16

Living together was different for the couple. They were used to spending nights together, but existing in the same space was difficult. Olivia and Elliot had to get used to each other's quirks, especially the disgusting things. They were used to each other once the first month had passed and loved living together. Olivia's favorite part was waking up beside Elliot every morning and falling asleep to his snoring every night.

"Good morning," Elliot smiled as Olivia walked from the bathroom. She woke up earlier than usual, and the moment she looked at the date on her phone, she knew why. 

"Hey," Olivia replied tiredly. Elliot climbed out of bed, ignoring the fact he was completely naked, and wrapped his arms around Olivia's body. They shared a few kisses, but Olivia wasn't in the mood to see her naked boyfriend or kiss him.

"Is everything okay?" Elliot asked since he noticed the lack of passion on Olivia's side.

"Y-Yeah, everything is fine. I just don't feel great and wanted to see if a shower would help."

"What doesn't feel good?" Elliot questioned, growing anxious. He and Olivia hadn't been careful the last handful of times they made love, and he was praying his girlfriend was pregnant. They hadn't discussed starting a family this soon, but Elliot wouldn't mind if it happened.

"I just feel off... I think mentally I'm not doing great either. Would you be fine if I called off today?" Olivia breathed.

"Baby, the last few cases have been rough. Maybe a day to recover will help... Do you want me to pick up a pregnancy test on the way home?"

Olivia stared at him in confusion, a frown settling on her lips as she rubbed his bare back.

"I got my period, El. I know we've kinda been lazy with protection, but we need to get better at that. We've only been living together for a few months, and I'm not ready to start a family yet. El, I'm sorry to disappoint you," Olivia whispered.

"No, don't apologize. I got a little excited, but it'll happen in time. Anyway, I love what's happening right now."

Olivia hugged her boyfriend tightly, stepping back when Elliot's alarm went off. They parted, and he walked to turn it off.

"Do you want me to stay home with you today?" Elliot asked.

"No, I'll be okay. Maybe bring home some dinner?" Olivia said with a tired smile.

"Okay, but I get to pick what's for dinner," Elliot grinned.

///

Olivia settled on the couch and stared at her phone. It had almost been a year since she was taken into witness protection, but it had been exactly a year since things started to change. Hugo was turning forty-one today, and Olivia was hoping this would be the last birthday he'd see on the outside.

"How are you doing?" Ford asked once Olivia answered his call.

"I'm anxious."

"That's normal. You've been through hell this last year, and you are still settling into this new life," Ford replied.

"I wish Hugo was dead," Olivia blurted.

"I do too, Olivia. He's a piece of shit who gets to enjoy life with your daughters while you are forced to watch them from hours away and have to live a new life," Ford replied.

Olivia swallowed hard as a tear slid down her cheek.

"It's so hard to sit here and watch the snow fall when all I want is to fly down to Miami and shoot Hugo. I want to grab my daughters and fly back home, where they can be raised by Elliot and myself," Olivia breathed.

"Don't get any ideas, Olivia," Ford warned.

"How much longer?" Olivia asked.

"Until we arrest Hugo?"

"Yes, until you arrest Hugo," Olivia frowned.

"I don't know Olivia. Hopefully sooner rather than later, but-"

"But what?" Olivia interrupted.

"But this takes time and-"

"One year is too long! One year without my fucking daughters is too long! If you hadn't come to my house and questioned me about my husband, I would probably have another daughter by now! I would've ignored everything that made me worry about who my husband was, just so I could be happy!" Olivia yelled. She hung up the phone the moment her words finished spilling from her mouth.

///

By the time Elliot got home, Olivia had cried herself dry. Not only was she angry, she was heartbroken. She had missed Rory's and Macie's birthdays, let alone Christmas, Halloween, and Thanksgiving. 

"Hey," Elliot smiled, as he carried a bag of takeout into the house.

"Hey," Olivia whispered, her voice hoarse from sobbing and screaming.

"Are you okay?"

"Just peachy," Olivia sniffled. Elliot swallowed hard as he sat the bag on the counter, before walking towards his girlfriend. Sinking beside her, Elliot grabbed Olivia's hands and gave them a loving squeeze.

"What happened?" Elliot asked. Olivia opened her mouth to respond but stopped herself. She wanted to tell Elliot about her life in Miami but knew otherwise. If the FBI found out about Elliot knowing, Olivia would be ripped from Manhattan.

"It's my ex's birthday. It's hard because I got hurt around this time and I'm struggling," Olivia lied, yet it wasn't a complete lie.

"You should've told me earlier, baby. We could've spent the day together," Elliot breathed. Olivia swallowed hard and shook her head.

"It was bad, El. I was crying and screaming."

"I don't care, Liv. I love you so much and am here for you... No matter how ugly things get," Elliot breathed. Olivia leaned forward and hugged her boyfriend tightly.

"I love you too."

"Liv, I want you to feel safe with me."

"I do feel safe with you," Olivia breathed.

"I feel like you'd feel safer with a different last name," Elliot breathed.

Olivia looked at her boyfriend in confusion before nodding slowly.

"Maybe I would."

"Can I try to propose again?" Elliot asked. Olivia expected to say no, but she said yes instead.

Elliot walked to their bedroom and grabbed the engagement ring before walking back and kneeling in front of Olivia. She brushed tears from her cheeks, as a shaky smile grew on her lips.

"Olivia, will you marry me?"

"Yes... I'll marry you."