Trying have this story stick to canon as new episodes continue. So, this chapter would take place sometime after the crossover assuming Olivia and Elliot keep rebuilding their relationship.

"How are things going with Elliot?" Her therapist asked.

Olivia couldn't help but smile. Her reaction was evidence of the progress they'd made. A year ago, Olivia probably would have grimaced and danced delicately around the question, hoping to avoid discussing him further. Now, it made her light up thinking about him.

"He kissed me."

"And how do you feel about that?"

"I feel…pretty amazing," Olivia said.

She could feel the warmth on her cheeks and she knew she probably looked like a blushing school girl, but that was how she felt these days. Ever since the whole Eli ordeal, Elliot had taken her offering of friendship very earnestly. There was the friendship coffee, friendship walks, the friendly, random drop by's after work with pastries in hand. Elliot had even charmingly sent her "friendship flowers" to her desk for Valentine's Day. That had certainly entertained the squad room. Apparently, yellow flowers were a symbol of friendship according to Elliot's attached card. They'd been taking a walk one day through Central Park and she'd been talking about her mom's birthday and how it was always a bittersweet for her. Elliot had reached for her hand to comfort her in the moment and just never let go. Olivia hadn't pulled away either. They walked like that until they got to their cars. In that moment, she knew that there was no going back for them and she didn't want to.

"In our sessions, you've defined your relationship with Elliot as a friendship and that you wanted to rebuild it. Do think that's changed now?"

"We were partners for so long, it's so easy to fall back into that comfort with him. But this time, I feel like we're on an even playing field. We both want to make this work and it's just so effortless with him. And I know he was gone for 10 years and he knows how much that affected me. He's really listened and taken ownership of his actions, with leaving and how he came back into my life. He's amazing with Noah and getting to know him. I think he's even gotten on Amanda's good side which is quite the feat. I think we're moving in the right direction."

"To a romantic relationship?"

"Yes."

"And that's what you want?"

"Yeah and that scares me sometimes."

"What scares you about that?"

"I mean what if it doesn't work out? I don't know if I could lose him again, if I can watch him walk out of my life."

"You managed to survive 10 years of silence, I think some would say it could survive anything. You've both grown and matured in that time apart. You're coming back to this person with a whole new perspective. That can be a powerful in setting yourself up for success in this new chapter of your relationships. "

"I did change in those years. I'm a captain now, a mother. I'm just not sure how he's going to react to some of the…darker parts."

"So, we're talking about Lewis?"

"Ugh, I hate that he's even a part of this conversation. I don't want this thing with Elliot to be tainted in any way by Lewis. Yet, I just can't get it out of my head that I have to have that talk with Elliot before I can really be all in. And I hate that. I hate that Lewis gets to have that."

"Olivia, William Lewis is dead. He doesn't have anything over you. You needing to talk about one of the most traumatic experiences that you had to endure in Elliot's absence isn't a sign of Lewis's power. It's your's. It's your growth. Letting Elliot know that about you, having that vulnerability with him, is what is going allow you to keep moving forward. You've said you want him to know what's happened to you. You deserve to have your feelings be heard, all of them."

"I'm just worried how he's going to react."

"Do you really think it's going to change how he feels about you? Do you think he'll love you any less?"

"No, but maybe he'd think less of me. I don't want him to see me differently."

Like a victim. Olivia adds in her head but she doesn't have the nerve to admit it aloud. She's said it a thousand times to the survivors she works with everyday. That they're not defined by their trauma. That it doesn't make them any less worthy of deserving love. But it's harder to believe it herself and put into practice. In her head, she sees Elliot's clear blue eyes piercing into her's. The clarity and sanctity that gaze holds. It hurts her heart to think about that changing.

"If Elliot told you something had happened to him, would it change how you saw him?"

"No." Olivia answered confidently.

"Then, you have your answer."

"I just don't want to set him back. He's been doing so well."

"You've been there for Elliot over this past year every moment he's needed you. At the hospital, the trial, helping him with his son. As you said, your relationship can't be a one way street. Elliot needs to support you from time to time. And you need to let him."

"I'm not sure he's ready. Maybe I'm not ready."

"There's only one way to find out if he can. Give yourselves a little credit. You've made it this far. You trust him, right?"

"With my life."

"Then, trust that he can do this with you. That you guys can handle this together."