Disclaimer: SVU and all of its characters were created by and are the property of Dick Wolf. I make no profit with this story, which is my own original work.
The first week after Olivia had gone was the hardest for Elliot, even more so than their most recent separation. It hadn't helped matters any when he'd gone into work the day after Dana's visit, only to find that his partner's desk had been cleared off completely. Having to feign shock and ignorance as to Olivia's whereabouts hadn't been that difficult, especially when he'd attempted to dial her cell phone, only to receive an automated message that the number had been disconnected. Dana had conveniently forgotten to mention that little detail. The blow from Cragen was the hardest to swallow, however – that he would be getting a new partner. Even though Elliot knew the truth, that Olivia's reassignment was only a temporary one, everything about what he was hearing made it far too real for his liking.
He didn't know much about who he was going to be paired with, only that they were transferring in from Warrants. In the meantime, he would be flying solo – which, if he were being honest, he definitely preferred. Anything else just felt like a betrayal to Olivia. It hadn't been her decision to leave in the first place, and while it was likely they would have had some choices of their own to make, nothing would have needed to be as immediate as this. What hurt Elliot the most was the fact that he had only just gotten Olivia back by his side, and now circumstances had taken her away yet again.
After a day that could only be described as pure hell, Elliot let himself into his apartment, bag of takeout in hand. Once he had secured his weapon in the lock box in his bedroom and changed out of his suit, he grabbed a beer and made himself comfortable in front of the TV. The last thing he was expecting at this hour was a telephone call, and he hoped that it was anyone but work.
"Hello?"
"Hey, El. It's me."
Elliot was so shocked that he almost dropped the phone. At first, he was almost convinced that he was hallucinating – or had possibly fallen asleep before he could eat his dinner and that this was all a dream. But no, he was most definitely wide awake, and that was indeed Olivia's voice on the other end of the line. He didn't know how she had managed it, but she had found a way to stay in contact.
"Liv, are you ok? Is this a secure line?"
"I'm fine. Once Dana realized why I wanted her to contact you, she supplied me with a burner, but then denied all knowledge of its existence. You won't be able to call me, as I'll likely have the phone turned off most of the time, but we can exchange text messages and I'll try to check in as much as I can."
It was more than Elliot could have ever hoped for. He'd never do anything to jeopardize her undercover status, but it would be enough to just hear from her every so often.
"I'm so glad she did. Liv, the picture you sent with the letter, I -"
"I swear, El, I wanted to tell you in person. I only found out the morning Dana came back to help us with the most recent case. I promise I wasn't keeping it a secret from you."
Elliot shook his head, then remembered that Olivia couldn't see him.
"I'm not worried about that. I just need to know that everything is okay. Are you healthy, is our baby healthy?"
"I've only seen Melinda so far, she's the one who confirmed the pregnancy. But my handler here is in touch with a doctor and will get me in for a checkup soon, and I've already started taking prenatal vitamins. Plus, while I can't reveal too much about what I'm working on, I can say that you won't have to worry about me eating right. I'm surrounded by a bunch of health nuts."
Laughing, Elliot couldn't help but be relieved. Not that he ever doubted Olivia's ability to care for herself – or for their child – but he couldn't help but be concerned.
"That's good to hear."
They chatted for a little bit longer, before Olivia reluctantly stated that she needed to end the call. The only other details she was able to reveal was that she did have her own space, so she was afforded a modicum of privacy. She also briefly lamented the caffeine withdrawal she was experiencing and how much she missed her morning coffee, but there was no mistaking the excitement in her voice as she assured Elliot that the months without the fragrant brew would be well worth it in the end. Her anxiety was also apparent – as was his – but their mutual joy outweighed any feelings of uneasiness.
"I'll keep you updated as much as I can, El, I promise. All I ask is that you not worry. That, and you do your best to stay out of trouble."
"I can't make any guarantees, but I'll do what I can."
"I know you will."
Once the call had ended, Elliot saved the number in his phone – but under an alias that only he would recognize. He didn't want to do anything that would give away the fact that he had been in contact with Olivia. As for maintaining his moody demeanor in the wake of his partner's absence, that wouldn't be too difficult, either. While he and Olivia might not have gotten around to discussing the gritty details of what they needed to talk about, especially in terms of their future, he knew what was most important. She was healthy, and she was taking care of herself. Whatever type of case she was working on, it didn't appear to be too dangerous – even Dana had assured him of that. All he could do now was hope that things would be resolved quickly, because the last thing he wanted was to miss out on witnessing the way Olivia's body would change as she carried their child. He wanted to be there for it all – to hear the baby's heartbeat, to feel the first kick. Though the event itself was many months away, Elliot prayed that Olivia would welcome him in the delivery room and allow him to be present for the birth, too. For now, though, all he wanted was for her to come safely home. The rest, they could figure out together.
With a full heart, and a smile on his face, Elliot reached for his previously forgotten dinner, not even caring that the food had grown cold. He was too happy to even bother getting up to reheat the meal, the only thing on his mind now of getting through the rest of the evening until it would be time for bed. Then, if he were truly fortunate, his dreams would be filled of prospects for the future – and the new child he would be welcoming into the world along with his partner.
Another week had gone by, and Elliot hadn't heard from Olivia again, other than the brief exchanges of text messages that they'd managed to share. He missed her more than he ever thought possible, and during the times when he wasn't at work, she was constantly on his mind. He knew that Cragen was keeping an eye on him, so he was mindful to always be on his best behavior – the last thing he needed right now was to face disciplinary action or even a suspension. Thankfully, his Captain had seemed to chalk up his mood to the fact that he was just missing his partner, and other than a few words of warning, had decided to let things slide.
What hadn't been as easy to adjust to, however, was working with Dani Beck. Elliot had tried to give the woman the benefit of the doubt, reasoning that it couldn't have been easy transferring in from another department. Warrants and SVU were most definitely two different worlds, but it seemed as though she didn't understand that things didn't work quite the same way as she was used to doing them. For years, Elliot had been told that his temper was a force to be reckoned with, but Dani's own tactics also walked a very fine line.
While Elliot certainly had empathy for his temporary partner regarding the loss of her husband, there was no mistaking the bitterness and hard edges that the man's death had left behind. Granted, Elliot could admit that if he were in Dani's shoes in that particular position, he would likely react in a similar fashion. It wasn't that they didn't get along, he just didn't have the same innate connection with her as he did with Olivia, and he was already missing that so much.
Taking a breather up in the crib after having given Dani yet another lecture that she couldn't take things so personally in this unit - because it would burn her out faster than when she signed up- Elliot checked for any new messages on his phone. To his pleasant surprise there was one, and from exactly who he was hoping it would be. Opening it as fast as he could, he scanned the contents quickly, more eager than ever as this particular note also contained an attachment.
Hey El. Just wanted you to know I saw the doctor yesterday. Everything looks good - I'm officially past the first trimester! They did another ultrasound, and I got to hear our baby's heartbeat. That may very well have been the best sound I have ever heard in my life, I'll never forget it. I'm sorry you couldn't have been there for it. I know we didn't get to talk as much as I wanted before I had to leave, but I just wanted to reassure you again, I'm coming home to you.
As if Elliot weren't already feeling emotional after reading those words from his partner – his true partner – he completely lost control over the tears that were threatening to fall when he opened the attachment and saw that it was a video clip. Olivia had sent over a copy of the sonogram she had done the other day – including audio – so he would also get the opportunity to see the development of their child, and hear the heartbeat for himself. Granted, it was something he'd witnessed before, with his other children, but nothing would ever make the experience any less beautiful or humbling. Because of one night shared together borne out of comfort, new life was growing within Olivia's body, an equal part of each one of them. No matter what else happened, they would forever be united by this child that his partner was going to bring into the world.
Saving the video to his phone, Elliot tried to compose himself as best he could. Thankfully, his years as a Detective had taught him how to compartmentalize his feelings when on the job. It wasn't that he was ashamed of his display of emotion – rather the complete opposite. It was more from a need to protect Olivia and her secret that he tried to keep everything under lock and key. Even though he was also involved, the pregnancy was her news to share. He would never steal her thunder – not even when it came to breaking it to a group of people who would share in their joy the most.
Knowing he could avoid the inevitable no longer, Elliot reluctantly left the quiet serenity of the crib to head back downstairs to the chaos of the squad room. He knew that before he could even pour another cup of coffee and sit back down at his desk, that Dani would be talking in his ear, bouncing more theories off him, desperate for his input. It wasn't that her eagerness was necessarily a bad thing, she just wasn't used to the pace of SVU compared to what she had been used to when working in Warrants. Plus, even though Elliot knew it wasn't exactly fair, he couldn't help comparing Dani to Olivia. Even at her most green in the early days as his partner when she had first started, Olivia had always had a knack for the job. Her empathy was second nature, an ability to comfort the victims and give them the support they needed. In the same breath, she could easily turn on a dime, and intimidate the perps and have them shaking in their shoes with her no-nonsense attitude. Special Victims required a unique balance of talents, and if ever there was someone made for the job, it was Olivia.
Pushing all those thoughts out of his head, out of fear that he might slip up and mention his partner one too many times and earn Cragen's disapproval, Elliot finally made his way back downstairs. He didn't know whether or not to be relieved when he didn't immediately see Dani, only to recognize the somewhat familiar blonde hair through the slatted blinds that covered the windows of the Captain's office. Figuring that it likely had to do with her overzealous performance when apprehending a suspect earlier that morning, Elliot thanked his lucky stars that for once, he wasn't the one under the microscope. He also couldn't help but wonder if this particular pairing with Dani wasn't somehow another dose of karma like the one Cragen had warned him about when he'd been matched up with Lucius Blaine not long ago. If it was, then he'd gotten the message loud and clear. When it came down to it, he could definitely be an asshole. Once she came home, he was going to not only tell, but show Olivia how much he appreciated her.
As he took his seat at his desk, and tried to resume his focus on the paperwork he'd been concentrating on previously, Elliot suddenly remembered that he had failed to send a reply to Olivia's message. He quickly dismissed his own panic, with the reminder to his anxious brain that she didn't keep her phone on at all times, and wasn't standing by with bated breath awaiting his response. No, it would be better if he could wait until he got home and could compose something well thought out, not that anything he would have sent on impulse would have been any less sincere. But he wanted to make his feelings clear on the subject, without putting any additional pressure on Olivia that she needed to make any immediate decisions regarding commitment. He knew what he wanted – there wasn't any doubt in his mind or in his heart – but this was one instance where he was patient enough to wait until she was one hundred percent certain, too.
In the end, Elliot had gotten home much later than planned. Too late to even call and check in with his kids like he had wanted to – even though he'd sent them all messages explaining and planning to meet up for lunch during the upcoming weekend. He was sure to hear about that from Kathy, although if he were being honest, they had been communicating better lately. It seemed that they worked better as friends and co-parents than they ever had as husband and wife. Elliot hoped that the delicate balance they'd managed to achieve wouldn't be altered when he ultimately broke the news about Olivia's pregnancy, and whatever developments might be in play regarding his own personal relationship with his partner.
Once he was safely in the privacy of his own apartment, and had safely locked away his gun and made himself comfortable. Elliot couldn't resist playing the video of the sonogram that Olivia had sent him for a second time. He was completely mesmerized by the images, and wholly in love with the sound of his unborn child's heartbeat. If given the opportunity, he would happily watch the replay on an endless loop until an updated version became available. But that wouldn't afford him the ability to be very productive at work, so he'd have to be satisfied with watching it a few times on repeat every night when he got home. As it was, Elliot lived with the near constant fear that the ultrasound photo he kept hidden his wallet would be discovered by accident, but he just couldn't bring himself to not carry it on his person at all times.
A low rumble caught his attention, and belatedly Elliot remembered that it had been several hours since he'd eaten last. Not in the mood to deal with ordering in from somewhere, he wandered into the kitchen to see what he could figure out in terms of food. There were a few frozen dinners to choose from, but nothing that peaked his interest. Having had a sandwich for lunch, he didn't care for repetition in that department, either. Ultimately, Elliot put a pot of water on to boil, having decided that a simple plate of pasta was his best option. It would not only provide a hot meal, but it would also be filling. He also made a mental note to stop at the grocery store to stock up on essentials, so he wouldn't run into the same problem again in a few days time.
When the pasta had finished cooking, Elliot tossed it in a jarred sauce, too tired to worry about having taken the shortcut tonight instead of making his own. It was why he kept it on hand in the first place. Grabbing a beer out of the fridge and a couple of paper towels, he settled himself on the couch, and turned on the television. The hockey game was on tonight, and that should be enough to hold his interest until it was time to go to bed. It was only the preseason, but the match ups were still entertaining.
Elliot was about halfway through his dinner when his phone rang. Mentally cursing the interruption, all thoughts of annoyance left his mind when he saw exactly who was calling. Just what exactly had he done in order to earn hearing from Olivia twice in one day? Granted, the first had been just a simple text message and video attachment, but to be able to talk to her, too? It would be the highlight of his night.
"Hey, El."
"Liv, I didn't think I'd hear from you for awhile. This is the best surprise ever – well, second best. The first was most definitely the video you sent me today."
Even though he couldn't see her, Elliot could hear the smile in his partner's voice. In his mind's eye, he was able to envision just how much her skin must be glowing by now, the pregnancy having altered her complexion even more than her already natural beauty shone through on a normal day.
"Yeah. That was one of the reasons I was calling. I didn't want to just drop that video and leave you high and dry. I was hoping we could talk about it, because what I really needed to say simply didn't translate easily into written words."
"I know what you mean. I'm not ashamed to admit that I cried like a baby when I saw and heard it. I can only imagine how I would have reacted if I'd witnessed it in person."
Silence reigned over the line, and Elliot instantly regretted what he had said.
"I didn't mean anything by that, I swear. I wasn't trying to make you feel bad, Liv."
The reassurance came almost instantly.
"I know. I didn't take it that way. I was quiet because I was trying not to cry again. This baby has my emotions in a tailspin. I swear, I'm a hormonal nightmare. I bet Huang would love to analyze me."
Now that he better understood the reason behind Olivia's distress – even if that wasn't exactly the right word for it, Elliot couldn't help but chuckle softly. Even with everything he'd just learned, it didn't make him miss his partner any less. Mood swings or not, he wanted to be there for it all – even if it meant he was in the line of fire. He decided to tell her as much.
"Just promise me that if I'm ever the target of your rage, don't hold back. If it means you leave me a hate filled voicemail cursing me out, I'm here for it. I want to support you in any way I can."
"I appreciate that. Currently the only thing that keeps my temper on a short fuse is my handler, so he'd be more prone to be in danger than you."
Immediately in tune to the change of inflection in his partner's voice, Elliot's own posture changed, even though he knew she couldn't see him. His vocal quality was altered too, taking on that protective tone that he knew Olivia would recognize – and likely call him out on.
"Why? What's wrong with him? Are you safe?"
"At ease, soldier. He's not incompetent, and I'm not at risk. He's just an asshole, and if I manage to get through this operation without strangling him, I will deserve a medal."
Feeling more secure in what Olivia had told him – not that he'd ever once doubted her abilities – Elliot allowed himself to relax. That was when he remembered that his partner had said she had more than one thing to talk to him about, and while he could converse with her endlessly, he was well aware that her time was more limited than his.
"So, not that I'm rushing you, but what else was it you wanted to mention to me Liv? I didn't want you thinking that I'd forgotten."
"Actually, I was wondering how you felt about helping me out with something. I don't know what work was like for you today, but what would you say to a little shop talk?"
At first, Elliot was confused. He'd always been under the impression that Olivia was forbidden to reveal any details about her undercover project, thus why she had been calling him on a burner to begin with. Once she explained her reasoning, however, things began to make sense. He also wasn't the least bit surprised that his partner had stumbled across an unsolved case with SVU notes to it while in the middle of working something else. No matter how proud he was, he could only imagine how much of a headache Olivia's interference was creating for local law enforcement, even if she was likely doing a better job investigating than they were.
"I can't reveal too many details, obviously, because that would reveal my location to you. I know you'd never tell anyone, but I did keep a promise, and I intend to keep my word. What I could use, though, is someone to bounce ideas off of, and you and I always do our best work together."
"Whatever theories you have, Liv, lay them on me."
It was so hard to speak in purely hypothetical terms, but Olivia did her best. She wasn't supposed to be as involved as she was, but she simply couldn't ignore what she had found. Matters weren't being helped any by the fact that her handler, Dean Porter, was ignoring her completely and refusing to be of any assistance. At least she knew she could always count on Elliot. Of course, he would have some suggestions of his own. Olivia missed her partner immensely, and wanted both cases to be wrapped up as soon as possible so she could go home.
After explaining everything in as much detail as possible, Olivia awaited for Elliot's input, unaware that she had been slurring her words toward the end of her story, thus earning her partner's immediate concern.
"Liv, are you all right?"
Knowing she should have expected this, and realizing that Elliot's panic would likely be much worse if he could actually see her right now and witness the bruising on her temple, Olivia tried to keep her tone casual.
"I'm fine. I just didn't get much sleep last night. Ran into some issues at an event with the group I'm working with, and there were some unexpected...developments, to say the least."
It was poor excuse, as far as explanations went, but Olivia was hoping that Elliot would buy it. She should have known better.
"Olivia? What aren't you telling me?"
Sighing, Olivia knew she'd have to tell Elliot the truth. She just hoped that after he heard what had happened, he wouldn't try to come and find her – or worse, call Dana and read her the riot act.
"Long story short, we were at a protest. The local police got involved, and a few of them were – shall we say, overzealous. I stepped in on behalf of someone else, and one of them hit me in the head with their flashlight."
Olivia held her breath, awaiting Elliot's response. She wasn't worried about either, because no matter what reaction appeared first – the concern, or the anger on her behalf, both would be equally familiar and remind her of home.
"Are you all right? Is the baby all right?"
"We're both fine – more or less. I've got a killer headache, which I really can't do anything about, and I had to stay awake for a certain number of hours as part of the concussion protocol, but that's about it. Also, the bruising isn't pretty. Suffice to say I'm not going to win any beauty contests anytime soon."
What Olivia hadn't been expecting was the gentle admonition that followed, where Elliot assured her that she had always been beautiful in his eyes, and always would be- even more so now that she was carrying his child. While they hadn't spoken about it at length, she was well aware of the shift in their relationship, she just wasn't cognizant of the warm feeling she would get in her heart at hearing Elliot talk to her in that way.
After reminding Olivia yet again to be careful, Elliot continued to listen as he learned how his partner's injury had acted as the catalyst to her finding out more details about the unsolved case she had discovered. It didn't help matters any that she was now under the microscope of the local deputy, but from the sounds of things, Olivia was more than handling herself in that particular regard. Despite the seriousness of the situation, Elliot couldn't help but laugh as Olivia told him about the public defender they had stuck her with, and he could only imagine just how hard it must have been for her to maintain her patience.
As was always the way, saying goodbye when it came time for their phone call to end proved difficult for both of them, tonight more so than ever before. Maybe it was because of the emotional bond they had shared earlier in the day with the sonogram video and hearing their baby's heartbeat, or as a result of Elliot having learned that Olivia had been injured – no matter how minor she claimed it to be. What it boiled down to was just another reminder that they were too far apart for either of their liking, and a mutual wish for a reunion as soon as possible.
Even though he knew she wouldn't be there, Elliot went into work the following day feeling lighter than he had. The more frequent his calls with Olivia were, the more his mood improved. Granted, it had been distressing to hear of her injury, but things didn't appear to be that serious – although he would love a few minutes alone with the officer who had thought it justifiable to hit a pregnant woman. That was when Elliot's brain helpfully reminded him that it was highly likely that Olivia wasn't showing yet – not that it excused the actions of the person who had hit her – but at least his anger was somewhat mollified in knowing that the attack against his partner's pregnancy hadn't been deliberate.
The more Elliot thought about Olivia, in particular when he remembered her having mentioned the headaches she was having, the more his heart went out to her. Not only was the lack of sleep not helping, but due to her condition, she probably wasn't allowed to take anything for the pain, either. Even something as simple as a cup of coffee would be off the table. One thing was for certain though – even though he'd never heard Olivia say the words – Elliot could tell just by the sound of wonder in her voice that she wouldn't trade their child for anything in the world, and neither would he.
Grateful for a temporary lull, Elliot tried to envision just what Olivia was up to at that very moment – in whatever part of the world she may be. Though it had always been on the tip of his tongue to ask, he knew better than to pry for details about her location, because she'd never reveal it to him anyway. The times when she had called had given little to no clue as to whether or not she was even in the same time zone, and Elliot knew if he kept up with this line of thinking, he'd only serve to drive himself crazy – if Dani didn't do it first.
Despite his limited patience with his new partner, Elliot wasn't completely heartless. The most recent case they were dealing with had been Dani's first experience working an investigation that involved children, and that was difficult for anyone – even a seasoned Detective like himself. It was why when the blonde made the comment that she'd get used to it after his gesture of empathy that his immediate response had been for her to transfer out the moment that happened. After all these years, he still wasn't used to it. The only thing he could do after days like these was go home and stand under the shower and scrub his skin raw. Or, hug his kids as tight as possible and remind himself that good still existed in the world.
Getting drunk was also an option – although that was a survival tactic better served for use in moderation as opposed to more frequent relaxation strategies. In all the years that he had been partnered with Olivia, Elliot could count on one hand the amount of times they'd both indulged in alcohol to excess, and one of them had always remained sober enough to drive the other home. It was one of the many unspoken pacts between them, more on his part than hers, to never let one another face the darkest parts of the job alone.
That was something that Dani had yet to learn. A recent conversation with Cragen had taught Elliot that his current partner's transfer from Warrants may not have been as voluntary of a move as he initially thought. While he understood where his Captain was coming from in wanting to protect the integrity of the unit, he hadn't appreciated having been told to keep an eye on Dani, essentially making him a glorified babysitter. Then again, Elliot supposed that was just another round of penance for him to serve for all the headaches he himself had caused over the years. When Olivia returned, in addition to letting the woman know he was one hundred percent committed to exploring something more with her, Elliot was also determined to atone for all the trouble he'd laid on her shoulders. Just because Olivia was an independent sort, didn't mean she didn't deserve to be wined, dined and romanced like anyone else – although the wine would definitely have to wait.
Needing to step out of the squad room for a minute to check on a particular file, Elliot paid no heed to the fact that one of the phones at a neighboring desk was ringing as he exited. If he had known who the caller was, however, his feet would have remained rooted to the spot. When he reentered a few minutes later, he found all of his colleagues – save for Dani – gathered around, seemingly battling for possession of the handset. Fin was on the line, talking to someone whose identity that Elliot had not yet determined. When he heard his name mentioned, in the same breath as Olivia's, he almost tripped over his own feet in his haste to have a turn.
"Liv? Hello?"
All he could hear were a few voices in the background, then the sound of the call being disconnected. Logically, Elliot was able to reason that his partner must have been dialing from a pay phone and been discovered by members of whatever group she was working with, but the more emotional side of his brain was in overdrive. Remembering that he wasn't supposed to have heard from Olivia in a few weeks, he rounded on Fin, demanding as many details as possible. When that didn't provide him with satisfactory answers, his next course of action was to advance on George Huang, who had happened to stop by to consult on their case. Though Elliot hated himself for the way he had spoken to the FBI psychiatrist, his desperation levels were off the charts. As soon as he could get a free moment, he was going to have to find a way to send a discrete message off to Olivia to make sure she was okay.
It had taken longer than planned, but finally Elliot was able to steal a few minutes away to himself. While everyone else had been debating over what to order in for lunch, he managed to sneak upstairs to the quiet of the locker room. Thankfully, he was the only occupant, and while seated on a bench, he pulled out the phone that had become a lifeline and quickly sent off a message to the woman who was currently his entire world.
Liv – I get that something must have come up, but I just need to know you're ok. Even if you can't call, please message me back. - El
Luck was on his side. Just as he was about to slip the phone back into his pocket, it chimed with an incoming text. Hurriedly flipping the device open, Elliot scanned the contents, sighing audibly in relief when he read what Olivia had written.
Sorry to have worried you, but was about to be caught. Will try and call you later, have a story that will make you laugh.
Able to breathe easier now, Elliot was ready to head back downstairs. He didn't know what the rest of the day had in store for him, but he was already counting down the hours and minutes until he would be home, and hoped that the stars would be in alignment once again, so that he could talk to Olivia later. The nights were always so much easier to deal with when he was able to hear her voice.
The night hadn't gone the way Elliot had planned – in fact, it was anything but. A snag in the case had led him to invite Dani out for a drink to try and improve both their spirits. It had been early enough in the evening that he would have still been able to get home in time to talk to Olivia should she call, but he hadn't anticipated for things to go sideways.
Another reason behind Elliot's motives in asking Dani to the bar had been an apology of sorts. Even though she'd yelled at him earlier in the day when he'd questioned her about her interrogation tactics – to the point where her words had been as effective as a punch to the gut – he was willing to acknowledge his asshole behavior and attempt to make amends for it. It didn't negate the fact that Dani had insulted Olivia, but Elliot was trying not to dwell on that, and remind himself that his real partner wouldn't want him to get into hot water over trying to defend her from something so trivial.
It was when they were on the way out to his Jeep that Elliot was really thrown for a loop. Having only nursed one beer, he was perfectly capable of driving, but Dani had ingested several glasses of whiskey. After he had unlocked the vehicle, Elliot turned to allow Dani the space to climb into the passenger seat, only to find that she was looking at him strangely. Before he could say anything, her hands were on his shoulders, and her lips were headed in his direction.
Warning bells immediately sounded in Elliot's head. Even if he had been interested in Dani in that way – which he wasn't – he still wouldn't have allowed her to initiate a kiss or other forms of physical contact in her present condition. Even though the door of the Jeep was at his back and he had nowhere to retreat, he pulled back as much as possible, raising his arms to remove Dani's hands from his body.
"No. Dani, you don't want to do this. Plus, I can't. It's nothing personal, but there is someone else in my life."
The anger over his rejection, Elliot was expecting. The slap to the face, he was not. Before he fully realized what was happening, his head had whipped to the side and his cheek was stinging from the force of Dani's palm.
"Fuck you, Elliot. I'm not one of your helpless little victims that you deal with at work. I can take care of myself. You don't need to make excuses for me."
Reigning in his temper – though if he were being honest, Elliot was more upset over what Dani had said about the people he encountered at SVU than the insult to his own ego – Elliot reminded himself that Dani was intoxicated. No matter how she felt about him right now, he wasn't about to leave her to her own devices. He was just about to offer her a ride home when both of their cell phones rang simultaneously. Stepping a fair distance away from one another so they could answer, they returned to the spot by Elliot's Jeep once they had finished. Whatever conflict was going on between them would have to wait, work had called them in. Of course, Elliot was concerned about Dani's state of mind, but she surprised him by correctly intuiting his thoughts.
"I know what you're going to say, but trust me, I'm considerably more sober than I was ten minutes ago. If we could just stop for some coffee on the way to the precinct, I promise I'll be fine. As for what just happened, I want to say I'm sorry."
"I have no clue what you're talking about. Get in. I think you'll find there is even enough time to pick up some aspirin for you, too."
With a grateful smile at the way Elliot was pretending that her embarrassing overture hadn't happened, Dani opened the door and got into the passenger seat. By the time she had secured her seat belt, Elliot was also buckled in and had started the engine and put the gears into drive. True to his word, he did indeed stop for both coffee and aspirin on their way, and the blonde was immensely relieved for the remedies that she had been provided with. She also reminded herself never to drink with Elliot Stabler again.
It was hours later that a weary Elliot let himself in his apartment door.
In the end, he'd also needed to take some of the aspirin he'd bought for Dani. The alcohol hadn't been the root cause of his headache, but rather the stress of dealing with the developments of their case. All he wanted to do now was take a hot shower and crawl into bed – he didn't even care about the fact that he had missed dinner. Actually, what he really wanted were three things, but whether or not the third item on his list were likely to happen all depended on Olivia's schedule, not his.
After succeeding with his shower, Elliot emerged from his bathroom, a pair of sweats slung low on his hips and his chest bare. He'd need to go to bed shortly if he had any hope of getting a decent night of sleep, but he wasn't abandoning the idea of having all his dreams come true just yet. No sooner than he had gotten settled on the couch with a bottle of water and the remote, with the intent to at least catch up on the local sports highlights, Elliot's phone rang. Praying that it wasn't work calling him back in yet again, he reached for the device. Upon seeing what had become an all too familiar number on the display, his heart leapt with joy, and he flipped it open, a smile on his face as he greeted the woman on the other end.
"Hey, you."
"Hey, yourself. Sorry again about earlier today."
As gently as he knew how, Elliot admonished Olivia for her apology, reminding her that he understood why she had needed to hang up so abruptly. Of course, she had been able to see right through him, so a reassurance was also put into place, and soon Olivia was convinced that she hadn't caused her partner too much panic.
"So, you said you had a funny story for me? Will you tell me about it?"
"Well, not necessarily funny in the 'ha-ha' sense of humorous, but more like the 'you've got to be kidding me' variety. As in, today I was taken in for questioning and accused of murder."
For a minute, Elliot was convinced that he hadn't heard correctly, or that Olivia was telling him some kind of set up to an elaborate joke. When no punchline followed, he realized that she had been truthful, and it took several moments for him to wrap his head around the fact that a Detective as dedicated as his partner could find herself on the opposite side of law.
After Olivia had finished explaining, Elliot was relieved to learn that she hadn't truly been in any trouble. That, and while she hadn't directly said as much, it appeared that she was getting closer to resolving the additional mystery she had stumbled upon during her undercover operation. If only the actual case itself could conclude just as quickly so she could come home, then everything would be right in his world once again.
Elliot awoke the next morning, his neck and back both aching. He hadn't intended to fall asleep on the couch, but it had been so late after he'd gotten off the phone with Olivia, he'd been too exhausted to move. Not having the patience to fuss with preparing anything in his own apartment in terms of a morning meal, Elliot promised himself he would stop at the coffee shop by the precinct to refuel before heading up to the squad room.
Once he was settled at his desk, Elliot waited for his computer to power up so he could log in for the day. Glancing at the calendar in the corner by his phone, he could scarcely believe that Olivia had been gone for six weeks already – a week since she'd told him about her injury. That time was so critical during a pregnancy, and he hated to think of the milestones he might have missed. He only hoped that by the time the baby was actively kicking, Olivia would be back home – and that he would be granted permission to touch her swollen belly so that he, too, could feel their child move.
Before he got too wrapped up in work, Elliot sent a quick message to Olivia. Something was telling him it was going to be one of those days, and he didn't know when he'd next have another free moment. These were the times when he wished that sixth sense of his could be wrong, just once.
Of all the things that Elliot would have guessed could have potentially fallen into his lap today, a case involving Munch's uncle was not one of them. The situation gave him a completely new perspective on his temporary partner, and despite Andrew Munch's frequent state of confusion, Elliot had a tendency to believe that the man was being truthful when it came to some of the things that Dani had said. He'd witnessed firsthand just how overzealous she could be when trying to make a collar, and as much as Elliot wanted to give the woman the benefit of the doubt, something wasn't sitting quite right. Before he had a chance to say anything to Dani about it, it seemed that John had beaten him to it.
John Munch was probably one of the most even tempered men that Elliot knew. Yes, he got angry, the cases here in SVU got under his skin just as much as anyone else. But he used his sardonic wit as a coping mechanism, and most of the time, it worked. When family was involved, however, all bets were off. Elliot wasn't sure if it made him a bad person or not, but a small part of him felt better in knowing that he wasn't the only one annoyed by Dani's methods.
By the time mid day rolled around, Elliot felt like he had been at work for months, instead of mere hours. He knew he should probably look into finding something for lunch, but his heart just wasn't in it. Part of him debated going in to the Captain's office to talk to his superior about some of his concerns regarding Dani, but Elliot held back. While some of her actions were still suspect, he wasn't one hundred percent convinced that the reasons for wanting her gone came more from a lonely heart than what was best for everyone involved. Plus, the last thing he wanted to do was accidentally reveal Olivia's secret before she had a chance to share the news herself. Even though Elliot had promised himself otherwise, he almost had to laugh when once again, it seemed as though fate had other plans.
"Elliot? Can you come into my office please?"
Going into Cragen's office voluntarily was one thing. Getting called in by the man himself - another matter entirely. However, the Captain's voice held no notes of anger, so Elliot could only stand to reason that perhaps this time, he wasn't in trouble. That would be a first. Then again, usually when that happened, Olivia was getting reprimanded right alongside him.
"You wanted to see me, Cap?"
"Have a seat, son."
Again, Elliot was having difficulty getting a read on his boss. If he was being asked to sit, then that must mean a serious conversation was about to take place. Briefly, his mind began to jump to the worst case scenarios, and Elliot desperately wished he had gotten a chance to check for any news from Olivia since he'd messaged her that morning. Even though he was her emergency contact, it would stand to reason that if something major had happened, they would contact Cragen, and not him. Hell, Elliot wasn't even supposed to know she was undercover.
Trying to remember how to breathe, Elliot clenched his hands into fists in his lap as he waited for the inevitable. He wasn't even certain if his heart was beating anymore. The only thing that mattered right now was whether or not Olivia was all right.
"Easy, Elliot. It's nothing to worry about. I'm sorry if I gave you that impression. I just wanted to touch base with you in regard to your opinion on how Detective Beck is adjusting to the unit."
Exhaling in a rush of air, Elliot hoped that the feeling of nausea that had claimed him would evaporate just as quickly. He could do this. Hadn't he just been trying to convince himself of this very thing not that long ago?
"I'm sure you've likely talked to Munch already, if you hadn't overheard the commotion in the squad room earlier. Nothing against her skills as a Detective, she's very determined, but I don't think she has what it takes for this particular position."
Cragen nodded, confirming to Elliot that his theories weren't all in his head.
"I'd thought as much. It will take me some time to transfer her out, but I'll get the paperwork started today. That brings me to my next question. Since this squad is entirely voluntary, did you want me to have someone else brought in, or would you rather wait until Olivia gets back? Has she given you any indication on how much longer she will be?"
Elliot was well aware of the panicked expression on his face, and how it might read. His first concern was that he had betrayed Olivia's trust, and he hated himself for it.
"Relax, Elliot. You've been more than discrete. However, I didn't make Captain because I had poor detective skills. You've been entirely too calm in Olivia's absence to not have been in some form of contact with her. I don't expect you to reveal anything crucial, I was just wondering if she knows how soon her case might be wrapping up."
Somehow managing to find his voice, Elliot gave a reply.
"She doesn't talk about what she's working on that much – she's not allowed to. But from what little she can say, I think it's closer to the end than it is the beginning."
"That's all I needed to hear. If you don't mind flying solo for a bit, or pairing up with either Fin or Munch on occasion, then we'll just leave things as is after Detective Beck transfers out. How does that sound?"
Elliot could only nod. He was too afraid of spilling the beans on Olivia's pregnancy, and the inevitable maternity leave she would need to take not long after her return. Granted, she'd be able to fill in for desk duty, but field work would be out of the question. It didn't matter, all he wanted was to look across his desk and see Olivia smiling back at him. He couldn't wait to tell her the news later tonight.
Once again, Elliot didn't make it home until late. He was really getting tired of this schedule. When he worked with Olivia, there were obviously times when things ran over, that was just the way the chips fell sometimes when a case didn't turn out a particular way. But at least they picked up the slack for one another – more often it was her taking the hit for him, so he could get home to his family. But since the divorce, and all he had waiting for him was an empty apartment most nights, Elliot had made a concerted effort to make sure Olivia wasn't the only one staying at the precinct after hours.
Following the same routine as the night before, in part to make sure the next morning would run more smoothly, Elliot rushed through a shower while he waited for some delivery to arrive. Though he wasn't particularly hungry, he knew it wouldn't be a good idea to skip dinner two nights in a row, especially considering his lunch had come from a vending machine. He had just emerged from the bathroom when someone was knocking at the door, and he paid for his food then locked up for the night. After grabbing a beer from the fridge, he settled himself on the couch in the living room, propping his feet up on the coffee table.
Olivia had been mostly silent today. Elliot tried not to take it personally, but he couldn't help but worry. It was hard for him to be in such limited contact with his partner as it was, and he knew he should be grateful that Dana had managed to secure a burner for Olivia to begin with – but his brain was in overdrive.
As though the universe had read his mind, Elliot's phone began to ring. Trying not to hold out hope the caller was who he most wanted to hear from, he glanced at the display, and felt the rhythm of his heart increase a few beats faster when he saw it was Olivia who was trying to reach him. Knowing his smile would be evident in his voice, Elliot hurried to answer, anxious for whatever precious time he would get to talk to the woman on the other end.
"Hey, Liv."
"Hi. Is this a bad time?"
Though he was yet unaware as to the cause, the tentative tone behind Olivia's voice nearly broke his heart. It was one of the first times during their evening talks that she had truly expressed a concern that she was interfering – even if the emotion itself wasn't entirely a foreign one. There had been so many occasions in the past when his partner would call him late at night after a particularly bad case, only to rush off the phone, too afraid that she was interrupting valuable time with Kathy or the kids. It was no secret that Olivia had always viewed Elliot's home life with his family as something sacred. Elliot would even go so far as to wager that she had been just as devastated on his behalf when his marriage had imploded. Even now, she remained his champion when it came to ensuring that he saw his kids on the regular, right down to taking on extra shifts just to make sure he could.
"Never, Liv. You know you can call me whenever."
Olivia mumbled something else, but what she had said, Elliot didn't completely understand. The words had come out slightly slurred, and his concern ratcheted up several more degrees. He couldn't help but think of what she had told him the previous week - how she had been hit in the head – and wondered if there was perhaps a lasting injury that could have gone unnoticed.
"Are you okay?"
"I'm fine. I just haven't been sleeping properly. I managed to escape morning sickness for the first trimester, but heartburn is hitting hard during the second. Not to mention, I'm still dealing with a lot of headaches."
Still worried, yet knowing how independent Olivia was, Elliot hesitated only briefly before speaking up. He didn't want his partner to think he was overstepping, but if she called him out on it, he could easily pass off his anxiety with his overprotective nature.
"Do you think you should go back to the doctor? Maybe get checked out and make sure there isn't something more serious going on?"
"I asked about that already. My handler says he's working on it, but I'm not sure I believe him. I think he's still pissed at me for having gotten wrapped up in that case I told you about. He told me I was a pain in the ass."
Elliot had never met the guy who had been assigned as Olivia's handler, and it was probably a good thing. Just from what few details he'd learned, he detested the man, and he wished that somehow Dana would have been able to accompany Olivia on her mission. How could anyone with a heart not express concern for a pregnant woman with a potential health condition?
"What about just going to a local doctor or hospital?"
"My alias makes that difficult. I was provided alternate ID, but not insurance cards. I'm too afraid I'd slip up and blow my cover."
It was frustrating, but Elliot understood where Olivia was coming from.
"Just promise me you're taking care of yourself."
"I'm doing my best. I can't say I've had any bizarre cravings as of yet, aside from the ginger candy that has become my best friend."
Elliot clasped his hand over his heart in a dramatic fashion, before remembering that Olivia couldn't see him.
"You mean to tell me that I've been replaced?"
"Watch it, Stabler. Unless you can come up with a better remedy for indigestion by the time I get back, you're temporarily on the back burner."
Elliot's heart was full of empathy for his partner. He hoped what he was about to suggest wasn't too forward, given that they hadn't discussed anything about a more serious relationship between them yet, but he felt the need to offer.
"Well, in the event that you do come home sooner as opposed to later, I'm happy to offer my services. Be that restocking your ginger candy supply, giving foot and back rubs, or just being your general punching bag. Anything you need, Liv."
"I appreciate that."
They talked for a little bit more, but Elliot never got the chance to share his news that Olivia's desk would be ready and waiting for her by the time she got back. He hadn't been able to reveal much about working with Dani, mostly because he hadn't wanted to make his partner feel bad for having inadvertently stuck him with someone else so soon after their last separation. What Elliot didn't know was that Olivia was keeping a secret from, too – if all went according to plan, she should be on her way back to Manhattan the day after tomorrow.
Elliot woke up, instantly regretting his dinner choices from the night before. Something about what he had eaten hadn't sat right with him – either that, or he was somehow experiencing sympathy pains on Olivia's behalf. He made a mental note to ask her about it in the event that they were able to talk later that day. For the time being, he downed an antacid, feeling a small amount of guilt for his ability to use a remedy his partner currently needed to avoid. Shaking the weight off his shoulders, Elliot reminded himself that Olivia wouldn't want him to suffer unnecessarily. That and there were other people counting on him today. He intended to keep as much of his leave as possible saved up so he could take time off once Olivia gave birth. At least, Elliot hoped his presence would would be welcome then. Kathy had always brought in her mother to help, insisting that his earning of an income was more important.
But Elliot didn't want to dwell on that. What mattered now was that he and Kathy got along for the sake of the kids, and maintained an amicable relationship. He was even willing to admit that some of what had happened when their children were babies had been down to the influence of Kathy's parents, and not Kathy's own choices. It wouldn't surprise him. They had practically been babies themselves, forced to grow up in a hurry and make life changing decisions before any of their peers.
The current line of thinking Elliot's brain was dwelling on continued to spiral. He knew, that before it became to late and his family were to hear it from someone else, that he'd have to be the one to break the news about Olivia's pregnancy. He had no clue how any of them would react, especially Kathy. Toward the end of their marriage, his partner had been a topic of contention in many of their fights. Elliot just hoped that the solid ground he and his ex wife had found wouldn't crumble to pieces once she learned what had happened.
Belatedly, Elliot realized that he had reached the precinct, and he admonished himself for having driven distracted nearly the entire way. It was not a quality he admired in people, and certainly not a trait he wanted to make habit. Vowing to do better, he got of his car and grabbed his belongings, hoping he could get a few precious minutes at his desk before the madness of the day settled in.
Once again, luck was not on his side. A part of Elliot almost wished that he'd stayed home, even though he could never turn his back on those who needed him. It was why he'd become a cop in the first place – more importantly why he'd chosen this unit. But when he learned that the case he'd be dealing with would involve teenagers, he reminded himself to keep his head in the game. Cases involving children of any age were never easy, but when they mirrored that of his own kids, it made it that much more difficult to bear. At the same time, it also served as a reminder why he worked himself to the bone most days, so that not only his own children – but the rest who lived in this city – would have a chance to grow up in safety.
Of all the developments Elliot was considering that could possibly unfolded with the case, the involvement of Sister Peg was not one of them. He hadn't been surprised by the fact that the streetwise nun had been attempting to protect the girls, but rather that she had been attacked as a result of her efforts.
Another interesting matter to deal with had been trying to make Dani see both sides of the story. For someone who had consistently seen the law as being written in a matter of only black or white, Elliot had tried to convince the woman that more often than not, it tended to fall directly in the pattern of gray. It didn't mean that the teens involved in their case weren't still victims themselves, but circumstances had also made them capable of desperate action.
The days began to bleed together, to the point where Elliot lost track of time. Though he'd obviously taken notice that Olivia hadn't called the night before, he'd been so exhausted that he hadn't even gone home, merely crashed in the crib to catch a few hours. Once things finally settled down the following day – sometime after lunch, Elliot took a break to run upstairs to the locker room in the hopes of sending a message to his partner.
When he returned downstairs, he found Dani sitting at Olivia's desk – he'd never been able to relinquish ownership of the property in his mind – a confused look on her face. She was staring in the direction of Cragen's office, but as the blinds were mostly drawn it was hard to tell what was going on inside. Briefly, Elliot wondered if perhaps the Captain had called Dani in to reveal to the other woman that he would soon be organizing her transfer out of the unit, but he dismissed that thought as soon as it entered his brain. If that had happened, Dani would be showing signs of anger. He'd witnessed her temper before. Deciding he would never know what was going on if he didn't ask, he picked up a pen, twirling it in his fingers, feigning a casual tone.
"Everything all right?"
"I think so. Some woman came in, asking for you. She had a bruise on her face, so I asked if I could help her, explained that I was your partner. Instead she just asked if the Captain was in, as if she knew him, walked right into the office, bold as you please, like she owned the place. Must be some rich bitch or something. Don't know many people who would get away with that."
Elliot felt his anger flare almost immediately. Equally, a surge of hope flamed within his heart. Before he even realized what he was doing, he was on his feet and halfway across the squad room. Remembering his manners at the last possible second, he knocked on the door to his Captain's office, and only when he was granted permission did he enter, holding his breath that the person on the other side would be exactly who he hoped it was.
"Hey, Elliot. Did you miss me?"
Her hair was longer than when he'd seen her last, but that wasn't the only change. To an untrained eye, it would look merely as though Olivia had filled out over recent weeks, but Elliot was familiar with the way that curves accentuated a woman's body when she was pregnant. He'd never seen these alterations in relation to Olivia, in particular when he was part of the reason responsible for them. It was an incredible turn on.
Suddenly cognizant of the fact that he was staring, but equally aware that his partner didn't seem to mind, Elliot advanced further into the room. Wrapping his arms around Olivia in an embrace that he'd been dreaming about since the day she left, he almost forgot that Cragen was still a witness to their reunion.
It took every ounce of Elliot's willpower not to press his hand to the gentle swell of Olivia's abdomen, especially knowing that their child rested there. But he wasn't going to overstep the boundary, not until he had her permission. Not to mention, he was equally concerned with the garish bruise that started on her temple and extended down the side of her face. Whatever she had told him on the phone about her injury, she had definitely minimized the details. Before had a chance to question his partner on how she was feeling, however, the sound of a clearing throat called his attention back to the fact that he and Olivia weren't alone.
"So, when were the two of you going to tell me about what had changed in your relationship, along with the fact that Olivia is pregnant?"
The look Olivia was giving her Captain was akin to that of a deer caught in the headlights. Had he not been called out himself only the other day, Elliot's expression might have mirrored that of his partner, but he was feeling somewhat more confident in the fact that Cragen was only trying to prove that they hadn't been as subtle as they had hoped. If the Captain had correctly deduced their having been in contact with one another throughout the duration of Olivia's undercover operation, it stood to reason that he would have also put the pieces of the puzzle together and figured out the shift in their relationship as well. As for knowing the truth about Olivia being pregnant – well, that was more physically evident than ever before. The signs weren't obvious, but to someone with a trained eye who knew her well, it was easier to see. Able to tell that Olivia was still trying to find her voice, Elliot decided to speak for both of them.
"I'm sorry I didn't say anything to you when we talked the other day, Cap. The way I saw things, that was Olivia's story to tell, not mine. As for what things are between us, I don't think we've figured that out ourselves just yet."
Relieved when his explanation wasn't contested, Elliot waited for the Captain to respond. The worst case scenario would be that one of them would be forced to leave the unit entirely, and he hoped that it wouldn't come to that. If it did, however, he was prepared to fall on his sword. Olivia belonged in SVU, and he would find a place somewhere else that suited him, just so long as she would be happy.
"Well, obviously, if you are involved in a relationship, the two of you aren't allowed to be partners. However, there is nothing that states you can't be in the same unit – especially a voluntary one like SVU. Also, given that Olivia will likely need to leave the field shortly and be assigned to strictly desk duty, I see no reason why we can't keep things as status quo until after she returns from maternity leave. That is, if you are both in agreement with that arrangement?"
"Yes, sir."
Olivia and Elliot responded in unison, relief evident in their voices. Elliot was about to say something else when he noticed the way Olivia was swaying on her feet, and he reacted quickly, guiding her to a nearby chair and helping her sit. He meant no disrespect to his Captain, but his concern in that moment was only for the woman who was carrying his child.
"Liv?"
"I'm okay. Just the day catching up to me. If you don't mind, Cap, I think I need to go home and rest. I'll start back tomorrow, if that's okay?"
"Take a few days, Olivia. Elliot, you drive her, and stay with her. Make sure she eats something."
With a nod, Elliot agreed – not that anything would have stopped him from accompanying Olivia anyway. The pair left the squad room and after Elliot grabbed a few items from his desk, ignoring Dani's curious gaze, the partners were in the elevator on their way to Elliot's car. He had anticipated it to be a quiet ride, but instead found his partner to be very talkative.
"So, tell me, who was the blonde at my desk? And why did I have such an irrational desire to claw her eyes out when she said she was your partner?"
Biting on his lip to resist the urge to laugh, Elliot still felt the corners of his mouth turn up in a smile. He didn't fault Olivia her emotion, but the fact that she was openly admitting to it was new for them. Previously, it was something they tended to sweep under the rug or purposely ignored.
"So, you're saying that you're jealous?"
"I'm pregnant and hormonal. What's been your excuse for the last eight years?"
Elliot held up his palms in a gesture of surrender.
"You have a point. I'm sorry for teasing."
Despite the way she had glared at him in the elevator, it was apparent that Elliot was quickly forgiven by his partner. By the time they had reached his vehicle, the pair were both in brighter spirits, though Olivia's fatigue was more than apparent. Along the way, Elliot had also learned that Olivia had only stopped off at her apartment long enough to drop off her bags, having wanted to see him as soon as possible. Any residual concern that she had been pushing herself too hard immediately evaporated when he learned that Dana had met her at the airport, and driven her to both locations following the debriefing.
After making certain that Olivia was securely settled in the passenger seat, Elliot took his place behind the wheel. What he really wanted to do was make a detour on the way back to his partner's apartment, only to get a few of his own things, because the last thing he wanted to do was be apart from her again, especially so soon after their reunion. But if Olivia wanted some time on her own, he would absolutely respect that. Before he had a chance to ask, even despite the weeks apart, Olivia proved she knew him better than anyone.
"So, I'm guessing you'll want to stop by your place first? I didn't exactly see any luggage in your car. While I wouldn't object to you lounging around my place naked, it wouldn't suit you very well for work."
Though she'd only made a few appearances so far, Elliot reasoned that he could quickly grow to like this bold version of Olivia who spoke her mind without use of a filter. Whether it was merely a result of the hormones running rampant in her body, or something else entirely, he didn't exactly know, but so long as he wasn't on the receiving end of her temper, he quite enjoyed seeing her snarky side. Oh, he had definitely seen it before – typically directed at the perps they dealt with on a daily basis, but never quite to this degree.
As Elliot navigated through traffic – heavier than usual for midday – he listened as Olivia regaled him with tales of her life out in Oregon. Now that she was finally home and the organization she had infiltrated had been determined to not be a threat, she was free to talk about the case she had been working. He also finally got more details about what had precipitated the injury that had left his partner bruised and in need of medical attention. The more Elliot heard, the more tightly he gripped the steering well, trying his best to conceal the rage that was beginning to grow in the pit of his stomach. The emotions shifted soon after, turning to mirth as Olivia revealed how she effortlessly solved a case that had baffled local law enforcement for years. It had only taken her days to get to the bottom, likely would have been less if not for the interference of the deputy and having wrongly been accused of the crime herself. Unable to keep the pride out of his voice, Elliot spoke for the first time since he had begun driving.
"That's my girl."
Belatedly realizing what he had just said, Elliot dared to take his eyes off the road for the briefest of moments to gauge the look on Olivia's face. Her expression was incredulous. Wincing, he attempted to backtrack, hoping the damage done wasn't irrevocable.
"Too soon?"
"Surprisingly, no. I was just wondering which of your girls you were referring to."
She was doing it again, pulling the rug out from under him without even trying. Not trusting himself to keep operating the vehicle smoothly without crashing into something, Elliot quickly spotted an open space up ahead, and pulled the car out of the flow of traffic. Shifting the gear into park, he turned sharply in his seat to face his partner head on.
"What did you just say?"
Olivia reached her hand across the center console, seeking a deeper connection.
"I hadn't intended to blurt it out like that. I'm not even one hundred percent certain. The doctor who did the ultrasound when I sent you the video of the baby's heartbeat said it wouldn't be definitive until I was further along. However, early signs seem to indicate that we are having a girl."
A daughter. Olivia was carrying his daughter. In his mind's eye, Elliot envisioned a little girl who was her mother's miniature, with brown hair and brown eyes – and every bit as much attitude. Already helpless when it came to his partner, knowing he would be eventually be up against two of them – he was a goner. Might as well just hand his heart over here and now.
"Elliot? Say something."
Shit. He was an idiot. There was no mistaking the tremble in Olivia's voice, and Elliot was afraid he had truly stepped in it now. Squeezing her hand for all he was worth, he raised it to his lips to press a kiss against her knuckles.
"I'm sorry. I was just lost in thought for a moment. Dreaming of a daughter who would look just like her mother, and knowing how hopelessly lost I'd be up against both of you. My kids have always been my downfall, every last one of them has me wrapped around their finger, and this little one will be no exception."
The relieved smile that broke over Olivia's face was contagious, and even though they had yet to discus the status of their relationship, Elliot was helpless to resist leaning forward and kissing her in that moment. He kept the gesture brief, however, touching his lips to hers softly. What he hadn't been anticipating was the hiss of pain from the woman next to him, and he was instantly apologetic. Pulling back, Elliot searched Olivia's eyes, trying to intuit the source of her discomfort. It was when she reached her hand to her head – the same side sporting the garish bruise – and muttered something incoherent that his concern ratcheted up several degrees.
"Liv what is it?"
"Something doesn't feel right. I've had a headache all day, but it's getting worse. The light hurts my eyes. I feel dizzy, too."
It was only because Elliot knew his partner so well that he'd been able to understand her. Everything that she'd spoken had been slurred together. If he didn't know better, he'd say it was because her mouth was full of cotton or some other type of obstruction, but one glance told him that nothing was blocking the way. Before he could ask anything else, Olivia's eyes rolled in the back of her head, and she lost consciousness. Not wasting another precious moment, Elliot flipped on the sirens and pulled back into traffic, heading for the nearest hospital. A continuous prayer flowed from his lips like a mantra, that both Olivia and the life of their baby would be spared.
