Disclaimer: Nothing's mine. That's life. Everything belongs to Dick Wolf.

This takes place after Ghost but before Conviction. These are the events potentially leading up to Conviction being possible, but it doesn't directly relate to Conviction. Sorry for my cryptic message, but I don't want to give the whole plot away. Enjoy!

If I thought it was painful the first time I'd lost you, the second time was absolutely agonizing. I wanted to curl up and die, but I knew that if I did that, I'd never get you back. If it meant I had to suffer for days, weeks, months even, I would do it, if that's what it took to bring you home.

I'm never one to sit around and complain, though, and you know it. I'm one for action. And I will get you back if it's the last thing I do.

I've taken the next two weeks off, and I'm going to use them to do what I should have done to begin with. In two weeks, no matter what I have to do, you will be by my side. I will hold you in my arms and melt under the gentle assault of your soft lips on mine. You will be mine again, and I will be yours.

I promised I'd always protect you, baby, and I will. No matter what it takes, I will move heaven and earth to bring you back to me.

That's my vow to you.

Review if you want chapter two!