Please be patient. I am trying to dish out as much shippiness as possible. Stupid school and work!



Part 1: The Moment of Truth

It was spring already. The sun was out and every New Yorker was bustling here and there to try and get to where ever they were going to. The sun was out, the weather was warm and all was calm in the city. So what is an SVU detective to do when there are no cases; paper work. The precinct was abnormally quite. Munch, Fin, Elliot and Olivia were all busy looking at case files and computer screens. Munch thought his eyes were going cross eyed.

“That’s it! I am going home. In this day and age, with everything on a computer, it is no wonder that so many people need glasses, contacts and eye surgery.”

“You know what, I am going with you. Maybe I might even be able to spend some time with my son.” Fin then turns to Liv and El. “Hay it’s already 7 o’clock. You guys gonna go home anytime soon?”

Both Elliot and Olivia look up at the same time, which made Munch and Fin laugh.

“No. I think I will stay and finish up. It’s not like I have anything to do.”

“What about you Elliot?”

“No I think I’ll stay and finish up to.”

Both Elliot and Olivia turn back to their work and Fin and Munch leave.

The next thing Olivia notices is the clock.

“Elliot! It’s almost 10 o’clock. We really need to go.”

“Yeah I know. Let’s get the hell out of here.”

They both grab their coats and other items they need in their locker and then start to walk out of the precinct shoulder to shoulder.

“Hay? Do you wanna go and get a drink?”

“No. I just want to go home.”

“Need a ride?”

“You know, I am only about ten blocks. I think I’ll walk.”

“Liv it’s almost 10. There is no way in hell I am gonna let you walk.”

“Let me?”

“Alright, alright.” Elliot throws his hands in the air in a “I give up” kind of way. “But at least let me walk with you.”

She had planed on walking through the park to do some thinking. The company did seem like a nice idea. Walking was a way that Olivia could clear her head and after almost 12 hours of staring at the computer screen and files, she really needed this walk.

“Sure Elliot. That sounds nice.”

“Good because I was going to come any ways.”

“I thought as much.”

They both laughed and left the precinct. As they were walking, Elliot could tell that Olivia had something on her mind. Whenever they were alone, Elliot could sense that Olivia had this nagging question that she wanted to ask him. He never did ask her about it because he felt that she would tell him eventually. However, he thought he would be bold and just go for it.

“What’s bothering you Liv?”

“Huh?”

The two detectives had just entered the park and were starting to walk up a hill. Liv was in her own train of thought and didn’t hear what Elliot said. All she heard was a mumble.

“What’s on your mind?”

“Oh, just stuff.”

Should I ask him? Or am I jumping the gun? Is it any of my business? No I will wait.

“Stuff? O.k. I am not buying it. Something has been nagging at you. What is it?”

“Nothing is bothering me Elliot. Really I’m fine. So how are the kids? I remember you saying something about spending the weekend with them. How did it go?”

She is changing the subject. Why does she do that every time I want to know what is on her mind? Is she hiding something? I’ll answer her question but I am not going to let her slid without telling me what the hell is bothering her.

“The twins are fine. We went and got pizza, saw a movie and talked about school.”

“Great! I am glad the twins are doing good but what about Kathleen? She didn’t go with you?”

“No. She is still mad at me for the divorce. She refuses to talk to me.”

“How can she be mad at you? Kathy is the one who wanted the divorce in the first place.”

Both Olivia and Elliot find an empty bench and sit down. They could feel the cool breeze against their faces and Olivia takes the time to look up at the moon. It is a crescent moon and is so beautiful.

“Yeah well she blames me for Kathy wanting the divorce in the first place. I don’t blame her for thinking that because it’s true. I was never home and when I was, I was off in another world. I never talked about anything and I was never really supportive. No wonder women keep leaving me.”

With that last comment, Olivia turned her attention from the moon to Elliot’s sad expression.

“Not every woman leaves you Elliot. The only woman who has is Kathy.”

“That is not true Liv. You left me twice and Dani left.”

Oh my god! He knew the woman for like 6 weeks! Why the hell does he have to bring her up at all! And why does he keep saying that I left him twice! I didn’t!

“I didn’t leave you twice Elliot. I left once and came back. I am still here, with you, right now.”

“Liv, you asked for a new partner and then you left for you undercover job.”

“Exactly Elliot! It was for the job. I will admit that when I left you the first time it was a mistake! That is why I recanted. I left the second time for the job! I successfully infiltrated and was practically begged by Star to work it. I admit that I should have called but I didn’t have the time! Will you please stop saying that I left you!”

“Alright, I am sorry. Calm down. What got you all wound up?”

“Nothing!”

“Yeah right Liv. Would you just tell me what the hell has been bothering you.”

“I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Liv you know that I am not going to stop asking you until you tell me so…Out with it.”

“Fine, did anything happen between you and Dani? There I asked.”

Ah ha! I knew it! I had a feeling it had something to do with Dani!

“So that is what has been bothering you Liv?”

“You still haven’t answered my question.”

“No. Nothing happened between me and Dani. We kissed but that was it.”

“You kissed! Wow. Talk about moving fast.”

“Look Liv, it was just a kiss. We both realized that it was stupid and then we went our separate ways.”

Olivia was getting frustrated. She knew Elliot was hiding something. Olivia stood up and stared at him. Not an evil stair. But a “I need to know stair.”

“Why did Dani leave? And don’t tell me she couldn’t take the victims because we both know that’s crap.”

“Why does it bother you so much that Dani and I kissed?”

“Please Elliot. Just answer my question.”

Now Elliot was getting upset.

“Dani was unsure if she could continue as an SVU detective. She asked me if I thought she should stay. I told her that I couldn’t decide for her. It had to be her choice. She said goodbye then turned and walked away. The end! There are you happy? Now it’s your turn. Why does Dani bother you so much?”

Olivia knew that this was the time for truth. She needed to tell Elliot how she felt.

Here it goes Olivia. Try not to screw this up and just start slow. Alright I can do this.

Olivia put her hands in her jacket pocket and looked at the trees as she spoke to Elliot.

“When I first started to work at SVU, I was terrified. I was so afraid that I wouldn’t fit in. After I met everyone, I knew that it would be o.k. It took me awhile to get to be 100% comfortable, but I knew that in time I would. When Cragen introduced me as your new partner, I was even more terrified. I had heard your reputation as a cop and I was afraid that I wouldn’t be able to follow. I came to realize that wasn’t the case. You made me fell comfortable. I knew that from the first case we worked on we would be great as partners.”

Olivia, as she spoke, started to get a bit uneasy. She played with the inside of her coat pockets and moved her feet back and forth.

O.K. Olivia. Where are you going with this sweetie?

“As time went by, I came to respect you. Yes, I will admit that I wanted to kick your ass from here to Queens sometimes and I hated some of the situations that you put me in, but I knew that it would be o.k. You lead and I followed. Our partnership somehow grew into friendship and from friendship to best friend and now I cannot imagine my life without you.”

“Olivia I hate to interrupt but, what is your point?”

“I am getting there! Just wait.”

“Alright my lips are sealed.”

You know what I can’t do this. This is going to ruin everything and I know it!

“Forget it. This was a bad idea. Let’s just go.”

As Olivia starts to walk away, she feels Elliot grab her upper arm to stop her.

“Come on Liv. Just tell me please. It can’t be that bad.”

“Oh yes it can. If I tell you this Elliot it will change everything.”

“No matter what you say Olivia, I am not going anywhere.”

“You might change your mind once I tell you.”

“No I won’t. Now come on. Tell me what has been bothering you.”

Alright Olivia, this is the moment of truth.

“You really want to know why I hate Dani so much.”

“Yes, because it doesn’t make any sense to me. You didn’t mind me being partners with Blain.”

“Blain was a man Elliot. No comparison.”

“Alright now I am confused.”

WOW! Can he really be this clueless when it comes to women!

“I was jealous Elliot! That is why I didn’t like Dani!”

Elliot now understanding what Olivia was getting at and stepped away from her a little.

“Why would you be jealous Liv? She was just a stand in. She wasn’t my permanent partner.”

“OH! MY! GOD! You are so clueless! Do I really have to throw a detective a life line? I AM IN LOVE WITH YOU ELLIOT! There are you happy!”

Just walk away Olivia. Just walk away.

Olivia turns around to leave. She is speed walking. Elliot, once coming back from the shock he had just received, ran after her. Once he reaches her, he pulls on her upper arm, turns her around and lifts her chin in order for him to look into her eyes. They were swelling up with tears.

“Olivia, I don’t know what to say.”

“Don’t say anything. I know that you don't feel the same way and I understand that. I just wanted you to know.” Olivia takes Elliot’s hands away from her face. She looks into his eyes and with her right hand touches his cheek.

“Goodnight Elliot. I’ll see you at work.”

Olivia then turns and walks toward her apartment; leaving Elliot standing alone in the park.

What the hell just happened? Did I just let the woman I love walk away? You idiot Stabler! Run after her and tell her how you feel!

Olivia practically runs home. When she reaches her door, she pulls out her keys and hears the lock unlatch. She opens the door, gets in and slams it shut.

What have I done! I just made the biggest mistake of my life! Good going Olivia. You just ran off the only man you ever loved!

She leans against the wall and as the tears fall, so does she. She slowly sinks to the floor; head in hands.

Then suddenly she hears a knock at the door.

Who the hell could that be?

“What do you want?”

“Liv open the door.”

Part 2: Letting Go

"Elliot please just leave. I need to be alone right now."

"Please Liv. Just let me in so we can talk."

Olivia did not need to hear what she knew Elliot would say. "This is a mistake. Our partnership and our friendship would be ruined." All she wanted to do was wallow in self pity.

"Please Elliot not now."

"Olivia come on. We both know that I am not going to leave. Not to mention that I have a spare key."

shoot! Can this day get any worse?

"Fine!"

Olivia gives in. She slowly turns the locks and opens the door. Olivia has one hand on the door, while the other rested on the door frame blocking the entrance.

"Well are you going to let me in or am I going to have to have this conversation with you and your neighbors?"

Olivia and Elliot both turn around and notice that Mr. Derrick Sampson is standing behind Elliot holding a bag of groceries.

"This fellow isn't bothering you is he?"

Olivia contemplated about saying yes so she could get Elliot out of her door frame. But she decided against it.

"No he isn't. Thank you Mr. Sampson."

"Well alright then. If you need me you know where I live."

"I do thanks. Have a good night."

With that Mr. Sampson gets his keys out and goes into his own apartment and shuts the door. Elliot is still standing in Liv's doorway waiting for her to let him in.

"So..."

"Come in."

Olivia lets Elliot enter her apartment and she shuts the door. Elliot walks over to her living room, takes off his coat and turns to look at Liv.

"So...What do you want to talk about?"

"Are you serious? Liv you tell me you love me and then run off without me even being able to respond."

Olivia is not even looking at Elliot but at the carpet. What can she say to him? How can she explain her feelings to him when she didn't even know herself? The only thing she knew was that she loved him.

"I don't know what to say."

"Don't say anything then. It's my turn to talk." Elliot begins to step a bit closer to Liv before he begins his declaration. I want to be with Olivia so much but now is just not the best time. I need to let her know that I care about her. I just can't tell her I love her. At least not yet. Now how do I do that? O.k. start talking Stabler. "Look Liv I have to admit that I was a bit shocked that you said you loved me but I don't know I guess I never thought I would hear those words again and especially not from you."

"Look Elliot..."

"No let me finish. You and I have been through so much in the last 8 years and we both have had to deal with a lot of crap. Between work, Kathy leaving me and the kids hating me I don't really have the time for anything else. I never thought that you and I would ever be anything more then friends and partners and I...Hell I don't know what I am trying to say."

Olivia knew he was nervous. Elliot always ranted when he was nervous. But the real question was why? If anything Olivia should be the one pacing not Elliot. She is the one that poured her heart out to him and told him she loved him.

"Look Elliot. If it makes you feel any better I am not expecting anything from you. I just wanted to tell you how I felt. I have never felt this way before and it scared me. It still does because I know the dangers of being with your partner and co-worker. I just don't want this to be awkward."

"I think we are a bit to late for that."

They both had to let out a chuckle because deep down both of the detectives knew that they would never be the same again.

"I do care about you Olivia. I just don't think that a relationship, especially with my partner, is a good idea right now. I mean I am still trying to get the relationship with my kids back and Kathy and I are still trying to work out the custody and visits with the kids. My life is just unstable right now. You understand don't you?"

Olivia knew this would happen. She knew telling Elliot how she felt would be a mistake. All she wanted to do right now was crawl under her blankets and cry herself to sleep. As she felt the tears beginning to form, she breathed in deep in order to stop them. Olivia looked at Elliot and crossed her arms.

"Of course I understand. I told you that I wasn't expecting anything from you. I just wanted you to know."

God how many times am I going to repeat that! I just want him gone right now! Please let this be over!

"I really do need to go. Are you sure you're alright?"

"Yeah Elliot. I'm fine."

It was a lie of course but Elliot didn't find it. Once he was satisfied that she would be o.k. He decided to leave her alone and let her sleep.

"Alright then. I really do need to go and you need to sleep. Tomorrow Cragen has us on desk duty so we can catch up on some paper work."

"O.k. I guess I will see you tomorrow."

"Bright and early."

With that Elliot got up and headed for the door. Before he left he turned to Olivia. "Olivia, you know that no matter what I will always be your friend right? I will always be here for you?"

"Yeah I do Elliot." God please leave! I swear I am going to lose it!

"Goodnight Liv."

"Goodnight Elliot."

He took one last look at his partner, opened the door and left. The minute the door closed Olivia couldn't fight the tears anymore. They fell down her face as she walked over to her bedroom and landed on the edge of her bed.

How could I have been so stupid? How could I have even thought that Elliot would want someone like me? Why did I have to fall in love at all? and with my partner no less? Olivia Benson you are such an idiot! Elliot could never love me! Hell no one ever has and no one ever will.

Once Olivia stopped sobbing and the tears were slowing down, she grabbed her shorts and t-shirt she wore to bed and changed. As she tried her best to get tonight’s event out of her head so she could go to sleep, she continued to cry. She knew that the only man she ever loved would never give her the time of day. Not because he didn't care but because of the job and because of his kids. Olivia knew that she had to let him go. The only problem was that she had never been in love before and she didn't have the first clue as to how to go about doing that. All she knew was she had to try because she didn't have a choice.

Part 3: Brooklyn or Manhattan?

Olivia tried her best to stay away from Elliot. She wanted as much distance as possible; at least until she could clear her head and figured out what she was going to do. She still did not know if she could stay at Manhattan SVU. She had received an offer from her friend from Brooklyn SVU to be his new partner and she was seriously contemplating it. At the moment though, she needed to think.

She and Elliot had received a case and both were acting out of place. Once Cragen noticed this, a trip to his office was deemed necessary.

“Benson, Stabler in my office now.”

As soon as they reached Cragen’s office, Elliot shut the door and they stood waiting for Cragen to speak.

“What is the matter with you two? For the past two weeks the two of you have put as much distance between each other as humanly possible.”

“Distance? What do you mean? I don’t think we are being distant.”

“Oh really? What do you call doing your paper work in the interrogation room on your lap top Olivia?”

“Look captain, Elliot and I just wanted to do our work a bit differently that’s all.”

“You are trying to do your work differently. Do I have stupid imprinted on my forehead? I know my own detectives and the last time I checked you two were in sync. Now you cannot stand to be in the same room with each other. Wanna tell me why?”

“No we don’t. Look captain, Elliot and I are sort of going through a rough patch right now. We will work it out.”

“That’s all? You’re going through a rough patch? I really do not need problems among my detectives right now. That brass is already tailing me because of Munch’s comment about Republicans last week. I really do not need them on my ass about disputes as well. You better work it out and I don’t want to see anymore arguments or distancing between you two. Now get back to work.”

Elliot and Olivia left Cragen’s office. Once they cleared from ear shot, Elliot grabbed Olivia by the upper arm gently and whispered in her ear.

“Can I please talk to you for a second?”

“No. We need to get back to work. Now let go of me.”

“Please Liv? We really need to talk.”

“Fine. Where do you want to go?”

“On the roof.”

Olivia and Elliot made their way up to the precinct roof in silence. Once they reached the top, Elliot opened the door and closed it behind them.

“Alright you got me up here. What do you want to talk about?”

“I hate this Liv. I hate it when we are like this.”

“Like what Elliot?”

“What do you mean like what? Liv we can’t even be in the same room together without feeling claustrophobic. I just want us to be friends again. I want us to go to being the way we were before…”

“Before I told you I loved you and you turned me down. But you could kiss a woman that you hardly knew for 6 weeks.”

“That’s not fair. I told you that Dani and I meant nothing to each other.”

“But you kissed her Elliot. But me, a woman who actually loves you and wants to be with you, you won’t give the time of day.”

“I do care about you Olivia. Hell, it’s not like I am not trying. You act as if you could care less if we are partners anymore let alone friends.”

I don’t know if I can do this anymore. It’s too hard! Even seeing him yelling at me still makes me want to kiss him.

“I don’t know what to do Elliot. What do I do?”

“I…I have no idea Liv. I do care about you and I do love you. I just can’t love you the way you want me to.” At least not yet.

“I was offered a position at Brooklyn SVU. Sanders is in need of a new partner.”

Elliot felt a sense of panic. God I don’t want her to leave. She is all I have left.

“Wow! So does this mean that you want to leave Manhattan SVU?”

“I am seriously thinking about it. Honestly Elliot, the papers are already filled out. I just need to drop them off and talk to Cragen.”

“Why are you telling me this Liv?”

“I don’t know. I guess I was hoping you would convince me to stay.”

Deja vu! I can’t tell her to stay; even though every part of my body wants to kiss the hell out of her and take her right then and there. I want to kiss her so bad. I just wish that I could hold her and tell her that everything will be o.k. and that I am and always will be here for her, but I can’t.

“You know that I can’t do that Liv. As painful as this is for me to say, it has to be your choice.”

“Why is it painful for you to say?”

“Because I know you Liv. I know that if the paper worked is filled out and you are ready to take the leap, you will. I can only say that I would miss you and I...I don’t know.”

“What Elliot?”

“I just don’t want to loose you again. Outside of work, you are all that I have left. I know that this is a repeat and you have heard it all before but, I am afraid.”

“What are you afraid of Elliot? Are you afraid that I will finally move on and forget all about this pain and hollowness that I feel? I cannot keep sacrificing my happiness in order for others to be happy. I am sick of it!”

“I am afraid that if you leave Liv I am going to be lost.”

Olivia was not expecting an answer like that. If anything she was expecting silence.

“God I am so lost. For the first time in my life Elliot I am completely and utterly lost.”

“What do you want to do Liv?”

“I don’t know.”

“Promise me that whatever you decide you won’t shut me out?”

“In order for me to move on Elliot, I really don’t see any other way.”

Without thinking, Olivia had made her choice. She was leaving behind Manhattan SVU, her friends and everything that she has ever known in order to move forward with her life.

Elliot knew by the way she said this she had made her decision.

“So I guess this means you’re leaving then?”

“I have to Elliot. It is the only way I can move on and try and put the topic of us behind me. I need to try and start over without you. I’m sorry.”

As soon as she finished her last words, Olivia stood up from her seat on the bench, walked past Elliot and whispered goodbye.

The next thing Elliot knew, Olivia was transferred to Brooklyn SVU, had moved to where Elliot assumed was an apartment closer to her new location and out of his life for good. All he felt was emptiness. He felt as though he had lost the best thing that has ever happened to him. But will he ever get it back? Will he ever get her back?

Wow! Your story is so good. I can't wait for the next chapter.

ok...i must say that u've outdone ur self. that was amazing. although *IMO* i don't think u can get any better than ur first story...lol but i for one, officially can't wait 2 read the second ch.!!!! I LOVE IT!!!!!!!! LOL

Ahh Cliff hanger....
Can't wait for the second chapter. That was good

i'm uber excited for the next chapter!

The story was so good I didn't notice that my bowl of peanuts was already empty! Thanks!!!

OMG!!!! hello! mary! when are you gonna post some more?! sorry, but i'm very impatient and i real reall really wanna know what happens next cuz this story is soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo amazing!

REPLY TO 2ND CHAPTER:

Ouch... that was really painful... Much more sadder than the ending in 'You've Got Mail' movie. That was a wonderful thing to read before I hit the bed. You've done it again! Thank you for sharing, and I'll be waiting for the next one. Just take your time!

Okay Mary82, I had to check this out to see what everyone was talking about and all I can say is, wow. Keeping writing, chick!

Thanks everyone! Don't worry I will keep writing! I love fan fiction!

OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! that was so amazing! poor olivia...

Poor Olivia... That's right! I hope it will work out for her in the next chapter. I admit I can't imagine Olivia cry and it nearly made me cry myself.

Keep on, please.

Laura

Wow, if the Mary82 would make Det. Stabler act as a beast in SVU squad's play, then Det. Benson would be the fair and kind woman who breaks the spell, and Det. Dani Beck's the selfish woman who hates Det. Benson and keeps Stabler all to herself

No offense...it was just a wishful thought

OMG!!!!

OMG I cant wait for more I LOVE YOUR STORIES

hmph... i wish i could find elliot and olivia kissing while on shower together. i have good song for them, lol...

anyway... i want to thank mary82 for her fanfics chapter 10 & 11. the first one's greater than the next. about her another fic, 'never say never'... IT HURTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! but serves him right!! mwa-ha-ha-ha-ha!! i like it when you separate them. absence grows fonder. i enjoy when liv makes elliot take the 'suffer' plunge. thank you very much, mary82! great work! so... what happens next???

what an amazing story. It's amazing how your first story and your 2nd are so diff, but both so great! i applaud you mary, and CAN'T WAIT until you post more!

Part 4: Passing Time and Changes

It had been a year sense Elliot had seen or even heard from Olivia. As time went on he found himself thinking about her less and less. He use to wonder where she was, what she was doing, how she was doing with her new job, or even if she had been seeing anyone. He wanted to stop the thoughts all together because it hurt too much to think about her. However, he had no such luck. He missed the smell of her perfume, the way she looked in the morning with a cup of tea in her hand, the way she smiled when Munch told everyone about one of his crazy theories, the way she shouted when something pissed her off, and even the sound of her calling his name.

His new partner is a great detective and Elliot knows it. He gets the job done and goes home at the end of the day. However, he is no Liv.

It has been a year and three months sense Elliot has seen her face and for good he thought.

“Hay Elliot, do you have the third victim’s photo? I can’t seem to find it anywhere?”

“I think so. Hold on let me check to see if I put it back in the file.”

After he found it, Elliot made a stop to get a cup of coffee before he sat down. As he was walking back to his desk, Elliot felt a sudden urge to get a sip of that caffeine goodness. He wasn’t paying attention to where he was going and he bumped into who he thought was Casey.

“Oh crap sorry Casey.”

“crap Elliot! This was my favorite shirt!”

“Liv!”

“Nice to see you to Stabler. Is this how you greet people now because if so I need to remember to bring my rain coat?”

Before Elliot wiped himself off he tried to clean Liv up.

“No Elliot its fine. I can clean up later. Where’s Cragen? I need to speak with him. It’s urgent.”

“He’s not in his office?”

“No he’s not. Otherwise I wouldn’t need to ask you.”

Just then, an all too familiar voice sang in Liv’s ears. She missed him; even though Elliot was who she was really hoping and dreading to see.

“He’s in the little boy’s room Liv.”

A very large smile crossed Liv’s face. “Thanks John. It’s nice to see you.”

John walked in between Elliot and Olivia in order to give her a nice hug.

“Wow! O.k. Why am I wet?”

“Sorry. I should have warned you. Elliot decided to great me with his cup of coffee.”

“Nice Stabler. Now I need to change.”

As Munch walked away to go change, Elliot walked towards his desk.

Don’t look her in the eye. Just keep looking down.

“So why do you need to talk to Cragen?”

“I believe he has some information on a few unsolved rape cases that match the MO of our victim.”

“Oh? Alright then. If you need any help?”

“No thanks Elliot. All I need are the files.”

“O.k.”

Olivia sat down on a chair next to Cragen’s office. Neither Olivia nor Elliot wanted to speak. They were silent. For over a year not a word or a glance from each other and when they finally get the opportunity neither will take the plunge.

Why can’t I talk to him? What the hell is my problem? He probably hates me. I bet he never even thought of me after I left. He probably didn’t even know that I was gone. I just wish he would let me love him but…he doesn’t want me. Man he looks good. Stop it Liv!

God I miss her. I wish I could go over there and…I don’t know. I just want…Hell I don’t know what I want. Yes I do! I want to kiss the hell out of her and tell her I missed her and I love her. But she hates me.

While deep in thought, neither detectives noticed that Cragen had returned.

“Hay Olivia. It’s good to see you.”

“Hi Cragen. How have you been?”

She can ask Cragen how he’s been but she can’t ask me?

“You know how it is; busy, busy.”

“Yeah.”

“It’s not that I am not happy to see you but what brings you to our neighborhood?”

“My captain sent me over here. He remembers hearing about a couple of rape victims that share the same MO as our victim in Brooklyn.”

“Give me the name and I will do what I can to help.”

“Thanks Cap…I mean Cragen.”

“Old habits die hard huh?”

“Exactly.”

As Olivia and Cragen were in the file room looking up files, Elliot and his partner were getting ready to go to lunch. He noticed Cragen and Liv were just about done. He decided to be bold and ask Liv if she wanted to join them.

“Hay did you find what you needed?”

“Yeah. I did.”

“Great.”

“So…I guess I will head out.”

“Wait Liv. Do you want to join me for lunch?”

Elliot absentmindedly didn’t mention his partner was suppose to join them.

“Ah…sure why not.”

“O.k. then. Let’s go.”

As Olivia and Elliot were walking away, Dan started to chase after them when John held him back.

“Let them go. They need to talk. I’ll join you for lunch.”

Elliot and Olivia walked to John’s Pasta, a favorite restaurant of Liv’s, and sat down and waited to order.

“So how have you been?”

“Good I guess. It took me a while to get use to the new neighborhood but it’s alright.”

“How do you like Brooklyn SVU?”

“It’s o.k.”

The two sat in silence for a while. They both ordered and got drinks. Olivia got the chicken salad with a glass of ice water and Elliot got a bowl of spaghetti and a coke.

“You still not drinking soda?”

“Yeah.”

“Not very talkative are you?”

“No I just don’t have anything to say.”

Both Elliot and Olivia ate in silence. After the meal and both were done with their drinks, the waiter walked over with the check. Elliot instinctively took it and pulled out his wallet.

“How much do I owe?”

“Nothing Liv.”

“Elliot I can pay for my own lunch.”

“I know you can. But seeing as how I asked you to go to lunch, I am going to pay.”

“O.k.”

Elliot flagged the waitress down, gave her the money and waited for his change. Again they sat in silence until Elliot decided to break the ice.

“Why did you stay silent for so long?”

Olivia breathed in deep. “Please Elliot. I don’t want to go there. Not right now.”

“When can we go there because I don’t know when I am going to see you again?”

“Elliot…”

“Liv please? I miss you. I miss…I miss talking to you. Didn’t you miss me at all?”

“You know I did and you know why I can’t go there with you.”

“Liv please?”

“No Elliot. I can’t. I should never have come. This was a mistake.” She breathed in deep and stood up.

“Bye.”

“Liv wait.” crap! Where the hell is my change! Forget it! Let her keep it!

Elliot grabs his coat and chases after her. Once he exited the restaurant, Elliot looked around to see which direction she went. Once he spotted her, he ran like hell. He caught up with her, turned her around and kissed her. He pulled her closer to his body with one hand while his other went behind her head to deepen the kiss. Elliot smiled when he heard Liv moan. She then wrapped her arms around Elliot’s waist. After a few minutes, Elliot pulled away.

“Please don’t leave. I need you more then you know.”

“Do you have any idea how long I have waited for you to say that?”

“God I missed you.”

“Your just 3 months too late Elliot.”

Elliot then looked down at Liv’s left hand and that’s when he noticed her ring.

“You’re engaged?”

“I am getting married next month. He’s a good man and he loves me.”

“But do you love him?”

“Yes Elliot. I do.”

Elliot released his grip on her waist and looked down.

“I’m sorry Liv. I won’t bother you again. I hope he makes you happy.”

Elliot then turns around and heads to the precinct with tears streaming down his face. Olivia couldn’t say anything. All she could do was stand there and watch him walk away.

omg mary! i'm on the verge of tears over here! how could you do that! GAH! lol but wow....just as i thought something was ganna happen! man...so greatly written, i SO didn't expect that little stupid RING to get in the way! lol It's great mary! ignoring the fact that i'm not very happy w/ you right now...lol i'm just kidding. Very good part 4, and i can not WAIT for part 5. Keep 'em comin' Mary!

AHHH Mary that was great. Once again another cliff hanger
Your really good at these. Keep it up
Can't wait for part 5

WHAT?!?!?!?!!!!OLIVIA'S GETTIN MARRIED?!?!?!NO!I can't have that!GR!AHHHH!!!!!I'm at a loss for words.*closes eyes,takes a deep breath and lets it all out*Ok ok.I'm calm.And I'll stay that way if the meeting El and Liv had was just a dream in either one of their perspectives.I'm tearin my hair out here woman!I'm so mad and sad.This isn't a flame.Just me venting on the terribleness of Olivia gettin married to some other guy other than Elliot.But you haver to tell me one thing so I won't be TOO bummed about this whole ordeal.Will this eventually be an EO??????????????????I think that's enough question marks if I do say so myself.

WAIT!I have a solution to the terrible problem.What if Elliot intervenes the wedding and objects to her marrying Bob.(I named him Bob)Yes!Perfect.Perfecto.Ok.I am done.I am gone.....

I love it, Mary!! Keep up the good work!!!

Part 5: Unanswered Questions

“Elliot if you really love Olivia the way you say you do then let her be happy.”

“Dan please just stay out of my business. You don’t know anything about me and Olivia.”

“Fine! Go ahead and drink your life away Stabler but don’t even think about coming to me for help!”

Elliot started drinking pretty heavily ever sense he found about Olivia’s engagement. It had been two weeks sense he left her standing outside of the precinct. The closer and closer the wedding got, the more and more Elliot drank. Everyone was becoming worried about him and they didn’t know how to help him. It use to be that if Elliot had a problem then Liv was the one they called. She was really the only one that could get Elliot to talk. Now Elliot was truly alone and everyone knew it.

After Elliot got wasted yet again, he made the ten block journey to his small, cramped apartment. Once he reached his destination and was able to unlock the door, he walked in, set his gun and badge on the counter and headed for his room. He tripped over something he thought was a bottle and fell face forward on the tile of his kitchen. It was then that he noticed the woman of his dreams sitting on a chair facing the bar.

Once Olivia had seen him fall, she ran over to him and tried to help him up.

“Jesus Elliot! Are you alright?”

“I’m fine. I feel like an idiot but I’m o.k.” He couldn’t believe that she was here, in his apartment, alone.

“Elliot you’re bleeding. Let me clean you up.”

Olivia escorted Elliot to the kitchen sink. She could smell the alcohol on him. Ever sense her mother had died, Olivia refused to get drunk. She drank every once and a while but she refused to allow herself to become her mother. She refused to try to drink her problems away.

While Olivia was washing the blood off of the cut on his eyebrow, Elliot couldn’t help but stare at her. She was so beautiful. He wanted to kiss her so badly but he knew that he couldn’t.

“It’s not that I am not extremely happy to see you Liv but what are you doing here? And how the hell did you even get into my apartment?”

“You gave me a key after you moved in Elliot.”

“Great so one question is answered. Can I shoot for two?”

“After I clean you and you sober up. Now where are your band-aids?”

“They’re under the bathroom sink.”

As Olivia went to get the band-aid, Elliot went over to his living room in order to clear up the mess but then stopped once he reached the carpet.

What the hell? She cleaned my house. Oh man I am too waisted for this.

“I got it. Come here.”

As Olivia put the band-aid on him, Elliot couldn’t help but gaze at her. She was mesmerizing. But something was off. What was she doing here when she should be with What’s His Name doing God knows what?

“There. All better.”

“Thanks.”

“I am going to make you some coffee. Sit and don’t move.”

Olivia then walked over to the kitchen, set up the coffee pot and started it. Immediately they heard it brewing and could smell it. Olivia just waited in the kitchen with the cup in hand. It took about 15 minutes for the pot to be full. Olivia grabbed the creamer and sugar, added just what Elliot liked, stirred it and walked back into the living room where Elliot waited in silence.

“Here drink this. It should help.”

“Thanks.” Elliot took a sip and loved it. He forgot that Olivia knew how he liked his coffee. She even made it better then Kathy. Elliot had about half the cup empty before he said anything. He didn’t want to push it with her but he needed answers.

“I appreciate you being here Liv and I really miss your company but could you answer my question now? Why are you here?”

“I got a call from Cragen and I was worried. He told me that he had to suspend you because you kept showing up to work with alcohol on your breath and you were slacking off on the job.”

“Yeah and?”

“Elliot…”

“Look no offense but what I do with my life is none of your business.”

“Yes it is.”

“Why Liv? You’re getting married in two weeks to Mr. Perfect and you are moving on with your life as far away from me as possible so why the hell do you care?”

“Because you’re my friend and because…”

“Because?”

“Because I…”

“Oh would you just say it Liv!”

Olivia shook her head. “This was a mistake. You’ll never understand.”

Olivia got up and headed for the door but Elliot held her back. He had way too many questions and she was going to answer him.

“Olivia I have unanswered questions that need to be answered. I think you owe me that much.”

“Elliot I don’t…”

“Please?”

Olivia could see the need in his eyes. In order for him to move on he needed answers. The only way he was going to be able to move on was if he knew the truth.

Olivia released his grip on her upper arm and walked back to the living room. She sat down, leaned back into the cushions and waited for Elliot to get started.

“Does this mean that I can start the questions?”

“Just tell me what you want to know so I can go.”

Elliot sat across from her and stared at the floor. He didn’t know how to start. He knew what he wanted to ask, but how could he begin? This is the moment he has waited for ever sense Olivia decided to leave him and he was tongue tied.

Olivia breathed in deep and Elliot took that as a sign for her being impatient. He slowly looked up at her and immediately began.

“I love you Olivia. The truth is that I have never been this much in love with anyone and it scares the hell out of me. I guess what I am trying to ask is did you ever love me? Or was it all for my benefit?”

“I did love you Elliot. In so many ways I still do.”

“Then why did you leave?”

Olivia looked down at the floor and breathed in deep. “I left for so many reasons that I thought were legit. I was afraid that you would never accept me as someone that loved you. I was afraid that you were still in love with Kathy and that I was always going to take a back seat to her. I guess what I am mostly afraid of is you.”

“Me? Why would you be afraid of me?”

“I have never been in love before Elliot. I’ve had crushes and I’ve even been with guys that I could someday see myself being with in the future but I have never experienced true love. When I found it in you, I was terrified. Then when I finally get the courage to say it, you hurt me. I just didn’t want to experience that again.”

“So let me get this straight. You love me but you can’t be with me because you’re afraid of getting hurt. Is that right?”

“Exactly.”

“That’s a pretty cowardous approach to life; run so you don’t feel.”

“Yeah well it’s my approach. So what else do you want to know?”

“What do you want from me Olivia?”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean what is it that you want from me? Why are you here and don’t tell me that you’re here because Cragen called you because we both know that he would never do that.”

“He did call me Elliot. He just didn’t ask me to intervene.”

“Then why are you intervening?”

“You never asked me his name Elliot.”

“Who’s name Liv?”

“My fiancé’s name.”

“Why the hell would I want to know his name?”

“Curiosity.”

“Fine what is his name?”

“What do you want it to be?”

“What? Liv that doesn’t even make sense.”

“I’m not engaged Elliot. I’m not getting married.”

Now Elliot was really confused. Was she telling him this to throw him off? Was she ever engaged? Did they break up? What was going on?

“O.k. now you really got me confused. I saw the ring Liv!”

“It was my grandmother's she left it to my mother who left it to me. I made the engagement up to make you jealous. I thought if I could hurt you the way you hurt me then I would feel better but it only made me feel worse.”

“Wow! I knew you were capable of being a bitch but I didn’t know that you could ever be capable of tearing my heart out.”

Elliot stood up and walked toward the door. Before he reached to open it, he turned back to Olivia who was now standing.

“Do you have any idea the kind of hell you put me through?”

“Yes Elliot. I do.”

He walked back towards her and just shook his head.

“Where do we go from here Liv?”

“I don’t know. I know that I love you and I want to be with you Elliot. But I also know that you and I have really hurt each other.”

“Well then the real question is can we look past all of that hurt and try to work it out or do we go our separate ways?”

“There’s a part of me that wants to believe that we can work it out. But then there’s another part of me that it screaming walk away now before you end up really hurting each other. What do you think Elliot? Do you think that we could make this work? That we could make us work?”

“I love you Olivia and I am willing to take that risk. So yes I think we can. Now the real question is are you ready to take that leap and trust me; trust that I am not going to hurt you?”

Olivia stood in silence for a while. She wanted to say yes so bad. But the truth was that she wasn’t sure she could trust him not to hurt her. Was she willing to gamble with her feelings in order to be with the man she loves?

“Yes.”

“Yes what Liv?”

“I am ready to trust you; trust us. I love you Elliot and I want to be with you.”

That was all Elliot needed to hear. He reached for Olivia and took her in his arms. His arms wrapped around her waist in order for him to feel every inch of her. He wanted to hold her and never let her go.

WOOO!!!Bob is no more!!!I'm rejoicing here!I'm verry happy.VERY
Do we get some EO lovin in the next chappie?Ooh I hope so.I'm in need of some very good EO lovin.And I'm pretty sure that you can give it to me.

wow mary! lol you're starting to get back on my good side now! lol what a great installation! omg i can't wait for more for this story and the next! this is so 10 o's good! lol

Tsk... I shouldn't have read svudetective's post...lol... now back to mary82's chapter...

*reading*.................*reading*.................*still reading*.......................

Really... that was way sooooooooooooooooo awesome, mary82! You really had us going! I LOVE this chapter!!!!!!!!!!!! Excellent job! So.... what happens next..........???

OMGOMGOMG...lol you gave me a mild heart attack on the last chapter... Im SOOO glad they worked everything out YAY!! E/O FOREVER

Mary i don't know what i would do with out you.
This is amazing, You're such a great writer and your stories give me hope...lol

Keep it up

Amber

omg!!!u are a really good writer i loved it!!!!!

Part 6: Hopes and Struggles

Elliot and Olivia have been dating for about a month with high hopes that nothing and no one could interfere. They were smiling, laughing and joking more then they have ever done before. Even though they were no longer partners and no longer worked in the same unit they were still able to find the time to spend together.

It was on a Friday afternoon that almost tore the two detectives apart once more.

“Hay you hungry?”

“Food sounds good. Where do you want me to meet you?”

“No where. I’ll come and get you. How does 6:30 sound?”

“Sounds great.”

“Great! So I’ll see you then?”

“I’ll be ready and waiting.”

“I love you.”

“I love you too Elliot.”

This was almost as if it were becoming a routine. They would spend every Friday nights at some restaurant that they alternately chose and then the entire weekend, if neither got a case, they would alternate apartments. One weekend Olivia would spend at Elliot’s and the following weekend Elliot would spend at Olivia’s. They were both almost tempted to say “let’s just move in together” but neither could gain the courage to do so.

As Olivia stood in the mirror to look over herself, she heard Elliot knocking at the door.

Why does he even bother? He knows he has a key.

“Coming!”

Olivia walked over to the door and saw Elliot standing before her with a bouquet of flowers.

“Oh how nice. Thanks.”

“Anything for my number 1 girl.”

“Ha…ha…ha… funny Stabler. Let me put them in some water before we go.”

Once Olivia was done, she and Elliot walked to his car and went to the restaurant of Elliot’s choice. After about 25 minutes of driving, they reached their destination; La Petite Bistro.

“Oh Italian huh? I love Italian.”

“I know you do.” This would be the night Elliot would ask Olivia to move in with him and he was nervous as hell. A fact that did not go unnoticed by Olivia.

“Are you alright? You seem a bit jittery today.”

“I’m fine. I’m just hungry.”

He is lying out of his teeth but I’ll let it go; for now.

“How many people are in your party?” The waitress asked while Elliot and Olivia were having there conversation.

“Oh um a party of two.”

“Great right this way please.”

After they were seated and they ordered their drinks, the two continued to talk. Their conversations mostly consisted of work, Elliot’s kids and other tid bits here and there. After about 20 minutes they got their food and began to eat. Not more then 15 minutes into their meal Elliot noticed Olivia stiffen up and roll her eyes.

“What is it? What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” Olivia did not want Elliot to know who just entered the restaurant but it was too late.

“Elliot?”

Elliot turned around and sighed.

crap! It just had to be tonight didn’t it?

“Hay what a coincidence. What are you doing here?”

“I’m eating food just like everyone else in here. Wow! It is so good to see you and how is this?”

“Dani this is my girlfriend Olivia, Olivia this is Dani.”

“You’re Olivia. The woman who came in the precinct asking for Elliot Olivia? The ex-partner Olivia?”

“Yeah that’s me.” Wow what a dumb, Olivia be nice. God I hate this woman and look at the way Elliot is looking at her!

“Well I have to go. It’s nice to see you again Elliot. It’s nice to meet you again Olivia.”

She just stood there for a few seconds until Elliot got the hint. He stood up and gave her a hug and a smile.

What the hell! He is a dead man!

Once she walked away, Elliot noticed that Olivia was giving him the look.

“What?”

“What?! What do you mean what! You practically drooled over her!”

“Lower your voice and no I didn’t. I was just saying hi to an old friend.”

“Saying hi huh? You know darn well that I do no like her Elliot because of your history with her. What you did to me tonight was disrespectful to me.”

Olivia stood up and practically ran out of the restaurant with Elliot tailing her. He followed her all the way to the side street where he caught Olivia hailing a cab.

“Olivia wait please?”

“No Elliot! I’m done! I can’t take this anymore!”

“Olivia I love you! Please don’t go!”

“Why shouldn’t I? God Elliot! You hurt me again! I just don’t know if I can ever get over this jealousy issue when it comes to Dani.”

“I wouldn’t worry it about it.”

“Oh really? And why is that?”

“Because I love you and only you. I can never imagine myself being with anyone else. Olivia I was going to ask you if you wanted to move in with me tonight.”

Olivia smiled. “Really?”

“Really. I love you Liv.”

“I love you to. God Elliot I am so sorry. I am so embarrassed.”

“Don’t be. It’s kinda sexy actually.”

“Sexy huh? What do you say we go and explore just how sexy I can be Stabler.”

“Ha…ha…ha…Why not Benson. But you still haven’t answered my question. Would you consider moving in with me?”

“I have already considered it and my answer is yes.”

Elliot didn’t hesitate. He reached Olivia and pulled her in for a kiss that made her cheeks red. She knew that no matter what their love would be enough.

OMG... You had me scared for a minuet there.. lol but Yay... I love this story like SO MUCH

Mary please write more. This is sooo good.

Its killing me not knowing what happens next

I am sorry for the long delay. I have been sick and have been busy trying to catch up on some school work. I hope you like it!

Part 7: Moving Day

“How many more boxes Liv?”

“Just the Bathroom stuff and a few more boxes from the kitchen. Who knew that little old me had so much crap.”

“Yeah no kidding.”

It had been three weeks sense Elliot asked Liv to move in with him. Between her job in Brooklyn and his in Manhattan, it was hard for both detectives to find the time to spend together let alone move in. Both had decided that Elliot’s apartment was the best choice because it had an extra room and it was a bit bigger. They did want to find a bigger apartment but his would suit them for now.

Olivia had been contemplating about going back to Manhattan SVU and working computer crimes again but she wasn’t sure if she was ready to give up being a field detective. But she still had time to decide. Right now, she was more worried about the big move.

“Okay so these boxes are going to the Red Cross right?”

“Yeah Elliot. I called and I think sense we have the U-Haul for a few more hours we should drop them off ourselves. If that’s okay?”

He breathed in deep. This woman is going to be the death of me. But what a death it would be.

“Yeah I guess so.”

Hearing the tiredness in Elliot’s voice, Olivia walked over to him and wrapped her arms around his neck and drew him closer to her body.

“Awe poor baby. I promise I will make it up to you later.”

“That’s if I can walk Liv. I say the next time we move we higher people. I am too old for this.”

“Will this help?” She draws him in closer and kisses him gently at first and then deepens it. After a few seconds she pushes away and looks deep into his eyes.

“A little.” Both laugh and pull apart.

“Well we need to haul the rest of this cra… I mean stuff to my place; I mean our place, so we can come back for these boxes. We need to make it to Red Cross by 5 so we can have this U-Haul truck back by 6.”

“Got it. The sooner we get this done and over with the sooner we can share a bottle of wine and relax in “our” apartment. Oh I love saying that.”

“I love hearing you say it.” He goes in for another kiss and they both get back to the task at hand.

Once all of Olivia’s stuff was pilled up in Elliot’s garage, they headed off to her old apartment to hand the tenant her keys, pick up the donation boxes and then headed off to Red Cross. The minute Elliot finished unloading, he and Liv went all the way back to the U-Haul company and dropped off the truck, got back into Elliot’s BMW and headed back to his apartment.

The minute he entered the door, he headed straight for the couch and practically fell on it.

“That was probably the best workout I have had in…well lets just say years.”

“Really? How was it when you moved out of your house into here?”

“That was different Liv. I only had my cloths, shoes, bathroom products and a few pictures of the kids.”

“Well I am sorry if I wore you out today. I just wish we would have been able to spread it out instead of doing it all at once. Thanks in large part to our jobs that was not a possibility.”

“Yeah I know babe.”

They sat in silence for a while. Elliot had his head tilted back and his eyes were closed. Olivia could tell that he was tired. She stood up and headed for the kitchen.

“Hey, what are you doing?”

“Trying to see what I can make for dinner. But I don’t think I am going to have a hell of a lot of luck.”

“Why don’t you just order some pizza? There are a few beers in the fridge right?”

“Oh yeah. That would be perfect. Now where in the hell is the phone?”

“It should be next to the wine bottle holder.”

“I have got to get use to the arraignments.”

“You will Liv.”

Olivia called and order a half and half; part pepperoni for her and part mushroom and green peppers for Elliot. She knew just what he liked. By the time she was done ordering, she heard Elliot breathing heavy and knew he was asleep. She picked up a blanket from the edge of the bed and placed it over him.

About 45 minutes later the pizza was delivered. Olivia couldn’t find her purse among all of her stuff so she had to wake up Elliot.

“Hay baby. The pizza’s here.”

“Mhm. I'm up.”

“I can’t find my purse Elliot.”

“So you need my money huh? We’ve only been living together for a few hours and already you’re sucking me dry.”

“Funny man.”

A knock was heard on the door and the aroma of pizza filled the hallway. Olivia opened the door and was greeted by mouthwatering goodness.

“How are you this evening El…not Elliot.”

“Hi I’m Olivia. How much will it be?”

Olivia heard Elliot walk up behind her. He pulled out his wallet and handed the young boy a 20 dollar bill.

“Hey Erin. How’s it going?”

“Good Elliot and who is this beautiful lady.”

“This is my beautiful girlfriend and new roommate Olivia Benson. Olivia I would like you to meet Erin. He’s my favorite pizza delivery guy.”

“It’s nice to meet you Erin.”

“The pleasure is all mine. You sure know how to pick um El.”

“Give me my pizza and stop flirting with my girlfriend.”

“Here you go and enjoy!”

The young boy handed Elliot the pizza and walked back down the stairs. The two ate their pizza with joy and drank a beer in silence. As soon as they were done, the two decided to get ready for bed. It was still early but both were exhausted. They slept holding each other.

It was about 3 in the morning when Elliot’s home phone rang. Olivia was closest to the phone so she answered it.

“Hello.”

“I’m sorry I think I have the wrong number.”

“Wait who are you wishing to speak to?”

“My dad Elliot. Wait is this Olivia?”

“Yeah hay Maureen. Is everything okay?”

“Can I talk to my dad please?”

“Sure let me get him up.”

Olivia gently shook Elliot’s shoulder to wake him up.

“What?”

“Elliot Maureen is on the phone.”

“Why is everything okay?”

“I don’t know El.” She handed him the phone and got up and left the room to give him some privacy.

After a few minutes, Elliot hung up the phone and found Liv standing in the kitchen. He walked over to her and wrapped his arms around her waist. She noticed that he was kinda of wincing and wobbling.

“Hey is everything okay.”

“Yeah. She just felt like talking to me about a friend who has been having guy troubles. I told her that if it comes to it I will have a sit down with him. Maybe scare him a little bit.”

“Good. I’m glad everything’s okay. Was she mad about me answering the phone?”

“She was a little. I kinda haven’t been able to talk to the kids yet because I have been so busy.”

“Elliot! You should have talked to them before we moved in together!”

“I know but I was busy Liv. I promised Maureen that I would talk to her, her sisters and her brother as soon as I can.”

“You better.” There was a silent pause while they held each other. Olivia went to kiss him and noticed that the slightest movements made him wince.

“Are you okay?”

“Yeah I will be. I am just sore as hell.”

“You think you’re sore now. Wait until tomorrow.”

“Liv? It is tomorrow.”

“Right well why don’t we try and get some more sleep before we have to go back to work tomorrow. I mean today.” The two went to bed and fell asleep in each other’s arms.

OMG! I love your story. It's so cute. Can't wait till u write more!

Thanks for the love! I will do my best to get the next chapter up.

i realy enjoy it can't wait till you write more!!!!!

Love IT!

Ok, wow! This is great! I gotta tell ya, the first two chapters were hard for me to read. I know exactly how Liv feels...I'm currently going through something similar to that, and a broken heart is very painful. Anyways, please continue! I cant wait to see what happens next!

omg i know! it was really sad @ first....and i agree! lol please continue!

i like this story. you olmost everybody story is at the same piont where elliot an olivia move in with each other. cool

really? I hadn't really noticed.....then again, i don't read too many other fanfics....

Love this part!!! Write some more!!!

lol i know! poor tired el, huh? lol

I just love all of the great reviews all of you are giving me. Thank you so much! Here is the update. ENJOY!

Part 8: Contemplations

It was Elliot’s weekend with the kids. He had requested the weekend off in order to talk to his children about Olivia and him living together. He was so nervous. It was all he could think about. He just needed to calm down and relax.

It was a Friday morning when Olivia was getting ready for work. She could smell the immense aroma of coffee coming from the kitchen. After she got out of the shower and got dressed, she walked into the kitchen and noticed Elliot staring off into space with a steaming hot cup of coffee in his hand. She walked over to him and landed a kiss on his cheek. She reached into the cupboard, got a mug and pored hot water and a tea bag into the steaming hot water.

“God that smells good. Why did I quit drinking coffee again?”

“I don’t know. I think it had something to do with wanting to be healthier.”

“Oh yeah. That’s right.”

Both were leaning against the counter in silence while drinking their pick me ups. Olivia had 25 minutes before she needed to head off to work and she thought this would be the perfect time to talk to Elliot.

She set her mug down on the counter, took his out of his hands and wrapped her arms around his waist.

“Hey, I was drinking that you know.”

“I do know but I wanted to talk to you.”

“Okay shoot.”

She leaned up and kissed him sweetly before she began. She wanted him to know that she loved him and was there for him because she knew how nervous he was about tomorrow.

“I know that you are nervous and I just wanted to know how I could help.”

“I’ll be fine Liv really. I just need to figure out where the hell I’m going to take them and how the hell I am going to tell them. I just…” He went silent for a while.

“What Elliot?”

“I just don’t want anyone to get hurt Liv. I know for a fact that the kids, especially Kathleen, are going to be a bit upset; if that’s the right word.”

“Well Elliot I told you that you should have talked to them before we moved in together.”

Elliot was now getting irritated. He broke Olivia’s grasp and began to walk out of the kitchen and into the living room. He knew he should have talked to them. He didn’t need her patronizing him as if he were her son.

“I know Liv! I don’t need you to remind me what an idiot I am.”

“I’m not calling you and idiot Elliot. The only reason I am bringing this up at all is…”

“What!”

“Don’t yell at me!”

Elliot could see how upset Olivia was getting and so he decided to calm down. It wasn’t her fault that he screwed up. He sat down and put his head in his hands.

“I’m sorry. I am just so worried.”

Olivia walked into the living room and sat next to him on the couch. She put one hand on his leg while the other rubbed his back.

“I know Elliot. But there is one thing that you do need to consider.”

“What?”

“What happens if the kids don’t accept me living here?”

“Trust me Liv, I have considered it.”

“And?”

Elliot had no idea what he would do if the kids didn’t accept Olivia being his new roommate/lover. The divorce with Kathy was still a bit new and the kids were still trying to accept the fact that their parents were no longer going to be together. The big happy family no longer existed as far as they were concerned. The last thing Elliot wanted to do was cause them more pain.

“I honestly don’t know Liv.”

There was silence between the two for a few minutes. Olivia had to leave for work and didn’t want to leave on a bad note. She kissed him softly and looked into his eyes.

“Look. Why don’t we finish this conversation when I get home?”

Elliot breathed in deep. “That sounds like a plan.”

Olivia stood up, gathered her things and walked to the already opened door with Elliot holding it for her. She walked to her car with Elliot following behind. She clicked the unlock button, threw her stuff in the back seat and then headed for the drivers set. Elliot already had the door open for her. Just before she got in, Elliot gave her a quick kiss and a smile.

“What time do you think you will be home?”

“I am hoping no later then 6. I have to attend a court appearance at 2 and then the captain has me doing paperwork. Hopefully we won’t get any cases but you never know. I will give you a call before I leave okay.”

“Alright. Love you.”

“I love you too Elliot.”

She kisses him again and then gets into the car. Elliot, like the gentlemen he is, closes her car door and walks back. He watches her leave for work and once she is out of sight he goes back into the house.

As soon as he enters the living room, he hears his phone ring.

poopie! What now?

“Stabler.”

“Elliot, its Cragen. We need you down at the precinct today. I know you asked for the weekend off starting today but Munch needs you here. Fin’s son was attacked at the college. Officer Tilden, the security officer at the college, believes the attack to be a hate crime against gay men.”

“Captain I really need this weekend off. I promised my kids that I would spend time with them.”

“I realize that Elliot and I promise that you will get it off but right now, Friday, I need you here. Can you do this for me and Fin?”

“I’ll be there in 30.”

“See you then.”

Elliot hung up the phone and let out a large breath of air.

“Great. Just when I thought my day couldn’t get any worse. But Fin and his son need me right now.”

Elliot grabbed his things, raced out the door and headed off to the precinct.

Wow! Mary, it's really good. I love it. Keep up the good work, I love suspense.

I told you the update was right around the corner. I hope you all are enjoying this story. Read and tell me what you think!

Part 9: Unplanned

It had been a long day for Olivia. Her court appearance took longer then she had anticipated and her paper work was not going down. A very large stack of papers and files were pilled up all over her desk. She had been working on it for about 3 hours now and wasn’t even making a dent.

“I need a break. My eyes are going cross eyed. If I look at this sentence one more time I might start dancing across the page. I’m going to get a cup off tea at Coffee Bean. Do you want anything Sanders?”

“Nah I’m good. I have my Red Bull here to keep me company.”

“You and your Red Bull. You know if the commercials are right, you should have had a massive set of wings by now. You drink that stuff like its water.”

“Trust me Benson. My mind feels like it’s flying when I drink it.”

Olivia laughed and went and got herself a cup of tea. When she returned, she noticed that it was already 6.

She walked to her captain’s office and knocked on his door.

“Come on in.”

“Hey Captain. It’s already 6 and I still have a ton of paper work. Is there any way I can take some of it home and work on it?”

“Sure Olivia. Just try and have most of it done by Monday. If it’s not then you know what will happen.”

“I do. Thanks Ben.”

“Have a good night Liv.”

Olivia walks out of his office, gathers her possessions and says goodbye to her fellow officers as she heads out the door. She pulls out her cell phone and calls Elliot to let him know that she is on her way home. The house phone kept ringing. No one was answering.

Huh. Why is he not answering the phone? He didn’t tell me he was going anywhere. Maybe I’ll try his cell.

She dialed his cell phone number and waited for him to answer. It rang about three times before Elliot answered it.

“Stabler.”

“Hey sexy. Why didn’t you answer the house phone?”

“Sorry Liv I forgot to call you. I’m at work. Fin’s son was attacked at his school. Munch and I are on our way back to the precinct after talking to onlookers who saw the attack take place.”

“Oh my god. Is he okay?”

“He’s a bit traumatized but he will be okay. I’ll call you before I head home. I love you.”

“I love you too.”

She hung up the phone and headed home. Once she got there, she jumped in the shower, got her sweats and t-shirt on, and then decided to work on some of the paper work while she waited for Elliot.

Little did she realize she would be waiting for quit a while. While she worked on files, she slowly drifted off to sleep. She had her head lying against the arm of the couch, her left arm underneath her head and her right arm dangled over her hip.

It was 2 in the morning when Elliot finally got home. He was exhausted. He knew that Olivia wanted to finish the conversation they had had before work but he was in no way able to function let alone have a conversation. He closed the front door as quietly as possible, not wanting to wake up Liv if she were asleep. He locked the door and quietly walked into the kitchen until he saw her hair dangling over the side of the couch. He smiled and walked into the living room. Once he got there, he noticed Olivia was asleep on the couch surrounded by paperwork.

He bent down in front of her and very softly rubbed her arm. She made a grumbling sound and slowly opened her eyes. Once she saw Elliot in front of her, she shot up to a sitting position.

“What time is it?”

“A little after 2.”

“Oh god I feel asleep. I was doing paperwork. I don’t even remember falling asleep.”

“Come on baby. Let’s get to bed.”

He took her hand in his and lifted her off the couch with one tug. As they walked to the bedroom, Elliot noticed her yawning and it made him smile. Even half awake, in sweats and her hair messed up she was still the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.

Olivia got into bed while Elliot changed into his shorts and grey t-shirt. After he brushed his teeth and washed his face, he got into bed. Once he got the sheets where he wanted them to be, he pulled Liv close to him and held her body against his. This was the best part about having Olivia live with him. He loved holding her at night. He loved the way she felt in his arms. Slowly, with Olivia on his mind and in his arms, Elliot fell asleep.

The next thing Elliot hears is their alarm clock going off at 6:30am. He reached over, turned it off, pulled Olivia back into his arms and went right back to sleep. Olivia didn’t even hear the alarm go off.

Olivia awoke to the feel of warmth on her face. She opened her eyes and noticed that it was the sun heating her up.

poopie! What time is it?

She leaned over and looked at the clock. “Oh my god Elliot! Wake up.”

“Give me 5 more minutes Liv.”

“No Elliot! It’s 9:37. Your kids are going to be here at 10:30!”

“Are you serious?”

“Yes! Now get up!”

They both got out of bed and decided that Elliot should go in the shower first because, lets face it, he’s a guy and guys go faster. He was in and out in 10 minutes. As Olivia took her shower, Elliot got dressed, made himself a cup of coffee and tried to rake his brain about where he was going to take the kids. He promised that he was going to do something with them and he was determined to keep his promise. As he wrote down ideas, he heard Liv come out of the bathroom in nothing but a towel. He walked up behind her and pulled her into his body.

Olivia could feel his hot breath on her neck as he said, “See Liv. You do stuff like that and you wonder why I can’t keep my hands off of you.”

“Down Stabler. Your kids will be here soon and I need to get cloths on.” She released his embrace and walked into the bedroom in order to get dressed. Once she was fully clothed, she walked into the kitchen where she saw Elliot racking his brain.

“You look lost in thought.”

“I’m trying to figure out what I am going to do with the kids. I was thinking about taking them to a movie but I can’t really talk to them about “us” in the movie theater.”

“Okay well what about the beach. I know it’s a bit of a drive but it’s a beautiful day and who knows. They may like it.”

“You know that does sound like a good idea.”

“See Stabler. All you have to do is listen to me and all your problems will be solved.”

“All my problems huh?”

Olivia could see the playful “I’m coming to get you” look on his face so she started to back away from him.

“Oh no you don’t Elliot. I still need to finish getting ready and you need to finish figuring out what you are going to do today.”

Elliot didn’t listen to her. He picked up his pace and began to chase her around the house.

“Elliot I mean it. Stop!”

Elliot could hear her laugh as he got closer to her. Both were now running throughout the house. Elliot was getting close to her. He caught her by the arm and picked her up and lifted her over his shoulder.

“Elliot stop. Let me down.” All the while she was laughing.

“Don’t worry. I will when I am ready.”

With his free hand he began to tickle her waist where she is most ticklish. While the two were playing, Elliot couldn’t hear his ex-wife knock on the door. When no one answered, she went ahead and let herself in because it wasn’t locked. When she entered the apartment, she gasped.

I am so on a role! Here is the meeting with his kiddies! Enjoy!

Part 10: The Family Meeting

Once Elliot noticed that Kathy was in his doorway, he let Olivia down. Olivia turned around to see what drew Elliot’s attention. Once she noticed what it was, she fixed her cloths.

Kathy didn’t really say anything. She just looked in shock. Elliot never really talked to her about him and Olivia. She wasn’t upset just shocked.

Olivia looked at Elliot and whispered, “I’m going to finish getting ready.”

As soon as she got acknowledgement that Elliot heard her, she walked into the bathroom and closed the door. She did her hair and makeup and walked back into the bedroom in order to call Casey and let her know she was on her way to her house. Olivia wanted to make sure that Elliot had this weekend with his kids to himself. She packed her cloths, gathered her paperwork and grabbed her purse.

As soon as she left the bedroom, stuff in hand, she noticed everyone staring at her. The kids were all sitting in the living room waiting to leave for their trip as their parents talked. Olivia walked over to Elliot and said his goodbyes. Elliot stopped his conversation with Kathy in order to help Olivia to her car. He helped her pill her things in the back seat. They said their goodbyes and Olivia was off to Casey’s.

Elliot walked back upstairs to his ex-wife and kids. As he walked in the door, he could feel the negative energy throughout the room. He had not planned on Olivia being there. In fact, she was supposed to leave before the kids arrived in order to prevent any questions prematurely about his relationship with Olivia.

“So are you guys ready?”

“Ready for what Elliot. You haven’t even told me what you plan on doing with our kids.”

“That’s because I hadn’t figured out what I wanted to do until this morning.”

“A big planner.”

“Kathy please don’t start. You dropped off the kids so why are you still standing here?”

“You’re a gerk you know that.”

“So you keep telling me.”

“Whatever.” She turned to her kids and kissed them goodbye. “Call me if you need anything okay?”

After she said her goodbyes, she turned and walked out the door. Elliot was left alone with Kathleen, Dickey, and Lizzy. Silence surrounded the room. Elliot walked over to them and hugged and kissed them all.

“I missed you guys. How have you been?”

“Okay I guess. We missed you too dad.”

He smiled at his son. Lizzy was looking at the floor and Kathleen had a look of pure disgust on her face. It was clear to Elliot that she did not want to be here.

“I made plans for us to take a trip to the beach and have lunch at Trophy’s. How does that sound?”

“Awesome!” Both Dickey and Lizzy said this in unison. Elliot and even Kathleen smiled. They gathered their things and headed out of the door.

Once they reached the beach, they found a place to settle down. Elliot brought a frisbee because he knew that Dickey and Lizzy loved to play with it. Kathleen was a teenager, so naturally she was doing her best to be invisible. She brought her Cosmopolitan magazine with her and read it as she lay down on her towel.

The beach was a great idea. Elliot got to spend some quality time with his kids with no interruptions. After a couple of hours, the kids were getting hungry so they all cleaned up and headed for Trophy’s. They sat and ate while talking about school and friends. Elliot asked them about their grades and how they were doing in school. The conversations were short and to the point. Once they were done eating, they headed for home. Elliot had planned on talking to the kids at the beach but he decided against it. If the kids were unhappy with him then he would rather have them in his house, safe and close to him.

Once they arrived at home, Elliot’s heart was pounding because he knew what he had to do. It felt like the time he had to confessing to his father about the scratch he got on the car: scary and nerve racking. He sat the kids in the living room and got ready to tell them.

“What’s up dad?” Elliot loved his son. He was always so open with him.

Kathleen just rolled her eyes because she knew all to well what this was about. Maureen had told her about the “Olivia answering the phone at 3 in the morning” bit.

“Well son I wanted to talk to you about Olivia.”

“What about her dad?”

“Well what do you guys think about her?”

“What do you mean what do we think about her?” Kathleen’s reply was full of distain. Elliot sensed this and began to tense.

Here we go.

“I mean do you like her? Do you not like her? How do you feel about her?”

Elliot’s son replied first. “I like her dad. She’s nice.”

“I like her too dad!” Elliot laughed at Lizzy’s response.

He noticed that Kathleen hadn’t answered him. He didn’t want to push her but he needed to know how she felt.

“Kathleen?”

She just shook her head. “Why does it matter what I think about her dad? She’s your friend not mine.”

“It matters to me because you’re my child and I love you.”

“But you love Olivia too right dad? I mean that’s what this whole conversation is about right?”

“Yeah it is. I do love Olivia.”

“So like I said before, what does it matter what I think. Hell she already lives here!”

“Hey watch your mouth!”

“Is that true dad? Does Olivia live here?”

Elliot’s 13 year old son stood up and looked at him. Great now Dickey is mad at me.

“Yes son. It’s true. Olivia does live here.”

“What! Why didn’t you tell us? So that’s why mom was mad earlier.”

Elliot sat back down on the couch. He didn’t know what he could say to excuse his un-informing his children about Olivia moving in with him.

“I honestly don’t know why I didn’t tell you guys before but I am telling you now. Well, really your sister is and I’m confirming it.” Elliot rubbed his forehead and looked at his children sitting in front of him. Kathleen has her arms crossed with a sour expression on her face, Dickey is looking at his father with anger in his eyes and Lizzy is so confused she is looking at the floor.

He wanted to get some sort of reaction out of his daughter.

“Lizzy, sweetheart. What’s wrong?”

“What do you mean what’s wrong? Her father has been sneaking around with another woman while her mother is at home alone!”

“I didn’t ask you Kathleen! I asked Elizabeth!” Elliot then diverted his attention back to his silent daughter and kneeled down before her. He noticed tears falling down her cheeks.

“Baby? What’s the matter?”

“I don’t know I guess I was hoping that you and mom would get back together but…”

“But what sweety?”

“But deep down I know that you won’t. I do like Olivia dad but I’m not sure I like you and her being together.”

“Why not?”

“She’s not mom dad. We are all still trying to deal with the divorce. Don’t you think that her living here is a bit too soon?”

Elliot snickered internally once he heard his daughter say that. Olivia was right about everything. Silence was the only sound heard in the house for a good 10 minutes. Elliot was trying desperately to figure out what to do. He hated putting his children through this but he loved Olivia so much.

“Dad, can I ask you something?”

“Of course Lizzy. You can ask me anything.”

“Why Olivia?”

“I can’t explain why. All I can tell you is that I truly do love her. She means a lot to me.”

“More then we do?”

“Kathleen come on! You know that you kids are the most important thing to me in this entire world.”

“Prove it then. Let Olivia go.”

“I shouldn’t have to prove to my own children how much I love them and I am certainly not going to take orders from them.”

“Dad…”

“No look Kathleen. I love you, your brother and sisters more then anything. Don’t you guys want me to be happy?”

Elizabeth answered, “Yes.”

“Olivia makes me happy and the best part is that she loves you guys. She was the one that got mad at me for not mentioning to you all about us moving in together. She truly cares about all of you and she really does love me. It would really mean a lot to me if you guys could accept Olivia in my life.”

“And if we don’t?”

“Well then Kathleen I will be unhappy. I really need your guy’s acceptance.”

“Dad it’s going to take time. We all like Olivia. She is not the problem dad. We just need time.”

Elliot got up and hugged all three of his children. “I can respect that.” He hugged and kissed them one more time. Now he was able to relax. At least they were going to give him and Olivia a chance. This was good news.

heheeh poopie! lol

Wow. What an awsome set of additions, mary! I think that you really did a great job w/ how the kids felt and how El felt about telling them.
Boy, i hope that Fin's son is okay....
Please write more mary! You're on such a role! Can't wait to find out what happens!

Hi Mary82

You are, without a doubt, a writer with a great imagination! Meeting those kids & expressing their true feelings sounded so real! Good job! Don’t stop there now! What happens next? What happens next?!?

I am doing my best to make my updates while I have free time. I hope all of you like what I am doing so far. Thank you all for your great reviews. I really do appreciate all of the great reviews I get from all of you.

Part 11: Going Back to Basics

On Sunday morning, Kathy picked up the kids. Olivia was still at Casey’s so Elliot took the opportunity to clean up the house a bit. Olivia’s boxes were still stacked up in the spare bedroom so Elliot thought he would at least work on the kitchen and bathroom stuff she had. Who knows, maybe she would be surprised.

He was able to find what he was looking for pretty easily. Liv had labeled the boxes. So when he was looking for kitchen stuff all he had to do was look for the box that said kitchen stuff.

It was about 2p.m. when Elliot heard the door unlocking and a beautiful woman stepping in.

“Hey beautiful.”

“Hey Elliot. What are you up to?”

“Didn’t have anything to do so I thought I’d go to work on getting rid of some of your boxes.”

“What time did the kids leave?”

He set some pots that he had had in his hand down on the counter and walked over to where she was standing in the living room. He wrapped his arms around her waist and gave her a quick kiss.

“They left around 9. Kathy came and picked them up.”

“Why so early? I thought they would at least be here until noon.”

“Kathleen had some school work to do and Lizzy and Dickey had a birthday party to go to at 1. So how was girl’s weekend?”

“Okay I guess. We didn’t really hang out much. She had a case she had to work on and I needed to catch up on A LOT of paper work.”

“Sorry you got kicked out.”

“That’s okay Elliot. You needed that time with the kids. So what happened?”

Elliot decided it was best that they sit for the remainder of their conversation. He took her hand in his and sat her down on the couch. Before he started, he slowly pulled her face to his and gave her a short but sweet kiss. As they pulled apart, Olivia could see the confusion in his eyes.

“What happened Elliot?”

“A lot. The beach idea was a good idea thanks.”

“And…?”

“And we talked. I told them how you and I felt about each other and that you were living here with me.”

“How did they react?”

“Not to good at first but I think they understood. Elizabeth is kind of numb right now, Dickey seems to accept it, and Kathleen is just upset at everything. They just need time to let it all sink in. It was naturally a shock.”

The entire time Elliot was talking to Olivia he had her hand in his and rubbing her arm with his free hand. In a way, he was trying to ease her and let her know that it would all work out. He knew that Olivia was worried about them not accepting her being with him. He knew that if it came down to it, Olivia would push him away so that his kids wouldn’t have to suffer.

“Naturally they would be shocked, but what did they say about me and you? Are they okay with us seeing each other?”

“All they said to me Olivia was that they liked you and that you were not who they were upset with.”

“That’s good for me Elliot but what about you? I don’t want your kids to go through any more crap and I certainly do not want to be the reason that your kids are mad at you.”

“You are not the reason my kids are mad at me Liv. You told me that I should have told them about our living arraignments before we moved in together. This is my doing and mine alone. They are mad at me for not talking to them and I don’t blame them. I really need to work on my communication skills.”

“You’re not going to get any arguments from me.”

Both looked at each other and laughed. Olivia breathed in deep and smiled. She was relieved. By her relief, Elliot was relieved.

“So what shall we do for the remainder of the day Stabler?”

“Are you alright with helping me put away some of your stuff?”

“Sure am. Let’s get to work.”

Elliot and Olivia listened to music and drank a beer as they lifted and unloaded all of her stuff. While Olivia finished off the kitchen and bathroom stuff, Elliot made room in his closet and drawers for her cloths. He really didn’t have that much stuff and, naturally, Olivia had a lot so it really wasn’t that much work. As the day continued, most of Olivia’s stuff was done. Elliot had to make random trips to the dumpster to clear out all of the boxes and trash. It was around 7 when they finished.

“Alright I am beat.”

“Your not soar again are you?”

“No just hungry. What are you in the mood for roomy?”

“Hm… I could go for good old New York style pizza and maybe see a movie. What about you?”

“Sounds great. Do you want to make the call or do you want me to?”

“I’ll make the call, you pay.”

“Thought as much.”

Olivia made the call, while Elliot walked into the living room and picked out his favorite movie; Die Hard With a Vengeance. He popped in the DVD and slumped down on the couch. Nothing was better then eating pizza, watching his favorite movie, and having the woman of his dreams in his arms.

After the pizza was eaten, well half of it anyways, and the movie was done, Elliot was ready for bed. It was only 11 but both detectives had to go to work the next day. Elliot lifted Olivia off the couch and carried her to their room. They kissed and made passionate love to each other. Elliot and Olivia were completely happy for the first time in a long time. They wanted to savor it while they could.

Just before they went to sleep Olivia kissed Elliot softly.

“I love you so much it scares me.”

“Don’t be Liv. I’m not going anywhere.”

He pulled her into his body and slowly rubbed the side of her bare skin. She was truly a beauty. All he wanted to do was to hold her and make her happy. Seeing her smile made him smile. She meant the world to him and nothing and no one was going to pull them apart.

Just before he drifted off to sleep, Elliot kissed Olivia softly on the lips. He whispered “I love you” and slowly fell asleep with his arm draped over her body.