The Christmas Cabin

Chapter One

Zebraboymom

Disclaimer: If they were mine I would die a happy woman, but alas…nope.

Author Notes: With a little help from Cragen, Olivia gets what she's always wanted for Christmas.

It was the day before Christmas Eve and Olivia Benson was facing another holiday alone working at the precinct. Every year she volunteered to be on call so those with families could spend the time with their loved ones. She usually didn't mind and she knew it would keep her mind off the losses of the last year and a half better than sitting at home alone, but part of her wanted a better distraction. As she daydreamed of various vacation scenarios, her boss stuck his head out of his office and called to her.

"Olivia? A word?"

Liv looked up at Nick Amaro who grinned as his eyebrows went up.

"Oh, Liv, what'd you do now?"

"Funny Amaro. Who knows? You might be next."

At the look of devastation on his face she chuckled.

"You are too easy Nick."

Olivia walked into Don's office as he gestured to have a seat. This must be serious. He was asking her to sit down.

"Olivia, I know you spend every holiday covering the squad for the holidays, but this year I want you to make an exception."

"What? Don, I don't have anywhere to be. Why shouldn't I cover?"

"Fin and Rollins have volunteered to cover it together this year."

"That's okay. I can work along with them. I know Nick wants to spend it with his family, so I'll trade off with them on any cases."

"Not this time. I want you to get away for once. I have a cabin upstate New York and it's yours for the holidays. It's fully stocked and waiting for you. You can go up there and enjoy the snow. You have it through New Years."

"Don, what would I do up there alone for a week?"

"Read, enjoy nature, sleep…God knows you need it. I'm worried about you Liv and I'm begging you to take this opportunity to recharge. Okay?"

Liv had never seen Don Cragen so adamant about anything in his life. Could she really do this? The idea both thrilled and frightened her at the same time. Too much time alone might not be good for her. Her ex-partner always climbed into her head and she would find herself crying inconsolably.

"Don, I don't think my car can make it in the snow."

"I know. That's why I'm taking you myself."

He had an almost desperate look in his eye now. What was going on? Did she really look that bad?

"I can't ask you to do that."

"I want to. Now head home and get your stuff packed. You'll need warm clothing, okay? I'll pick you up at three so we can get you up there by the time it gets dark."

"I…"

"Now scoot detective. You have three hours to get packed."

Olivia walked out of Don's office in a daze. What had just happened?

Nick looked up as Olivia walked like a zombie to her locker, put her service revolver away and then put on her coat in slow motion.

"Liv?"

"Merry Christmas Nick. I guess I'm off on a holiday."

"What?"

"Cragen just offered me his cabin for a week."

"Wow, Liv! That's great! You're so lucky. I knew Dad liked you best."

"Then why don't I feel lucky?"

Olivia began to tear up. Nick was up instantly and standing in front of her.

"Hey, Partner. What's goin' on?"

"I'm afraid to be alone Nick. I'm afraid I'll just be miserable alone for that long."

"I'm sorry Liv. Listen. If you get cabin fever or just need a friend I'll be there, okay? Just call me."

He pulled Liv into a hug and then stepped back, giving her that sideways grin she loved. Nick was the one light in this past year. They had some rough spots, but they had worked through them and their partnership was better than ever.

"Thanks Nick. Now I better get out of here. Cragen gave me three hours to get ready."

"Yeah, it will take you an hour just to decide what shoes to take."

Liv tossed a file at him and he laughed good-naturedly.

"See ya in a week Liv."

Don arrived just as he said he would three hours later and Liv was waiting on the curb for him when he arrived. She brought an extra bag of stuff and she had snuck a couple of files in it. What Don didn't know wouldn't hurt him. There was no way she was going to go a week without doing some work.

They chatted amiably on the way up and Liv started to get a little excited when they got into the mountains and there was snow. She loved the snow in the country. The city made it so dirty that she never got to enjoy it except in Central Park. This was beautiful.

They finally pulled off the highway and went way back in the woods. It was slow going as it was not plowed out like the road and it had gotten dark on the ride up.

When they pulled up to the cabin LIv's eyes sparkled. It was decked out in Christmas lights and a huge tree was decorated and lit in the window.

"Oh, Don, what did you do? This is amazing."

"I hoped you'd like it."

Don got out and placed her things on the front porch for her. He gave her a hug and then climbed back in his SUV, rolling down the window.

"I never told you this, but I love you like my own daughter. I need to tell you something now and please don't hate me. This wasn't my idea and if you want to leave tomorrow, call me. I hope you don't. Just…Just give him a chance Liv."

"What? Give whom a chance? What are you talking about Don?"

"Merry Christmas Liv. I hope this present is the right one for you. I've watched you for almost fifteen years and I think it is. I think he's worth it."

"Who's worth it? Don, what are you trying to tell me?"

"Just go inside Liv."

He rolled the window up and drove away leaving Liv in a state of shock.

Was someone in the cabin? Who? It couldn't be David, could it? She thought they had burned that bridge forever. She reached for the door as she pulled her bags along with her. This was not what she signed on for. Now she was angry with Don. Who did he think he was to meddle in her life like this?

She had a good mind to call him back right now and not even go inside. Whoever this was better be worth it. Part of her already knew who it might be, but she didn't dare hope.

Taking a deep breath she opened the door and couldn't believe the breathtaking sight of the huge decorated tree with presents under it. There was an amazing fire roaring in the fireplace, but what caught her breath was the man leaning his arm against the mantle staring into the fire. Those blue eyes lifted to hers and she stopped breathing altogether.

Elliot.

"Merry Christmas Liv."