It was late when Olivia slipped into Elliot's hospital room after hospital hours were over.
A nurse had tried to stop her, but Olivia flashed her badge and coolly explained, in no uncertain terms, that she was a detective and there to see her partner. The young nurse had nodded and led Olivia to Elliot's room, where her partner lay sleeping.
Silently Olivia sat in the chair beside Elliot's bed, and with some hesitation, slipped her hand into his.
"Hey, El," she whispered, touching her partner's bandaged forehead. "I can't stay long, but I had to come see you before I left. Dana says I have to leave for a while. I can't tell you anything, mostly because I don't know where I'm going or how long I'll be gone. All I know is that I have time for one goodbye, and I couldn't leave without telling you."
She watched his chest rise and fall, and tears stung her eyes.
"I don't know how long I'm going to be gone, so I need to tell you this."
She took a deep breath.
"I love you, Elliot. I love you more than my own life. But this is something I have to do, even if I don't want to do it. I knew there was a chance this could happen, but I didn't think it would. And now that it is, there is so much I want to tell you."
She took a shuddery breath.
"I just want you to know that when I come back, I'm going to show you how much you mean to me. And I'll never, ever let you forget it. I promise you that."
A cough at the door made Olivia look up, and she saw Dana standing in the door.
"It's time to go, Miss Benson," Dana said in a hushed voice, and Olivia nodded slowly.
"Hear that, El? Time for me to go. I know you won't remember this, but I have to tell you again. I love you, Elliot Stabler. But don't worry. I'll tell you again as soon as I come back home," she promised, squeezing his hand.
Standing up, Olivia leaned over and gently pressed her lips to Elliot's, fighting the overwhelming urge to stay with her partner and hold him forever.
Touching his face one last time, Olivia whispered, "I love you, and I'll be back as soon as I can. I promise."
Then, with one last look at her partner, Olivia walked out of the room and into her new life as Persephone Jones.
THE END...
A/N: Okay, there you go. THis is what I think happened. So, read and review! And did anyone see the spoilers for the next eppy???? LIV'S BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOO HOO!! But it's in two weeks! Grr...