Chapter 2:

She awakened to an empty bed and felt her heart clench as she noticed the note on the nightstand. He left without saying goodbye.

She swallowed the lump forming in her throat and climbed out of bed, heading for the shower. She needed to wake up and get her mind on something other than the fact Peter was gone, for good. Later she would pick up a pregnancy test though if Peter was right, the future had already happened and she'd never conceived a child so this time would be no different. She wasn't sure how she felt about it. She certainly wasn't ready for kids but Peter leaving – somehow made her wish she had a part of him to hold onto. She knew a child wasn't the answer though.

She turned the spray on, waiting for the hot water as she striped down. After a few moments she stepped under, felt the heat scalding her skin and her body relaxing. Was she really going to work for Massive Dynamic? It seemed ludicrous. Yet she was considering the possibility. How could she give up Fringe Division though? She loved working with Astrid and of course either job she would still interact with Walter. Peter seemed to make the decisions so easily, knowing what he had to do – travel over there to stop Walternate.

She felt the shower eventually growing cold and shut it off before grabbing a towel. She dried herself off, wrapped the oversized towel around her body and walked out into the bedroom heading for the note.

Her hands were visibly shaking, unsure she was ready to read what he had to say and yet she couldn't carry it around without knowing.

Slowly she unfolded the letter, reading it quietly.

Olivia,

I want you to know that I do love you. More than words can say. I'm sorry I left this morning before you woke up but I thought it was for the best. I didn't think I could say goodbye. I have to do this, the way I see it – there is no other choice, for both our worlds to survive.

I know you will find a way to watch over me while I'm on the other side. It's why I wanted you to go work with Massive Dynamic. I suppose we both have our own selfish motivations and though you can't come with me, I know with your newfound abilities you can safely find your place in both worlds.

I love you and please know this is not goodbye.

Peter

She read the letter twice before folding it back up and burying it her bag. Her fingers moved over a strange object and Olivia frowned digging it out, her eyes widening as she saw a black box.

"You have got to be kidding me," she breathed shaking her head refusing to open its contents. If it was a ring, she did not want to see it. Not yet. She wanted Peter to be the one putting it on her finger. She dropped the box back into the bag and quickly ran a hand through her hair. Was she crazy for thinking such thoughts? Maybe it was cuff links of his or just something small and simple? She couldn't think up any occasions. Her birthday wasn't nearby and well they didn't really exchange gifts. She shoved her dirty clothes on top. She couldn't open it, not without Peter here. He would be back, she would make sure of it.

She quickly got dressed and hesitantly made a phone call to Nina, insisting that they needed to speak. She had a noon appointment with Nina in New York. She rang Broyles, telling him she had to go up to Massive Dynamic. He didn't ask questions, didn't even flinch. She wondered if he knew what was coming.

Two Hours Earlier:

Peter quietly slipped from the bed¸ careful to climb out of Olivia's embrace. Her hold on him had been tight and he frowned as she stirred slightly but seemed to drift back to sleep. He changed out of his boxers and found a blank piece of paper, quietly penning a note to Olivia. It was all he could do without waking her. He hoped she would forgive him for leaving but he saw no other option. He left his bag but he took her gun. He wouldn't need much at least he hoped not. Besides taking less was better. He quietly maneuvered out of the hotel room, grateful the door didn't squeak and he quietly closed it as he headed back to the hanger where the machine was housed.

It wasn't more than a mile walk in the dark. His eyes watched as the sun began to rise and he took in the moment, the surroundings, this world. He didn't want to admit he was afraid he wouldn't be back. He was afraid his plan wouldn't work and both worlds would still cease to exist in a few years time. He felt a cold chill course through his body and he picked up pace. There wasn't much time.

It wasn't hard to gain access inside the hanger. With his credentials he managed his way in past the guards. They didn't ask or think twice about letting him inside. Once inside, he stared up at the machine. Already he could feel his pulse race. It was calling to him. It always had been, every time he was in its proximity.

He didn't want to admit, even to himself, he was nervous. Cautiously he walked up to the machine, unsure what he intended would actually work but if they were truly quantum entangled then it should work as a device to let him travel between worlds. He stepped into the footholds before reaching up one hand first wishing in that moment that Olivia had been there with him. He thought of her, of all their amazing moments together and to come. He reached up, his other arm now embracing the machine as it closed fully around him, jarring his body as he used his strength and willpower to travel over there.

It only took a moment and at first glance he wasn't sure he'd done it. His eyes focused on the room, the surroundings and realized as the machine let him go that he'd come over to the other side. He climbed down cautiously and careful not to alarm anyone. The lights were mostly dim except for a spotlight shining where the machine had been. He maneuvered through the lab, slipping out the door and down a hallway. He doubted Walternate would be here yet but he would wait for him in his office. All he had to do was get there unnoticed.