A/N: After what seems like forever, Here we are once again... it's a little short, but I hope y'all enjoy :) Disclaimer: Dick's characters, my playground.

Elliot POV

Her eyes bore through mine, conveying her concerns and fears, but also- her acceptance. I see the moment she has decided, and she leans into me, and I am ready for the embrace.

Her muffled voice filters through my thoughts.

"I wished you were here so many times throughout these last ten years. And now that you're finally here- it terrifies me."

She pulls away and makes eye contact.

"I won't survive this a second time."

"I'm not asking to take my word on faith. But allow me to show you- day after day- let me show up for you. Let me take some of the weight. And over time, I will earn that trust back. Please, Liv. Let me."

I saw the moment of surrender cross her features. She took a step forward, and I matched it.

"One day at a time, El. We will take one day at a time."

She places her hand on my face, and with all the sincerity, she asks me,

"Will you stay? Stay with me tonight? I'm exhausted, and I don't want to be alone with my nightmares anymore."

I pull her into my embrace, and place a kiss on the top of her head.

"Anything you need from me, I'm here."

Without another word, she takes my hand and leads me to what I presume is her bedroom. But not before stopping by the counter to pick up her gun she had left on her counter.

Placing her weapon on the nightstand, she crawls into her bed, and with a heavy exhale, she mumbles, "won't need that tonight."

I slip off my shoes and socks, down to my boxers and tank, and I slide in beside her. She turns to face me, and I can see that she wants to say something.

"What is it, Liv?"

I see her contemplate for a moment.

"I can't not trust you. I can't not let you in. No matter how much I've tried to keep you at arms length- here you are. In my bed. I guess what I'm trying to say is-" she stops abruptly, and here eyes say everything.

I wrap my arms around her, and start caressing her hair.

"Liv, I'm gonna prove it to you. I'm not going to hurt you- or Noah. This is our time, our time for healing, our time to build together. Ours."

A/N: And that's a wrap. I might add a couple of bonus chapters later on. But I feel like this story, for the most part, is complete. Please read and review.