Chapter Text
The rain was just the way Olivia liked it that early summer evening – steady, not too heavy, and no lightning or thunder. She had just returned from taking Noah to dance camp upstate (with a visit to the McCanns along the way), and the downpour had thankfully not started until she’d pulled her car into her parking garage.
Now, she had taken a long bath and changed into her pajamas. She curled up on her couch so that she faced the window. As she debated whether or not to start one of the many books that were on her Kindle that had yet to be read, her phone rang.
Sighing, Olivia picked it up from the side table and looked at the name on the screen. Elliot Stabler. Grinning, Olivia answered.
“Hey, partner.”
“Howdy.”
His voice was just as she remembered it two weeks ago, when she’d last seen him. They’d exchanged a few texts since then, but this was their first call.
“I wasn’t expecting a call…is it safe?”
“Yeah, Liv, it’s safe. I’m in my hotel room.”
Olivia nodded. She didn’t want to ask too many questions about his case, not wanting to put him on the spot. The fact that he was safe and not undercover somewhere was a huge relief to her. “Not a motel, then? That’s good.”
“Yeah, I can’t complain. I’ve stayed in worse.” He chuckled. “Remember that Super 8 we stayed in with Munch and Fin on our way back from Canada?”
Olivia laughed as the memory came to her. “Oh, my God, what a dump that place was. I had to pull my badge on the staff to get my room cleaned.”
“At least you got your own room, Princess. Try sharing a room with Munch and Fin bickering like the old married couple they are about who got which bed. I had to sleep in the tub just to get some peace. And a certain someone wouldn’t let me use the other bed in their room.”
Olivia blushed at his pointed but teasing tone during that last sentence. “Sorry, but I’d been cooped up with three men in one car all day while menstruating, and I needed a break.”
“You think I haven’t been around menstruating women before, Liv? I’d have known better than to get on your nerves.”
Olivia sighed, but then decided to be brave. “I didn’t think of that…I think I thought more about the fact that you were newly separated from Kathy, and the thought of sharing a room with you was too terrifying.”
There was silence on the other end for a few minutes, and Olivia forced herself to breathe evenly, preparing herself for whatever his reaction would be.
“If I’d known you felt the same way…”
Olivia gulped down the lump in her throat before speaking again. “We’d have regretted it back then, El. You’d only been on your own for a few months at that point, still mourning the separation.”
“I know, Liv, I know.”
She shook her head. “God, that trip…I can’t believe that was almost twenty years ago…”
“Like the blink of an eye, huh?”
“Mm-hm…”
They were silent for a minute of two, just listening to each other breathe. She had no idea where she was, but it felt as though he were close beside her. She could admit now that that was all she wanted.
“So what are you doing now, Captain? I’m assuming you’re not working or you’d have ended the conversation earlier.”
“No, I’m not working. I actually just got home. I drove Noah to dance camp upstate today, and I’m contemplating how I’m going to last this next month without him.”
Elliot’s tone became tender. “Is this the first time he’s been away from home so long?”
“No, he went to this camp last year. He absolutely loves it, and I’m glad he gets to do this. Now, it’s just…”
Olivia didn’t want to finish the sentence because she didn’t want to make him feel bad. But her partner knew her better than anyone.
“I promise, Liv, I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
“Don’t rush on my account, El. Whatever this case is, it deserves your full effort.”
“I know, Captain, and it will have my full effort. But my promise still holds.” He then continued in a lighter tone. “I hope you’re not working to distract yourself, Liv.”
“No, I’m just sitting on my couch watching the rain.”
She could almost hear Elliot smile through the phone. “You love the rain.”
“Yeah, I do, especially when I don’t have to drive in it.”
“Yeah, you always made me drive when the weather wasn’t perfect.”
“Sorry.”
“No, you’re not.”
“No, I’m not.”
They both laughed, and the sound made Olivia feel as though his warmth surrounded her.
“I don’t know how busy you’ll be, but can we talk more often? Sometimes texting isn’t quite enough.”
“I’ll call every evening I’m free, Liv…I’m glad you’re taking care of yourself.”
“I’m just sitting on my couch and watching the rain, I’m not doing anything.”
“Exactly, Liv. You’ve had a long and emotional day, and you chose to take care of yourself rather than dive straight into work again. I’m proud of you.”
To so many other people, that choice was nothing, it was routine and normal. But Elliot knew what a big step that was for Olivia, who once thought herself unworthy to be taken care of. A tear came to her eye as she replied: “Well, I’m trying to find moments of happiness every day. My partner gave me a great tool to help me, and it’s been working so far.”
“You’re wearing it?” His voice was almost breathless, like a lovestruck teenager.
“Every day, El.”
A moment of silence passed that felt almost reverent. If they had been together in person, more important words might have been said. Certain actions may have been taken. But it wasn’t the right time yet.
So, for now, they resumed their conversation as Olivia watched the rain. It took them almost two hours to hang up.