"What does family mean to you?" Detective Olivia Benson was caught off guard by Captain Donald Cragen's question, and she quietly observed her co-workers interacting as she pondered her answer. Elliot rolled his eyes as he handed Finn $50, probably the result of a bet he lost. Munch, much to everybody's dismay, was making some of the tar he thought passed as coffee. Alex Cabot, Casey Novak, and Rafael Barba, the Assistant District Attorney for Bronx Special Victims Unit, were engaged in an argument about the questionable legality or lack thereof in regards to DACA with District Attorney Jack McCoy. Melinda was quickly rearranging stuff on Munch's desk when he wasn't paying attention.
Olivia turned and focused her attention on Don, the man who was becoming like a father to her. "Family is there for you no matter what. They are your light in times of darkness, your laughter in times of sorrow. They pick you up when you don't have the strength and let you lean on them to carry you home when you're too tired to go there on your own. Mark Harmon once said that family is more than just DNA. it's about people who care and take care of each other. Elliot, Finn, and Rafa are my big brothers. Melinda, Alex, and Casey, are my big sisters. Jack is the firm yet fun grandpa, and Munch is my crazy cousin who drops by regularly."
He moved closer to her, placing an arm around her shoulders. "Who am I to you?" She leaned into his side, laying her head on his shoulder.
The two snuggled together on the couch of the upstairs lounge as Olivia took a moment to absorb the comfort he was offering before continuing.
"You are the one person who I can count on to see past my reputation as the invincible Detective Benson. I look up to you and respect you as the dad I never had. I love you."
Don pulled back and cupped her cheeks, softly caressing. "Liv, it is my honour to be your dad. You are a beautiful young woman, an amazing detective, and even better daughter. My sweet angel, I love you so much."
The tenderness in his voice brought Olivia to tears, and she looked at him, helpless to stop the onslaught of emotion. "Papà, hold me." Those three words tore at his heart as he did just that, pulling her fully into his arms.