A/N: This story is my own rewrite of Season 13. Elliott still retires...I haven't watched any of the new episodes after that premiere so I don't know what's going on, but this is my take. It will be a lot more character driven than plot or case driven. Thanks for reading!
Disclaimer: I do not own Law & Order: Special Victims Unit or any of the characters mentioned in this chapter.
Olivia Benson finally reached the parking lot and ran to her car, out of breath and fighting back her tears. She swung open the door on her Mustang and sank into the driver's seat. Liv let her head hit the steering wheel and the tears began to pour. She didn't even care anymore; bring on the crying.
Elliott was gone. He'd resigned and took off, just like that, leaving her behind. Olivia had been confused about her feelings for Elliott for years, though she'd never acted on them. Even now, she felt confused, but in love with Elliott or not, losing him as her partner was devastating. He'd promised she wouldn't lose his friendship and she trusted his words, but it just wasn't the same.
Another loss was the last thing Olivia needed right now after what had happened with Calvin. The boy had begun to feel like her own son and they were really happy when his mother intervened and took him away. Liv had always longed for a child and she felt like she just couldn't catch a break.
Olivia sighed and wiped the tears from her eyes, realizing one of her coworkers would probably come looking for her soon. She didn't want anyone to see her like this. She ran her fingers through her hair, took a deep breath, and walked slowly back up to the precinct. She wasn't prepared for the first person she ran into on the way back to her desk.
Captain Cragen was almost like a father figure to her, but the look on his face meant business. She tried to avoid eye contact and keep walking, but he stopped her.
"Benson," his voice was stern, especially using her last name.
Olivia looked up at him and he studied her puffy, red eyes.
"I need to know that you can still do your job," he said harshly.
Olivia swallowed hard and then nodded slowly, looking back down at the floor.
"Prove it to me, Olivia," he hissed.
"Yes, Captain Cragen," she mumbled, and darted for her desk.
She noticed the stares from Munch and Fin, but she kept her eyes down, doing her best not to worry her friends and colleagues. It was a waste, though. They knew. Olivia sat with her head in her hands for a few minutes. The cell phone on her desk rang, jolting her back to reality. She didn't recognize the number.
"Benson," she answered it, her voice exhausted.
"Liv, it's me," she'd know that voice anywhere. "I need your help."
A/N: Please review! Reviews motivate me to keep writing :)