The next day, Joshua went back to school, and Alex and Olivia went to the precinct to say hello to their friends.

Alex was greeted with warm smiles from everyone and another one of John's conspiracy theories. "Good to know that nothing's changed," she commented to Olivia.

While Olivia went to ask the captain for two days off, Elliot came up to Alex. He gave her a hug and then joked, "I don't know if I should smack you for breaking Liv's heart or hug you for putting it back together."

Alex thought about it. "Both."

"Don't touch her, El!" called Olivia good-naturedly, crossing the squad room to come stand beside Alex and wrapping her arms around the blonde.

Alex smiled. "It's okay, Liv."

Olivia gently ran her fingers over the coloration on the back of Alex's neck, obscured by her long blonde hair. Alex flinched, just a little, and Olivia pressed a soft kiss to the fading mark. "No," she said. "It's not okay."

"I'm glad you're back, Alex," said Elliot sincerely.

"Thanks." She grinned. "Do you think there's still a job left for me?"

"Yes, please. Greylek's been driving us crazy since day one."

"Oh, please. I'm sure I drove you just as crazy."

Elliot and Olivia exchanged glances. "You haven't met Greylek!" they said in unison, then burst out laughing.

"Please, Alex, grant us a reprieve," begged Elliot.

"But if you're not ready to go back to work, you don't have to," said Olivia quickly.

"I'm ready. I'm definitely ready."

"Then why don't we stop by the DA's office later and talk to Liz?"

Alex groaned lightheartedly. "Oh, no! She's going to murder me."

"Why?"

Alex shrugged. "Well, you've got a lot of friends who are ready to kill me for hurting you like I did."

"But Liz?"

"Don't underestimate her," said Alex darkly.

Olivia laughed and pulled Alex close, kissing her forehead. "I'll protect you."

"I know you will," agreed Alex softly.


They went out for lunch together, and then for a walk through Central Park, talking about everything and nothing, basking in the warmth of the sun and each other's presence.

Finally, it was time to pick up Joshua from school. They drove to his school and when the bell rang, Joshua came bounding outside, shouldering a backpack that was nearly as large as he was. He climbed into the backseat, babbling about his day and what he'd done at recess and who he'd shared his lunch with. Alex couldn't keep up with him, which was saying a lot.

Olivia glanced at Alex and smiled. "Whoa, Josh. Give Alex a minute to breathe."

He grinned sheepishly. "Sorry."

Alex turned back in her seat and held out her hand to Joshua. He took it, and they held hands the whole way home.

When they got home, Joshua went into the kitchen to start his homework and Olivia sat down to do some paperwork. Alex lay down on the couch and opened a book, unsure what to do with herself. She'd gotten through a chapter and a half when she felt a hand on her shoulder. She jumped, startled, but relaxed when she realized it was just Joshua.

"Sorry, Allie," he said. "Did I scare you?"

Alex shook her head. "No, it's okay. Do you need help with your homework?"

He nodded. "We're supposed to write an essay about heroes. Will you look mine over for me?"

"Sure." Alex got up and followed Joshua into the kitchen. He handed her the essay.

If you ask someone who their hero is, they'll probably tell you that their hero is a celebrity or an athlete. But my hero is one of my mothers, Alex. She's the bravest person I ever met. She protects anyone who needs her help without expecting anything in return. Her job is to put bad guys in jail and she isn't scared of anything. She helps make the world a better place. That's why my mother, Alex, is my hero.

Alex looked back up at Joshua with tears in her eyes. His uncertain ones met hers, and he asked, "Is it okay?"

Alex managed a watery smile. "It's great, Joshy. Thank you."

Joshua's eyes were full of infinite adoration. "It's true."

Alex wished she could see herself the way her son saw her. She hadn't been brave at all. She'd left her family all alone because she'd been afraid. She wasn't a hero.

Review if you want to know what happens in the next chapter!