Disclaimer: SVU and all of its characters were created by and are the property of Dick Wolf. I make no profit with this story, which is my own original work.

The following morning, Elliot was the first to wake. His first instinct was to check on Olivia, but something told him they were not alone. After the previous day's events, he was more hypervigilant than normal, even if he logically knew that no one could have gotten past their detail who would be a potential danger. Glancing toward the front of the room, Elliot was surprised to see Elizabeth Donnelly seated in a wheelchair between his and Olivia's beds. Pressing a button on the handrail, Elliot raised himself into a more upright position.

"Judge Donnelly."

The incredulity at seeing the typically formidable Judge – who looked no less intimidating wearing her plush cotton bathrobe over a hospital issue gown – present in such a casual setting was a bit of a shock, but given the circumstances, Elliot couldn't say he was surprised. No doubt by now, word had reached her on Dale Stuckey's involvement in her own hospitalization, as well as the lab technician's other heinous crimes, including Ryan's murder and the attempts on Elliot and Olivia's lives.

"Good morning, Elliot. I was questioning whether or not this visit was appropriate, but then I remembered the other day when you showed up at my door unexpectedly, so what do you say we just call it even?"

Even now, in spite of the circumstances, the Judge's acerbic wit was in tact. Keeping his voice low in deference to not disturb a still sleeping Olivia, Elliot responded.

"Seems fair to me. I guess you've been appraised of the situation, then?"

"What? That the incompetent weasel who screwed up your case and then had the nerve to second guess me in my courtroom is a homicidal maniac? Yes, I'm aware. I'm just disappointed that the bastard will live to see trial."

Judge Donnelly paused for a moment, as though thinking about what she had just said, before tacking on an addendum to her statement.

"You didn't hear that."

Elliot felt the corners of his mouth turn up at the comment, not that he would say anything, but it certainly hadn't been the first time in recent days that the judge had spoken her mind without thinking first. He didn't get to say anything though, because before he had a chance, the other woman was speaking again.

"In all seriousness, how are you doing? Were you seriously hurt? That's one thing I wasn't able to get much information on, other than being told you were here in the hospital."

Now, despite all his efforts to keep himself together, Elliot felt all of the emotions rushing back to the surface. Every image from the previous day was as clear in his mind as though it were happening again, right down to witnessing his partner kiss the turncoat lab technician, all in an attempt to save his life. What's worse, the horrifying echo of a gun – his gun – being fired played on an endless loop, and he was helpless to turn off the memory.

"Stuckey did a number on me, there's no question he was out for revenge."

Elizabeth Donnelly didn't press the detective for too many details, knowing as well as he did that the case was still pending trial. Even so, her concern for Olivia was just as great as it had been for Elliot. After all, it was because of these two individuals that she was still alive and breathing. The very thought that they had been targeted as well made her ill.

"What about Olivia? How was she injured? If you don't mind me asking, that is?"

Pinching the bridge of his nose in attempt to collect himself, Elliot shook his head.

"No, I don't mind. Hell, she's already tried dismissing her injury so many times as though it were nothing. When we were attempting to immobilize Stuckey, he still had possession of my gun. It went off during the struggle, and Liv took the bullet."

Liz Donnelly raised one palm to cover her mouth in an endeavor to conceal her shock as Elliot continued.

"Thankfully, it lodged within the muscles near her hipbone. No bones were broken, and it missed all her internal organs. They extracted it surgically without complication, and she's expected to make a full recovery."

A soft moan from the opposite bed caused both of the other occupants of the room to look in that direction. Olivia stirred slightly gradually waking up, and grumbling to herself as she recognized her surroundings. She was about to curse out loud at her misfortune when she realized that she and Elliot weren't in fact alone as she had initially believed, but instead had a guest.

"Judge Donnelly, it's good to see you awake. How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine - thanks to you two - but honestly I think it should be me asking you that question, don't you?"

Olivia shook her head, clearly not appreciative of the attention. This was one of the many reasons why she hadn't wanted to stay in the hospital to begin with.

"It's nothing. Elliot is the one whose life was in danger yesterday."

Before Liz or Elliot could respond in any way to admonish Olivia for her self deprecating tone, the door opened. In walked Captain Cragen, and judging from the look on his face, he had positive news to deliver.

"Judge Donnelly, Elliot, Olivia. I'm glad you're all in one place, it saves me from making an extra trip. You all deserve to hear this. Dale Stuckey was arraigned one hour ago. He's being held without bond in Rikers until trial."

Ever perceptive, Olivia questioned her Captain further.

"What aren't you telling us?"

Sighing, Don Cragen revealed the one piece of information he'd been hoping to keep to himself for the time being.

"Because of the nature of his crimes, they are going to place him in protective custody. It was the one stipulation his defense attorney asked for."

Now, it was Elliot's turn to let his ire be shown.

"Who the hell is defending that bastard?"

Cragen didn't want to answer, but knew they all deserved the truth.

"Trevor Langan."

Again, Elliot challenged his Captain, his hands curled into fists at his sides. His anger wasn't necessarily only for himself, but for all the innocent people that Stuckey had harmed – Olivia included.

"How in the hell did someone of Stuckey's pay grade afford the retainer for someone of Langan's caliber?"

"His parents come from money, apparently. They don't want a black mark on the family name, so instead they are going to try and prove their little angel's innocence."

Liz Donnelly made a disparaging remark under her breath, then excused herself. Her detail had been waiting just outside the door the entire time, and were ready to wheel her back to her own room. She wished Elliot and Olivia well, and thanked them again for saving her life. Then it was down to just the Detectives and their Captain once more.

Later that afternoon, after a brief stop at Elliot's residence so he could pack a bag, the two partners arrived at Olivia's apartment. In truth, the doctors had tried to convince the female detective to stay at the hospital for a minimum of one more night, but she wouldn't hear of it. After an ensuing debate, they had reluctantly agreed to her release, with the conditions that she abstain from work for two weeks in order to rest and recover properly. Elliot wasn't happy with Olivia's decision to leave medical care, but on a base level, he understood it. He was just relieved that she had at remembered their prior arrangement of staying together during their joint convalescence. Granted, he had his own wounds to heal from, but knowing he'd be able to keep an eye on Olivia did more for Elliot's well being than any medicine ever would.

Elliot set both of their bags down on Olivia's couch while she locked the door behind them. Thanks to Fin and Munch, they'd each been brought a change of comfortable clothes from their lockers at the precinct, and were saved from having to rely on hospital issue scrubs in order to make their exit. As for what they'd been wearing the day before, all of that had been bagged, tagged, and cataloged. Elliot's suit, along with Olivia's slacks, blouse, and sweater were now being housed in an evidence locker. Neither cared if they saw the items ever again.

"Make yourself at home, El. I know you're probably going to yell at me for the contents of my fridge – or lack thereof - but we can always order some food in later."

Crossing the few steps to where she stood, Elliot placed a palm on Olivia's shoulder, squeezing gently.

"I'd never yell at you Liv. You know I've only ever said anything in the past out of concern. You need to take better care of yourself. Speaking of which, why don't you go lie down for a bit? I know you didn't sleep that great last night."

One corner of Olivia's mouth quirked up at Elliot's suggestion.

"The only reason you would know that is if you were awake yourself."

The expression on Elliot's face easily conveyed that she had been right. Not that Olivia held him at fault, but like he had been for her, she was equally worried about him. With a sigh and a gesture of her head down the hall, she beckoned him.

"Come on, then."

Confused, he asked her to clarify.

"Liv, what do you mean?"

"I didn't sleep well last night, and neither did you. It's obvious we are both exhausted. On top of that, we're still injured. I'm certainly not going to relegate your six foot frame to my couch, and I know for a fact that you aren't going to just take my bed and let me sleep in the living room, either. The only reasonable solution is that we share."

Without consciously being aware of what he was doing, Elliot fell into step behind Olivia, following her footsteps toward the lone bedroom in the apartment. He knew better than to ask his partner if she was sure of what she had offered, even if every instinct within him was screaming that he verify consent. As a better option came to mind, Elliot paused outside the linen closet.

"Did you need me to grab some extra blankets? To keep them separate, I mean?"

"Only if that is your personal preference. Or, if you plan on keeping all the covers for yourself and not sharing."

Unable to find the words to answer, Elliot just shook his head. In truth, he was having trouble wrapping his brain around what was happening. Everything was evolving so fast. Granted, nothing had necessarily changed to alter the dynamic between his and Olivia's partnership. It was just difficult to grasp the fact that less than twenty four hours ago, she was slapping the shit out of him in an effort to save his life, and now she was inviting him to share her bed. Platonic gesture or not, it was a great leap. Especially when he remembered that the only other woman he'd ever shared a bed with had been his now ex wife.

Standing in Olivia's bedroom, Elliot couldn't believe there wasn't even a hint of awkwardness between them. Perhaps it simply had to do with the fact that their exhaustion really was that great. On top of it, they were each dealing with varying levels of pain, though Elliot knew from personal experience that a concussion paled in comparison to a bullet wound. As for the cuts on his chest, he still considered those mild compared to what they could have been.

"Dammit."

Immediately concerned, Elliot questioned Olivia to what the problem was. Even though he knew he was probably jumping to conclusions, one hand was in the pocket of his sweats, reaching for his phone in case he needed to transport his partner back to the hospital. His eyes swept over her form, looking for any visible sign that she had been hurt further.

"It's nothing, really. I was just wanting to take something for the pain before my nap, but I left my prescription in the other room. I'll just wait and take a pill when I wake up."

"Nonsense, Olivia. I'll go and get it for you. Is it in your bag?"

At her nod, Elliot darted out to the living room where he had left their respective duffels. Easily finding the medication Olivia had indicated, his next stop was the kitchen to grab a bottle of water. By the time he returned, he found Olivia already under the covers, her back against the headboard.

"Here you go. I brought you some water, too."

"Thank you."

Palming the tablet, Olivia swallowed it down with a few mouthfuls of the water. After replacing the cap, she set the bottle on the nightstand, then winced as she snuggled further down to make herself comfortable. For his part, Elliot walked around the bed, peeling back the blankets on his side. Tentatively, he got in, and reclined back against the pillows. He turned his head to the side, about to ask Olivia if she was certain about this arrangement, only to find that the brunette was already asleep. Her mouth was parted slightly, and her breathing was deep and even. With a smile, Elliot allowed his own body to relax, and sank more fully into the mattress beneath him. With one final glance over at his partner, he, too, succumbed to his fatigue.

When Elliot woke a few hours later, it took him a few moments to orient to his surroundings. Once he remembered exactly where he was and why, his first instinct was to check on the woman beside him. Olivia was still in a deep state of sleep, now curled on her side with one arm tucked underneath her pillow. Elliot couldn't help but smile, her position was reminiscent of the many times he would go up to the cribs to wake his partner after a nap and find her in a similar fashion. At least now, there was no cause to disturb her, so he eased himself out of the bed as quietly as possible and padded out to the living room.

Taking Olivia's earlier directive to heart, Elliot made himself at home in her apartment. He was far from a stranger here, after all. Once he had transferred their respective bags to the floor for the time being, he got comfortable on the couch and switched on the television. Keeping the volume low, he flipped through the channels until he found something suitable to watch. He had been sitting there staring aimlessly at the screen for roughly forty five minutes, trying to pay attention to the plot of whatever was on when the sound of footsteps could be heard coming down the hall. As soon as she came into view, Olivia's first words were ones of concern.

"El, please tell me that you actually slept and haven't been sitting out here this entire time."

"I slept, Liv, I swear. I've only been awake less than hour. In fact, I was just about to check the contents of your fridge and place a call for some groceries. Nothing major, just a few simple things."

Nodding absently, Olivia soon joined Elliot on the couch. Where at one point they would have taken greater care to respect each other's personal boundaries, this time there seemed to be a need to be closer. Sitting down so that their shoulders were almost brushing, Olivia took comfort in her partner's proximity.

"We can always worry about the groceries in a bit. Right now, I'm more in need of something for dinner. We never did get around to having lunch."

With a nod, Elliot agreed. He hadn't wanted to remind Olivia about the lack of food she had consumed so far that day, but in truth, it had been yet another subject of concern. He was relieved that she had suggested eating a meal.

"Want to order in, then? My treat."

"Sounds good. You know where I keep the menus. Unless, of course, you wanted me to get them."

Elliot encouraged Olivia to stay seated. Heading into the kitchen, he easily located the drawer where she kept what seemed like every takeout menu within delivery range. Selecting one, he called over his shoulder into the living room.

"How does Chinese sound?"

"Perfect."

After determining what they wanted, Elliot placed the call to the restaurant. Fortunately, the wait time was not an extensive one, and their food was scheduled to arrive within thirty minutes. While they waited, the pair comprised a list for a local market then ordered some groceries to help them get through the next few days.

Surprisingly, their grocery order arrived before their dinner. Elliot was in the kitchen emptying the bags when Olivia's intercom had buzzed for a second time. Grabbing his wallet, he met the delivery at the door. By the time he'd turned around to reenter the apartment, Olivia had disappeared to his prior station in the kitchen. Instead of taking over his duties, Elliot was relieved to see that his partner was simply retrieving them some plates to use. It had always been a long standing ritual between them to share their food, especially when they were eating Chinese. Tonight would be no different.

Once he had finished his task of putting away the groceries, Elliot grabbed a couple of drinks before closing the refrigerator for a final time, then joined Olivia back in the living room. Considering the fact that they had both been starving, there was quite an assortment of food to choose from – they had selected Sweet and Sour Chicken plus Beef and Broccoli for the entrees, along with sides of Lo Mein and Fried Rice. As if that weren't enough, Elliot had also tacked on Egg Rolls and Crab Rangoon to complete the order. There was no question there would be plenty for their dinner tonight, plus leftovers for lunch tomorrow.

Elliot and Olivia spent several minutes passing cartons back and forth, doling out portions on their respective plates. Once they were each satisfied with the amount they had chosen, they sank back into the cushions and propped their feet up on the coffee table to tuck into their meals. Reaching for the remote, Olivia flipped through the channels before settling on a movie that was just beginning. For all intents and purposes, it appeared like it was any other causal night in with takeout and television for the partners and friends. Only their individual battle scars told the tale of the much darker reality.

They were halfway through dinner when the ringing from Elliot's phone interrupted the quiet calm of the evening. Olivia muted the volume on the television while Elliot answered the call, but not before commenting that it was their Captain who was trying to get in touch.

"Stabler. Yes, Captain."

Though Olivia desperately wanted to know what was going on, there wasn't much she could decipher from the one sided conversation. She'd simply have to wait until Elliot hung up, and hope he relayed whatever information he'd been told. In the meantime, she waited patiently. A few minutes later, Elliot ended his call.

"Ryan's funeral is the day after tomorrow. Cragen asked me if I was up to serving as one of the pallbearers, and if we would speak at the service."

Even though he had served his time working primarily with forensics, Ryan O'Halloran had nonetheless been a member of the police force. Like Olivia and Elliot, he had held the title of Detective, and had been an outstanding member of the Crime Scene Unit. He would be buried with full honors. Relieved that Ryan was getting the ceremony he deserved, but still concerned for her partner, Olivia couldn't help but ask the question most on her mind. Speaking at the service wasn't something she doubted for herself, but she was worried about the man by her side.

"Are you going to be able to handle that, El? Not just emotionally, but physically? I don't want you tearing those cuts on your chest open again."

Elliot was touched by the way Olivia had worried for him. His guilt over Ryan's death – and his partner's injury – were still issues he had to come to terms with. Even so, this was something he felt deep in his soul that was necessary for him to do. He may never be able to personally atone to Ryan, but he could honor the man on his final journey.

"I need to do this, Liv."

Those five simple words followed by her name had been enough of a plea for Olivia to understand succinctly that her partner was telling the truth. She also intuited just how much he was still suffering beyond the physical. Knowing he wasn't yet ready to open up – especially to her – she merely nodded and the pair resumed watching the movie play on in silence, the rest of their dinner forgotten.

When night fell a few hours later, the city outside Olivia's windows was alive with the brilliance of lights that made it seem to sparkle. Inside the apartment, however, was a completely different story. The two detectives still sat quietly in the dark, save for the muted glow from the television. The only time Olivia had moved had been to put away the leftovers from their dinner so they would have something to eat the next day.

Though he hadn't said anything yet, Elliot had been observing his partner for awhile, and he had noticed the pain etched into her features. He knew without asking that she hadn't taken her prescribed painkillers recently, likely because she was saving them for a time when they would be truly necessary. Then again, he supposed he couldn't really call Olivia out on that issue, as he hadn't been taking his medication either – only his antibiotics to prevent infection. A smile played at his lips as he realized they indeed made quite the pair. The next few days would be a true battle of wills as to who would be taking care of whom.

"What do you find so amusing? On top of that, what are you looking at? Do I have something on my face?"

The sound of Olivia's voice startled Elliot out of his reverie, and he reflexively flushed. It was a combination of worrying she had been able to read his thoughts and the fact that she had just busted him in the act of staring at her.

"No, it's nothing. Just lost in thought, that's all."

Immediately softening, Olivia became concerned for her partner. He wasn't one who readily spoke about his feelings, but she could tell that something was on his mind. Raising an eyebrow, she challenged her partner silently, something that was an all too common occurrence. Recognizing the expression for what it was, Elliot conceded defeat almost immediately, not wanting to debate the issue further, especially when they were going to be stuck in such close quarters together for the next few days.

"It's just something I noticed, Liv, but I don't want to overstep."

"You can always tell me anything, El. You know that."

Elliot nodded and murmured an acceptance of that fact, more as a delaying tactic than an acknowledgment.

"The truth is, I'm worried about you. You haven't taken anything since we got back, and I can see in your face just how much you're hurting. Don't hide your pain from me, Liv. This goes both ways. I will be honest with you if you remember that you don't have to protect me."

Softening even more, Olivia knew she had to not only acknowledge, but address Elliot's concerns. She'd believed that she was doing a decent job of masking her pain, but apparently not. The truth of the matter was, the last time she had taken anything, it had knocked her out almost immediately after. How was she supposed to take care of him as she'd agreed if she was asleep?

"Okay, I'll be honest. Yes, I'm hurting. But it's nothing I can't handle. I'll take something before bed, I promise."

Confused, Elliot shifted in his seat. Reaching out a hand and resting it on Olivia's shoulder, he squeezed gently, prompting her to open up further.

"Liv, why keep yourself in agony if it's not necessary? Just take something."

"Fine. I'll take something when you do."

Elliot pressed his lips together in a fine line. He'd always known Olivia was stubborn, had even seen her fight her way through work during colds and flus when she should have stayed home. But this – this took the cake. Here she was, recovering from an actual gunshot wound, and still going toe-to-toe with him.

"I'm not trying to turn this into a fight, Olivia. It was only yesterday that you were shot and needed surgery."

"Yes, just like it was only yesterday that Stuckey was trying to carve you up with a knife. I'm not the only one in need of care, here."

Realizing that while it wasn't exactly a lost cause, Olivia wasn't going to give in until he did. So, Elliot decided it was in both their best interests that he acquiesce. He didn't quite consider his actions as admitting defeat, instead he looked at it more as negotiating a compromise.

"Tell you what, Liv. Why don't we both take our medicine? It's already been a long day, if we should fall asleep, a little extra rest won't hurt us any."

Though it was always difficult for her to admit, Olivia had to concede that Elliot was right. Plus, Ryan's funeral was the day after tomorrow, the more rest they got now, the better. The service was sure to be an emotional one.

"Okay, El, you win. I'm not saying I'm ready for bed just yet, but I will agree to take the medicine and relocate to continue watching something in the other room."

Putting a hand on his chest directly over his heart in a gesture that conveyed shock, Elliot cupped the other around the shell of his ear.

"Did I just hear correctly? Did Olivia Benson just say that I was right about something?"

Shooting him a withering glare, Olivia narrowed her gaze.

"No, I did not. I said that you won, and to be honest, I'm only giving you that much because you're wounded. Don't push your luck, Stabler."

With a grin, Elliot dropped both arms and levered himself off the couch to a standing position, only to turn and offer his hands to Olivia. He knew she'd never admit to needing help getting up, but was also aware that the pain in her hip was considerable, and worried if she tried to stand on her own, she might strain her stitches. Though his partner didn't say anything out loud, the expression in her soft brown eyes more than conveyed her gratitude.

Fifteen minutes later, the two unlikely roommates were settled side by side in Olivia's bed for the second time that day. Both had taken all necessary medication for the night, and now each reclined against their respective pile of pillows with the covers pulled up to their waists. This time, Elliot had insisted on bringing in his own blankets from the linen closet. It hadn't been out of any sense of awkwardness, but rather his own personal comfort. The admission had lead to another revelation, one which had led Olivia to encourage Elliot to remove his shirt, admonishing herself for having been so thoughtless. Lost to her own discomfort, it had completely slipped her mind as to how much the material of his clothing would chafe against the fresh wounds on his chest.

Reaching for Olivia's hand over the top of the blankets, Elliot took it in his own and grasped it gently. It was the most intimate contact they had shared since the time he had held those fingers in his own when they were at the hospital.

"I just want to say one last thing, Liv, before we fall asleep. Tomorrow, let's both promise to take our medication as prescribed and do what we're supposed to, okay? We can't take care of each other if we don't take care of ourselves."

Nodding her agreement, Olivia squeezed Elliot's hand in return to affirm her promise.

"Okay. I think I'm also going to call the doctor to see if I can get a different prescription. I think what they gave me is too strong. I'll still take something for the pain, I just can't keep taking what I have now."

"I support that choice."

Following a few quietly murmured words of 'goodnight', they settled in once more to focus on the screen across the room. Elliot was still trying to process the fact that he was, in fact, sharing a bed with his partner. Even so, nothing about the arrangement felt wrong. If anything, the situation felt natural, meant to be. Those thoughts, coupled with the sounds of Olivia's even exhales of breath were the last things on his mind as he drifted off to sleep.