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.

For Olivia, Saturday morning was filled with an equal amount of excitement as Friday had been. Not only would she be getting to spend the majority of the day with Calvin, but she was also one step closer to release from the hospital. There were a multitude of reasons to be in a good mood, but likewise several to contribute to her anxiety.

The information she had learned yesterday in regard to Calvin's wishes and what had recently transpired with Vivian had most definitely been shocking. All the same, she had been unable to completely prevent the fresh wave of hope that had stirred within her heart.

While it wouldn't be exactly the same as when Calvin had lived with her, Virginia Drecker's suggestion of shared custody sounded like a dream come true. Granted, nothing would be decided immediately, and there were still so many variables that needed to be ironed out. However, Elliot's steadfast support meant so much, and knowing that her partner had her back in more ways than one went a long way in shoring up Olivia's strength.

Speaking of Elliot, Olivia was hesitant as to whether or not to call him, knowing that he, too, had a busy day ahead. While a good portion of their belongings had been moved to the brownstone the day before, the rest would be finalized today. However, talking to him while she ate her breakfast was such an integral part of her morning routine that she couldn't help but connect the video call.

"Good morning, beautiful."

"El."

"What? I'm speaking the truth."

Flushing under the compliment, Olivia manged to speak her own greeting. Even though he had been increasingly demonstrative with his affection of late, she still wasn't quite used to seeing this side of her partner, in particular to how it related to their relationship with one another. But considering they would be sharing a home very soon, she supposed that was something her mind and heart would need to adapt to.

"How are you? Do you have much work left to do today? I meant to ask you last night, but I completely forgot."

"That's all right, you have a lot on your mind. In answer to your question, not a lot. We got the majority of the things moved yesterday. Today it will be mostly waiting for some furniture deliveries, and getting things like that sorted. I also thought I'd do some grocery shopping so the place isn't completely bare on the chance you do get to come home on Monday."

Her heart warming with gratitude, Olivia felt the smile take over her features.

"I like the sound of that. As for me, I thought I'd use some of my time today with Calvin to have him pick some things out for the room we plan on letting him use. Even if he's only ever there every now and then, I still want him to feel like it's his own personal space, and that it belongs only to him."

"I understand completely, and I think it's a great idea. Did you need me to stop by today?"

"No, you're likely going to be exhausted. But, I wouldn't complain if you called me again later once you get back to your place. I'd love to have your company again this evening, even if only for a few minutes."

"Of course."

Olivia glanced up from her phone at the sound of someone coming into her room. It was just the arrival of her breakfast tray, and being the weekend, that meant she could take her time with the morning meal. She didn't have dialysis today, so after she was done eating, all she needed to do was get cleaned up and wait for Virginia and her husband to bring Calvin to visit.

"Anything good on the menu, Liv?"

"More of the same, I'm afraid. But I don't mind. I'm holding on to the hope that I won't have to do this too much longer."

"You know I'll cook you anything you want once we're settled."

"Not that I don't appreciate that, but to be honest, I'm looking forward to sleeping in a real bed again more than the food."

Chuckling softly, Elliot admitted that he couldn't blame Olivia for that. His statement with was punctuated by a reiteration of an earlier promise he had made.

"Don't forget I still owe you a back rub."

"Oh, I definitely plan on cashing in."

"Glad to hear it."

Even though she had insisted it wasn't necessary, Elliot had stayed on the phone via video call throughout the duration of Olivia's breakfast. In an additional effort to keep her from protesting that she was taking up too much of his time, he had even enjoyed his own small meal – albeit consisting of only a cup of coffee and two donuts. When he was chided by his partner for not eating something more substantial, Elliot had quickly promised that his lunch would be a lot heartier, and the reason behind his simple repast was more due to the fact of a limited food supply in his apartment than anything else.

Although neither wanted to hang up, eventually it became necessary, as Elliot needed to head to the brownstone to await the furniture deliveries. Likewise, Olivia wanted to rush through her morning routine so she would be ready by the time Calvin arrived. Much as she had yesterday, she planned on devoting a bit more attention to her appearance than she typically had during her hospital stay, and that would mean doing something more with her hair and applying a light touch of makeup to give her complexion some color. Plus, she also fully intended to be sitting upright again in the more comfortable of the chairs her room had to offer. So, while she had spent a few extra minutes lounging in her bed today, it was time to get up.

Unsure if it was nervous excitement or anxiety that prompted her to finish with her usual routine much more quickly than normal, Olivia was soon seated in her favorite chair. Knowing there was still at least an hour or so of time to kill before her visitor would arrive, and that her usual doctors weren't scheduled to show up today, she decided to keep herself distracted.

Opening her laptop, Olivia began a few simple searches. While she trusted her partner implicitly when it came to her meal plan once she settled in at her new home, having full control over her food yet again was something she was really looking forward to. Granted, there would still be the renal diet guidelines that she would need to follow, but now that her appetite had almost completely returned to normal, Olivia wanted to ensure that there would be plenty of options at her disposal. The more difficult part to that was she had always been a fan of snacking on dried fruit and nuts, both of which were currently off limits. She tried to remind herself that if her health continued to improve, those restrictions wouldn't last forever, but sometimes it was difficult to not get discouraged.

Deciding to abandon that particular avenue, Olivia opted to change tactics. Instead, she began searching for what stores offered the best furniture that would appeal to older kids and teens. No matter how determined she had been to make this happen, Elliot was equally as stubborn. Eventually they had reached a mutual decision that they would share the expense for whatever Calvin chose for his new room. The one thing they had been able to agree upon was that nothing was off limits. While their dual income as detectives didn't leave them as the richest couple in Manhattan, Olivia's substantial savings and the money left to her by her mother provided a considerable nest egg. Likewise, they were both responsible when it came to finances, and wanted everyone who would be staying at the brownstone to feel comfortable in their new home. That included the Stabler children, who were also given the opportunity to decorate their rooms.

Just as Olivia felt the anxiety creeping up anew, a knock at the door pulled her from her reverie and she tried to refrain from exhaling an audible sigh of relief. While not the physician she was typically accustomed to seeing, one of the weekend caregivers was here to pay her a visit on morning rounds, and she gladly welcomed the interruption.

"Good morning, Olivia. How are you today?"

Stephanie Ferris, a physicians assistant who worked closely with Dr. Abrhams, was who had come to see Olivia today. While she hadn't worked with the woman on a regular basis, Olivia had seen her a few times throughout the course of her stay, and had always found her bedside manner pleasant. Today, though, there was something different that she couldn't quite put her finger on. At least not until she fully registered the depth of the smile on the other woman's face and her eyes focused on the paper being held out in her direction.

"Based on how confused you look, I'm guessing the patient liaison from social services hasn't been by to see you yet. Well, allow me to be the first to tell you that we have found you a placement in an outpatient dialysis center, and your first session will be on Wednesday of next week. This will allow us to formally discharge you on Monday afternoon."

Convinced that she was hearing things, Olivia forgot how to breathe for several seconds. Once she was thinking clearly again, the first thing she wanted to do was contact her partner and share the news, but she wasn't sure she trusted herself enough to speak.

"Do you mind if I make a phone call?"

"Of course not."

With shaking hands, Olivia held tightly to her phone, dialing Elliot up and hoping that she would be able to reach him. He answered the video call almost immediately, and even though her voice was trembling, Olivia managed to get a few words out.

"El, I'm here with the doctor. I need you to hear this to, to help convince me that I'm not dreaming. Can you repeat what you just told me, please, Stephanie?"

"I'd be happy to. I was just telling Olivia that we have secured placement for her in an outpatient dialysis facility. Her first day will be this coming Wednesday, which will allow us to go ahead with her discharge from the hospital on Monday afternoon. We'd like her to have one more dialysis here first."

The sight of Elliot's broad grin was proof positive to Olivia that she had indeed heard correctly. Knowing that the partners wanted time to celebrate privately – even if it was through a video call – Stephanie then excused herself, promising to return the following morning for one last visit.

When they were on their own again, Elliot didn't hesitate in finding the right words. He knew exactly what it was he wanted to say, and he was also making no effort to conceal the depth of his emotions, allowing a few tears of relief and happiness to fall freely from his eyes. Likewise, Olivia was also crying a bit, and not for the first time that day, she wished her partner was here with her in person so he could hold her tight.

"Don't even think of telling me to stay away now, Liv. I'm coming to the hospital later. I definitely need to see you today, if ever there was a cause for celebration, this is definitely it."

"I can't tell you no for that, El. Because I was just thinking that's what I wanted most right now. I don't even care if it makes me selfish, I really want to see you today."

A knock in the background pulled Elliot's attention away from the screen, and as much as Olivia could tell that her partner hated ending the call, she knew she had to let him go.

"Liv, one of the deliveries is here, but I'm so glad you called me. I promise I will see you later. Have a great visit with Calvin, and don't hesitate to call again if you need anything."

The goodbye was more rushed that Olivia would have liked, but she didn't fault Elliot for it at all. She knew how impatient people in New York City could be, and the last thing she wanted was for them to miss a furniture delivery because Elliot didn't get to the door in time. Plus, her partner would be coming to see her later, so she would get to see him today after all. In the meantime, she had a visit with Calvin happening very soon, and had just received the best possible news. While not exactly a clean bill of health, it was most definitely a step in the right direction.

Taking a moment in the bathroom to touch up her makeup – she had cried far more tears than she had expected to – Olivia resettled herself in her chair to await the arrival of Calvin and Virginia. However, her heart was considerably lighter in knowing that in just two days time, she would be leaving the hospital and heading to the brownstone that she and Elliot had chosen to make their new home.

No matter how good the news had been, Olivia still welcomed the distraction that was to come. Just when she thought her mind would get the better of her, the sound of approaching footsteps could be heard in the hall, and she knew exactly what that meant. A few moments later, her arms were full yet again as Calvin raced to her side, just as eager to see her as he had been the day before. Several paces behind her grandson was Virginia, and there was no mistaking the smile on the other woman's face as she saw the two individuals embracing.

"Good morning, Olivia, dear. How are you feeling today?"

"Very well, thank you. In fact, Just before you and Calvin arrived, I received the best news ever. My doctors have found me a place in an outpatient dialysis program, which I can start on Wednesday. I still need to have one more treatment here on Monday morning, but everything looks good for me to go home that afternoon."

Just as it had been when sharing her news with Elliot, the happiness and excitement was contagious. Before Virginia had a change to offer her congratulations, however, Calvin was bursting at the seams.

"That's great, Olivia! Does this mean you're better?"

"Not quite, but I'm getting there. What it does mean though is that I'm not so sick that I need to be in the hospital anymore."

Just as her grandson's had been, Virginia's happiness for Olivia was genuine.

"I'm glad to hear this news, Olivia. I can only imagine how relieved you must be to be getting discharged soon."

Much the same way as she had when they had visited yesterday, the elder woman took advantage of an opportunity for some alone time with the Detective. Passing some money to Calvin, she encouraged the boy to go to the snack shop and buy himself some snacks that he could keep in the room with him throughout his visit. And, just as he had previously, Calvin saw right through the excuse.

"You're doing it again, Grandma. I've told you, if you want to talk to Olivia in private, just say so. Do either of you want me to get you anything?"

"No, thank you, and I'm sorry. I'll try and remember that in the future."

Turning to Olivia as if to inquire whether she needed him to purchase her anything, the boy was met with a similar negative response. Shoving the bills in his pocket, he exited the room, leaving the two women alone.

"I keep forgetting he's too smart for his own good. All I want to do is protect him, but I need to remember that sometimes he just wants to be told the truth."

"I know you just want to do what is best for him. You're doing a great job."

"Thank you for that, dear. I meant what I said to you yesterday, too. You provided a great deal of stability for that boy as well. I'm going to keep my word when my husband and I go to see David today, and talk to him about amending the custody arrangement. We want you to be involved in Calvin's life. The past two days have taught me that is something you both need."

Not much more needed to be said. Olivia was deeply touched by what Virginia had told her, but she still couldn't bring herself to get her hopes up too high – not until the news about her being a more permanent part of Calvin's life was confirmed in writing and actually concrete. Vivian had shattered her trust, and she had come entirely too far to risk having her heart broken again.

Once Calvin returned, Virginia made her exit, but only after reminding her grandson to be on his best behavior. Then, Olivia and the boy she once dreamed she'd be able to call her own were left alone together. Not certain what to expect after the conversation the day before and what else Calvin may have overheard – even if only twenty four hours had elapsed since then – Olivia was tempted to hold her breath, but thankfully there didn't seem to be any more bombshells to be dropped. Instead, Calvin wanted to know about the new home that she and Elliot planned to move into. This afforded the Detective the perfect segue for something she had been wanting to offer.

"I'm glad you asked me that. Actually, Elliot and I were talking, and I may have mentioned it before, but we want you to have your own room at our new place for whenever you come to visit. I thought maybe you'd be interested at looking at some things online today so you could pick how you wanted to decorate your space."

"Really? I'd love that!"

Olivia patted the seat beside her, the one Elliot normally chose for himself. Opening the internet browser on her laptop to the tab she had previously saved, she showed Calvin the website she had been looking at earlier.

"Obviously, you can choose whatever you like, but this was one of the stores I had checked out before you got here. I know I only just told you about this a few minutes ago, but did you have any ideas in mind in regard to what you might want?"

"I was thinking maybe bunk beds. Either that or two twins. That way, if I ever have a friend stay over with me, no one will have to sleep on the floor."

Calvin paused, a sheepish expression on his face, and for a moment, he couldn't bring himself to make eye contact with Olivia.

"That is, if I'd be allowed to bring a friend with me sometimes."

"Of course you would, sweetheart. Any friend of yours would be as equally welcome as you will always be."

Clearly relieved, Calvin returned his attention to the screen in front of him, scrolling down the page as he studied the furniture sets that most appealed to his interest. It wasn't long before he had clearly found one that he liked, but the hesitation in the adolescent's body language spoke volumes. Already having an idea of what the problem might be, Olivia gently inquired as to what was wrong.

"Calvin, what is it? Did you find something that you like?"

"I did, but it's too expensive."

It was just as she had suspected. Given the environment Calvin had grown up in with Vivian, his anxiety wasn't surprising. While it was obvious that Virginia and her husband made every effort to see that the boy was cared for and had everything he needed, they also were not financially well off, so however heartbreaking that Calvin's understanding of money was beyond his years, it also made sense.

"I don't want you to worry about that. This is something that Elliot and I want to do for you, and we have it taken care of. So, whatever you like, you let me know. You also don't have to decide immediately. You can look at a few more places before making up your mind."

"I'd like that idea – but I definitely think I want either bunk beds or two twins."

"Then that's what we'll find for you."

Resuming their search, the two continued to browse the internet. Calvin kept making notes, bookmarking pages at random at Olivia's insistence. Eventually, he came to a decision as to what furniture he liked best. Opting in favor of two twin beds instead of bunks, he ultimately made his choice, selecting a nightstand for both. He likely would have stopped there and been satisfied, but the brunette wanted the boy to have a completely decorated room, and she urged him to keep picking, and though he hesitated at first, Calvin's excitement grew. Caught up in the spirit of shopping without limits, he continued to pick out a bureau, a bookshelf, and a dresser. As soon as the purchase was finalized on Olivia's credit card, he threw his arms around her neck, hugging her tight.

"Thank you so much, Olivia. I'll have to thank Elliot, too."

"You're welcome, sweet boy. As for thanking Elliot, you might get the chance to do that today. He said he was going to stop by the hospital later, so there is a chance you will get to see him."

Even though she didn't think it was possible, Olivia saw Calvin's smile grow even brighter. Her heart felt so full she thought it might burst, and for the briefest of moments, no matter how much she had reminded herself of the need to be wary and cautious, she allowed herself the opportunity to hope. To hope for the chance that maybe her once shattered dream could yet again come true, and that she could have the family she always wanted.

Then, as if she and the boy next to her had wished the man into existence, a chime from Olivia's phone signaled a text from Elliot. All of the deliveries that had been scheduled for that day had already arrived and been set up, and he was going to be leaving the brownstone and heading directly to the hospital. When only one lunch tray arrived, a slight oversight by way of the dietary department, Olivia didn't hesitate to send a message to her partner, asking him to pick up a pizza for himself and Calvin so they would have something to eat, too. The reply was almost immediate, and upon hearing that he would not only get to see Elliot in just a short while, but also have one of his favorite foods, Calvin was ecstatic.

As it so happened, Olivia wasn't that far along in her own lunch by the time Elliot arrived, box of pizza in hand. Truth be told, she had been eating even more slowly than usual because she felt bad about the fact that she had food in front of her and Calvin didn't, even though his meal was on the way, and the boy had assured her repeatedly that he didn't mind. The moment her partner crossed the threshold and his arms were free, he too, was embraced the same way Olivia herself had been earlier that morning.

"Elliot! Thank you so much! Olivia told me that you are letting me come visit you both, and I love that you allowed me to decorate my room!"

"You're very welcome, Calvin. Why don't we eat, and then if I'm not mistaken, I believe we need to have a rock, paper, scissors rematch to see who is the ultimate winner."

Calvin's grin got even wider, delighted that the partner of the woman whom he adored so deeply had remembered something that had been equally as important to him as well. Mindful of his manners, he waited until he was invited to help himself before opening the pizza box and grabbing two slices, putting them on a paper plate and taking them back to his chair so he could start eating. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed the way Elliot greeted Olivia, and couldn't help but smile again at the tenderness the two individuals showed one another.

"Hey, you. The place is ready for you to come home on Monday. Not totally unpacked, I knew you would be wanting to handle a few of your more personal items on your own."

"Thank you for that. I still can't believe it. Sometimes it doesn't seem real."

"What part of it, Liv?"

"All of it."

Pressing a kiss to his partner's forehead, Elliot was quick to reassure her, without letting the conversation delve into a territory that was far too serious for Calvin to overhear. The boy had already experienced entirely too many adult related topics in his young life as it was.

"I promise you, it is."

Knowing exactly what her partner was doing, Olivia accepted the subtle deflection for what it was, and offered one of her own, adding some levity as well.

"Unless you want to lose out on lunch, El, I suggest you grab some pizza for yourself, otherwise, Calvin just may eat it all himself."

In response to her comment, Olivia received an answering giggle. For now, Calvin had stopped devouring his food in favor of drinking some of the lemonade he had bought for himself earlier. His thirst satiated, he picked up his second slice, and it wasn't until Olivia reminded him to breathe in between bites that the boy slowed his pace again.

"Sorry, Olivia."

"No need to be sorry, I just don't want you to choke. Just because we're in a hospital at the moment doesn't mean you need to test the staff's first aid skills. I was only teasing Elliot earlier, there is plenty of pizza left. Plus, if you're still hungry after this, we can always get you something else."

The change in the boy was almost immediate, and again Olivia began to wonder just what it was like for Calvin living in the Drecker home. She had no doubt that Virginia and her husband were putting their grandson's needs first, but the woman had also admitted that finances weren't the greatest. With their son in prison and unable to contribute any income, and Vivian having abandoned Calvin altogether, it was no question that times were tight. Not for the first time, Olivia began to wonder if there might not be some other way she could help, but the last thing she wanted was to insult the Drecker's pride. Deciding to file that idea away for a later time until after she could talk to Elliot about it, Olivia instead decided to focus on the present.

Before long, Calvin and Elliot had finished their pizza. Rather than dive headfirst into defending his title as rock-paper-scissors champion, the youngster instead wanted to show off what he had selected for what would grace his room at the brownstone. Olivia knew that no one had spoken to Calvin yet about the potential of him staying with her and Elliot on a semi-permanent basis, not until Virginia and her husband had a chance to talk to David today, and she could only imagine how the boy would react. His impassioned plea yesterday had nearly been more than she could bear, and she only hoped that somehow, everything would work out the way it was supposed to for everyone involved.

"This looks great, Calvin. You have amazing taste."

"Olivia said it would be all right if I were to invite a friend to stay sometimes when I visited."

"Of course. Your friends will always be as welcome as you are."

"Thanks, Elliot. I know Olivia already told me that, but it helps to hear it from you, too."

As if noticing it for the first time, even though he had been in the room for several hours, as well as the day before, Calvin's attention was drawn to the bulletin board on the one wall.

"You have the picture I sent you hanging up!"

"Of course I do. I look at it every day. I love that you drew it for me, and it always makes me smile."

Hearing that statement of praise from Olivia prompted Calvin to rush into the brunette's arms yet again. Elliot watched on, his own eyes equally as moist with unshed tears as his partner's and when their gaze met, it was clear they were both thinking the same thing. That they both wished that whatever was happening today at that prison, the scales would finally tip in Olivia's favor.

Even though everyone knew Virginia would eventually return to pick up Calvin and take him back to the hotel, no one was ready for him to go. As the day had progressed, Olivia, Elliot, and their guest for the afternoon had all decided to pass the time by watching a movie together on Olivia's laptop. It was getting close to the arrival of the dinner trays when the older woman finally arrived, and judging from the expression her face, the meeting at the prison had been productive, but exhausting. Had she been anywhere other than currently in a hospital, Olivia would have offered to let Calvin stay with her longer, if only to give the boy's grandmother a chance to process everything that had happened, along with some time to talk to her husband privately. Thankfully, Elliot frequently thought along the same wavelength and had intercepted her idea before she could utter a word. He was however, smart enough to wait until Calvin went to use the restroom before introducing the topic into the conversation.

The moment the three adults were left alone, one glance at his partner was all Elliot needed to voice his suggestion out loud.

"Mrs. Drecker -"

"Virginia, please."

"Virginia, I hope I'm not speaking out of turn, but I understand what a difficult day this must have been. I know you don't know me that well, but you do know Olivia. If it would be all right with you and your husband, I would like to offer to have Calvin stay at my place tonight. It would give the two of you a chance to talk things over without the chance of him overhearing something before you're ready."

Not for the first time, Virginia Drecker was looking at the two individuals in front of her as though they might be a figment of her imagination. Tears welled up in the elder woman's eyes, and she placed her hand over her heart.

"I don't want to be too much trouble."

"It's no trouble at all. Calvin is always welcome, and some of my other kids will also be there. My twins aren't that much older than Calvin, and I know my son will love having someone to play video games with."

Elliot's pitch must have been convincing, because after a quick check in with her husband, Virginia was agreeing. It was also decided upon that Calvin could remain at the hospital a little longer, and Elliot would swing by the hotel on the way to his apartment to pick up whatever the boy would need to stay overnight.

"Okay, Grandma, I'm ready to go now."

Despite what he had claimed, the tone of Calvin's voice clearly said otherwise. He had just returned from the bathroom, and the cheerful disposition that he had displayed ever since his arrival earlier that morning had all but evaporated now that his departure from Olivia was imminent.

"Actually, Elliot just suggested an idea to me, if you're interested."

The transformation in the younger boy was almost instantaneous. He hadn't even heard about the idea that Olivia's partner had mentioned yet, and already his ears had perked up. Whatever it was, he was clearly already eager to agree. Turning to face Elliot, he waited, and for all outward appearances, it seemed that Calvin was holding his breath.

"I thought maybe you might like to come and stay with me at my apartment tonight. Some of my kids are coming over, my three youngest. We can all watch movies, or I'm sure you'd have fun playing some video games with my older son."

"Yes! I would love that. Do you think we could come back and see Olivia in the morning before I have to go home to Vermont?"

Having already expected this question, it was Virginia who answered.

"Yes, dear. That's the plan. Your grandpa and I will meet you here after lunch."

That reply resulted in yet another exuberant hug from Calvin, this time when the boy wrapped his arms around his grandmother.

"Thank you! Yes, Elliot, I love that idea! But are you sure you have enough space for me? I know you're in the process of moving, and I don't want to be too much trouble."

"It's no trouble at all. In fact, you can even join us all for breakfast tomorrow before we come to see Olivia. How does that sound?"

Another ear-to-ear grin was the only response that Elliot needed. He shared a glance with Olivia, and saw that was struggling with her own emotions. Much like his partner, he longed to learn the outcome of what had transpired today during the conversation between David Drecker and his parents, but he didn't want to push the envelope. Best to wait and let things sort themselves out. Watching as Olivia steeled her resolve, Elliot resisted the urge to go to the woman who meant so much to him. Instead he observed as she squared her shoulders and the expression on her face changed to one of happiness. It was an emotion he knew was genuine, but didn't necessarily mask the tumult she was dealing with inside. Before Olivia had a chance to say anything else, however, it was Virginia who spoke.

"Well, Calvin, sounds like you have an exciting evening ahead of you. I can't wait to hear all about it tomorrow. Or, if you want, I'm sure Elliot wouldn't mind if you borrowed his phone later to call me and say goodnight before you went to bed."

Turning to face the other man in the room, Calvin's eyes were wide.

"Can I, Elliot?"

"Absolutely."

Assuring his grandmother he would call, the boy hugged her goodbye. Whatever invisible weight that had previously settled on his shoulders had lifted, and he appeared so much lighter. When it was down to just the three of them in the room, Calvin didn't hesitate to ask if they could stay with Olivia for just a little bit longer before heading back to Elliot's apartment for the night. Knowing exactly when his kids were due to arrive, that was something Elliot was able to easily promise. The small group was then determined to make the most of the time they had left for that afternoon.

Even though Elliot had never gotten used to walking away and leaving his partner behind in the hospital, somehow that task seemed ten times more difficult tonight. Knowing that she was so close to release and being able to come home, but still confined within the walls of the medical institution was almost impossible to reconcile. It helped, however, that he would not only get to see some of his kids once he got to back to his apartment – his home for only two more sleeps – but that he was helping Calvin, too.

It hadn't taken long to stop at the hotel so the boy could grab a few things to bring with him. He'd obviously needed something to sleep in, and a change of clothes for the following day, plus the begrudging reminder to take his toothbrush. Once they were officially on the way to Elliot's place, however, Calvin seemed to emerge from his shell once more.

"Can you tell me some more about your kids? Do you think they will like me?"

Not taking his eyes off the road, Elliot didn't have to think very hard about what he had been asked.

"The ones you'll see tonight are my twins, Richard and Elizabeth. They are seventeen. Also, my son Eli will be there, he's three. Don't get me wrong, they love their little brother, but I'm sure Richard will enjoy having someone a bit closer to his age to spend time with – especially when that person is not his dad."

Before Elliot could say anything further, his phone rang. Typically when he drove, he would answer calls while on speaker, but given that his ex-wife was calling, that wasn't really an option. Finding an open parking space on the side of the road, he pulled over, then immediately called Kathy back. The sinking feeling he'd had in the pit of his stomach when he'd seen her number on the display was quickly confirmed a few minutes later. Eli and the twins would not be coming to visit that night after all, but no one was at fault. His youngest was running a fever and for all outward appearances was also showing signs of an ear infection. It wasn't that Kathy thought Elliot incapable of caring for his son, but she felt more comfortable keeping him at home, especially knowing Olivia's medical condition.

"Well, kid, looks like it's just going to be you and me tonight."

"I'm sorry, Elliot."

"It's not your fault. I'll see them again soon, and I'm sure you will, too. In the meantime, I guess that means that you get to pick what we're having for dinner. Do you have any ideas?"

The change of subject had worked just as Elliot had intended. It wasn't that he hadn't appreciated Calvin's show of empathy. He just didn't want the youngster to somehow blame himself for the change of plans. As he considered something else about his eldest son, another wave of inspiration struck him, but he wisely remained silent for the time being – at least until he could talk to both Olivia and Virginia first.

"Maybe Chinese? They do have it in Vermont, but kind of like the pizza we had for lunch, it just doesn't taste the same as it does here in the city."

"You've got it. We'll put in an order as soon as we get back to my place."

Upon arriving at his apartment, Elliot instructed Calvin to make himself comfortable. Then, after confirming the boy's preference, he phoned in an order. Afterwards, he surreptitiously sent a text to his partner, putting the next phase of his plan in motion. He trusted that Olivia would handle the next few stages, and if all went accordingly, a surprise would be arriving within the next couple of hours. Suddenly remembering the bare state of his fridge, he also contacted the nearest bodega, scheduling a delivery for some snacks and drinks to last them the rest of the night.

"Elliot?"

"Yes?"

"Would it be all right if I took a shower? I would be perfectly okay if I skipped one, but my grandma told me I should ask."

Hiding his smile, and remembering a time when Richard was much the same, along with Eli's current attempts at evasion when it came to bath time, Elliot couldn't help but be impressed that Calvin had actually followed through with his grandmother's request.

"Of course. Let me just show you were the towels are. By the time you are done, the food should be here. Then, if you want, we can watch a movie while we eat."

"I'd like that."

As it happened, the rest of Elliot's plan came to fruition while Calvin was in the bathroom. Not just one, but two deliveries arrived, one from the local electronics store. Apparently Olivia had not only followed through with her end of things, but Virginia had also given her consent. A brand new Nintendo DS sat waiting, along with three games. It was a surprise gift for Calvin, something to keep him entertained tonight, and also help pass the time during the train ride back to Vermont.

When the boy emerged in a cloud of steam, dressed in a pair of flannel pajama bottoms and a tee shirt emblazoned with the logo of a popular soda brand, Elliot knew he wouldn't be able to wait long. Picking up the bag, he instructed Calvin to sit on the couch.

"This is for you. It's a present from Olivia and I, but she wanted me to give it to you tonight."

As he tore into the packaging, Calvin's eyes went wide with a mixture of disbelief and excitement.

"Really? Oh my God! Thank you so much!"

Throwing his arms around the man next to him in yet another impromptu hug, Calvin expressed his gratitude in the only way he knew how. He promised himself he would do the same for Olivia when he saw her the following morning. When a knock sounded at the door, Elliot pulled back.

"That will be our dinner. What do you say we enjoy some Chinese, and then figure out how that works together? Tomorrow we can show Olivia."

"I'd love that."