Just a quick one-shot that popped up in my head on a whim. Full disclaimer, I know this isn't how this would work. I also know that Elliot left the show before Olivia started getting promoted but...I don't care. This is called 'fanfiction" with the emphasis on FICTION. So this is just a cute one-shot about what would happen if her four original favorite guys were there during one of the biggest moments of her career. Bad summary...sorry! I'm tired as I'm uploading this hahaha! Anyway - read and enjoy. Then if you are interested, check out my other story "In The Blood" :) Always an E/O shipper at heart. Is it April 1st yet?
Olivia stretched her arms high over her head. Shaking her head, she rolled her neck from side to side and grabbed her phone. It had been a long couple of days but she was quite used to it by now. In fact she often thought she wouldn't like another life. She almost craved the chaos. Almost…
Sighing, she walked down the hall to the main Squad Room. She smiled when she saw the four most annoying yet lovable men she had ever met. John Munch, Donald Cragen, her partner Fin Tutuola and her husband Elliot Stabler.
She held her phone out, "So how long are we going to argue about our dinner choice? I'm starving so start hashing it out. But just so we're clear...no supermarket sushi. Still have nightmares from the last time."
All four men turned to look at her and didn't say a word. The way they were staring at her unsettled her. It wasn't the kind of look that signaled something bad. She didn't think anyone was hurt, no one was sick. But their looks told her that something was about to shift…
And if there was one thing she knew about herself...it was that she was terrible when it came to change. No matter how badly she wanted something, change threw her for a loop. God Bless Elliot Stabler for his patience. As much as she had wanted to be with him, when they first started to shift their relationship she was a wreck.
She put the poor man through a rollercoaster of emotions daily. She was in, she was out. She was happy, she was frantic. She was everything in between. And he waited...and waited...and WAITED.
Though it took her awhile she had learned that not all change had to be bad. So maybe whatever this was...didn't need to be terrible either.
Licking her lips, she walked further into the room, "What's going on?"
"She knows us too well." Munch said, "Although I do appreciate that she didn't go into full Momma bear mode."
She pointed a finger at him, "I haven't ruled it out. And until someone talks...it's right there on the edge so I'll ask again…" She shifted and scanned the four men, "What's going on?"
All eyes turned to Cragen who they knew had to make the first move. The older man took a deep breath and smiled, "Olivia...I'm retiring."
His words hung in the air, then settled in her chest and left an ache. This was one of the first men in her life that she ever fully trusted. He was the Father she had never had. He put up with her crap, mentored her, pushed her and always believed in her. She couldn't imagine doing this job without her.
"What?" She asked softly, she knew her voice sounded off but she ignored it, "You're not allowed to retire. We agreed you die peacefully at the desk...then you haunt us for the rest of our own lives."
The four men chuckled, "Tempting...and probably what I would have assumed years ago but it's time Liv."
Olivia huffed, "Okay...so you're retiring? And…" She pointed a finger at Munch, "You're sticking us with him?"
Munch sighed, "I'm both offended by the terror in your voice and flattered you think someone would trust me with that position. But no...I'm leaving too."
Olivia stepped back, "Two for one?" She frowned then looked at her husband and partner, "If either of you made this choice and kept it from you...we're going to have serious problems."
Fin shook his head, "I'm not leaving baby girl. But...my position is changing a bit. At least in terms of you and me."
The panic was starting to rise in her chest. Change. God she hated it. She knew they knew this. And clearly this had been in the works for awhile because they all seemed rehearsed. She felt some anger. She trusted these four men. Before them...she had never trusted anyone. Especially not men.
Why were they doing this to her? Was this the moment where her world came crashing down? When she would realize that all the amazing things she had found weren't real? Those old fears started to flood her mind and body full force. She wasn't good enough. She didn't deserve to be happy.
The last man standing was her husband. And if he was about to tell her he was leaving her too…
"Liv…" Elliot whispered from her left, he saw the way her eyes met his with a panicked stare, "I put my papers in."
Her mouth slid open and she felt like her knees were about to give out, "What? What are you talking about? How could you make that choice without talking to me?"
He walked all the way over to her, "We've...we've talked about it. About one of us making a change."
Her head was spinning and she couldn't figure out how to process what was happening, "Yes we've talked...but I assumed it was just that. Talk. Nothing serious."
He knew she was starting to unravel and he felt bad about it. But...he also knew this was going to be a good thing. An amazing thing. The one thing she really deserved. He reached out and squeezed her hand, "Liv, look at me."
She was staring at a point on his chest, not wanting to comply. She was angry. She was past angry, she was pissed. But more than that she was hurt and above all she was scared. She prided herself on knowing how to handle situations and when she felt out of control...that was when her old demons would appear.
They knew this about her and she believed they cared for her. But if that was the case...how could they be doing this to her? How could they be abandoning her?
"Liv…" He whispered again, "Look. At. Me."
Slowly, she lifted her head to meet his piercing blue eyes. A million and one memories of their time here flashed before her eyes. She knew he knew her well enough that she was thinking about all of them. She also knew that she was on the verge of truly falling apart. "What Elliot?" She spat out.
"I'm leaving because...this next step means we can't work together. I've been thinking about it for a while and when Cragen came to me with this. I knew it was right…" He whispered, "It's time. And no one deserves it more."
Her heart was aching and her mind was reeling, none of this made sense to her, "El, you're not making sense. What is going on?"
Elliot turned back to his boss, "Don?"
Olivia frowned when she realized he hadn't referred to him as Captain. Yes he had said he was retiring but...it still seemed wrong.
Cragen looked at her, "I was asked who I would pick as a replacement. And then...I asked everyone else."
She scoffed feeling very offended, "You didn't ask me!"
He chuckled, "No. I didn't. I didn't need to." He shrugged, "It was a no brainer. Totally unanimous."
"Can someone please just explain what the hell is going on? I'm not a perp...stop with the mind games. Why are the four of you doing this? What the hell did I do to deserve being left like this?" Her frustration bubbled over and the tears were bright in her eyes.
Don gave Elliot a look, "Show her."
Elliot walked all the way up to his wife, put a hand on her shoulder and slowly started to turn her around, "Come on."
She was stiff against him but let him lead her and she was vaguely aware of the other men following, "If you're all about to drag me off to the alley out back...I will warn you I'm armed. I'll kill all four of you before you get the chance to-"
"We know." Fin said with a laugh, "Which is why this choice was easy."
She huffed again, "I still don't understand."
As they walked, Elliot leaned in and whispered in her ear, "Close your eyes Liv."
She was angry, and sometimes that came out in inappropriate jokes, "Why? I told you I'm not afraid of it anymore El."
The rumble of laughter behind her set a warning in her chest but despite her fear, somehow it started to bring her back down. Elliot shook his head beside her, "God you're exhausting. How and why did I marry you?"
She looked at him, not processing where he was leading her, "I don't know."
He smiled and tilted her chin up, "I know." She gave him a nervous look, "Because you are the strongest, most amazing, badass woman I have ever met. And I love you."
Taking a deep shuddering breath, she reached for his hand, "El what-"
He cocked his head to the side, "Take a look."
Her eyes quickly looked behind her and saw the other pairs of eyes staring at her. They were all smiling. They all looked happy. They all looked...proud. She looked at her husband again and he reached out to give her arm a squeeze. And in that moment...she knew they would never abandon her without a good reason.
Slowly, she took a deep breath and then turned her head. It took her a moment to realize they were standing in front of Cragen's office door. She registered the word Captain first. But then...it looked different. It took her a moment to process what it was but when she did, she gasped.
Captain O. BensonShe felt frozen in her spot. She couldn't have read that right. Yes Cragen said he was retiring and so was Munch. Elliot was leaving and Fin said their partnership was changing but...Captain?
"Well we've officially done it. Rendered Wonder Woman Speechless." Munch said from behind them.
Olivia turned slowly, "I know we like to play jokes here...but this is insane and cru-"
"Told you she'd assume it was a joke." Elliot said with a sigh, "You owe me dinner." He said pointing at Cragen, "I called it."
Olivia glared at him, "Elliot this isn't funny."
"No. It isn't. Because it's not a joke." Fin whispered, "There is no one else who deserves this more than you Liv. Or should I say...Captain."
She stepped back slightly and pressed a hand to her stomach, "Come on…"
Cragen took a deep breath and stepped closer to her, "If you'd like to see the letters of recommendation on your behalf I have them all in my desk." He paused, "Or I should say...your desk."
Olivia shook her head and pressed three fingers to her forehead, "This is insane. Me?"
"Go get the letters." Munch said, "Otherwise we're going to be here all night. I have a date at 9."
Fin chuckled, "A date with who? Your hand?"
The corner of Olivia's lips pulled up in a smile, "Jesus…"
Don pushed past her and went into his office. While he was gone, she scanned the room trying to find someone else to focus on. But she realized it was just the five of them. She hadn't noticed that before…
Cragen walked out of the office and handed her a very large, thick file, "Read them."
Olivia's mouth hung open, "Cap-"
He shook his head and sighed, "Fine...we'll read them." He opened the file and started to hand out papers to the men, "This one states, 'To whom it may concern, I write this letter on behalf of a former colleague and dear friend. Olivia Benson. As former District Attorney, I know that Mrs. Benson has what it takes to take on this new role." Cragen kept talking but the words we're floating away as he read until she heard, "Signed, Alexandra Cabot."
"To whom it may concern," John started, "My name is Casey Novak. I am a former District Attorney for the state of New York…"
Again, his words were floating somewhere in the air between them and she felt her heart started to pound. The letters were read out loud one at a time, signed from many names she knew. Melinda Warner, Dean Porter, Brian Cassidy, George Huang, John Munch, Odafin Tutuola...names of victims and families she had helped. It was overwhelming.
"To whom it may concern." Elliot began again, "My name is Elliot Stabler and I write this letter on behalf of my wife, colleague and former Partner, Olivia Benson. I have been lucky enough to work with Officer Benson for close to 15 years. Out of all the members of the NYPD I have worked with, there is no one who is more dedicated to their job than Olivia. Her unwavering ability to seek justice, truth and closure for the victims make her the most important member of our Staff at Manhattan SVU. Officer Benson makes every cop, lawyer and member of her community a better version of themselves. I have no doubt that in this new position...she would work tirelessly to ensure the safety, well being and integrity of this City, it's inhabitants and the staff in her Squad. I urge you to consider her for this position and know that she will never back down. Sincerely, Officer Elliot Stabler."
Her eyes were frozen on him and she didn't try and wipe the tears away. He looked up at her and smiled, he gave her a shrug and she started to walk towards him. But another voice broke the spell.
"To whom it may concern, My name is Donald Cragen. I have had the honor of inhabiting the position of Captain at the Manhattan SVU for more than the last two decades. During that time, I have seen members of my Squad come and go. I've seen some crack under the pressure. I've witnessed those who could't handle the sensitive nature of the crimes we handle. I have been lucky to have a few loyal and committed members of my staff...but there is no one more committed than Officer Olivia Benson. During the years of her service, I have watched her face her own fears and use her personal experience to save, protect and support countless victims and their families. Her unwavering ability to reach a victim, to show them there is hope and to support them through the process is unlike anything I've ever witnessed. As I prepare to step down from this position...there is no one else I'd trust to take my place than Officer Benson. I hope and urge you to make this choice for the well being of our city and the safety of the remaining Squad. Sincerely, Captain Donald Cragen."
Olivia lifted a hand to her face, wiped her tears away and looked at the door again. It was there. In bold letters. That final step. Did she want to do it?
Yes she did want it. Could she do it was a different question. Could she do it without them? Turning back to look at them, their words washed over her. For so long she had been alone. So long. She didn't want to be alone again…
And yet...looking at these four men. These four incredible men who had supported her, helped her, shaped her into the woman she was and above all had loved her...she knew she wasn't alone. She would never be alone again. Not for one single day.
Clearing her throat, she stood a little straighter and tried to put a coherent thought together. Unfortunately, all that came out was, "I don't know what to say…"
Cragen took a deep breath and walked over to her, "You know you have the right to say no. But I hope you don't. You deserve this Olivia...and you really are the person I would want to take my place."
Olivia looked at her husband, "If I'm Captain you can't be here." He nodded, "IF you put your papers in just because of this I will be-"
He shook his head, "You know I've been considering it. I was just...scared to make a change." She gave him a look, "You're not the only one who fears change. But I think we've proved that sometimes change is good."
She watched him carefully, 'Where?"
"I was offered a position in the Special Investigation Unit. Sergeant." He said with a smile, "Similar types of cases and some new. I can still stay in Manhattan...we'll just be in two different precincts. Besides...I still get to go home to you at night."
"They'll be playing Sergeant and Captain in the bedroom…" Munch whispered to Fin.
"God, would you shut up." Fin said with a roll of his eyes, "When's your last day again?"
Olivia laughed and sniffled at the same time, "You swear you didn't make this choice just because-"
He shook his head and walked all the way over to her, "No. I swear on Maureen, Kathleen, Richie, Lizzie, Elie and…" He smirked, "Noah. This is good Liv. It's time for a change...and in new roles we'll have a little more time for our family. I won't have to worry about you on the streets as much. And when you are…" He looked back at Fin, "I know that someone here still has your back."
Olivia started to laugh and shook her head, "This is insane. Completely, and totally insane."
"It's not though." Fin said with a shrug, "You deserve this Liv. I'd be honored to work under you."
"I could turn that into something dirty but-" Munch started, Elliot shot him a look and the others just laughed, "But I'll just hold onto it. I'm sure you can get here on your own."
Olivia put a hand on her hip, "Captain?"
Cragen smiled, "Takes awhile to get used to the title but you'll get there…"
She turned again to stare at the door. She tried to picture what it would be like to be Captain. To be in charge. To not have Cragen, Munch or Elliot here in this building. To not have Fin by her side as her Partner. To not have a partner at all. It seemed overwhelming. It seemed impossible…
And yet...so much had seemed impossible in her life. So many moments had felt impossible to face. Yet here she was...she was still standing. She had a life she never thought she would have. A husband, step-children, a son, friends, a career and she was...happy.
If she had not taken a chance and accepted change...she never would have had any of those things. So what if she took the chance now? She turned back to them and smiled, "Captain Olivia Benson...kinda has a nice ring to it."
All four men smiled knowing they had gotten through. Fin turned around and jogged back to his desk. He pulled out a bottle of champagne and some glasses. He slipped Cragen something else as they all began to pour their celebration glasses.
Cragen cleared his throat and held up his glass, "While I'm sad to see this…" He smirked, "Dysfunctional family come to an end…" he turned to Olivia, "I'm damn proud to see where it will go from here. No one deserves this more. Congratulations Captain Benson."
"Captain Benson!" The remaining three cheered as they lifted their glasses.
They clinked their glasses together and all took a sip. Munch turned to Fin, "Can we order food now? You know that supermarket sushi wasn't that bad-"
Fin rolled his eyes, "Hell. No. Not even an option. I'm still scarred from that day. I vote Chinese."
Olivia watched them walking towards their desks and couldn't help but laugh when she heard them continuing to bicker as they walked. She looked at the two remaining men and felt her heart start to pound in her chest.
"Cap-" He gave her a look and she smiled, "Don…" She laughed and pushed on, "I just-"
He shook his head, "You can do this. I have never doubted your ability Olivia and I never will." He put a hand on her shoulder, "But...when the days get hard." He shrugged, "You know where to find me. I may be retiring...but you're not getting rid of me. Not now...not ever."
The tears pooled in her eyes again as she leaned forward and enveloped him in her arms, "Thank you Don. For…" SHe laughed sadly realizing there was no way to explain how deep that thank you went, "for everything."
He squeezed her back and whispered in her ear, "I'm so proud of you Olivia. Knock 'em dead."
He pressed a kiss to her cheek and then stepped back. He gave Elliot a smile and then stepped aside knowing they needed a minute. Olivia watched him go and then slowly turned back to her husband. He was standing there, hands in his pockets, his head bowed slightly with his eyes trained on her and a proud smile on his face.
"El…" She whispered softly, "I don't know this place without you."
He knew she was scared but he also knew she was ready. He couldn't deny that it felt strange and that it wouldn't be hard to walk away. But he knew that at the end of the day, he got to keep the best part of this place with him forever.
He nodded slowly, "I know. We've...been through a lot. Good, bad, ugly...and wonderful plus everything in between."
"You really swear-" She was rambling now and he couldn't help but laugh.
"I swear Olivia. I know you're probably upset that I kept you in the dark about this but we wanted it to be a surprise. You're not an easy woman to keep things from though. Must be those kick ass Detective skills." He said giving her a bump with his hip as he stepped closer to her.
She rolled her eyes, "El…" Her lips turned down into a frown, "I hate change."
He smirked, breathed in and pulled her against him, resting his hands on her hips. Her hands instinctively slid up his chest and rested on his shoulders, "You do? I had no idea. You handled all the changes in our lives so well. Never let me see you sweat."
She rolled her eyes again and slapped him, "If I'm such a mess then why did you nominate me for this?"
"For the record I wasn't the only one. Those letters weren't even all of them. I know for a fact there are more because I saw them all. And yeah...you get nervous with change. But with the job," He shrugged his shoulders and smiled, "With the job you never falter. You never back down. You push and dig until justice is found. You are unwavering in your beliefs and ability and I do not double you for one second. You can do this Olivia. You will do this. And God I can't wait to watch how well you do it…"
Her hands slid up his shoulders and around his neck, "Well what about you...Sargeant…" She nudged him with a hip, "That's a turn on."
He smirked, "John was right about one thing...we will be playing Captain and Sergeant at home. Can't wait to get you out of that Uniform."
She raised a playful eyebrow, "Wouldn't I be the one in charge? Maybe I'll be stripping you of your Uniform…"
Elliot chuckled, "Either way, I'd say I win Cap."
She squealed with delight and turned to look at the door again, "Captain…"
He walked up behind her, wrapped his arms around her and pulled her against his chest. She rested her head against his chest and breathed in and felt him whisper in her ear, "Captain Olivia Benson. Sexy as hell."
She squeezed his hands around her waist, "Noah still won't listen to me though…"
Elliot laughed, "Yeah sadly the titles mean nothing to the kids."
Turning slowly she smiled at him, "As much as I hate change...you were right. It isn't always bad. Scary...but it's not bad."
Elliot squeezed her hand, "Yeah?"
She nodded slowly and leaned in to kiss him, "Best change I ever made...was when I became your wife." His eyes softened, "I love you Elliot. Thank you for believing in me. Especially when I don't believe in myself."
He rested his forehead against hers and smiled, "I got your back Benson. Always have...always will. Even if I'm not here in this building with you…" He lifted his hand and pressed it to her chest, "I'm always with you."
She pressed her hand over his on her chest and smiled. They stared at each other for a moment letting all the things left unsaid settle between them. They knew each other so well though that they didn't need to be voiced. They knew. They both knew.
When the sound of bickering filled the room again they both snapped out of their daze. Olivia looked at the door one more time, then slipped her hand into his. She felt him squeeze it tight and she knew that it was going to be okay. Everything was going to be...okay.
Well there you have it! Again, I know that there is no way that would have happened that way. But...again...FICTION and a girl can dream, can't she? Hahaha! Anyway...I'm off to finish writing the next chapter of "In The Blood". I will update that when I can. If you haven't checked it out, I hope you do. Thank you!