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.

Two weeks later

Olivia roused to the sound of her alarm, still not used to waking up alone after sharing her bed with Elliot throughout their recovery. Her partner had gone back to his own apartment on Friday, as he had been expecting his kids for the weekend. He'd invited her to join them, but she had declined, insisting that he spend the time alone with his children. Today they would both be returning to work for the first time since that fateful afternoon.

As she emerged from the bathroom after her shower wrapped in a towel and stood in front of her closet contemplating what to wear, Olivia heard a chime from her phone. Already knowing who it would be at this early hour, she resisted the urge to roll her eyes. When she'd spoken to Elliot the night before, she'd already agreed to accept a ride from him. What more could he want?

After examining the screen and typing a response, Olivia headed back to the closet. Now, there was a smile playing at her lips. In addition to wanting to learn if she wanted her usual coffee order, her partner – now in more definitions than one – had wanted to know what color shirt she was planning on wearing. Apparently he wanted to coordinate his tie to match. She wasn't sure exactly why that mattered, especially when they had worn complimentary colors so often in the past without even trying.

Although every instinct within her was screaming for her to put on the brakes in regard to how quickly things were moving, Olivia wasn't afraid – not of this. Things had been progressing at quite an accelerated pace ever since she and Elliot had shared their first kiss two weeks prior, but the last thing she wanted to do was run. Her track record with relationships may not be the greatest, but this wasn't just any man. She trusted Elliot with the entirety of her being, and while they were venturing into unknown territory for both of them, nothing about it was frightening. If anything, the experience was an exhilarating one.

The one thing neither Elliot nor Olivia were quite ready for, however, was to disclose their newfound status to the world. It had nothing to do with doubt, shame, or even guilt. Rather, they were too busy basking in the sweet surrender that comes with being in a new relationship. Even with this blissful 'honeymoon' phase they were in, the recovery process had hindered their ability to demonstrate their love for one another in a physical way. Granted, they had found alternative methods to quell their desire, but had yet to make love. Elliot had been given the all clear at his appointment the week before, but Olivia still had another few days of restrictions while she continued to heal. Despite all efforts to prevent it from happening, she had contracted a minor infection. The doctors had ordered a second, stronger round of antibiotics, along with a prescription antiseptic solution to cleanse her wound.

That was the one detail Olivia hadn't revealed to Elliot after her doctor's visit, despite her promise to tell him everything. She had known that if she had, he'd have insisted on staying with her all weekend. Not to mention the fact that he'd have blamed himself for her temporary setback, when no one was at fault. No, Elliot had needed to see his kids, and Olivia had no regrets about her deception. She did, however, plan on telling her partner everything tonight when he came to her apartment after work.

Another chime from her phone pulled Olivia from her thoughts as it alerted her to Elliot's arrival. After ensuring her badge and gun were properly secured, she shrugged into a jacket then grabbed her bag and keys. She found her partner parked at the curb in front of her building with the promised coffee waiting for her. Once she was settled, Elliot leaned across the console in order to steal a kiss before pulling back out into the street and steering the car in the direction of the precinct. They both knew that any outward displays of affection would have to be called to a halt during working hours, and only a professional facade could be maintained.

"Morning, Liv. Did you sleep okay last night?"

There was entirely too much feigned innocence behind that statement, which only confirmed Olivia's suspicions once and for all.

"I did. However, there was something unusual. It's a good thing I checked my alarm before bed, because somehow it got turned off and wasn't set for this morning. You wouldn't happen to know anything about that, would you?"

Even though traffic was at it's normal level of congestion for this hour, and his focus was on the road, Elliot was deliberately avoiding Olivia's pointed stare. He knew precisely what she was referring to, he'd only hoped she wouldn't have called him out on it so soon.

"El, the doctor gave me the okay to go to back to work. I can even be in the field. I just have to take it easy."

Flexing his fingers around the wheel, Elliot willed himself to remain calm. The last thing he wanted was to start their first day back by getting into an argument. If she thought he was trying to be too protective, she'd certainly let him hear it.

"I know that, and you know that, but do the perps? Or, are we just supposed to ask them nicely to take it easy on you?"

Elliot had unintentionally raised his voice, and was about to apologize when he felt the gentle pressure of Olivia's palm on his thigh. He visibly relaxed at her touch, and allowed himself to exhale the tenuous breath he hadn't realized he was holding onto.

"I get that you're worried, El, and I love you for it. I have to admit, I'm worried about you going back out there, too. But you're forgetting one thing."

"What's that?"

"That I'm not doing this alone. I happen to have an amazing partner who will be right there with me, watching my back. From what I'm told, your partner is quite the badass herself."

Grasping Olivia's hand in his own, Elliot squeezed it briefly before bringing it to his lips.

"Damn right she is."

A few minutes later, they were pulling into the precinct lot, the conversation between them not forgotten, but properly compartmentalized. The couple who were Elliot and Olivia were temporarily pushed to the side, and it was time for Benson and Stabler to officially be back on duty.

Had they been employed in any other field, Elliot and Olivia knew that their coworkers likely would have arranged some sort of impromptu celebration to recognize their mutual return to work. But, it went without saying that criminals in New York City never took a day off. By the time the pair had arrived in the squad room, Fin and Munch were already out on a call. As for the Captain, he must have been in a meeting, because he was absent as well. It was clear to the partners that they had left the quiet calm of convalescence behind and were jumping back into the not-so-controlled chaos that was their everyday lives. Before they could even sit down and turn on their computers, a call from Cragen stopped them in their tracks.

"I need you two to head over to the address I'm about to text you. Fin and Munch are in that general area, so you can radio them for backup if you need it."

Elliot listened as his superior went on to give a few more details, then gave his reply.

"Copy that, Captain."

Hanging up the phone, Elliot shared a look with Olivia. Any hopes they may have had of gradually transitioning back into things were gone. Picking up his keys, they headed for the door they'd only just walked through minutes before. As they waited for the elevator, Olivia asked her partner about their destination.

"Restaurant in Midtown. Manager came into work this morning and found one of her employees with disheveled clothing and several bruises, in a state of shock. Young woman isn't talking, other than to refuse for her boss to call EMS. Cap is hoping we can get some answers. Instincts are saying this is more than your garden variety mugging."

"Let's not keep her waiting then."

Ten minutes later, the Elliot was pulling their sedan up to the curb in front of the restaurant. They got out of the car and their steps fell into sync as they headed to the door. The manager met them almost immediately.

"Thank you for coming so quickly. She's waiting in our small banquet room. She said our break area was too claustrophobic."

As the manager led the pair of detectives to the aforementioned room, it didn't escape their notice that several of the tables in the dining area were occupied by customers enjoying their meals. While it was obvious that no one realized anything was amiss, it was certainly suspicious, and Elliot couldn't help but be annoyed. If the attack had occurred here, any evidence was certainly long gone with all the foot traffic that had passed through. As though she had read his mind, Olivia's question to the manager voiced similar concerns.

"You stayed open for business?"

"Of course. Heather insisted. We're known for our breakfast during the week, and our brunch on weekends. She's shaken up, obviously, but the last thing she wanted was for us to lose business on her account."

Remembering a key bit of information from the phone call with his Captain, Elliot had a query of his own.

"My understanding was that the victim wasn't speaking at all. Now, you're telling us she told you she wanted you to operate your business as usual? Just what is going here?"

Breaking eye contact, the manager was now more flustered than before, and was trying to hurry them toward the back where the supposed 'banquet room' was. Knowing he was likely being paranoid, but not wanting Olivia to end up in another life and death situation so soon after the last time, Elliot increased his pace so that he was walking in front of her and would be the first to enter. While he didn't draw his weapon, because the last thing he wanted to do was startle the victim of an attack if there actually was one, his hand hovered in the vicinity of his hip so he could access it at a moments notice if necessary. Always perceptive, Olivia picked up on her partner's nonverbal cues, and followed accordingly. She was also a bit irritated with Elliot for trying to protect her, but only because he'd beaten her to it. Now there was no way for her to reverse their positions without attracting unwanted attention. Instead, she simply flanked his side, ready to push him to the floor and cover him if the situation called for it.

It hadn't yet occurred to either detective that they were likely reacting to their recent shared trauma, and not accurately processing the situation they were currently dealing with. Not that they weren't capable of being back in the field, but neither had been seen by the department psychiatrist, something both were hoping would continue to be an oversight. Had they actually seen their boss upon their arrival this morning, they would have learned that appointments had been scheduled for them later that afternoon.

Once they reached the banquet room, Elliot and Olivia observed that the glass doors had their curtains drawn. Thinking nothing of it, other than the purpose was to preserve the dignity and privacy of the woman waiting on the side, they nodded to the manager to open them. Biting her lip nervously – an act that did not go unnoticed, the manager did as she was told.

As Elliot and Olivia stepped over the threshold, they were inundated by what they saw. While not a large crowd – the capacity could hold perhaps only twenty people maximum – the room was filled with faces they recognized. Cragen, Fin, and Munch were there, along with Alex Cabot. Also among the attendees were George Huang and Melinda Warner. Off to one side, the Stabler children were beaming with the fact that they'd managed to keep a secret from their father. Even Elizabeth Donnelly was there.

"Surprise!"

Stunned, Elliot and Olivia were trying to process everything they saw – from the faces of family and friends to the 'Welcome Back' banner in the far corner of the room. It was then that they noticed the spread of food laid out on the table beneath it. Looking to their Captain for an explanation, they waited for an answer.

"As you may have already guessed, there was no call at this address. I had to get you two here somehow without raising suspicion."

Cragen held up his hands, stopping his Detectives before either could speak.

"Before you say anything, I don't want either of you to worry. Some members of the night shift already agreed to stay on a few extra hours, so the squad room is well taken care of. All that's left for you two to do is to enjoy your party."

With a shared grin, Elliot and Olivia stepped further into the room. Instead of parting ways to greet their friends, they remained side by side. It was to the surprise of no one that their first stop was to embrace Elliot's kids, even though he had just spent the weekend with them. Kathleen hung on to Olivia for just as long as she had hugged her father, her connection with the woman even closer after her diagnosis with bipolar the previous year.

"I'm glad you're okay, Liv. We were so worried when Dad told us you'd been hurt, too. It's too bad you weren't able to join us this weekend. Maybe next time."

Olivia glanced at Elliot, who gave her an imperceptible shake of his head, indicating that he hadn't told his children anything out of the ordinary. Feeling the anxiety that had been creeping up begin to abate, she turned back to the young woman in front of her.

"We'll see, sweetie. You know I'd never want to interfere on your time with your dad."

Olivia had hoped that would be the end of it, but Kathleen persisted.

"Nonsense. You know he's always happier when you're around."

It was at that moment that Elliot chose to intervene.

"Katie, honey, why don't you, your sisters, and brother go and get something to eat? Liv and I will join you at the table in just a bit. We just want to go and talk to some more people first."

With a nod and a final hug, the blonde did just as her father had suggested. Turning to his partner with a look of chagrin, Elliot wasn't sure if he should apologize or laugh at what had just transpired. One look in Olivia's eyes calmed him instantly, and he knew right away that she wasn't panicking. Placing his hand at the small of her back, he led her toward the opposite side of the room, where their coworkers were talking with the judge. As they approached, Olivia called out to their superior, wanting to make her gratitude known.

"Captain, this is lovely, and most definitely a surprise. We can't thank you enough."

Embracing the woman who he considered a daughter, Cragen tried to reign in his emotions.

"You're most welcome, and I also want to thank both of you for surviving. The squad would have been lost without you."

Clearing his throat, the Captain continued.

"Now, why don't we all get something to eat and get settled? We don't exactly have to rush, but we do have to get back to work eventually. That reminds me, and I don't want to put a damper on the celebration, but -"

Knowing what was coming, Olivia chimed in before her boss could finish his sentence.

"We know, Cap. Mandatory check-ins with Huang are required before we're officially allowed back in the field."

Upon seeing that neither of his detectives were fighting the issue of meeting with the psychiatrist, Cragen relaxed. He passed on the information about their scheduled appointment later that afternoon, then excused himself to get a cup of coffee. As for the partners, they made their way to the plentiful breakfast buffet to help themselves to something to eat.

Once everyone was seated, Alex Cabot clanged her orange juice glass with her fork to halt conversations and gain attention. When all eyes were on her, she stood. Elliot and Olivia exchanged a glance, figuring that the attorney planned to make a speech. What their friend actually had to say was much more important.

"While I know I should likely relay this news individually and privately, I can't think of a better place – or better company – with which to share it. I was at the courthouse this morning when I heard that the DA's office have officially reached a deal with Dale Stuckey's defense team. The case will not be going to trial."

Though he wanted to remain calm for the sake of his children, Elliot's initial reaction was fury. A deal? They'd offered that murdering bastard a deal? What on earth could have possibly possessed the DA to even consider terms like that?

As though she'd realized her preemptive words had precipitated the wrong response, Alex held up her palm, an apology etched on her features.

"I'm sorry if I gave anyone the wrong impression, I should have explained better."

When no one interrupted her, Alex Cabot continued.

"None of the charges against Dale Stuckey have been amended in any way. He has been convicted of two counts of murder in the first degree in the cases of Annie May Lawson and Julia Zimmer, plus one count of second degree murder in Ryan O'Halloran's case. On top of that, there is the attempted second degree murder for his attack on Judge Donnelly. Finally, for what he did to Benson and Stabler, two counts of first degree kidnapping combined with two counts of attempted first degree murder."

Never one to sit silent, especially after hearing a sentence of that magnitude, Elizabeth Donnelly was the first of the group to find her voice.

"So what does that mean? What kind of deal could they possibly have agreed?"

Sweeping a strand of her blonde locks behind her ear, Alex Cabot grinned.

"Life in prison without the possibility of parole. Turns out, once the DA agreed to take the death penalty off the table, and offered the option of seclusion in protective custody, Dale was all too eager to talk. Even Langan couldn't get him to shut up."

Though this news was a relief to hear, and it spared those who remained the pain of a trial, it was in itself a bittersweet victory. The satisfaction of knowing that Dale Stuckey would never again see the light of day did not restore breath to the bodies of Annie May Lawson, Julia Zimmer, or Ryan O'Halloran. Their families and friends would forever feel the absence of their loved ones, all because of the impulsive and irrevocable actions of one man.

A quiet wave passed over the crowd gathered to celebrate the return of two beloved colleagues, as yet another reminder surfaced of the one who had not been able to join them. Ultimately, it was Elliot who spoke, raising his glass in what was at first a silent toast, only to punctuate the homage with two simple words.

"To Ryan."

The words echoed all around as the gesture was repeated, and a few moments later, the atmosphere segued back to the lighter tone that had previously reigned.

An hour later, Elizabeth Donnelly was the first to make her excuses to leave. Not long after, the Stabler children did the same, followed by Alex Cabot and Melinda Warner. When George Huang made his exit, he subtly mentioned that he would be seeing both Elliot and Olivia later that afternoon in his office, but that the visit was nothing to worry about, and was merely routine. Then the only ones remaining were the core members of the SVU.

"Thank you again for everything, Captain."

Elliot may have said the words, but he knew Olivia shared his sentiment. Now, they really could delay the inevitable no longer. It was time to head back to the precinct and get to work. For the returning partners, that meant catching up on paperwork until they were cleared by Huang later today. As for Munch and Fin, the phone call the Sergeant received on the way out the door told Elliot that they wouldn't even make it back to the station before they would have to head off in another direction. One thing was for certain – everything was definitely back to normal.

Several hours later, Elliot was at his desk, waiting for Olivia to return from her session with George Huang. His appointment had gone better than expected, with only minimally invasive questions. For the most part, the psychiatrist had wanted to know about Elliot's recovery – from both a physical and emotional standpoint. There were so many components to consider, all stemming from the frustrations that remained at having had someone like Stuckey get the upper hand.

Beneath all that lay something deeper, though. Elliot could have reconciled the issues with his pride had he been the only one involved. But the fact that Olivia had not only been included, but injured when she had attempted to come to his rescue, that was something he was still having trouble accepting. It was something the partners had discussed more than once, Olivia's gentle calm providing a voice of reason every time.

Today, that reassurance had come from George Huang. Whether or not the doctor had intuited that the dynamic between the partners had shifted, he didn't say. Instead, he had simply reminded Elliot that what had happened in the lab that day had been something beyond the scope of his control. Granted, that was always something difficult for Elliot to admit to, given not only his line of work, but his personality.

Elliot was pulled from his reflective thoughts by the reappearance of his partner. Without a word, she went directly to her desk and sat down. Her gaze was focused somewhere in the general direction of her computer screen, but it was clear that she wasn't paying attention- at least, not right away. After a few moments, though, something seemed to click, and Olivia resumed the typing of reports she had been working on prior to her appointment with the psychiatrist.

Knowing instinctively that she wasn't going to open up to him now, where anyone could easily overhear their conversation, Elliot wisely opted not to ask any questions. Instead, he rose from his chair, on the pretense of refilling his empty coffee mug. When he returned, though, he had procured not only a drink for himself, put a cup of hot tea for Olivia, which he wordlessly placed in front of her. He hadn't been anticipating much of a response, but the soft smile she gave him from across their desks was exactly what he'd needed.

Roughly an hour later, the partners had just about completed all the reports that had piled up during their two week absence. It was such a strange sight to see their inboxes bare, and their desks relatively cleared off, although both knew that the files would unfortunately be piled up again in no time at all. Considering there was still at least another two to three hours left in the day before they'd normally clock out, it wasn't beyond the scope of possibility to imagine that they might even catch a case yet this afternoon. Any hopes of getting back out into the field today, though, were dashed when the Captain stepped out of his office a few moments later.

"Elliot, Olivia, I know it's still early, but why don't you two head home for the day? Come back tomorrow ready to work."

Olivia opened her mouth, and if Elliot could hazard a guess, he figured she was about to argue that they had already come in today ready to work. Before she could say anything though, he turned to his Captain, with a look of gratitude.

"Thanks, Cap. We'll be in first thing tomorrow morning, and even bring in some coffee for everyone, too."

As soon as the words were out of his mouth, Elliot realized his error. Thankfully, his superior didn't have any comment. The younger of the two men relaxed, and reminded himself that it was not uncommon for him to give his partner a ride to work, and no one would ever know that he was planning to spend the night at Olivia's apartment.

The drive back to Olivia's had been an uneventful one, and once he'd secured a space outside her building, Elliot grabbed his bag from the trunk. The pair made their way to Olivia's apartment wordlessly. Once they were beyond the safety of the closed door, it was as if a switch had been flipped. The professional facade that the duo had maintained all day evaporated, and in its wake was the more casual ease that they'd established recently. Not that they hadn't been comfortable with one another previously - it was that natural chemistry that had allowed them to work together so seamlessly all these years – but now there was something even deeper.

"I think I'm going to get changed, El. You're welcome to join me. I don't expect you to sit around in your suit all night."

With a smile, Elliot followed Olivia to the bedroom, where they comfortably undressed in each other's presence and switched to nearly matching outfits of gray sweats and NYPD tee shirts. They also discussed what to have for dinner, with a playful argument ensuing over what restaurant to order in from. After a brief debate, Olivia deferred to Elliot's choice of pizza with the stipulation that the next time they got takeout, she would get to decide.

"I'm going to head out and call for the food, Liv, then grab us a couple of beers from the fridge. Meet you on the couch?"

Elliot punctuated his query with a simple kiss, which soon escalated into a much deeper one. Before the pair could get swept up in the moment, Olivia reluctantly placed her palm on Elliot's chest, pushing him back with a groan of frustration.

"Hold that thought for later, Stabler. For now, go order us some pizza."

As Elliot turned to leave, Olivia playfully smacked him on his ample backside. With a laugh, she padded down the hall behind him, stopping off in the bathroom to remove her makeup.

Out in the kitchen, Elliot had finished his phone call and was currently in the refrigerator selecting two bottles of beer. As he closed the door, he spied an amber container on the counter from a local pharmacy. Furrowing his brow, he moved closer to investigate. Since he'd been staying with Olivia this entire time, he knew for a fact that she'd finished her antibiotic the week before. She hadn't told him much about her appointment the previous Friday, other than there was nothing for him to worry about, but now he was wondering if that was truly the case.

"Elliot."

Startling at the unexpected voice, and having no excuses over just being caught snooping, Elliot pivoted on his heel, expecting to see an angry Olivia. Instead, even from the distance the separated them, he could see that her brown eyes were soft and her expression held a tinge of regret.

"I was going to tell you tonight."

Bringing the beer over and setting it on the coffee table, Elliot sat on the couch. Olivia joined him, tucking one leg under herself and leaning against his chest. Instinctively, he wrapped his arms around her and waited for her to explain.

"I had my appointment Friday afternoon, and everything did heal up like it should have, just like I told you. The only thing I left out was, through no one's fault, the wound had somehow gotten infected."

Elliot tried to interrupt then, but she wouldn't let him. Instead, she merely reinforced that the infection had been caught early, and he was not to blame.

"Why didn't you say anything sooner?"

"Because I knew you would insist on me spending the weekend with you, and you needed to be with your kids."

Pulling Olivia close, Elliot again marveled at just how selfless the woman he loved actually was. Minor setback or not, she had protected him from it, all in the name of giving him time with his family.

"Promise me, Liv. From now on, you'll tell me whenever anything is wrong – no matter how minor you might think it is."

"I promise."

A knock on the door prevented Elliot from taking the conversation any further, even though he had several questions. He shoved them aside for the time being, and went to collect their food while Olivia headed into the kitchen to grab some plates and napkins. The couple ate their dinner while watching television, and before long both the beer bottles and the pizza box were empty. Elliot offered to clean up the mess, then returned with some water for them to drink. Making himself comfortable once more, he pulled Olivia's legs into his lap and began to rub her feet.

A short time later, what had started out as an innocent massage began to morph into something else. Gradually, Elliot's hand had started to venture higher up Olivia's leg with every pass. The last time, his fingers had just brushed the inside of her thigh. Plus, if he wasn't mistaken, she had been rather purposeful with the placement of her toes. Once or twice he would have understood as a coincidence, but after the fourth time with the ball of her foot coming into direct contact with his hardening length, Elliot was certain it had all been intentional. Daring a glance to the woman to his right, he caught Olivia's gaze and promptly forgot how to breathe.

Olivia was staring back at him, her chestnut locks framing her face, and a glow in her eyes unlike he'd never seen before. Though they'd had their share of intimate moments recently, they had yet to take the one final step that would unite them as one. Easily deciphering the expression in those chocolate irises, Elliot knew without a doubt that tonight would be their night.

Elliot didn't know exactly how they got from the living room to Olivia's bedroom, he only remembered being there. One minute they had been staring into each other's eyes while sitting on the couch, and the next they were kissing without abandon, peeling away layers of clothing.

For all of their urgency though, there was a reverence that remained. Even though they had witnessed one another in various stages of undress recently, especially when it had come to tending to wound care, this would be the first time for either to see their partner completely naked. They would never have this opportunity again to experience this newness – although Elliot doubted the magic of the moment would ever fade - and both wanted to make it last.

Before long, the pair stood close together, their bodies almost touching. Elliot wore only his boxer briefs, Olivia clad in a black lace bra and matching panties. Her hands were resting against against his chest, while his fingers were curled lightly around her hips. After searching her eyes for what seemed like an eternity, but was only the span of a few heartbeats, Elliot dipped his head yet again to claim Olivia's mouth with his own.

When they separated for air, Elliot rested his forehead against Olivia's, using every ounce of self control he possessed to tamp down the desire rising within him. He didn't doubt her willingness to participate, but he wasn't about to take things any further without first checking in and getting confirmation that she was okay and wanted this to continue. Even though he'd only ever been with one woman in his life, Elliot had one steadfast rule – consent was always paramount. Perhaps it was his Catholic upbringing, or the nature of the job, but it was a tenet he was adamant to uphold. He'd also made certain his son would abide by the same principles.

Raising a hand to brush some of Olivia's hair away and cup her face in his palm. Elliot's blue irises searched her brown ones for the answers he was looking for. Brushing his thumb over her cheek, he whispered the words softly, not wanting the full resonance of his voice to break the solemnity of the moment.

"Liv, are you sure?"

Olivia covered Elliot's hand with her own as she gave an imperceptible nod, at the same time as voicing her assent audibly.

"Yes, El. I want this, I want you. Make love to me."

With a feral growl, Elliot kissed Olivia again. The remaining layers of clothing fell to the floor in a whisper of cloth. Sweeping Olivia up in his arms, Elliot carried her the last few steps to the bed, and lay her back against the pillows before following her down to lay beside her on the mattress. This kiss that they had started only moments before had never been completely broken, only had intermittent pauses.

There was no need for foreplay – they had, after all, spent the better part of the last two weeks engaging in nothing but. Olivia had also made it quite clear that she was more than ready, and it was obvious from Elliot's physical response that he needed no further encouragement either. Carefully rolling over until his form blanketed hers, Elliot took Olivia's hands in his own. As their bodies joined as one, he entwined their fingers together, enhancing the connection even more. Somehow, they both managed to keep their eyes open and locked on one another.

As much as they both wanted this moment to last for an eternity, Olivia coaxed Elliot to move with a subtle undulation of her hips. This prompted them into a dance as old as time itself. Like everything else in their partnership, there was an equal give and take. No one person was ranked more important than the other, and when the pleasure was too much to withstand, they crested on the wave and crashed into the abyss together.

In the idyllic aftermath, their cooling bodies lying entwined in the tangled sheets, Elliot and Olivia finally felt the peace that had been evading them these last few weeks. Together, they had faced down death itself and won, and while they had lost a friend along the way, their own relationship had come out of the fire so much stronger. What had started with a few slaps on Olivia's part in order to save Elliot's life may have resulted in stitches for them both through no fault of their own, but they had survived. Now, while neither were well versed at waxing poetic when it came to talking about their feelings, the confessions of love had been more poignant than some of the literature's most known soliloquies. With those thoughts lingering in the backs of their minds, the partners turned lovers drifted off to sleep, blissfully content.

End.

A/N: Thank you so much for reading!