Disclaimer: I don't own Fringe.

####

It was dark by the time Astrid pulled up outside Harvard in her regular parking spot. Olivia stirred as Peter gently eased her out of the car and back into his arms. For a moment she did not recognise her surroundings and panicked, visibly stiffening in Peter's hold. He noticed her fear and hugged her closer.

"Hey Olivia," he whispered to her, "you're home now. Everything is going to be okay." His voice seemed to soothe her and she relaxed, resting her head against Peter's shoulder.

Once inside, Astrid quickly cleared one of the examination tables and Peter lay Olivia down on the cold surface. Walter was ready with a mild sedative, which enabled Olivia to drift in and out of consciousness while Astrid cut open her trouser leg to expose the wound and then got to work with Walter in treating it. Peter hovered nearby, alternating between holding Olivia's hand and fetching supplies for his father. By the time the sedative wore off, Olivia's leg was bandaged once more and Peter had found her old walking stick, which had been abandoned in the corner of her office. Olivia lowered herself to the ground and tested her injured leg.

"Much improved," she smiled at Astrid and Walter.

Walter could no longer restrain himself and with a whoop of joy launched himself at Olivia, wrapping his arms around her. She looked startled at first, but then returned the hug, affectionately patting his back. Walter held on for a long time, but when he finally let go, there were tears in his eyes.

"I'm glad you are back, agent Dunham." He said, still holding onto her shoulders.

"I'm glad to be back, Walter." She smiled in response.

Walter finally stepped back to make room for Astrid. The two agents looked at each other smiling, and then met in a warm hug. In the background Gene mooed as if to remind everyone that she lived in the lab too. Letting go of the younger agent, Olivia looked in the direction of the cow and let out a small laugh.

"Do I get a hug too?"

Peter smiled at Olivia, whose smile faltered as she turned and lifted her eyes to meet his. As the sorrow and the need shining from her eyes hit him, he realised that this was the first time she had looked at him since her return. His smile disappeared as he wondered what was going through her head and what he was supposed to do next. Olivia, however, resolved at least one of his questions when she turned back to Astrid.

"Hey Astrid, would you mind having Walter stay with you tonight?" Olivia asked the younger agent. "I need some time with Peter."

"Sure, I'm sure Walter wouldn't mind that." Astrid frowned at the sadness in Olivia's eyes.

"Thanks," she forced a small smile, "also, could I borrow your Bureau issued credit card? I need to buy a few things, but I don't have any money that is valid currency in this universe." She glanced around the lab, looking at little lost.

"Of course," Astrid said, reaching for her purse, "keep it as long as you need."

Olivia slipped the card in the pocket of her trousers, giving the younger agent a grateful smile. Then she took a better grip of her cane and started making her way to the door. Peter gave Walter and Astrid a puzzled glance and then followed her out.