Protégé

A/N: Happy Holidays to all! This Chapter is for my Australian twin Alex, I know you're having a shitty week girl, hope this can cheer you up for a moment! This Chapter 44, was originally 10k words so I split it in two. Hope this is a pleasant start to anyone's weekend.

A/N 2: A lot of people complained because they never got a notification email for Chapter 43. In case you missed it, you may want to go back, and make sure you read 43 or this will not make any sense.

A/N 3: Do NOT take this chapter's medical advice for yourself. This is a sexy M rated story, it is suppose to be light hearted, don't do anything in this fic while you are pregnant without your physician's approval.

Disclaimer: I wish they were mine, I could write a bangin' holiday episode (pun intended).

Chapter 44

Mercy Hospital, Wednesday Evening, Summer 2013, Continued

Olivia and Elliot stared at one another.

"What do I do?" Elliot whispered, as they heard the voices in the hall move further away.

"Elliot? Elliot?" this time they heard Bernie's voice through the wall.

"For Christ sakes Bernadette would you keep it down! Maybe he's in the bathroom," Joe said scoldingly.

"Where is he? Where's my son, Elliot!" Bernie whined.

"I'll go to the nurses station, ask if he's been moved again," Tucker declared leaving the couple alone.

Olivia pushed against his chest, "Go now."

"What?" Elliot asked in confusion, hearing the commotion next door.

"Quickly, say you were just stretching your legs if anyone asks!" Olivia once again supplied him with a plausible excuse.

"Fine, love you," Elliot grabbed her cheek and gave her a chaste kiss.

Olivia smiled against his lips, despite the circumstances, "Go now. Go."

Elliot cracked open her door, and slowly peaked his head out looking both ways. When he didn't see anybody he darted out of her room, closing the door behind him, and pausing outside his door he took a deep breath, and pushed it open.

He looked up with a fake expression of surprise, "Mom, Dad, what are you doing here?"

"Oof!" Bernie had flung her body into his, almost causing him to stumble.

"Jesus Bernadette, would you let the kid breathe?" Joe rubbed the back of his neck, a mannerism Elliot recognized in himself.

"Would you stop saying the Lord's name in vane!" Bernie huffed in annoyance, still squeezing her son unnecessarily hard.

"Are you alright?" Bernie asked as she reached up and grasped both sides of Elliot's face.

"Ummm, I'm fine Ma, they're just keeping me over night for observation," Elliot mumbled as his Mother squeezed his cheeks between her hands.

"See Bernadette the boys just fine, I'm sure he could've walked it off-"

"He didn't scrape his knee playing football Joseph! My baby was shot!" Bernie continued to cry.

Just then Tucker appeared in the doorway, but quickly stepped inside the room and closed the door, "Shit guys I could hear you all the way down the hall. How ya doing Elliot?"

Elliot grabbed his Mother's wrists and pulled them down, removing her boney fingers from the surprisingly strong grip she had on his face. Taking a step forward he shook his Godfather's hand, "I'm fine both shots were through the muscle, just needed some blood, and they wanna monitor me overnight. Few stitches, probably be off work for the rest of the week at least, I was lucky."

"Where were you?" Tucker asked as Bernie blurted out, "I don't consider getting shot twice as lucky Elliot."

"All Elliot is saying is that it could've been a lot worse," Tucker clarified for him.

"The hospital called your parents, they're still your emergency contacts, but they told us you were down in emerg, then when we couldn't find you, well, we didn't know what condition you were brought in, I listened on the radio and it just said officer down, 10-13, and a lot of blood. We expected the worst. When we couldn't find you, we went to the morgue, but they had no recent gunshot vics either, finally somebody said you'd been moved to an actual unit," Tucker explained as Elliot got settled on his bed, his parents were still bickering with one another.

Elliot nodded, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to worry you, and I haven't updated my emergency contact information since I graduated."

"Well it's not like you're married, or even in a serious relationship, your parents should be the first to be notified if you're ever in an accident, or injured on the job," Tucker patted his foot.

"Speaking of are you here as-" Elliot began but Ed held up his hand.

"I'm removed myself from the case, I am strictly here as your Godfather," Elliot nodded as Tucker's words registered.

"Well now dear you just close your eyes," Bernie began to tuck him into bed, "And get some sleep, I'll just sit quietly in the chai-"

"Oh no you don't!" Joe grabbed Bernie by her bicep. "I'm glad you're okay son, and we'll be back bright and early to pick you up as soon as you're discharged."

"Bu-bu-but-" Bernie tried to argue.

"Elliot's a big boy, he doesn't need us to sleep over with him in a hospital Bernadette," Joe patted Elliot's blanket covered leg too.

"Anything else you need kid?" Joe inquired before they left.

"Ummm, no I'll call you in the morning whenever I hear anything," Elliot was hoping to be able to join Olivia for her ultrasound, and didn't want his parents lurking around when it happened.

They hadn't disclosed to their superiors, yet alone his family. He didn't know who he feared more. Although he was prepared to lose SVU, he wasn't prepared to lose his family. He knew they wouldn't be able to have a quick wedding, and claim the baby was conceived on their honeymoon, and simply arrived early. Olivia was too far along for that scenario. His parent's would be outraged that they had a child out of wedlock. His friend's his age would think this was a mistake, and that he would be crazy to take responsibility for the baby.

The more time he had to think about it, the happier he felt. This child wasn't a mistake. Sure they hadn't planned to have a baby yet, but he was over the moon that it was happening. He wanted to marry Olivia, and start a family. Baby or no baby, he would gladly get down on one knee tomorrow if he thought she wouldn't run away screaming.

His parents would probably force them down the aisle the minute they found out, but they had never gone up against the force of nature that was Olivia Benson. She wouldn't be forced into anything she didn't want to do. He hoped at the very least that this could perhaps expedite their moving process. With a baby on the way they'd need to find a bigger place together. As much as he liked her current apartment, it wasn't big enough for three of them. And there was no way he'd raise his child in the attic of his parent's house. Yes his bedroom was large, and he built in an en-suite, but he knew it'd be a cold day in hell that Olivia would willingly move in there with him.

He had saved every penny that he had ever made. Aside from the old motorcycle he bought and repaired, he had banked all his money for a home of his own. He was certain Olivia would insist on paying for things, but he was no slouch, no one would ever call him a deadbeat Dad, he would always provide for Olivia, and his child. And not just financially. There was more to providing for a family then a cheque. He would do everything his Father didn't. He actually looked forward to spending all his free time with Olivia, and all their future offspring. He would gladly choose the family that he was electing to make, over his job, every day.

"Are you sure you'll be okay here by yourself tonight?" Bernie asked before the other two men could get her out of his room.

"Promise Ma, I'll be fine, I'll see you tomorrow," Elliot tried to give her a reassuring smile.

"Oh my baby boy!" Bernie exclaimed, rushing forward and encompassing Elliot in another firm hug.

Elliot rested his cheek on her shoulder. He knew his parents had a lot of issues with themselves and each other, but he also knew he was fortunate to have them, no matter the circumstance.

He didn't know what happened between Olivia and Serena after he left her room, but he was pretty certain there were no hugs, or declarations of love. His Father may have been cold, and stingy with emotions, but his Mother was the complete opposite, overflowing with feelings, especially for her children.

"Love you Ma," Elliot whispered in her ear, and pecked her cheek as she pulled back.

"I'll see you tomorrow my love," Bernie said as she kissed his knuckles.

"Get some sleep kid," Joe ordered as he waited by the door for Bernie, "Let's go, let him rest."

Tucker was still standing beside his bed, "You okay Elliot?"

"Yeah, I-I know I'm lucky, I realize it could've been worse-"

"You need anything before we go?" his Godfather inquired one last time.

"Naw, I think my Father is right, I need some shut eye," Elliot hid a yawn behind his hand.

"Right, look I just wanted to say, you gave us quite a scare tonight, I'm elated to see for myself you're okay but, I also need to apologize for that night at the Governor's mansion. I had not just one too many, I had a few too many, and I felt like I was getting nowhere with Olivia, not that that's an excuse but, after pounding back too many bourbons I wasn't myself. Never should've hit you, drunk or not, I'm sorry Elliot," Tucker placed his hand on his good shoulder.

Elliot gulped as he heard Ed talk about Olivia. Even though he knew nothing was going on between them anymore, it still made him uncomfortable.

"We're good, you're family right?" Elliot's lips curled into a small smile. "Families fight sometimes."

"You're a good man Elliot," Tucker winked at him as he walked backwards towards his door. They could hear his parents bickering from the hallway. "It's been an honour watching you grow into the man you have become, don't ever change, you'll make some woman very happy some day."

Elliot waved as his Godfather closed his door. He frowned and looked down at his lap, he felt guilty for the thoughts he had had about his Godfather in the past, concerning the woman he hoped to make happy in the future. His Godfather wasn't a bad person, and he couldn't exactly blame him for falling for his Captain, he had as well.

He laid his head back on his pillow, and nearly jumped out of his skin when he heard a loud ringing coming from the side table.

He hadn't even realized he had a phone in his room, reaching for the loud device he cautiously answered, "Hello?"

"Hey is everyone gone?"

Elliot smiled as he heard Olivia's voice on the other end of the line.

"Yeah, just. I have a feeling they're unaware you're even in the hospital," he informed her.

"Mmhm, I called Fin, he said they're trying to keep it hushed hushed, which I sincere appreciate, all things considered," Elliot could hear the strain in his girlfriend's voice.

"You okay?" he asked in concern.

"Today's been pretty stressful," Olivia confessed.

Elliot smiled, he knew she must be feeling a certain way if she was being vulnerable in that moment.

"As much as I'm willing to sneak back out of here, I think you really need some rest. Do you want me to come to you or not?"

"Well as much as I love falling asleep in your arms, these beds are pretty narrow-"

"It's okay Liv, I promise I'm not upset, I just want the best for you and Baby B."

"You sure?" Olivia couldn't contain her yawn.

"Pinky promise, get some sleep, I'll see you in the morning. I love you Olivia," Elliot held his breath as he waited for her response.

"I love you too, please got some shut eye, you need it just as much as we do," Olivia informed him.

Elliot let out the breath he was holding. He would never get tired of hearing her say those three little words. After meeting Serena it was obvious it wasn't a term she used often, which made it mean even more to him.

"G'night Liv, sweet dreams beautiful," Elliot grinned as he hung up the hospital room phone. With the assurance he needed that she was okay, he closed his eyes, the turmoil of the day taking over his body, and quickly he fell into a deep sleep.

Thursday Morning, Mercy Hospital, Manhattan, Summer 2013

Elliot had just received his discharge papers from his doctor. They were nice enough to give him some spare scrubs to wear home, since his clothes had been ruined by blood stains.

He picked up the phone in his room, and staring at the board on the wall which featured his phone's number, he quickly calculated that the last three digits were the room number. He dialled the first seven numbers, then entered Olivia's room number.

He listened as it rang twice, and he swore he could hear it through their shared wall.

"Hello?"

Elliot smiled as he heard her voice.

"Mornin' beautiful, did you get some rest?" Elliot had dozed on and off. A nurse came in a couple times to check his vitals, effectively disturbing his sleep.

Next thing he knew there was a line of people coming into his room. First someone with a breakfast tray, followed by another nurse. They checked his bandage, and stitches, confirming both were in good condition. Shortly afterwards a doctor came in, and told him he was free to go, they went over some precautions, and things to look out for, before handing him some papers, and a pen.

"I've just got a clean bill of health, have you seen a nurse or doctor yet? Any idea about that ultrasound?"

Just as Olivia began to respond Elliot heard a commotion outside his room. He was just about to speak again when his door swung open, his parents walking through the threshold.

"Ummm, my parents just got here Cap, so I guess I'll be going home now. Uhhh-" Elliot was trying not to say anything discriminating, while also apologizing for leaving her in the hospital. "I'll be in touch, see you later Captain."

Elliot heard her heavy sigh, followed by a solemn "Love you."

"You too," was all he could say in the presence of his parents.

"What are you guys doing here?" Elliot asked as he hung up his phone.

His Mother gave him a look of concern, "We told you we'd be back here first thing in the morning to take you home sweetheart. Did you not remember? Did you bang your head when you were shot? I hope that wasn't your Captain harassing you about going back to work!"

"Woah Ma take a breath, I just figured you'd wait for me to call you's is all," Elliot gave them a small smile and stood from where he was sitting on his bed.

"You good to go then?" his Father asked impatiently.

"Yep," Elliot nodded, giving his Mother a side hug. Together the three of them walked towards the elevator, but he couldn't help glancing back at the closed door of his girlfriend's room.

Bernie saw him looking back.

"Did you forget something dear?" she questioned as they stepped into the metal compartment.

"Forget? Naw, just thinking about some stuff I'mma miss out on…" Elliot explained.

"You'll heal, and be back to work in no time kid," his Father declared as he slapped the button for the ground floor.

Elliot almost scoffed. It figured his Father would automatically think he was referring to work. His job always was the number one priority in his father's life. He swore then and there, as he watched the number in the elevator go down, that his child with Olivia would never have that thought about him.

Olivia sighed as she heard Elliot leave with his parents. She knew if she said the word that he would have come clean to them, but after everything they had gone through in the past twenty four hours, she didn't want to add his parent's to their drama. Thankfully she had had the forethought to ask her nurse not to call her own emergency contact, when she would be ready to go home. When the friendly young nurse inquired who she could call, Olivia struggled for a moment. She didn't have a technical family member that she could rely on, after taking a moment she provided her with Fin's contact info.

"Good morning Captain Benson, how are you and baby this morning?" Doctor Warner greeted as she entered her room with an ultrasound machine.

Olivia smiled politely.

They conversed for a short time, the doctor took the time to explain how things would progress, and set her up with an appointment with her OB/GYN, and some vitamins. She informed her that sex was safe, but nothing overly hard or rough, and if she had any more bleeding to return to the hospital.

She allowed Olivia to ask any questions that were plaguing her.

Olivia was slightly embarrassed but decided she'd rather have peace of mind, than worry about her doctor thinking she was silly.

"Ummm, I've had some-feelings? Not outright nausea, I had that a lot in the first trimester, and it doesn't feel quite like that. It feels like, I don't know, butterflies? But uncomfortable, kind of a queasy sensation in my gut?"

Doctor Warner nodded, "I see, does anything make it better or worse?"

Olivia bit her bottom lip and stared at her hands in her lap, "It's going to sound crazy."

The doctor smiled at the suddenly shy police Captain, "Try me."

Olivia took a deep breath, and blew it out slowly. "Elliot."

Warner furrowed her eyebrows, "Elliot what?"

"Elliot. I don't know why, I have this weird queasy feeling, like a subtle vibration or anxiousness in my stomach, whenever we spend a significant amount of time apart it gets stronger. Then, I know I sound crazy, but the moment I see him, he touches me, or sometimes just hearing his voice, the feeling goes away…" Olivia ducked her head, her cheeks going bright red.

"Hah aw hunny, that's perfectly normal," Warner chuckled lightly.

Olivia's head snapped up, her eyes narrowed wondering if her doctor was making fun of her.

"Really?"

Warner made a cross over her heart, "Promise. In fact it's not you. You haven't, overnight-become an emotional, needy woman, don't worry. It's your baby Olivia. A lot of people don't realize that hearing is one of the first senses to develop in the womb. Your child likes to hear their Daddy, feel him close to you. I'd bet when he's not giving you toe-curling orgasms, that he generally calms you down, relaxes and lowers your heart rate. Believe it or not your baby can sense that his presence has that effect on you. When you're calm, Baby Benson is too. Generally speaking what's good for Mom, is good for baby."

"So you're saying that queasy unsettled feeling I get at times recently, is really just my child wanting it's-"

"Parents? I'm afraid so," Warner patted her hands and gave her a warm smile.

"Now then how about we get a look at your future child hmmm?"

Olivia lifted her gown, and watched as the doctor squirted some gel onto her stomach. She placed the probe on her lower belly and tilted the screen so Olivia could see the image. Just as she was about to begin Olivia grabbed her forearm, "I uh is there anyway you can do the scan, and just tell me if everything's okay? As much as I'm aching to see this little person I-"

"Want to see them for the first time with Elliot?"

"Is that okay?" Olivia asked apprehensively.

"Of course!" It didn't take long for the doctor to do her examination. Olivia waited patiently, looking out her window, as she listened to the tapping of the keys on the machine as the doctor took some measurements. Finally she checked for any more abnormal bleeding.

"Someone is active this morning, I couldn't get a clear picture even if you wanted to know the gender, but as far as I'm concerned, you my dear are ready to go home," Warner informed her.

They had saved her clothes in a bag which she found on a table beside her bed. In the time it took for her to change into them, Fin had arrived to pick her up. Just as they were leaving to go Doctor Warner came back, knocking politely on the open door before entering.

"Ready to get out of here?" she inquired, while holding a brown envelope.

"Thank you for all your help, but I won't be upset to never see you here… again," Olivia joked.

"Likewise, this is for you, open it when you're alone with Elliot," Warner winked as she handed her the envelope, "Be careful there's a CD in there."

The kind Doctor turned to leave, "And tell Melinda to give her old mum a call, I know we both live busy lives, but it's nice to hear from her every once in a while."

"Mum? Mel-Melinda?" Fin choked.

"I'm sorry I forgot, Odafin Tutuola this is Mel's Mother, Doctor Warner this is another one of Melinda's colleagues," Olivia explained as the doctor stretched out her hand.

Olivia had never seen the blood drain so quickly from a person's face, as Fin stood beside her, having realized he had met their ME's Mother. She also just recalled her suspicions from earlier in the year that Fin and Mel were possibly hooking up. Judging by her Detective's demeanour, she'd guessed right, and he was another man in her life who in the past 24 hours had accidentally met their significant other's Mother. Fin seemed to be having the exact same reaction as Elliot did the day before with Serena.

"Tutuola, it's a pleasure, I believe Mel has mentioned you in the past," the Doctor smiled warmly.

Her voice must have brought Fin out of his state of shock. He stumbled forward and grasped her hand in both of his, "I-uhhhm it is such a nice, I mean, the pleasure is mine ma'am-errr Doctor."

Olivia tried to hide her smile behind her hand, for all his swagger, composure, and level-headedness, she had never seen her friend look so flustered.

The Doctor gave Fin a weary smile, "Right well, all the best, hope I don't see any more of my daughter's colleagues, or-" and she paused as her gaze lingered on Fin, "Friends…in my hospital any time soon."

Doctor Warner gave Olivia a nod before turning and walking out her door, her white coat flapping behind her. She heard Fin let out a breath of air, and saw him bent over, resting his hands on his legs.

"You good?" she inquired with a smile.

"Yeah yep, although between the two of us, I expected you to be the one with nausea this morning, not me," Fin released another deep breath and stood up straight.

"You good?" he asked with a smirk.

Olivia could only nod. She hadn't slept well, and the only thing she could think of was curling up in her bed at home, as they made their way to Fin's car and, her friend drove her away from the hospital.

Olivia was beyond grateful for Fin, they made small talk as he drove, but he could sense that she didn't want to talk about anything heavy, and vice versa. Living in the same building had it's perks, as he parked and insisted on seeing her inside even though he had to get back to work. He also brought her the purse she had taken to the precinct the day before, making sure her laptop, and cellphone were accounted for too. She used the latter to message Elliot, and let him know that her and baby were both well. She plugged them both in the minute she opened her door, wanting them to be fully charged when she'd need them later.

He made sure she was comfortable, "You need anything before I bounce?"

Olivia plopped down on a stool by her kitchen counter, not wanting to get any of her other furniture dirty from the clothes she wore in the ambulance and hospital.

"I'm okay, just need to sleep for a bit," Olivia answered as she downed a glass of juice. Drinking and eating more frequently was a part of the new lifestyle she would have to adapt to for the next few months.

"'Aight, you call me if you need anything 'kay?" Fin squeezed her shoulder.

"For what it's worth," he called over his shoulder as he walked out, "I'm glad you and Stabler are good, and for the record before I found out about you two, I had told Nick you seemed happier lately."

"Okay…" Olivia replied cautiously, not entirely sure where her colleague was going with his statement.

"The jury's still out on this Stabler guy, but I gotta admit, happy looks good on you," Fin winked as Olivia closed her front door and locked it, while smiling and shaking her head.

She walked back to her bedroom, and stripped her clothes from her body, tossing them all in the direction of her hamper. Quickly shifting through her drawers she found a baggy undershirt of Elliot's and pulled it over her head. She slipped on a pair of cheeky panties and crawled into bed. Her head had barely hit her pillow before she was out, wandering through dreamland.

A/N: Not feeling the best, hopefully the writing didn't suffer. Will update again later this weekend. All your reviews and comments are very appreciated.

A/N 2: No M/sexy times in a Protégé chapter…I must not be feeling good. Curiously I've noticed Protégé is more popular on AO3 but Undercovers is more popular on FFN…how would that happen, and not by a small margin, like totally lopsided. If you need a dose of smut, shameless plug, but check out Undercovers for season 8, Olivia and Elliot undercover for a weekend at a hotel/spa, pretending to be a couple. Happy reading!