While Liv was busy at work, Amanda sat in the waiting room at dr. Lindstrom's office, biding the time until she was allowed to go in.

Strangely enough she wasn't as nervous now as the last time she'd been here. Back then the appointment been mostly for Liv's sake, and it had been Liv's idea. This time though it was her own initiative, and that somehow made her a lot calmer.

Obviously she was still nervous. People, especially not people as stubborn as detective Rollins, didn't just get over their reservations, but at least she was here, and that had to be a good first step.

When the receptionist that was sitting behind a desk in the corner gestured that Amanda could go in, the blonde stood up unwavering and walked to the door of Lindstrom's office without second guessing her decision.

After knocking on the door and hearing a "come in" from the other side Amanda entered the office.

Not much had changed since the last time she had been there, even Lindstrom still looked pretty much the same. Maybe his beard was just slightly more defined.

"Amanda, it's good to see you again" He greeted her, "How have you been?".

As she sat down on the couch with the doctor across from her she pondered about his question. How had she been? Certainly not good, but also not bad, considering the circumstances. She decided she should answer as truthfully as possible, that would make her recovery easier. "I'm not really sure. I spent the first night back in my apartment".

Lindstrom looked slightly surprised for a second, but like the professional he was he didn't voice his disapproval. Not yet at least.

"And how did that go?" He asked instead, and he looked her in the eye intently.

"Well.." She hesitated, but once again reminded herself to be truthful, "It was a good thing that Olivia insisted on being here. When I went into my bedroom I completely lost it and if she hadn't pulled me through I would've spend the night in the bathtub".

Her cheeks flushed and she kept her head down so she wouldn't have to look him in the eye.

Doctor Lindstrom waited a few seconds to give her some time, and then voiced what he was thinking. "Amanda, are you sure it's good for you to be back there?".

She had expected the question and had her answer ready. "I won't give him the power to run me out of my apartment. He already took too much from me" She said forcefully, "I won't let him take this too. I'd never forgive myself if I moved out now".

He smiled at her and nodded. "I'd expected as much. I got the feeling you are just as headstrong as Olivia when you last came to see me. Now why don't you tell me a bit more about what happened, and how you handled it".

Amanda hesitated.

'Trust' She said to herself, and then she told him everything. About how she'd freaked out and shut herself in the bathroom. How Olivia had come in and basically carried her to the bed. How they'd slept together, in the literal sense of the word. All the while Lindstrom stayed quiet, only nodding every now and then to encourage her to go on.

Amanda told him how she'd felt, and relived the entire experience.

"But it wasn't that bad in the end. Someone had made sure everything was cleaned up before I got there. And Olivia helped me realise the room in itself holds no significance". Her cheeks flushed red again but this time she locked eyes with the doctor.

"That's good" he replied. "Now we just have to see what happens when you do eventually have to spend a night alone".

The next few minutes they talked about how Amanda could handle a panic attack next time one would arise when she was on her own. Lindstrom gave her some tips on how to keep calm, and just like that, their time was up.

"I'm afraid our time is up for today", the doctor said, "but I would like for you to set up an appointment for next week with my receptionist. It's important that you keep going to therapy. If not with me than with someone else".

Amanda thought about it. Lindstrom seemed nice enough and the fact that Liv trusted him made her trust him all the same. He felt like a good fit, at least for now.

"That'd be good. I'll schedule an appointment on my way out" She said and she gave him a shy smile.

After staying true to her word and scheduling a follow up appointment Amanda left the building feeling slightly better. It'd be a challenge but the therapy sessions seemed to be helping and she was determined to make it work.

She wasn't sure where she should go now. Amanda was pretty certain that she'd be sent home if she went to work, but she couldn't go home yet and it was worth a shot. At least she might be able to get an update on how… the case was progressing. Not that she was all that hopeful, but still.

Instead of hailing a cab she decided to walk the short distance to the precinct. The fresh air would do her good and she was in no hurry anyway.

The chilly air felt great against her skin and she kept up a brisk pace so she'd keep warm. Within ten minutes she reached the precinct and walked in, taking the stairs to get to the squad room.

When she walked she noticed how terribly empty it was. As far as she could tell Nick was the only one present. He was sitting hunched over his desk with a phone in his hand, obviously frustrated with the person he was speaking too. He hadn't noticed her walk in yet and she decided to wait for his call to end until she made her presence known.

It didn't take Nick long to finish up. Amanda could hear his voice more clearly as he ended the conversation. "Thanks a lot. You'll be hearing from our ADA" He said sarcastically, and then he threw his phone down on the desk. "Hijo de puta".

"I'm pretty sure it's against protocol to threaten people with a call from Barba" Amanda said and she chuckled slightly when he nearly jumped out of his chair in surprise.

"Amanda, hey. What are you doing here? I thought the captain ordered you to take a few days?"

She rolled her eyes. "Technically he didn't yet. It was worth a shot. And besides, I was hoping I could get an update, you know… on the case". She couldn't bare to think 'my case', let alone say it out loud.

Nick furrowed his brow. "I'm not sure if I'm supposed to.." but she cut him off quickly. "Please Nick, I need to know".

The glimpse of emotion that came with her plea pushed him over the edge and he nodded. "Okay, but lets get lunch first. We can talk after we've eaten".

Amanda shook her head. Apparently Liv's smothering and overwhelming need to take care of her was catching. Or maybe it had always been there, she admitted quietly to herself.

"Fine" She groaned in mock annoyance, "but I'm buying". And without waiting for him to follow her she walked out, so that he couldn't see the hint of a smile that was on her face.