It's been six weeks since Olivia has gotten shot, but she is ready to go back to work in two weeks now on desk duty.
Elliot pulls up to the house and walks in to see Olivia. "Liv, what are you doing? You shouldn't be carrying that heavy thing in your state." Says Elliot, grabbing the water jug out of her hands.
"I am just going to water the plants on the patio; there is nothing to worry about. You always worry too much."
"Stop being stubborn. You're literally carrying a life inside of you, and I will not let you lift a finger if I can help it." Elliot says
"I am pregnant, not broken. Please don't worry." Says Olivia, rolling her eyes.
"Liv, I am always worried about you and our children because I love you." Elliot says as he slowly pulls Olivia into a passionate kiss.
"And I love you too, Elliot Stabler." Olivia smiles.
"Daddy's home!" Noah shouts, running into Elliot. Elliot picks up him and hugs him.
"Hey buddy, yeah, I'm finally home." Elliot smiles.
"Daddy, Mommy was lifting stuff again even though you told her not to." Noah sticks his tongue out at Olivia.
"Really? Did she do it again? Even though I have told her many times not to do it." Elliot gives Olivia a stern look.
Olivia starts looking away as if Elliot's not talking to her directly.
"Look, Honey, I know you're stubborn and independent. That's one of the things that I love about you, but you need to be more careful about the things you do when you're pregnant. You're carrying our child, and over-exerting yourself is not good for the baby." Says Elliot
"Bad mommy, you shouldn't lift heavy things on your own. You can ask Daddy or me to do it for you. It's going to hurt our baby." Says Noah
"Okay, okay, I will be more careful now about who's ready for dinner."
"Me! I am ready for dinner! Spaghetti, please!?" Says Noah.
"That's fine. I'll start dinner; you go play until dinner's ready, and El, you mind running to the store to get garlic bread." Says Olivia
Elliot walks over to Olivia and holds her face between his palms. He leans down and whispers in her ear, "Don't think I didn't notice you changing the subject, detective." Elliot says as he kisses and nibbles at her neck while letting his free hand roam her body, "And for that, you be well punished." Elliot smirks
"Mmmm, how so, captain," Olivia says, biting her lip
Elliot sucked on her pulse point. Mmm, Honey, you're so sensitive here. "You like it when I do this, don't you?" Elliot continues to suck and nibble on her pulse point, making sure to leave a mark there, claiming his wife as his.
"Mmmmmmh, why don't we take this up after dinner." Olivia moans softly
Elliot nibbles on her sensitive skin, creating a trail of love bites along her collarbone. "We could detective, but you have been a bad girl, so Imma leaves you with blue ovaries." Elliot lets go and winks at her.
"Elliot, what the hell are blue ovaries?" Says Olivia laughing
"You know, blue balls, but it's your ovaries instead. Or should I say, "Imma leave your pussy pulsating and wet for me, and I'm not going to do anything about it because you don't know how to follow orders, detective?" Elliot says as he moves down to the edge of her collarbone and sucks on her skin harder.
"Ellll…" Olivia whimpers
"I'm going to the store now, my lady," Elliot smirks, smacks her ass and pecks her lips as he walks out.
"You're such an ass!" Says Olivia, laughing as Elliot walks out to go to the store.
Elliot goes to the store and grabs flowers, some candy for Noah, and some bread for dinner. He takes his kart, and he almost bumps into a blonde lady.. oh I'm sorry! Elliots prospective
"Gahh!" breaks just in time before he hits the blonde lady. He looks up at her and apologizes. "Sorry about that; I didn't mean to almost hit you. Are you alright?"
"Oh, thank goodness. I thought for sure you were going to hit me with your trolley. But thankfully, it seems like you came to the stop on time." Says Kathy.
"Kathy? Is that really you?" Elliot says, shocked.
Elliot felt a mix of emotions rushing through him. There was the shock of seeing her again after all these years, but there was also a deep sense of bitterness and anger. The memory of how she left him, pregnant with another man's child, still stung like a fresh wound.
"Elliot! Oh my, Elliot Joseph Stabler, that's you. You look really good!" Kathy says, staring him down.
"Uh, thanks? It was nice seeing you, but I gotta get home to my girlfriend and kids." Says Elliot, about to go off. Kathy stopped the trolly with her foot.
"Elliot, can we talk, please? I know I hurt you." Says Kathy
"That is the understatement of the year, Kathy. What you did was more than just 'screwed up.' You left me without a word, pregnant with another man's child, and disappeared from my life altogether. It was the most painful thing I've ever experienced in my life." Says Elliot growling
"I know I've hurt you deeply in the past. And to be honest, I don't blame you for being angry at me. What I did was unforgivable. I abandoned you when you needed me the most, and I know there's no excuse for what I did. But I want you to know that I've changed. I'm not the same person I was. I've grown and learned from my mistakes." Says Kathy.
"Kathy, listen, I'm glad to hear that you've changed and grown as a person. But the truth is, I've moved on. I have a girlfriend now, and we're very happy together. And we have a son." Elliot takes a deep breath. He knows that what he's going to say next is going to be tough, but he feels like it needs to be said. "I can't just restart things with you after everything that happened between us." Says Elliot, now about to walk off.
"So you've really moved on, huh? You've found someone else and started a family. What's her name again, Olivia Benson?" Kathy smirked.
Kathy's smirk makes Elliot freeze. How does she know Olivia's name? And why did she say it with such a smug expression on her face?
Elliot looks at Kathy, his eyes narrowing. He feels a sense of unease creeping up on him. "How do you know about Olivia?" Says Elliot, express widens
"Oh, you didn't know? I had a little birdie give me some information about you and your pretty girlfriend. So I advise you to come meet up with me for coffee, or I will let your boss know, which I know is against work policy to be screwing your girlfriend in or outside the office." Kathy winks.
Elliot, feeling frustrated and irritated by Kathy's words, couldn't help but ask. "Who was this "birdy" that gave you information about me and Olivia? And how exactly did they get it?" Elliot asks, letting out a huge sigh.
"Don't worry about that. So coffee now, or I'll have your boss on speed dial, and I know precious Olivia would hate you if you cost her job." Says Kathy.
Elliot quickly pulls out his phone and sends a message to Olivia. "Hey babe, sorry, but I have to go into the office for a bit. It's an impromptu thing, and I have no idea how long it will take. Elliot grimaces as he types out the message. He doesn't like lying to Olivia, but he doesn't know what to do.
Elliot grips the steering wheel tightly as he drives away from the café. His mind is racing with thoughts and worries. He knows he needs to tell Olivia about what happened with Kathy, but what if she gets angry and breaks up with him? What if she doesn't believe him and thinks he's cheating on her?
With uncertainty and fear gnawing at his stomach, Elliot pulls out his phone and dials the number of someone he trusts. Casey answers the phone, a note of curiosity in her voice.
"Hey, Elliot. Is everything alright? You sound a bit off." Says Casey
Elliot feels his voice shaking as he talks to Casey on the phone. His emotions are all over the place, and he's struggling to keep himself together.
"Casey, please. I need to talk to you. Can I come over to your place? I just really need a friend right now." Says Elliot
Casey can immediately sense the desperation and vulnerability in Elliot's voice. She can tell that something is really troubling him.
Elliot arrives at Casey's apartment and knocks on the door, feeling a mixture of exhaustion and anxiety. When Casey opens the door, he immediately slumps onto the couch in her living room, looking like a defeated man.
Casey looks at Elliot with concern as he sinks into the couch. She can see that he looks absolutely exhausted and worn down by whatever is weighing on his mind. " Hey, Elliot... you alright? What happened?" Casey says curiously
Elliot takes a deep breath and begins to explain what happened with Kathy, reliving the encounter in his mind. So, I met up with Kathy today. You know my ex…She wanted to talk and catch up. But... it didn't go quite like I expected." Says Elliot
"Elliot, you're with Olivia, have kids, and are meeting up with your ex. Are you fucking dumb?" Says Casey
Elliot furrows his brow in frustration and anger as he recalls Kathy's threat.
"I wouldn't disrespect Olivia like that, and she saw me at the store. I almost crashed into her with my cart, then... she started threatening me. She said that if I didn't meet up with her again and prove that she's changed, she would expose our relationship to our boss and get us both fired from work." Elliot says
Casey looks horrified as she listens to Elliot recount Kathy's ultimatum. "Wait... she threatened to expose your relationship with Olivia and get both of you fired? That's beyond messed up! What kind of person does something like that?" Says Casey shouting
"You need to tell Olivia about what happened as soon as possible. She deserves to know what Kathy is up to, and she deserves to know that you're not keeping anything from her." Says Casey
"She told me if I told Olivia, then she would tell right away, and Olivia is pregnant, and she doesn't need this extra stress. I will keep this from her, at least until the baby's born. That way, she can focus on her pregnancy and not worry about us losing our jobs." Elliot says, putting his face in his palms.
"I get it, Elliot. Now let me see what I can do to find out who Kathy got this information from and the best way to get her out of your life. I know you're just trying to protect Olivia. But you need to remember that keeping secrets from her will only hurt your relationship in the long run. Be careful, okay?" Says Casey
"I know, Casey. I'll be careful. I'll only keep this from her for a little while, just until after the baby is born and she's through the most stressful part of her pregnancy. Then I'll come clean and tell her everything." Says Elliot
"You really love her, don't you?" Says Casey
You really love her, don't you? You're willing to put yourself through all this just to protect her and your future child.
"Yeah, I do. Olivia is everything to me. And the baby... I can't wait to be a dad. I'd do anything to protect them..my family." Elliot says, sniffling. Exhaustion takes over Elliot, and he falls asleep on Casey's couch.
Casey stands up, grabs a blanket from the armchair, and gently drapes it over Elliot's sleeping form. She gazes at him for a moment, a mix of fondness and concern on her face. She knows Elliot is going through a tough time, and she can't help but worry about him. She whispers under her breath, hoping that things will work out for him.
"I hope everything works out for you, Elliot. You deserve to be happy. Rest well.
Back at the Bensler apartment
"I wish Dad could've joined us." Noah frowns
"I know, baby, but hopefully, it will be tomorrow. You know we love you. Go clean up your face and brush your teeth. Get ready for bed. I'll read to you." Says Olivia
"I love you both, Mom, and okay," Noah says walking to the bathroom.
Olivia sits beside Noah in his bed in his room, a children's book open on her lap. She smiles softly as she reads aloud to her son, whose eyes are already starting to droop.
"And with that, the little prince closed his eyes and fell asleep in the comfort of his bed. But before drifting off, he whispered softly to himself, 'All the stars in the sky will shine brighter now that I'm here.'"
Olivia sits on the couch in her house, a soft smile on her face. Her stomach is now visibly more rounded, and she looks radiant during pregnancy. Her husband had to go to work unexpectedly, so she was home alone for the night. She sighs a little, feeling a bit lonely, but then her attention turns to her growing belly. Olivia continues to rub her belly, feeling the small movements of her baby inside.
Olivia sets her phone aside after sending a text to Elliot, but there's no response. She feels a pang of worry but then shrugs it off, thinking he must just be busy with work or something. She decides to sleep instead. Olivia sets her phone aside after sending a text to Elliot, but there's no response.
The next morning comes around, and Elliot is still not home. Olivia tries texting him, but there is no response. That's odd. He must be caught up overnight. She gets up and wakes Noah up for school.
Olivia prepares Noah for school, making sure he's got everything he needs for the day. She glances at her phone a few times, expecting to see a message or call from Elliot, but there's still no response.
"Where's daddy?" Says Noah, eating cereal.
"Work hunny, don't worry, you'll see him later. The bus is here, babe." Olivia says, kissing Noah's curls.
"Bye, Mommy. I love you." Noah says, walking out.
Olivia's feeling tired overwhelms her, so she goes and lies in bed. Olivia smiles warmly as she feels a gentle kick from within her womb. She gently rubs her belly, feeling a mix of excitement and anticipation for the baby's arrival. Hey there, little one. It's just you and me tonight. Your daddy had to go to work unexpectedly, but he'll be back soon.
Olivia continues to rub her belly, feeling the small movements of her baby inside. You're getting stronger every day, huh? I can feel your kicks and fidgets. Just a few more months, and we'll finally get to meet you. I can't wait, sweetheart.
Elliot walks into the house, feeling nervous and strangely on edge. He sees Olivia standing in the living room, with Noah clinging to her leg.
"Hey... sorry I didn't call or text last night. I got caught up with work and passed out." Elliot says, stuttering.
"Why didn't you call or text me at all? I would've been worried if you hadn't come home last night." Says Olivia softly.
"I'm sorry, babe, I got caught up in a case. Won't happen again." Elliot says, sitting beside her.
"Is something wrong, Elliot? You're being unusually weird right now. Was it a bad case?" Olivia says, pressing her hand on his cheek.
Elliot's eyes widen slightly at Olivia's touch, and he swallows hard, trying to keep his composure. He looks into her eyes, fighting the urge to look away. He knows he can't keep lying to her, but he doesn't want to hurt her either. "It's...it's just work, babe. I had a rough case, that's all. I was so exhausted I just fell asleep in the cribs and forgot to call you. How are you and Peanut?" Elliot says, kissing her lips and rubbing Olivia's tummy.
Olivia melts slightly as Elliot kisses her lips and rubs her belly. The anxiety that had been nagging at her slowly melts away, replaced by a warm, fuzzy feeling of being loved. "We're both fine. The little one's kicking up a storm in there. I think they're going to be a little rascal, just like their daddy."
Elliot smiles warmly at Olivia's words, the sound of their baby stirring in her womb. He gently rests his hand on her belly, feeling the tiny kicks against his palm.
A few days pass, and Casey and Elliot are on a mission to stop Kathy's blackmail. Elliot every day is now seeing Kathy, and Elliot is fed up.
"Kathy, this needs to end now!" Elliot says angrily
"Well, that sucks to be you, Elliot. After a few times meetings, I thought you'd be forgiven, and because of that, I want you in my life permanently, and If you don't-" Kathy says
"Yeah, yeah, I know you'll tell Olivia about my job. I'm leaving now." Says Elliot, grunting, grabbing his coffee and heading back to work.
He texts Casey
E: Any good luck yet?
C: Still working on it, but it will be soon.
Elliot looks up from his computer, a weary expression on his face. He glances at the clock and sees it's nearly 11 PM. He sighs inwardly, knowing what this conversation is going to be about. He calls up Mcgrath.
"Are there any open positions in a different unit?" Elliot ask
"Not in this vicinity, but Sergeant Bell is looking for people at the Organized Crime Task Force." Says Mcgrath
"Could I get the papers and look into a transfer over there?" Says Elliot
"Um, yeah, is there any reason why you want to leave being captain?" Says Mcgrath.
"Just a different job of interest, but I know the perfect person to take my place." Says Elliot
Mcgrath sends over the paperwork for a transfer, which Elliot takes and starts heading home. He thinks Olivia's asleep. He places the papers on the table under a mug, thinking she won't look at them, and Elliot can talk to her about them tomorrow. He checks on Noah, kisses his head, and shuts the door. He walks into the bedroom, sees Olivia sleeping, and places his phone down beside the bed. He kisses Olivia's head and walks into the shower.
Olivia stirs awake, hearing the shower.
Ding Ding Elliot's phone goes off, and Olivia picks it up.
Kathy: "I didn't like what you pulled earlier, El. So you had better start acting nice, or I would tell Olivia I don't think she'll be too thrilled to hear about her boyfriend. See you soon ;)"
Olivia's eyes widen as she reads the message on Elliot's phone. Her heart sinks, and a million thoughts start racing through her mind.
What the hell? Who's Kathy? And what did he pull earlier? Does this have something to do with his strange behavior lately? Another woman? And to think that he was trustful!
Olivia gets up and thinks she needs water. She sees an envelope on the counter, picks it up, and reads transfer Elliot Stabler to Organized Crime. Her heart sinks; she thinks Elliot is about to leave her and the baby and transfer units. Fuck him I'm out of here.
Olivia gets up and starts packing her bag and Noah's bag. She heads to Noah's room. She picks him up and walks out to the car without saying a word to Elliot. Elliot comes out of the shower and gets out. He's searching around for Liv, heads out to the patio, and sees her putting Noah in the car. He sprints down the steps.
"Olivia! Olivia, where are you going!?" Says Elliot
"Shut the fuck up before you wake Noah!" Says Olivia. She puts Noah in the car and shuts the door.
"Will you please talk to me about why you are leaving and where you are going?" Says Elliot
"I don't know, why don't you go ask Kathy? You know the Kathy who you told me let you with a child that wasn't yours! Now you're leaving me with a child that is mine to go fuck Kathy, and you're transferring units! You are a fucking joke, Stabler." Olivia says
"Olivia, please listen to me! Yes, I am transferring units, but not for the reasons you think. Yes, I met with Kathy, but nothing is going on between us. I-" Says Elliot
"Save it, Elliot, go be with fucking Kathy, and I don't get time for your explanations!" Olivia says, hopping into the driver's seat.
"Liv, please! Let me explain your misunderstanding! You're making a big mistake." Elliot says, tears now roaming down his face.
"Only mistake I made, Stabler, was falling in love with you!" Says Olivia, driving away. She heads to Bernie's house, a woman who she would consider to be her second mother, and if anyone knew Elliot, it would be her.
knock Knock*
"Hey, sweetie, come in! Come in!" Says Bernie
"Sorry for calling this late, Bernie." Says Olivia, going to place Noah in the guest room.
Bernie smiles kindly as Olivia greets her. "It's no problem, dear. I know how it is with kids, and you can always call me anytime. Let me guess, Noah isn't feeling well again?" Ask Bernie if you are concerned.
"I think Elliot's been cheating on me. He's been acting strange lately, coming home late from work and avoiding me. And then I saw a text on his phone from a woman named Kathy. I'm assuming his ex, and then I see he's transferring out of the unit. What if he leaves me and the kids." Olivia is now crying hard.
Bernie leads Olivia out to the patio, the cold night air gently caressing their faces. They sit down on a bench, the stars twinkling above them.
"Take a deep breath, dear. The fresh air will help clear your mind. I've known Elliot for a long time, and trust me, cheating is not something he would do. He's not that kind of man. But the fact that he's in contact with Kathy... That's a cause for worry, such as there's a chance she could be blackmailing him. Kathy has been nothing but trouble. She's manipulative and toxic. Whatever she's up to, it can't be good. But you know my advice, sweetie. Don't jump to any conclusions yet. There must be an explanation for all this." Bernie says, rubbing Olivia's back.
"You're right. I couldn't handle it. Seeing that text, knowing that he might have been secretly communicating with someone else... it shook me to my core. I just can't get hurt again." Olivia sniffles.
Bernie's expression softens further. She understands Olivia's need for space but knows that avoiding the situation won't solve anything. "I understand why you left, sweetie. Sometimes, you need some distance to sort out your thoughts. But you can't keep putting off talking to Elliot forever. You need to confront him and hear his side of the story. Bernie places a motherly hand on Olivia's shoulder. "It's best to talk things out. Go back home, and let me babysit Noah for the next two nights. Give you guys some privacy to work things out." Bernie wipes away Olivia's tears.
"Thank you, Bernie; I will talk to Elliot later. I just need to clear my head right now." Olivia says, hugging Bernie, and Bernie hugs her back.
"No worry, dear. Let me make you some ginger tea." Bernie says, heading to the kitchen
Elliot's perspective
Elliot stands there, watching Olivia drive off, tears streaming down his face. He punches. He slumps against the wall, sliding down until he's sitting on the floor, his head in his hands.
Ring Ring*
Elliot's voice is shaky, filled with a mix of anguish and pain. He tries to compose himself as he replies. Through sniffles, "H-hello…" Elliot says
"Hey Elliot, it's Casey. I have something I need to discuss with you. I know it's late." Says Casey
"No point in any of these cases she left with the kids. She doesn't want me. I fucked this up. Like I do everything in my life." Elliot says while sniffling
"Elliot, don't say that. Olivia loves you. You need to talk to her, and I know she will understand now I'm not taking a no for a response. Meet me at the local cafe we always went to. Or I'm coming to grab your ass, Stabler." Casey says
"Oo-ok," Elliot says as he starts walking to the cafe.
Elliot's heart sinks as he spots Brian and Kathy together. Anger and confusion swirl inside him. What the hell are they doing here? He hesitates for a moment, wondering if he should just turn around and leave. But he's come this far, and his desire to find out what's going on pushes him forward. Elliot then puts the two together, seeing them kiss.
"You! You! You! Brian fucking Cassidy! You're the one who fucking told Kathy!" Elliot grabs Brian and slams him against the brick wall.
"You're damn right, Stabler; you didn't think I saw you and Olivia look at each other. Long time in your office. How did you two come in together? Come on, Stabler, I'm a detective. All it took was some digging into you to find her; it was not that hard. You stole Olivia from me; she was the love of my life!" Brian smirks.
"You! You made Olivia leave me!" Elliot is now pinning Brian angrily.
"That makes two of us. I loved her, and you just had to steal her from me. So, there is no better way than to bring your ex back into your life. I'm surprised it took you this long. I tried to get your little friend Dani to send photos to Olivia, but she was completely useless," Brian laughs.
"And Elliot, are you that stupid to think I wanted your forgiveness? Brian bribed me with a deal of money I couldn't give up on." Kathy smirks
"So seeing you at the grocery store was fucking planned?" Elliot says angry
:"Actually no, but isn't it funny how life works." Kathy laughs.
"Yep, eventually Olivia would get suspicious, or you would fuck up like you always manage to do. Either way, you would lose at the end of the day, Olivia." Brian laughs
"Olivia fell in love with me. Sorry you're too much of a fucking jackass, and you, Kathy, I knew you were nothing but a fucking skank." Says Elliot pissed. Elliot starts punching Brian repeatedly, not stopping.
"Elliot! Elliot! Stop! Stop!" Casey says, dragging Elliot off Brian.
Casey's voice finally breaks through Elliot's frenzied state, and he slowly ceases his assault, his chest heaving with labored breaths.
"And who's this whore? I knew Olivia wasn't good enough for you." Says Kathy, laughing.
"Well, this whore is a lawyer, and this whore says If you and your friend Brian here don't leave Elliot and his family alone, you two will be going to jail for a felony of blackmail. Now, would you like to take this court?" Says Casey smirking
"You wouldn't you whore!" Says Kathy
Casey punches Kathy in the face. "Yes, whore I would know if you don't get out of here in 2.2 seconds and never come back here again, or we will see you behind bars. Brian that includes you since you've confessed you've bribed Kathy, and I expect your badge and gun on Elliot's desk first thing tomorrow. With your signature." Says Casey
"You just hit me; I'm pressing charges!" Says Kathy
"I didn't see anything? Did you, Casey?" Elliot says smirking
"No, I didn't, El. Now 10…9….8," Casey says, smirking
Casey and Brian end up walking away.
'This is all your fault!" Kathy yells at Brian
"You're the money-hungry bitch!" Says Brian
"Oooh fuck you!" Says Kathy, punching Brian and walking away.
"Oh, come on, babe!" Says Brian, trying to chase after her.
The chaos of the confrontation subsides as Brian and Kathy storm off, Brian trailing after Kathy like a lovesick puppy. Elliot and Casey watch them go, the tension slowly leaving the area.
"Thank you, Casey. I... I don't know what to say. I really appreciate you." Elliot says, hugging her.
"You're welcome, but, hey, that's what friends are for, right? To stop you from making stupid decisions. Especially ones from stopping you from killing your own detective. I don't see them bothering you ever again. Now, come on, let's go get something to eat." Says Casey as they step into the cafe.
Casey orders French toast and coffee, and Elliot orders an omelet and a coffee.
"How are you feeling? That was quite the spectacle back there." Says Casey, now eating her French toast.
"Huh, what?" Elliot says, getting lost in thought.
Casey takes a bite of her French toast, savoring the taste.
Casey: (Elliot looks lost in thought. But he always gets like that when he thinks about Olivia.)Casey watches as Elliot stares off into the distance, a small smile on his face as he remembers Olivia's love for french toast. She notices the change in his expression and chooses her words carefully.
"You seem to be lost in thought. Thinking about Olivia, huh?" Says Casey
"The french toast..it brings back memories..it's Olivia's favorite," Elliot says, smiling to himself.
"How is she? Have you heard from her?" Casey ask curious
Elliot's anxiety grows as he speaks, his voice filled with a mixture of worry and helplessness. "I haven't spoken to her in hours. She left with Noah, and I have no idea where she is. She's not answering my calls or texts, and I'm starting to feel panicked. I need to find out that she's safe and okay. She's going to leave without even knowing my side again." Elliot huffs
"Elliot, I bet she's probably with Alex, and if you saw a text on her phone knowing how you are, you would up and leave, no question asked, and she hasn't broken up with you yet. Just let her calm down, and when she's ready, she will come talk to you. I know she will." Casey says
"God damn it, I hate when you're right, Case." Elliot lets out a small laugh. As the conversation comes to an end, Elliot looks at his phone. He gathers his belongings and stands up, grateful for Casey's company but still concerned for Olivia. He gives her a half-hearted smile.
"Thanks for this, Case. Text me when you get home, but I'll catch you later." Elliot smiles, hugging his friend goodbye and heading home.
Elliot walks into the house and sees Olivia on the couch.