This is my first time writing. English is not my first language, so please, be kind. Law & Order SVU/OC and its characters don't belong to me. It is just one of my favorite TV shows.

I started to write this on September, when I was waiting the season 24.

I guess this could happen between season 23 and 24.

Enjoy and please review. :)


That time of the year

By AP.Dakota


Cp1.


We all know that excitement felling about an important event or when we get anxious about a test and that kicks in days before. Something between a happy mood or just being nervous about it. This is nothing like that.

Olivia knew it. Even after all these years, she knew it. Even after though days, long shifts or a super busy schedule that made her ask which weekday was it.

She has learned a lot over the years. She has her "safety steps". Things that help her to go through those moments. Having Noah with her it is always the best one. Her sunshine, her sweet boy.

This time is different. It seems nothing has been… effective. This was the third night that she barely slept more than three hours. Nightmares were back, what made her worried if one of them will make her scream or say something that could wake up Noah and… there is this "feeling". Something that is hard to put down in words. Like an invisible force, this strong pressure, that doesn't let her breathe completely.

Olivia, we know these days are... difficult. We have gone through this for many years now and you have gone so far. However, I feel like this time has been a bit different somehow. Tell me if I am wrong, but It looks like we have taken some steps back on your progress or, most likely, "something" is making you revive, overthink, some points... or maybe... "someone".

Lindstrom always had this power of knowing how to "poke the wound". In the meantime, I am really good on changing subject to get away from conversation I am not ready to have. At least, not now. Not this week. He knows her for too long now. He won't insist either. He got where he wanted and made his point. Mission accomplished.

She was trying to not think about this since the first night when she woke up in a jump, sweating like a marathoner and shaking like hell. She had time to think as she knew she was not going back to sleep. So far, she was doing fine… until he brought this up, spoke out loud.

"I have gone through this before. Just one more day." I have lost account of how many times I repeated these lines on the way to work. I got out of the elevator and entered the precinct. Everything was kind of put in second plan and I am thankful for that.

- Hi everyone.

- Good morning, Captain. -Velasco is in such a good mood that makes me smile. I am happy for him, maybe a bit jealous.

- Where is Amanda? -I asked and Finn got up from his desk and walk with me to my office.

- She will be with the girls today, some kind of flu from school's kids. G, I don't miss that. -Finn is the one looking sick now.

- Really Finn? -I said while I was putting my stuff down on my desk. I didn't need to look at him to know he was rolling his eyes at me. That also made me smile.

Finn shut the door and we both know what he was going to ask.

- Liv…

- Please Finn...

- How are you?

- I am fine.

- Right... -He was doing that face. Rolling his eyes at me, bending his head and Finn's face off: "really?! Cut the crap. It's me."

- I meant it. I won't lie to you and say it is a wonderful week. It is not. But I will get through this. Like always.

It required myself an extra strength just to state that, a silly attempt to reassure to him, and maybe to myself, I was fine. Finn has always been there. Like a big brother. She didn't need to say or explain anything. He knew... and he knows how much he can push it.

- Do you want some coffee? Pretty sure you haven't had breakfast or anything today. -He was right.

- Sure. I would love it.

- I got you. And... I am here if you need anything, ok? Anything.

- I know, Finn. Thanks.

Checking my phone and Noah's message pops up: "hey mom, don't forget that I will spend the holidayweekend on Tim's house. His mom will pick me up on Thursday and I will be back Tuesday after lunch. Lov u"

Of course, I forgot it. I totally forgot it. But he doesn't need to know that. "Sure sweetie. Do you need anything? I love you more."

"Nope. All good. Thanks mom. Hope you have a good day at work. See u later. (I lov u more!)"

My sweet boy. You have no idea how much I love you. I had to be even stronger to hold my tears now. Noah has saved my life. He is my life.

Well, this is it. What a perfect weekend ahead. At least, he will have fun. What it is not my case.

- Captain, we need you. -Finn took me away from my thoughts. Perfect timing, Finn.

Short drive to Morningside Park. Beautiful day for a walk, but not today. At least, six units, coroner, press and Chief McGrath on the scene. Great.

- What do we have here?

- Cristal Jones, 27yo, found this morning by two joggers. No cellphone, wallet or id. -The officer said.

- If no id was found, how do we know who she is?

- She was reported as a missing person 4 days ago. -Chief informed.

- Estimated death around 10pm yesterday. Clothes were cut, bruises on both wrists and ankles. -The officer reported.

Olivia heard when Finn said, "The animal broke her", but she wasn't looking at him. Actually, she wasn't looking at anyone and if someone was looking at Olivia, she wouldn't know. She was using all her body, soul, strength, everything she had to hold herself still and try to look normal. Finn knew.

- Ok. Let's register everything, pack all evidence and we meet at the morgue". -He step up and tried to focus their attention on him.

She knew what he was doing. Giving a moment for her to start breathing again.

- Yes, make sure to get the joggers' statement and any other witness we may have. -I had to say that looking at the officer. I couldn't look Finn in the eyes right now. I needed a few more seconds to turn to Finn.- Take Velasco with you and call me as soon as you have the coroner report, ok? I will go back to the precinct to check if we have more information and see if we can find her family.

- Yes, Captain.

And I thought I was going to have "an easy day" today.