green thumb."
"He could dress as a carrot, but he couldn't grow them."
Both women laughed and Olivia watched Bernie's eyes glaze over and a fond smile appear on her face.
"He was such a bright little boy. He was smart and full of light even when his father snuffed it out. I never wanted him to lose his light," she walked over and placed a hand on the glass. Olivia wondered if she was seeing her son as a child in her mind. "Look at him playing out there in the sand. I'll have to clean him up before Joe gets home," she sniffled, turning back to Olivia. "I didn't protect him. I made so many mistakes."
"I think," Olivia began gently, feeling emotion rise in her throat. "I think that you did the best you could under the circumstances. You raised him the best way you could with what you knew. What your husband did wasn't your fault or Elliot's, and Elliot has grown up to be a great man."
Bernie looked away from her, and she wondered if her mind had gotten lost in the past again. "Do you think he's happy?"
"I- I hope so."
"It's all a mother wants, Olivia. I'm sure you know. We both want our boys to be happy."
"We do."
"Is Elliot happy?" Bernie asked again, and Olivia understood the urgency. She often wondered if she was enough for Noah. If he was happy. She never expected to be having a conversation like this, mother-to-mother, with this woman.
"I think he is. You know, I think he's had some rough patches, but he's getting there."
Bernie nodded, taking a sip of tea. "Will you do me a favor? Make sure he cleans that mess up in the garden when I'm gone, ok?"
Olivia suddenly found herself at a loss for words. "Oh, Bernie I don't think- I mean you could still-"
"I don't mean like that. The Lord isn't done with me yet. Elliot's been looking into care homes for me to move into. I know this must be hard on him too."
"I'll look after him. I promise."
Bernie offered a sad smile but it quickly fell. "Oh, good grief. I am losing it. Wasn't I supposed to make you tea?"
"I- don't worry about it. I got some."
"I think I'm gonna have to sit down. I'm getting tired."
Olivia guided her to the couch when she started to wobble.
"Oh," Bernie sat down slowly. "I'm getting old, aren't I? I suppose we all are. It's a good thing. I've had a long life. I think… I think I've made my peace with things as much as I could. I'm not afraid to die at my age, Olivia."
"Bernie-"
"I don't want my boy to worry when I'm not here anymore. He took care of me the best he could."
Olivia failed to keep from tearing up at the thought of Elliot losing his mother one day.
"I've had a good life, for the most part. As long as I know he's happy, I'll feel like I did something right raising him."
"You did."
"You know, when I said I supposed we were all getting old, you're not there yet. You're still young, sweetheart. And so beautiful. My boy is an idiot if he hasn't told you so yet."
Olivia wiped her eyes, unsure what to say.
"The truth is that none of us know what tomorrow brings. That becomes even more true when you're old as dirt like me. You deserve the light and the love you put out in this world, Olivia. Go after it. My son and grandkids are my light. Your Noah is yours, but if there's anything else… let yourself have it. I might die tomorrow, but it's not your time yet."
Bernie wrapped her arms around Olivia, who allowed her tears to fall as she realized this must be what it feels like to be loved by your mother.
X
The next two times she used her key were both in May and for her own needs.
She used it one day the first week in May because they had been out on a joint case, and she'd met him at the OC precinct. She was in desperate need of a shower and didn't want to wait until she got back to her place.
He told her to stop at his place and shower before she went back to Manhattan. Bernie had been moved into a nursing home and Eli was still at school, so the house was empty. Still, there was something about being naked in Elliot Stabler's bathroom that made her skin flush.
His shower was spacious, and as she stepped under the spray she tried to no avail not to think of the fact that her partner had been in the same shower this morning. His broad, muscular, naked body likely took up quite a bit of room.
She felt a low burn in her belly as she imagined his strong arms lifting her against the wall as he pounded into her. Maybe he'd get down on his good knee and devour her while she washed her hair. Maybe he'd wash her sensually afterward. His big, callused hands roaming her body while he kissed her. The slickness of their skin from the shower as he moved inside her. The high-powered spray drowning out the sounds they made as they came.
Fuck, maybe using his shower wasn't the best idea. Every single thing she did made her think of him.
She used some shampoo that Kathleen had left and imagined Elliot's fingers moving smoothly and gently through her hair.
She used his bar of soap and pictured his hands massaging her body, squeezing her breasts, teasing her clit.
She moved her hand down between her legs, slipping a finger inside and thumbing her clit, briefly wondering if it was wrong to give herself an orgasm in someone else's shower.
Fuck it. She deserved pleasure.
Thinking the house was still empty, she cried out his name as she climaxed, freezing when she heard a knock on the bathroom door.
"Liv? You alright?"
Damnit.
"How long have you been home?"
"Just got in and heard you yell. Everything ok?"
"Fine," she hoped he couldn't hear the breathlessness in her voice. "Everything's fine, El."
"Did you need something? I thought I heard you say-"
"No, I- it's fine. I took care of it." Wrong choice of words. The pleasure had apparently affected her brain.
He didn't respond for a minute, and she thought maybe he bought it. Until his tone switched from concerned to smug. "Oh. Ok. I'll give you some privacy."
She turned the water off and groaned, leaning against the wall.
They didn't talk about the shower for the rest of the day, but she felt his eyes on her when she came out dressed in his sweats and t-shirt.
The smirk never left his face.
X
After that, she thought about giving him the key back.
But then it was the ten-year anniversary of her abduction, and the violent, horrifying nightmares that left her sleep-deprived all week sent the idea of avoiding her former partner out the window.
Her squad managed to convince her to take the day off. She was exhausted and stressed, and had ignored the calls she'd been getting from journalists wanting to interview her. She sent Noah to the Mccann's and asked them to not let him watch the news. There was gonna be a true-crime special later in the week, and she definitely did not want her son to find out from the television what had happened to her.
She prayed that Elliot would be too busy to watch any TV, but was also prepared to possibly be forced to have the conversation with him. He wouldn't pressure her, she knew, but if people were talking about it there was a chance he might unintentionally find out.
Olivia had been alone in her apartment for twenty minutes before the flashbacks hit. It was too quiet, too dark to keep the memories of coming home to find the beast in her apartment from invading her senses.
She thought about calling Elliot at first but didn't want to worry him. Organized Crime had caught a big case over the weekend, and she didn't think she had the right to ask him to leave work for her, which she knew he would do.
So she made herself a cup of coffee, far too emotionally exhausted to drive to Long Island City without caffeine.
It shouldn't have made a difference, because she'd be just as alone at Elliot's as she was at her own apartment until he got home from work, but as she let herself in the air felt calmer. She didn't feel her monster in this space. Part of that was likely because of all the security that had been put into place here, but she knew it was also because the man who owned it would die to protect her. He had her back, and his apartment did too, it seemed.
It was the middle of the afternoon, so the sunlight was streaming through the windows onto the couch, but she wasn't ready to lie in his bed yet, even if it was just for a nap. She laid back against the pillow and covered up with the throw on the back of his couch that Bernie had made.
The cushions smelled like Elliot. He had probably taken a shower this morning and sat on it right after he got out, or maybe he sat on it after his workout before he showered. Either way, his scent and the hum of his refrigerator helped lull her into a much-needed slumber.
She wasn't sure how long she had slept, but when she woke up she could smell something cooking in the kitchen. She didn't remember where she was at first; her skin crawled at the memory that came to mind. Her breathing hitched and her muscles grew tight as she froze, willing her mind to return to the present before she panicked.
"Hey sleepyhead."
The voice she heard was so unlike the one from her nightmares that she instantly relaxed. Elliot walked over to the couch, smiling softly at her. "You didn't tell me you were coming by."
She exhaled shakily, reminding herself to breathe.
I'm at Elliot's. It's 2023. I'm safe.
She sat up and stretched. "I wasn't really planning to for any particular reason. I just- I haven't been sleeping, and I thought maybe a change in scenery would help."
His smile fell, replaced with concern. "You're not sleeping? Is something wrong? Are you ok?" He sat down next to her, and she leaned against him.
"Not really."
"Do you wanna talk about it?" Olivia shook her head against his shoulder, and he pressed a kiss into her hair. "Did sleeping here help?"
"A little, yeah."
"Even with all the sunlight coming in through these huge windows? You must have really been exhausted."
Apparently PTSD induced sleep-deprivation made her lose her filter. "I just feel… safe here," she whispered and closed her eyes, sinking further into him as he wrapped an arm around her.
"Good," he stroked her hair, brushing it out of her face. "I always want you to feel safe with me."
"I always have," She shifted so she was in his lap. Their position was more comfortable that way. At least that was what she told herself as she snuggled deeper into him. "I smell food. Are you having people over for dinner?"
He wrapped his other arm around her, massaging the back of her neck gently while the thumb of his other hand massaged her lower back. "Nah, when I saw your car and found you in here sleeping, I figured I'd fix us some dinner. Are you hungry or do you wanna try to sleep some more?"
She yawned and shook her head. "No, I'm fine. I should get home."
"To what? Noah's in Woodstock, and you don't have to work. You're exhausted, Olivia. I'm worried about you. Please eat something and stay the night. I'm worried about you driving home by yourself like this."
"I don't know if that's a good idea. I don't want you to have to- I've been having nightmares, El. Bad ones. That's why I haven't been sleeping."
"About BX9?"
"About something horrible that happened to me ten years ago this week, and I really can't talk about it right now, ok?"
That terrified him, but knew not to push. "Whatever it is, you don't have to tell me unless you want to, but having nightmares is all the more reason you shouldn't be alone. This way if you have one you can wake me up-"
"I don't want you to lose sleep for me."
"Wake me up, and we will get through it together. That's what partners are for."
The part of her that had longed for him to be there for her back then won. "Promise you won't leave?"
He wasn't sure if she meant tonight or ever, but his answer was the same. "I promise."
She stood up and ran a hand through her hair. Elliot walked into the kitchen and dished some pasta out onto a plate. "Let's get some food in you and then you can rest some more."
"What'd you make?"
"Carbonara. I've got garlic bread to go with it. Do you want some wine?"
"Just water please." Alcohol was probably not the best idea when her mind was already plagued with flashbacks and nightmares, but she wasn't ready to tell Elliot that yet.
They ate in a comfortable silence, and she was thankful. She wanted to tell him what she'd been through, but didn't have the energy tonight.
"Do you like it?" His nervousness was endearing; he wanted to impress her with his culinary skills. It was sweet.
"It's…" she trailed off, deciding to tease him a little by making him wait for her answer. "It's delicious, El. Thank you."
They argued over who would do the dishes before finally realizing they weren't gonna agree and decided they would both do them. They watched a sitcom neither of them had heard of before they decided to go to bed, and he managed to convince her that the bed was more comfortable than the couch.
So she spent the rest of the night curled up against Elliot, and knowing she was well-protected from her decade-old demon, Olivia slept a full eight hours.
X
They had been sleeping together for two weeks before she used her key again in mid-August.
She didn't use her key for a couple of months after she'd first spent the night in May, but it wasn't because she was avoiding him. Between Eli being home for the summer, Noah's summer activities, and their jobs, there wasn't as much time. Noah was comfortable with Elliot being in their apartment, but Eli didn't know Olivia well yet, and she didn't want him to feel like she was invading his space, so she didn't want to use her key while he was home.
Despite all of that, she and Elliot did finally have the conversations they'd been putting off. Noah went to summer camp the last couple of weeks in June, and Elliot came to her apartment every night so they could take advantage of the alone time they had. They talked about everything: why he left, where he'd been the last ten years, what she had been through with Lewis, how she got Noah, her promotions, her losses, her exes.
Well… almost everything.
When she confessed that the Ed she had dated was Ed Tucker, he told her he was glad she was happy and sorry she lost him, but he didn't want details.
She'd rolled her eyes. He'd always been a jealous son of a bitch.
They shared their first kiss in July when she decided that while she didn't think the day would come that part of her wouldn't worry things wouldn't work out, she didn't want to waste any more time.
And then in August, Eli had gone back to school, and the house was empty and quiet except for the sounds of Elliot grunting on the patio as he lifted weights.
She waited until he stopped to take a break before she made her presence known. "Good morning."
"Hey, beautiful!" he grinned and took a chug of water. She watched as the sweat and water dribbled down his chest. "I'm a little sweaty."
"I was hoping you'd be," she walked over and sat on the bench, straddling his legs with a seductive look in her eyes.
"Yeah? You like your man drenched in sweat? This a kink for you, Benson?"
Olivia smoothed her hands down his chest. "Mmm no, I like my man warm and strong and shirtless. I gotta say, Stabler, you're a little more dressed than I expected."
He kissed her deeply. "Sorry to disappoint, Captain, but I only work out naked indoors," he sucked a path down her neck. "I haven't done that part of the workout yet though."
"Good," she teased him through his shorts. "Because I was thinking of something different for your cardio today if you're up for it?"
He groaned as her hand continued to stroke him. "Baby, if you want me to be up for it you gotta quit doing that or I'm not gonna last." His own hand slid up her shirt and pinched her nipple.
She gasped, arching into his touch. "I guess you better get me inside then."
It should be a crime for his body to still be this good and have this much stamina at his age. He lifted her into his arms with ease while their lips met again. Her legs hitched around his waist, and he held her there against the wall of his shower while he slid deep inside her.
"Fuck, El," she wrapped her arms around his neck, feeling secure enough in his hold that she wouldn't fall. "Faster."
He lifted her a little higher, holding her up with one arm while his other hand thumbed her clit as he obliged.
"See?" A hard thrust cut her off into a moan. "Cardio and strength training."
Elliot knew that she was comparing their morning sex to his workout, but he hated when she made a self-deprecating comment. "Not strength-training, Liv. You are not heavy. I love holding you."
"I'm just saying-"
He interrupted her with a long kiss. "Stop. Listen to me, you are beautiful." Elliot slipped out of her and set her back on her feet, kissing his way down her body. "You are sexy," he sucked on her nipple, lavishing her breast with attention and then moving to do the same to the other one. "You are wanted," he kissed her mound as he lowered himself onto one knee. "You are all mine, and I wouldn't trade you for the world."
"Elliot-"
"You hear me?" He wrapped his lips around her clit, giving her long, slow sucks while he waited for her answer, pressing a finger into her and feeling her walls clench.
Her only response was a whine.
"What was that, Captain?"
She growled in frustration. "I wanna come with you inside me."
"Then tell me you hear me. If you wanna come, tell me you hear me when I tell you you're beautiful."
"Fuck you." Was this man seriously denying her an orgasm over this?
"Yeah, I am." Apparently she'd said that out loud. "Cause I don't take it very well when someone says something negative about the love of my life or her body. I will tell you you are gorgeous as many times as you need to hear it until you believe it, because it's the truth." He lifted her into his arms again, unable to deny her anything for very long. "Ok?"
"Ok." She didn't deserve this man.
"You deserve the world."
She really needed to stop saying things out loud.
He slid inside her again, keeping his thrusts gentle and slow this time, hoping she could feel how much she meant to him. "Most of all you deserve happiness, and I wanna give that to you anyway I can." He waited for her orgasm to rip through her and followed her into ecstasy before speaking again. "Alright?"
"Mmhmm." She slumped in his arms when he put her back on her feet and they stood under the spray together as they came down from their high.
"I love you so much," he softly brushed a scar with his thumb, pulling back to look into her eyes. "Every part of you. Always," he pressed a light kiss to the raised skin for emphasis. "No matter what."
Her response was a long, lazy kiss. "I love you too."
Best workout ever.
X
A year after he first gave her a key to his place, he moved into hers.
It made the most sense. She still had a kid at home, and neither of them wanted Noah to have to change schools and be away from his friends. Eli wasn't planning on moving back in with Elliot, and Bernie was in the care facility. There was plenty of room at Olivia's apartment if the Stabler kids wanted to come visit.
"I think that's everything." He walked over after bringing in his last box and kissed her. "Do you wanna get some lunch before we start unpacking?"
"Yeah, Noah wants pizza."
Elliot laughed. "Of course he does. That sounds good to me. Lead the way, partner."
He followed the Bensons out the door, using the key to what was now their place to lock it.
Olivia had learned that sometimes happiness does work out.
In the end, all it took was patience and an olive branch.
A/N: Thanks for reading! I am cautiously excited for the crossovers we have coming up. I hope we get some good stuff. We sure have waited long enough!