A/N: Enjoy :)


Olivia collapsed on her bed feeling utterly drained.

She downed the pills in her hand followed by the glass of water she kept on the nightstand. Her damp hair sprawled across the pillow as she pulled the comforter over her. Staring up at the ceiling, Olivia recounted her day.

She had stopped an attack, got injured for her efforts, found a key piece of evidence, discovered Elliot loved her, admitted the feeling was mutual, elicited a confession, and was assaulted-again. All in a day's work, she sardonically thought.

Rolling over to turn off the lamp Olivia caught sight of the framed picture resting on her nightstand. Munch had taken the photo at last year's Christmas party. She and Elliot had their arms slung over each other's shoulders and were drunkenly beaming up at the camera. They both looked so innocent and carefree and that was why she loved it. It was them, without all of the tension and angst that usually came with.

Truthfully, Olivia missed those moments, back when they were dynamic partners and best friends. She wasn't exactly sure when it all had changed, when they changed. Olivia tore her eyes away from the silver frame and switched off the light with a sigh. She closed her eyes and allowed herself to drift asleep with one final thought lingering in her mind. I wish I could stop loving Elliot as easily as I fell for him.


Across the city, Elliot lay under the covers reflecting on everything that had transpired. He had finally done it. He had confessed the feelings he harbored for Olivia, she told him she loved him too, and nothing changed.

Admittedly, that outcome had never even crossed his mind. It wasn't as though he envisioned that scenario often, but he had to admit that on the few occasions he did entertain the thought, things ended differently. Either the feelings were mutual and they gave it a try, or he had completely misread Olivia and they never became anything more. Elliot never anticipated that both possibilities could occur in an odd blend.

One thing he knew for certain, he still loved her and he probably always would. Elliot couldn't identify any one thing in particular that made him love her and perhaps that was part of the allure. Elliot doubted he could ever stop loving Olivia Benson. However, for the sake of his family he had to try.

He had to manage to somehow hold the pieces of his life together without losing the reason it was falling apart. Grunting, Elliot rolled over and carried his problems into his dreams.


The sunlight washed the city with golden light and the air filled with the echoes of chirping birds eager to serenade the new day. In the center of the city inside the 16 precinct, the dedicated detectives slowly began trickling in to begin the day's work.

The usual activities were carried out among the Special Victims Unit including the daily bicker over the coffee. Olivia and Elliot sat opposite of each other and worked in a semi-comfortable silence, neither paying any mind to the rising debate between Munch and Fin over the coffeepot. Slowly things were beginning to get back to normal.

The remainder of the day was rather uneventful. Everyone milled around finishing up various things for their other cases. No matter how much work they got done, someone was always still behind on something. The monotony was briefly broken up when Elliot made the lunch run. A waste bin full of sandwich wrappers later, quiet descended over the squad room again. Moments later Cragen broke the longstanding silence.

"Liv, Elliot."

Setting down their pens, they both looked up towards Cragen who had just exited his office.

"We have a new case Captain?" Olivia questioned, already reaching for her jacket.

"Not exactly. I just got word from Casey" Cragen sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose.

"James Milner is out on bail."

"What! Someone let that monster back on the street. He raped 3-almost 4 women." Elliot shouted, jolting up from his desk and stalking towards Cragen. "He assulted Olivia!" Elliot hissed, eyes narrowed and now a foot away from his boss.

"I am well aware of that Detective," Cragen coolly responded, meeting Elliot's glare until the irate detective took a step back. "Hence the reason I came to inform you." Cragen continued.

Now facing Olivia he added, "Olivia you've encountered this guy twice and neither time has ended well."

"Captain," Olivia cut in, sensing where his speech was going.

"No Olivia, this man is dangerous and he's got a reason to bear a grudge against you." Cragen rebutted. "Until this goes to trial I want to make sure you're safe" he added in a softer tone.

Olivia disregarded his concern. She wasn't afraid of Milner and she'd be damned if she was going to allow Cragen to treat her like she was.

"Captain, I don't need a protective detail." Olivia refuted, mimicking Elliot's glare. "Milner didn't even threaten me; there's no basis. It would just be a waste of the department's time and money. I am perfectly capable of looking after myself." Olivia finished, staring down Cragen and daring him to disagree.

Don Cragen observed the steely detective in front of him. He knew it was a longshot before he had said a word, but he had to try. His squad was really more like a family to him and he loved Olivia like a daughter. It would have been remiss of him to not even attempt to extend protection to her.

However, he couldn't disagree with her logic. Technically, Milner had never made any direct claims of an intent to harm her, and the NYPD simply didn't have the funds or manpower to put a detail on every officer they thought might be in danger. Grudgingly Cragen agreed.

"Fine. But be careful Olivia. I know you're a capable detective; I'm not doubting that," Cragen added sincerely. "But until this is over, I'm taking every precaution. Elliot, make sure she gets home."