Disclaimer: SVU and all of its characters were created by and are the property of Dick Wolf. I make no profit with this story, which is my own original work.

Much to Olivia's relief, the drive back didn't last an eternity like she had anticipated it would. She was farther away from the place she'd been calling home than she'd initially realized, but then it dawned on her that a town the size of Cape May wouldn't have as many hospitals as a city as populous as Manhattan did. Instead, she tried to relax as best she could in the passenger seat and watched the streets slip by outside her window.

Though he cast occasional glances to the side to check on Olivia, Elliot tried his best to keep his focus on the road. He didn't fault her for her silence, as he understood her mind had a lot to process. Instead, he concentrated on the relief he felt due to the fact that Dr. Hamil had phoned ahead to the pharmacy in preparation for Olivia's release. Both prescriptions would be added to the grocery order he had scheduled the day before and delivered later this afternoon, saving not only a trip, but avoiding an additional stressor for Olivia.

The distance passed by quickly, and before long, Elliot was pulling into the driveway and parking next to Olivia's SUV. As the two story structure came into view, it seemed to Olivia that she was seeing the cottage for the first time all over again. In many ways, she supposed this could be viewed as a new beginning of sorts. Her time as an inpatient, while it hadn't entirely altered her perspective on her trauma, had taught her that she couldn't do everything on her own, no matter how much she wanted to. As Elliot had told her once early in their partnership, she wasn't a superhero. The events of the past year were certainly proof that she wasn't as invincible as she might have once believed herself to be.

"Liv? Are you ready to go inside? Or, do you need to sit out here for a few minutes first?"

Olivia startled at the sound of Elliot's voice, then immediately admonished herself for her reaction. He was only trying to help, and here she was acting like nothing more than a scared rabbit, jumping at the slightest noise. As tempting as the idea of avoiding the cottage for as long as possible was, the prospect of sitting out here in the silence in open view of the neighbors was even worse. Olivia knew without question what her decision would be.

"No. Let's go inside. I'm tired, anyway."

Though she likely would have fought him on any other occasion, this afternoon Olivia acquiesced to Elliot's offer of assistance. She didn't argue when he insisted on carrying her bags for her, and instead focused on maintaining an even gait. Now that she was eating regularly, albeit in small portions, her footing was much more steady than it had been, but sometimes she did falter easily if she wasn't careful.

When they entered the cottage, Olivia saw Don in the kitchen. From the look of things, he was busy putting things away, which meant she and Elliot had just missed the grocery delivery by mere minutes. Despite the fact that she was in the company of two men who made her feel nothing but comfortable, Olivia felt an increasing need to retreat to the safety of her bedroom. She was too anxious that the mere presence of food might make Elliot suggest that she eat something, and though she knew it would be necessary eventually, she needed some more time to process the events of the afternoon first. Struggling to find her voice, Olivia made her excuses, hoping that her intentions wouldn't be questioned.

"I, um, think I'm going to go upstairs for a few minutes, if no one minds. Take some time to unpack my things and get settled in again."

A fleeting look of concern passed over Elliot's face, like there was something more he wanted to say, but thought better of it. Instead, he focused on what mattered most.

"That's fine, Liv. Take however long you need. Do you need me to carry your bags upstairs for you?"

"No, I've got it. I'm going to leave the one with the dirty clothes down here, though. No sense making multiple trips carrying it all over the place. I'll throw them in the wash when I get back."

Hoping he wasn't overstepping, Elliot spoke up one final time as Olivia neared the staircase.

"I can start your laundry, Liv. It's no trouble, but only if you don't mind."

Olivia thought about refusing his request. She wanted to say no in the worst way, but at the same time had to acknowledge just how tired she really was. There was no way she'd be able to manage anything else today, even a chore as mundane as laundry. Although the fact that having Elliot handle the washing of some of her more intimate garments might be crossing some sort of boundary briefly crossed her mind, Olivia pushed it out of her thoughts. There were certainly other, more important things to worry about than whether or not Elliot saw what color boyshorts she wore. Not to mention the fact that he had been the one to pack them for her in the first place. So, she swallowed her pride and accepted the help.

"Actually, Elliot, that would be great. I don't want either of you to worry if I don't come back downstairs right away. I might lie down for a bit and rest. I don't necessarily think I'll sleep, but you never know."

As she began her ascent to the second floor, Olivia called over her shoulder, knowing what Elliot's response would be before he could even say it out loud.

"And I promise, Elliot, I will eat something later. I don't want you to think I forgot."

"Not a problem, Liv. See you in a little while."

Olivia hadn't been living at the cottage for very long prior to her hospitalization. Therefore, she hadn't yet grown accustomed to sleeping in the bed in the master suite she'd claimed as her own. Even so, the brunette had to admit that the mattress she was laying upon was worlds above in comfort than the lumpy cushion she had been forced to rely on during her inpatient stay. As she nestled further under the covers, letting her body fully relax for the first time in days, Olivia considered another thought – if this was how she felt, she could only imagine how grateful Elliot would be to sleep in a real bed tonight. She hadn't forgotten that the man had hardly left her side throughout the past week, and what slumber he'd been able to get on that tiny love seat had to have been minimal at best.

Not wanting to rest for too long a period of time, Olivia set the alarm on her phone to go off in forty-five minutes. Truthfully, she wasn't planning on sleeping, but she just needed to try and get out of her own head for awhile. It wasn't that she missed the hospital, but coming back here had been more overwhelming that she had anticipated, and she had to try and quiet her thoughts before they took over entirely.

A short while later, Olivia startled awake when her phone chimed, signaling that the designated time she had given herself had lapsed. As she silenced the offending noise, she realized that she'd seriously underestimated her own exhaustion, and must have fallen into a dreamless sleep immediately upon laying her head on the pillow.

With a groan, Olivia pushed back the covers, and got to her feet. Padding into the bathroom, she splashed some water on her face in an attempt to clear some of the cobwebs clinging to her brain. Despite Elliot's promise to give her some privacy before she'd come upstairs, Olivia had to admit to herself that she was equal parts surprised and impressed that he hadn't come to check on her yet. In addition to his being concerned, it was long past the time lunch was typically served, and no doubt he would want her to eat.

As she headed toward the stairs, Olivia could smell something wafting up toward the second floor. That was when she remembered that, before she had come up earlier, Elliot had mentioned something about starting to make some food. Whatever it was that he had prepared, the aroma was tempting, and Olivia heard her stomach growl in spite of her continuing hesitation to eat.

"Welcome back, Liv. I hope you had a nice rest. Why don't you make yourself comfortable, this still has a bit longer to cook."

Olivia heard Elliot greeting her from the kitchen once she reached the lower level. Though her eyes scanned both rooms, Don was nowhere to be found. In the background, Olivia could hear the quiet murmur of

voices coming from the television in the living room. As though she just now realized she could do things on her own for the first time in days, she crossed the few steps to the refrigerator before opening it and helping herself to a bottle of water. The addition of the new medications may not have had any noticeable effect on her mental state or appetite as of yet, but they had certainly left her with a dry mouth.

After quenching her thirst, Olivia wandered toward the stove. She wasn't exactly what she would call hungry, but her curiosity had gotten the better of her. She was determined to figure out just what exactly Elliot was cooking. Even though experience had already taught her by now that her former partner wasn't a stranger in the kitchen – his homemade soup was a prime example – Olivia did wonder just how far his culinary talents stretched.

There was nothing visible on any of the burners, which meant whatever Elliot was making had to be in the oven itself. As curious as she was to find out exactly what that was, Olivia wasn't going to open the door to peek inside and snoop. Her attention was drawn, however, to a pan resting on a cooling rack at the far end of the counter. Upon closer inspection, she discovered that they were brownies, and Olivia felt a pull at her heartstrings. Elliot had apparently remembered how much a little something sweet at every meal had helped during her hospital stay, and made certain that would transition now that she was back at the cottage.

"Don't touch the pan, it might still be hot."

Olivia startled slightly at the sound of Elliot's voice, then immediately admonished herself for being so jumpy. It wasn't his fault that she hadn't heard him walking up behind her. After all, he wasn't purposely trying to sneak around. Turning on her heel to face him, she gave him a smile to let him know that everything was okay – or at least, as okay as it could be in that given moment.

"Thanks, Elliot. They smell amazing. I can't wait to try them. Do I get to know what else you are making, or is it supposed to be a surprise?"

Gesturing toward the oven with one hand, Elliot tried to explain.

"It was just a recipe I'd found online for a sheet pan all-in-one kind of thing. Some chicken, roasted potatoes, and broccoli. I thought something simple would be a good idea today. I can always look up some better recipes later."

"No, that sounds great."

A short while later, Don had returned and the three of them sat down to eat. It turned out that the older man had been next door talking to Owen and his wife. The kind neighbor was very relieved to hear that Olivia was home from the hospital, and promised to be over to visit her soon, once she'd had a day or two settle in and get used to a routine again. As for Don, while they were eating, he informed Elliot and Olivia that once the weekend was over, he would be headed back to the city. Though Olivia had mixed feelings over his announcement, she was relieved to hear that her former Captain wouldn't be putting his life on hold for her any longer. He was, after all, still technically a newlywed, and should be out spending time with Eileen. The last thing Don needed to be worried about was babysitting a former detective.

"Liv, is everything okay? If you don't like the taste of that, I can always make you something else."

Pulled from her wayward thoughts, Olivia focused her attention on Elliot, who was watching her with concern. Glancing down at the table, she noticed that she hadn't really eaten much, but instead been pushing the food around her plate with her fork. She'd hardly taken more than a few bites, and knew by now her meal was probably cold.

"No, it's fine. I'm sorry, my mind is just all over the place right now. Everything about being back here feels so surreal. I keep thinking that the hospital is going to call any minute and say they've made a mistake and I need to go back."

Elliot rested his palm on Olivia's arm, keeping the contact brief. Then, knowing she wouldn't want any of them to dwell on the subject, immediately switched topics.

"Do you want me to reheat that for you? It will only take a minute."

"No, I've got it. It feels good to be able to do things on my own again."

Olivia carried her plate to the microwave and hit a few buttons on the keypad before pressing start. As her food was being warmed, she busied herself refilling her water glass. By the time she returned to the table, it was with a renewed affirmation to concentrate on eating so she wouldn't get distracted again.

Though she tried her best to eat everything, Olivia still couldn't bring herself to finish. It wasn't even necessarily that she was actively protesting the consumption of food, or that her appetite wasn't cooperating. If anything, she believed it was still related to the fact of how overwhelmed she felt given the whirlwind events of the day. With any luck, tomorrow would be better.

As Elliot was clearing the table, he casually mentioned that he would stick to simpler ingredients for dinner. Though he hadn't explicitly said so, he was worried that he had unintentionally stressed Olivia out by making a more complex meal than what she was ready for. Although logically, he knew that what he had served this afternoon was no different than some of the menu selections he had made for her during her inpatient stay. Maybe they both would have to try and find their footing as they transitioned to life back at the cottage – he'd have to learn not to hover so much and allow Olivia the independence she so desperately craved, and in turn, she would have to learn to accept help during those times she needed it.

Olivia meandered into the living room, still not having gotten quite used to the freedom to move about as freely as she wished. Granted, she had been able to roam the halls after a time, but it was nothing compared to the ability to go wherever she pleased whenever she wanted. Perhaps she could even convince Elliot to accompany her on a walk tomorrow morning when he got back from his meeting. As much as she hated to admit it, Olivia knew that her daily runs would have to be put on hold indefinitely until she regained her strength. The last thing she wanted was a repeat of last weeks incident that would require a return trip to the hospital.

Settling on the couch, Olivia draped one of the throw blankets lightly over her legs and made herself comfortable. Don came into the room next, taking a seat on the nearby chair. He was followed by Elliot, who wordlessly asked permission before taking his place next to his former partner. The two men deferred to Olivia in regard to choosing something to watch, and were pleased when she not only found a movie, but apparently one that was able to keep her interested. Olivia's attention span for television had been somewhat limited during her inpatient stay, with good reason, so it was nice to see her not being as guarded.

One movie turned into two, with Elliot calling for a pause so he could prepare a smoothie for Olivia before the second one began. For now, he was just mixing a selection of fruits in a blender along with some protein powder. However, come next week, the smoothies would arrive in easy to mix containers for them to keep on hand in the freezer. That way, once she was more at ease being around food and taking care of her own meals, Olivia could make them for herself without assistance.

To Olivia's relief, the portion size of the smoothie Elliot made for her was much more manageable than the gigantic ones she had been served at the hospital. If she had to hazard a guess, she would say the cup held approximately ten ounces. Not to mention, Elliot had chosen to use a concoction of frozen banana, pineapple, and coconut milk, which made this resemble one of her two favorite flavor choices from the dietary menu. If she wasn't mistaken, he'd even managed to add a hint of rum extract to make it more like an authentic Pina colada.

When the second movie ended, it was Don who picked up on Olivia's restlessness. That was when he suggested that his two former detectives leave the cottage for a bit, even if it were just to go and sit on the beach and watch the waves roll in. Deep down, he realized that Olivia would likely prefer to go on her own, but also knew that she wasn't steady enough yet to manage walking that far a distance by herself. Plus, Don also understood Elliot's need to keep an eye on Olivia while still granting the woman as much independence as possible. To his surprise, Olivia was not only open to the idea, but readily agreed. The only hesitation she had was in leaving him behind.

"Are you sure you don't want to come with us, Don? We don't want to exclude you."

"I'm sure. You two go and get some fresh air. When you get back, I'll have dinner ready."

Now, it was Elliot's turn to protest, to which Don could only hold up a palm to stop him.

"Relax, Elliot, I don't mind. There is no rule that says you have to manage everything. I may not be a gourmet chef, but I think I can handle heating up some soup and making some grilled cheese sandwiches."

With a laugh, Elliot ultimately agreed. Once he and Olivia slipped into some sweatshirts and shoes, they were on their way out the door. Elliot carried a bag with a blanket for them to sit on, plus a couple bottles of water in case they got thirsty. This would be the first real time Olivia got to spend outdoors in a week. He planned to see that she enjoyed it.

As they left the cottage, Olivia looped her arm through Elliot's, easily falling into step beside him. They were mostly quiet on the short walk to the beach, save for one casual comment about the weather that day. Even though it was late spring, it was unusually warm for the season. However, here in Cape May, there was always a breeze coming off the ocean that contributed to the chill in the air, so Olivia was grateful she had chosen to wear her sweatshirt. Her internal thermostat still fluctuated unpredictably, and it always seemed like she was feeling one extreme or the other. Logically, she knew that was part of her trauma recovery, but her mind wasn't so quick to convince her heart.

When they got to the beach, it was to Olivia and Elliot's mutual relief to see that the stretch of shore was mostly isolated, with the exception of a pair of runners near the waterline off in the distance. Elliot set the bag he was holding down in the sand, bending at the waist to retrieve the blanket and spread it out so they could sit down. Once they were both comfortable, he passed Olivia a bottle of water and kept his eyes trained on the horizon. He'd already promised himself earlier that he wasn't going to try and force a conversation. If all Olivia wanted to do was sit here in silence, then he would be content to just keep her company. But, if she did want to talk, he was leaving that first step up to her, and her alone.

Instead of remaining sitting upright and watching the waves like he was, Elliot watched as Olivia lay on her back and crossed her hands over her abdomen. His first thought was one of concern, briefly worried that the short walk had been too much. When Olivia didn't show any outward signs of distress, and instead appeared relaxed – and even reflective – his anxiety abated. What mattered most was that Olivia was comfortable, and for now she seemed content in staring at the clouds as they rolled lazily across the sky.

"It's so soothing, you know? I wish I could listen to it all the time."

Mirroring Olivia's position, but still taking care to remain a respectable distance away, Elliot turned his head in her direction. He'd gotten swept up in the hypnotic motion of the clouds and hadn't quite understood what she meant.

"Listen to what, Liv?"

"The ocean, the sound the waves make when they are lapping against the shore. Before I went to the hospital, I used to try and open my window at night, but the cottage was too far away for me to hear them. I know it's stupid, but I was hoping it might help me sleep."

Tentatively, Elliot reached out until his larger hand enveloped Olivia's smaller one. When she didn't flinch at his touch, he squeezed gently to reassure her.

"It doesn't sound stupid at all. I know you're not able to hear the real thing, but maybe we can find an alternative? Either an app on your phone, or they make those calming machines that play a variety of soothing sounds – the ocean, rainfall, a trickling stream."

"No offense, Elliot, but if you play me the sound of a trickling stream while I'm unconscious, I'm going to wind up dreaming I need to use the bathroom. Then I'd have to hurt you."

Despite the serious nature of their conversation, Elliot couldn't help but chuckle at Olivia's comment.

"Fair enough. What about we just stick to ocean sounds, then? We can try it on your phone first, then if that helps, look into a more permanent solution."

"Okay."

The next question Elliot had was a bit difficult, and he wouldn't have been a bit offended if Olivia had refused. He asked her to pass him her phone, which she did almost immediately, pausing only long enough to unlock the device. Since the two smartphones were nearly identical, Elliot easily navigated his way through the features, and soon found a free app with just what they were looking for. He wasn't going to click on anything that Olivia would inadvertently be charged a fee for. Especially when they didn't even know if it would work.

"Dammit."

His brow furrowing in concern, Elliot put down the phone and focused his attention on Olivia once more. She didn't sound angry, more frustrated than anything, and one of her hands was now covering her eyes.

"What's wrong?"

"Don's going to be expecting me to eat when I get back, and I forgot to bring the fucking appetite stimulate with me. As much as I hate all these pills, I'm never going to get better if I don't remember to take them."

"It's okay, Liv. I put the medication bottle in my pocket before we went out the door. Can you manage okay taking it with your water?"

Olivia's nod was hesitant, but determined. Elliot passed her the capsule, and though it took several tries to swallow, Olivia was able to get it down. She was relieved that this medication came in capsule form. The new one she had to take at night, the Trazodone, didn't, and it was a continual struggle for her to take it every night. She had hoped that she'd be able to get around it by crushing the pills and putting them into something else, but there was a label emblazoned on the bottle that said not to do that very thing. So, every night, Olivia had to relive the trauma foisted upon her by William Lewis by forcing herself to swallow medication. She was trying her hardest, but it was definitely something she was going to need to mention to Lydia the next time she saw the psychiatrist.

After spending some more time taking in the peaceful tranquility of the beach, Olivia and Elliot headed back to the cottage. Though she wasn't as resistant as she had been in the past, there was still a sense of apprehension for Olivia when she knew a meal was approaching. It was why it was yet another good thing about being out of the hospital. It meant that she didn't have to fear a food tray being dropped in front of her when she least expected it. Olivia trusted Elliot to always consult her, and only serve her portion sizes he knew she could handle. If and when her appetite should improve, it would be easy to ask for more if she so chose, but taking food away once she'd been overwhelmed by it's presence wasn't as simple a task.

Once they were inside the residence that Olivia was calling home for the foreseeable future, the pair were greeted by the comforting aroma emanating from a pot simmering on the stove. The one thing Olivia didn't know was that Don had used Elliot's recipe. Though Olivia hadn't eaten much before, Elliot had remembered she had been particularly fond of the homemade wedding soup. Not only would it make for a hearty and nutritious meal, but there were guaranteed to be leftovers that they could either have the following day or freeze for another time.

Making her excuses, Olivia ascended the stairs to the second level. Her hair had gotten mussed from the way she had been laying on the blanket at the beach, and while there wasn't a pressing need to bathe completely, she wanted to freshen up a little. After splashing some water on her face, and pulling her chestnut locks into a ponytail, she was feeling more composed. Studying her reflection in the mirror, Olivia was reminded yet again how grateful she was that her impulsive action with a pair of scissors during the height of her trauma recovery hadn't impeded her ability to pull her hair up and off her neck. Much like time would heal her mind, body, and soul, it would also restore her tresses to their former length.

Heading back downstairs, Olivia found Don and Elliot by the stove. She hung back by the stairs for a few minutes, observing the scene in front of her quietly, a smile gracing her lips. In all the years she'd known and worked with each of them, not once had she witnessed her former Captain and partner standing side by side in a kitchen, cooking in tandem. While Don was adding the finishing touches to the pot of soup, Elliot was in the process of making the grilled cheese sandwiches that would accompany it. Knowing just how much these two men cared for her – each in their own way – filled Olivia with a warmth that enveloped her entire being.

They weren't alone in their devotion, either. As Olivia advanced further into the room, she reminded herself that her army of supporters extended far beyond these walls. Back in the city, she had Fin, Nick, Amanda, and even Rafael on her side. While she didn't know the man that well yet, she even felt like she could include Owen among their ranks. The trusted neighbor had proven to be an ally in more ways than one, and Olivia looked forward to being able to getting to know him better in the weeks and months ahead.

Clearing her throat softly, Olivia made her presence known. Her mind was running at the pace of a thousand miles a minute, and she didn't want to be by herself with her thoughts for a second longer, even if she physically wasn't on her own. It was Elliot who turned around first to acknowledge her.

"Dinner's almost ready, Liv. Feel free to make yourself comfortable at the table. Or, if you want to help, you can grab some drinks while we finish up here?"

Olivia was more grateful than she could say for Elliot's suggestion that she be included to some extent in the preparation of the evening meal. Though setting out the drinks wasn't a major task, it made her feel useful in a way that she hadn't in so very long. Contrary to popular belief, being reliant upon others for all her needs wasn't as relaxing as it may seem, especially to a woman who prided herself on her independence.

While she didn't exactly know what the men would prefer to drink, Olivia's questions were soon answered when she opened the refrigerator and found a fresh pitcher of iced tea. She pulled it off the shelf, then went to grab some glasses from the cabinet. By the time she had finished, Don was ladling up bowls of soup, and Elliot was using a spatula to remove the sandwiches from the skillet.

Soon, the three were seated at the table, Olivia once again grateful for the smaller portions in front of her. Don and Elliot each had a brimming bowlful of soup before them, along with two sandwiches apiece. Meanwhile, Olivia had only half a grilled cheese and a vessel not much bigger than a oversized coffee cup filled with the fragrant broth containing meatballs, spinach, and pasta.

Not wanting to inundate her with the prospect of more food before she'd even started eating, but also wanting to offer some encouragement, Elliot leaned toward Olivia. Even though he knew Don could hear every word he said, he still lowered his voice to a conspiratorial tone, as if he were sharing some sort of important secret meant only for Olivia's ears.

"Take as long as you need, Liv, but don't forget – we have double fudge brownies for dessert. I forgot all about them earlier, can't make that mistake a second time, I wouldn't want your sweet tooth to feel neglected."

Though she opted not to respond aloud, Olivia made no attempt to hide her smirk. Despite her amused demeanor, her heart was full at the meaningful gesture. Just as when she'd first found the brownies cooling on the counter earlier in the day, the very thought that Elliot – who to her knowledge, had always been somewhat of a novice in the kitchen – had gone so far to not only cook, but bake for her in an attempt to make her happy. With the promise of chocolate in her near future, Olivia picked up her spoon, and began to eat.

Much later that night, as Olivia was in her room getting ready for bed, her mind was replaying the events of the day. It was hard to believe that not more than twelve hours earlier, she had still been in the hospital. By all rights she should be exhausted, but her anxiety had her wired. This would be her first night sleeping alone in more than a week, and while she cursed herself for her dependence on anyone, truth of the matter was she had gotten used to having Elliot around to keep the monsters at bay. However, pride would not let Olivia ask Elliot to stay with her again, not when he'd already sacrificed more hours of quality sleep than she cared to count on her behalf.

Instead, Olivia looked toward alternate methods of relaxation. Though it wasn't often a technique she used at home, mostly because she never had the time for it, she decided that she would try and indulge in a warm bath before crawling underneath the covers. The oversized claw foot tub here would be perfect for soaking, and her body was still somewhat stiff in spots from the uncomfortable mattress she'd been using the past few days.

Padding into the bathroom, Olivia started the water. After adjusting it to the perfect temperature, she added a small amount of lavender and chamomile scented foam, in the hopes that the calming fragrance would aid in her relaxation. Then, just before shedding her robe, she lit a few candles, dimmed the lights, and set some soothing music to play on her phone. Once everything was ready, Olivia carefully stepped over the edge and lowered herself into the sea of bubbles. Leaning back against the wall of the tub, she sighed as she sank down until the water came up to her neck. Closing her eyes, Olivia tried to block out the images troubling her mind and focus on nothing but the peaceful atmosphere she'd created.

Whether it was because the bath was so soothing, or because she was still trying to avoid the inevitable, Olivia never wanted to get out. But, as she'd learned all too often in her life, nothing lasts forever. The pleasant warmth of the water eventually cooled to the point it was no longer enjoyable, and her skin began to prune. After reluctantly pulling the plug on the drain, Olivia stood and reached for her towel.

Once she was dry, and began her typical routine of applying lotion and scar reducing ointment, Olivia noticed that the muted lighting she had chosen made it much easier to bear the image of her reflection in the mirror. Though the option wouldn't work as easily during the morning hours when the sun brightened the room, she might take advantage of bathing by candlelight before bed more often. Perhaps one day she'd be able to look at the blemishes that would forever tarnish her skin without feeling the same pain as when they had been inflicted, but she just wasn't at that point yet.

Slipping back into her robe, Olivia belted the sash at her waist and headed back into the bedroom, looking for something to wear. Thanks to Elliot's help earlier, the clothes she'd been wearing in the hospital were now clean and put away. Opening a drawer, Olivia selected one of her favorites, a pair of loose fitting knit pajama pants and matching long sleeved shirt.

Once she was dressed for bed, Olivia took her medicine and attempted to make herself comfortable. As much as she hated to admit it, the fresh sheets – yet another amenity that was courtesy of Elliot – went a long way in contributing to her state of relaxation. Apparently he'd found a lavender scented fabric softener to use on her bedding that he'd read was supposed to improve sleep.

In an effort to try and break the habit of falling asleep with the television on, Olivia opted to keep the set quiet for the night. She wasn't sure if she might be pushing herself too far, too soon, but all she knew was her previous tactics hadn't been working. Instead, she reached for her phone and opened the app that Elliot had installed earlier in the day. Within seconds, the sound of the ocean filled the room. Granted, it wasn't as authentic as what she had heard during her time at the beach today, but it was an acceptable facsimile.

Snuggling down against the pillows, Olivia tried to synchronize her breathing so it matched the pattern of the waves. She closed her eyes and tried to will sleep to claim her exhausted body, while simultaneously praying that the nightmares would remain at bay for tonight. If not for her own sake, then at least on behalf of Elliot and Don. The last thing she wanted was to wake up the entire household with her screams. Should her slumber need to be disturbed for any reason, Olivia hoped that it wouldn't involve her crying out in terror.

Just down the hall from where Olivia was trying to sleep, Elliot was waging his own share of personal battles. Not long after saying goodnight to Don, he'd come up to the room he'd claimed as his own what seemed like another lifetime ago. Granted, he was beyond relieved to see Olivia out of the hospital, but Elliot Stabler was no fool. He knew that the transition to home life wouldn't be easy, especially when she technically wasn't even back home yet. Don's cottage made for a great retreat, a wonderful place to heal, but in all the years that he'd known her, Olivia had never been one for sitting still. Dealing with a recovery process such as this one wasn't as linear as healing from something as simple as a common cold, or even a sprained ankle, and was not something she would readily have the patience for – she'd all but proven that since he arrived.

However, despite the rocky road they'd been on recently together, Elliot knew that he could never fault Olivia for how she chose to cope with her trauma. All he could do was offer his unwavering support and steadfast patience, even at times when it seemed like she wanted to push him away, because that would be when she needed him the most. It was why he'd never left Cape May even after Olivia had kicked him out the week before and told him to go back to Florida. Leaving her for three years had been hard enough, he wasn't going to let her do this alone.

With a startling clarity, Elliot realized why tonight was so difficult. For the first time in several days, Olivia was truly on her own again, at least while she slept. Not that he had been expecting an invitation to join her in her bedroom – and certainly not her bed – but after spending so many nights keeping vigil, he honestly didn't know what to do with himself. Could he give in to the pull of sleep that was hovering over him, let himself succumb to a dreamless night of slumber? Or did he need to remain in a hyper aware state, his ears on constant alert should Olivia call out for him, desperate to have someone rescue her from her demons where before she'd had no other savior to rely on besides herself?

The two opposing ideas continued to spiral incessantly in Elliot's mind, seesawing in varying degrees between guilt and gratitude. Eventually, fatigue won out over the tumultuous thoughts warring in his brain, and sleep reigned victorious. Unlike Olivia, however, who was hesitantly but dreamlessly navigating her way through the night only a corridor away, Elliot would be in for a series of nightmares the likes of which he'd never forget.

After waking up in a cold sweat for the third time in just as many hours, Elliot abandoned any and all hope of getting some decent sleep. He supposed he'd been too preoccupied taking care of Olivia this past week to have any active dreams, managing only a few perfunctory hours each night as he forced himself to get some semblance of rest. Now that they were back at the cottage, it seemed as though his mind and body were having some sort of delayed reaction to Olivia's most recent medical crisis.

Though he hadn't ignored his own self care – albeit solely at Olivia's and Don's insistence – it was no secret that Elliot had made his former partner a priority ever since his arrival in Cape May. That had only intensified once he'd learned the extent of everything she'd been through. This latest setback though, was something he felt more keenly than the others. Elliot had yet to rid his memory of the image of coming to the cottage that morning for what was supposed to be a friendly breakfast and finding Olivia unresponsive and bleeding on the kitchen floor. Though he'd managed to discount his brief detainment by hospital security, Olivia's breakdown in the emergency room still haunted him.

Reaching for his phone, Elliot checked the time, cursing under his breath at the early hour. He still had a long way to go yet before he could attend a meeting, and although he hated himself for his weakness, the urge to drink was strong tonight. Technically, Elliot knew he could wake Don if he really needed to talk – the man was his sponsor after all – but he hated the thought of disrupting anyone else's sleep. Even with his insides twisted in knots and his mind getting the better of him, Elliot preferred to suffer alone. After all, what he was dealing with was nothing compared to Olivia's trauma, and he didn't want to take any attention away from her.

Pushing back the covers, Elliot got up from the bed with a groan and a sigh. There was no use tossing and turning. He might as well go downstairs for a bit. While he'd never been a fan of drinking hot tea in the past, he'd developed a fondness for the beverage since he'd left SVU. Elliot wasn't sure if it was the tea itself that was comforting, or the connection it gave him to Olivia, but there had been countless nights during his time spent in California where he would sit outside with his palms curved around a warm mug, reflecting on all the years he'd spent with his partner.

After taking a quick shower to freshen up a bit, Elliot dressed in clean sweats and pulled a tee shirt over his head before padding downstairs. One of the first things he noticed was a light coming from the kitchen, and he hoped it was just because Don had forgotten to turn it off before going upstairs. The last thing he wanted was for anyone else to be up at this hour, especially Olivia. Using caution so he wouldn't startle whomever was awake, Elliot quietly but deliberately made his presence known. When he saw Don standing at the stove with one hand hovering over the tea kettle, he visibly relaxed.

"I take it you couldn't sleep, either? Want me to pour you a cup?"

In lieu of a more formal greeting, Don had merely welcomed Elliot's presence with a simple understanding. Whether or not the older man had already intuited the source of his former detective's distress remained to be seen, but for the time being Elliot was just grateful that Olivia was still asleep.

"Please."

Minutes later, the two were seated across from one another at the table, a chasm of silence stretched between them. Years of battling his own issues with alcohol told Don that Elliot was fighting his fair share of demons tonight, but the one thing he couldn't do was force him to talk about it before he was ready. Fortunately, Elliot was in a sharing mood, and needed to unload some of the weight he carried on his shoulders.

"I don't think I need to say it out loud, Don, but we both know that tea isn't what I really want to be drinking right now."

Knowing that Elliot didn't need him to speak, Don merely gave a nod of acknowledgment and waited for him to continue.

"I feel so stupid for complaining like this. I should be able to be strong for her, but it's all getting the better of me tonight."

Don regarded Elliot with a look of compassion before speaking.

"It's not complaining to admit that this is taking a toll on you, too, Elliot. You know better than anyone that it's not just the survivor who is impacted by a trauma. It affects the people who love them, too."

The words weren't accusatory in any way, but nevertheless, Elliot startled when they reached his ears. He visibly relaxed moments later though, upon realization that Don wasn't trying to imply anything untoward regarding his relationship with Olivia. After all, the two had been partnered for more than a decade. It was no secret to anyone who knew the duo that Elliot Stabler loved Olivia Benson, and vice versa. Even spending nearly four years apart hadn't lessened the depth of their affections for one another.

Don had only stated the truth, one that Elliot had already known deep down in his soul. But hearing it spoken aloud was proving to be the dose of reality that he needed right now. Elliot also realized that he wasn't alone in his feelings – Olivia had so many who cared about her, and they were likely battling the same conflicted emotions as he was in watching her struggle.

"Thanks, Don. I needed to hear that."

Draining the last of his tea, Elliot informed Don of his plans for that morning. While he'd been keeping Olivia company in the hospital, he'd done research on local gyms. Today he was headed to sign up at one, so he could go and work out in the mornings before his meetings. Once Olivia was stronger and more up to being around people, he figured it would be an activity they could do together.

"Don't worry, Elliot. Do what you need to in order to take care of yourself. It's one of the best ways you can help her."

By the time Elliot returned a few hours later, Olivia had yet to come downstairs. However, the echoes from the floor above indicated that she was, in fact, up and about. Sure enough, within minutes the sound of footfalls could be heard coming down the stairs. When Olivia entered the kitchen, all it took was one look for Elliot to know what was on her mind – she wanted to get out. While he hoped she remembered her limitations and wasn't wanting to run, he realized at the very least, she would be wanting to go for a walk. Not even bothering to argue with her on the issue, he simply grabbed two bottles of water from the fridge and put forth a basic choice.

"Where are we headed this morning, Liv? To the beach, or just walking around the neighborhood?"

"Beach, I think. I want to go somewhere quiet."

"You've got it."

Don, who had caught the tail end of Olivia and Elliot's conversation, informed them he would make breakfast when they returned. Olivia couldn't help the slight grimace in her expression at the mere mention of food – it was still somewhat of an involuntary reaction on her part – but she agreed to eat. In fact, she used the small glass of juice Elliot had presented her with to take her appetite stimulant before following him out the door. The pair walked in comfortable silence the short distance from the cottage to the beach, but once their feet touched the sand, Elliot chanced a conversation.

"How did you sleep last night, Liv? I'm sure it must have felt good being in an actual bed again."

With a glance to her left, Olivia gave Elliot a knowing smile.

"I would say that you have no idea, but after spending the last week contorted on that tiny love seat, I'm sure you know for yourself just how wonderful it feels to sleep in an actual bed."

Not wanting to let on about his troubles with insomnia the previous night, Elliot played along.

"You make a good point, but I also need you to remember that I wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere else."

"Noted. It's hard for me to not feel guilty when others want to try and take care of me, Elliot, but I promise it's something I'm going to work on."

Taking a chance, Elliot reached out and captured Olivia's hand in his own. When she didn't object to his touch, he squeezed her fingers gently.

"Don't worry about that, Liv. Just take things one step at a time."

Not long after, they lapsed back into quiet again, concentrating instead on the peaceful stillness that surrounded them. At Olivia's insistence, they had chosen to walk close to the shoreline, just out of reach of the lapping waves. The ground was more even there, their shoes leaving soft impressions in the damp sand. Despite the fact that she was still recovering from her hospital stay, it was difficult for Olivia to maintain an even, steady, pace. There was still a nagging sensation in the back of her mind that demanded she run – as fast and as far as her feet could possibly carry her. Not wanting to voice that emotion aloud, Olivia shelved it at the back of her mind, something else to mention to Lydia the next time they spoke.

While he wasn't exactly sure of the distance they had traveled, after about ten minutes or so, Elliot suggested to Olivia that they turn around and head back to the cottage. Under normal circumstances, he knew her endurance would be far greater, but he didn't want her to push herself too much too soon. At the rate they were going, their walk was going to equal approximately half an hour of exercise. In his opinion, that was a good start for a first day back.

As soon as they'd returned, Olivia excused herself to take a shower. Elliot had no doubt she'd been craving one since she had woken up, part of her usual morning ritual, but he was also no fool. She was also stalling for time to avoid facing food. Opting not to comment, he joined Don in the kitchen to help. Together, the two men prepared a simple but nutritious meal that was ready by the time the brunette joined them again a short while later.

Olivia was appreciative as she sat down to a bowl of steel cut oatmeal. Topped with fresh sliced strawberries, chopped pecans, and a hint of brown sugar, the hot cereal made for the perfect breakfast. It was hearty and nutritious, without being overwhelming. Had she not already had some juice before her walk with Elliot, Olivia would have welcomed a glass to accompany her meal to keep things light. Instead, she opted for yet another favorite, coffee. The tantalizing aroma of the dark brew had been tempting her ever since she had first woken up earlier that morning. She wasn't going to miss the opportunity to indulge in her one permitted cup a day.

When everyone had finished eating, it was Olivia who insisted on clearing away the dirty dishes, much to the protests of her two companions. She hastily explained her reasons, not wanting to be deterred.

"I understand that you're both worried, and I appreciate it. But, I think I can handle loading a dishwasher. I need to do something to make myself feel useful after everything that has happened recently, or I'm going to go insane."

Both men's concerned expressions softened immediately. It was Elliot, however, who was first to respond.

"Of course, Liv. We never meant to make you feel like you couldn't. Thanks for helping."

More relaxed now that no one was making a big deal out of things, Olivia answered with a smile.

"It's only fair I help clean up. After all, the two of you cooked."

Much to Olivia's surprise – and even disappointment – the hours of the day were passing quickly. Earlier that afternoon following lunch, while she and Elliot had been relaxing on the couch, Don had been upstairs packing up his things. He was still planning on leaving the following morning to go back to Eileen and his life in the city, and while Olivia didn't fault him for it, she knew she would miss him. Even so, she was beyond grateful for everything her former Captain had done for her. The man had not only given her a place to call home while she recovered, but he'd done what she had previously considered to be the impossible – brought Elliot Stabler back into her life. On top of all that, he'd dropped everything to be by her side when she needed him most. Olivia might have spent her formative years and most of her adult life without a father, but she'd found the next best thing the day she set foot in SVU.

The other thing that occurred not long after lunch that was still at the forefront of Olivia's mind was the phone call that she had received. Considering she had just spoken to the woman the day before, it was a surprise when Lydia called to check in. No doubt the psychiatrist had intuited her patient's anxiety about not only the upcoming program she was scheduled to start following the weekend, but also the general unease Olivia must be feeling now that she was back at home. As uncomfortable and unpleasant an experience it might have been, the hospital environment often offered a sense of security, and transitioning back to the normal routine wasn't always easy. Not only that, but Lydia had wanted to make sure that Olivia hadn't had any side effects from the new medication, even though she'd only been taking it for a couple of days.

Once again, Olivia had surprised herself with her level of candor when talking to Lydia. It wasn't often that she opened up to someone this easily this soon, let alone an individual who worked for the mental health profession. But her latest health crisis combined with all the emotions that accompanied it had left Olivia feeling incredibly raw. Somewhere along the way, she had realized that if she was ever going to heal – which she wanted to do – she needed to put in the effort. Dr. Lindstrom, as patient as he may be, was never someone who she would fully be able to trust. Granted, it wasn't definite that she would succeed with Dr. Hamil, either, but at least during her limited visits with Lydia, Olivia hadn't been obsessively watching the clock, wondering just when they would be over. That had to count for something.

"Liv?"

The sound of Elliot's voice pulled Olivia from her thoughts, and she couldn't help but feel grateful for the distraction. Turning her head to look at the man sitting next to her, she arched an eyebrow in response. Nothing had been asked yet, but she knew without his saying so that there was something more more on his mind.

"I was just wondering if you wanted to help me out in the kitchen in a little bit, or if you feel that would be too much for you. If you'd rather just come and keep me company and not have anything to do with the preparation, that is fine, too."

Olivia was silent for a few minutes as she considered what Elliot had asked. It would just be the two of them tonight, as Don was next door having dinner with Owen, Stacy, and the boys. Naturally, the neighbors had invited Olivia and Elliot as well, but she just wasn't feeling up to being social just yet. Everyone involved had understood, except perhaps Olivia herself. Though she hadn't said anything to anyone, she was secretly beating herself up inside for her weakness. None of that mattered right now, but she did have to answer Elliot before he started to worry.

"What did you have in mind? You know I'm not the best cook, and I still don't feel comfortable around food."

Elliot reached out, lightly covering Olivia's hand with his own where it rested between them on the cushion of the couch. He wanted more than anything to allay her fears, but also knew the last thing she needed to hear right now were the words 'relax' or 'calm down'. It would be patronizing, and he didn't want to diminish her feelings in any way if he could help it.

"It's entirely your choice, Liv. If you're in the mood to help, you can make the salad and set up the drinks while I do the cooking. Like I said before, I'd be happy just to have your company. But, if you're not comfortable with any of that, then you can wait here until everything is ready."

"I think I could handle making a salad, but -"

Elliot squeezed her hand again, already knowing what she was going to say.

"If it gets to be too much, just say the word, and I'll take over. No questions asked."

With a smile, Olivia agreed.

"Okay, you win, Stabler. Give me a few minutes to pull my hair out of my face and wash my hands, and I'll meet you in the kitchen."

A little over half an hour later, the pair were seated at the dining table for a meal of mustard crusted salmon, roasted asparagus, the salad that Olivia had made, and some freshly sliced baguette. Elliot had purposely made only one eight ounce salmon filet, which he divided into separate two and six ounce portions. Naturally, Olivia got the smaller share, as she was still struggling with appetite issues. However, with the addition of the vegetable, salad and even the piece of bread she had helped herself to on her own, it was a nutritious and well rounded dinner.

Both Elliot and Olivia had been quiet while they ate, but neither had minded the silence. When they were finished, Olivia stood and began gathering the empty plates. Elliot's first thoughts were to stop and insist that he be the one to clean up, but then he remembered what had happened that morning. She wanted – needed – to feel more useful. It wasn't as though clearing a table and loading a dishwasher would exhaust her. Instead, he watched from his place at the table before something occurred to him.

"Did you still want your dessert, Liv? There are still plenty of brownies left."

Turning around with a slight groan and a shake of her head, Olivia pressed one palm to her stomach.

"As tempting as that sounds, I couldn't eat another bite if I tried. Maybe later, though?"

"Whatever you decide."

Olivia woke earlier than usual the next morning, more exhausted than normal. The previous night had been a difficult one, and she hoped she hadn't cried out too much in her sleep. She doesn't seem to think that was the case, because despite previous restrictions, Olivia can't help but believe that Elliot would have more trouble than ever keeping his distance if he'd heard her. Not that he'd have deliberately invaded her privacy, but he would have at least come to check on her.

Speaking of being checked on, Olivia mulled over the fact that when Don returned the night before, he'd told her that Owen would be stopping by in a day or two, once she'd had a chance to settle back into a routine of sorts. The thought wasn't upsetting, if anything Olivia had been expecting it. Although they weren't very close yet, she and Owen had already established a connection of sorts, and the neighbor was well on his way to becoming a trusted friend. The idea of him coming for a visit wasn't overwhelming in the slightest.

Stretching, Olivia got out of bed. Her mood today was even more somber than usual, knowing that in just a few hours, Don would be leaving to go back home. Not that she faulted her former Captain for returning to his life, but his presence would be missed. After dressing in clothes appropriate for walking in, Olivia padded downstairs. She was aware that Elliot was likely still at his meeting, but she wanted to spend some time with Don. Sure enough, when she reached the lower level, the older man was the only one downstairs. Sitting at the table, he appeared to be reading the paper, a cup of coffee within easy reach.

"Good morning, Don."

Don turned his head at the sound of Olivia's voice, greeting the brunette with a warm smile. Though he made no comment, it was obvious from the circles under her eyes that she'd not had a restful night. His first thought was to delay his trip by another day or two, but he knew that wasn't the answer. Not only would Olivia undoubtedly protest the added attention, but he knew that she was in good hands with Elliot's support.

"Olivia, good morning. I'm sure you probably already know this, but Elliot isn't back yet. I know you wouldn't want breakfast this soon, can I get you some coffee or juice instead?"

"Actually, I was going to ask if you would go with me on a walk this morning. That is, if you don't mind?"

If Don was surprised by the request, Olivia didn't notice it in his features. Instead, she watched as he merely folded the paper closed and set it to side. Draining what was left of his coffee, he stood and crossed the room to stand in front of her.

"I'd be happy to join you, Olivia. Let me put this mug in the sink and grab my shoes, then I'll be ready to go."

A short while later, Olivia and Don had made their way out of the cottage, and per Olivia's request, were headed down the sidewalk in the direction of the lighthouse. It was no secret that Olivia had felt a subconscious pull toward the impressive structure ever since her arrival in Cape May, and she was still counting down the days until she could climb the stairs to the top of the tower and take in the impressive views it would undoubtedly hold. Unfortunately, that goal was now on even more of a delay than before. There was no way Elliot – or her doctors – would consider letting her undertake such a physical feat until she was eating more regularly and her blood pressure levels remained stabilized. Olivia tried not to get discouraged, instead counted on it as something to look forward to.

As the two continued to walk through the small neighborhood, Don found himself plagued by his own share of intrusive thoughts. The ones that were at the forefront of his mind being something he didn't think he could talk to Olivia about – at least not yet. That didn't mean he hadn't put voice to them at his own AA meetings. A secret that not many people knew, but wouldn't be hard to guess is that the former Captain harbored his own share of guilt for everything his Detective – now Sergeant – had endured. He had been the one to send Olivia home for two days, then not checked up on her welfare. Granted, it wasn't as though he had given William Lewis carte blanche access to Olivia's apartment, but he blamed himself just the same. The very least he could have done was order a protective detail, even though logically, he knows his detective would have refused.

Feeling a hand touch his shoulder, Don startled out of his reverie. Guiltily, he glanced to his right to find Olivia watching him with a wary expression, and knew she had intuited his thoughts. The last thing he had ever wanted was to add to the burdens she was already carrying. Before he could say anything though, it was Olivia who spoke up first.

"Don, you have to know I don't hold you responsible, right? Not for any of it. If anything, you're the one who saved me. As much as it pains me to admit it, if I'd have stayed in Manhattan, I don't think I'd have made it. You gave me a safe place to come and heal."

Olivia took a shaky breath, then continued.

"I know I wasn't doing the greatest job at taking care of myself, but that's not your fault, either. Plus, you gave me the best gift imaginable – you brought Elliot back into my life. I won't say he and I don't still have some work to do to get our relationship back to what it once was, but you gave me that. Thank you."

Following Olivia's emphatic statements, it was obvious that both individuals standing on the sidewalk were having difficulty controlling their emotions. Rather than continue any further on their walk, Don made the suggestion that they head back. As for what had been addressed, he knew nothing more needed to be said. The weight on his shoulders wasn't gone completely, but it had lessened significantly.

"Elliot should be back by now. What do you say we turn around? I know you'll want to shower and get ready for the day, and I'd like to share one more meal with both of you before I get on the road."

Looping her arm through Don's, Olivia nodded her agreement. He didn't miss the slight look of mischief on her face.

"Sounds good to me, Cap. I knew you'd have a plan to get me to eat somehow."

Breakfast had been another simple affair that morning, which was just fine by Olivia. She knew she'd eventually have to start eating larger meals, but she wasn't quite ready to tackle that particular hurdle just yet. These smaller steps were much more manageable, and as long as she was getting adequate nutrition, Elliot wasn't going to argue. The other notable difference was that, for the first time in as long as she could remember, Olivia thought she had felt something akin to hunger as she and Don were headed back to the cottage. Whether that was in relation to the appetite stimulant she was now taking on a regular basis, or merely a figment of her imagination, she couldn't be certain. That was why she chose not to mention it just yet. The last thing Olivia wanted to do was get Elliot's hopes up only to disappoint him should she experience another setback.

Now, it was getting even closer to the time when Don would have to leave, and Olivia felt an ache in her heart that she couldn't explain. While the distance between Cape May and Manhattan wasn't a great one, the two cities were still separated by a nearly three hour drive. One day, when she was feeling stronger and more like herself, perhaps Olivia would ask Elliot to accompany her on a trip to New York so she could visit the friends she left behind. For now though, she knew she needed to concentrate on herself and her own journey of healing. Pushing those wayward thoughts to the side, Olivia focused on the present.

Currently, she and Don were the only ones in the cottage, a repeat from earlier that morning. Elliot had borrowed Don's vehicle and was out running a few errands as a favor to his former Captain. Not only was he picking up some items that would come in handy for the drive back to Manhattan, but he had promised to stop and fill up on gas before returning. The two were sitting in the living room while Olivia sipped her smoothie, and though the television was on, neither were paying attention to it. Instead, Don used the opportunity to ask Olivia something he'd been putting off ever since Eileen had sent him a message the night before.

"Liv, there is something I want to talk to you about. It's nothing bad, so I don't want you to worry."

The anxiety that had immediately started rushing in to the pit of her stomach evaporated almost immediately with that one reassurance. Olivia knew that whatever the topic of discussion would be, it wasn't intended to cause her distress. However, she could tell that something was making Don feel guilty, and since she had already absolved him of any responsibility in her abduction and attack when they were on their walk, she was curious as to just what was making the man so apprehensive.

"Eileen messaged me last night. I suppose that shouldn't come as a surprise, we've been in touch regularly since I've been here. But this was about a cruise we had looked into taking."

Confused as to where this was going, Olivia nodded, indicating that he should continue.

"When we first tried to book passage, we were told that all cabins were already taken. However, they did have a cancellation wait list, so we added our names. Turns out, we were at the very top of said list, and an opportunity to go on the cruise came up. We have until tomorrow to let the agency know if we want to accept."

"Don, that's fantastic news! I know how much you've wanted to travel since your retirement. Why wouldn't you jump at this chance?"

A few moments of silence passed as realization settled in, followed by what could only be recognized as guilt. He wasn't going because of her. Olivia was determined not to let that happen. It was bad enough accepting that Elliot had put his entire life on hold to take care of her, she wasn't going to let Don do it, too. He'd already done so much by dropping everything to be here in Cape May when she needed him.

"No, don't even think about it. You will go on this trip. You're going to take dozens of pictures, and have an amazing time. If you feel the need to do something for me, then you'll simply have to send me a postcard from every port."

"It's a three week cruise, Olivia."

Olivia shook her head, as though that bit of information was irrelevant.

"Then in three weeks time, if I'm not ready to come to the city, you can come here and visit me again and tell me all about it. Bring Eileen with you."

Though Don was still uncertain about leaving for such an extended period of time, the voracity of Olivia's statements, and her determination that he not miss this opportunity were enough to convince him.

"All right, you've made your point. But don't think I'm not going to hold you to your word. In three weeks time, once I'm back in New York again, I will be seeing you."

"I wouldn't have it any other way."

It was shortly after that moment that Elliot returned, and while he could tell from the atmosphere in the room that he'd interrupted something important, he chose not to comment. Instead, he passed Don the keys.

"You've got a full tank of gas, and everything else you asked for is in bags in the front seat."

"Thank you, Elliot."

No one wanted to move then, but the moment couldn't be avoided forever. It was inevitable – the goodbyes would have to be said. Though neither man said it aloud, both were comforted by the fact that Olivia had made remarkable progress in the past week. Granted, she still had a long way to go, but neither would forget the scene from the emergency room that awful day when she was so broken they were forced to make decisions on her behalf. Don still wasn't one hundred percent convinced that his leaving was the right thing to do, but there wasn't anyone he trusted more with Olivia's well being than Elliot. It was why he'd sent him here in the first place. The two would help each other heal.

Olivia felt tears pricking at her eyes as she watched Don and Elliot exchange a handshake that turned into a hug. Though she'd known her former Captain hadn't been here to stay forever, she'd found his presence comforting over the past several days, and wasn't sure she could deal with yet another change in her life - not when she'd already been through so many. But then, a memory came back to her, one from when Don had imparted to her the news of Munch's retirement several months earlier. In his infinite wisdom he'd simply told her 'nothing changes, except what has to'. The words were just as much of a comfort now as they had been then.

When Don stepped closer, his own eyes brimming with the emotions he was feeling, Olivia wrapped her arms around him, unable to actually say a verbal farewell. She was grateful for so many things, most importantly that she had this man in her life. It was yet another reminder that despite the loneliness that threatened to consume her at times, she wasn't alone in this fight – she never had been. She had her squad – both current and former members, and she had Elliot. Now even Owen could be included on that team, and if all continued to go well, her treatment with Lydia. With so many people in her corner, she would get back on track and reclaim her life. It was just a matter of time.