PART TWO

Your sipped you coffee quietly, your eyes drifting over to Elliot and Olivia. You watched their interactions very closely ever since the thing with Kathy last week. You sighed softly as your thoughts drifted back to Kathy. It meant nothing, right? She was hurting and you had just happened to be there, comforting her, right?

“Hey y/n, Kathy asked if you wanted to do girls night with her tonight? She said you weren’t answering your phone.” Elliot interrupted your thoughts, your eyes drifting over to him as you tried to think of an excuse.

“That’s weird. I don’t have any missed calls?” You furrowed your brows, pretending you had absolutely no idea what he was talking about. Were you avoiding her calls? Yes, obviously. “As for tonight? I’m not sure. I have loads of paperwork.” He nodded understandingly and you sighed softly as you turned back towards the paperwork on your desk.

“Just call her when you can, her and the kids miss you.” You nodded, not even bothering to look over to him. Munch and Fin came in, not even a second later, talking about some conspiracy that grasped the other detectives attention and you were thankful that the spotlight wasn’t on you anymore.

It was a, thankfully, slow night at SVU that day. Everyone headed home early, except you. You stayed behind, finishing the DD5s and other paperwork you had let pile up. You hummed along to the music that played on your small radio, tapping your foot to the beat of Dreams by Fleetwood Mac.

“I love this song.” You jumped, grasping at your chest as you faced Kathy. You eyes quickly took in her appearance, a low cut black dress that stopped mid thigh before turning back to your paperwork.

“Are you trying to give me a heart attack?” You spoke breathlessly and she chuckled softly, walking closer to your desk.

“Elliot said you had a lot of paperwork, that’s why you couldn’t come out with me. I didn’t think it was the truth...” You lowered the volume on the radio, standing up and grabbing your paperwork that you had finally finished.

“Why would I lie about having paperwork, Kathy?” You huffed slightly as you walked to Cragen’s office, quickly placing the papers on his desk before leaving and closing his door.

“Y/n, you know why-” She sighed and you walked around her, avoiding her gaze. You began cleaning up your desk, putting pens back in the holder, throwing the trash in the bin under your desk.

“Kathy, I don’t know what you’re-"

“Will you just look at me, god dammit!” Your eyes snapped up to hers, watching as her eyes started to water. She took a deep breath, glancing around as she tried to compose herself. “I don’t want to lose you, okay? It really was just a mistake but please don’t leave me.” Her voice cracked as she sniffled softly. “I don’t have anyone left and I can’t lose you too. You and the kids are all I have-” She hiccuped, unable to get any other words out before sobbing.

“Kath, don’t cry...” You whispered, walking over to her and wrapping your arms around her. Her head pressed against the side of your neck as her body shook with soft sobs. You shifted back and fourth, rocking her softly to the low music that could be heard from behind. Her hands clutched your shirt tightly and your hands rubbed soothing circles on her back. This went on for a few minutes but eventually her small sobs grew quieter and quieter until it was nothing but small hiccups and sniffles.

“I’m sorry.” You looked down at her, brushing her hair back from her face.

“It’s okay, honey.” You whispered, pulling away slightly just enough to pull her face towards you. You grabbed a tissue from the box and began wiping the tears and runny mascara. “There, all better.” You smiled widely at her and she smiled softly. You sighed, looking down for a moment as you played with the ends of the tissue. “You won’t ever lose me, Kathy.” She squeezed your hand in a comforting way, letting out a breath of relief.

“Good because now that I served Elliot the divorce papers, I’m gonna need somewhere to stay while I look for a new house.” Your head snapped up, she nearly laughed at your shocked expression.

“When?” She sighed, leaning against your desk, now standing side by side with you.

“Right before I left the house. I got all dolled up and gave him the papers before leaving.” She sighed tiredly, tilting her head to look at you. “It was time, you know? Even if he isn’t cheating on me, I just don’t think we can go back to how we were. There’s so much broken trust and the love, that spark, just isn’t there.” You nodded, understanding her words, letting your hand go over hers.

“I hope everything works out for you, Kath.” Because you deserve better, you thought. You didn’t really know the right words to use in this exact moment. “But you are welcome to stay at my apartment as long as you want, hell even invite the kids. You know I love them.” She chuckled, tossing her head back slightly. Her long blonde hair falling from her shoulders.

“Well it’s a good thing you invited me because my suitcase is in my trunk.” You raised a brow at her, smiling cheekily.

“What if I would’ve said no?” You teased and she shrugged, rolling her eyes jokingly.

“Let’s not pay attention to the what ifs, let’s get to your apartment and drink.” You snorted at her choice of words and she pointed at you. “What? I’m going through a divorce, I can drink all I want.” You nodded, turning off the radio and began to collect your things. “Oh! And junk food! Like a bunch.” You rolled your eyes playfully, giving her a little glare.

“You haven’t even lived with me for a day and you’re already about to make me spend all my money.” She flipped you off, smiling sarcastically.

“You know you love me!” You watched as she walked away, her hips swaying a little harder than they normally would. You caught yourself staring at her ass and quickly lowered your gaze in case she decided to look back.

“More than you know.” You muttered to yourself, jogging slightly to catch up with her.

NO KATHY SLANDER WILL BE TOLERATED OVER HERE. nope. she deserves the absolute world.

“Y/l/n.” You answered the phone groggy, glancing at the clock. The blurry red lights blared in your face as you sighed, rubbing the sleep from your eyes.

“Hey, y/n. I was just calling you to see if you could let Eliot know he left his wallet at home. I figured he was in a rush when he got the call a little while ago and he’s not answering bu-” You eyes finally focused on the time, squinting at them. 5:52 am.

“Kathy, what are you talking about?” You could hear a little commotion in the back, like she moved a pan or something.

“Is there not a case or a victim or-”

“I didn’t get a call Kathy and I always get the call first. So no, there isn’t a case.” There was a pause on the other line and you could definitely hear her scoffing through the phone. “I’m pretty sure he just went out for something-”

“Or with someone.” She finished for you, although that’s not what you were going to say. “What time did Elliot leave work yesterday?” You sat up in your bed, fully awake now.

“Kathy, I can’t-”

“Y/n, please.” Her voice cracked and you didnt need to see her to know her lip was quivering. You tried not to crack. Elliot was someone you worked with, he was your friend and you loved him but that didn’t mean you could lie to Kathy. Kathy and you were great friends, occasionally going out, helping her with the kids. It was great to have someone as a friend you didn’t work with. It was refreshing. You couldn’t lie to her.

“He and Olivia left around 6. I think they said something about going to the bar.” You told her what you recalled hearing and she sighed. Kathy leaned against her kitchen counter, the phone clutched tightly in her right hand.

“Yeah, well, he didn’t get home till around 1 and bow he’s leaving early and lying-” She paused, wiping the tears that were slowly falling down her face as she came to realization.

“No, Kathy. He wouldn’t cheat on you. Especially with Olivia. They’re best friends, that’s all.” You tried to reassure her but she wasn’t having it. Running a hand through her hair, she scoffed.

“Yeah, Right.” Then the line went dead. You looked down at the phone before tossing it on the bed and flopping back down. You laid there for a moment, contemplating on whether or not to go back to bed. You groaned loudly as you pushed the covers off of you, getting up and walking towards your closet. “Goddamn Stabler!”

“Y/n?” Kathy opened the door to find you, dressed in sweats and a big bag of McDonalds. “What are you doing here?”

“We’re friends, Kathy. I’ll be here for you, even at 6 in the morning.” You took in her appearance, an old white shirt with small pair of plaid shorts. Her hair devilish, like her hand had run through it a million times. Her eyes were slightly puffy, face was a shade of light pink, she looked heartbroken. Beautiful. But heartbroken. “I even brought breakfast.” You held up the bag and she opened the door wider, letting you in before closing it.

“You didn’t have to-” You shook your head, heading towards the couch.

“Don’t even do that.” You glanced at her before placing the bag on the table and taking a seat on the sofa.

“Now come on, come eat.” She smiled slightly before taking a seat next to you. You had begun eating in silence, you occasionally looked at her, thinking of something to say.

“I want to believe he wouldn’t do it but the truth is, I don’t even know my husband anymore.” She sighed, placing the breakfast sandwich she was eating bag down on the paper. “I love him, I will always love Elliot but I deserve better. I want someone who is there for me, I need someone I can depend on and Elliot just isn’t there anymore. He loves her.” The tears welled up in her eyes and you reached out to her, wanting to comfort her but she shook her head, pushing your hand down. “I don’t need pity, y/n. Okay, i’m not sad, i’m mad. I’m angry.”

“Kathy-”

“I’m angry that I stayed this long. Angry that I was so blind and i’m tired. So tired. I have no one and I-” You grabbed her hands, leading her to face you. You watched the tears stream down her face momentarily before grabbing her head. Your thumbs coming up to brush the tears from her cheeks.

“You have me, Kathy. I’ll be here for whatever. You wanna scream, cry, yell, break stuff, i’m here. You wanna work things out with Elliot. I’m here for you. Whatever you decide, I’ll be here. I love you, okay?” She nodded, her eyes tightly closed as she enjoyed the comfort of actually being touched. Her eyes fluttered open, the small smile the danced on your lips being the first thing she noticed. Then the adoration in your eyes, the way you looked at her like she was the only person that mattered. Her eyes flickered down to your lips then back up as she leaned in slowly. You breath hitched as she came closer, so close that you could feel her breath on your face.

Next thing that happened was her lips on yours. Kissing you softly. It stayed like this for a few moments. Her hands rested on your knees while yours stayed on her cheeks. Your eyes fluttered open as her tongue swiped across your bottom lip. You wanted to grant her access. You wanted to explore her. But this was wrong. You pulled back, shaking your head. You missed the warmth of her lips. “Kathy, no.” You whispered as you looked into her eyes, her eyes that seemed to be all the colors of the ocean at once.

“Y/n, pl-” You heard a door upstairs open resulting in you jumping back quickly, so quick you almost fell off the sofa.

“You’re hurting and vulnerable, it was an accident.” You rushed out in one breath before Maureen came downstairs, a grumpy look on her face. “Hey there babes, I brought you guys breakfast.” She smiled softly at you before coming over to give you a hug, you held her close for a moment before joking. “You have to stop growing, practically taller than me.” She chuckled before going through the bag.

“You have to get to work?” You nodded, glancing over at her mother who was looking down at her lap.

“Yeah, kiddo. I’ll see you soon though.” She nodded obviously believing your lie. “See you, Kathy.” You mumbled, not wanting to make things more awkward. Quickly rushing out to your car, you got in and slammed the door. “I am so fucking screwed.”