The night was thick with the scent of rain, the streets of New York glistening under the dim light of streetlamps. The city was alive, as it always was, with the hum of distant traffic and the occasional wail of a siren. But within the confines of a small, hidden lounge nestled deep in the heart of Manhattan, the world felt still—a stark contrast to the chaos outside.
Elliot's heart was beating heavily with anticipation at the thought of just meeting Liv. He had been running rampant since getting out of his undercover assignment.
He had been deep undercover, a dangerous operation that had taken him to the darkest corners of the heroin trade. It had been months since he had seen the light of day, his every move calculated, it had been worth it in the end with his main goal to get it off the streets for people like his brother.
But as he emerged from the shadows and returned to his world, the first thing he learned was the news of Olivia's accident. Cragen had been the one to break the news, he had seen them both through the best and worst of times, and the concern in his eyes spoke volumes. Bell had been there too, offering her support in the way she always did—firm, yet understanding.
The information was delivered to him with the gravity it deserved, but there was something off about it, something that didn't sit right with him, and the gnawing sensation in his gut told him that there was more to the story.
His first action was to immediately call her. With shaky hands, he dialed her number, his heart pounding as he waited for her to pick up. Instead of her voice, he was met with the sterile, automated message instructing him to leave a voicemail after the tone.
Then he called again. And again.
Leaving voicemail after voicemail
His voice grew more desperate with each unanswered ring. He spent that entire first day hearing nothing but that damned automatic message waiting for it to end so he can plead to her to answer him, each unanswered call deepening the pit in his stomach.
By the second day, doubt began to creep in and he started to wonder if she'd ever answer.
He knew Olivia, knew that if she wasn't answering, it was because she couldn't—or wouldn't. Maybe this was the universe's way of paying him back for the way he had left her all those years ago—without warning, without closure.
Each call ended the same, but he didn't stop, he couldn't not when they had already gotten this far.
He figured she must've mentioned it to Melinda because he got a call from her well into the second day. Her voice was calm but with an underlying tension that told him everything he needed to know. She suggested they meet up not too far from her work. Elliot knew Melinda well enough to recognize when she was preparing to deliver bad news.
He remembers the words of his friend and the final phone call he made to Liv as the night air nips on his ears with each step he takes closer to his destination.
—-
The diner Melinda had chosen was exactly the kind of place he needed—quiet, unassuming, a relic of simpler times. Elliot sat at the small diner, his hands wrapped around a mug of lukewarm coffee as he stared out into the space soaking it in.
It was at a small diner not too far from her work, a place that looked like it had been there for years with its worn leather booths showing nostalgic charm. The walls were lined with old photographs, their faded smiles and happy memories staring back at him, reminding him of all the things that had slipped through his fingers. The atmosphere was calm, a welcome contrast to the storm of emotions brewing inside him as he waited in the small booth near the window, ready to be chewed apart.
He was ready to hear the words that had been taunting his mind for the last 5 hours, ready to receive his lashings from the universe for leaving her back then, ready to be told to leave Olivia alone, that she didn't need him complicating her life any further.
Wallowing in self-pity and his own made-up shame, he failed to notice the person who withheld all his answers walking by the window. The chime of the door echoed throughout the area into the quietness, causing his head to turn to the offending noise.
He looked up just in time to see Melinda walk in, her expression a mix of determination and something else he couldn't quite place. She was a pillar of strength, as always, and he braced himself for the verbal lashing he thought he deserved.
"Hey, thanks for meeting me," she said, sliding into the booth across from him.
"Of course," Elliot replied, his voice tight. "I figured Olivia must've mentioned something to you. I've been trying to reach her since I got out, but… nothing. Not a single call back."
She sighed and then looked up at him, her expression sympathetic. "I know it's been hard, Elliot. But it's a tough time for her. Olivia's been through a lot," she began, her voice measured. "She's coming around, but you have to be patient."
Elliot nodded, though he couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more. "Cragen and Bell told me she was shot in the precinct, rushed to the hospital, but died on the way there. They said she was revived—barely," he said, searching her eyes for answers. Melinda hesitated, her gaze flickering with something like guilt.
"That's true," she said, her tone careful. "But Olivia is still Olivia, she's healing and she's dealing with it in her own way"
Elliot swallowed hard, nodding. "I know, I just… I can't help feeling like this is my fault. If I hadn't left, if I'd been there—"
"Don't do that," Melinda cut him off, her gaze sharp. "This isn't about blame. It's just taking time. That's why she hasn't answered your calls." There was a pause for a moment as the waitress came over, asking if Elliot needed a refill or if Melinda wanted to order. Once she quickly walked away after their friendly declines, Elliot could see his friend rack her brain for her thoughts before continuing the conversations from before. " Olivia's still Olivia, okay? She's still the same person you've always known."
She said it again, emphasizing the words as if they held some deeper meaning. It struck Elliot as odd, but he dismissed it as her trying to reassure him after everything Olivia had been through. Surgery, trauma, dying, and being revived—it was a miracle she was alive at all.
Elliot studied her, sensing there was more. "There's something you're not telling me, Melinda. What is it?"
"Olivia's been recovering," Melinda continued, her voice gentle yet insistent. "She needs time. That's why she hasn't answered your calls. It's just… a lot for her with the changes."
"You keep saying that," Elliot muttered, confused. "Why do you keep saying that?"
"She's still the same," Melinda said, a bit too quickly, catching herself. "It's just… after everything—being revived, nearly losing her life—it's a miracle she's here. But she's still Olivia, okay?"
The words lingered in the air between them, and for a moment, Elliot thought he'd caught something in her tone. But Melinda quickly moved on, leaving him to wonder if he'd imagined it.
Elliot nodded slowly, a knot of unease forming in his stomach, but he brushed it off. He trusted Melinda, and he hoped Olivia would come around soon.
Hearing the words of his friend, he picked up the one final time. He counted down the rings, the familiar dread building in his chest as he braced himself for the voicemail. When it came, he left a final message, pouring out his heart in a way he hadn't before. He told Olivia that he was here, that he wasn't going anywhere, no matter what. He tried to inject a bit of humor into it, joking that even if it took another ten years, he'd still be waiting. But there was truth in his words, a truth that he hoped she would understand.
And then, on the third day, just as he was starting to lose hope, his phone rang. It was Olivia.
He answered with a mix of trepidation and relief, and her voice on the other end was like a lifeline.
Her voice was steady but distant. She asked him to meet her at a lounge the next night, saying that it was important for her to tell him something face-to-face. Despite the relief that washed over him, there was something in her tone that sent a shiver down his spine—an urgency, a gravity that he couldn't quite place. But he agreed, and as they hung up, a new wave of anxiety came crashing in.
Whatever Olivia had to say, he somehow knew it would change everything.
—-
His rambling thoughts came to a halt as he finished reading the last line of directions that he had written down. She had informed him that the spot wasn't easy to find on maps due to its secrecy, so he had to walk a block from where he parked to find it. Funny enough the diner that he met Melinda earlier that week was right around the corner.
Now, as he approached the entrance of the lounge, the unease that had been simmering beneath the surface threatened to boil over. The outside appeared as a closed cute petite shop—almost quaint, like a forgotten relic of an older time— he presumed as a cover for the hole in the wall. Elliot had faced down some of the worst humanity had to offer, but this—whatever "this" was—felt different. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for whatever awaited him inside.
Elliot stepped into The Lovelorn with a mix of curiosity and unease without a clue that he was entering a mythical coven's lair, the heavy oak door creaking shut behind him. While the exterior had been unassuming as soon as he crossed the threshold, the atmosphere shifted. The lounge was dimly lit, with shadows dancing along the walls in the soft flicker of candlelight. The air was thick with the scent of incense, a heady mix of sandalwood, and something sweeter, almost intoxicating. Soft, haunting music played in the background, barely audible but enough to create an eerie ambiance. Despite the mysterious vibe, there was an undeniable air of luxury that was almost comforting—everything from the plush velvet couches to the intricately carved wooden bar screamed high class. It made sense that this place was invite-only, a hidden gem for those in the know.
As he approached the bar, Elliot noticed a woman with striking gray hair that seemed oddly out of place against her youthful features. He watched as the woman's silky gray hair seemed to float with her as she moved around the small bar. She had an energy about her—spunky and slightly mischievous—that both put him at ease and heightened his awareness.
"Genny," she introduced herself with a playful smirk, her voice carrying a warmth that contrasted with the mysterious aura of the lounge. She leaned in slightly, her tone conspiratorial. "I take it you're here for Olivia"
"Uh yeah, I'm"
"Elliot, I know." His shock must've been evident as he heard a snicker come from the bartender. "It's an invite-only lounge and as you can see," she gestures to the rest of the room, " A man seems pretty rare around here"
He couldn't help but take notice of the patrons finally and laugh a little along with her. He had been so on edge that he hadn't fully taken in his surroundings. He was indeed one of the only men in the place from what he could see through the dimly lit place. The other was the one that let him in the door.
"She'll be out for you in a few"
He took a seat and nodded, eyeing his surroundings though his mind was already racing, trying to piece together the puzzle of this place, this night.
He let his thoughts run on as the smell of the sweet sandalwood became calming to his nerves as the music began to wash over him. Lost in the aura of the place, he didn't notice the sound of heels approaching behind him or Genny smirking off in the corner.
A light tap on his shoulder sends a shiver down his spine interrupting his thoughts. Slowly in his stool, he turned around feeling an overwhelming sensation of excitement wash over him. As soon as the feeling came it went along with any other bodily function he previously held. Elliot was at a standstill looking at the site before him.
"Hey partner" came out her voice low and full of lust. The words lured him in like a bee to honey, heightening every inch of his senses. He doesn't know if it's because of the stress of the recent assignment but he feels he was just given a breath of fresh air.
He couldn't halt his jaw from dropping at the woman who stood before him.
Olivia was more radiant than he remembered as if she had been reborn. Her appearance was striking—the black pants she wore hugged her hips perfectly, showcasing a new, toned physique he hadn't seen before. They flared at the bottom, drawing attention to her graceful, confident stance. Her blouse was sheer, teasing just enough with the outline of her bra showing through, exuding a quiet but undeniable sensuality. A black blazer dress completed the look, the fabric falling perfectly on her, accentuating her figure while also giving her an air of power and mystery.
The woman he saw a few months back is standing before him looking delectable and enchanting lighting every nerve he had on fire. Could simply taking that step to deepen their relationship with the compass before he left have made his body fully alert to her? Is this what he has been missing out on all these years?
He realizes he is still sitting on the stool, mouth open like an idiot, gawking at Olivia in the middle of the lounge. He hears Genny let out a low chuckle from behind him, but he doesn't even care to try and recover, there's no need. He doesn't feel an ounce of embarrassment for his actions, not when it comes to showing his amazement in the wonder that is Olivia Benson.
"Miss me" the words were smooth shaking whatever thought process he was on the verge of regaining.
"Liv" her name comes out raspy from the dryness of his mouth and he couldn't help but smile at just how much he was acting like a lovestruck teenager. Clearing his throat, he tries to regain his composure.
"I like the hair, it's longer," he says as he reaches up to play with the tendrils. Her hair had grown drastically since he last remembered, her brown hair mixed with golden hues reaching her mid back, pieces resting upon her chest as he admired the new look.
"Thank You" Her eyes seem richer than he remembers, the amber orbs feeling like a sea of the most richest chocolates drawing him in by the second. It didn't help that the makeup she decided to wear tonight enhanced them, the smokey eye somehow making her eyes pop. They captivated him the most – they seemed deeper, more daring, pulling him in like never before.
Every part of her face seemed new to him he thought as his eyes traced down the ridge of her nose, watching as it scrunched in the most adorable way when she gave him a smile. He knows she is watching him look at her and while he should be ashamed, he's not.
He studied her closely, his eyes tracing the contours of her face. "Your eyes… they look different. Richer, like a sea of the most expensive chocolates. Everything about you feels. I don't know..same Liv just, " He trailed off letting his eyes continue to run their course up and down her body. He can tell she's enjoying it, the sultry smile that graces her plump lips a sure sign of it.
She looked the same yet something was different, his eyes trailed down her body taking her all in. Maybe that's what Mel was hinting at. She had always had a perfect body in his eyes and he loved the way she filled out through the years, but looking at her now she seemed more toned.
"New," she says the word not in question but more as a definite answer to the word he seemed to be searching for.
"Yeah something like that," he says, his blue eyes still showing a hint of question.
Her deep brown orbs held blazing amber tones that sparkled as stars in the sky on a deep summer night, luring him in the more he stared.
"Um I know you probably have a lot of questions and"
"Yeah, but those could wait" his hand reaches out for hers, his work-ridden skin feeling like heat against her tepid hand. "I'm just happy to see you"
They stood there for a moment, just looking at each other before Elliot pulled her into a tight embrace. Olivia closed her eyes, breathing in his familiar scent, and for a brief moment, all her fears melted away. But then reality came crashing back, and she pulled away, unable to meet his eyes.
"What's wrong?" Elliot asked, concern lacing his voice.
"El its," she was about to say nothing, that it was fine the usual Olivia Benson talk but stopped. It wasn't nothing, it was way more than that. "Ok it's not fine, well it wasn't just," On that word she took his hand, the familiar touch grounding him even as everything else about this place felt like it was spinning out of control.
"Come on, let's head to the back, there's a place that's more private where you can talk."
—-
She led him down a dimly lit hallway, the black brick walls on either side of them lined with gold details that caught the light in mesmerizing ways.
The gothic cathedral decor, complete with arched doorways and lilac stained glass windows, seemed to pulse with a red, glowing hue as if the very walls were alive with a dark, seductive, and surreal energy. The eerie glow gave as they walked deeper into the back of the lounge gave the space an almost otherworldly vibe, as if they were stepping into a different realm entirely. Olivia's presence beside him, the feel of her hand in his, was the only thing keeping him grounded in this strange, new reality.
"I've never heard of this place, is it new?"
"No it's been around for forever, it's just exclusive. An invite-only type of thing. A friend of Melinda knows the owner." She said vaguely trying not to disclose any more information before she had to.
They continued to walk and Elliot didn't realize just how far they had been walking. Looking back, he realized they must've passed about ten rooms or so with three more to go before having to turn.
Finally, they reached a door at the end of the hallway on the right. Olivia paused her hand still in his, and gave him a look that was equal parts reassuring and uncertain. This was it—the moment she would reveal whatever it was that had changed.
The door creaked open, and they stepped inside, the red glow from the hallway seeping into the room, casting everything in a crimson hue.
It was like stepping into a world where the familiar was twisted into something strange and surreal, yet the presence of Olivia, the feel of her hand in his, was the one constant, the one thing anchoring him.
The dim lighting set the tone immediately; the soft glow of candles cast flickering shadows across the black brick walls, which were adorned with gold details that caught the light in an almost hypnotic way.
As they moved deeper into the room, Elliot's eyes were drawn to a spacious area that felt more like a secret chamber than a typical private backroom. A plush burgundy sofa dominated the space, its deep, rich color intensified by the crimson light spilling in from the hallway. Everything about the room screamed luxury, from the velvet upholstery to the intricately carved wooden bar that stood against one wall. In another corner, an array of candles flickered atop what looked like a miniature altar carved into the wall, adding to the room's almost mythical atmosphere. The air was thick with a sense of mystery, an ambiance that was both witchy and vampiric, yet undeniably high-class. Elliot couldn't shake the feeling that he had stepped into a place where the ordinary rules didn't apply, where the line between the real and the supernatural blurred into one intoxicating, terrifying blend.
He heard the door click as he watched her make her way over to the sofa, taking a seat, before patting the space beside her. A simple move that held so much conviction, took Elliot a moment before his body responded, his feet moving as fast as they could, his body feeling lured to her like a magnet.
"I heard there was an accident, Ayanna wouldn't tell me much more after that just that I should talk to you.
"Yeah there was but I'm ok now." The shadows danced around her, flickering against the dark mahogany walls, as she idly toyed with the compass necklace he had given her months before. It was a symbol of their bond, a promise that no matter where her paths took her, she would always find happiness hopefully in him. But tonight, the weight of that promise felt heavier than ever.
"Liv," he said, his voice a mixture of relief and confusion. "I've been worried sick about you."
Olivia offered him a small smile, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. "I'm sorry, Elliot. I didn't mean to worry you."
"You didn't mean to worry me?" Elliot echoed, the frustration he'd been holding back finally surfacing. "I've been trying to reach you for days, Liv. I thought—" He stopped himself, his jaw clenching as he struggled to find the right words. "What happened?"
"El before you left you gave me the compass to lead me to happiness."
Elliot nodded, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Yeah, I remember. I meant it, Liv. I wanted you to find whatever makes you happy."
"I know you meant yourself, Elliot," she says with a smirk, it growing wide as she senses his nerves heightening.
Olivia swallowed hard, her heart pounding in her chest. "Did you mean it?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly. "Because if you did, I need to know…no matter what, does the meaning behind the compass still stand?"
He's turned to her fully now, eyes showing concern. "Of course it does, Liv. You know that." He paused at the depth and intensity of the question, brow furrowing in confusion. "Why wouldn't it?"
Olivia hesitated, the fear she had been holding back finally spilling over. "Because I'm not the same person I was, Elliot. I'm different now, in ways I can't even begin to explain. And I'm scared that when you look at me, you won't see the woman you once knew."
"But what's going on? You're kind of starting to scare me here."
Olivia closed her eyes, summoning the courage she needed. "There was an accident," she began, her voice barely above a whisper. "I was hurt on the job, and I… I didn't make it, Elliot. I died."
"Yeah, Mel told me you died on the table but was brought back."
"No, I" He could see her trying to gather her words, the sentences swirling behind her eyes making it impossible for him to read her as usual.
"Elliot," she began, her voice soft but steady. "What I'm about to tell you is going to sound unbelievable, I need you to trust me. I need you to believe in me."
Olivia nodded, tears welling up in her eyes. "When I died, Mel asked her friend to try everything she could to save me and she did save me, but it was something that changed me." There was a pause before she let out a ragged breath and spoke the next words that shook his whole world.
"I'm a vampire now, Elliot."
The silence that followed was thick and oppressive. Elliot blinked, his mind struggling to process what he had just heard. "A vampire?" he repeated, the word sounding ridiculous even as he said it. "Liv, what is?"
"I know it's hard to believe," Olivia said quickly, "but it's the truth. I didn't want to tell you until I was sure I could control it until I knew I wouldn't hurt anyone. But I couldn't keep lying to you."
Elliot shook his head, the room spinning around him. "Liv, this… this isn't possible. Vampires don't exist."
"I wish that were true," Olivia said, her voice filled with a sadness that cut through Elliot's disbelief. "But they do, maybe not how we were taught to believe but it's the truth and now I'm one of them. It's why I haven't been answering your calls, and why I've been avoiding meeting up with anyone outside of work for long periods of time. I've been trying to figure out how to live with this, how to keep doing my job without… without becoming a monster."
Elliot looked at her, his eyes searching for any sign that this was some kind of cruel joke, but all he saw was the raw, unfiltered truth in her gaze. "How long?" he asked, his voice hoarse.
"Months," Olivia answered. "Since the night I was shot. Mel and Doctor Emad have been helping along with some others. One of them being the woman at the bar out there."
His eyebrows rose at that, the information had pieces to the puzzles for the whole situation.
"They've been helping me, teaching me how to survive, how to control the cravings. But it's been so hard, Elliot. Every day, I wake up and wonder if I'll ever feel normal again."
Olivia watched as Elliot wrestled with his thoughts, her heart aching for him. She knew this was too much to ask of him, too much to expect him to simply accept without question. There was one more thing though, one more fear that she had to face if there was still a place for them in each other's lives. "Elliot," she said softly, "I know how important your faith is to you. And I know that this… what I've become… it goes against everything you believe."
Elliot's expression softened, a mixture of understanding and sadness crossing his features. "Liv, my faith is a part of who I am, but so are you. I won't pretend this isn't a shock, and I don't have all the answers either."
Elliot closed his eyes, his mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. He had always been a man of strong convictions, guided by his faith and his sense of duty. But now, sitting in front of the woman he had always trusted, the woman he had shared so much with, he felt those convictions being tested in ways he had never imagined.
"I don't expect you to understand or even accept this right away. But I need you to know that I'm still the same person I was before. I still care about the same things and still want the same things. And one of those things is you."
Elliot opened his eyes, meeting her gaze. "Liv, this is... I don't know if I can."
"I know," Olivia interrupted him, her voice trembling as she tried to hold off on her tears. "And I wouldn't blame you if you walked away right now. But I hope you don't. I hope you can see past what I've become and remember who I am."
"It is everything that I was taught to believe was wrong, a myth."
Olivia's voice broke as she replied, "I know and that's a big part of why I didn't answer your calls. I was scared, Elliot. Scared of how you'd react, of what you'd think of me. I know your faith is important to you, and I didn't want to be something you'd see as evil."
Elliot closed his eyes, his heart heavy with emotion. "Liv… I don't know what to think right now. This is… it's a lot. But I know one thing—I don't see you as evil. I see you as Liv, the woman I trust more than anyone in this world."
Elliot looked at her for a long moment, his mind replaying years of memories—of all the times they had stood by each other, through the darkest moments of their careers, through the personal struggles that had nearly torn them apart. He thought of the trust they had built, the unspoken bond that had always been there, even when they were at odds. And he thought of the compass necklace, a symbol of the hope they had for a future that now seemed so uncertain.
Finally, he reached out and gently took her hand, his thumb brushing over the cool metal of the necklace. "You're right," he said quietly. "You're still Liv. And I still care about you. But this... it's going to take time for me to wrap my head around it."
Olivia's breath caught in her throat, relief washing over her like a tidal wave. Her eyes filled with tears as she looked at him, his words a balm to her tortured soul.
"Elliot that's," she said softly, inching closer to him. "That's all I ask," she whispered, squeezing his hand. "Just give us time."
As Liv wrapped her arms around Elliot for the first time fully in months, the sensation was overwhelming, unlike anything she had ever felt before. The moment their bodies pressed together, it was as if every nerve ending in her body was suddenly alive, buzzing with an intensity that was both exhilarating and terrifying. Now that everything was out in the open, her body was able to thoroughly feel each sensation that coursed in her veins.
She could feel the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, each pulse echoing in her ears like a drum, reminding her of the life she no longer had. The warmth of his skin seeped into her cold flesh, a stark contrast that made her almost ache with longing for the humanity she had lost. But it was more than just the physical warmth; it was the flood of emotions that threatened to drown her—the love, the relief, the yearning that had been pent up for so long. Her senses were heightened, every small detail magnified; the subtle scent of his cologne, the roughness of his jacket against her cheek, the familiar sound of his breath as it hitched slightly in surprise. Yet, beneath the joy of their reunion, a darker hunger lurked, a predatory instinct that recoiled at the scent of his blood, so close, so intoxicating. She could feel her fangs lengthening, her throat burning with a thirst she had never known before. Panic flickered in the back of her mind, fear that she might lose control, that the beast within her might take over. But she pushed it down, clinging tighter to him, focusing instead on the memories of what they once were, desperately trying to hold onto the human part of herself that still loved him, that still needed him. The embrace was bittersweet, a collision of her old life and the new one, leaving her both fulfilled and hollow, joyous and heartbroken.
As the night wore on, Olivia and Elliot talked—really talked—for the first time in what felt like forever. They spoke of the past months, of the dangers Elliot had faced while undercover, of the challenges Olivia had endured as she learned to control her new abilities. There was still so much left unsaid, so many questions that remained unanswered, but for now, they were content to simply be in each other's presence.
Elliot listened intently as Olivia described the transformation, the agonizing pain, the overwhelming hunger, and the struggle to maintain her humanity. There was praise given to Mel for being an anchor from her past to help her with this transformation. He made a mental note to thank Melinda himself when he got the time, to take care of Liv and Noah when something like this tasking was going on.
She spoke of the nights spent alone, the fear of hurting those she cared about, and the guilt that gnawed at her every time she fed.
Elliot nodded, his expression somber. "You're the strongest person I know, Liv. If anyone can get through this, it's you."
Olivia offered a small smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "I hope you're right. I've been trying to keep going, to focus on my work, but it's hard. Everything feels… different now."
"Different how?" Elliot asked, genuinely curious.
"Everything is sharper," Olivia replied, searching for the right words. "My senses are heightened—sounds, smells, everything. I can hear heartbeats, and smell blood from a mile away. It's overwhelming at times, but it also makes me more aware, and more in tune with my surroundings. It's like I'm seeing the world through a different lens."
The two of them sat there, hand in hand, in the dimly lit backroom of the lounge, the weight of the truth freeing their shoulders of the burden for the time. The road ahead was uncertain, fraught with challenges neither of them could fully anticipate. But for the first time in months, Olivia felt a glimmer of hope—hope that they could find a way forward, that their bond could survive even this.
Olivia leaned into his touch, finding comfort in the warmth of his hand. "I don't know what I would have done if I had lost you, Elliot. You're the one thing that's kept me grounded through all of this."
Elliot's heart ached at the vulnerability in her voice. "You're not going to lose me, Liv. I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere."
They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of everything they had shared settling between them. Despite the darkness that had crept into Olivia's life, there was a sense of hope.
As they prepared to leave, Olivia felt a surge of gratitude for Elliot's unwavering support. She had been so afraid of losing him, of driving him away with the truth, but he had proven that their bond was stronger than anything that could come between them.
Stepping out of the lounge and into the cool night air, Olivia looked up at the moon, its pale light casting a silver glow over the city. She knew that her life would never be the same, that the darkness within her would always be a part of who she was now. But with Elliot by her side, she felt stronger, more determined than ever to face whatever came next.
As they reached the end of the block, Elliot paused, turning to face her. "Liv, I need you to know something. No matter what happens, I don't want you to feel as if you can't lean on me for anything. Everything aside, I trust with my life, the woman who's always had my back. And nothing's going to change that. This," He gestures his hand around in the cool brisk night air, " all of it means nothing compared to what I feel we've been through, and if anything it makes me trust you even more. Not just with my life but," She feels the breath he releases against the tip of her nose and almost hums at the smell of the beer that remains on his tongue. " My kids, my mom, hell I probably would put almost trust in your hands with them."
She couldn't help but release a chuckle at that, the thought of his family bringing a smile to her face.
"All I'm saying is, you don't have to do this alone. Figuring this out, taking care of Noah, taking care of yourself. I know you have the coven but, I'm here" She could see his blue eyes sparkle under the streetlights, the reflection creating a kaleidoscope of his emotions as he finished speaking his words.
Olivia's heart swelled at his words, the sincerity in his voice leaving no room for doubt. "Thank you, Elliot," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "That means more to me than you'll ever know."
He reached out and grabbed her hand, a new act of affection that she had come to like since he started it two hours ago, leaving Olivia feeling truly at peace. They stood there for a long moment, holding each other as the city buzzed around them, the world moving on as if nothing had changed. But for them, everything had changed—yet in some ways, nothing had.
Elliot glanced at her, a small smile playing on his lips. "You know, Liv, I never could resist a good mystery."
Olivia chuckled, the sound lightening the heaviness in her chest. "Then I guess you're in for quite an adventure."
Together, they walked down the quiet streets, their steps in sync, the compass necklace swinging gently between them—a symbol of the past, the present, and the future they would face together. What was to come was uncertain, and uncharted, but with each other, they knew they could navigate whatever came their way. They were still Olivia and Elliot, partners in every sense of the word.
They had faced the darkness together, and now, as the light of a new day began to chase away the shadows, they could find their way back to the light.
The world had changed, and so had she, but she was not alone.
—-
The next day, Olivia drove out for her daily meetings at the covenstead, the comforting central that stood as a sanctuary for the women who called it home. The ancient quaint mansion, nestled deep within the forest on the outskirts of the city surrounded by ancient trees and a sense of timelessness.
Its Gothic architecture, with tall spires and elaborate carvings, exuded a haunted-like beauty. The ivy-covered stone walls had seen centuries pass, and the stained-glass windows, depicting scenes of esoteric rituals, shimmered softly in the light filtering through the dense canopy of trees above. It was a place where time seemed to stand still, where the outside world felt distant and insignificant.
Inside, the atmosphere was a blend of comfort and mystery. The sprawling manor was divided into various chambers and rooms, each adorned with relics and artifacts from different eras. In one room, a grand piano sat in the corner, its polished surface reflecting the glow of the candles that lined the walls. In another, a collection of potion bottles, filled with mysterious liquids, sat on shelves, their contents shimmering in shades of crimson, amber, and emerald. The heart of the covenstead, however, was the central living area—a large, open space where the women often gathered.
On this particular evening, the covenstead was alive with activity while only a few of them were there. They had just finished their midday rituals, and now it was time to relax and unwind before the more mundane tasks of the nightly routine began.
Genny, Jacqueline, Melinda, Liv, and Alex were gathered in the living area, each seated on plush velvet couches that were arranged in a circle around a low table. The room was warm and inviting, a large stone fireplace sat off on the side, off for that time of the year, with lights above it casting flickering shadows on the walls.
Liv was across from Jacqueline perched on the edge of a deep burgundy sofa beside her deep in thought about the other night.
It didn't go unnoticed by her new friend, her usually poised demeanor giving way to a slight restlessness. It was a contrast to Jacqueline who sat with the air of authority and warmth that made her both respected and loved by the people around her. Her eyes, sharp and inquisitive, flicked over to Liv as Mel and Alex were discussing something in hushed tones that caused her to smirk.
"So, Olivia," Jacqueline began, her tone light but probing, "I heard you were at the lounge last night," she said, her voice smooth as silk as she sipped from a delicate porcelain teacup.
"Um yes, yes I was," Liv said feeling eery at the time of questioning. She of course knew Genny and Mel was aware of her visit to the lounge but didn't expect it to be the topic of discussion already. She should've known otherwise, vampires were just as observant as the cops she'd worked with in her life, if not more.
"Who was that man you were with when you left the lounge?" A smirk played on her lips.
The question caused Liv to stiffen slightly, her pale cheeks flushing as much as they could, given her new nature. Instead, her cheeks remained pale, but the embarrassment was evident in the way she shifted uncomfortably in her seat.
"Just," Her words fumbled around in her mind for a moment before she finally admitted. "He's… he's someone very important to me."
Jacqueline's eyes sparkled with interest. "And he is?"
Olivia hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. But before she could answer, Alex smirked and spoke up. "There's only one man Olivia would be willing to see in all her glory."
Liv shot her a glare, but before she could respond, Mel chimed in, a playful smile on her lips. "Oh, come on, Liv. We've been watching you and Elliot dance around each other for 25 years. It's been like having front-row seats to the most agonizingly slow romance ever."
Genny, who had been quietly observing from her corner of the room, couldn't hold back her amusement any longer. She let out a soft laugh, which only drew more attention to Liv's predicament.
"Seems like everyone is in on this, huh?" Liv muttered, trying to maintain her composure despite the playful teasing from the women she'd grown to think of as sisters.
Genny chuckled softly and nodded. "I knew Elliot was more than a friend the moment I saw you two together at the lounge." Leaning back against the plush cushions, she looked at the other women in the room. " Liv simply tapped his shoulder and the man acted like he'd seen an angel. She didn't even have to use any powers to enchant him." her last sentence came out in some of shock as she recalled her friend's lack of need to persuade her suitor.
Mel laughed, her voice ringing through the room. "Stabler's been making that face from the first moment they were partners."
Jacqueline leaned forward, setting her teacup down on the table. Her gaze was intense, but there was a twinkle of curiosity in her eyes. "So, what's the story, Liv? Did you tell him?"
Liv hesitated the memory of her conversation with Elliot still fresh in her mind. She had been terrified to tell him the truth, afraid of what he might think or how he might react. But in the end, it had gone better than she could have ever hoped.
"Yes," Liv admitted, her voice soft. "I told him."
Jacqueline raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "And how did that go?"
Liv took a deep breath, the weight of the moment settling over her. "Better than I expected actually"
"That's… amazing," Mel said quietly, her eyes reflecting the warmth she felt for her friend. "I'm really happy for you."
Alex nodded in agreement. "Yeah, Liv. You deserve this. You both do."
Jacqueline, however, wasn't quite finished. "So," she began, her tone more serious now, "I take it you've thought about what we discussed? About how this is going to work… you being a vampire now, and him being human?"
Liv nodded, the smile fading slightly as she considered the challenges that lay ahead. "Yes, I've thought about it a lot. It's not going to be easy, but… I'm willing to try. And so is he."
"Like he would've said no" Alex pipes back in from her spot in the room before dodging the throw pillow Liv tossed at her as the room shared a laugh.
Jacqueline studied her for a moment before nodding. "Then he must be someone truly special."
Olivia smiled, a sense of peace washing over her. "He is. And I'm lucky to have him in my life." There was a slight pause as she debated, saying her next words, knowing she may get drilled about the conversation by Mel and Alex later. "He said despite everything, despite his faith… he told me he holds faith in me more."
The silence took over as the room grew warm with admiration at Liv's words, the playful banter was forgotten, replaced by a profound sense of understanding and admiration.
It wasn't long before that silence was broken with each member offering their congratulations and support. Each of them knew the challenges that Liv and Elliot would face, but they also knew that love—true, unwavering love—had a way of overcoming even the most insurmountable obstacles.
After a few moments, Alex and Mel exchanged glances before turning back to Liv. "You know," Alex began, her tone light but sincere, "if you ever need to talk… the four of us could meet up. I mean, I'd love to see the look on Elliot's face when he realizes just how deep this rabbit hole goes."
Mel laughed, nodding in agreement. "Yeah, and maybe I could finally introduce him to the person who introduced me to Jacqueline," she shoots a look at Alex, her eyes gleaming with amusement, a smile still gracing her lips. " the one who… well, you know." She makes a wild gesture in the air, the only thing that could explain the craziness that is their life now. "At least that's all he knows you as, imagine his shock when he finds out it's you"
Liv couldn't help but grin at that image, " Yeah imagine him finding out that not only did she die," she put air quotes around that word in a joking manner, "But you were already dead before that"
The three of them burst into laughter at the thought of how that meeting might unfold. Liv, despite herself, couldn't help but join in. It was good to laugh, to feel like things might actually work out after all.
Eventually, the laughter died down, and the women began to settle into their usual routines. There were chores to be done, spells to be cast, and preparations to be made for the night's rituals. But as they dispersed, the warmth of their conversation lingered in the air, a reminder that no matter what challenges they faced, they would face them together.
As the day drew on, Liv excused herself to pick up Noah. Preparing to leave the covenstead, she felt a sense of peace that she hadn't felt in a long time. She paused by the large wooden doors, pulling out her phone to send a quick message to Elliot.
It was simple, but heartfelt: "Thank you for everything."
With that, she slipped her phone back into her pocket and stepped out into the cool night air. The moon hung low in the sky, casting a soft glow over the forest as she made her way down the path. In the distance, she could hear the faint rustling of leaves and the calls of nocturnal creatures, but all she could think about was Elliot—how much she loved him, and how thankful she was to have him in her life.
She left that day with a lighter heart, knowing that she had the support of both her coven and the man she loved. The future was uncertain, and the road ahead would be challenging, but for the first time since her transformation, she felt ready to face whatever came next.