A/N: Alright this is probably the second to last chapter. A very long chapter! Enjoy! Please R&R!

"Elliot!" Fin yelled as he crested the top of the stairs. He skidded to a halt upon seeing Elliot kneeling over a motionless Olivia.

Elliot turned and yelled back, "Quick, we need paramedics! She isn't breathing!" Fin nodded and ran back downstairs. "Come on, Liv. Wake up." Elliot whispered, feeling for her pulse. Slow, but there. Elliot then glanced at the edge of the blanket and leaned over. The smell he knew was chloroform. Elliot quickly pulled the blanket off her face and wrapped it around the rest of her. She took a slow breath. "There you go. Just hang on for me." Elliot said, pulling her up into his arms. He then noticed the handcuff fastened to her wrist. Paramedics then came rushing in and Elliot told them to cut it. While they were hauling out the bolt cutters Elliot pulled the blanket up over her knee, seeing a very bloody mess that was very obviously a gunshot wound. He called over to a paramedic, and they instantly pulled out some bandaging material. When she was freed Elliot rose with her in his arms, where she hung quite limply as he hurried down the stairs. He flinched at a bright flash, protectively pulling Olivia closer to him. The paramedics ran down with him and quickly put her on a stretcher and covered her with another thick blanket. Elliot hesitantly let go of her hand and watched as they hurried her off to the ambulance. He then reached for his radio. "Gates! Jake got away!" The man didn't respond, and so Elliot ran around the back side of the building. And to his surprise he found Jake crawling of a hole in the side of the wall. "Telluride!" screamed Elliot, and Jake turned. His eyes widened and he sprinted away. Elliot ran as fast as he could after him, but Jake had a serious head start. Then from out of nowhere a horses pounding hooves sounded. Gate's big black horse slammed into Jake Telluride, sending him flying several feet in the air. Jake crumpled up, screaming in pain as the horse trotted over to him and stepped on his knee.

"Whoops. Bad horse." Said Gates, and Elliot could tell he was grinning.

Elliot came up to him, panting from the chase and Gates shook his head. Gates pulled his horse backwards, forcing it to stay away from Jake. As Elliot stepped over towards the moaning Telluride he said quietly, "Doesn't feel so good does it? What you did to my partner." Jake immediately stopped writhing on the ground and looked up at him, his hand trembling as he raised it. Elliot saw that it was coated with blood. Olivia's blood. "She did not deserve what you did to her." Elliot hissed. Jake held his gaze.

"Yes she did. Little bitch. But I didn't want her to die." Jake said, and Elliot paused a few steps away, his senses immediately warning him of imminent danger. However he ignored it and his icy blue gaze radiating fury as Jake smiled.

"Well you made a pretty good impression of wanting her dead."

"Oh no. I wanted her to live to know that the one person she loved was dead." Jake spat, and he suddenly came out of fetal position, producing a 9 millimeter. The shot rang loudly, and the last thing Elliot remembered was a horse's scream as the world went dark.

William Gates was having quite the time trying to restrain his horse. For some reason it just wouldn't settle down. He watched with a gnawing feeling in his gut as Elliot talked to Jake. His horse reared and shrieked loudly as the gun rang out. Elliot fell backwards, hitting the ground heavily. William quickly leapt off his horse and tackled Jake, handcuffing him and giving him a good kick to help him to his feet. Jake fought, violently flailing his arms and legs. Suddenly William saw a dark blur come swinging towards him and felt air rush by his face. Jake immediately went silent as the horses head collided with his own and Gates let go of him, leaving him sprawled motionless on the pavement. The big black horse stood, looking affectionately at his master. Gates smiled slightly and then turned. He sprinted over to Elliot, going down on his knees. "Detective!"

It was getting close to midnight, but Maureen didn't want to leave the hospital until her dad called with news on Olivia, just in case she was brought here. She was chatting with Dr. Swanson, both of them rather disconnected as they thought about the events of the day. Suddenly Maureen's phone rang. "Thank god!" she exclaimed, then picked it up.

"Hey Maureen. It's Fin. I just wanted to let you know we have Olivia and she will be there in a few minutes."

"Oh thank god! Is she okay? Where's my dad?"

"We don't know. She is unconscious right now, but she's a fighter. Your dad is over with the mounted police. They are trying to catch the guy who did this to her."

As she hung up Dr. Swanson asked, "Who was it?"

"One of my dad's partners. They found her, and she is going to be getting here in a few minutes."

"Good. Do me a favor and tell the desk that I will take her immediately upon arrival, and not to assign anyone else." Dr. Swanson said, hurrying off to go get ready for the OR.

Fin hung up the phone and sighed. Munch walked over and asked, "How was she?"

"The paramedics didn't say anything, but-" Fin was cut off by a gunshot ringing out. Munch whipped around and started sprinting off. Fin ran after, pulling his gun free of the holster.

They came around the back side of the building, finding an officer kneeling beside someone lying on the ground.

"Elliot!" yelled Munch and Fin stared.

William turned around and said, "It's alright. Bullet hit the vest. He just got knocked out." He gave Elliot a shake and then gave up. He then whistled, and his horse came trotting over, not exactly avoiding stepping all over Telluride. Fin and Munch stared at the horse who came as faithfully as a dog.

"Whoa. That's probably the weirdest thing I have ever seen." Munch muttered. William heard and laughed.

"We train our horses well. Watch this." Gates gave the horse a tap on the back of its elbow and it obediently dropped to its knees. William then pulled Elliot over its back and then gave a pull on the horses bridle. It stood, Elliot laying flopped on his stomach out cold across its back. Gates put one hand on Elliot's leg to steady him and with the other began leading the horse away. "Why don't you two pick up Jake over there? You will probably have to drag him, my horse knocked him out."

Munch and Fin ambled over to where Jake lay. As they hauled him to his feet Fin told Munch, "Remind me to never get in the way of the Mounted Police." Munch nodded, feeling exactly the same way.

Elliot heard a lot of talking. He opened his eyes, finding William, Fin, Munch, and Cragen all staring at him as a paramedic checked him over. "He's awake! Dear God Elliot, you gave us quite the scare!" exclaimed Cragen, and Elliot grinned.

"Sorry Cap. I am fine though. My chest and heads a little sore, but I am not dead." He said, gingerly rubbing his ribcage.

"Well if you feel up to it, Olivia just arrived at the ER and you can go see her. They are prepping her for surgery right now." Cragen said, and Elliot immediately stood. His vision swam slightly, but he ignored it. Cragen however, put out his hand and said, "I'll drive you."

The hours ticked by. Elliot sat with his head in his hands in the waiting room of the hospital. Finally a nurse walked over to him. "You are Miss Benson's partner right?" Elliot nodded and jumped to his feet. "Well you can see her now. She just woke up from anesthesia and is doing well. First thing she asked was to see you. Dr. Swanson will be in momentarily to talk with you two." The nurse said with a smile. She led him down the hall and opened a door. "There you are, detective."

Elliot looked in and found Olivia to be asleep again, an IV in her arm and draped in blankets. He slowly walked over and leaned over, giving her a kiss on the forehead. Olivia didn't stir and so he walked over to a chair.

"Detective?" Elliot turned and saw Doctor Swanson standing in the doorway. "You are listed as her next of kin, so I was wondering if I could talk to you."

"Sure." Elliot said, walking over to the doctor.

"Well, I pretty much reconstructed her knee joint during the surgery. She will need some intense physical therapy and crutches for two to three months, but she ought to make a full recovery. She also had two fractured ribs, and so I have done what I can for those, but they will just take time to heal. And she had a severe concussion, but that should be better within a couple days. So overall, she sustained some severe injuries, but I think she will be just fine." Doctor Swanson explained, and Elliot sighed in relief, but then remembered something.

"The rape kit?"

"Negative. It appears he wasn't able to get that far."

Elliot could have jumped for joy. If that bastard had raped her… he felt his fists clench. Doctor Swanson's voice stirred him out of his reverie.

"You are extraordinarily lucky you found her. She wouldn't have made it overnight. She was starting to get hypothermia and she had lost enough blood that she probably would have gone into a sleep and never woken up." He said, then looked over at Olivia. "She's a sweetheart, really. I have seen her in here with so many victims that I knew I had to take her case, I felt it was the only way I could say thanks."

Elliot looked up at the doctor, who was a bit teary eyed. "Perhaps you remember a girl about eight… it happened a few years back, but she was raped and beaten and it was Detective Benson that brought her in. She saved her life, found her in central park when she was jogging."

"Oh, I remember her! She was a beautiful little girl, sweet as could be." Elliot exclaimed, looking over at the doctor.

"Yes. She was. You see, she was my daughter."

Elliot stared briefly and then said, "Oh. I am so sorry."

"Don't be. Olivia gave her and I back a few years together."

"A few years? Where is she now?"

"Rachel had leukemia. She died three months ago." Doctor Swanson said, and then walked over to Olivia. "I will wake her up. She needs to stay up for a while after the anesthesia." Elliot walked over and stood slightly behind him. "Wake up, Miss Benson. Come on now, someone wants to see you." Doctor Swanson said, giving her some gentle shakes.

Olivia slowly opened her eyes. She looked right over at Elliot and a smile came across her face. He grinned back, her smile always made him feel wonderful, but tonight it was simply amazing.

"Alright, well I will leave you two. I will see you in the morning, Detective." Doctor Swanson said to Olivia, patting her hand.

She smiled back and watched as he walked out, shutting the door behind him. "El…" Olivia said quietly, sitting up slightly. Elliot hurried to her side and gently eased her back down.

"Get some rest, Liv."

"So you saved my life. I guess were even." Olivia said with a smile. Elliot just squeezed her hand gently. She looked at him and then a sad look came over her face. "I never want to lose you."

"You won't." Elliot told her firmly.

Olivia just sighed and asked, "Do you want to know the reason I didn't break up with Jake after he started hitting me?" Elliot looked up at her. "He told me he would get me fired, and I couldn't live with that."

"Liv! Your well being is so much more important than your career!" Elliot exclaimed.

"Yes. But you see it wasn't just my job. It was you. I couldn't bear the thought of never working with you again. I knew that if I got fired I would never have an excuse to talk to you again, because you have a wife and kids." Olivia said, and a tear fell slowly down her cheek.

"Liv… you should have told me. We could have told Cragen that whatever crap he was making up to get you fired was false, and even if he hadn't believed it, I wouldn't have stopped talking to you just because of the job. And Liv, I had a wife, I don't anymore." Elliot told her, brushing a hair away from her cheek, then he added, "You are my best friend. I was so unfocused this past month… I am furious that I didn't try to find out what was wrong earlier."

"I was talking to Alex the day after 9/11 and I told her how I was so hopelessly in love with you, and she told me that when the time came, you would feel the same way." Olivia said suddenly, finally telling Elliot something she had held in for years. There was no surprise on his face, only joy.

"When the time comes? Olivia, I have loved you since the first day I met you- the time has already come." Elliot responded, stroking her cheek. Olivia smiled a smile filled with radiance and ecstasy unparalleled in her life. He leaned forward and pressed his lips to hers. She put her arms around his neck and fell into blissful contentment.

Olivia woke up the next morning very late, the sun was pouring in through the blinds and the hustle and bustle of the hospital surrounded her. She sat up slowly, her ribs giving her a bit of trouble. Glancing over at the clock she saw that it was nearly noon. Elliot was asleep in a chair next to her bed. "El!" Olivia whispered, reaching over and tapping his shoulder. He jumped awake.

"Liv! How are you feeling?" he questioned, kissing her forehead gently.

"Never better." She said happily, and then looked up as the door opened. Doctor Swanson walked in and saw her awake, the light back in her beautiful brown eyes.

"Good morning! How are you feeling?" he asked, stepping over next to her.

"Good. A little sore." She said, shifting slightly.

"Yes, well I want you to rest a couple days in here, but as soon as you start physical therapy you can go home. Of course you will have to come back 4 times a week, but at least you won't have to spend months here." Doctor Swanson said. "Tomorrow I want you to get up and moving a little bit, alright? But not today. However, I found something that might interest you both."

He reached inside his jacket and pulled out a paper, handing it to Olivia. She took it and her eyes widened. "El!" He came up beside her and saw that it was the picture taken of him as he had stepped outside the warehouse. Olivia's head was leaning against his chest and his arms were clasped around her tightly.

"So this is the second time you two have graced the cover of the paper. Come on now, it has to be a sign." Smiled Doctor Swanson.

"Of what?" questioned Olivia.

"I think you both know." Doctor Swanson said evasively as he turned and stepped out of the room.

Elliot stayed with her throughout her three day residence, leaving only a couple times briefly. On the second day he left to go get some coffee and Olivia was quite bored sitting around, so she sat up and swung her legs over the side of the bed. The nurses had let her change into scrubs instead of a hospital gown, something she was very thankful for. Olivia glanced around, as she was fairly certain she wasn't supposed to walk on her own. When she saw no one she quickly wiggled off the edge of the bed and stood. Her knee took the weight hesitantly at first, but after a moment she stood quite well. And of course, just at that moment a nurse was walking by. She gave Olivia a smile and then did a double take and raced into the room. "Miss Benson, you are not supposed to be standing! Now you get back into bed." She scolded gently, and so Olivia sighed and sat back down. Then she looked up hopefully.

"Can I sit on the edge of the bed?"

The nurse looked at her suspiciously, but nodded. "Oh course honey. Just don't go sneaking off. I am sure your boyfriend will be back momentarily." Olivia blushed, but didn't say anything. The nurse smiled and said, "Well, I will be back in a few minutes. It's about time to change your bandage." Olivia winced and watched as the nurse walked out. However, almost immediately she popped her head back into the door. "Hey, do you want to see your visitor?"

"What visitor?" Olivia asked curiously.

"She says she's a family member." The nurse answered.

"Sure… bring her up. Though I don't have any family." Olivia added, almost to herself. The nurse then nodded and walked off. Olivia was swinging her good leg back and forth curiously, and then took the opportunity to get up again. She was determined to be able to at least make it to the sink and mirror to see how horrid she looked. Her knee wasn't appreciating it and pain shot up through her leg. Sighing she turned back, deciding she had better not do anymore damage to it. Abruptly her knee gave up the fight and she fell.

Suddenly a pair of hand grasped her from behind and saved her from colliding with the floor, hauling her back to her feet.

"Are you okay?" questioned a soft voice. Olivia turned and froze.

"Hi Kathy. What are you doing here?" Olivia questioned, stunned.

Kathy blushed and helped her sit down on the edge of the bed again. Then she eased herself into a chair beside her. "I just wanted to see how you were doing… I saw the story on the news… it's really horrible what happened to you."

"Well, you know it comes with the job. Plus, I haven't had the best taste in boyfriends in the past, so honestly it doesn't surprise me." Olivia said, running a hand gently over her knee.

"Oh. Well, anyway, I hope you feel better soon." Kathy said, "I will let you go though, I don't want to keep you. I am sure you have family that want to see you."

"Not really. You can stay if you want." Olivia said softly.

Kathy looked up at her and questioned, "Surely you have some family."

"Well… you know about my father, so I don't really have anyone on that side… and then my mother died a few years ago, she was an only child and her parents died when she was in high school." Olivia said, "And so you see, that pretty much takes care of my family tree. Non existent."

"I am so sorry." Kathy said, turning bright red.

"Don't worry about it! But I am sure that you came to tell me something."

"Yes, I did." Kathy answered, getting up and pacing around the room. "I…"

She was cut off my the nurse bustling back in with bandage changes. "I can talk to you later." Kathy said quickly, but Olivia shook her head.

"This doesn't take long." She said as the nurse pulled up the pant leg over her knee. Kathy, being a nurse, was quite used to this type of thing and watched as the other nurse slowly unwrapped the ACE bandage and then worked on the dressing. Olivia flinched as the final bandage came off, revealing a very unattractive set of stitches and lacerations all across her knee. Kathy then realized she felt sorry for Olivia, something she had never, ever felt before. The nurse went about her job quickly, and finished off by pulling Olivia's pant leg back down and snapping the weird looking brace back over it. "Anyways…" said Olivia, biting her lip against the burning pain in her knee as the nurse walked out.

"Oh… well I just wanted to ask you if you and Elliot… ever had an affair." Kathy asked point blank.

Olivia couldn't say she was particularly stunned by the question and so answered, "No. It started to get out of hand once, a few years back, but it never got any farther than one kiss. You know Elliot wouldn't have an affair."

Kathy smiled sadly, "Yes I know. But I wish he would have."

"What? You wanted Elliot to have an affair?"

"Well not exactly. It just would have made me feel less guilty right now." Kathy said, and then lay her hands across her stomach.

Olivia looked closely and then it sunk in. "You were having an affair."

"And now I am pregnant."