Olivia was on track to spend another night at the precinct. The week brought a flood of cases, and every time she tried to leave, another crisis flew into her office. When her nanny called, she immediately knew everything was going to crap on the home front.
"Benson," she answered, bracing herself for more complications to muddy her day.
"Hey, sorry to call you; I know you are busy." Sarah was relatively new, and always seemed anxious to call. "Uh, I went to the doctor, and I apparently have strep throat. He said I need to go home and stay there until I've been on my antibiotic for 24 hours." She thought the girl might cry, "I know it's late notice, and it's getting close to school pick up time…"
"It's okay, Sarah," Olivia said, dropping her head into one of her hands. "Go home, I'll figure out Noah's pick-up." She looked at her watch. She had about an hour and a half before he needed to be picked up. She could figure it out.
"Thank you," Sarah said before hanging up.
Olivia dropped her phone on her desk and let out a frustrated groan. Her body felt tired all over, she needed caffeine, and she just wanted to sleep! She tried to remember when she last ate when someone tapped on her door.
"Come in," she called without lifting her head from her hands.
"You okay?" Her head darted up at the sound of Elliot's voice.
He held out a bag of what smelled like food and a cup of coffee from her favorite place down the street. She nearly cried in gratitude. "Thank you, El." She started to open the bag to see what he had brought. "I was just thinking I should track down some food and coffee, but I haven't even had one minute to sneak out today."
"Yeah, it's a bit of a zoo out there."
She took a swig of the coffee he brought. "You know how it goes; it can be dead quiet for days, and then all hell breaks loose."
"I definitely remember. I swear there was a full week where I slept in the bunks." He shook his head, "I doubt I could do that anymore."
She drank more coffee before saying, "Oh, I have been here two days straight." He shot her a sincere look of sympathy. "Oh, and get this," she added, "My nanny just called to tell me she has strep and can't pick up Noah today. I have about 90 minutes to find someone to pick him up."
Elliot opened his mouth to say something, but her phone rang, cutting him off.
"Benson," she answered with a sigh. "Are you serious? Can he hang tight for a bit until pick up time?" The answer was a resounding no. "Okay. I'll get someone there."
"I'm done answering my phone," she complained.
"What's going on?" Elliot asked, clearly concerned.
"That was Noah's school. He apparently went to the nurse complaining of a sore throat, and he has a fever. He needs to be picked up now, but Amanda can't take him because I don't want her girls to get sick, and Fin needs to stay here."
"I can pick him up, Liv." He said it like it was the obvious answer.
"No. I don't want you to get sick, and you have work. He'll need to go to his pediatrician to get an antibiotic, and that's way too much to ask someone."
Before she finished her rambling, Elliot reached across her desk to grab her hand. Her eyes shot to his as he started reassuring her. "I can pick him up, I'm still on the list, right?" She nodded. "We are just doing some prelim work on our case, so I can easily work from your apartment. I had five kids, so I have the immune system of a tank," he chuckled a little, "and I promise I know how to get a kid to the pediatrician."
She hated to drop all of this on him, but she really didn't have another choice. To prove her point, Fin popped his head in the door to tell her she was needed in interview room two. She felt like crying at this point, but Elliot squeezed her hand.
"Go work. I'll get Noah. I'll text you everything that's going on, and it will be fine." His eyes begged her to take him up on his offer.
She hated to impose on him, but she knew he was the best option for Noah, and Noah needed someone right now. If she couldn't get him, Elliot was the next best thing. She sighed, "Okay." He met her acquiescence with a huge grin.
Fin popped in and said, "Liv, we really need you in there."
"Okay, okay," she said, scooting her chair back and standing.
She impulsively gave Elliot a tight hug and said, "Thank you." She felt tears welling in her eyes, so she backed off quickly to wipe them away.
He rubbed the back of his head bashfully. "I got this, Liv. Get out there before Fin comes in a third time."
She hurried out the door and turned once more to say, "Thanks again, El."
He nodded, and she hurried from the room.
-000-
Elliot had been to Noah's school a couple times. Usually, when Olivia was out of options, He didn't mind, but he wished he had been her first call. He knew he lost that right thirteen years ago, but he hoped he could win that trust back eventually.
He pushed the first set of doors open, and stopped at the second set, pushing the button to call the office. The receptionist answered through the speaker, "Hello?"
"Elliot Stabler to pick up Noah Benson."
The receptionist buzzed him in, and he walked straight to the office. "Hello, Mr. Stabler, do you have your ID on you? We need to verify your identity before we can release him to you." He pulled out his NYPD-issued ID and dropped it on the desk for her to inspect. "It looks like you are still on Noah's pick-up list, so we are good to go." She smiled brightly before heading down the hall to what must be the sick room.
A very pale and miserable looking Noah started down the hall, but a grin crept up his face when he saw Elliot standing there. "Elliot!" He hurried to Elliot's side, wrapping his arms around him.
Elliot squatted to Noah's eye level and said, "Heard you weren't feeling good, bud." Noah shook his head. Elliot stood back up and held out his hand for Noah, and he happily took it. "Let's get you out of here." He gave the receptionist a quick wave before leaving the building.
-000-
Elliot stopped at a drive-through ice cream place so Noah could eat something before heading to the pediatrician's office. The doctor's office went pretty quick. Just a quick swab and peek at his throat, and they were on their way, script in hand. They made a quick stop to pick up his prescription and some popsicles before heading back to Olivia's apartment.
He pulled out the key Olivia gave him for emergencies and unlocked the door, letting them both inside. "Why don't you get into bed, and I'll get you a popsicle and some medicine."
"Okay," Noah agreed. His big blue eyes looked up at Elliot, "Can I have some iPad time?"
"Of course," Elliot agreed, "I don't think your mom will mind, especially since you are sick."
"Thanks." Noah smiled, and rushed to pull the iPad off the charger on the kitchen counter. He hurried down the hall, already swiping through the screens, before getting into his room.
Elliot pulled out the antibiotic and found some children's tylenol. "Noah?" he called loud enough to be heard down the hall.
"Yeah?" he answered.
"What flavor popsicle do you want?"
"Orange please!"
Elliot measured out the dosages for both medicines, and unwrapped an orange popsicle. Noah was already snuggled under his comforter with a movie playing on the iPad. Elliot took a quick peek, just to be certain it was something kid appropriate. Satisfied with his movie choice, Elliot handed Noah the popsicle. "I have two medicines for you, bud."
Noah made a face and asked, "Are they gross?"
"I don't think so," Elliot said, "but I haven't had either of these in so long, I wouldn't know for sure."
Noah watched him warily but complied. "Wasn't so bad," Noah admitted.
"Good." Elliot patted his shoulder before saying, "If you need anything, just yell. Ill just be in the kitchen getting some work done."
"Okay," Noah agreed and turned his attention back to his movie.
-000-
Elliot finished a couple preliminary reports, and slipped down the hall to check on Noah. He laid sprawled out on the bed. The iPad turned off his blanket, only covering one leg. Elliot chuckled at the awkward sleeping position before tucking his blanket up over his legs. He shut the door quietly before tracking down his phone in the kitchen. He sent Olivia a quick text.
E: After meds, one orange popsicle, and a movie, he is down for the count.
O: Thank you!
E: Stop thanking me. I enjoy hanging out with him.
O: I know. It just feels like a lot to ask you to do.
E: It's not a big deal. I've done this lots of times. I'll just keep feeding him popsicles, and he'll be happy.
O: Maybe try soup later.
E: You're such a mom. Let the sick kid enjoy his popsicles.
O: You are going to do whatever you want, aren't you.
E: Of course I am. A day or two of popsicles isn't going to kill the kid.
O: I know, I know.
E: Relax. I got this. I'll update you after he wakes up.
O: I'm saying it again. Like it or not. Thanks.
E: You're welcome.
-000-
Liv was ready to beat her head against the desk. She wanted to go home. She wanted to go to sleep. She wanted to snuggle her sick kid. But no, she was stuck here, wearing the same clothes as two days ago. She felt exhausted, and hoped the caseload would let up soon, before she overdosed on caffeine.
She didn't notice she had fallen asleep until Bruno opened the door. Her head popped up at the sound, she rubbed her eyes and pulled a paper clip off her face. It probably left a nice indentation mark on her face. She really needed to go home.
"I was just going to tell you we finished the last interview. Fin and Muncy went to make the arrest. That was the last one for tonight." His eyes looked her over, and she was sure she looked like hell. "Go home, Captain. I'll hold down the fort here, and if I need anything, I'll
Call Fin."
She felt eternally grateful to her messenger of good tidings. She grabbed her keys and purse, grateful she got that mini nap so she could drive herself home.
-000-
She glanced at her watch before unlocking the door to her apartment. It was 4 a.m. She was so tired she nearly forgot Elliot was still at her apartment. She peeked into Noah's room but was surprised to see his bed empty. She wandered over to the living room, where the TV was on, but muted. On the couch, her sweet boy cuddled up to a very asleep Elliot.
She came around the couch and gave in to the urge to snap a quick picture of the adorable scene. She kneeled down to wake Noah so Elliot could at least lay down. His back was going to hate him in the morning if she left him like this.
As she reached over to wake Noah, Elliot sleepily opened his eyes. "Hey," he said, giving her a sleepy smile.
"Let me get Noah off of you," she said, trying to keep her voice low.
"No, no, I got 'em." He easily lifted Noah into his arms, walked to his room, and placed him gently in his bed.
Olivia followed, slipping past Elliot to press a kiss on Noah's forehead. "Goodnight, sweet boy," she whispered.
She turned to see Elliot leaning against the doorframe with his arms folded. He looked like he would fall asleep standing, and she was sure she didn't look much better. He blinked his eyes a few times, trying to wake up more, before saying, "I guess I'll get home then."
"Um no." She shook her head and tugged his elbow into the hallway, shutting Noah's door behind her. "You're not driving tonight. I'm pretty sure you'll fall asleep."
"I'm fine," he yawned, proving her point.
"No, you're not," she pulled on his hand, leading him to her living room. "Just crash on my couch tonight. It's like 4 a.m., and I'm not letting you drive home."
"Okay, okay," he chuckled. "Toss me a blanket or something."
She turned towards the linen closet, grabbing a pillow and the spare comforter she kept there. She turned around and nearly bumped into him. He caught her arms to help her regain balance, but he didn't release her once she was steady on her feet.
His hands felt warm against her skin, and she felt her heart pounding at even this benign touch. She nervously met his eyes, knowing the look of adoration she would find there. As expected, his blue eyes bore into hers, communicating everything. His hands slid down her arms and found residence at her hips. She felt mesmerized, unable to think, and only responded. The bedding dropped from her arms as he lifted them behind his neck and pulled her tighter against them. Her cheek pressed against his chest, and a soothing calm encompassed her, brought on by the peaceful rhythm of his beating heart.
"Thank you for being here, El," she whispered, and she hoped he understood what she meant. Thanks for helping Noah, and thanks for coming back.
She felt him nod against her hair before saying, "How long until you believe me when I tell you I'm never leaving you? Never again." His voice was low, just above a tender murmur. "I love you, Olivia. Heart and soul. I hope I can one day prove that to you."
She felt tears starting to well in the corners of her eyes, and she couldn't remove herself from the warm comfort of his chest. She took a shaky breath, "El?"
"Mmm?" She wondered if he fell asleep while standing. They were both that tired.
"I love you too," she admitted.
His arms tightened around her, and she pulled back, just enough to see his face. His eyes were pricked with tears as well, but he also had a goofy, sleepy smile plastered on his face. They both said nothing before he leaned down and pressed his lips to hers.
PART 2
Elliot felt the pinprick sensation in his throat and groaned. He knew that feeling. After raising five kids, all of whom went to public school, he knew when strep throat was coming on.
It had been two days since he cared for Noah and slept over at Liv's place. Elliot spent the night on the couch, with Olivia crushed up against him. He didn't sleep much, but it was worth it to have her sleeping in his arms. The morning went normally, and before he knew it, they were all out the door—Elliot and Liv to work and Noah to school.
He called Olivia last night to see if she wanted to have dinner. He worried that if they waited around too long, things would go back to the way they were. He never wanted to go back. He wanted to move forward.
That was why getting sick was the absolute worst thing to happen today. He walked to the breakroom fridge to find a bottle of water and texted Liv.
E: My throat hurts.
O: NO
E: YES
O: Oh god, Elliot. I'm so sorry!
E: You should be... Just kidding. It's fine. I'll survive. Maybe.
O: Need to reschedule tonight?
E: Probably should. I don't want to share germs... Unless you want to share germs,.
O: Gross. No.
E: I'm going to see if I can get an antibiotic today. Dinner tomorrow night?
O: If you aren't dying.
E: I'm not dying.
O: We will see. Ever heard of the man flu?
E: Shut up. I'll be fine.
O: Good luck. I heard strep is way harder on adults.
E: Great.
Ayanna was out of the office for the day, so Elliot gave the rest of his squad a wave before heading out the door. He'd text Ayanna to let her know what was going on, but it was better to duck out before he passed it to everyone.
-000-
Olivia started to feel a little bad about leaving Elliot to his own devices. After all, the only reason he was sick was because he took care of her son. She tapped her fingers against her desk. She should visit him later, just to be sure everything is okay.
The day was slow, a massive contrast to the days prior. By 3 p.m., she felt done. She hadn't heard from Elliot since the morning, and she hoped he was getting on fine by himself. "Ugh." She groaned in frustration and pushed her chair away from her desk. She knew she'd spend the entire afternoon worrying about him if she didn't just go over and check on him. She snagged her bag and coat, and found Fin on her way out. "You good here?" She asked. "It's dead, and I need to get a few things done out of the office today."
"Would those things have to do with a certain sick detective?" He gave that typical Fin smirk.
She felt the blush and couldn't contain it. "How the hell do you know anything about that?" She knew she hadn't said anything about it to anyone.
"When will you learn that I just know things?" Fin leaned back in his chair, looking very satisfied with himself.
"Ugh, just call me if anything comes up."
"Of course, Cap." His face still held that satisfied smirk, so she turned and walked away before he made the conversation even more awkward.
-000-
Olivia stopped by a bodega on her way over to Elliot's. She remembered what he said about letting Noah live in popsicles, so she was sure to buy a huge package with as many flavors as possible. She grabbed a couple cans of soup because the practical part of her couldn't understand living on popsicles as your only sustenance.
She knocked on Elliot's door and waited, but she didn't hear movement. She figured he was napping and used her key to let herself in. She had the key for years now but never had the occasion to use it. After letting herself in and locking up behind her, she made her way to the kitchen to drop the frozen items in the freezer before they melted.
She heard the shower running and knew that was why he didn't answer the door. She didn't want to scare the shit out of him by suddenly appearing on his couch when he got out, so she stuck her head into his bedroom, noticing the adjoining bathroom door left wide open. "El?" She called.
"Liv?" She nearly laughed at his confused voice.
"Yeah, it's me. I brought some popsicles and stuff for you."
"Thanks," he called. "I'll be out in just a minute."
"Okay."
She shut the door behind her and wandered back into the kitchen. Her body buzzed with nervous energy. This was their first time seeing each other since they openly admitted the feelings brooding beneath the surface of their relationship. The kissing was damn good, too. She felt her face flush. She wasn't sure how she was going to make it out of here without kissing him. The constant reminder of germs should help.
She heard the shower shut off, and she found a space on the couch to make herself comfortable. She flipped through her phone, answering a few non-urgent emails.
The door to Elliot's bedroom closed, and he dropped himself onto the couch next to her. The leftover warmth from the shower and the smell of his body wash and cologne were nearly intoxicating.
"Whatcha got for me?" he grinned, and she knew it was right to come here. Her heart swelled with the realization of how much he wanted her with him.
She got up and walked toward the kitchen, "Popsicles and soup. Want anything right now?"
"Besides you?" She stopped in her tracks, turned, and nearly laughed at his comical grin.
She rolled her eyes, "I set you up perfectly for that one, didn't I?"
"Couldn't help myself," he admitted. "I do want a popsicle, though."
"No soup?" She asked, fully teasing.
"Nah, the only good thing about being sick is all the popsicles.
"Yeah, yeah," she smiled and opened the freezer. "What flavor?"
"Umm cherry." She dug a cherry popsicle and impulsively grabbed herself an orange before returning to the couch. "Hey," he complained, "I thought these were all mine!" He teased.
"What? You won't share them with your favorite person?" She grinned flirtatiously.
He reached out his hand to cup her face affectionately. His gaze oozed affection. "Nope."
She broke into laughter, smacking him on the chest. "You suck."
"Okay, okay," he agreed, "I guess you can have one, but only because I love you so much." His tone was light, but she could hear the honest meaning behind his words.
"Thanks," she grinned and pulled off the wrapper and set it on the coffee table, and he did the same.
She leaned back into his shoulder, and he put his arm around her. She heard him swallow hard and say, "Damn, this hurts."
She looked up at him and asked, "Did you pick up your antibiotic?"
"Yeah, but it still hurts." He complained.
"That's what the popsicles are for," she impulsively kissed his cheek.
"Thanks for coming over, Liv." His eyes conveyed his sincere gratitude, and she was grateful she came.
"No problem," she said.
They finished their popsicles and laid the sticks next to the wrappers. She hesitated to move, feeling very comfortable sitting on the couch with his arms around her.
"Wanna watch TV or something?" Elliot asked after a long period of silence.
"I can't remember the last time I watched TV, but sure."
He laughed lightly, "Same for me, but I'm sure we can find something."
He flipped through the channels until they found a crime drama they could ruthlessly make fun of.
"What!? I want to know the lab that can churn out a DNA match in a day." Olivia all but yelled at the TV.
Elliot laughed, "I just want to know how I'm the world they get to trial so fast."
"Right?!" She shook her head. "I guess waiting weeks for DNA isn't very sexy."
"Yeah, I guess not."
She laid back down on him. Olivia guessed who the murderer was within the first fifteen minutes. That led to a guessing game for the next few hours as they tried to see who could guess the murderer first. The winner got a popsicle. They each won an equal amount of popsicles, making it difficult to determine who the better detective was.
It started to get late. Elliot slept soundly, with the TV still on and his arms still around her. She probably should get back to her apartment, but she had no real desire to be alone. Noah was sleeping over at Amanda's tonight. The girls had been asking for a while, and Noah loved his little 'cousins'.
Elliot stirred beside her and yawned. He rubbed at his throat. "Ugh, even yawning hurts." He looked at his watch and said, "Woah, how'd it get so late?" He kissed her head and asked, "Do you need to get Noah from somewhere?"
She pulled his arm tighter around her and snuggled in. "Noah is at Amanda's tonight; I'm in no rush."
He kissed her temple. "Yeah?"
"Yeah," she smiled.
He grabbed her more tightly around her middle and kissed behind her ear. "In that case," he grinned, and he began leaving a trail of kisses down her neck.
She meant to protest, but her brain seemed to be broken. Her somersaulting stomach was in control now. He kept his lips on her neck and around her ear, careful to avoid her lips. "This okay?" He asked, his mouth finding her earlobe.
"Mmm," her eyes stayed closed, "more than okay."
He turned his attention to her jaw, and flipped her, so she was now lying underneath him. Her body pressed into his, and she slid her hands up his shoulders and tightened her arms around him.
He continued his exploration, but asked, "Are you sure? I don't want you to get sick." His lips found her collarbone, and the last thing she was thinking about was getting sick.
"Elliot?" His lips had found the base of her neck and moved towards her chest.
"Mmm?"
"Will you please shut up?" She grabbed his face and pulled his lips to hers. She could literally care less about germs right now.
His lip moved against hers, but he kept his tongue in his own mouth, which was probably for the best, but she couldn't help craving more.
His hands slid underneath her, sneaking below her shirt, before he rolled her on top of him. His hands snuck towards her ass and slid back towards her lower back. He grasped the bottom of her shirt, deftly pulling it over her head. She gasped as his lips moved towards her sternum, and it was very clear where this was going. And she was more than willing to let this fire burn.
-000-
Olivia stretched awake in the early morning. Her body never seemed to sleep in anymore. Elliot's arms were wound around her middle, and her leg was sandwiched between his thighs. Last night was completely and unexpectedly perfect.
She leaned into him, pressing a soft kiss on his lips. His mouth curled into a smile before his eyes opened.
"Good morning," she whispered.
"Good morning," he returned. He kissed her again.
"I was going to ask how you are feeling, but I'm thinking your answer won't be about your throat."
"You know me too well," he grinned. "My throat still hurts, but not nearly as bad as last night," he admitted. He cupped her face with one hand and said, "Hopefully I didn't get you sick."
She leaned into him, brushing her lips softly against his. "I'm not worried, and even if I get sick, it was 100% worth it."
"Yeah?" His eyes smirked with pride.
"Absolutely," she answered before enveloping his lips with hers.