I know you all hate me...but read on and remember that E/O is endgame and all the trials they have been through only makes them stronger :) And just so we're clear...this isn't an Eli introduction lol. Maybe that statement will give you hope hahaha! Gotta keep you on your toes. At least I updated the very next day? ;)

Elliot and Munch sat in the car during their stakeout. Elliot was behind the wheel and Munch was watching the building in front of them. They had been here for over two hours and nothing was happening. They had a feeling it was going to be a long day. Elliot had been more quiet than usual but Munch knew better than to push the subject. Whatever was bothering his partner was clearly not something he wanted to talk about.

Elliot checked his phone multiple times, hoping to see a text from Olivia. It had taken all of his strength not to go into their bedroom last night. But he was upset and she was upset and he felt like they both needed some space. With a sigh, he threw his phone onto the console. Munch looked at him and Elliot frowned, "I don't want to talk about it."

"I didn't ask." Munch said with a shake of his head as he looked back out the window.

Elliot contemplated for a moment, "I don't know how you got married so many damn times Munch. I'm on number 2 and my head is spinning more than ever."

Munch smiled, "I thought you didn't want to talk about it?" Elliot gave him a look and he chuckled, "Less than a year and...there is already trouble in paradise?"

Ellioe frowned, "No...I don't know. I just feel like I can't do or say anything right at the moment."

"Is Olivia okay?" He asked softly, "I mean...is she-"

"She's fine. We're fine…" He frowned again, "I don't think I can say...it's personal. But she's fine. We're just…"

"You don't have to tell me." Munch said to him, "But Elliot...I may not be the most successful man when it comes to marriage. But the one thing I always got wrong was just listening. I said stupid shit. Surprising...I know. I know that Olivia can sometimes struggle with her emotions. So just listen."

"I'm trying." Elliot said with a huff, "But she doesn't think I understand...but I do. I mean I think I do. I know it's probably different…"

"So...it's a woman thing?" He asked curiously and Elliot laughed, "I take that as a yes."

Elliot sighed, "I'm...probably going to regret this but if you swear not to say anything…"

"You don't have to tell me…" He whispered, "But if you choose to, I'll keep it between us."

Elliot went to open his mouth when he heard a knock on the window. Turning, he saw another Detective from work. Putting the window down he said, "Sullivan, what are you doing here? Something come up on our guy?"

Sullivan shook his head, "No. But Cap said I had to come switch with you. You're needed back at the House."

Munch leaned in and frowned, "Me too?"

Sullivan shook his head again, "No. Just Stabler. Whatever it was...sounded serious."

Elliot's heart leaped in his throat and his mind was swarming, "What-"

"I don't know." He said with a shrug in the cold air, "You can take my car. I'll stay with Munch."

Turning towards his Partner, Munch saw Elliot looking panicked, "Go. Call me later. I'm sure everything is fine."

Elliot crawled out of the car and switched keys with Sullivan before running off towards the other SUV. When he climbed in, he immediately reached for his phone. Dialing Olivai's number he was praying she would answer. Not only did she not answer, it was clear that she had purposely ignored his phone call. "Fuck."

What was wrong? Was one of the kids sick? Had something happened to Olivia? All the worst possible scenarios went through his mind. He knew it was typical of him being a Detective. He was terrified that something bad had happened to her and the last thing he had said was something hurtful. He had to get back to the Precinct and figure out what the hell was going on.

As soon as he walked in the familiar squad room, all eyes turned to him. He stopped short and realized they weren't looking at him with pity or concern, but they were looking at him with some serious anger and accusatory looks. He was snapped out of his daze when he heard Cragen barking his name, "Stabler. My office. Now!"

Swallowing hard, Elliot's feet felt like lead. He walked one foot in front of the other towards the back office. When he walked in, he saw that Cragen was standing behind his desk with a look of fury on his face. What the hell had he done that pissed his captain off this much? He stepped up behind the chair, put his hands behind his back in a stance that mirrored one from the marines and said, "Captain? Is everything okay?"

Cragen squeezed the back of his chair and said, "Care to tell me why Olivia left here sobbing earlier? Fin had to practically carry her out of here."

Elliot's heart started to work overtime, "What? When?" He paused, "What the hell happened?"

The door opened and an even angrier Fin walked in the office. Elliot turned to say something but before he could, Fin's arm shot out and Elliot's head was snapping backwards as the blow hit him in the eye. "Jesus Christ!"

"Fin!" Cragen yelled running around the desk, "Stand down!"

"You son of a bitch." Fin said pointing at Elliot, "How could you do this to Olivia!"

Elliot held his eye which would clearly be bruised come morning, "What the fuck are you talking about? Jesus...I'm going to have a black eye ass hole."

"You have another kid?" Fin yelled at him, "A son!? Younger than the twins?"

Now Elliot's head was pounding and he felt like the room was spinning, "Excuse me?"

"Some crazy lady showed up here looking for you. She told Olivia that her son was yours. That you sent her away when you found out she was pregnant but that she was back and going to demand child support." He screamed at him.

Elliot blinked a few times, trying to see through his swollen eye and digest what was being said, "Who? Who the hell said that? There is no way I have another kid!"

Fin huffed, "Oh yeah? Well you sure as hell slept with her. And Olivia is devastated. I've never seen her like that! I had to call your Mom to pick up the kids. Alex is with her at your house and I came here to kick your ass."

Elliot tried to push past him, needing to get out of their and back to the house, "I didn't sleep with anyone. Back off Fin. You have no idea what you are talking about. I'm going home."

"Like hell you are." Fin said grabbing his arm, "You aren't going anywhere near her. She doesn't want to see you."

"She's my wife." Elliot replied, "I'm going to talk to her. This is insane. I don't have another kid and I didn't sleep with anyone."

"Have fun explaining that to her." Fin said with a laugh, "Especially since that woman had a picture of you. A very compromising picture."

Elliot stopped short, "What?"

Fin lunged at him again and shoved him against the back door, "I told you that if you did anything to hurt her I would kill you. I meant that. Olivia gave you EVERYTHING and you had this secret? She took on your four kids without a second thought. How could you do this? How could you betray her like this?"

"You have no idea what you are talking about." Elliot said shoving his hands off of him, "Get your hands off of me."

Cragen pulled Fin back and then looked at Elliot, "Elliot-"

"Captain...I swear on my life that there is absolutely no way that that child could be mine. I don't know what is going on but I have to go talk to her. Please. Please let me go talk to her." He pleaded.

Cragen sighed, "Son...Olivia is like my daughter. If there is any way-"

"Cap there is no way. No way." He said, shaking his head adamantly, "Please…"

Cragen pointed towards the door, "Get out of here and fix it. Don't you dare come back until it is. Because you know what the consequences will be. ALL of the consequences."

Elliot nodded, "Yes sir." Without a second thought, he turned and ran back out the same way he had come and went to get his own car.

As he drove, there was only one name that popped up in his mind but it still didn't make sense. All he knew was that he had to get Olivia to listen to him. Unfortunately, he knew that was going to be easier said than done.

When he got to the house, the first thing he noticed was how dark and quiet it seemed. They had recently started packing things as they were trying to move as soon as possible. They had yet to find a house but there were offers on theirs. It had been a bone of contention when they looked at new houses that had many more rooms. He saw the pain in Olivia's eyes.

He stopped short outside the door. This was going to be harder than he realized. She had been struggling with their so far inability to get pregnant. And now someone had come to tell him that he had another kid. Cursing, he pushed the door open and called out to her frantically, "Liv?"

There was no answer at first and he swallowed hard, stepping further into the house, "Olivia!"

Alex appeared at the top of the stairs and stomped downs towards him, "Stop yelling."

Elliot whipped his coat off, "Alex where-"

"She's upstairs. Packing a bag." She said, arms crossed over her chest, "She's coming to my apartment with me."

Elliot tried to walk around her, "Like hell she is. She's staying here. THIS is her home."

Alex shook her head, "Elliot...how could you do something so stupid?"

Ellito shook his head, "Alex...it isn't what she thinks. It wasn't...I didn't…"

Alex put her hand up, "I'm not the one you need to convince." She paused and then frowned, "She told me...about what's been going on. She's a mess. And now this?"

Elliot sighed and put his head in his hands, "I know. I know. But that is NOT my kid. There is no way Alex. No way."

Alex was quiet for a moment, trying to think of what to say, "You can try and talk to her...but I don't think she will listen. I think she needs a night away from you."

Elliot pushed past her again, "Let me be the judge of that."

He took the stairs two at a time, they were pounding under his feet. When he got to the end of the hallway, he swung the door open and looked around for her. She was sitting on the edge of the bed, a bag in front of her almost fully packed. When she looked at him, all he saw was pain and disappointment on her face.

"Liv…" He walked over to her but she stood up and instantly backed away. "Liv please…"

She pressed a hand into her belly and she frowned, "Don't. I don't want to hear it Elliot. There is nothing you can say that will make this better."

Elliot felt his body start to shake as he looked at her, "Just...tell me what happened."

She shrugged, "She came into the Precinct looking for you. I said you weren't there but I knew...I knew she was going to say something. I should have known. Every time I've seen her she rubbed me the wrong way."

"Who?" He asked, he had a vague idea of who it was but he didn't even know she was back. "Who Olivia? Who was it?"

"Kate." She said with a bitter voice, "Kate Montgomery. Kate...Kathy…" She huffed again, "How perfect."

Elliot growled, "Don't even...don't even bring up Kathy. This isn't-" He put a hand to his head, "Look Kate's...Kate's a bit unhinged. She always has been."

"So you know her?" She said with a raised eyebrow, "You're not denying that?"

"Yes. I know her. Her oldest is Kathleen's age." He said quickly, "I didn't even know she had another kid."

Olivia laughed, "You mean, your kid?"

His eyes glossed over and he shook his head, "Olivia...there is no way that child is mine. No way. I need you to believe me."

"You said you didn't sleep with anyone after Kathy. That night in my apartment...you told me I was the first one since her. That I was the only one." She held a hand to her heart, "How could you lie to me about that? Why would you lie?"

"I didn't lie." He said shaking his head, "I didn't sleep with her. I-"

"Then why the hell does she have a picture of you in her bed?" She asked, pulling out the envelope, "Explain that to me Elliot."

Elliot took it, still unwilling to believe any of this was happening. When he took out the photo, he cursed under his breath and knew this looked bad. It was definitely him. There was no way to deny it. Even though he wasn't facing the camera, it was his body. His tattoo's clearly visible. The memory of this particular night washed over him and he sighed, "Okay...I can explain."

"I can't wait to hear this." She said with a bitter laugh, "Tell how you possibly slept in her bed without actually sleeping with her."

Elliot ran a tired hand over his face, "Okay first of all it isn't her bed. It was a hotel."

Olivia laughed harder, "Oh! Well that makes it better."

He cringed immediately trying to get the thoughts running through his mind to calm down, "Olivia...please just listen to me. Please."

She swallowed hard and sat down on her bed, "I'm listening."

"I…" He sighed and turned the photo over, not wanting to look at it, "I went on a date with her. One date and it was a disaster. The entire thing was a disaster."

Olivia narrowed her eyes at him, "Why didn't I know-"

"Because I just wanted to forget the entire thing and I was embarrassed." He said quickly, "Kathy had left...the kids were a mess. You were there every day being amazing-"

"Stupid me." She said standing up and walking away from her, "Stupid, stupid me."

He frowned and reached for her, but as soon as he touched her back she pulled away from him and he knew his touch wasn't wanted, "Olivia...not stupid. You know how much I loved having you there. How much you helped me. And at that time...I started to realize I had feelings for you."

"So you went on a date with someone else?" She said trying to keep up, "Elliot what-"

"You were seeing someone." He said through gritted teeth, "That prick O'Leary that Alex set you up with and I was...jealous."

Olivia sighed and leaned against the dresser, "Elliot…"

"And she asked. I knew she was a single Mom...I didn't even...I wasn't attracted to her. But I was so tired of feeling so alone. So I agreed. And we went out to dinner. And I got...drunk." He cringed, "Like really drunk…"

Her heart was pounding as she listened, "El…"

"My Mom had the kids for the night and I was a wreck the entire night. I was fumbling through my words. It all felt so wrong. So I drank more and more. And the next thing I knew we were leaving and she called a cab and we were at a hotel." He saw her flinch again and he sighed, "It's a bit of a blur but I know...I know we didn't-"

"How? How do you know?" She asked, her voice cracking, "If you were that drunk then maybe you don't remember what really happened."

Elliot shook his head, "No...we were...messing around. But I couldn't...I couldn't…" His face flushed, "I couldn't perform…" When she didn't respond he grimaced again, 'I wasn't...able to get it u-"

"I got it." She said put a hand up in front of him, "I don't need the details."

Elliot stood up straighter, "Well clearly you do. Olivia I was mortified...and then to make matters worse I started crying. And I...I called her…"

His voice trailed off and her heart sank more, "You called her Kathy…"

Elliot's head snapped up again and he shook his head, "No...God no." When she looked directly at him he spoke honestly, "I called her Olivia." He saw the shock on her face and he sighed, "I told you Liv...it was always you. Always you. I wanted to be there with you. I was a mess."

Olivia wiped tears from her eyes and sighed, "El...I just-"

"I fell asleep...I know I fell asleep. I know nothing happened. When I woke up she was gone. I hoped I'd never hear from her again that we could just pretend it didn't happen. But she called non stop. It got bad. She was showing up at the house, upsetting the kids. I had to file a report at one time. I was going to file a restraining order but she just up and left and I assumed I'd never see her again." He said.

Olivia rolled her neck back and forth, "Why the hell didn't you tell me that? Even before we...especially after we…" She sighed, "Elliot...why?"

"Because I was embarrassed." He said softly, "It was...ridiculous. All of it. And I'd already burdened you with so much other stuff. Plus I was confused about what was happening between us...and trying to keep it all together for the kids. Liv you know I was a wreck back then. I wasn't thinking straight but there is no way...no way that kid is mine."

She felt the tears coming again, "But what if it is…"

"Olivia…" He walked closer to her, "No. There is no way...I meant it when I said you were the only woman that I-"

"I just don't know." She said with a trembling breath, "I don't know." He looked upset and she whispered, "You said it was a blur...what if there is something you don't remember."

Elliot stood up straighter and walked away, he grabbed something off the bedside table before tossing it in a rage across the room, "That kid is NOT mine!"

Olivia was crying harder now, gasping for breath,"I can't do this…"

When she started to walk away he snapped back into reality, "Olivia don't walk out that door."

She reached for her bag and repeated, "I can't do this…"

He grabbed her hand and she tried to tug it away but he was holding on tight, "Look at me." She didn't and he bent his knees to force her to look at him, "Olivia. Look. At. Me." She lifted her head to look at him and he saw the fear in her eyes, "You know me...you know me. But you've always been looking for a reason-"

"Don't you dare turn this around on me." She said tugging her hand away again, "I'm here. I've been here. I trusted you but you lied."

"I didn't lie...I didn't sleep with her!" He yelled angrily, he saw her cringe again and he sighed, "I'm sorry...I'm sorry okay? Yes. I should have told you about her but honestly? It just seemed stupid because it was in the past. I never expected her to come back."

"But she did." She said quickly, "She did...and she's not going to let this go. And there is a child...a child she claims is yours."

Elliot bowed his head, "I know what this is really about...Olivia we-"

"Don't. Don't you dare bring that up right now." She said, backing away, "Don't you dare."

"You're upset because you haven't gotten pregnant and I understand that." She turned from him again, "But that baby is not mine and I need you to believe me." Her shoulders were shaking and he felt his own tears, "Olivia please...please believe me."

She wiped at her eyes and started to walk down the hall, "I'm going to Alex's apartment."

He immediately started to run after her, "Olivia, you swore you wouldn't run again."

She didn't respond as she reached the top of the stairs, "The kids are at your Mom's. They think we caught a case."

Elliot growled, "And when you refuse to come home in a day...what are you going to tell them then?"

She faltered on the steps and he had to reach out before she went tumbling down, "Don't touch me."

"Olivia…" The pleading in his voice shook her to her core, "We have a family...you are my wife. Please…"

In a strangled voice she whispered desperately to her friend, "Alex...I can't…"

Alex walked up the stairs and put a hand on Olivia's shoulder, "It's okay. Come on." She shot Elliot a look, "Let her go."

Elliot shook his head adamantly, afraid that if he did she'd never come back. "No."

Alex sighed and whispered, "Elliot...tonight you are not going to get anywhere with this. She's too upset and so are you. You both need to cool down."

Elliot looked at the back of Olivia's head, he wanted to scream at the top of his lungs. Why hadn't he told her about this woman all these years ago? Deep in his soul he believed that he hadn't slept with her. Some of it was a blur but he would have remembered that...wouldn't he? And now he had everything he had ever wanted...and she was slipping through his fingers. But Alex was right. There was not going to be a way to get through to Olivia. Not tonight. If he let her calm down, maybe...just maybe he could talk to her tomorrow. Maybe by then he'd be able to sort through some of the crap in his own head or find Kate…

Elliot stepped back onto the threshold and whispered, "Olivia...I love you." She didn't respond, "Do you hear me?" He saw a slight movement, "I love you. And I'm not...I'm not letting her ruin this. I'm going to make this right. I refuse...refuse to let you go. Not fully. Do you understand?" She moved down a step, "I love you…" He whispered again but his voice betrayed him and he knew she heard the pain in his voice.

He heard her crying again and she walked out the front door, leaving it open behind her. Alex sighed, turned to her friend and he fell down onto the floor, his feet hanging over the edge of the stairs. Looking at him, her own residual anger seemed to be going away. He looked so broken. "Elliot…"

He looked up at his friend and coworker, "Alex...that kid can't be mine. He just can't."

"I...I believe you." She answered, "But Olivia is feeling vulnerable. With not getting pregnant...I mean put yourself in her shoes. If some guy showed up and the precinct and had a picture of you like that? Said she had a kid with him you knew nothing about? How would you feel?"

"I'd be furious." He said looking down letting the realization wash over him, "I'd kill him. And I'd...I'd lash out at her. You're right. Shit…"

Watching him as he hung his head in his hands, "Let her breathe a bit. I'll talk to her. I know she loves you more than anything. I'll call you tomorrow, okay?"

Elliot sighed again and nodded, knowing he couldn't argue, "Y-yeah...okay."

Putting a hand on his shoulder she whispered, "Please don't do anything stupid tonight." When Elliot looked up at her expectantly she continued, "Don't call Kate. Don't try and find her. It won't do any good...and you're too upset. You're not in the right frame of mind."

Elliot knew she was right but he couldn't deny the fact that he wanted to find Kate and sort this all out now. But if he did...he'd probably say or do something stupid. Say something that would make this all worth it. Clearly the woman was more unhinged than he even realized. If he pushed harder, she'd push right back. She could make this work. She could even retaliate and do something to bring Olivia or the kids harm.

"Elliot?" Alex asked, he looked at her again, "Did you hear what I said?"

Elliot nodded slowly, "Yes...I heard you." He paused, "What do I do?"

"Well if she's going to make a claim like that she'll have to back it up. We demand a paternity test. I'll make some calls in the morning." She said.

Elliot looked at her, "You don't believe her do you?"

Alex sighed, "I'll be honest that when Olivia first told me...I wasn't sure. It didn't sound or look good. But the way you're acting right now...the look on your face...it tells me that you're telling the truth. Or at least...that you think you are."

He frowned, "Alex…"

"We need a paternity test." She said quickly, "If you were drunk...there is a chance...even a small chance but it's a chance."

"Fuck." He said putting his head in his hands, "Fuck. Fuck."

Squeezing his shoulder she repeated again, "Don't do anything stupid Elliot. I mean it. It won't fix this."

He watched Alex walking down the stairs and then walk out the door. When he heard the car start and pull out of the driveway his heart sunk. Standing up, he started to pace. He ran down the stairs and paced more. Without thinking, he grabbed a vase on the counter and tossed it. When it shattered on the wall he screamed in frustration. How the hell had this happened?

Olivia woke up the next morning feeling like she had drunk an entire bottle of wine to herself. Her head was pounding, her body ached and she was desperate for water. But then she remembered it wasn't from alcohol. It was from crying. Rolling over, she glanced at the clock and realized it was early. Very early. Reaching for her phone, she saw that she had two missed calls from Elliot which didn't surprise her. There was even a text which read…

I love you. Please...please call me back tomorrow. I'm going to make this right. For us.

Sighing, she tossed the phone on the bed and sat up. Alex's apartment had a guest room and she was glad to have her own space. Then she remembered the last time she had slept here...it was the night before the wedding. The tears came again and she curled up on herself. She wanted to believe him...but everything that had happened recently was making her have doubts. She wanted a baby with him so damn badly and the thought...the mere thought of some other woman…

She groaned and stood up, walking towards the bathroom. She splashed some water on her face and rested her hands on the sink. When she looked down, her eyes caught the diamond on her finger and the wedding band beside it. Biting her lip hard, she went to take them off. But she couldn't...she couldn't do it. Pushing the thought away, at least for now, she stripped off her clothes and turned on the water as hot as she could. Maybe that would erase the pain for now.

When she wasn't calling him back, he knew she wouldn't. He'd have to wait to hear from Alex to know if and when he could talk to her. He hadn't slept much, mostly because he couldn't handle being there alone. Needing a distraction, he decided to go to work. As soon as he got there though, he realized that was a bad idea. Everywhere he looked...there was a reminder of his wife. This place was so wrapped up in their relationship. He could see the very spot he stood when he met her. The place where she had hugged him for the first time, their old desks facing each other where he used to sit and watch her...wondering what it would be like if…

Sighing, he decided since he was there he should at least try and focus. But when he snapped out of his own little daze, he realized lots of people were looking at him. He knew he had a black eye from Fin but he didn't care about that. The only reason for the looking had to be...they knew what had happened. Or what he had been accused of. Walking slowly to his desk, he sat down and looked at Munch who was studying his face, "Hey…"

Elliot cleared his throat and shrugged off his suit jacket, "Hey."

John was quiet and then said, "I thought about calling but-"

Elliot shook his head, "John...I don't really want to talk about this."

John sighed and looked at his partner, "Does any of this have to do with your bad mood from yesterday?"

"Yes." He frowned, "No...yes. Yes. I guess it does. Fuck." He looked around, "How much does everyone know?"

"Enough to pick sides." He grimaced, "And in case you weren't sure…"

"They picked her side." He said with a sad laugh, "Trust me, I always knew that would be the case if we-"

He stopped talking when he realized what he was about to say. Breaking up. No. They weren't breaking up. That wasn't a possibility.

Taking a deep breath he said, "John...that kid can't be mine."

John nodded slowly,"You're my partner. And while I love Olivia...I believe you."

Before he could say something else, Cragen was standing beside his desk, "Elliot."

Elliot looked up and signed, "Cap...I'm sorry. I know I probably shouldn't be here but-"

Cragen took a deep breath before cutting him off, "In my office."

Elliot looked at John who just shrugged and Elliot sighed and quickly followed his boss. It had been less than 24 hours earlier when he stood in this very office and Fin gave him that punch alerting him to what was happening. Everything felt like a blur after that. Now standing in the same position as yesterday, Elliot waited for his boss to chew his ass out.

Cragen took a deep breath, "Elliot...tell me that what that woman is claiming isn't true."

Elliot shook his head, "Cap...I made a bad choice. But that child isn't mine. I'm...I'm sure of it."

Cragen narrowed his eyes at him, "You don't sound sure."

Elliot sighed and scrubbed his forehead hard, "I was drunk...really drunk. But I don't think that...I mean I-"

"You need to get a DNA test." He said cutting him off, "And then you need to pray that it isn't yours."

Elliot hung his head, "Cap...Olivia is my world. I would never hurt her...not intentionally. Back then I was a mess. And Kate...she was-"

"Kate?" Cragen asked, "Isn't that the woman you told me about? The one you were going to get a restraining order on?"

Elliot looked up at him and then realized he had told his boss only because he knew that the report he had filed against her would get back to him. "Yes. The same woman. But she moved away and I just...figured I'd never see her again. I didn't think this would happen."

Cragen sighed, "But you never told Olivia about all of this?"

Elliot shook his head, "No. I never told her." Cragen gave him a look, "I know. Stupid. Really stupid. But I was embarrassed and when Kate didn't come back...I didn't see the point."

"She's your wife." Cragen said, "She should have known."

Elliot huffed, "I don't know every guy she ever went on a date with and quite frankly...I don't want to know."

"Okay. That's fair." Cragen said quickly, "But you have to understand why she's upset."

Elliot nodded, "Of course. I would have felt the same way...but I need her to believe me. Things have been...difficult."

Cragen frowned at him, "Difficult?" Elliot didn't respond and he sighed, "Elliot...what's going on?"

"Nothing." He said with a shake of his head, "Liv and I are just...working through some things. And this didn't help."

Cragen tried to read his body language, "Working through some things that could lead to div-"

"No!" Elliot replied quickly, "God no. I'm not divorcing her. We're not…" He growled and turned away, "It's...complicated and personal and I don't know how to get through to her. And now with this…"

"Son." Elliot froze and Cragen continued, "What's going on?"

"We've been...trying…" He looked back at his boss, "We want a...but nothing…"

Elliot's words were scattered but Cragen could read through the lines, "She's having trouble getting pregnant…" Elliot nodded slowly, "And now this woman showed up claiming to have a child with you…"

Elliot swallowed the lump in his throat, "Cap...how the hell do I fix this? I need to fix this. But she won't talk to me. And I'm afraid…"

"Get the DNA test." Cragen answered, "That's the only way to clear this up. And then...we'll go from there."

A knock on the door interrupted them both, John poked his head in, "Uh...I hate to interrupt but we're about to have a situation out here."

Cragen and Elliot looked out towards the squad room and Elliot's heart dropped to his stomach, "Elliot...don't."

But Elliot was already halfway out the door, "Kate...what the hell is wrong with you?"

The woman turned to Elliot and sighed, "Oh. You're here today. Is your wife?"

Elliot's hands clenched at his sides, "Don't you dare talk about my wife. Don't you dare!"

Cragen and John were at his side in no time, "Elliot, let's not do this here."

Elliot brushed them off, "I told you...that I wasn't interested. I told you over and over again and you didn't listen. And then you just up and left."

"Elliot...you know that's not what happened." She said with a shrug, "You knew about the baby. You told me to leave town."

"That's bullshit!" Elliot screamed at her, "That is total bullshit! We never slept together."

"From what you can remember. You were pretty drunk that night." She said with a sparkle in her eye. "It happened…"

Elliot looked away from her, "I would have remembered that."

"Are you sure about that?" She asked with a smile. When he didn't respond, Kate laughed, "See...you're not sure."

Elliot looked back towards her, "What do you want?"

"I want my son to be taken care of." She said, crossing her arms over her chest, "You owe me child support."

Elliot shook his head, "I'm not paying you a dime. That kid is NOT mine." She was just staring at him, "But if you're so damn sure...I'll take a DNA test." Kate's face was still impassive but he saw something in her eyes and that was all he needed to know, "I'll even set it up."

Kate stepped back, "No. Shane will not be taking a DNA test."

Elliot smiled and nodded, "Because he's not my son?"

Kate took a deep breath and tugged at her coat, "You'll be hearing from my lawyer."

"And you'll be hearing from mine." Elliot responded as she walked away.

When she was gone, Cragen stepped around Elliot, "There's only one reason she would deny a test."

Elliot shook his head, "She's nuts. I knew it then...and I definitely know it now. The only thing I can think of is that when she realized who I married...she snapped." He looked at his partner and boss, both of them looking at him with a confused expression, "I called her...Olivia."

Munch let out a sigh, "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned…"

Elliot sighed and went to grab his coat, "I'm going to make her have that kid take a DNA test if it's the last thing I do."

Cragen nodded towards Munch, "Go with him."

Elliot frowned, "Cap-"

Cragen shook his head, "You're not thinking clearly. The last thing I need is for something to happen to you. Olivia's already a mess...I don't need you getting hurt on top of everything else."

Elliot nodded as Munch grabbed his coat, "If Olivia calls…"

"You'll be the first to know." His boss answered, "Now go."

Elliot tore out of the precinct with Munch right behind him. He wasn't sure how but he was going to prove that Kate was lying. That look in her eyes, the flicker of fear he had seen was everything he needed to know. As a Detective he prided himself on reading body language and in this instance, he knew he was right.

Back at Alex's, Olivia was sitting on the couch trying to sort through her thoughts. She was nursing a cup of tea in her hands when her phone rang. She assumed it was Elliot and meant to ignore it but Alex saw the name. "It's Bernie."

Olivia sighed and reached for it, realizing she was going to have to face her Mother in Law sooner or later. On Top of that, they would have the kids to deal with. Her heart cracked at the thought of them. How could she explain this? And God forbid this lead them to separating...what would that mean?

Legally she was their Mother now. But if they ever got divorced...

She pushed the thought out of her mind and flipped the phone open, "Bernie. Hi-"

"Mom?" It was Maureen's voice and immediately Olivia felt tears in her eyes.

Pressing two fingers to her right temple Olivia answered in a shaky breath, "Hey Mo."

"Are you and Dad coming to get us?" Maureen asked, "I thought we were all supposed to spend the weekend together to celebrate."

Olivia cringed. She was right. For the year anniversary of the adoption, they agreed to celebrate. But last night the kids had been shuffled off to their Grandmothers. While not unusual given their parents' work schedule, she knew Mo was smart enough to read between the lines.

"Um...yeah. Yeah. One of us will come get you later. Okay?" She whispered.

"One of you?" She asked, there was a sigh on the other end of the phone, "Mom why did Dad sleep in the guest room the other night? What's going on?"

The tears fell again and when she went to respond she felt a hand on her arm. Turning, she saw Alex was on the phone too and looked visibly upset. Finding her voice, she spoke to her daughter, "Honey, I'm sorry. But I have to go. I love you. Everything is fine."

"But Mom-" Maureen's voice was clearly shaking.

"I'll call you as soon as I can. I promise baby." She hung up the phone knowing she was going to lose her nerve if she didn't. Glancing at her friend, she felt a knot in her belly worse than before. Something was terribly wrong. "Alex...what-"

"Kate filed a claim against Elliot." Alex said softly.

Olivia frowned, "For unpaid child support? Well we knew that was coming-"

"No Olivia." She said with a shake of her head, Olivia's eyes narrowed, "She said Elliot raped her."

The room began to spin and Olivia felt like all the oxygen had been sucked out of the space. She shot off the couch and tried to get her bearings but she was stumbling. Rape? Elliot being accused of rape?

"That crazy bitch." She screamed, "Elliot could never. He would never! She's lying!"

Alex stood up to face her, "I know. That was Cragen. He sent Elliot home. He hasn't been arrested but they have Kate at the precinct. What do you want to do?"

Olivia felt torn. She brushed past her friend and walked into the guest room, slamming the door shut. She pressed her hands against the wood and tried to take a few deep breaths. How the hell was this happening? She stumbled forward, trying to slow the thoughts in her head but she tripped. As she fell, her hand tangled in the necklace on her neck. The chain snapped and she gasped but when she looked at the pendant in her hand she knew…

Semper Fi.

Always faithful.

The words from his beautiful letter came back to her and she knew…

I know that our marriage will have it's fair share of trials. I wish I could promise that it would always be easy, always be perfect but we know better than most that life doesn't work that way. What I can promise is that I will forever be faithful to you. That I will always love you. That I will protect you, our children and all that we have built together. I will never leave you, never make you doubt my love. I will spend every single day trying to make you smile.

Semper Fi,

Elliot

With a new sense of determination and a fierce need to protect him, she knew where she had to go first.

As soon as she burst into the Precinct with Alex, Cragen, Munch and Fin were walking towards her.

"Olivia, calm down." Cragen said sternly

"Where the hell is she?" She demanded, "I know she's here."

"She is here. She's in one of the interrogation rooms waiting." Cragen said, Olivia turned to walk towards the rooms but he stepped in front of her. "Olivia, you're not going in there."

"I'd like to see you try and stop me. This woman is trying to frame my husband. I was an idiot yesterday for letting her get to me. But I'll be damned if I let her defame his character this way. My husband may have made mistakes in his life, but he is NOT a rapist." She said with such conviction it made everyone in the room stop and listen.

Cragen reached for her again, "I know. But Olivia you can't-"

"Fine. Just let me listen in. I want to hear her say it." She said quickly, Cragen continued to look skeptical, "Captain, please. This is my husband. My family. I have to protect it."

He sighed knowing she wouldn't give in, "Fine. You stay with me while Munch and Fin talk to her. Understood?"

"Yes." She turned to her friends, "Make her sweat."

Munch nodded slowly, "We got your back on this. Elliot's too."

Olivia looked at her partner, she knew he had hit Elliot yesterday. Knew that he was protective. "Fin, he didn't do this."

"I know." He said softly, "I may not always like the guy but I know he didn't do this."

She nodded slowly, unable to form any more words. The four of them walked together to the interrogation area. Olivia settled in beside her boss and tried to quiet the pounding of her heart. She was furious. Yesterday she had been devastated but now she was filled with rage. Even if by some chance that boy was Elliot's...if he was too drunk to remember...she'd have to find a way to deal with it.

But this? This accusation? She would kill anyone who tried to ruin her husband this way. Yes, Elliot had a temper. He had been accused of going off the handle. But if there was one thing she knew in life, it was that Elliot Stabler wasn't capable of rape. Dealing with everything they saw, she saw the anger it instilled in him to see women used so forcefully and terribly by women. He was strong and could overpower anyone but it wasn't in his nature. Elliot was so tender with her, so passionate, so loyal and her heart ached. How the hell had this happened?

As she listened to this woman's story of how they met, how the relationship had started the only thing Olivia could think was…

I have to protect him.

When they got to the point of the alleged rape, Olivia's senses went into overdrive. She didn't want to miss a thing. She claimed that the rape didn't occur the night the photo was taken. She said Elliot had been angry about his inability to perform that night and started to stalk her. When it was mentioned that Elliot had been the one to file a complaint against her she said it was because as a cop he felt he had the upper hand. But she insisted Elliot had been the one intimidating her. She claimed that one night he had shown up at her apartment and forced himself on her. As Kate detailed the event Olivia felt her skin recoil. This was the reason so many true survivors weren't believed.

And then Munch asked the question Olivia had been dying to be answered, "And when exactly was this?"

Kate fidgeted in her seat, "I remember the exact date. March 12th 2001."

Memory:

March 12th, 2001

Mercy Hospital

Olivia's head was pounding as she tried to make sense of where she was. The last thing she remembered was feeling a sharp pain in her side and then everything went dark. Blinking, the harsh lights of the hospital room blurred her vision. She tried to move but her body felt weak and she groaned loudly.

Then she felt a hand on her arm, "Hey...Liv? Can you hear me?"

She closed her eyes tight and tried to concentrate. She knew that voice. "Elliot?"

Blinking again, his face came into view and he was smiling. "Yeah. It's me. Take it easy…"

She leaned further into the pillow behind her, "What the hell happened?"

Elliot sighed, "You scared the crap out of me. That's what happened."

She chuckled and then gasped as the sensation heightened the pain she was feeling. "Ow. Shit."

Elliot was staring at her with such care it caught her off guard, "Let me call the nurse-"

"No." She grabbed his hand and sighed, "I'm okay. Just...tell me what happened. It's a bit blurry. I remember chasing Lawson...down that alley. But that's it."

Elliot nodded and touched the top of her head as if he didn't think she was real, "Yes. And then he pulled a gun. And you stupidly jumped in front of me. Why would you do that?"

His voice cracked and she smiled, "El...you have four kids who need their Father. They already lost their Mom. I couldn't let them lose you too. Besides...no one would miss me if-"

"I would." He didn't sound angry but he did sound frustrated, "Jesus Olivia...I would. I would miss you. I would care. It would kill me."

She swallowed hard and watched him carefully. Lately there had been a shift between them but she wasn't sure what to make of it. Kathy clearly wasn't coming back. She had been helping him with the kids and she loved being at his house with him. But what did it all mean?

"El…" Her voice was strained, "You are my partner. I'll always put you first."

He sighed again and then sat beside her, "Yeah well...you're my partner and I'll always put you first."

Smiling, she glanced at the clock, "You should go. The kids-"

"Are at home with my Mom." Pulling her hand against his chest, she felt calmed by the steady beat of his heart, "I'm right where I'm supposed to be. With you."

Frowning she whispered, "But El…"

He shook his head and smiled, "You can't get rid of me Benson. You're stuck with me for life so you might as well get used to it."

The blush in her cheeks was filling her whole body with warmth. Or maybe it was his touch or that damn smile he was giving her. Either way, she felt herself relax. "I'm tired."

He rubbed the top of her hand affectionately, "Close your eyes Liv."

"You'll be here when I wake up?" She asked as her eyes fluttered closed.

Elliot squeezed her hand, "I'll always be here Liv. Always."

The last thought she had as she drifted off to sleep was of how much she loved this man and always would. Even if he was only ever just her friend.

Olivia's heart jumped in her chest, there was the lie she could break apart. Elliot wasn't just her friend. He was hee husband. Her soulmate. And she could trust him with her life and now she had a way to prove it. "She's lying. Elliot was with me that night and every night after for almost a week."

Cragen looked at her curiously, "But the two of you weren't…"

"No. We weren't." She said shaking her head. "But he stood by me. Just like he always does." The tears came hard now, "That was the day of the Lawson case. I was shot. Remember? It was bad. I had surgery and Elliot never left the hospital. Not for five days. He sat with me and held my hand even when I told him I was okay. Even when I was asleep...I knew he was there. The nurses told me he wouldn't move."

Cragen let out a little sigh and he smiled, "I remember. That's when I started to realize what was between you two…"

Turning towards her boss she said, "Cap you have to let me talk to her. She's trying to destroy him. This isn't right. I know I can break her. I owe it to Elliot. To our marriage."

Cragen looked back towards the room, "Any woman would have been upset about what they heard if they were in your shoes. You can't beat yourself up over this."

"No. I can't. But I can make sure she pays for her lies. I will not let her ruin him this way. He's a good man. The best man. And as his wife, it's my job to trust him and protect him. Please Cap…"

Cragen thought carefully then nodded, "Fine. But as soon as it gets out of hand I'm yanking you. Don't do anything stupid."

Cragen knocked on the window and the two men came out. A plan was formed and then Olivia walked inside, reminding herself that she has to try and remain calm. As soon as Kate saw her, her body language shifted and Olivia could visibly see fear. She hadn't been expecting to be confronted by his wife.

Kate crossed her arms over her chest, "What are you doing in here?"

"I want to talk to you." Olivia said, she sat down in her seat across from Kate and looked straight in her eyes, "Woman to woman."

Kate swallowed hard, "How does it feel to be married to a rapist?"

Olivia smiled and put her hands flat on the table, making sure that her diamond ring sparkled, "I wouldn't know because my husband is not a rapist."

Kate raised an eyebrow, "How are you so sure about that? You did seem sure yesterday when I told you my son was his."

Olivia shook her head, "I heard you refused a DNA test."

Kate's eyes flashed again, "I won't put Shane through that."

"No, you just don't want to have proof that Elliot isn't the father. You know he isn't." She said angrily.

"But do you know that?" Kate asked with a little smirk.

"I trust my husband. I may have been upset yesterday but he says you didn't sleep together. And after this bullshit accusation you are making, I know you're insane. Elliot is not a rapist." She said adamantly.

"You saw the picture." Kate said, "We slept together."

Olivia shook her head, "Of your own admission you said nothing happened that night because he was too intoxicated. Yes, you may have slept in the same bed as him but you did not have sex with him."

"Not that night. He couldn't get it up." She said with a snort, "How pathetic."

"He couldn't because he didn't want YOU." Olivia said with a smirk, "Must have been a real blow to your ego when he called you my name."

Anger bubbled up on Kate's face and she slammed a fist down on the table, "What is so special about YOU?"

Olivia shook her head, "I have no idea why my husband chose me. But I thank God every day that he did. I just want to know...was it seeing me with him that set you off? Why did you even come back?"

Kate growled, "Because New York is our home and my boys deserved to live here. When I saw you with him...when you introduced yourself...I wanted to scream. I thought some time away would make him get it together. But he went and married you!"

Olivia shook her head, "Kate...Elliot is not Shane's father. And Elliot did not rape you. Do you understand that filing a false report is a crime? Especially on a police officer? You're way out of line. I'm not going to let you ruin his life."

"Elliot should be with me! Not you! You don't deserve him!" Kate screamed as she jumped up, "My children need a Father!"

Olivia shrugged, "He already is a Father. To four wonderful children. He doesn't owe you anything. Take back the claim and we can walk away from this."

Kate glared at her, "He raped me! You're job is to protect rape victims!"

Olivia nodded and stood up, "You're right. But you are NOT a rape victim Kate. You are a bitter woman with an obsession for a man she can't have. You are the reason so many real victims don't get the justice they deserve. I am asking you one more time...drop the claim."

Kate leaned in across the table, "No. You can't prove it didn't happen."

"Actually...I can." Kate's eyes went wide, "Elliot was with me that night. I was hurt. And he dropped everything to be there for me. Just like he always does. I know there is footage that can prove it. And I know the nurses at the hospital will back me up too. Elliot was with me because he loves me. Even then...he was mine. Mine alone. Drop the claim Kate."

Kate immediately went into a fit of rage and lunged across the table, grabbing Olivia by the neck. Olivia's hands shot out and grabbed her forearms to try and pull her off but she stumbled backwards. The door opened, and Fin, Munch grabbed Kate off of Olivia.

Olivia turned back to her and growled, "So now we can add assault on a Police Officer to your file."

Kate squirmed in their arms, "You bitch! Elliot belongs with me!"

Olivia smiled and shook her head, "No. He belongs with me." She turned to her boss, "Cap I-"

"Go." Cragen said quickly, "I'll call you when this is sorted out."

Olivia looked at her friends, gave Kate one last kook and then tore out of the interrogation room.

Probably still hate me lol - but just stick with me! Olivia is seeing through the cracks now. She will always fight for her man!