Chapter Two – A Good Kind of Exhaustion

Olivia dropped her head and tried to pour on a little bit more speed, but it just wasn't good enough. Amanda reached the bridge before she did. A few steps later Olivia slowed to a stumbling walk and came to stand with her hands folded behind her head so it was easier to breathe.

"Dang, you're fast."

Even with all of the working out she'd managed to do she hadn't been fast enough to outpace Amanda Rollins. That shouldn't have been that surprising if she'd been honest with herself, but she didn't like to admit how much her age could play into her abilities. Regardless of how hard she worked, she couldn't run faster in her late forties than she could have when she had been in her late twenties.

"I'm also a runner. Always have been," Amanda returned.

"One that's faster than me, that's for sure."

While Olivia still felt like her chest was heaving Amanda didn't even look winded anymore. A quick glance down at Suvi revealed he looked more like she did than Amanda. They both needed a rest.

"Let's sit down and rest. Suvi needs a break."

"Works for me."

The two of them led their dogs off the path and found an open spot on the grass to sit down. Once Suvi realized that's what they were doing he flopped down and sprawled out on his side. Olivia lowered herself down and watched Suvi worriedly. His chest was still heaving, but he seemed okay. Tired, but okay. She stroked his side and saw his eye flicker over to her before his tongue lolled out of his mouth happily.

"Someone's content."

"Someone's exhausted," Olivia corrected.

"Frannie's pretty tired too."

From what Olivia could see that was true. While Frannie wasn't flat out on her side like Suvi she was still lying down and huffing a little. Olivia honestly wouldn't have minded doing the exact same thing. She wouldn't have minded a bottle of water either. Unfortunately the little bag she'd bought to keep Suvi's vest in clipped to her belt wasn't big enough to hold one.

"If I had the energy I'd get us all water, but as thirsty as I am I think the priority is on staying off my feet."

"It was a long run."

"Even so. I feel like I shouldn't be this tired."

Amanda smiled and shook her head in disbelief. She didn't see how Olivia could assume she wouldn't be tired. It had been a pretty hefty workout even for Amanda. Chances were Olivia just didn't like the reminder that she was getting older.

"With what you did I'd be surprised if you weren't. You looked real good."

"It's nice to have someone to run with every so often. Besides Suvi of course."

"That's why this works so well."

Olivia laughed softly. Meeting up in the park did work really well for them. They would either spend the outing running or use the day for their dogs. Frannie and Suvi could spend an entire afternoon playing together in the park. Once they regained some energy Olivia was pretty sure they'd be up rough housing or racing around this time too. Already Suvi was starting to stir a little bit. It wouldn't be long before he was up and ready to go.

"Have you been called in recently?"

Amanda's question drew Olivia's attention away from Suvi.

"Not recently. At least not with the department. I've gotten in more in counseling centers and hospital groups lately though."

"Yeah?"

"Mm. It's fun. These kids and women could really use a moment of happiness and peace. With Suvi's help I can actually do that."

"Best part of the job. Don't have as much of the pain either," Amanda returned.

"There's still a lot of pain, but you're right. It's not as bad."

At least doing what she was now she knew she was helping. She was no longer limited by the system either. Instead of needing to get full stories with accurate details she could simply listen to what someone wanted to share. Many times she could sit back and watch the magic happen. Just like the dogs had reached into her soul before her training began, Suvi could reach into the souls of these victims. The look of peace came over their faces rather quickly.

"From the look on your face I'd say it's better than not as bad," Amanda teased.

Olivia's eyes had been locked on Suvi for a long time. Even now there was still a tiny flicker of a smile on her face and a warm expression from pride, love, or probably both. Her eyes finally came away from Suvi and rested on Amanda.

"You win."

Amanda flashed her a smile that Olivia returned broadly. She truly enjoyed her "job" now. When she looked back down at Suvi he was gone. Almost immediately panic stabbed through her. Olivia came up on one knee and whipped around in a desperate attempt to find him. Her heart pounded wildly until her eyes settled on Suvi. He and Frannie had gotten up to play while she'd been answering Amanda.

"Breathe, Liv. He's right here," Amanda soothed.

"I know. I know…"

"I can't see him ever leavin' you. Every time he gets up he checks in on you."

Olivia nodded. That was more than true. Whenever he wasn't right by her side Suvi was always careful to keep a close eye on her and wander back to her side every now and again. She'd known that even when she hadn't been able to find him, but the panic had set in anyway. Nothing could have prevented that. Her body had simply reacted to his absence.

Both women settled their eyes onto the two dogs busy romping together in the grass. They were chasing each other around in circles and nearly jumping on top of each other. As they were playing Suvi got his front paws on top of Frannie's back. She yelped and bolted away with Suvi dashing after her. As their game of tag continued Olivia couldn't help laughing.

"I wish I regained my energy that fast still."

"Do I need to get up so you have someone to play tag with too?"

"No. Definitely not. Sitting down and watching is fine with me."

And it was. Not only was she still somewhat tired from their run she really enjoyed watching Suvi play. It was even more entertaining when he had another dog to play with. Suvi could be such a goofball.

"Good. I wasn't sure I wanted to get up either."

Olivia laughed softly.

"It doesn't hurt to be lazy every once in a while."

"Don't think it counts as lazy when we ran a few miles."

"Maybe not." When Amanda's phone went off Olivia sighed. "Looks like your moment of pretend laziness is over."

Amanda pulled out her phone and glanced at the screen which revealed Cragen's name.

"It looks like it."

She answered, and Olivia diverted her attention so Amanda didn't feel like she was listening in. It wasn't like she didn't know what the call was about anyway. Chances were Amanda would be leaving when she hung up. The look on Amanda's face when she put her phone down said it all.

"Heading in?"

"Yeah. A guy that got out on bail attacked again."

"Go get him then."

It was one of the things Amanda liked about spending time with Olivia. The other woman understood that she could be called in at any time. Plans could be cut short or cancelled completely. Olivia always sent her on her way with a similar message. Whoever this person was, get them off the streets. No questions were asked, no disappointment shown.

"Come on, Frannie. Time to go."

Unlike Olivia, Frannie was not as understanding. When Amanda called to her she slowed to a stop and her tail and head dropped. They really hadn't had much time to play. Despite her disappointment she headed over to Amanda and let her clip the leash on.

"I'll give you a call when I know when my next open day is," Amanda told Olivia once she was ready to go.

"Sounds good to me."

Even though she was working more now Olivia wasn't worried about finding time to spend with Amanda. Her schedule was pretty flexible and she wasn't that busy. They could typically find time to meet every few weeks without trouble. As Amanda headed off Suvi returned to Olivia's side and dropped beside her in the grass. She rubbed at one of his ears before letting herself lean back too, resting her full weight on her elbows. Lying down in a quiet part of Central Park and gazing up at the dancing light flickering through the leaves was one of the most peaceful places in New York that Olivia knew of. Standing on the beach and staring out at the rolling waves and distant horizon could be just as peaceful, but typically there were more people there than at Central Park. Or at least more within view.

Suvi shuffled closer and dropped his head down onto her chest. He pressed more weight against her as he relaxed, and Olivia gave in and lowered herself down onto her back. Suvi wagged his tail in approval since he was in a much more comfortable position now that she was lying down flat. Olivia laughed softly and rubbed at his ears. When he wanted something he definitely let her know. Usually he ended up getting what he wanted too. Olivia had to admit that when he was off duty Suvi was a little bit spoiled. With everything he did for her she didn't think it was right to withhold a few extra ear rubs or rounds of hide and seek. He deserved them and quite a bit more.

They stayed that way for some time with Suvi's head on Olivia's chest and Olivia stroking his fur. Between the two of them Suvi was the first one to notice they had a guest. His head shifted slightly but not enough to cause Olivia to look up. It wasn't until a voice broke into her thoughts that Olivia actually noticed they weren't alone.