Olivia knocked on Elliot's door, feeling antsy. His team picked up a few of her cases as part of an organized crime ring, and there might have been some yelling when Elliot came to her office to pick up the case files. Truth be told, it was more about the word tension between them rather than any professional disagreement.

The door opened and instead of finding Elliot she found Bernie. "Oh hello dear," she greeted.

Before Olivia could say anything Bernie waved her in. "Come on in," she turned to walk down the hall, encouraging Olivia to follow. Olivia shut the door and followed her into the kitchen. Elliot had to be around here somewhere. He'd never leave Bernie here alone.

Just then Kathleen came through the glass doors holding a plant. "Is this the one you want grandma? Cuz I think Dad killed it." She looked up and noticed Olivia standing there. "Oh hey Olivia," she looked to her grandma and then back to Olivia. "Dad's out on a run."

Bernie took the plant from Kathleen and set in on the kitchen counter. She kept her eyes on the plant while she poked around, trying to decide if it could be revived. "That had to be a doozy of a fight to send him on this long of a run."

"Grandma!" Kathleen scolded and Olivia's cheeks flushed.

"Um, it's okay Kathleen." Olivia had a hand on her cheek, trying to hide the flush on her face. She wasn't quite sure how to respond. "I think the issue got blown out of proportion."

Bernie poured some water on the plant. Olivia was sure that plant was a goner, but Bernie seemed determined to revive it. "Well, that can happen when you don't argue about the things that actually need to be argued about."

Kathleen shot Olivia an apologetic look.

Bernie left the plant next to the sink and came around the counter. "Come sit," she invited and Olivia followed her to the couch. Bernie dropped a hand to Olivia's knee. "My son, God knows I love him, but he is stubborn as they come."

Olivia wasn't sure this was the conversation she wanted to have right now, but it seemed she had no choice so she sat quietly as Bernie continued.

"And that's why he needs you. He needs someone who isn't afraid to call him out on his crap."

Olivia wondered how much longer Elliot would be. How long could he realistically run?

"I think both of you need to cut the crap and get your ducks in a row so you can finally make things work."

Olivia looked over to Kathleen, who had her mouth covered, trying not to laugh. Olivia figured she was more amused by this conversation than embarrassed.

Olivia turned her attention back to Bernie who now looked at her with eye catching intensity. "Olivia, dear, life is too short to live in fear. One day you will look back and wish you hadn't waited so long to grab the happiness in front you."

The intensity of her gaze and the truthfulness of her words pierced deep into her core. Olivia blinked back the tears threatening the corners of her eyes. Amanda's voice echoed through her mind, "don't postpone joy".

Olivia cleared her throat. She needed to get out of here. She'd talk to Elliot later. She stood, "Thanks ladies," she gave them each a genuine smile. "I need to go, I'll catch up with Elliot later."

She turned away before anyone could say anything else. She suddenly felt suffocated. She needed air. Once outside, the cool air whipped at her face, providing some much needed relief. The relief was short lived because not even a minute later, a sweaty Elliot jogged up to her.

He pulled one of his earbuds from his ear and asked, "What are you doing here?"

Now she felt like she had no idea why she was here. Her original intention had fled long ago so now she sat here staring at him, not quite knowing what to say. She cleared her throat, "I came to work things out with you, you know," her eyes lifted to his, "after everything earlier. But you have family here so I'll leave you to it."

She tried to hurry away, but he grabbed her arm. "Liv wait."

She turned back, and he kept his hold on her arm, tugging her a little closer. "I'm sorry about earlier. It wasn't really my place…"

"What are we doing Elliot?" Her thought cut off his.

He looked confused so she elaborated. "With us , what are we doing?"

He obviously wasn't prepared for this conversation because he stood there saying nothing, mind reeling.

This wasn't getting her anywhere. "Nevermind," she mumbled before pulling away. What was she expecting? She had given him zero indication she really wanted to pursue this beyond a cryptic 'I want to.'

His mind must have caught up because he grabbed her arm again, spinning her back towards him. He was suddenly close. So close. She couldn't breathe.

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "Olivia," he brushed his hand across her cheek, leaving her heart pounding mercilessly. "I want you. I want this. I want it today, I want it tomorrow, I want it always. So that's what I'm doing here. I want you in my life, in every part of my life." His voice dropped to a low whisper, and his gaze held hers, "I love you." She felt tears on her cheeks and he brushed them away. "And I want everything."

Now it was her turn to stand in stunned amazement. He pulled her in for a hug, "Say something please," he whispered into hair. "I need to know what you're thinking."

She pulled away from him, and since she still couldn't find the right words she pulled his face to hers, kissing him deeply. When she pulled away they were both breathless. She kept both hands on his face and touched her forehead to his, "I want all those things too," she whispered, and he smiled before enveloping her lips in his.