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Pleasantly surprised to see her walking out of the bedroom, he lifts his chin. “Hey partner.”
She makes her way toward him. “Howdy.” Notices he’s bleeding when she gets close. “What happened to your forehead?”
“Cut myself shaving,” he deadpans, but she catches the glint of amusement in his eyes.
“Mmm.” She’s already pushing past him, heading down the hallway. “You have any hydrogen peroxide?”
He fights the urge to roll his eyes. “I don’t need hydrogen perox–”
“Found it,” she interrupts from the bathroom, her tone unreserved; affection and levity in equal measure. The ease of their banter blooms warm in his chest; it’s comfortable, and he’s missed this. Missed her.
Olivia steps between his knees. “Gave myself a tour.” Close enough that he can feel her breath against his neck when she speaks and he briefly considers wrapping his arms around her. “This place looks amazing.” She gestures vaguely at his apartment before pressing a cotton ball to his forehead.
When he flinches – feigning discomfort, grinning broadly – she raises a brow, lets the corners of her mouth turn up, rests her other hand on his shoulder. Even laughs a little, and it’s such a light, airy thing he wishes he could bottle it up; keep it for himself to replay over and over on those days when his longing for her is too heavy.
“Thank you. Can’t take any credit for it though.”
Her fingertips linger against his skin as she cleans the wound and while her smile is soft and genuine, it doesn’t quite reach her eyes. “Everything alright?”
“Yeah,” she replies indifferently, tossing the cotton into the trash.
He tests the waters with the safest option first. “Where’s Ross?”
“He’s at the three-six for processing. Ayanna wants to move him over to your place for a chat.” The way her gaze dances away from his, the way she answers – almost too quickly – tells him this isn’t about the trafficking case.
“What are you doing here, Liv?”
She hesitates, but only for a moment. Olivia isn’t one to ask for things; takes pride in her ability to compartmentalize, even to a fault. Rarely makes demands, least of all when there’s risk of ruin; too private to air her vulnerabilities or the evidence of her trauma. Still framed between his knees, she steadies herself with a hand to her chest; takes a deep breath. Tilts her head and now she looks squarely at him, eyes clear and dark.
“I want you to come home.” Gentle, but firm.
“I intend to.” He’s resolute; answers right away, because he does intend to come home.
“Before it’s too late.”
Still, he doesn’t waver. “I’m being careful.”
“I mean…” She reaches for him; feels the muscles in his neck move beneath her fingertips as he looks up at her. “Before Eddie Wagner takes over and Elliot Stabler is nowhere to be found.”
It’s quiet without his response, and suddenly she feels exposed. Unguarded. Like she’s said too much; has asked too much of him. She backs away, begins to gather her things. “I should go. Noah’s home, and…”
He’s disappointed she shut down so quickly. Desperate for more than just a glimpse into the life she’s built over the last ten years: Noah, her path to Captain, the nightmares she’s survived. Every monumental triumph, every aching struggle; he wants to know everything about her, even the parts she’d rather forget.
And there are countless things he needs to say, too. Things he’s kept locked up for well over a decade. But he recognizes she’s not ready; understands that even when she is, it will take time. Effort. Trust. So he doesn't push for more, not tonight.
“Yeah, yeah of course. I’ll walk you out.” He steers them toward the doors leading out into the garden. “This way. It’s shorter.”
It’s not, but he’s eager to spend every possible minute with her.
Elliot reaches past her to open the gate and she turns to look at him. Wants an image to last her until the next time she sees him again, because there’s no telling when that will be.
She’s wholly unprepared when his palm settles gently against her cheek. “I’ll be home soon.” His voice is deep, soothing, full of hope. He looks at her with such raw vulnerability it takes her breath away, and she leans into his touch.
“Olivia, I promise you.”