SVU 20 x 24 | Peter and Olivia
Iâm mad that Peterâs leaving SVU, and his exit arc very much resembles that of Rafaelâs. 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 didnât like how heâs subtly blaming Olivia as an indirect cause for his departure, I am kind of okay because thatâs what Peter Stone wouldâve done: be as objective as you can, donât 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 Iâd think wouldâve passed in both of their minds during this abrupt goodbye:
âThank you.â Olivia said with gratitude, finally feeling the burden on her shoulder disappear as the case was finally wrapped up.
âWhat? Because I put my integrity, my career, and everything I believe in jeopardy for a good friend?â Peter asked, pointing towards the courthouse while sounding exasperated. He wasnât 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.
âYes. Yes. And I didnât ask for this.â Olivia emphasized, wanting to get the message through that sheâs grateful of his help.
âI know you didnât ask for this, but I did it anyway. I was always going to do it.â Peter paused, finally letting a glimpse of his feelings to her, and she sees how her eyes widen in shock at his confession, âI hope you find someone like that again.â As if that wasnât enough, he could clearly see the gears in Oliviaâs mind starting to turn. She tilted her head, trying to search his eyes for the meaning of those words.
âWhat does that mean?â Somehow, she didnât need to hear Peterâs 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. Theyâd all left: Alex, Casey, Rafael, and now joining them in stepping out of the office is Peter.
âLook at what I just did there? Now I donât regret any of it for a minute, none of it. Iâve simply lost perspective. This is on me. Itâs a weakness, and itâs a crack in my character.â Peter felt his throat tighten as his short time in New York flashed in his eyes: lamenting after his fatherâs death, the grief after Pam was killed, and the relapse of his drinking habits. He was weak, and Peter couldnât 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. âBut the fact is, you became more important to me than the case I was trying, and that is not me, Liv.â 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, âYou could look at a case with an open heart. I canât do that, I have to- Stop.â He disregarded Olivia calling his name, he had to tell her what he needs to tell, this was his last chance. âI have to look at a case with clear eyes.â And he couldnât do that with her. Not with her emotions slowly seeping into his career, not with her life gradually mixing up with his.
âHold on.â Olivia protested, and she remembers Rafaelâs painful good bye, and she didnât want that to happen again. But Peter continues to talk.
âStop. Just listen. I have to move on. I have to go, or risk getting blinded again.â He reached for her hands now, and as the seconds pass by, he could feel his heart tearing apart quicker. Peterâs 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 couldnât seem to open her mouth to speak.
âWait.â She could only mutter, asking for more time to collect her thoughts, because Olivia didnât want him to go so soon, and not like this. It didnât have to be this way, she thought, but Peter was very clear that his goals were already set.
âTake care of yourself. â 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 Peterâs 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 didnât even gave her the chance to change his mind about leaving.