Redemption. Elliot grew up religious, but redemption and forgiveness seemed out of reach for a man like him. He had done too much, he was too far gone, but now he understood.
He shattered their relationship beyond repair, and here she was, lips on his, giving forgiveness and acceptance he desperately needed, but didn't deserve.
He waited, not moving, not breathing, wanting her to lead him where she wanted this to go. Her lips pressed against his again, more firm, more wanting. He was powerless to do anything but return the kiss. Careful to not push things too far, he followed her lead. Her mouth against his felt cleansing. The painful journey they walked together culminated in this moment of pure forgiveness and love.
Lost in the lip play he became aware of her mouth becoming more insistent against his, demanding more, and he happily complied. When her tongue slid into his mouth he lost all sense of reason. He tilted her head back and deepened the kiss, eliciting a groan in response. Both her fists grabbed at his shirt, pulling him closer and closer until they fell back onto the floor. He hovered over her while she pulled his face to hers, kissing his lips aggressively. Fire traveled up his chest as her delicate hands slipped under his shirt pressing deeply into his abs. He wanted to live in this bliss forever.
They both jumped at the sound of keys turning the deadbolt. Liv pushed him away and sat up. "That's Noah."
He rolled onto his back and let out an exaggerated groan. She laughed a little at the situation. "Better tuck that shirt in detective."
He sat up and scooted next to her, "Better fix your hair, Captain." His eyes danced with mischief. She slapped his arm and stood up, reaching her hand out for him and pulled him to his feet.
"Mom?" Noah yelled, "You home?"
Liv met him in the kitchen with a hug. "Yeah, I came home early today." She smiled at him reassuringly.
Elliot hung back in the hallway, unsure how this should play out. It wasn't like he could sneak out, and he hesitated to insert himself into her preciously guarded family life.
After a quick hug she bent down slightly to meet Noah at eye level. "Elliot's here." She smiled and Noah quickly turned. Elliot took this as his cue to enter the kitchen.
Noah bounded over and let out an excited, "Yes!" Elliot loved how happy Noah seemed at his presence. Noah was and always will be Liv's number one person, and none of this would work if her number one didn't approve.
Elliot tousled the boy's curls and asked, "You got homework? Or do you get to demolish me on your playstation now?"
"Ugh, I have homework, but I'll be fast." Noah immediately dropped his bag at the table and pulled out a couple books and his laptop.
While he got to work, Elliot leaned into the counter next to where Olivia stood. He couldn't hold back the smirk threatening the corners of his mouth. An uncomfortable blush flooded her cheeks and she smacked his arm, "Shut up!" She tried to keep her voice hushed so as not to attract Noah's attention.
Elliot lifted both his hands in mock innocence. "I didn't say anything!" He insisted with a chuckle.
She rolled her eyes, but grabbed his hand and laced her fingers into his. "You were thinking it loud enough for me to hear."
He chuckled again and lifted her hand to his lips. "I wouldn't be thinking it if you didn't have your tongue in my mouth five minutes ago…" He laughed again at the flush flooding her cheeks.
"Oh god Elliot, shut up." Her eyes motioning over to Noah diligently working through his homework.
"He can't hear us." Elliot kept his voice low, "Can we talk about it later?" His eyes lit with that all too familiar look. The one that made her crazy.
She looked over at Noah to be sure he was still distracted before planting a quick kiss to his cheek, "Definitely later," she whispered behind his ear, and his body involuntary shivered.
"Later can't come soon enough." He grumbled mockingly under his breath. She smiled at him again, and he realized that it didn't matter what they were doing, he was genuinely happy to be in her kitchen with his hand in hers.