Prompt #78 - Taking care of each other when sick

Dr. Benson

~oOo~

Elliot cleared his throat to cover another cough, hoping no one noticed as he pulled out a tissue to wipe his nose.

"Stabler, go home," Ayanna ordered as she walked down the steps from her office.

Elliot shook his head. "Allergies."

"Do I need to bring out the thermometer?" She glared at him with a look that said she was serious.

"We have work to do, I can't just…"

"We all have it covered. This case is as good as closed now anyway. We can handle the paperwork. You need to rest before another big case comes in. That's an order."

With a sigh, Elliot agreed. It had been a while since sickness hit him this hard. His head was throbbing, a tickle in his throat that just wouldn't go away, and if his temperature was taken he was sure it would be well over 100.

"Alright, you win." Elliot grabbed his coat. "But if you need anything…"

"I'll call you. Now go home." Ayanna gave him a small smile that he returned on his way out.

~oOo~

Elliot might have gone home, but trying to rest and relax wasn't in him. He would rest on the couch for a few minutes before becoming restless and checking his phone. He tried moving the bed to get some sleep, but that didn't work either. He sat up with a sigh. He needed to know how the case was going, but Ayanna had been right. The case was as good as closed.

He went to the kitchen to pour himself a glass of water and sighed. His place was too quiet with Eli back in school after the winter break and his mom in a very nice home that was taking good care of her. He missed the chaos.

The knock on the door came as a surprise. He assumed it might be Ayanna checking in to see if he followed orders, telling him the case was closed. He hadn't expected to see Olivia standing on the other side when he looked through the peephole. She had a take-out bag in hand.

"Hey." He smiled as he opened the door.

"I went to drop off some files related to your case and Ayanna said she sent you home." Liv sat the bag on the counter pulling out the container of soup. "Go sit on the couch," Liv instructed.

When Elliot hesitated, Olivia moved over to him, giving him a gentle push in the direction of his couch. "Sit. That's an order." She smirked at him, and he playfully rolled his eyes.

"I can take care of myself, you know."

Olivia simply ignored him for now, putting some tea on the stove, and a pan to heat the soup. She refilled his glass of water and brought it over to him. She had a few minutes before the soup and tea were ready. She took a seat next to him.

"I know." She nodded. "I know you can take care of yourself. You're always taking care of people, let me take care of you." She grabbed his hand, giving it a little squeeze.

Olivia couldn't help but think of the time he took care of her when she was sick and missing work. He had stopped by, making sure she was resting. Of course that was also the time she had been framed and when talking to Tucker he asked about anyone checking in on her. Olivia didn't have to wonder long if Elliot was also remembering that time.

"I guess it's time you pay me back for when I took care of your snotty self, huh?" Even feeling under the weather he was still going to joke with her.

She playfully slapped his shoulder. The tea kettle whistled. She got up and headed for the kitchen. She made him a bowl of soup and poured them both a cup of tea, bringing it in to him.

"You have to stop being so damn stubborn, you know that," Olivia said, taking a sip of her own tea. "Ayanna said she thought she'd have to fire you to get to go home early. You have to take care of yourself."

"Remember that advice for yourself too," he said with a smile.

She sighed. "Fine. I will if you will."

When they were done, she took the dishes to the kitchen, rinsing them off, and putting them in the dishwasher. She put the leftover soup in his fridge. She pulled out her phone that had just dinged before walking back to the couch.

"Ayanna messaged, all suspects have been arrested. I have to go back to the office to finish up some paperwork myself, but let's get you in bed, huh?"

She took his hand and headed to his room. They both knew if she didn't push he wouldn't rest willingly. She pulled back his covers and ushered him to get in. "Get some rest," Olivia whispered, pulling up the covers and placing a soft kiss on his forehead.

"Careful, Dr. Benson, wouldn't want to get yourself sick," he said, closing his eyes.

She laughed. "Good night, El. Call if you need me."

"Liv, thank you." His voice was sleepy.

"Thank me by taking me to dinner when you're all better." She smiled as she left the room.

The author of this SVU - Heart for the Holidays story will be revealed in January