A FanFic by Iddyboo

Disclaimer: The story is mine but the characters are his. All Characters in this Fanfic associated with Law and Order: SVU belongs to Dick Wolf. The other characters are my creation and the story is from my crazy little mind. A little fluff and filler! How does Elliot deal with the nothingness? Please review and let me know your thoughts. I would love some FEEDBACK! Shout out to Liz! She knows why!

Chapter 12-

A month had passed since that day in the office. Olivia and Elliot were on autopilot, handling cases with their normal good cop, bad cop routine. That night, he and Olivia were working a case when Maureen called to say she was in labor. Elliot was over the moon with excitement. He figured he had a while before he needed to get to the hospital but that was not the case. Katelyn Elizabeth made her appearance just an hour after Maureen was admitted. She called her dad to let him know his 7 lb. 5 oz. granddaughter was a January baby by 3 minutes.

It was snowing heavily as Elliot dropped Olivia off at her apartment and headed to the hospital. He was met by Kathy and a guy he hadn't seen before, "Hey Elliot, this is Steven," Kathy said in a smug tone. "We've been dating." Elliot assumed she was trying to make him upset or jealous, however, he was neither.

"Steven," Elliot said as he extended his hand, "Nice to meet you."

"Likewise, " Steven said.

"Is Mo ok?"

"Yes, Elliot, she's fine. She did great and the baby is beautiful. You can go in, she's expecting you." Kathy said.

Elliot knocked lightly on the door and heard Mo say come in. He entered and his heart melted at the scene of his first-born baby girl with her first-born baby girl. Elliot had tears in his eyes.

"Oh Mo, just look at her. She is beautiful." Katelyn had a chubby little face with pouty pink lips. She had the bluest eyes and a dimple on her left check. Her blonde hair lightly dusted her otherwise bald head. She was the spitting image of Maureen when she was born. Elliot was in awe.

"Daddy, where's Olivia?"

"Huh, oh, I dropped her off at her apartment."

"Oh, she didn't want to come?" Maureen said with a slight tone of disappointment.

"Mo, to be honest, I didn't even ask her." Elliot felt like a total ass.

"Dad, I thought you were in love with her? Why do you keep shutting her out?" Maureen asked.

"I didn't think I was, I don't know Mo. I just don't know if that will ever happen, she's focused on getting Grace and Emily, I don't know what we are doing anymore, it's like we are just going through the motions of our partnership. We only discuss work."

"Is she seeing anyone?"

"I don't think so."

"You don't think so, Dad, you should know these things. You've got to try harder. Pardon my language Dad but you need to grow a pair and stop being such a pussy."

"Maureen!" Elliot raised his voice. The sound made Katelyn squirm in her mother's arms.

"Shh, Shh, Shh, baby, it's ok. Grandpa is just being a turd. Dad, don't make me have this conversation with you again. Get off your ass! Now sit down and hold your granddaughter."

"Which is it Mo, on my ass or off my ass?" Elliot joked trying to lighten the mood.

Across town, Olivia was settling in for the evening. Grace and Emily were released from the hospital last week as Dr. Anderson said there was no physical reason she could keep them there. Elliot's sister Janice had taken the girls in. She was an older woman who had raised her children. She wasn't excited about having little ones again, but since they were family, she agreed to take them until Olivia could take her classes with ACS and get approved for foster care. Olivia was looking for a new apartment in her building that would be suitable for the three of them. There was a recent vacancy on the next floor and it was a four bedroom. Olivia knew she didn't need that much room but thought it would be nice to have a guest room as well. She was going to see the place the following day and was getting overly excited about the opportunity.

After a relaxing bath, Olivia put on some yoga pants and a t-shirt. She went into the kitchen and poured a small glass of wine. She shifted through the binder ACS provided her and ensured all of her paperwork was completed. Olivia was already CPR trained and since she had continuing education hours around child development, adolescent victims and alcohol and drug training, she only lacked the training for dispensing medications for children and parenting a non-biological child. These were classes that aimed to help you build a relationship with the child in your home and also a guide to follow in the event you needed to dispense medications to the child. There were certain forms that needed to be completed for a home study and Olivia wanted to get the larger place so she could have everything ready. She hadn't fully told the girls that she was trying to get them, however, Grace asked her every time she visited. "Can we come live with you," or "Will you be our new mommy," were the typical questions she asked of Olivia. Emily obviously loved Olivia and would just cling to her during the visits and cry when Olivia had to leave. When they went to live with Janice, both girls just cried to be with Olivia. That broke her heart more than anything. She felt like she was abandoning them although she assured them each time she would see them again soon.

Olivia was getting sleepy and decided it was time for bed. As normal, she locked up and checked twice, secured her gun and grabbed her cell and headed to her room. She had a busy day ahead and wanted to ensure she had everything together and would be up on time. She heard her phone vibrate on the nightstand.

Hey Liv-

Whatcha' think?

El

Next came a picture of a newborn Katelyn in her mother's arms.

She's a beauty

Reminds me of MO-

Look I'm sorry that I

Did not ask you to come

To the hospital

El-

It's no problem

That's a family thing

Liv-

What do you mean?

I consider you family

Ok- Goodnight El

Long day tomorrow

Elliot made his way home through the snowstorm as he thought about where his life was going. He knew he loved Olivia and would give anything just to be with her. He also knew she was focused elsewhere and that nothing was going to stop that woman from becoming a mother. But as much as he loved her and wanted her to be happy, Elliot couldn't help but see everyone else around him was moving on. Mo was married and had just made him a grandfather. Kathleen and Chris were moved in together and doing well, hell even Dickie and Lizzie had their own things going. Eli was the only one that seemed to need him but even that was on a part-time basis. Elliot thought and decided, the best way he could show Olivia his love would be supporting her through her journey and being there when she needed him the most.

As morning came, Olivia was up and ready to get her day going. She and Elliot were off for the next two days and she was already thinking about seeing the potential new apartment and getting everything ready. If all went well, she was prepared to make the offer on the apartment and do some shopping to ready for her home visit later in the month. As she fixed herself a cup of tea, there was a knock at her door.

"Elliot! Hey is everything ok? What are you doing here?"

"Well good morning to you too missy. Everything is fine. I just brought by some breakfast and wanted to offer my services of apartment hunting and shopping as needed."

"Oh, El. You didn't have to do this. I can manage on my own."

"Olivia, I know you can do all of this alone, I just want you to know you don't have to. I would love nothing more than to support you today and be here if you need anything. Can you let me at least do that?"

"Sure," Olivia said as she stepped aside and let Elliot in. "Now what did you bring me? I'm starving."

Olivia knew how she felt about Elliot and thought she knew how he felt about her. She knew she had asked him to take things slow but she did not realize that she had slowed it down so much it was non-existent. There was a lot going on at the moment with work and her personal situation, it seemed there was not time for much more. As they sat and ate their muffins, Elliot could not help but stare at Olivia. It amazed him how much different she was sitting across from him at her bar than she was sitting across from him at the office. There she was Detective Benson. A woman always waiting for the shoe to drop, on guard, focused almost ridged. But here, in her apartment, she was breathtaking. She was soft, relaxed, happy, her eyes lit up when she talked about Grace and Emily and how happy she was at the opportunity to become their mother.

"So tell me about the apartment," Elliot said as he sipped his coffee.

"Well, I was vacated last month and they have been remodeling it since. The owners were transferred to Texas for their jobs. They are eager to sell but knew they had to make some updates in order to make it marketable. Those were finished up last week and I am the first one to get to look at it. God, Elliot, I pray it works out. I love this building and know everyone here, the school is close and it just feels right ya know?"

Elliot just smiled while listening to her talk. "Liv, I can't wait to see it. How much are they asking for it?"

"950,000." She replied, Elliot almost spit out his coffee. "Jesus, Liv, that's almost a million dollars. That's like three times this place!"

"Yeah I know, but just wait till you see it. Besides there are only four units on that floor, they are huge and each one has a large balcony with outdoor space. It would be a perfect place to raise a family. Besides Elliot, I still have the money my mother left and I figure its time to put some of it to use."

"Well, what time to we get to see this shack?"

Olivia chuckled, "In 30 minutes."

The pair finished up their breakfast and coffee. Olivia excused herself and went to finish gathering the things she needed for the day. She had everything in order to make her offer, a list of things she would need for the girl's bedrooms and a list of questions she had for the agent. Olivia placed all of her things in her tote bag and asked Elliot if he was ready.

"Yep, let's go!"

They headed to the elevator and went up a floor.

"God that took forever," Elliot joked as the elevator doors opened. Mark, Olivia's agent was there to greet them. "Good morning Olivia," Mark said.

"Hey Mark, this is my partner, Elliot Stabler." Elliot and Mark shook hands.

"Well Miss Olivia, are you ready to see your new home?"

Olivia's heart skipped a beat as her emotions overcame her. She knew it was just an apartment, but this was something more, this could be her home, a home, where she would raise her children. Olivia took a deep breath.

"I'm ready!" Olivia said holding back tears.

Mark opened the door and stepped aside to allow Elliot and Olivia to enter. Right away they both looked at each other in disbelief.

"Wholly smokes!" Elliot said.

"Oh, El. Wow, this is lovely."

The entry was similar to Olivia's apartment, however much grander. There was a large entry foyer that had wall-to-wall built-ins. Olivia imagined it full with jackets, backpacks and dance bags. The foyer opened up to a decent sized living/dining combination with the kitchen on the back wall in the middle. It was separated from the rest of the grand room by a bar with optional seating on the other side. The gray walls and the white crown molding gave a nice contrast. The wood floors were a deep dark brown color throughout the apartment. Off to the left was a master bedroom with an en-suite. To the right, there was a hallway that accessed the additional three bedrooms, laundry room, and bathroom. Olivia was excited about having a laundry room, even though it was just big enough for a washer and dryer. The bedrooms were just the right size for children and had ample closet space with built-ins. Olivia imagined each one that the girls would occupy. She envisioned them filled with toys and anything pink! It seemed to be both of their favorite colors.

"Well, Liv, what do you think? Can you see yourself living here?"

"Yeah, El, I can."

As they made their way back into the living area, Mark was waiting for them.

"Well, Olivia, what do you think? Can you see yourself living here?"

"Um, that's creepy, that is the exact thing he just said," Olivia said as she pointed toward Elliot.

"Hey great minds think alike," Elliot said with a raised brow.

"Scary," Olivia said as she walked toward Mark. "Ok, so if I am ready to make an offer, what do I need to do?"

"Well, we can head down to your place and fill out the paperwork. I'll put the offer in and we can go from there. I assume you'll want to put your place on the market once your offer is accepted."

"Ok, that sounds good."

The three of them headed down to Olivia's apartment. Once all of the paperwork was done and Mark had left, Olivia and Elliot decided to get a bite to eat. They headed to the diner they always went to.

"Hey, Detectives!"

"Hi April, how have you been?"

"Good, Olivia. I haven't seen you two in over a month. Been busy?"

"You could say that. This one just became a grandpa."

"Oh yeah?"

"Yes ma'am," Elliot said, "Take a look at the most beautiful baby in the world." Elliot held out his cell phone.

"Wow, gramps, she's a cutie! I bet you'll be wrapped around that finger soon. So you guys want the usual?"

"Yes, that's fine," Olivia said.

Olivia pulled out her planner and looked at her list of things she wanted to look for.

"El, can I ask you something? Do you think I'm doing the right thing here?"

"How so?"

"Well, I mean you don't think I'm crazy for wanting to adopt the girls? Do you?"

"No Liv, I don't. I think that those kids would be lucky to have you as a mother. I know that you want this more than anything. You are very selfless, loving and caring. I think you'd be an amazing mother. But can I tell you something?"

"Sure."

"I really hope that someday you'll let me be a part of your lives. Not just as your work partner."

"El, all I ask is that you let me get through this. I love you with all my heart but I need to do this for myself ok? I need this." Olivia did not want to cry. Lately, her emotions had been getting the better of her. She knew once things we settled she would be able to give Elliot a chance and after all, she loved him, God did she love him.

"I'll be here when you're ready, Ok?" Elliot winked.

"Ok," Olivia smiled as she bit her bottom lip.

"Here we are, Detectives. Let me know if I can get your anything else."

"Thanks, " they said in unison.

As they finished their lunch, Olivia's phone rang.

"Benson. Hi, Mark, that was fast. Did they? Great news. What? My place? Really? Ok. Um …Sure ….Ok that's fine. I'll see you tomorrow. Ok, no problem."

"Well?"

"Holy shit Elliot. I'm shaking. Mark said they accepted my offer and he's already got an offer on my place. He's going to stop by tomorrow and have me go over everything for both places. Oh my God! This is crazy."

"Calm down, Liv, calm down. This is how you wanted it to go right? It is perfect."

"Don't say perfect, El. That freaks me out even more."

"Ok, well then, it's great."

"Yeah, it is great!"

After paying their tab, the pair headed to do some shopping. Olivia drug Elliot to every store she could. She was giddy with excitement. He couldn't keep his eyes off her as she hopped from isle to isle and although he didn't think it possible, he fell in love with her more. As the day came to an end, Olivia had ordered furniture for the girl's rooms, purchased bedding and all of the other things she would need to ready her home for the inspection. If all went well, she could be moved into the new place within the next few weeks. Elliot and Olivia headed back to her apartment both exhausted from the day.

"El, I don't remember the last time I did that much shopping."

"Liv, I don't think you ever have done that much shopping. God on our worst day, I don't even think we exhausted that much energy chasing perps."

"Well, it was worth it, right?"

"Yes, it was."

When they arrived at Olivia's building, Elliot helped her take up all of the things she had purchased. Olivia excused herself and went into her bedroom to freshen up. She changed clothes into her yoga pants and t-shirt and pulled her hair up in a ponytail. As she headed back out, she heard Elliot saying goodbye to someone.

"Was someone here?"

"Oh no, that was Mo. She is getting to go home tomorrow and she wanted to see if I could come over. She wanted me to bring you as well."

"Ok, that will be nice. Once Mark leaves I can call you if that's ok."

"Yeah, yeah, that's fine."

There was silence.

"ok, w.."

"Li.."

They both began to speak.

"You go first."

"Liv, you look beautiful tonight. I mean, today. Well always, but especially today. I was watching you shop today and saw how excited you were, it just made me so happy for you and made me realize just how much I love you," Elliot said as he moved closer to her.

Olivia swallowed hard. She was beginning to shake inside. She had butterflies in her stomach.

"El, thank you. Thank you for going with me today and for…," Olivia went silent as her lips were captured by his. It was just a peck at first. But Olivia allowed her lips to part. She let out a moan as his warm tongue entered her mouth. She felt the strength of Elliot's arms as they wrapped around sending a current running through her body. The kiss felt like it lasted an eternity. As Olivia became aware of what was happening, she broke away.

"Liv, I."

"No, El, it was perfect."

Elliot could fell himself against his pants. Realizing just how that kiss had affected him. Olivia felt it too, although she didn't let it show.

"I'm sorry if I.."

"El, I said it was perfect."

"Ok, but um, it's getting late. I'd better get going."

"Ok, let me walk you out." Olivia smiled.

As she opened the door, Olivia spoke, "El, thanks again for everything today. It really means a lot to me that you're here."

"There's nowhere else I'd rather be," Elliot said softly.

"Ok well, I will see you tomorrow then?" Olivia felt like a schoolgirl holding on to the door while saying goodbye.

"Ok Liv, goodnight," Elliot said as he leaned in and kissed her softly on the lips. Olivia felt the electricity once more and although she didn't want it to end, she knew she had to keep her wits about her.

"Goodnight, El. I'll call you tomorrow."

Olivia shut and locked the door. She turned around and leaned up against it. She felt like she was in a dream. She kissed Elliot Stabler and she liked it. She really liked it. She loved the way her body responded to him. She knew she had to keep it cool or she could fall fast and that was something she needed to take her time with. She could not risk ruining their partnership. Even though it felt so good, she knew she wanted to take it slow.

Olivia padded off to her bedroom to secure her gun and take off her make-up. She was finishing getting ready for the evening when her cell phone rang.

"Detective Benson."

"Olivia," she heard Grace's voice on the other end.

"Hi sweetie, how are you?"

"Ooookkk," Grace said as she drew it out. "Where are you?"

"Honey, I'm at home. Remember I told you yesterday that I had some meetings to handle today and I would not be able to come and visit."

"Yes, but I missed you."

"Oh honey, I miss you too. Does Ms. Janice know you're calling me?"

"No ma'am."

"Ok well honey, let's say goodnight and I will talk to you tomorrow ok?"

"Ok Livia, I love you."

"I love you too Grace. Kiss Emily for me."

"Ok Livia, I'll see you tomorrow."

Hanging up the phone, Olivia felt so guilty. She didn't know why, after all, she was trying so hard to get them. Olivia just felt like she was failing them by not being with them as much as she could. She knew Janice was providing them a safe home, but Olivia figured that was about all it was. Especially since Grace was up at 9:30 p.m. making secret phone calls to her. Olivia made a note to remind her to call ACS tomorrow and talk about when she could schedule her final classes. Olivia was just about to climb into bed when her phone rang again. Without looking at it, she answered.

"Grace, is that you again?"

"Um, no, Ms. Benson, this is Linda Scott, the Grace and Emily's caseworker."

"I'm sorry, Hi Ms. Scott. I was just making myself a note to call you tomorrow."

"Well I'm very sorry to bother you so late but we have a problem."