Hi all. I've finally finished my competitions for the year so maybe I can update this story more often and start the next! Thanks to W.S.C. Magica De Spell for the review! I like reviews ;-)

Melinda walked into her office the next morning. Olivia had slept better the previous night but she had still woken up once at three am with a nightmare. It was still an improvement. As she walked into her office she was met by a big bunch of flowers on her desk. This was an unusual occurrence and definitely aroused her interested. She couldn't remember when last she had received flowers. She reached over and took hold of the card.

'Melinda, thank you. Brian.'

Melinda sat down and smiled. It was a simple message but the gesture was meaningful. She realized again what type of guy Brian was. She felt so appreciated. Melinda knew Brian was a good guy and Olivia would be treasured as long as she was with Brian. She decided to shoot him a text.

'Thank you for the flowers. It's a pleasure. She's my friend too. Just keep on with what you are doing. You doing great.'

Melinda was starting to see how difficult all of this was on Brian too. He was truly Olivia's rock at the moment but that was not an easy task. She would have to talk to Fin and the guys to make sure Brian had enough support.

Olivia walked into the squad room dressed more causally than usual.

'Did I miss the notice? Is it casual Friday?' Fin chirped.

'No, you missed nothing. Is the Cap in?' She said as she picked up her case file from her desk.

'Yeah Liv. What's up?'

'Chat when I've spoken to Cragen.'

Olivia knocked at Cragen's door.

'Enter.'

'Morning Cap.

'Good morning. '

'Can I have a few minutes?'

'Sure. What's up? '

'Um, I need to give this case back to you, Cap. I can't give it the attention it deserves now.'

'Ok, Olivia.'

'And Cap, I don't think I'll be back until after the trial.'

Cragen nodded his head.

'Don, I can barely keep it together. I am no use here until I can give my cases the attention they deserve. The cases we get deserve our best and I can't give that at the moment.'

'Olivia, that's absolutely fine. You weren't even officially here as of last Monday.'

'I wasn't?'

'You needed something to keep your mind busy, I gave you something, but as for the guys at the top, you went on undetermined leave as of last Friday. The case I gave you has been in my desks for a few years. One I promised to close before I retire.'

'I gave you my notes. They are not much.'

'I wanted a fresh set of eyes. I will see what you gave me.'

'Undetermined leave?'

'I remembered something about Detective Benson going on holiday? Is that still on the cards?'

'Depends.'

'On what?'

'How long I can take off? I had a few months after the attack, I'm taking off now. What are the bosses going to say if I ask for more?'

'Liv, do a calculation for me. Eighteen times three.' He passed the calculator over to her.

'That's um, that's fifty-four.'

'Ok, take ten off that for the number of weeks you've probably taken off in all eighteen years. So we're at forty-four. Another say twelve for what you took after the attack. Where are we?'

'Thirty-two.' Olivia giggled. She was starting to catch on.

'If I'm correct that's about eight months leave.'

'Don't worry Cap. I was just thinking three weeks maybe a month.' She was laughing.

'Take what you need Olivia. Each day was earned. You are not slacking. You just catching up.'

'Thanks Cap.'

'Olivia, may I ask a question?'

'Sure.'

'You said you not holding it together. Can you break it down for Don?'

He asked in a way that Olivia knew that Captain Cragen was no longer in the room.

After half an hour Olivia had finished her story. She even had what Melinda gave her last night out of her bag. Don was moved that Olivia had poured her heart out to him. He would treasure times like this with his 'daughter' for a long time to come.

'Liv, you are strong. This journey is very difficult but you are doing so well. Go take your time, heal, and get stronger. Let your friends carry you if you need them to. And remember, I'm just a phone call away. I can come over anytime. And Olivia, those' Cragen pointed to the bottle of pills, 'they temporary. If you need them don't feel bad.'

Both of them stood up. Cragen moved to give Olivia a hug and she allowed him.

'Olivia Benson go. Get out of here for a few weeks. I'll see you in court next week.'

'Take it easy today in court.'

'Not a chance.' Don smiled at Olivia. 'He messed with my girl.'

Olivia Walked out the office and went to sit beside Fin's desk. Thankfully they were alone. Fin sat back in his chair.

'You think you can handle being the sole voice of reason here for a few weeks?'

Fin looked at her.

'Fin, this is not the best place for me right now. I can't focus and you and I both know these victims need our best when we are here.'

'How long?' Fin was serious and worried. Olivia Benson was voluntarily stepping back.

She looked down at her lap.

'After the case I'm going away for a bit.'

'Ok.'

'Fin, weeks not months.'

'Can I call you?'

'Of course! I'm taking a break from work, not my friends. I need them more than ever.'

'Brian going with you?'

'That's the plan if he can get off work.'

'Then I don't mind putting up with this lot. Promise me one thing?'

'Ok?'

'Take care of yourself and rest.'

'I will. Melinda is helping me there too.'

'Anything I can do?'

'Actually yes. Take Brian for a boy's night sometime next week.'

'Next week? You sure?'

'Let me know. Melinda or Casey or Alex can come over.'

'Sure thing. I'll talk to the guys and let you know.'

'Thanks Fin. I better go find Nick and read him the riot act.' Olivia smiled.