SVU 20 x 24 | Peter and Olivia
Iām mad that Peterās leaving SVU, and his exit arc very much resembles that of Rafaelās. But his reason for leaving, in my opinion and after watching Chicago Justice, was very much in line with his character. So, as much as I didnāt like how heās subtly blaming Olivia as an indirect cause for his departure, I am kind of okay because thatās what Peter Stone wouldāve done: be as objective as you can, donāt let any emotions get in the way. And being with Olivia was clearly holding him back, as a lawyer (it limits his objective views) and a person (as he sees himself being weak because of this).
So here, enjoy what Iād think wouldāve passed in both of their minds during this abrupt goodbye:
āThank you.ā Olivia said with gratitude, finally feeling the burden on her shoulder disappear as the case was finally wrapped up.
āWhat? Because I put my integrity, my career, and everything I believe in jeopardy for a good friend?ā Peter asked, pointing towards the courthouse while sounding exasperated. He wasnāt only frustrated because of the case. Peter looked back towards the woman standing in front of him, this fearless woman who wears her heart on her sleeves, and his heart aches as he let his last moment with Olivia sink into his mind.
āYes. Yes. And I didnāt ask for this.ā Olivia emphasized, wanting to get the message through that sheās grateful of his help.
āI know you didnāt ask for this, but I did it anyway. I was always going to do it.ā Peter paused, finally letting a glimpse of his feelings to her, and she sees how her eyes widen in shock at his confession, āI hope you find someone like that again.ā As if that wasnāt enough, he could clearly see the gears in Oliviaās mind starting to turn. She tilted her head, trying to search his eyes for the meaning of those words.
āWhat does that mean?ā Somehow, she didnāt need to hear Peterās answer to know what his sentence meant. His job was cursed in a way after all, not many ADAs was able to maintain the job for a long time. Theyād all left: Alex, Casey, Rafael, and now joining them in stepping out of the office is Peter.
āLook at what I just did there? Now I donāt regret any of it for a minute, none of it. Iāve simply lost perspective. This is on me. Itās a weakness, and itās a crack in my character.ā Peter felt his throat tighten as his short time in New York flashed in his eyes: lamenting after his fatherās death, the grief after Pam was killed, and the relapse of his drinking habits. He was weak, and Peter couldnāt be weak anymore, he had to be strong to fight in court, he had to be rooted to reality and get his head in the game. āBut the fact is, you became more important to me than the case I was trying, and that is not me, Liv.ā And he could see the emotions Olivia displayed disappear as she registered his words, and now all that was left in those brown orbs was pain.
Peter leaned closer and grasped her shoulders with both of his hands, wanting to take one closer look at her, āYou could look at a case with an open heart. I canāt do that, I have to- Stop.ā He disregarded Olivia calling his name, he had to tell her what he needs to tell, this was his last chance. āI have to look at a case with clear eyes.ā And he couldnāt do that with her. Not with her emotions slowly seeping into his career, not with her life gradually mixing up with his.
āHold on.ā Olivia protested, and she remembers Rafaelās painful good bye, and she didnāt want that to happen again. But Peter continues to talk.
āStop. Just listen. I have to move on. I have to go, or risk getting blinded again.ā He reached for her hands now, and as the seconds pass by, he could feel his heart tearing apart quicker. Peterās now glossy eyes connected with her, and she could feel his own pain, the conflict in his soul was raw as he opened up to her, but she couldnāt seem to open her mouth to speak.
āWait.ā She could only mutter, asking for more time to collect her thoughts, because Olivia didnāt want him to go so soon, and not like this. It didnāt have to be this way, she thought, but Peter was very clear that his goals were already set.
āTake care of yourself. ā Peter shared one last glance with her, before every so gently breaking apart from her, and finally parting away from her. Olivia stood there as she held both of her hands up, the warmth of Peterās grip still lingering just slightly. As his back disappeared among other civilians walking along the street, her eyes becomes dazed as she was lost in her own thoughts, because there were so many things she also wanted to say, but Peter didnāt even gave her the chance to change his mind about leaving.