Weightless

Eight.

Olivia began to stir in her bed as the morning sunlight peaked through the gaps in the curtains and instantly felt the throbbing in her head in addition to her stomach protesting last nights liquid contents. As her body shifted under the blanket she felt the weight of an arm draped over her waist and the warmth of a body lying next to her. Olivia's heart rate picked up as she quickly tried to recall what she did the night before. Shit. She turn herself cautiously to find Elliot's sleeping figure lying next to her. Her partner was in her bed.

She swallowed hard vaguely remembering the night before, recalling her complete emotional breakdown but she couldn't quite pinpoint Elliot staying over or doing anything else for that matter. Surely she wouldn't have done anything with her work partner - would she? Or Elliot taking advantage of her in the state she was in. She felt a hot flush take over her body but proceeded to carefully lift Elliot's arm from her body. It was at that point she realised he was still fully clothed and wasn't even sharing the same blanket as her which gave her a brief moment of relief. She attempted to get out of the bed without waking him. All she could think of was caffeine and to get away from Elliot. Olivia knew he wouldn't leave last nights outburst well alone and she was not in the mood to confront the issue just yet.

For the past decade of them being partners and best friends not once have they ever stayed over at each others homes, why would they? The closest they have ever come to spending an entire night together were catching up on a few hours sleep up in the cribs at the precinct or doing an all nighter on watch in the squad car. They had never crossed a line despite what others might think. Even thought they had not done anything wrong, something about Elliot spending the night felt too intimate for Olivia. As she got out of bed she quickly pulled her hair up into a messy bun and took a glance over at Elliot. She observed how peaceful he looked while he still slept with one arm resting behind his head breathing evenly and the beginnings of his beard becoming evident. She quickly turned on her heels to head towards the kitchen for her much needed coffee and pain killers.

Elliot felt the bed shifting and opened his eyes to see Olivia moving towards the door.

"Good morning" he spoke in a husky tone.

Olivia almost jumped at the sound of his deep morning voice. "Morning." she replied quietly.

"How are you feeling?" He asked as he pulled himself to sit up.

Olivia stopped in the doorway and turned slowly, "I'm fine" She gave a quick small smile as she ran her fingers through her hair feeling self conscious at this point. She didn't know if it was because she was hung over and or the fact Elliot had never seen her like this.

Elliot watched her demeanor, he knew he had to be gentle with her. He had to let her be the lead on how she wanted to approach this because he knew if he pushed her too far she would shut down completely and that just wouldn't be healthy for her own well-being.

"Liv, c'mon." He sighed as he patted the free space next to him on the bed inviting her to sit down.

"Elliot, I'm not doing this right now. I already embarrassed myself enough after last night." Olivia shook her head and left the bedroom.

He knew Olivia was going to be stubborn but he just wished she would open up to him for once. He really did care for her and didn't want to see her hurting. At this point he was still trying to process that Olivia had a child out in the world he knew nothing about.

Elliot let out a deep breath as he stood from Olivia's bed. He could hear Olivia in the kitchen so he thought he would try his best to attempt to make her bed. He straightened out all the sheets and blankets then tried to arrange her many throw pillows. "Who needs this many pillows?" He called out but received no reply.