Disclaimer: SVU and its characters belong to Dick Wolf. I own nothing.


Luck had been on their side. Not only was the owner motivated to sell, but their offer had been easily accepted. Apparently there hadn't been many lately, and the homeowner wasn't willing to wait around much longer for any additional bids to come in. By the end of the week, Elliot and Olivia were in a bank signing the paperwork that would cover their mortgage. In reality, the monthly payments weren't that much more than what it would have cost them to rent an apartment somewhere, and this way, they would eventually own the home outright.

The only thing Elliot had partially objected to was when it came to the down payment. Olivia had offered to pay the majority, using money left from the inheritance she had received when her mother passed away. He'd argued that she should save that for her own retirement, but she had insisted that there would still be plenty left over.

It had taken some convincing, but he'd finally agreed. Her argument that he would still be paying child support in addition to helping Kathy out with the house from time to time had been a fair point. His pension could only stretch so far. Maybe now that he was feeling more like himself again, he could look for a new job.

Currently, he was was in the apartment with Olivia, helping her pack up her things. Almost everything was in boxes by now, save for what clothes they were still using, and their toiletries in the bathroom. The movers would be coming the following Wednesday, and today was Friday. The plan was to finish packing what they could now, and spend the weekend shopping for new furniture.

"Liv? Do you have the packing tape in the bedroom with you?"

"Yeah, El. Sorry."

He walked into the bedroom to retrieve it, taking advantage of the opportunity to kiss her. Olivia didn't object in the slightest to the interruption. Only when their mouths parted again did she attempt to speak.

"I was going to say that we should have made sure to have two rolls of the tape, but I like your method better."

Elliot grinned at her. He liked his method better too. While it may not be the most efficient, at least it meant he got to see – and hold – her any time he made the excuse to. Kissing her again, this time on the forehead, he remembered the other reason he had come in here.

"So, I noticed it's getting pretty late. What do you say we take a break from all this, and get some dinner?"

"That sounds like a good idea."

The majority of the kitchen items had already been packed away earlier today, save for the essentials, like the coffeepot. Because of this, they knew they would be ordering in a bit more frequently. While it was an added expense, the convenience of not having to cook or clean up did have its advantages.

After checking in with Olivia, and confirming what she wanted, Elliot left the room to go and place their order. She finished her current task, then joined him in the living room. Collapsing on the sofa, she let her head fall back against the cushion as a day's worth of packing began to take its toll on her body.

Elliot sat next to her, his body turned slightly. With his hands on her shoulders, he shifted her until she turned and was facing away from him. Then, he began to massage her neck and shoulders with his hands, working the tension out of her aching muscles. Leaning forward, he whispered into her ear.

"Just think, Liv. By this time next week, we'll have that great big bathtub to relax in. It will be even better than what we had at the Poconos."

Moaning softly as his thumb hit a particularly tender spot, Olivia lolled her head back against him, completely surrendering to his touch. There was a smile on her lips, and he knew it was from more than just the massage. She was responding to his words, too. Wanting to build her up more, he continued.

"I can't wait until I get to be with you in the shower tonight, your body pressed against mine. That might be my favorite time of the day."

He continued to whisper in her ear, until a certain phrase made her breath hitch, and she turned in his arms, seeking out his kiss.

"How long did they say delivery was going to take?"

"They were busy tonight. We still have at least another forty-five minutes to an hour before it arrives."

Her gaze met his then, a look of pure desire in her expression. He didn't need a mirror to know the look in his own eyes matched hers. Reading the unspoken words between them, he swept her up in his arms and carried her toward the bedroom. Even if they hadn't already, they were definitely going to work up quite the appetite.


Elliot had just finished dressing in his sweats and tee when there was a knock on the door, signaling that their dinner had arrived. Bending at the waist to give Olivia another kiss, he headed to retrieve their food.

By the time Olivia joined him again a few moments later, he had already set everything up on the coffee table, including their drinks. They cuddled up together to watch something as they ate, having already mutually decided before getting out of bed to call it quits on packing for the night.

"So, El, what is our game plan for tomorrow?"

Olivia asked the question between bites of her dinner, looking up at him expectantly. She already knew they were going shopping for furniture for the new place, but they hadn't yet discussed what all they would need.

"Well, you had said that you wanted to start our life together there with everything brand new."

That was true. However, it didn't mean she would completely be getting rid of all of her current furniture. They had already decided that one of the sofas would be used in the main room of the ground floor. The other would be placed upstairs in the loft, which they planned to convert into a guest room. Maureen and Kathleen had already insisted they wouldn't need their own rooms at the new place, and suggested they give the lower level to the twins. That left the three bedrooms on the second floor. One would be for Eli, one would be converted into an office space, and the other would be kept free.

Pulled from her thoughts back to Elliot's question once more, Olivia managed to answer.

"Well, really, we're only going to be taking the two sofas from here to use there. I'll be selling everything else."

Elliot nodded his agreement, pulling her close again as she continued to speak. It wasn't that he was no longer listening, he just loved to hold her in his arms.

"So that means we will need furniture for the living room, dining room, and the bedrooms – unless you want to let the kids pick their own things."

Yet again, Olivia's attentiveness toward his children warmed his heart. He'd already thought of that, of course, but the fact that she had as well just made him smile. Yet again he found his mind wandering to one day having a child with Olivia, and getting to watch her be a mother.

"Well, I don't know if Eli can pick his own things just yet, he'd want everything in the store, but I have some ideas for his room. As for the twins, what if I ask them to join us tomorrow?"

"That sounds great, El. We can take them to lunch after."

Currently, the kids weren't scheduled to come and visit this weekend, only because of all the chaos going on with the impending move. Elliot was planning to go to take Eli out for a bit on Sunday, but the twins had to work. They were off tomorrow, though.

Not wanting to wait until they finished eating, Elliot called the twins right away. He was already taking a chance as it was with the late notice. To his surprise, they didn't have any plans for the following morning, and were eager to join them on the shopping trip. They even agreed to come to Manhattan that night and stay over, so that their dad wouldn't have to make any extra trips to come and get them.

"They will be here in a little over an hour. I'm sorry, Liv. I should have asked if it was okay if they spent the night."

"Nonsense, Elliot. You know you don't need to ask that. I just wonder where they are both going to sleep."

Elliot stood to gather the trash leftover from their dinner. As he did, he explained.

"Richard said he would sleep out here in the living room, and let Elizabeth have the guest room."

They were still snuggled up on the sofa together when the knock came on the door about ninety minutes later, signaling the arrival of the twins. Elliot got up to let them in.

"Hey Dad, Olivia. Thanks for letting us come over tonight. And for inviting us along shopping with you tomorrow."

"You're welcome, Elizabeth. We just want you to be able to pick your own things for your rooms at the house, even if you won't be staying there all the time."

Olivia reassured the teen, having stood up to greet them both when they stepped into the apartment. Then she asked if they had eaten, offering to order something in for them if they wanted. Simultaneously, they shook their heads, insisting they had had dinner at home with their mother and brother.

"All right, then. What would you say we all go out for breakfast in the morning, instead?"

The question came from Elliot, but was immediately met with agreement all around. Even though it was still relatively early, only a little after nine, he and Olivia would be headed to bed soon. He gave the twins a lights out warning of midnight, then bid them goodnight.


The following morning, everyone was up at a decent hour. They all wanted to have breakfast and make it to the store shortly after it opened, to avoid it being too busy. With all four of them in Olivia's car, they drove first to a nearby restaurant.

Seated in a booth together, they placed their orders, then relaxed to wait. Olivia had already informed everyone that breakfast was her treat, and to get whatever they wanted. As they waited, Elizabeth asked the woman sitting across from her a question.

"How are you feeling, Olivia? Dad said you went back to work. Does that mean you are fully healed from your injuries?"

"I'm doing great. I'm sure he told you when I got the stitches out, and I went back to work the next day."

Olivia picked up her coffee to take a lengthy sip before continuing.

"However, I am currently taking some personal time while we looked for a new place. I was off this past week, and next week, too. The Captain has been very understanding."

Elizabeth nodded, glad to hear that Olivia was doing better. Then the woman asked her something else.

"Enough about me, what about you? Have either of you given any thought to what you want for your rooms?"

This time, Richard was the first to speak. He already had a guess as to what his sister was going to say, and it would likely involve something to do with her many books. For himself, he knew what it was he wanted.

"A nice stand for my television, along with a comfy chair so I can use it to play video games."

Elliot looked at his son sternly, already ready to admonish him. Before he had the chance, Richard held his hand up.

"I know, Dad – the television and sofa in the main room will be for us to share. I plan on using my own money to buy one for my bedroom, so I can bring my video game console with me when I visit."

Now understanding that his oldest son wasn't planning to hijack the shared space all to himself, Elliot nodded. He wasn't going to say anything just yet, but he planned to talk to Kathy. Maybe they could help him with his purchase. That way he could save his hard earned money for other expenses. Turning his attention to his daughter, he repeated the question.

"What about you, Elizabeth? Is there anything special you want?"

"A desk for my laptop. That and a bookshelf, although I don't know how I'll ever decide what books to keep where."

Richard tried to hide his smirk behind a sip of his orange juice. He had been right after all – her ideas did have to do with books.

The conversation was temporarily brought to a halt when their server brought their meals to the table and set them down. Everyone dug into their breakfast, not really rushing, but not taking a long time eating, either.

When they were finished, the twins thanked Olivia for buying, as did Elliot. However, he emphasized his thanks with a kiss to the forehead, trying to keep the displays of affection to a minimum around his children. Even if they already knew that the two adults were in a relationship. It was still new to them, and he didn't want to overwhelm them.

Before long, they had arrived at the furniture store. First things first, they decided to get the living room choices made. Both Elliot and Olivia made it known to the twins that their opinions mattered, too.

After spending some time looking around, they made their selection. Much like the furniture Olivia currently had, this was adaptable. They chose two large sofas, along with two oversized chairs. To complete the look, they added a coffee table and end tables. Moving on to the dining room furniture, they found this decision a bit easier. Neither Elliot nor Olivia had a particular taste in mind, but were more focused on providing room for everyone. Within twenty minutes time, they had easily found a table and chairs for their new home.

Lastly, they moved into the section of the store where the bedroom furniture was kept. Wanting to first take care of the kids before seeing to his own needs, and knowing Olivia wouldn't object, Elliot moved toward the children's furniture. He told Richard and Elizabeth to go off on their own, to see if anything caught their eye.

It didn't take long to find what he wanted for Eli's room. In fact, he spotted it almost instantly, as soon as he turned a corner. It was a twin size bed, in the shape of a race car. Knowing his son's love for his toy cars, he knew this bed would be an immediate hit. There was also a dresser and nightstand that continued the theme. Marking the item number down on the order slip, Elliot wrapped his arm around Olivia's waist.

"Now we just have to see if the twins found anything, then it's on to our room."

"Sounds good."


They found the twins easily – not by looking for them, but by following the sound of the bickering. Apparently the two didn't realize just how loud they were being. Sneaking up on the oblivious pair from behind, Elliot was quick to reprimand them.

"Knock it off, you two. What is the problem here?"

It turned out to be something pretty simple. Even though they had been trying so hard to be different, they had ended up liking the exact same things for their rooms. While Elliot was trying to find a way to intervene, it was Olivia who came up with a solution.

"Well, they don't have to be the same. I'm sure you both wouldn't like the same shade of wood. Why don't you each get a different color?"

Richard and Elizabeth looked at one another, then the floor. Olivia was right. He did prefer darker colors, while she liked lighter ones. Even though the basic design would be identical, they would, in fact, be different. In the end, Richard agreed to take the black, and Elizabeth chose the oak. Each of them would be getting a full size bed, a nightstand, a dresser, a desk, and a bookshelf. As an added treat, Elliot added a small console and beanbag chair to each, even though Elizabeth hadn't mentioned anything about wanting one. He would talk to Kathy about getting her a television for her room, too.

Now it was time for Elliot and Olivia to choose their bedroom furniture. They had given the twins some money so they could go to the coffee shop next door and get something while they waited. Then they walked hand in hand through the store as they browsed. They had already talked in length the night before about what they wanted.

A full size bed would be too small, and a king size bed would be too big. However, a queen, much like the one they had been sharing for awhile now, would be perfect.

Keeping in mind the layout of their new room, they looked around. To their mutual surprise, they had few disagreements, and most of their interests were in the same things. Finally they had narrowed it down between three different collections. Now it became a matter of debate. Cost wasn't necessarily a factor, but practicality was. That eliminated one of their choices. Before long, they were left with one that would make them happy, and went to place their order.

By the time they reached the checkout, their order list was quite extensive, but they had been prepared for that. Luckily, everything they wanted was in stock, and set to be delivered on Tuesday. With the movers coming to the apartment on Wednesday, they could officially be moved in to the new place as soon as Thursday of next week. Olivia was counting the days until she could turn in her keys to her landlord and never see the man again.

Leaving the store, they stopped next door at the coffee shop to pick up the twins, then headed back to the apartment. Luckily, Richard and Elizabeth were able to stay for awhile before heading back home, so they ordered in lunch to have together. The twins talked excitedly about their new rooms, having already forgotten about their argument at the store.

"Dad? Is it true we'll be able to stay with you for longer periods of time than just weekends once you move in to the new place?'

Elliot looked at his son, surprised. He wasn't aware that Kathy had said anything to them yet.

"Yes. Your mother and I have discussed switching off every other week or so. But only if that is what you want."

This time, it was Elizabeth who responded, a sincere expression on her face. It was clear she was having trouble controlling her emotions.

"Of course its what we want, Dad. We've missed you. Don't you know how glad we are that you're doing better?"

Now it was Elliot who was getting emotional. He was reminded yet again of just how much everything had gone on had impacted not only him, but his family as well. But instead of feeling overwhelmed by those feelings, he embraced them. Wrapping his arms around his children, he held them close.

"I'm glad too. And I promise you, if I ever feel like that again, I will get help before it gets too much for me to control. I know I scared you, and I'm sorry."

"We know you didn't do it on purpose, Dad."

This came from Richard. It was the first the twins had talked this openly with their father about his depression. He hadn't realized just how much they had understood, even though Elliot knew Kathy had talked to the older children about it.

Just as the conversation was waning, there was a knock at the door. Olivia came out from the other room to answer it, having left to give Elliot some private time with his children.

"Oh good. Pizza's here."

Elliot chuckled at Richard's comment. His son never missed the opportunity for a meal, which was why it had shocked him so much the night before when he'd said he wasn't hungry. As Olivia brought the boxes into the living room, Elizabeth headed to the kitchen to grab drinks. Richard helped her, grabbing some paper plates and napkins.

Soon the four of them were seated on the sofas, eating their late lunch and watching a movie. When it was over, the twins would have to head back to Queens, but for now, Elliot was enjoying just spending time with them.


Elliot couldn't believe it was Tuesday already, and he and Olivia would be headed to the new home this afternoon to wait for the furniture delivery. Currently they were lying in bed together. Well, he was lying in bed, and she was still sleeping. He fully admitted it was mostly his fault for keeping her awake most of the night. Not that she had complained in the slightest.

Smiling as the memories came back to him, he rubbed his hand absent mindedly along the skin of her bare back. Whenever they were alone now, they both always made it a point to sleep naked. Even when they didn't make love, he loved the feeling of her skin pressed against his.

Next to him on the nightstand, the alarm sounded for a second time, and he quickly silenced it. Reluctantly, he realized that he would have to wake the sleeping woman in his arms. The delivery was scheduled to arrive at eleven, and it was just after nine. If they wanted to grab some breakfast before heading over there, they needed to get up and get ready now.

"Liv. I'm sorry, my love, but you have to get up now."

There was a soft moan of protest as she shifted in his arms, burying her face against his chest. The arm she had flung around his waist flexed, and clung to him even more tightly. Pressing another kiss to her forehead, then her lips, he spoke to her again.

"I know, I don't want to get out of bed either. But we have to go meet the delivery, so we can get our new furniture."

Those words seemed to reach her. Blinking softly, she looked up at him sleepily.

"We're really moving in together, aren't we?"

"Unless you are trying to tell me you've changed your mind, which I sincerely hope you're not."

Shaking her head to indicate the negative, she raised her face to his for a kiss. Eagerly complying with her wishes, his lips met hers and his arms wrapped around her more securely than before. When they parted, she spoke again.

"Of course not, Elliot. I just can't believe this is all really happening."

"That makes two of us."

They lay there for a few precious moments more, before the alarm sounded for a third and final time. Elliot groaned and rolled over, turning it off for good. Getting out of bed, he began to get dressed. They had already showered together the night before, so there was no need to this morning.

"While you get ready, I'm going to go and make a phone call, make sure everything is still running on schedule. Then, I'll take you to breakfast before we head over there."

"Sounds good to me. I just need a few minutes."

True to her word, Olivia was ready less than fifteen minutes later. They opted to have breakfast at a diner not far from their new home. While they were eating, Elliot brought up a subject that had been weighing on his mind for a few days.

"Liv, what would you think if I went back to work? I don't mean the force, that chapter of my life is over now. What I meant is, what would you think if I got a part time job somewhere?"

To his relief, her face didn't register any of the shock or disbelief he had imagined in his mind. He didn't know why he had, Olivia had never been anything but supportive, that wouldn't change now. Leaning back in the booth, he waited to hear what she had to say.

"That is entirely up to you, Elliot. Financially, it's not necessary, but I know that's not the reason you want to do it. You're looking for something to occupy your time."

Yet again, she had understood him completely. That gave him the confidence to open up even more. He told her about an article he had seen in the paper about a new gym opening up in the neighborhood. Unlike regular gyms, this one wouldn't be open to the general public. It was specifically going to be for the use of military vets and others who were recovering from PTSD and were triggered by anxiety when going out in public. Apparently they were looking for coaches and personal trainers, and were willing to do on the job training.

"That would be perfect for you, Elliot. You're very knowledgeable about the gym, and I've worked out with you plenty. Plus you have the additional personal experience of having lived through the experience yourself."

Now it was truth time. He was about to admit to her that he had already called for information. Even though he had promised that he wouldn't keep secrets from her, he had been afraid he wouldn't get the job. He had an interview scheduled for the following week. If all went well, and he was hired, then they would send him for a twelve week course teaching him all the techniques he would need to know to become an instructor to others. Even better, it was paid training, so he would be making money as he learned.

"I think that is terrific, El. I'm so proud of you."

He reached across the table for her hand, desperately needing the contact. She understood. While so many other ex cops would tend to find work in security or other sectors, he simply couldn't handle having anything to do with law enforcement any more. That would be too triggering for him. Not only did he know this personally, but it was something that he had talked at length about with Dr. Simpson.

"Thanks, Liv. Even though I knew that is what you would say, I hadn't realized just how much I actually needed to hear it."

They finished their breakfast, then headed over to the house. Spending a few moments alone at their new home walking through the empty rooms one more time, they let it sink in that this was all really happening. In a matter of days, this is where they would be living – together.

Surprisingly, the delivery arrived on time. Before unloading anything from the truck, the men spoke with Elliot and Olivia. Since the men would not only be unpacking the furniture, but assembling it as well, they decided to set up the rooms methodically, starting with the ones on the lower level.

There were a total of four men working, and they seemed to work well as a team. Richard's room was set up first, followed by Elizabeth's. That was done within an hour. Next, they carried the two sofas and chairs upstairs, along with the coffee and side tables. The dining room table and chairs followed.

After taking a brief break, they continued by assembling the furniture for the master bedroom. Lastly, Eli's room was taken care of on the third floor. Once everything was unloaded from the truck and in its proper place, the men left. Walking through the house a second time, Elliot and Olivia marveled at how full it looked now than it did before.

"It really looks like a home now."

She remarked out loud, standing in the doorway to their bedroom. Elliot stood behind her, his hands wrapped around her waist. Placing a kiss on the back of her neck, her answered her.

"It is a home, Liv. Our home."

Reluctantly, they forced themselves to leave and head back to the apartment. Only one more night until the rest of their things could be moved in. Then their new life together would begin.