Semper Fi

Trigger

"Good night El. Thanks for everything. Really."

"Call me if you need anything or if anything comes up. Ok?"

"I will." He looked at her not believing her. "I promise," she added to assure him.

With that she watched him disappear down the corridor of the hospital and she suddenly felt like crying. She wanted to cry for her son who once again sick and saying goodbye to Elliot was harder than she thought it would be. She was used to going to doctor's appointments and everything alone but having him there with her tonight had been such a relief. She thought for a second about calling him back up there but she knew he would come and she didn't want to be selfish.

XXXXX

Noah's fever went down and they were released in the early afternoon the next day. She kept her promise and text Elliot when she got home and went on to get Noah settled back at home.

Hey, just wanted to let you know that Noah and I are on the way home.

She received a reply back almost immediately.

Ok. Ill be over later.

She figured he would be by this evening and decided to get caught up on some work.

Fin and Amaro came by with some case files and to update her on everything that was going on at the office.

"Hey baby girl, how's little man doing?" Fin asked as he walked in.

"He's napping, but overall he's ok. Just gotta chill here for a bit."

"Well don't worry about anything, we got you covered at the office," Nick assured her.

"Thanks guys. Ok so run it down for me. Where are we on the rape/murder in Chelsea?"

For the next hour, they discussed the open case statuses and she handed out assignments for everyone until there was a knock at the door.

Elliot was at the door with Chinese take out in his hand and movies.

"Elliot?" she asked surprised.

"Yeah I told you I would be right over after you were released," he replied walking in. "Oh sorry I didn't realize you were working."

"It's ok man we were just heading out," Fin volunteered.

"No don't let me rush you guys. I can just sit here while you wrap up. Is Noah sleeping?"

"Yeah he went down about an hour and a half ago," she responded.

"Ok, do you mind if I go peek in on him?"

"No, not at all."

As Elliot headed into Noah's room, Nick and Fin exchanged glances.

"Ok where were we?" Olivia tried to move on ignoring their looks.

"You were telling us what you wanted Carisi and Rollins to handle," Nick responded.

"Oh. Yeah. Have them question the vic's mom again, it sounds like she's holding something back. I want you and Fin to take another crack at Jordan and check with her schoolmates. Give me a call later and let me know what you find out."

"You got it boss. I guess we will uhh...head out," Nick said.

After they left, she went into Noah's room to check on Elliot. He was standing over him watching him sleep.

"Hey."

"Hey, he's still sleeping?"

"Oh yeah. He must be happy to be home. Can't get much rest in hospitals. Believe me I know."

His comment made Olivia realize that she didn't even think about how being in the hospital could've triggered some bad memories for him.

"El..I'm sorry I didn't realize," she started apologizing.

"It's ok Liv. You don't have to treat me with kid gloves. I'm just glad he's ok." He smiled at her and they walked back to the living room.

"Are you hungry? I got enough Chinese to last us for lunch and dinner."

"I'm starving actually."

They sat on the sofa and popped in one of the movies he brought while eating. They talked about Noah's previous health issues and random conversation until Noah finally woke up from his nap.

"Let me go grab him. I'll be right back."

Elliot picked up the food containers and straightened up a bit while she tended to Noah. He hated to admit that being in the hospital was somewhat of a trigger for him. He was happy to be there for her the night before but was a bit relieved to go home. It started to all feel too familiar for him. He called and talked to Maureen on his way home after the hospital and she was glad he reached out. When he was in trouble the first time it was Maureen that he leaned on the most. Although she was married and had to be up early the next morning, she talked to her dad until he assured her that he was ok and was going to sleep.

"Hey, someone wants to say hello to you," Olivia said carrying Noah into the living room.

"Hey there little guy," he said reaching out for him. The little boy went into his arms willingly. "You gave me and your mommy a little scare last night. But that's alright, we will just hang out here for the next few days until you can go outside."

"Oh we will?" Olivia asked raising an eyebrow playfully.

"Yes we will. I plan to come over everyday and check on you guys and plus I know you will be a bit bored while he's napping so I can entertain you."

"El. That's a generous offer but we don't want to disrupt your life."

"You are not a disruption. I have Eli tomorrow and this weekend but in between that time I can stop by here if that's ok with you."

"Yes of course. It's fine. I think we would like that a lot," Olivia said flashing him a big smile. She was genuinely happy she would be seeing him everyday.

"Ok, good. What do you say we put on the next movie?"

"Uhh I don't think he would be interested in these old action movies you have."

"No problem. I came prepared. I have a cartoon movie in here that I know he will love. It's one of Eli's favorites," he said as he moved to the DVD player and put the movie in.

The three of them sat on the couch and watched the movie laughing and enjoying the rest of the day. Olivia would steal glances in Elliot and Noah's direction every now and then during the movie. She wasn't surprised that Elliot managed to capture her heart again, but seeing him capture the heart of her son brought on another level of love that she never imagined was possible to feel.