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.

Elliot awoke before his alarm went off. That wasn't an uncommon practice for him these days, especially since Olivia had been in the hospital. But today was different. Even though he had told his partner he had plans to hit up the gym this morning, Elliot hoped she would forgive him for the deception. He didn't have anything nefarious in mind, but rather, nothing that he wanted to tell her about ahead of time, for fear of getting her hopes up, only to be dashed. In Elliot's opinion, Olivia's heart had been broken one time too many recently – both figuratively and literally – for her to withstand any more pain. If it was within his power to spare her, he would do whatever he could. However, if everything worked in his favor, what he had up his sleeve could potentially be more healing than all the medicine in the world.

As soon as he was done with his shower and dressed for the day, Elliot was ready to head out the door. In what was becoming habit, he checked his phone yet again, to make sure he didn't have any missed calls or messages. The conversation with Olivia last night had been difficult for him, though he had been immensely relieved that she had reached out for comfort instead of suffering in silence. Knowing his partner as well as he did, Elliot was aware that wouldn't have been easy for Olivia to do. It also reminded him to hurry, so he could reach his destination in time to have his usual morning check in while Olivia ate breakfast. While it didn't seem possible, today would only be her second day of dialysis. If the days were dragging by for him, Elliot could only imagine how endless they felt for his partner.

It just so happened that luck was on his side. Not only was traffic in his favor, but Elliot was even able to stop for coffee and a bite to eat for himself on the way. Parked outside the building thirty minutes ahead of his appointment time, he glanced at his phone again. Even though Olivia hadn't been the first to call, he was going to take his chances. While he wasn't one hundred percent certain, Elliot was willing to bet a large portion of his next paycheck that his partner was refraining from contacting him because she didn't want to be a nuisance.

Just as they had the previous night, Elliot opted for a video call. Since his phone was still secured in the dashboard holder, this left him virtually hands free. As soon as Olivia's face appeared on screen, he graced her with a smile, and raised his cup of a coffee in a silent toast.

"Morning, Liv. I thought maybe you'd like to have breakfast with me."

"Elliot. I thought you had plans this morning. That's why I didn't bother you."

It was just as he'd suspected. Still, that didn't matter, what was important was convincing Olivia that she was his priority.

"I do, and I will get to them. I just hate going to the gym at this hour because it's always so crowded, plus I have a few errands I need to take care of first. I also thought you'd appreciate a little company."

"Don't get me wrong, I do, I just don't want you neglecting yourself for my sake."

As always, just when Elliot thought his heart couldn't break any more with the way his partner always doubted her own self worth, even more insecurities seemed to creep out of the woodwork. Granted, when it came to her skills on the job, there was no questioning Olivia's confidence. It was just that having grown up with Serena had instilled a lifetime of second guessing that was hard to get over. Just once, Olivia deserved to have someone who put her first. Elliot didn't know if she would let him, but he was damn sure going to try.

"I'm not. I'll get to the gym today, Liv, I promise you. If you like, I can even skip my shower before I come visit so you can see for yourself that I did in fact work out."

"Please don't. You're the only one of the two of us who can actually take proper showers, don't deprive yourself. Not to mention, it would be highly unfair for me to have to smell you."

Laughing now, Elliot was quick to agree. Shortly after, he changed the subject, inquiring about what Olivia had for her breakfast. Even though he had been present when she selected her menu the day before, he was genuinely interested – especially since meal times were one of the few highlights that broke up the monotony of a hospital stay.

"Well, I kept my breakfast simple again. With my dialysis scheduled so early, there really isn't that much time for me to eat before I'm taken downstairs. Plus, you know I typically don't have that big of an appetite in the morning anyway."

Nodding his understanding, Elliot waited for her to continue.

"I had yogurt yesterday, and while that is on the allowed foods list, you'll remember it's somewhat limited. So today, I kept it to just a cinnamon raisin bagel with cream cheese and a cup of coffee."

Lifting his own breakfast into the field of vision, Elliot's smile grew wider.

"What a coincidence. That's what I'm having, too."

As the pair continued to chat, Olivia didn't even realize she had finished with the entirety of her meal – simple though it was – until Elliot had pointed out that he, too, was also done. More grateful than ever for having had her partner's companionship, she was reluctant to end the call, but knew that someone would be coming to collect her shortly for her scheduled dialysis.

"I'll see you in a few hours, El. Have a good workout at the gym. And please, remember what I said earlier – I'm begging you – don't forget to shower."

"I won't, Liv. Have a good session. Remember to message me if you need anything.

After ending his phone call with Olivia, Elliot hurried to finish the remainder of his coffee. It was getting closer to his appointment time, and the last thing he wanted was to make a bad impression by being late. It was imperative that this meeting go well, because while the physical aspect of Olivia's healing was being managed with the best possible care in the hospital, what Elliot was setting out to do would have an even greater impact on her emotional and mental well being.

Getting out of his car, Elliot straightened his clothes and headed into the prison. It felt strange not being here in an official capacity as a Detective, but that didn't make the reason for his visit any less important. He was so grateful, not only to Judge Liz Donnelly for having pulled a few strings in order to grant him this opportunity, but that the person he was here to see had agreed to his request.

Even though it had been odd going through the security checkpoint without his badge and gun on his hip, Elliot had to admit that the absence of those items made for acquiring clearing a lot faster. The only things he'd needed to remove from his pockets in order to pass through the metal detector had been his cell phone and his keys. Following a guard to a visitor waiting room, and grateful for the privacy he would be afforded as opposed to the more public see through plexiglass with needing to use a telephone headset in order to communicate, Elliot made himself comfortable and settled in to wait. A few minutes later, one of the prisoners was brought in, dressed in the standard issue jumpsuit, wrists handcuffed in front of him. Even though Elliot didn't consider himself to be in danger from this particular individual, he understood that it was merely protocol.

"Detective Stabler? Is everything all right? I was worried when my lawyer said you wanted to meet with me. Has there been a new development with Vivian?"

David Drecker, Vivian's ex and Calvin's father, was obviously concerned, and Elliot wanted to kick himself for not having better articulated the reason behind his visit. Of course, even despite the fact that the man was currently serving a life sentence for the murder of Sarah Hoyt, it didn't negate his feelings toward the mother of his son. Likewise, Vivian's having signed over all her rights to David's parents didn't diminish anything either. While Elliot knew he could have contacted the Drecker's in Vermont directly, he thought that perhaps if he had David's approval – since Vivian was in the wind – that his plea might be better heard by Calvin's grandparents.

"As far as I know, there is nothing new to report on Vivian. I'm sorry if I gave you that impression. The reason I'm here has to do with Detective Benson, in particular, her relationship with your son."

Elliot paused for a few seconds, trying to figure out how to continue. The meticulously planned speech he had so carefully prepared had seemingly escaped his brain, leaving him fumbling for words. Thankfully, David came to his rescue, having somehow been able to intuit what he was trying to say.

"Even though my son didn't stay with your partner for very long, I'm aware of how close they become in that short period of time. I'm also embarrassed to admit that Detective Benson likely has a better relationship with Calvin than I do, even though I know that is no one's fault but my own. I get letters on occasion from my parents regarding Calvin's progress, and it's no secret that he's struggling. They are trying, and in their hearts, I'm sure they believed a clean break would be best, but I'm not so sure."

What David hadn't said out loud – hadn't needed to say – because Elliot was well aware of it just the same, was the fact that the main reason for loss of contact had been Vivian's doing. For no other purpose other than to cause Olivia as much pain as possible. However, Calvin had ended up suffering, too. Refusing to be deterred from his goal, Elliot pressed on.

"I'm not here to ask you to amend the custody agreement. I would never do that, and neither would Olivia. Don't get me wrong, I know that given the chance, she would accept that boy as her own and bring him into her home and raise him without a second thought. But that's not why I wanted to talk to you."

"What is it then? And why are you here, and not Detective Benson?"

Trying his best to maintain his composure, as was always difficult anytime the reality of her illness hit him full force, Elliot began to explain just what was happening with his partner – and what had contributed to her downfall. As best he could, he described the details of Olivia's current health status, making sure to emphasize that he wasn't placing blame nor expecting a reunion with Calvin to be a cure all. What he was hoping for, however, was that a potential video call with the boy would provide a much needed emotional boost for Olivia, and give her the strength to keep fighting. Likewise, if Calvin's grandparent's were amenable to the arrangement, perhaps organizing times throughout the year for Calvin and Olivia to visit with one another once Olivia was fully healed.

Having finally spoken what he'd come here to say, Elliot tried his best not to hold his breath as he awaited a response. He wasn't sure exactly how David would react, but he hoped that given how agreeable the man had been so far, that his suggestion would be positively received. Thankfully, Elliot didn't have to wait long to get his answer.

"Well, I'll have to talk to my parents, but I for one support it. Calvin has been entirely too upset lately, to the point where it's been discussed about putting him in therapy. Don't get me wrong, that may still be an option, but if talking with Detective Benson more will improve his mood just as much as it will hers, then I, for one, am all for it."

David asked for Elliot's permission to give his number to his parents, and Elliot happily handed over one of his business cards. The exchange was carefully monitored by the guard in the room, but soon determined to be above board. With a promise to mention what they had talked about the next time he had phone privileges, David was led back to his cell, and Elliot left the prison, feeling like he had finally accomplished something worthwhile in helping his partner heal.

Elliot's next stop on his list was the gym, and there were a multitude of reasons behind it. The first being that he wanted to keep his word to his partner, even though logically he was aware she had no way of actually knowing if he had worked out or not. The second also related to Olivia, in the sense that ever since Elliot had learned that a kidney transplant was a potential treatment option for his partner, he had been determined to ensure that his body was in top form – both physically and mentally. Not only had he been eating better, but he was exercising when he could. Should the need arise for that extreme, he wanted to be there for Olivia in the way that he had promised all those years ago.

Two hours later, he was leaving the gym, freshly showered and with a continued feeling of accomplishment. From there, Elliot had thought about going to the hospital, but a glance at his watch told him that Olivia was still likely in her dialysis session. Not wanting to go home, he contemplated heading to the precinct for a bit to kill time, when an incoming text to his phone captured his attention.

Hey Dad. My class got canceled, and I've got some spare time today, if you're free, how about getting some coffee with me?

Not evening having to think about whether or not he wanted to spend some time with his middle daughter, Elliot quickly typed back a response to Kathleen, making arrangements to meet at a shop halfway between the hospital and campus. Up until now, he'd refrained from bringing his kids into the loop regarding what was going on with Olivia, but he knew he couldn't put that off any longer - especially with Kathleen. She and Olivia had a close bond, and of all his children, she would be the most concerned.

A short time later, Elliot was walking toward the coffee shop when he saw his daughter coming from the opposite direction. They embraced on the sidewalk, Elliot dropping a kiss on his daughter's cheek. As much as he appreciated the gesture, he declined her offer to pay, insisting it was his treat. After they had selected their drinks – and a muffin for Kathleen – the two found a seat at a table in a far corner, where they would be able to talk privately.

"So, Dad, how are you doing? I'm honestly surprised you were able to meet today. Are you sure you're not going to get in trouble with Captain Cragen for this?"

Smiling at the idea that his grown daughter thought he was playing hooky, Elliot took a sip of his coffee as he tried to figure out the best way to answer the question.

"No, honey, I'm not going to get in trouble. The truth is, I've been taking some time off work. Olivia has been sick, and I've been helping her."

The look of concern that crossed Kathleen's face was instantaneous, and her shock was evident as the piece of muffin she was about to eat fell from her fingers and dropped back to the plate.

"Olivia's sick? What's wrong? Is she going to be okay?"

The questions flew out in rapid-fire succession, a slight tremor in the voice of the young woman who'd asked them. As much as he wanted to provide reassurance, Elliot had a feeling that Kathleen could already sense part of the truth. Knowing Olivia as well as she did, she probably already realized that if his partner's health was bad enough that she was letting Elliot help her, then it must indeed be serious.

As best as he knew how, Elliot began to describe what had happened, making sure to emphasize that while things were still concerning, Olivia was no longer critical. Even though he often needed to remind himself that his daughter was an adult, and that he didn't have to shelter her as he once did, today Elliot was grateful for the ability to speak openly and honestly. For the first time in a long time, he allowed himself to admit that he needed Kathleen's support in this just as much as she would need his.

"Dad, I'm so sorry to hear this. I know you're going to be doing everything you can for Olivia – I wouldn't expect anything less. Just promise me that you'll take care of yourself, too."

Before Elliot could say anything in defense of himself, Kathleen had continued.

"I'm doing well in all my classes, so if you need anything, please let me know. I'd be happy to keep Olivia company to give you a chance to rest, so long as you don't think she'd object to me visiting her."

"Of course not. In fact, why don't you come over to the hospital with me today? I'm sure she'd love to see you."

It didn't take long for Kathleen to agree. The only thing she wanted to do first was stop and get a gift for Olivia, so she didn't show up empty handed. The decision made, father and daughter went on to enjoy the rest of their coffee and Kathleen began to brainstorm as to what to buy for the woman who had been such a positive role model in her life.

After much deliberation, Kathleen had chosen a few items to comprise a care package for Olivia. Each and every one involved careful thought and consideration, and Elliot knew they would be very appreciated by his partner. Once again, he had offered to help his daughter out with the expenses, but Kathleen had insisted that buying something for Olivia was something she wanted to do on her own.

As soon as Kathleen was ready, father and daughter traveled together to the hospital. Upon their arrival, Elliot noticed that one of Olivia's aides was just coming out of her room. Judging by the contents of their hands, it appeared that Olivia had just finished with her daily bedside bath. Stepping over the threshold tentatively, Elliot called out to his partner, not wanting to intrude if she were still in the process of changing.

"Liv? Are you decent?"

"Decent? Never. But if you're asking if I'm dressed, then the answer is yes."

The joke was a positive indication that Olivia was in good spirits today, and Elliot advanced further into the room. Kathleen trailed close behind, hidden behind his muscular form.

"Someone's in a good mood today."

Olivia smiled at Elliot, and her happiness was genuine. It was also contagious, especially when she told him the reason for her joy.

"Having a heart monitor removed will have that effect on someone. I know in the greater scheme of things, it's only a small step, but it means so much. Now, getting the remainder of the adhesive to come off my skin is another matter entirely, but I'll worry about that later."

As though she only just became aware of the fact that her partner hadn't taken the chair by her bed as he usually did, Olivia's face morphed from one of elation to that of suspicion. She may currently be on leave from work because of her health, but her detective skills were as strong as ever.

"Elliot Stabler, just what are you up to?"

"Nothing – well, nothing much. I just happened to run into someone while I was out this morning, and thought you might enjoy seeing a face other than mine for a change."

Still confused as ever, understanding dawned immediately when Elliot stepped to the side to reveal Kathleen standing behind him. As soon as Olivia laid eyes on the second eldest Stabler child, her smile broadened even more than before and she opened her arms, inviting the young woman in for a hug.

"Katie! What are you doing here? Not that it's not great to see you, but shouldn't you be in class.?"

Accepting Olivia's invitation for an embrace, Kathleen passed off the items in her hands to her father, and held on tight to the person who had always been there for her whenever she had needed it.

"My class today was canceled. I had sent Dad a message, asking if he wanted to meet for coffee. That was when he told me what was going on with you. When he asked if I wanted to join him for a bit to visit, I didn't have to think twice."

Trying to reign in her emotions, Olivia blinked back the few tears that had been threatening to fall. Correctly guessing that Kathleen would want to do whatever she could, the brunette decided to make a request that would likely make them both feel better.

"Thank you, sweetie. It's so great to see you. I was planning on asking your dad when he showed up if he'd help me braid my hair again, to keep it out of the way, but maybe you'd like to do that instead?"

Before Kathleen had a chance to respond, it was Elliot who spoke up first.

"Oh, so that's how it is. I can see when I'm not wanted. I'll just be over here in the corner, then."

Both women were laughing now, but the younger of the two readily agreed to help Olivia with her hair. She also presented her with the gifts she had brought – a small selection of beauty products including scented hand lotion to prevent dry skin, some lip balm, and another no rinse shampoo to supplement the type that the hospital was already supplying. Also in the bag were some magazines and puzzle books, as well as some sugar free candies to help combat dry mouth.

"This is lovely, Katie, thank you so much."

Once Olivia had situated herself, sitting more on the side of the bed, Kathleen began to run a brush through her hair, working as efficiently as possible to reduce any discomfort. As the braid neared completion, she wrapped an elastic band around the base to secure it, then helped Olivia resume her position back against the pillows. She was about to go and take the chair next to her father, when Olivia grabbed her by the hand, tugging her down onto the bed to sit by her hip.

"So, tell me everything about what is going on with you at school. It's been ages since we've talked last."

While the relationship with his daughter had improved considerably, Elliot was also well aware that she would likely feel more comfortable confiding in his partner if he weren't in the room. Deciding to give the two women some privacy to talk, he excused himself for a bit, promising to return shortly.

Olivia gave her partner a knowing nod as he exited, fully understanding his reason for leaving. There were still more things she needed to tell him about her morning, but she knew he wasn't going anywhere. Right now, she was just grateful for the distraction that Kathleen's visit would provide. The rest could wait until later.

Alone in the visitor waiting room, Elliot fidgeted with his phone, trying not to let his impatience show. He had only talked to David a few hours ago, so the logical side of his brain was aware that it was highly unlikely that the other man had been able to secure phone privileges yet today. If not for Elliot's desperation to have Olivia resume contact with Calvin, he supposed he'd be a lot more rational, but there was only so much he could do for his partner now, and it just felt as though his hands were tied. He wanted to do something to feel useful, to feel as though he were contributing to her recovery.

In an effort to calm his mind, Elliot tried to shift the focus of his thoughts on whatever potential subjects his partner and his daughter could be discussing. It wasn't that he were trying to intrude on a private conversation, he was merely hopeful that the two women would be able to confide in one another and that the visit would be beneficial for both of them. Heaven knew that Olivia needed as much positivity as possible in her life right now, and if engaging in some lighthearted gossip helped take her attention off what she was currently dealing with, then Elliot was all for it. It was part of the reason why he'd been so glad to see his partner happy when the rest of their squad had visited the day before.

Time continued to pass, and eventually Elliot could hear the telltale sound of the meal cart out in the hallway. Though he hated to interrupt Kathleen's time with Olivia for any reason, he knew how much Olivia hated to eat alone. At the very least, he needed to go back to the room and invite his daughter to join them for lunch.

As he neared Olivia's room, the sound of laughter could be heard. The noise wasn't excessive by any means, it was just that Elliot's ears easily recognized who it belonged to. Tapping his knuckles once on the door frame, he called out to announce his presence, so as not to startle either of the women inside.

"Liv, Katie, it's just me. I hate to intrude, but the meal carts are being brought around. Honey, did you want to eat with us today?"

Kathleen shook her head.

"No, Dad. Not that I don't appreciate the offer, but I need to get back to campus. However, Olivia and I have worked out a plan of sorts. Once she's out of the hospital and feeling a bit better, we're going to meet for lunch and get a manicure together. I had offered to paint her nails here, but there is the concern that the polish could potentially interfere with some of the medical equipment."

Smiling broadly, Elliot couldn't help but be pleased with this arrangement.

"I think that's a great idea. Even better, when you two do have your day out, let me treat. Don't look at me like that, Liv. This is something I want to do – for both of you."

Grabbing Olivia's hand, Kathleen squeezed gently.

"He's right, Liv. Never argue with Dad when he's volunteering to open his wallet."

Laughing, Olivia eventually agreed. She then reminded Elliot that if he was going to eat with her, he needed to go to the cafeteria and get his food.

"Go ahead, Dad. I'll stay here until you get back."

With a nod, Elliot took his daughter's advice, and headed back out of the room and in the direction of the cafeteria. Though it honestly didn't matter to him either way, he hoped that the elevators would be in better working order than the last time he had made this particular journey.

"Okay, now that it's just the two of again, is there anything else you need before I leave? Something that you might not want to ask my dad for?"

Olivia's first instinct was to admonish the young woman for fussing so much, no matter how much she appreciated the gesture. Then, she was suddenly struck by an idea, and realized that it was likely Kathleen who would be better able to help her procure a particular item – not that Elliot wouldn't try, but his daughter might have better luck.

"Actually -"

"Whatever it is, just tell me."

That was when Olivia mentioned that her nails were starting to get too long to manage. The thought hadn't even occurred to her until Kathleen had brought up the idea of taking a day together for a manicure and lunch once she'd gotten out of the hospital. Understanding immediately what was needed, Kathleen made a mental note to bring by a grooming kit the following day. Olivia had tried to protest, insisting that she could wait, but the younger woman wouldn't hear of it.

"Nonsense. Tomorrow is the weekend, right? You've already said you don't have dialysis tomorrow. Tell dad to take a few extra hours for himself, and I'll come in and keep you company."

Though it took her a few seconds, Olivia ultimately nodded her agreement. The two women embraced again, just as Elliot returned to the room. Behind him was a dietary aide, bringing in Olivia's lunch. Kathleen took that as her cue to leave, but not before her father insisted on giving her cab fare for the ride back to campus. Hugging her father too, Kathleen disappeared with a wave, and the two partners were left alone.

"Did you want lemonade with your lunch today, Liv, or would you prefer to save it until dinner?"

"I'm going to wait. I'm not even sure I'll make it an every day thing, at least not while I'm still so restricted. I'm hoping that the thirty-two ounce limit doesn't last forever. Even if it's still kept to somewhat of a minimum, I hope to have a bit more leeway soon."

After ensuring that Olivia was adequately set up with her food, Elliot made himself comfortable and tucked into his own lunch. Having remembered what his partner had selected the previous day, he purposely had opted for the same thing. That was why they were both dining on turkey burgers with a side of fresh vegetable plates as a side. While dressing and dips were listed in the limited foods category for Olivia's renal diet, she had been provided with a small package of fat free ranch, and she planned to make the most of it. For dessert, there were some apple slices to snack on. Olivia would have preferred to have some peanut butter to go with them, but until the condition of her kidneys improved, that wasn't possible.

While the two partners ate, they chatted about their respective mornings. When Elliot learned that he had missed the visit with Olivia's cardiologist, his immediate reaction was guilt. Of course she hadn't blamed him, and other than the fact that her heart monitor had been removed, there wasn't really anything new to report on that particular front anyway. From the sound of things, he would still be here when the nephrologist stopped by, and that was what really mattered. As for dialysis, Olivia didn't have much to say on the subject, other than the procedure had been just as boring as the day before.

When they were finished, Elliot disposed of the trash, and carried Olivia's tray out to put it back on the cart in the hall. Upon returning to the room, he saw that his partner had already dozed off, and he resumed his usual position by her bedside. More than content to wait however long it took for Olivia to get the rest she needed, Elliot would stay with her until they kicked him out at the end of the day.

By now, Olivia had been sleeping for nearly two hours. Elliot would have been more concerned, if not for having remembered that his partner had mentioned during their morning phone call that she'd had a difficult night. Not wanting a repeat of those events, he made up his mind to give her at least another thirty minutes before waking her.

A low buzzing sound from his phone caught Elliot's attention, and while he didn't recognize the number, the display showed that the call was coming from a Vermont area code. Though he hated to leave Olivia on her own for any reason, he didn't want her to overhear the conversation. Rushing out of the room, Elliot answered, nearly breathless, on the third ring.

"Hello?"

"Detective Stabler? This is Virginia Drecker. My son David said you went to see him this morning? Something about Detective Benson and Calvin?"

Elliot could hardly believe his ears. Even though his meeting with David earlier today had ended on a positive note, he'd still had trouble remaining convinced that the man would keep his word - let alone that a possible resolution would happen so quickly. Considering himself a good judge of character, Elliot took heart at the fact that the woman on the other end of the line didn't sound angry, merely curious.

"Yes, that's correct. I'm not sure what all David has told you, but if you have a few minutes, I'd be happy to explain."

"Of course."

Entering the visitor waiting room, and relieved to find it empty, Elliot found a seat. He also took it upon himself to offer a somewhat bold suggestion – one that he hoped Mrs. Decker would be comfortable with. The idea had just occurred to him that if perhaps they could see one another, then maybe it would be easier for her to determine that he was in fact telling the truth, not only about Olivia's condition, but the need to see Calvin.

A few minutes later, after having switched the call to video mode, Elliot launched into the best possible explanation he could. A part of him felt as though he were walking a very fine line – he still wanted to protect Olivia's privacy – but he also wanted to reunite her with the boy she missed so desperately. Thankfully, despite whatever mistakes she had made so far as she tried to adjust to the raising of her grandson, Virginia Decker was an empathetic soul.

"Oh the poor dear! I will keep her in my prayers that she makes a full recovery. Calvin speaks of Olivia often. We just thought it was in his best interest to make a clean break – aside from a few letters. I never imagined how much it would hurt both of them to be separated like this."

Even with his anger at what Olivia had endured, Elliot could understand where the other woman was coming from. She had been thrust into an unknown world, suddenly a full time caregiver again, and likely felt completely out of her depth. It probably also explained why she and her husband had been trying to raise Calvin the same as they had David, even though times had changed considerably since then.

"What do you need us to do?"

This was what Elliot had been hoping for, for the door of possibility to be opened, even just a little.

"To start with, I'd like to arrange a video call between Olivia and Calvin, let them reconnect a little. I'm positive it will provide a tremendous boost to her spirits, something she really needs right now. Obviously, I don't want to put too much weight on Calvin's shoulder's, so if we could just explain her condition to him in as simple of terms as possible, that would probably be for the best."

"I'm glad you said that. I don't want to upset him either, but I think it would do him good to talk to Olivia. I also would support arranging a visit between them, just perhaps so it wouldn't interfere with school?"

Elliot nodded his agreement, grateful they were on a video call and he could be seen.

"Of course. Like I mentioned to your son, Olivia isn't interested in interfering with the custody arrangement. All she wants is what is best for Calvin. She just would like to still be a part of his life."

"Then we will definitely make that happen. I'm sorry we let it go this long in the first place. Give me a day or two to talk to Calvin and let him know what is going on, make sure he doesn't have any questions, then we'll be in touch. When is the best time to call?"

Elliot relayed that information, and made sure to stress that if Calvin had anything he needed to ask him, the boy was to feel free to call him anytime of the day or night. He hadn't grown as close to the boy as Olivia had, but they had shared a bond of their own.

"Thank you very much, Mrs. Decker."

"Virginia, please. And thank you, Detective. It's clear you care a great deal about your partner. I'm glad she has someone like you in her corner."

After ending the call, Elliot exhaled a sigh of relief, his spirits feeling lighter than they had in days. Stopping by the restroom on his way back to Olivia, he hoped that his partner wouldn't be able to read the expression of elation on his face and give him the third degree. As much as he wanted to tell her, what he was planning needed to remain a secret.

By the time Elliot reentered Olivia's room, his partner was awake. He tried his best to keep his face impassive, having explained that he'd only left in order to use the facilities. That comment had earned him an exasperated eye roll, and a remark from Olivia that she didn't need an update every time he used the bathroom. Relieved to see her sense of humor intact, Elliot took his usual place by Olivia's bedside.

Now that Olivia was alert, and with at least another couple of hours until the dinner trays would be brought around, Elliot inquired if she were interested in doing something to help pass the time. Though not completely headache free, the pain was at the most minimum level it had been in days, enough that Olivia felt she could actually concentrate on an activity other than simply staring into space – much as she had the previous day, when she'd made use of the coloring pages Fin had brought. Not in the mood to play cards, and too worried that looking at the television screen across the room would increase eye strain, Olivia opted to watch something on her tablet. First, she asked Elliot to come closer, so he'd be able to see, too.

Mindful of the arm that held the IV tubing, Elliot opted to sit to Olivia's right. He had thought about just moving the chair, but after he fully understood what it was that his partner wanted, instead decided to perch on the edge of her bed, wrapping his arm around her shoulders and pulling her close against his body. The hospital bed didn't allow for a great deal of space, but the two were nonetheless quite comfortable sharing. Plus, having Elliot in such close proximity provided Olivia with a sense of safety that she had been craving for days.

Not willing to commit to a full length movie, the partners instead elected to watch a series. After careful deliberation, they selected a police procedural, if for nothing else than to rip it to shreds and pick apart the many technical errors they were sure to find. They'd just have to remember that they were, in fact, in a hospital, and remember to keep their voices down.

Just as they were about to get started, Dr. Abrhams came into the room. It was later than she typically saw any of her doctors, but as the physician soon explained, he'd been busy seeing patients during office hours most of the day, and had only just had the availability to make his rounds. Olivia didn't feel neglected by any means, she understood perfectly. Plus, at least now Elliot would be here to provide an extra set of ears for any information she might miss.

"Well, Olivia, I know it's still a bit too soon to say anything definitively, but from what we've seen with your blood work so far, your numbers are getting more encouraging every day. While you are still classified as being in acute kidney failure, I remain confident that with enough dialysis treatment and medication, we will be able to reverse the damage and restore you to full health."

The doctor went on to mention that he would be adding a new medication to her regimen, to be taken three times a day with meals. It was called calcium carbonate, and acted as a phosphate binder. In addition to the restricted diet she was on, it would work to keep the phosphate levels in her blood from getting too high by preventing their absorption into her system.

While Olivia hated the idea of having to take more medicine, she would do whatever was necessary to make herself better. Truth be told, it wasn't all bad, the only prescriptions truly on her list besides the routine Tylenol she took for pain relief was one that had been added by Dr. Campbell to help the muscles in her heart recover. If she remembered correctly, that one was called Carvedilol, and it was a low dose beta blocker. Much like the other ones that had been prescribed, odds were high that she would eventually be taken off of them once her body had time to sufficiently heal.

After making sure that neither Olivia nor Elliot had any questions, the doctor left the partners alone once more. Though it was obvious there was a great deal on Olivia's mind after that particular interaction, Elliot knew Olivia wasn't ready to talk about it just yet. Instead, he made the suggestion that they pick up where they had left off, and attempt for the distraction they had originally been seeking. Quick to agree, Olivia patted the space beside her on the bed, and Elliot made himself comfortable once more.

Some time later, after they had watched two episodes and pointed out too many procedural violations to accurately count, Olivia's stomach growled audibly. Trying not to laugh, Elliot pressed a kiss to his partner's temple and reassured her that the trays should be brought around shortly. As though bringing his prediction to life, the sound of meal carts could be heard echoing down the hall. With a promise to return as soon as he had selected his own dinner, Elliot excused himself temporarily.

Though she'd had it frequently throughout her stay, Olivia had selected baked chicken for tonight, along with sides of white rice and vegetables. Instead of eating the items separately, she chose to mix them all together, making a sort of impromptu stir fry of sorts. As soy sauce wasn't allowed due to it's high sodium content, Olivia had opted for chili sauce to enhance her food, and the condiment added a new and interesting depth of flavor.

In the hours that remained before Elliot would be made to leave, the two partners made the most of their time together. Resuming their prior position sharing the space of Olivia's bed, they watched a few more episodes of the show they had been viewing, and it was only as Elliot was leaving that Olivia made him promise to take a few extra hours for himself the following morning. When he tried to object, she revealed that she wouldn't be alone - that Kathleen would be returning to keep her company, and that what mattered most was that he took time for himself as well. Ultimately agreeing, Elliot said his goodbyes, but not before he kissed his partner on the crown of the head, and ensured she would call him if she needed during the hours they would be apart.