When Instinct Is Correct

When Olivia arrived at work she quickly started going through the files of their latest case. Elliot leaned back in his chair wondering why he beat her to work this morning and what was on her mind.

"Morning." he greeted her and she barely looked up to meet his eyes.

"Morning to you too." she answered getting up to get the first of many cups of coffee.

Elliot could tell she wasn't herself and argued with himself as to whether or not he should pry. He chose not to and continued his work. He worried about her lately, but knew she wouldn't accept him voicing that concern.

Olivia had started seeing somebody, that much Elliot knew. He didn't much care for her new beau, but then he never cared much for anyone she dated. He didn't have a right to police her choices, but she was his partner and he did care for her; maybe too much.

"Rough night?" Elliot started against his better judgment. Olivia didn't meet his stare as she sat back down at her desk.

"None of your business." she answered him this time looking him directly in the eye. She gave him that half smile that told him he wasn't going to get any more information from her on this subject.

Olivia was dating a man she met in the hospital while working on a case. She was interviewing a rape victim when she met Dan who was visiting a relative. They had been seeing each other for three weeks and Olivia was beginning to develop feelings for him. She had begun to let him get close, and was wondering if that wasn't a mistake. She had asked him to leave her apartment after he became a bit aggressive with her the night before. He apologized and left as soon as she had asked him to. Olivia was frustrated; she really liked him. Was it her?

Elliot didn't like Dan. He wasn't exactly sure what it was that rubbed him the wrong way about Olivia's new boyfriend, but something wasn't right. Olivia was a grown woman and a damn good cop, she could take care of herself. It wasn't Elliot's place to even get involved, but she was his partner and his friend.

The detectives headed out to follow up on some leads for their current case. Elliot couldn't stand the silence in the car and took a chance.

"What's going on , Liv? Is everything ok?"

"What makes you think there's something wrong?" Olivia asked wondering if she should share her concerns with Elliot . He would probably tell her what she already accepted; it was her and her fear of letting someone get too close.

"If you say nothing, then it's nothing. You seem a million miles away." Elliot tiptoed with his answer.

"I'm fine El." Olivia decided against confiding in her best friend. She would apologize to Dan tonight. Hopefully it wasn't too late.

The day was a productive one and once back at the station, Olivia was preparing to leave.

"I'll see you tomorrow." She said to her partner who had decided to stay and finish up on some paperwork.

"Yeah okay." El mumbled without looking up. Olivia headed out when the tone in Elliot's voice stopped her.

"El, you're not staying all night all you?" she knew he hated to go home anymore. He and Kathy weren't getting along again and she figured he volunteered to do the paperwork to have a reason to work late.

"Be careful tonight." Elliot ignored her question. He was going to do some digging on Mr. Dan Wheeler. He couldn't lose that nagging feeling that he wasn't who he claimed to be. Maybe he was just being paranoid, but his partner deserved somebody in her life. Somebody that deserved her.

Olivia got dressed and waited for Dan to pick her up. She accepted a night out with him when he accepted her apology. Olivia relaxed and found she truly enjoyed his company. They had dinner and saw a show before returning to her place. She invited him up and wondered what the rest of the night would bring. He kissed her passionately once inside and she couldn't help but lose herself in his embrace. She could really fall for this guy if only she could lose that nagging feeling that she couldn't put her finger on. They moved to the couch and continued kissing. Dan was a big man, but that wasn't what made Olivia nervous. She didn't know what it was, but was quickly forgetting that fact as he took her face in his hands. She looked into his blue eyes and decided to let him advance tonight. He continued to kiss her as his hands began to wander. He ran his hands up her shirt and felt her warm skin. She was beautiful and he couldn't believe he was in the position he was in. He was sorry he agreed to help his friend, but he owed him. Dan wanted her but he knew that wasn't the plan. Dan's passionate kisses quickly turned aggressive and his hands were no longer gentle as he handled Olivia. She immediately sensed the change and forced him off her and stood up.

"I'm sorry, but I can't do this." Olivia wondered if she would ever get those visions of her time at Sealview out of her mind.

"What's wrong now?" Dan was becoming very impatient.

Olivia couldn't believe this was happening. "What is going on? One minute things are going nicely and the next you seem upset."

"Olivia, I can't do this either." Dan headed for the door. Olivia walked up behind him and asked him to stay.

"Trust me, you don't want me to stay. If I stay I will want you and you're not mine."

Olivia didn't understand what he meant by that and didn't have much time to think it over. Dan approached her and with one quick move hit Olivia. She immediately fell to the floor holding her face. Dan grabbed her and backed her up against the wall. He pushed his body into hers and put his mouth angrily on hers. He moved his head back to look into her eyes. Fear was all he saw and he was really hating this, but he had no choice.

Olivia was wondering how she would get to her room to get her gun. Her eye was swelling fast and she now knew her feelings of uneasiness were correct. How could she let this happen to her. What changed? Why did he suddenly get angry with her.

"Dan, I'm sorry. I don't understand. Please let me go."

"I can't do that. I want you bad Olivia, but I have a job to do. You will find out soon enough what is going on." And with one quick motion, he hit Olivia again and she fell unconscious to the floor.