Hi! I'm so sorry that I haven't updated in what seems like forever! I went on a mission trip to help adults with mental disabilities for a week, and then I got a bit tied up with my softball. Now I'm in Michigan with my family, and we don't have a computer at the house, but I was finally able to get away today! Such a BIG thanks to everyone who is following and/or reviewing this story. Thank you for not giving up on this story as well. I'll be gone next week volunteering with Habitats for Humanity, so it may be about another week to a week and a half after this that I will update again. Thanks again and R&R!

-Nora

Chapter 7

A half hour later, Elliot and Olivia arrived at the squad room. Elliot took a big sigh and tensed up a little bit. It had been almost two years since he had last been yet alone seen the Manhattan Special Victims Unit.

"You want to come in with me, El?" Olivia asked, seeing Elliot's current state of mind.

"Uh, not this time baby. Maybe next time, though. I think I'm going to go home and shower. On the bright side, it'll let me prepare our next big date." Elliot said, laughing it off.

"Okay," Olivia said, hopping out of his Jeep. She leaned over and gave Elliot a peck on the lips.

"I love you."

"I love you too baby." Elliot said, and he meant every word.

Elliot watched Olivia walk into the station house, and then drove away. He wondered what the squad was like now. He heard Munch had been promoted to desk sergeant, and their were two new rookie additions to the squad: a man and woman. The man's partner was Liv's and the woman's, Fin. Elliot contemplated what would've happened had he not left the squad. He probably would've been grilled by IAB, probably would've lost his job and his pension. He didn't care about that. The greatest thing Elliot had lost was right in front of him, and he wasn't about to lose her again. Elliot went towards the highway and began driving westbound.

Olivia walked into the squad room, and it seemed like all eyes were on her. Grins, eyes of wonder, were all on her. Do I look disheveled? Is my shirt not tucked in? She thought to herself, casually looking down towards her waist. Everything about her seemed fine. Olivia held her head high with confidence, walked towards Cragen's office, and knocked on his door.

"Cap, it's me, 'Liv!" Olivia said gently.

"Come in!"

Olivia walked in and found Cragen surrounded by three other men, two of them whom she knew. One was David Greylord, the head of the Morris Commission; the other was Lieutenant Tucker from IAB. The other man, was in a dark navy suit, and reminded 'Liv of a younger Donald Cragen. A worried and angered look came across her face.

"Don't worry 'Liv, you're not in trouble. It's good news actually." Cragen said, a quick smirk crossing his face.

"The rat squad's here and it's good news?" Olivia said, her voice seeming kind of snappy.

"I'd like to introduce you to Edward McNamara. He's the chief coordinator for the annual NYPD Gala and Awards Ceremony." Tucker said, keeping a cold, docile face.

Stunned and engrossed in bewilderment, Olivia stuck her hand out and shook McNamara's hand, offering a simple How do you do. Elliot probably would've liked this guy. A simple guy, with a fully Irish name. He would've gotten a kick out of him.

"As you know, Detective Benson, every year, all of New York's finest gather in one place for dinner and receive awards for heroism, bravery, and accomplishments if they're lucky. Every year, we award one member of the force the Lewis Valentine Lifetime Achievement Award. The recipient of this award has demonstrated throughout their career heroism, acts of bravery, a persistent pursuit of justice for all, and leadership in the most despairing situations. Every year captains of the major squads, such as Special Victims, Homicide, Vice, Narcotics, Major Case, and many more come together with a nominee who they believe demonstrate these qualities. They review the nominees' careers and vote on who they believe should be awarded the Valentine Award." McNamara said.

"I don't follow." Olivia said, her heart pounding.

"Olivia, what Mr. McNamara is trying to say, is that the NYPD and I are happy to tell you that you are this year's Valentine Award recipient. You are the first detective in the history of the Special Victims unit to be nominated, let alone chosen for this award." Cragen said, smiling.

"Oh my gosh, I'm honored." Olivia said, her eyes welling up with tears. "Thank you so much!"

"We ask that if you have any family or significant others you have in your life besides your squad that they'd attend as well. We'd also ask that you keep your knowledge of being this year's recipient secret. The best part of the gala is all of the officer's wondering who will receive the Valentine Award." Tucker said, finally chiming in.

"Go home 'Liv, celebrate. It's Sunday. I'm pretty sure nothing is going on today. But before you leave, Mr. McNamara would like to have a picture taken of the two of us, as well as Lieutenant Tucker."

"It'd be my pleasure." Olivia said grinning.

As Olivia, Cragen, and Tucker smiled for the picture, Elliot was walking out of a jewlrey store with a small box in hand.

So what'd you think? Was it worth the wait? R&R!