It had been three days since Amanda asked Olivia not to give up on her. Both expected for work and everything in between to be incredibly awkward until they got a chance to clear the air. Surprisingly, things weren't so bad. In large part, due to a break in the Kelsey Jamison case they'd been working all week. The 1-6 was busy and there was barely a spare moment to relax, let alone anything else. Nick hadn't even had the opportunity to bring up what he'd overheard that night. Something Olivia was grateful for but knew needed to be discussed soon. Although she knew he wasn't the gossip type, she'd feel better after they spoke.

Olivia and Amanda had been in contact with each other outside of work but not much. Neither really knew what to say to the other. So, they kept it light and brief. More like check-ins, not really in depth talking. Things were delicate but Amanda hated the state they were in. She didn't want the distance to keep lingering on the way it had been. By Thursday night, she'd had enough and decided to text more than a check-in message.

"Hey, you busy?"

"Hey. No, I'm not. Just got back from the gym. What's up? You ok?"

"Nothing. And yeah, I'm fine. I was just sitting here thinking. Haven't really seen much of you outside of work since…"

Olivia stared at the text. She knew exactly since when and it had been intentional. The brunette just needed time to process her own feelings for a few days. It wasn't like was out right rejected but it was close enough that she needed a breather. A step back to get her hurt and anger under control because she almost lost it the other night. Her phone dinged again, with another text.

"I don't like not seeing you."

Olivia sighed, she couldn't deny her agreeance with that statement. "Neither do I."

"Go out with me tomorrow. I don't care where. I just…go out with me?"

"Yes, I'll go out with you."

Amanda was so relieved. Her breathing was audible, after holding her breath waiting on the incoming message. "Great, can't wait. I've missed you. We'll figure out the deets tomorrow. Have a good night..."

"Ok. You too, Amanda."

The next morning, the blonde was actually looking forward to work. Anxious even. The week had been a very trying and tiring one. However, her energy level raised, just at the thought of later that night. Olivia was cautiously optimistic about their upcoming date. She didn't want to go in with too many high expectations, just in case things took an unpleasant turn. Which seemed to be the norm as of late. She pushed all of that aside and got ready for her session with Huang, before work.

"Good morning, Detective."

"Good morning."

"We're getting down to our last couple of sessions."

"I know, I know. It's almost over."

"Yes, it is. How do you feel about that?"

"Well…I'm not going to lie. When we first started, way back, when you were first prepping us to go undercover. I hated everything about this entire process. But now, I can't imagine getting through the last few weeks without this outlet. Without you. Thank you, George."

"I'm just doing my job, willing to help in any way I can."

"Oh, you've gone above and beyond, you know it. You allow me to talk your head off about my girlfr—" she paused for a second to re word her statement. "You let me talk about Amanda, a lot. Nothing to do with 'my trauma'. So, I'm saying thank you."

"You're welcome, Olivia." Huang noticed the way she stopped herself abruptly. He was intrigued, "Speaking of Detective Rollins—"

"Nope. No. I'm not talking about her today."

"Why? Did something happen?"

The brunette uncharacteristically scoffed at the question and mumbled, "Yeah. What always happens."

"Liv? What's going on?"

She sighed heavily as she debated whether or not to get into everything. "I don't know where to begin…"

"Just say whatever's on your mind. It's clear that something's bothering you."

"Everything's so…hard. It's much harder than I thought."

"How so?"

"It's like we take a huge step forward and like twenty back. We can't get on the same page. I thought we'd finally reached a place of understanding but she shut me out, again. It's starting to take a toll on me. Between the assault, injuries, our feelings, her drinking, it's a lot. Then to top it off, it's like she doesn't even realize that I'm having a hard freakin' time with all of this too!" The frustrated detective ran a hand through her hair.

Huang listened to the stressed woman and gave her a minute to get it together. A few things stuck out during her mini-rant that needed to be addressed, after she calmed down. "Drinking?"

"What?" She was so worked up and unaware of what he was referring to.

"You said 'her drinking', what did you mean by that?"

Shit. "Nothing." Change the subject. "I told her that I'm trying to love her but she won't let me and she freaked. She basically rejected me and things haven't been the same since."

"Well, that's a lot. Have you two talked about it?"

Whew. "Uhm, no not really. I kind of lost it at the time and stormed out. We've been kind of distant since then but she asked me out tonight. So, we might talk about things then but I don't know if I want to."

"Are you having second thoughts about your feelings?"

"No, it's not that. I guess it's just…" Olivia waved her hand in the air, searching for the words.

"You're hurt." The detective sighed in agreeance as the doctor continued. "It makes sense. That was a huge step for you. I know that it couldn't have been easy."

"No, it wasn't."

"Are you concerned that the feelings aren't mutual?"

The detective pondered that thought for a moment. "No. I know what we've shared and there's something there. We've both felt it. She's just— I don't know. Maybe it's the timing. I don't know what to do."

"Nothing. You put yourself out there and she knows how you feel. Now, this is the part where you wait. There's nothing left to do."

"Ok. Just wait... How long?"

"Until you feel like the waiting is in vain."

Liv absorbed the wise doctor's words. Agreeing with his advice. She left Huang's office with some clarity, headed to work. She hated to admit it but her sessions with the doc were very helpful. Being able to vent was nice. Especially given the fact that she didn't have anyone to confide in. The closest person to her now was Amanda. Needless to say, she couldn't vent about her to her. Olivia arrived at the precinct a little after one.

"Liv? Hey," the detective pocketed her phone. "I was just about to call you."

"Hey, no need. I'm here. What's up?"

"Nothing. I was worried. It's unlike you to not show up or be so late."

"I had an appointment."

"Oh. An appointment? You didn't mention it. Normally you would…"

"Yeah, must have slipped my mind." Olivia avoided eye contact after her less than honest statement.

Amanda wasn't buying it but didn't have a leg to stand on, to push the issue. Especially after all of her recent mishaps. "Oh, ok. Let me catch you up on the case."

Rollins filled the senior detective in on the new details of their recent case. Filling her in on Cragen's orders. The squad room was practically empty for most of the day. The rest of the 1-6, were out in the field. Dishing out warrants and picking up perps. The unusual quietness in the room didn't last long. The room irrupted in chaos. When the detectives, along with some unlucky suspects burst through the doors.

The work day was finally winding down and everyone was grateful for that fact. The day had been tiring. Thankfully, it was Friday and that put everyone in a better mood. Everybody was getting ready to leave for the weekend. The anticipation of the night had Amanda in an eager mood, ready for the night. She was heading over to Olivia's desk to confirm plans when her other partner, joined them before she could get a word out.

"Aye, Munch is getting everyone together. We're going to Mulligan's. Y'all down, right?"

Rollins was about to vehemently decline before Liv spoke first. "Special occasion?"

"You never know with Munch. He's being tight lipped about it but I can tell he's up to something."

The brunette looked at the other woman briefly before answering Fin. "We'll be there. What time?"

"Now. Come on, let's roll."

Amanda saw Olivia about to speak up again but she beat her to the punch. "Give us a sec. Will ya, Fin?"

"You got it but I'm telling Munch you're coming. See you at Mulligan's."

The blonde waited for Fin to get out of earshot before she spoke. "Uh, did you forget about tonight?"

"Of course not. We don't have to stay long."

"Ok…"

Olivia could tell that Amanda was less than thrilled with their slight change of plans. However, Liv had ulterior motives. She wanted to get a chance to speak with Nick. The conversation needed to happen, soon and she wanted it off her plate before the date. "We don't want the guys thinking that all of the recent attention has gone to our heads and we can't be bothered to have a drink with them." The other detective nodded in agreeance. "Afterwards, it'll be us and only us."

That put a small smile on Amanda's face. They gathered their things, ready to leave for the day. The detectives were walking toward the exit when Rollins chimed in. "For the record. We are kind of better than them, though."

Olivia laughed at the joke as they walked to Mulligan's. She looked over at the blonde. Who was more than pleased that she'd put a smile on her partner's face. Things had been semi awkward ever since that night and it felt good to be at ease, laughing together again. Regardless of their recent issues, that took a back seat to their undeniable connection. The ladies arrived at their destination in good spirits.

"Here they are now, ladies!" exclaimed Munch as he ushered the women over to a vaguely familiar section. "I know you probably don't remember much since the last time you were here. Given the fact that you were three sheets to the wind." The finger and laughter followed that statement. "However, tonight is a special occasion." The mischievous Sergeant held up a newspaper, causing the small group to go up in cheers. The article, they were interview for, had made it to print.

"That's what's up. Congrats," chimed in Fin.

"And look at this photo yowzah," continued Munch, followed by more whistles and cheers. Olivia put a hand over her face and dropped her head.

"Alright, alright," said Rollins while gesturing with her hands for the rowdy detectives to calm down.

"Hey, listen up!" exclaimed Nick as he got everyone's attention. "I want to make a quick toast." He passed around shots to the small group including the newbies. "Being under isn't for the faint of heart—"

"Say that shit," expressively agreed Fin."

"In the end, you got the job done. Welcome back. To Olivia and Amanda, cheers."

"Here, here!" Everyone threw back their shooters. Munch piped up again, "Ahh sweet, sweet memories of HairGate2012."

"Oh, God. Please don't bring that night back up," pleaded Olivia. Her statement was followed by laughter from those who were there for the showdown.

"HairGate2012?" inquired Wright.

"Before your time rookie but it was the best night. Liv may not agree. She lost a lot that night. The bet, her hair, her pride, dign—"

"Ok," interrupted Olivia. "That's enough out of you."

"Let the man speak, Liv" teased the more than amused blonde. "I mean, he isn't wrong…"

"Hey, lay off my partner," intervened Nick.

"Thank you, Nick."

"He's right though," that statement earned him an elbow to the side.

"Enough reminiscing for the night. Freakin' HairGate," mumbled the brunette under her breath. "Now, I would like to make a toast." She signaled the bartender for more shots. Once everyone had a drink in hand, she resumed with her speech. "I want to thank you all for the warm welcome back. Yes, even you Munch." Laughter rang out after the quip. "All jokes aside, I was worried that you guys would treat me differently after everything. Rest assured, you're still the same annoying bastards as before." More laughter. "And that means everything to me. So, thank you. Cheers."

"Cheers!" echoed the detectives.

After the shots were thrown back, Amanda caught Olivia's eye. Sending a grateful look, even though she protested attending the outing earlier. She saw and realized why her partner insisted on attending. The squad was like a family. A weird, annoying one but family nonetheless. After the semi-sappy love fest, everyone let loose and had some fun. Alcohol and beers flowed. Even the rookies were relaxed and enjoying themselves. It was the first time that Wright and DeLuca had interacted with the other detectives outside of work.

It felt good to be back in the company of their peers. No matter how much they'd tease them. Even though the joking occurred, it never crossed the line. Regardless of some curious questions they might have about the ladies' and their ordeal. Everyone respected that boundary and both women were grateful. The guys just let them jump back into work, without too much hovering. Olivia was laughing at one of Munch's inappropriate jokes when she noticed Nick at the bar alone, ordering more drinks. She grabbed her glass and headed over to him.

"Hey…"

"Liv, hey. Having fun?"

"Yeah, I am." She looked back at the table. "Everyone seems to be in a good mood, even Wright. Didn't think that was possible." Nick chuckled at that statement. She took a sip from her glass before she spoke again. "So, we haven't gotten a chance to talk…"

"I haven't said anything and I won't. You know that."

"Yeah, I do. But I wasn't talking about that. I want to know how you are holding up, after Maria filed—"

"I'm good. You know, it's for the best."

"Nick—"

"Liv. I'm good. Drop it."

She stared at him for a second before honoring his request. "Ok." Amaro drained a shot. Olivia knew that he was anything but fine. Without prying, she reassured her broken friend. "I'm here, Nick." He finally looked over at her and she met his gaze. "I'm here, whenever—"

"Hey, Munch sent me over to see what was taking so long," interrupted Amanda. Unaware that the partners were having a moment.

Nick scoffed and threw back another shot. "Right." He directed that at Olivia. As he headed back to the table with a pitcher of beer and glasses.

"Ugh, he's such an asshole."

"Heeey, no he's not. Don't say that."

"Oh, I'm sorry. He's just an asshole to everyone but you. I stand corrected."

Olivia was about to protest again but saw the smirk on Amanda's face. Knowing that even though she probably meant her words, the blonde was just trying to get a rise out of her. She didn't give her the satisfaction. "Whatever."

Amanda chuckled. After her laughter ceased, a sincere expression graced her face. "Just to your right there," Rollins nodded her head in the direction. "You were sitting on that stool when things changed for me. I saw you for the first time. Not Detective Benson, you. You probably don't remember because…well you were shitfaced."

"Shut it, don't remind me."

"Anyways, you looked at me and said 'I don't know what's going to happen but I've got you'. It was so simple but it meant everything to me."

"I remember that… and I still mean it." Olivia locked her eyes on the other woman.

"I'm sorry for how I've treated you lately."

"It's ok—"

"No, it's not. I let my personal, insecure, bs get the best of me and I'm sorry." The brunette didn't protest this time, she simply nodded. "I suck at it but I'm trying to love you too. And no, I'm not drunk." Amanda made sure their eyes were locked, so that Liv would know how serious she was. "You're the best thing in my life, Olivia."

Olivia's eyes were misty as she took in Amanda's words. She felt the sincerity and honesty behind them. The words reassured and emboldened her. "Let's get out of here…"

Thanks for reading! Candi711, advice taken!

Nick ended up busting up a huge pedophile ring. Amanda doesn't want to go out to celebrate. Liv insists. Drunken fun ensues.