Cabenson Oneshots

Solace in the Storm

The precinct was unusually quiet, the usual hustle and bustle replaced by an eerie stillness that hung heavy in the air. Detective Olivia Benson sat at her desk, her brow furrowed with exhaustion as she stared blankly at the pile of paperwork in front of her. It had been a long, emotionally draining day, one that had left her feeling more exhausted than she could ever remember.

Alexandra Cabot watched from across the room, concern etched in her features as she observed her friend and colleague. She knew that Olivia had been through hell and back on the latest case, and she couldn't bear to see her suffering alone.

Approaching Olivia's desk, Alex cleared her throat softly, drawing the brunette's attention away from the mountain of paperwork. "Hey, Liv. Are you okay?"

Olivia managed a weak smile, though it did little to mask the exhaustion that lingered in her eyes.

"Hey, Alex. Yeah, I'm just... It's been a tough day."

Without hesitation, Alex pulled up a chair beside Olivia's desk, her presence a comforting anchor in the midst of the storm. "Do you want to talk about it?"

Olivia hesitated for a moment, her emotions swirling like a tempest inside her chest. But then, with a sigh, she began to recount the harrowing details of the case they had just closed - a case that had hit far too close to home, stirring up memories and emotions she had long tried to bury.

As Olivia spoke, Alex listened intently, her heart breaking with each word as she bore witness to her friend's pain. And when Olivia's voice finally trailed off into a choked silence, Alex reached out, her hand finding Olivia's and squeezing it gently in a silent gesture of solidarity.

"I'm so sorry, Liv," Alex murmured, her voice filled with empathy. "You've been through so much, and yet you still carry the weight of the world on your shoulders."

Olivia looked up, her brown eyes meeting Alex's blue ones with a mixture of gratitude and exhaustion. "Sometimes it just feels like... like it's all too much, you know?"

Alex nodded, her gaze never wavering from Olivia's. "I know, Liv. But you're not alone. I'm here for you, always."

In that moment, the weight of Olivia's burden felt a little lighter, the darkness of the world held at bay by the warmth of Alex's presence. And as they sat together in the quiet solitude of the precinct, Olivia knew that no matter what storms lay ahead, she would always find solace in the unwavering support of her friend and confidante.