Chapter Fifteen – Nunquam Sero (Never too late)

Epilogue I

A/N: Tying up loose ends.

Lindstrom's words are going to be in italicized bold font. And interwoven with scenes…hopefully this works out how I want it to – it's not written as an actual psychiatric report, but rather a letter to the Brass, expressing his opinions on the state of mind of their Detective.

Disclaimer: I don't own anything other than my words.

Dr. Peter Lindstrom sat at his desk, the computer opened on the surface in front of him as he steepled his fingers together resting his chin on his thumbs. Staring out at the still lazy and sleepy Saturday morning city below the window of his apartment. After seeing Olivia Benson and Elliot Stabler together in sessions with one another, he was convinced that no matter what came at them, they were meant to be. Their dynamic, their understanding of one another, was something that he had never seen in all his years as a Psychiatrist. He remembered that he had to write up an official report giving his opinion on the state of mind of Detective Elliot Stabler and report to the NYPD that Captain Benson had fulfilled her order to ensure he had been seen.

He didn't want to give them anything that could be used against him, so he took a deep breath and allowed his fingers to begin typing.

It is in my opinion that Detective Elliot Stabler, of New York Police Department's Organized Crime Bureau is of sound mind and body and his ability to fulfill the duties therein assigned to him is not compromised in any form.

The first thing she noticed was she felt warm and safe when she woke up in the morning, there was a weight wrapped around her waist, fingers splayed out across her stomach, with an index finger tracing a lazy line just below the swell of her breast, the sheets wrapped tightly around her. She felt her fingers wrapped around a cross, anchored by a chain, and a steady heartbeat below the palm of her hand. She pressed her face into the bare skin that was radiating heat beneath cheek, inhaling the scent of the man next to her and feeling peaceful. It was the second night she'd actually gotten a good night's sleep, well, alright, just a few hours.

Upon being assigned the duty of evaluating his ability to cope with his past actions, I have come to the conclusion that he has reflected upon his actions in a mature, professional, retrospective manner. He accepts that the things have changed over the years, and he must adapt and change to maintain a place in the world of Police Enforcement.

Her legs were wrapped around his in a manner similar to how they had been just a week prior, only this time, the amount of skin pressed against skin was unmatched.

It is of my professional opinion, after completing three of the required four sessions that no further sessions in the requested professional requirement are necessary. I have evaluated his mental state and upon the conversations held therein, and have determined that unless the Detective deems it necessary to continue sessions on a personal decision, he is in a responsible, productive, and professional place in accordance to his mental and physical health.

Elliot's chin was resting against the top of Olivia's head as she let out a contented sigh, slowly moving her flat hand across his muscular chest and wrapping the hand that had been holding the cross onto his shoulder tattooed with the crucifix. Her body pressed against his further, the heat amplifying between them. He reached the arm around and locked his fingers together, the hand that was splayed across her stomach moved to bring her even closer to him.

It is also my professional opinion that should he be considered for any leadership roles in the NYPD, he would be more than capable of leading and directing a team of his own. He does not pose a threat to the leadership of any other member of the NYPD, nor his colleagues.

"Good morning to you." his voice was low, and measured as he smiled into the top of her head, as she lifted it to look him in the eyes, a calm and peacefulness had washed over her features as a smirk graced her lips as she slid up and met her lips with his, bringing her hand over from his shoulder, her fingertips grazing across the scars on his shoulder from the time he was shot in the shoulder, until her hand rested on his cheek, as her tongue met with his in a dance inside their joined mouths.

It is also my opinion that Detective Stabler is capable of following any orders given to him by a superior officer and he will not disregard nor would he intentionally put any other officer at risk or in danger. His ability to heed to the advice of his former partner, Captain Olivia Benson, has been exemplary and there is no denying that he is a duty-bound officer and would be an asset to any team in the purview of the Department.

As they flipped over in bed, his body pinning hers beneath him, she wrapped herself further around his body, as he hungrily sought out more of her skin, planting soft and sensual kisses down her chin, until he had stopped at her neck. Right over the scar on her throat, he allowed himself to nip at it for a moment, grateful that she hadn't been seriously injured all those years ago. He couldn't imagine a life without her, and now that he had her, he wasn't going to let go of her. She giggled as she wrapped her hand around the back of his neck, turning her head to kiss the side of his forehead where she had fixed countless cuts over the years.

Before she could think anything further about it, she felt them connect again and her soul just felt complete in that moment as he brought his lips back up and crashed into her own, her legs wrapping around him and locking in place as she felt the waves crash over them – she was fine with being adrift just a while longer. His cross was resting against her breastbone as she found the sandbar and her feet touched down for the first time in years.

I have overseen the directives of the NYPD and am certifying that Captain Olivia Benson has fulfilled the request made of her by the Chief at One Police Plaza. It is also my professional opinion that should Detective Stabler need a handler with the NYPD, you couldn't ask for a better handler for him than Captain Benson or Sergeant Ayanna Bell.

I certify the above comments against the risk of perjury or the loss of my license in accordance with the laws and guidelines set forth by the State of New York.

Dr. Peter Lindstrom

THREE MONTHS LATER

They had elected to continue their couple's counseling sessions, for three more sessions before they'd decided that if they needed any further counseling, they would contact Dr. Lindstrom, who had agreed that they were both in a good place. Their relationship, he had told them, was something that could only continue to get better if they maintained the open communication. He had to go to the trial in relation to Kathy's murder and rather than intrude upon his family's closure – even though Kathleen had requested that she be present because she was part of the family, she had declined.

As she was seated behind her desk she took a look around the office and smiled to herself. She was happy. She had everything she could possibly want, and things were only getting better. She couldn't deny that she'd never imagined she would have a relationship that didn't leave her feeling exhausted, or like she was losing a part of herself.

"Hey, Cap, we still good for Saturday?" Fin asked, popping his head around the corner, his hand resting on the door frame. She removed her glasses as she smiled at one of her oldest friends.

"Yes, I still can't believe you're getting married – I'm so damn happy for you." She nodded quietly.

"I could say the same thing for you, Liv." Fin's eyes danced mischievously as Olivia's eyes narrowed.

"What are you talking about? Fin?" Fin placed his hand on the door frame and then slid away from the entrance as she pushed back from her desk, walking out of the door into the squad room and stopping as she saw her squad off to the left side, including the small Organized Crime unit. Turning her head to the right she saw Elliot sitting on Fin's desk, his kids and Noah were standing off to the side. "Elliot?" Elliot wasn't speaking though, Olivia realized as she heard his kids start speaking.

"You know, Olivia, we were disappointed you didn't go to court with us this afternoon." Maureen was the first to speak, as she watched Elliot's blue eyes, not looking over.

"I mean; we did ask for you to go with us because you are our family." Lizzie interrupted, her hand was resting on Noah's shoulder.

"So, we decided that after it was over we'd get Noah and we would all go out to celebrate." Katie was leaning against Rollins' desk.

"Liv, we don't want to do anything as a family without you with us." Eli shrugged. "Without you next to dad."

Richard Stabler now stepped forward. "Sometimes people change their opinions on people and realize sometimes things are inevitable."

Elliot jumped off of Fin's desk and walked over to Olivia, taking her hands in his. "So, Captain, tell me, wouldn't you like to sleep with your partner for the rest of your life? Or, would you rather not make an honest man out of me? I mean, I know it's not the same squad room we met in, but it is your squad room, and it's where we met – so I figured what the hell? Liv? Would you marry me?"

"Mom, listen, are you listening?" Noah asked, his blue eyes captured hers and she turned to look at the squad. "You should just say yes."

Olivia Benson turned to look at the people surrounding her in the room and then back to her former partner and she suddenly realized that she really COULD have everything she'd always wanted. Her career, a family, someone that loved her without reservation, and her partner.

"I'm your partner, for better or worse, El." She answered, throwing her arms around the man's neck as he pulled her in and they kissed openly for the first time in the 1-6.

Fin's voice was heard over the applause, "'Bout damn time."