Disclaimer: SVU and its characters belong to Dick Wolf. I own nothing

Worried that they would get too warm initially with their jackets on, and afraid of becoming overheated, both Elliot and Olivia slipped them off and belted them around their waists. He strapped the backpack onto his back, and they headed to the start of the trail. Fortunately, since it was the middle of the week, the area wasn't too crowded.

As they walked further along the trail, leaving the lodge and parking area far behind, the river came into view. They followed alongside it for some time, and again Elliot marveled at the quiet that existed up here that just couldn't be found in the city. It was so serene that even though they weren't walking directly next to it, he could still hear the river water as it rippled over the rocks. Reaching for Olivia's hand, he took it in his own, linking his fingers with hers. She didn't say anything, but squeezed softly as she looked over at him with a smile.

Even though it had been noted on the maps and literature they had read that the combined trails would only take about two hours to walk, they took their time. Stopping periodically, Olivia would take pictures of the scenery, and on a few occasions they even caught a few candid shots of passing wildlife. Nothing too intimidating – it had started out with squirrels and chipmunks, they had even come upon a beaver dam at one part of the river.

Twenty minutes after that sighting though, they rounded a bend, and Olivia almost dropped her camera. Standing on the far end of the river helping itself to a drink was a moose. She and Elliot exchanged awestruck glances before returning their eyes to the creature in front of them. The next thing they heard, a shrill cry grabbed their attention, and they looked up to see a bald eagle soaring overhead, its impressive wingspan easily six feet in length. Reaching for Elliot's hand once more, Olivia clung to it tightly, knowing that the sheer majesty of what they had witnessed – so unlike anything the city had to offer – would stay with them for many years to come.

Knowing that she'd never be able to capture a picture of the eagle, Olivia instead focused on getting a few decent snapshots of the moose before it left to wander off again. She simply committed the rest of what she had seen to memory.

After spending a few more endless minutes staring at the beauty of nature, they continued on their way. Neither had spoken aloud, their wordless communication saying all that needed to be said.

By this point, they'd been walking for a little over an hour. It seemed to Elliot that Olivia was looking a little weary, but he knew better than to question her on it. Instead, he eased the backpack off his shoulders, and opened it up. Taking out a bottle of water and a granola bar, he quickly closed it again and placed it on his back once more. Knowing that she would argue if he tried to make her eat the entire thing herself, he broke the granola bar in half, and extended a portion out to the woman standing beside him. It hadn't escaped his notice that she had been watching him intently this entire time.

"El, I'm not hungry."

Here it comes, Elliot thought – the protests, the denials. She may as well have said 'I'm fine' for the tone she'd spoken in. Reminding himself that patience was a virtue, and they were still finding their footing in regard to their new relationship status, he kept his voice calm.

"I understand that, Liv. But, its been awhile since either of us have had a workout like this. It wouldn't hurt if we refueled a bit now that we're about halfway through."

His purposeful 'we' statements must have gotten his point across. Elliot saw the moment when she relented, because Olivia's eyes softened, and she reached out for her half of the granola bar, taking a bite and chewing thoughtfully.

"You may be on to something there, Stabler. But that doesn't mean you're right!"

Laughing now, he began to eat his own piece of granola.

"Of course not, Liv. I would never think that."

After they had finished eating their light snack, Elliot cracked open the bottle of water. Making sure Olivia had her fill to drink first, he only quenched his own thirst when she was done. Before they started moving again, they pulled on their jackets, as the slightly higher elevation was making the air a bit more brisk. It wasn't enough to be cold, but it had given Olivia's cheeks a rosy hue.

Forty five minutes later, they reached the junction where they would veer off and take the Stag Brook Falls trail back to the lodge. This was the section that promised them a waterfall. As they approached, they could hear the sound of rushing water before they could even see it, and subconsciously quickened their pace.

When they arrived at the waterfall, they discovered they weren't the only ones there. A lone hiker, an older gentleman, was also taking in the scenery. He must have opted for the shorter trail, because they hadn't run into him earlier on their walk. Elliot and Olivia kept a respectful distance, intending to give the man his time, but then it seemed he had no intention of going anywhere. Realizing that they would have to share this idyllic spot that they'd found, they began to walk closer. That was when they became aware that the man was weeping, and they spied the urn that was clutched in his hands, held tightly against his chest.

Upon hearing the sound of approaching footsteps, the older man startled, and looked sharply to his side. Seeing the couple coming closer, his guarded expression softened, and the anguish on his face became more apparent. Lifting one hand, he swiped at his face haphazardly, wiping the tears away.

"I'm sorry. I didn't think anyone else would be here right now. Please, take your time, enjoy the waterfall. I'll leave you alone."

Filled with compassion for the pain this man was no doubt in, but not wanting to intrude on his grief, Olivia raised a palm in his direction.

"Please sir, don't apologize, and don't feel obligated to leave. We're just passing through on our way back to the lodge."

The man seemed to consider what she had said, and then it appeared as though he were trying to gather all the courage he possessed.

"Are you two in any sort of hurry?"

It was Elliot who answered.

"Of course not. Take your time, we'll go back up the trail and give you as long as you need."

"No, it's not that. I was wondering – if you wouldn't mind – could you stay with me for awhile? I don't think I can say goodbye to her alone."

Olivia and Elliot led the man, whose name they learned was Arthur Wagner, over to a nearby bench. Sitting on either side of him, they encouraged him to talk.

"It happened last month. My Evelyn – my Evie – fought so hard, right up until the very end. We were married for sixty five years, and I never thought I'd have to go on without her."

Resting the urn in his lap, Arthur still clutched it tightly in one hand while he used the other to reach into his breast pocket. Withdrawing a photograph, he showed it off proudly to Elliot and Olivia. It was a picture of a couple on their wedding day. The man was clearly a younger Arthur, and the woman – a green eyed, raven haired beauty – was obviously his Evie.

"This waterfall is the very spot where I proposed to her. It was 1941, and we were both eighteen. I was about to join the army and go overseas to join in the war, and we'd been in love since we were sixteen."

Olivia and Elliot listened as the love story continued to unfold, and from time to time she would have to brush away a tear. They learned of how Evie got tired and frustrated of waiting for days and weeks on end with no word from Arthur. So, in 1942, she took matters into her own hands and joined the Women's Army Corp, and found a position as a switchboard operator. It gave her something to do besides worry all day long, and she felt like she had a purpose. Even if it didn't help the letters come any more quickly, she felt like she was doing her part.

Arthur returned home from the war in 1943, after he was honorably discharged when a piece of shrapnel injured his left knee. Though it didn't cause any major disfigurement, it did result in a permanent limp, and he was declared unfit for duty. He'd come home, and found work at the local bank, a job he would keep for the next thirty five years. Evie stayed as a switchboard operator with the WAC until the end of the war, then was hired soon after by the telephone company.

They'd always wanted children of their own, but it had never happened for them. Still, that didn't stop them from showering their many nieces and nephews with as much love as they could give. Every summer, their house was always a favorite place to visit.

Once they reached retirement age, Arthur explained how they both wanted to travel – and travel they did. Since they'd built up a considerable savings over the years, money wasn't an issue, and they enjoyed every second of their golden years. From cruises to casino tours - even a trip to Hawaii to visit the site of Pearl Harbor – they did it all.

It had been two years ago that Evie had complained of not feeling well. Brushing it off as nothing, she refused to be seen by the doctor. By the time Arthur had convinced her to go, there was nothing that could be done. The cancer had metastasized too much by then, and all that was left was to provide comfort in her remaining months. He'd brought her home, and arranged for a live in nurse to provide any care above what he couldn't handle. Last month, after nearly half a year of fighting, Evie passed quietly in her sleep, with Arthur holding her hand.

After hearing the entire story, Olivia was now had tears streaming down her face, and it looked as though Elliot was fighting his own battles with emotion. Each of them had a hand resting on one of Arthur's shoulders. They had only just met the man, but wanted to provide comfort in any way possible.

"And now, I've brought her back to where it all started, but I don't know that I can let her go."

Licking her lips, and tasting a bit of the saline that lingered there, Olivia tried her best to offer some advice.

"You'll never really let her go, Arthur. Think of it more as granting her final wish."

"She did say this is what she always wanted."

He exhaled slowly then, a few times, as if trying to prepare himself. Then he gradually got to his feet.

"I think I'm ready now."

Elliot spoke then, speaking the words that he knew were on Olivia's mind as well.

"Do you want us to give you some privacy, Arthur?"

"Would you be willing to stay? I know I've kept you so long already."

"We'll stay as long as you need us to."

Arthur picked up the urn again, and began to walk. He would have preferred to scatter Evie's ashes right near the waterfall itself, but New York state law dictated that if you were spreading cremains in a public area, that it had to be away from foot traffic, and that you weren't allowed to put them in water. Instead, he went to the wooded area across from the waterfall – another place filled with fond memories – and took a few steps into the trees.

As he opened the top of the urn and placed it in his coat pocket, Arthur sensed the presence of Elliot and Olivia on either side of him. He reminded himself to ask for a picture, as he'd noticed the camera she carried with her. It was a strange request to make, but he wanted proof of this day. Otherwise, he just might believe that these two beautiful people were angels sent to him by his late wife. Even if they did turn out to be real, that still may very well be the case.

Just as they had before, Elliot and Olivia each lay a hand on Arthur's shoulders as he tilted the urn and gave it a light shake. The ashes inside filtered out on the breeze that seemed to pick up at that very moment. They swirled up in a delicate pattern before wisping away toward the sky.

"Goodbye, my love. Until we meet again."

Arthur's voice broke on a sob as he bid farewell to his beloved, and both Elliot and Olivia were choking back their own tears yet again. The three stood in silence for several minutes, not wanting to break the stillness or peace in the air. Finally, after he had taken some time to compose himself, Arthur turned around and thanked them sincerely.

"Forgive me for being bold, but now that I've told you my life story, would you entertain an old man for a few minutes more?

Olivia was the first to reply.

"Of course."

"How long have you two been together? It's clear to see how in love you are. It was the first thing I noticed. I guess that's why I opened up to you, you reminded me of myself and Evie."

Elliot and Olivia exchanged a glance and a soft laugh. There was clearly no harm in sharing their story. With a nod, Olivia deferred to Elliot indicating he should be the one to tell the tale.

"Unofficially – we've been partners at work for eight years. Officially – we just became a couple a few weeks ago."

"At work? What kind of job are you two in?"

Now it was Olivia's turn to answer.

"We're Detectives with the NYPD in Manhattan."

She didn't want to go into detail about them working for SVU, the mood today had been somber enough as it was. Better to just say they were police and leave it at that.

"Wow. That's impressive. No wonder you were already so close. That kind of job calls for a lot of trust."

Elliot picked up the story this time, and briefly detailed what had prompted the start of their relationship. Much as Olivia had, he kept things simple, merely stated that she had been injured on the job, and that he had taken care of her while she recovered, which brought them closer together. It also had led them to realize how much they meant to one another.

"Can I ask you two for another favor? If it's not too intrusive..."

Elliot and Olivia nodded their agreement. They soon learned that Arthur was offering to take a picture of them in front of the waterfall. They didn't know how this could possibly be a favor to him, because it certainly benefited them the most – until they learned his reasons for it. He was asking if they would mind mailing him a copy once they had it printed, because he wanted to remember them, and what they had done for him today.

Touched, they both agreed to the request. Elliot took out his phone, and entered Arthur's address and contact information. Then Olivia passed him her camera and gave him simple instructions on how to operate it. Then the two walked over by the rocks near the waterfall. Thinking that Elliot was just going to put his arm around her shoulders, Olivia was surprised when he pulled her against his chest instead. In this position, their bodies were almost up against one another, and her hand was resting just over his heart. His chin was atop the crown of her head. Still, she relaxed against him and smiled for the picture.

After that, they did take another shot where they were standing side by side, with Elliot's arm around her shoulders and hers around his waist. They even hammed it up a bit and took a more candid one where he was attempting to give her a piggy back ride. When they were finished, Arthur passed them back the camera, a wistful smile on his face.

"Thank you, thank you both. I'm now convinced I met you both for a reason today. I needed you to get through what I had to do."

They asked Arthur if he wanted to join them on he rest of the journey back down the trail to the lodge, but he declined, saying he wanted to sit by the waterfall for awhile longer yet. However, he had one more thing he wanted to give them. Opening his wallet, he held out a one hundred dollar bill to Elliot, whose immediate reaction was to refuse.

"Please. For my Evie. Take your lovely Olivia up on the gondola and see the rest of the sights this beautiful mountain has to offer. Buy her lunch at the restaurant here before you leave. Spend the rest of the day making memories, because one day, that will be all that you'll have left."

Closing his palm around the bill, Elliot nodded. He shook Arthur's hand, and patted his back, thanking him sincerely. Olivia embraced the older man, someone who not long ago had been a virtual stranger, but now was someone who seemed like a friend. They offered their sincere condolences a final time, and then hand in hand, headed down the path they had originally started on.

Back at the base of the mountain, they found the lodge. There, they located the restaurant that Arthur had mentioned to them, but neither Elliot nor Olivia were feeling very hungry at the moment. Upon learning that a gondola was going to depart soon, they hurried to purchase tickets, getting the last two available spots.

The Cloudsplitter Gondola Ride was a premiere feature of Whiteface mountain, and though Olivia could already feel her stomach doing flip-flops over the heights they were about to traverse, she felt safe. Not only did she trust the gondola itself, but she was with Elliot. Part of her mind was still back on the trail with Arthur, and her heart ached for the man they had just met. The encounter, while emotional, hadn't made her sad though. If anything, it gave her more perspective than ever. She had a greater appreciation for this trip she was on with Elliot, and any remaining doubts her mind may have been clinging to were evaporating away.

They made their way to the gondola, and Olivia had to suppress a gulp. She had spent years facing down the hardest of criminals, had had guns pointed at her – she'd even been shot only just recently – but this had her terrified. Her earlier thoughts about trusting the gondola came to mind, and she fought the urge to laugh it off. That was before she knew that it was almost an entirely open view carriage, with floor to ceiling windows. She wanted to appreciate the sights as much as the next person, but she also didn't want to feel like she was going to do a free fall at any given moment.

Sensing her distress, Elliot took her hand in his. As they waited in line for the next gondola to arrive and carry them up the face of the mountain, he leaned over to whisper something in her ear.

"Am I with the same Olivia Benson who wanted to go zip lining in the Catskills just a few days ago? You do realize heights are involved with that, too?"

"Shut up, Stabler, and let me have this."

Grateful to have the lightness back in their day after the unexpected and somber but beautiful turn things had taken by the waterfall on the trail, Elliot smiled. He still couldn't believe that Arthur had insisted on paying their way for not only the gondola ride, but lunch as well. He hoped they would cross paths again with the man someday, and knew he would do his part to keep the promise of mailing him a copy of the photograph.

"You're right, Liv. I'm sorry for teasing. Would it help if I said I was nervous, too?"

"It does, actually."

The next gondola docked, and the passengers onboard disembarked. Then it was their turn. Elliot and Olivia boarded, and took their seats. As soon as she felt her anxiety start to rise again, Olivia felt a hand in hers, and her fears subsided. Maybe it wasn't even the heights themselves, but a bit of claustrophobia from being in this enclosed space that was the problem. Either way, she was determined to keep her eyes open at all times and enjoy everything there was to see.

As they began their ascent, the gondola rocked ever so slightly, and Olivia gripped tighter to Elliot's hand as the anticipation got the better of her. Looking out the window, she watched, mesmerized, as they made their slow climb. Below, she could see river they had walked alongside earlier that morning getting smaller and smaller the higher up they went.

Eventually, the fifteen minute journey was over, and the gondola was docking at the observation deck and picnic area. Elliot and Olivia waited for their turn to return to solid ground, then headed out to one of the overlook areas. He stood behind her, his arms wrapped around her waist and his chin resting on her shoulder. Taking in the scenic vista in front of them, it felt as though they were on top of the world.

The air felt different up here, and though Elliot hadn't intended to ask Olivia this question in public – he was going to wait until they were alone in their suite sometime during their stay – the words were demanding to be spoken. He turned her around to face him, and raised his palms to either side of her face, kissing her tenderly. When he pulled back, he searched her eyes as he said the words, hoping to find the answer there if she couldn't say it out loud.

"Move in with me."

Shocked into momentary silence at his request, Olivia could only blink at him in response. But she wasn't entirely unable to react, as her eyes brimmed with tears.

"El -"

He kissed her again, his mouth brushing softly over hers in an effort to silence her.

"Just listen, Liv. I know you think it's too soon, but if we learned anything today from meeting Arthur, it's that you can't deny love when you find it."

"But -"

"But nothing. I already thought I lost my chance a few weeks ago when I was standing outside that daycare and heard that gunshot go off. I promised myself that if you were okay, I wouldn't waste any more time."

Still, Olivia tried to protest.

"Your kids -"

"My kids love you. I hope you know how much we all love you, care about you – how much I love you. Please say yes."

Olivia tried to reign in her emotions as she remembered the early days of her recovery, feeling so completely helpless and vulnerable, and the way he had treated her with such tender care. Then she recalled the moment when they had confessed their feelings for one another that went beyond that of partnership. Memories of the past few weekends spent with his children filled her mind. That night on Elliot's front stoop trying to get their footing back seemed like another lifetime ago.

"My head is telling me that we're crazy, but I know in my heart that you're right. I haven't been able to stop thinking about Arthur and Evie, either."

Elliot pulled her closer, oblivious to the sights around them and focused only on the woman in his arms.

"So is that a 'yes'?"

Nodding, Olivia kissed him instead of replying verbally. She wrapped her arms around his neck and held on tight. No one really paid any attention to the pair, as it wasn't that crowded on the observation deck, and people were more occupied with the scenery in front of them.

Feeling relived and immensely happy, Elliot suggested they take a few pictures and spend some more time wandering around before they take the return gondola back down to the lodge. Then, he would buy her some lunch, just as Arthur had suggested. Afterward, they could return to the privacy of their suite and find other ways to celebrate the decision they had made.

True to Elliot's promise, they did stay up on the observation deck for awhile longer, taking photos and enjoying the memorable view. They even found someone who offered to take a picture of them together. After some time, though they didn't want to leave, their hunger got the best of them, and they headed for the gondola to descend back down to the ground, where the lodge awaited them.

The restaurant, while elegant in nature, still had a relaxed and casual feel about it, so neither Elliot nor Olivia felt out of place in their jeans and sweatshirts that they'd been wearing for their hike. After scanning the menu, they noted that the fare was mostly simple – consisting of salads, soups, flatbreads, and sandwiches.

When their server came to take care of them, Elliot ordered what had sounded most appealing to him. It was called the "Whiteface Turkey", but according to the description, seemed to be an upscale version of a turkey club. It featured oven roasted turkey on an artisan french roll topped with sun dried tomato, grilled onion, smoked gouda, and applewood smoked bacon. It was served with a chipotle aioli.

Olivia on the other hand, surprised Elliot entirely when she didn't select a salad. Instead, she chose a chicken caprese sandwich, served on a toasted ciabatta roll. Each of their meals would be accompanied by house made chips, and to drink, Elliot ordered a beer while Olivia selected a glass of wine.

As they waited for their food to arrive, they talked about the day they'd had, marveling in particular over the moose they had seen earlier that morning. Conversation eventually drifted to plans for the upcoming evening. Olivia was the first to offer a suggestion.

"While I certainly wouldn't object to a repeat of last night's activities, I thought maybe we could check out the indoor pool – or even go outside and explore the area where the fire pits are."

"Whatever you want to do, Liv."

She shot him a withering look, trying not to be exasperated.

"No, its not whatever I want to do. This trip is for both of us. Your opinion counts, too."

"You're right. I think what you suggested sounds like a great idea. We should explore the resort more. But ending our night in the jetted tub would be perfect."

They stopped talking only briefly, so that their server could place their sandwiches in front of them. After making certain they weren't in need of anything else, the man left them alone once more. Elliot popped a chip in his mouth, and talking around it, reminded Olivia of something he hoped she hadn't forgotten.

"We'll need to get some sleep tonight, at least. Our massage is scheduled for tomorrow morning at eleven."

"I remember."

Olivia took a small sip of her wine, in an attempt to keep herself under control. She still couldn't believe Elliot had gone to such lengths for them. Granted, she was immensely looking forward to being pampered, but a part of her still didn't feel worthy. Burying that deep within for the time being, she focused on the present.

Cutting her sandwich in half, she took a bite, savoring the taste. It appeared to her that Elliot was also enjoying his lunch. They didn't rush their way through their meal, but they didn't spend an extra long time lingering, either. The day was quickly catching up with them, and they were looking forward to getting back to their suite so they could relax.

Once they had finished eating, they paid their bill and headed back to the parking lot where they had left the Jeep earlier that morning. On the way back to the lodge, they made a brief stop at a local store. While the lodge had certainly been able to provide whatever they needed, Olivia had forgotten her toothpaste, and preferred her own brand – which was coincidentally the same brand she had been using at Elliot's – he'd left his behind, too.

As they were checking out at the register, the cashier casually asked them if they would like to make a donation to the store's annual collection for cancer research. Elliot and Olivia exchanged a glance, and knew instinctively what they would do with the remaining thirty dollars left over from the money Arthur had given them earlier today.

"What name should I put on the slip?"

The cashier asked the question, her pen at the ready to fill out the small form that would be displayed for all to see.

"In memory of Evelyn Wagner."

"Of course."

The young woman filled out the paper as they had requested, then set it aside to be hung up later. Elliot paid for their items, including the money for their donation, and they left the store hand in hand, feeling a deep sense of peace.

Upon their arrival back the lodge, he returned the car to the valet, and they went back inside. Even though they weren't expecting to hear anything, they still checked at the front desk to make certain there were no messages. Finding none, they headed up to their suite.

When they were safely inside, Elliot set the bag down on the table and pulled Olivia into his arms.

"What do you say we go and lie down for a little while? I just really need to hold you right now."

"I can't think of a better idea."

They walked into the bedroom, shedding their heavier clothes as they went. After they had changed into something more comfortable, Elliot pulled back the covers, and they crawled into the bed, both of them gravitating toward each other in the middle. Having a feeling that they might fall asleep after spending all that time in the fresh mountain air, Elliot set an alarm on his phone to wake them in approximately an hour's time. Then pulling Olivia against his chest, he

said a prayer of thanks – not only that she was still alive and with him – but that she agreed today to move in with him, making him the happiest he'd been in a long time. Even better, they still had all of tonight, plus two more full days of making memories to come. As he drifted off to sleep, feeling Olivia's soft exhales of breath against his neck, Elliot couldn't wait to see what wonderful things would happen for them next.

A/N: I did a good deal of research for this chapter as well, and Whiteface Mountain actually does exist, as does the Cloudsplitter Gondola ride. If you search under those names, you can find a few pictures of the scenery and the lists of trails I had Olivia and Elliot walking on in this chapter. The restaurant I had them eat at is real, too, and I even made sure the wildlife they saw were true to the Adirondack mountains. The only thing I can claim to be my own are the characters of Arthur and Evelyn Wagner. I hadn't intended for this chapter to take the somewhat somber and bittersweet turn, but the muse headed in that direction, and I just followed along where it led. More to come soon with Chapter 33!