Well you continued to chapter 2, so thank you! This chapter is fairly short, but luckily for you, I am uploading four chapters at once, so you will have plenty to read. Enjoy!
Chapter 2
Saskatoon International Airport: Sunday, July 24, 10:45 a.m.
The squad exited the airport with luggage in tow. They were met by a casual looking man holding a sign that read 'NYPD - SVU'. Cragen approached the man with an outstretched hand.
"Hello, Captain Donald Cragen, and this," he gestured to the group behind him, "is SVU."
"Great to meet you all! I'm Kyle, I'll be your team's go to for the next four days." Kyle said with too much cheer for the tired group. "I hope you have all had a good stretch, we still have quite a ride ahead of us." Kyle motioned for them to bring their luggage around to the back of a large black passenger van. The detectives moved their luggage around to the back of the van and then found a seat.
"All right," Kyle clapped his hands jumping in the driver's seat, "We've got a three-and-a-half-hour drive ahead of us, so our first stop in your Canadian experience is the famous Tim Hortons!"
"Ahh yes! Canada's Dunkin Donuts." Munch quipped.
"But better!" Kyle smiled.
With full coffee cups and full stomachs, the van pulled out of the city and set off for their final destination, Pelican Point on the Northern Tobin Lake.
"Hmm, even though their movies suck, Canada knows how to do one thing right!" Fin stated.
"Hockey?" Kyle smirked.
"Oh no," Fin said, "I was going to compliment your coffee, but that comment has ruined the moment."
Kyle chuckled, turning his conversation to Cragen, who had taken the passenger's seat. Fin had taken the long bench seat in the first row, and Munch had taken the one behind his. Elliot sat in the far back on a three-seat bench, with Olivia, who was sitting sideways against the van's window with her legs crossed under her.
"Different than home?" Kyle said, catching the detectives staring out at the scenery. The bright yellow fields stretched for miles before meeting up with the blue sky. Rows of crops planted evenly jetted by, interrupted by the occasional farm yard or cattle herd.
"We have fields back home." Munch said matter of factly.
"When was the last time you saw a field Munch?" Olivia laughed.
"I've seen one. Not often... but I was just saying that we have fields back home. Nothing special about them."
"You worried you're going to like Canada too much John?" Fin quipped.
Munch rolled his eyes and turned his attention to the novel in his hand.
The team had settled into the drive by the time the half-way point had been pointed out. Cragen continued to converse with Kyle, Munch bothered Fin, and Elliot watched the scenery roll by. It was changing slowly as they continued into Northern Saskatchewan. The trees became thicker and more frequent. Tall pine and Evergreens lined the highways in between fields of canola and oats. His hands unconsciously rubbed the socked feet of Olivia who had since curled her sweatshirt up behind her head and stretched her legs across the seat into his lap. She had watched him taking in the view, seemingly at peace, but she could see his mind working hard, though she wasn't sure at what. She had just slid her eyes shut when she felt his hand on the tops of her shins, gently kneading and massaging before moving down to her feet. Her eyes slid open again to see Elliot still staring out the window. She debated pulling her legs back to her to be cautious of the boundaries they had set long ago, but the innocence of his actions, along with the tension release in her muscles, allowed her to close her eyes again and drift off with the sway of the vehicle.
Olivia woke later, the vehicle still in motion, but the road increasingly rough. Elliot's hands lay still on her shins. He had fallen asleep, his snoring soft against the hum of the van. A large pothole in the asphalt caused the van to jump quickly, waking Elliot from his slumber. He took a quick look around, his eyes meeting Olivia's, and then glancing down to his hands. He smiled, giving her shins another squeeze, and saw Olivia smile in return. The road's rough surface forced Olivia to readjust to save her back. She moved her feet off of Elliot's lap and returned them to the floor, sliding her boots back on.
"Sorry guys!" Kyle called, "the highway gets pretty rough until we hit the grids."
"Grids?" Cragen asked.
"Yeah. Grid roads. Like dirt and gravel." Kyle explained.
"And how much longer is our adventure?" Munch sighed.
"We'll be there in 15 minutes. Fun Fact, this tree line just ahead, is the beginning of the Boreal Forest's edge here in Saskatchewan." Kyle explained.
As the road transitioned to gravel, the team peered out their windows taking in the tall pine and birch trees lining the dirt road. Several small white tailed deer stood along the tree line, snacking on the grasses growing in the ditch.
"This area is absolutely beautiful all year round" Kyle's voice was full of cheer, "we are lucky enough to see deer, moose, bear, and elk enjoying the shelter of the Boreal. And then there are the incredible animals you might be fortunate enough to see enjoying the fresh water of the lake." As Kyle finished his sentence he gestured out to the right of the vehicle. The trees began to clear and opened up to an immaculate view of a bright blue lake. The road wound up a hill, giving the detectives a panoramic view of the lake, which was surrounded by the same tall pine and birch they had seen on the way in. Tall sand hills lay along the shoreline across the lake, and the detectives could see boats and other small water vehicles enjoying the sunny day.
The van followed the road back into the trees. Quickly, a large log building appeared amongst the trees. The detectives filed out of the van after it had pulled under the Porte-cochere. The entire front exterior was constructed of large stained logs, only breaking for the many large windows overlooking the hotel's driveway. As the detectives grabbed their luggage, they made their way into the lobby of the hotel, gasping in awe at the view that greeted them. Across from the main doors stood a wall, three stories tall, made of windows that provided an exquisite view of the hotel's garden area and the gorgeous lake in the background.
Elliot stretched his neck and looked over to his partner. The sun flowing in through the windows hit her bronzed skin and shimmered against her brunette braid. She was slightly disheveled from the trip, but the smile on her face showed nothing but delight. She stood still in the middle of the lobby, taking in the scene before her. Elliot walked to her side and whispered towards her, "Beautiful."
"It's incredible!" She said, turning her gaze towards him noticing a curious tone to his comment. He smiled at the shy smirk crossing her face, before joining his Captain at the reception desk.
"You know Elliot, had I known you were giving massages during the trip, I would have fought Olivia for that backseat." John said a little too loud.
Elliot swallowed, looking back at Olivia, nervous for her reaction.
"Well, then we would have finally confirmed what we already know." Olivia smirked.
"And what is that?" John asked.
"That Liv could kick your ass with her eyes closed." Fun chuckled.
"The love I feel from my team." John said looking to Cragen.
"Oh John," Olivia said softly, moving closer and putting her hand on his chest, "you know you're my true love, I'll make sure you get your massage!"
John chuckled shaking his head.
The detectives were assigned rooms next to each other and across the hall. The NYPD had splurged for single rooms on the third floor. Olivia was awestruck again as she opened the door to her room. The room's decor was warm and inviting, giving off a cabin comfort feel. There was a large bathroom with a shower and jet tub to her immediate right. She made a mental note to test out the Jacuzzi soon. Straight ahead, in the main area, a queen size bed, with a fluffy white duvet and big pillows begged to be laid in. A television sat on a dresser across from the bed. Beside the bed sat a mini fridge, a lounge chair and a small love seat that faced out an enormous window. The window provided the most incredible view of the whole lake, high above the trees. Olivia set her luggage down by the door and walked over to the inviting bed. She toed off her Blundstones and crawled on top of the white duvet. She felt the bed conform to her body and threaten to throw her into a deep sleep.
She rolled onto her side and looked out at the lake. She took out her phone to take a picture, desperate to share this view with someone. She considered texting Casey or Alex, but instead locked her phone and put it down on the bed. The only person she really wanted to share this moment with was in the next room getting settled just as she was. Her heart fluttered when she heard a knock at her door. She opened the door without looking and her smile faded slightly when she saw her Captain standing where she expected Elliot. "Hey Cap, what's up?"
"Kyle just stopped by and said he'd give us a tour before dinner. He asked us to meet him in the lobby in 20 minutes. Is that okay with you?"
"Sounds good. I'll see you in a bit. "Olivia closed the door as her Captain departed and turned to the washroom to freshen up before dinner.
Elliot met his team in the lobby 15 minutes later. Munch, Fin and Don stood with Kyle discussing some of the amenities, but Elliot was on the search for only one detective. He found her staring out the large wall of windows, the sun sitting low in the sky, a golden yellow streaming through the glass. He stood beside her, softly brushing his shoulder against hers.
"How's your view?" He asked.
"Incredible! I could stare at it for hours on end." She turned to face him, "We won't see this in New York."
"No we won't" Elliot's eyes stared deeply into hers. She smiled, searching his eyes for his thoughts. All Elliot could think about was how the golden light of the sun stained her lips and begging to be kissed. Every bit of strength he had was currently working to hold his hands at his sides.
Kyle took the team through the lobby and into the garden. They walked down the paths, passed fountains and benches. Kyle pointed out several hiking trails and showed them the beach. They had access to canoes, kayaks, and boat tours, as well as floating and lounging chairs for the beach. Back in the hotel, Kyle showed the crew the massage room- three floor to ceiling window walls, overlooking the garden, - a steam room, and the indoor mineral pool. Their tour ended in a large, dimly lit restaurant right off the hotel lobby. The restaurant matched the floor to ceiling window theme of the hotel. Parts of the restaurant looked out to the forest and the other to the lake. As they entered they could see several other teams had already began their meals in the large dining room. The detectives were led through the dining room and out a set of French doors onto a large patio overlooking some trees and the garden. The sun had begun to set and the sky took on a deep red glow.
Their supper had been perfect. They had many options, from fresh caught walleye or locally raised chicken, to elk steaks and moose burgers. Fresh garden vegetables accompanied their meals, as well as their choice of beverage. Olivia enjoyed a nice white wine with her walleye, while John, Fin and Elliot chose a red with their elk.
"A toast," Cragen raised his coffee mug, "to an incredible team of detectives. I'm aware that this is not exactly the vacation you would have planned for yourselves, but I do hope that we can each enjoy some well-deserved relaxation, and take something useful away from this experience. To SVU!"
"To SVU!" The team saluted, clinking their glasses with one another.
After dinner, the detectives retired to their rooms. Each wanted to explore the grounds further, but all were much too tired to do so tonight. As the moon settled over the lake, so did the SVU detectives in their beds.