Amanda Rollins stood outside Olivia Benson's office, nervously twisting the strap of her bag around her fingers.
She had faced armed suspects.
She had walked into crime scenes.
She had interviewed people twice her age without flinching.
But this?
This was so much worse.
She knocked softly on the open office door.
Olivia looked up from the paperwork on her desk and smiled.
"Morning, Amanda."
"Hey..."
Olivia immediately noticed the uncertainty in the nineteen-year-old detective's voice.
"You okay?"
Amanda stepped inside, closing the door behind her.
"I... um... can I ask you something?"
"Of course."
Amanda looked down at the floor.
"So... I have to get blood work done this morning. Just routine. They need it for my annual physical."
Olivia nodded.
"Okay."
Amanda took a deep breath.
"I know this is going to sound really stupid..."
"It won't."
"I was wondering..." Amanda swallowed. "Would you come with me?"
Olivia's expression softened instantly.
"You want me to come?"
Amanda gave a tiny nod.
"I'm really scared of needles."
She let out an embarrassed laugh.
"I know. It's ridiculous."
Olivia stood up immediately.
"It isn't ridiculous."
Amanda looked surprised.
"It's not?"
"No." Olivia walked over to her. "Everyone has something that makes them nervous."
Amanda looked relieved.
"So... you'll come?"
Olivia smiled warmly.
"I'm not letting you do it alone."
Amanda's shoulders relaxed.
"Thank you."
⸻
The drive to the clinic was quiet.
Olivia kept the conversation light, talking about a funny comment Fin had made that morning and asking Amanda what she wanted for lunch afterward.
Amanda laughed, but Olivia noticed she kept rubbing her hands together.
"Nervous?"
Amanda sighed.
"A little."
"A little?"
"...A lot."
Olivia reached over and gave Amanda's shoulder a gentle squeeze.
"You'll be okay."
"I hope so."
⸻
The waiting room wasn't crowded.
Amanda sat beside Olivia, bouncing one leg nonstop.
