Title: Safe Journeys

Author: flamebrain

Spoilers: "Deep Vote," 23 May 2001

Summary: The ending of a relationship...

Notes: To the usual suspects. As this is unbeta'd, all mistakes are mine. f/f warning

Disclaimer: L&O and all its characters belong to Dick Wolf, his production company, NBC, et al. I'm making no profit from this.

The end hurt, as it always does. It was inevitable of course; we were at two different places in our lives. Unfortunately, that knowledge did nothing to alleviate the heartache.

When she walked into my apartment that night, I knew it was coming. Professionally, she has been unhappy for some time.

I understand the feeling of frustration, of wondering whether you really make a difference. I too have gone through a journey of self-doubt and change.

My path led me to therapy outside the justice system, to teaching, and finally full circle, to work once again within the system. I have no idea where her path will lead, but at the moment it is leading her to the U.S. Attorney's office. She has always been ambitious --it's one of Jack's chief complaints about her.

Even though I know all of this, I still cling to her on our last night together. As I kiss her farewell, I whisper to the sky a silent wish that she be well. For I know there are no guarantees in this life, but something within tells me I will not see her again.

I can hope that she will one day return, but I've never been one for self- delusion. I lift my glass of Jack Daniels to the picture in my mind's eye and give a final salute to the woman I have loved. I whisper aloud to the empty room, "Safe journeys, Abbie."