Don't expect back to back updates like this from now on lol! But I had these all ready to go so I figured I'd upload them. I usually update within a few days anyway but never usually the next day. But here is chapter 10. Hopefully you'll all feel a bit better after it.

Elliot was sitting on the couch, his head hung low and he held it up with his hands. He felt like he was in some parallel universe where everything had been flipped upside down. It felt like a million years ago when he was in their bedroom where that stupid argument had started. He wanted a baby with Olivia, more than anything. He hated that they were struggling but he never saw any of this coming. If he could go back in time, he would have told Olivia about Kate back then. Maybe then she would have believed him.

But now...this? Being accused of rape? He had been accused of a lot of things in his career and he had handled them all. But this...this was too much. His life's work was spent putting away rapists. He had a temper, yes...but he could never and would never use force against a woman. Olivia knew that...didn't she? His heart was hammering away in his chest, it was so loud he could hear it in his ears. Nausea rolled through his stomach and he felt like he was going to pass out. Where was Olivia and did she know what Kate had said now? He felt panic start to rise in his body, the room started spinning, he heard a buzzing in his ear…

And then he felt a hand on his arm. A hand he knew. Vaguely he heard a voice calling to him, that one voice that always brought him back to reality. "El...Elliot. Can you hear me?" He started shaking and she leaned further into him, "El...look at me."

Leaning forward, he started gasping for air, "Liv…"

"I'm right here." She said holding his arms, "El breathe...breathe…"

His hands flew forward and he grabbed her, needing to feel her under his touch. He needed to know she was there, that he wasn't hallucinating. "Liv...I didn't...I didn't do this."

His whole body was trembling and she wrapped her arms around him, "I know. I know. Just breathe...you need to calm down."

Elliot hung his head again and it rested in her lap, "Liv...I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry."

Tears poured down her cheeks and she rubbed his back, trying her best to soothe him, "Shh...it's okay. Everything is going to be okay."

Elliot focussed on his breathing and the feel of her arms around him. She continued to talk to him, knowing that it would bring him back to reality. They sat like that for what felt like hours but finally, when his breathing was leveled out, he pulled away and looked up at her. His eyes roamed her face, once again making sure she was really there. Then his eyes lowered to her neck and he saw deep purple marks there. "Olivia…" He reached out and touched her neck, "What the hell-"

She shook her head and pulled his hands away, "I'm fine."

"Kate." He said angrily, "Kate did this." Olivia didn't respond and he pleaded with her, "Tell me."

She sighed and slowly nodded her head, "Yes...but I'm fine."

Elliot pushed away from her and she felt the loss of his body beside hers immediately, "I'll kill her."

"Elliot…" She reached for him again but he yanked his hand away.

He continued to pace in the small space between the couch and the coffee table, "I'm going to kill her."

"No. You aren't." She said reaching for him again as he passed, this time he stopped and she pleaded with him, "Sit down."

Elliot took a few steadying breaths and then sat down across from her, "Olivia...I am not a perfect man. I've made so many mistakes. I have a temper. But my God I'm not a -"

"I know that." She said cradling his face in her hands, "Elliot I know."

He chewed his lip, "And that kid...that kid...Liv he can't be-"

"He's not yours." She said quickly, "I know he's not. She's lying. About all of it." Reaching out she wiped at her own tears, "I should have known that yesterday...I was just so shocked. And everything was still so raw when I was thinking about…" Her voice cracked and she took a moment to compose herself, "But I know you. I know you Elliot."

He reached for her again, "Liv...there is no one in this world for me but you." He saw her reach into her pocket, "Liv?"

"I was so upset this morning. Everything felt wrong. I knew deep down that she had to be lying but I just...I couldn't process it all. And then Alex told me what Kate had done...and everything just snapped back into place." She held out the pendant and the broken chain, "The chain broke but…"

"Semper Fi…" He whispered as he touched it, running his fingers over the carved lines.

"Always faithful." She reached for him and in a pained voice said, "I'm so sorry Elliot. I shouldn't have…"

He shook his head and kissed her back, "It's okay. I understand why-"

"It's not okay." She said with a strangled whisper, "I should have believed you. I just…" Sighing she looked down again at his lap, "Why didn't you tell me about her? Back then?"

Elliot was quiet for a moment, "Liv I was embarrassed." She looked back up at him, "I'd already had a failed marriage. I was confused about what I was feeling for you...overwhelmed by it. And then I went and got ridiculously drunk and the whole thing was a disaster. Then to tell someone I was going to need a restraining order against some woman?"

"Elliot…" She shot him a look, "This is some ego trip? How many men have we dealt with that needed to be protected from a woman?"

He shook his head, "I know. I know you're right. I just...I didn't tell you and I'm sorry. But when she left I just assumed I'd never see her again."

"Yeah well she was stuck on you." She said with a sigh, "And seeing me...hearing my name...it set her off."

"Why didn't you tell me about her?" He asked softly, "Why didn't you say anything?"

Olivia shrugged, "El...she is far from the first woman who has been interested in you. I've been dodging them for years. It didn't...I don't know, it didn't seem important."

Elliot nodded but whispered, "I wish you had."

"Me too." She said reaching for his hand, "Then you wouldn't be put through the ringer." She sighed, "But...I think I can prove her claim was a lie."

Elliot frowned, "How?" He looked at her neck again, "What the hell happened?"

Olivia smiled nervously, "Did you honestly think that I was going to sit back and let some crazy woman try and defame your character?"

He smiled, loving the protective side of her, "You interrogated her?"

Olivia shrugged innocently, "Course I did. She's lucky I didn't kick her ass. God knows I wanted too. If the guys hadn't walked in when they did I probably would have."

"Olivia…" He reached for her again and touched her cheek.

She shook her head, "Munch and Fin started...and she said you raped her on March 12th, 2001." He looked confused, "That was the same day I got shot in the Lawson case."

Elliot let out a little breath, his heart ached as he remembered that awful moment, "I was scared to death that day…"

"You were with me at the hospital. Every day for an entire week." She said leaning into his touch, "I knew she was a liar but now I can prove it."

Elliot sighed, "Liv…"

"You are my husband." She looked at him deep in his eyes, needing him to hear her, "And I love you more than anything. I trust you. I know who you are. I will fight any person who tries to ruin your reputation and our family. She's not getting away with this."

Elliot swallowed hard, "Olivia...I don't care what anyone thinks of me. I just need to know that you believe me. That you-"

"I do." She moved his hand and he reached for her pulling her close, "I do."

He pulled her onto his lap and she instantly wrapped her arms and legs around him, "Olivia…"

Holding his face in her hands she sighed, tears rolling down her cheeks again, "I never should have left last night. I'm sorry. I swore to you-"

He shook his head, "It's okay. I would have needed space too." Wiping her tears away he whispered, "Besides...you did what you promised me."

She frowned, not understanding what he was saying, "What are you talking about?"

"You found your way back to me." He answered in a choked voice, "You promised me that in your letter. And you're here…"

"I'm here." She said with a smile, "I'm right here. I'm not going anywhere."

Elliot studied her face for a moment, then looked down at the bruises on her neck, "I hate that she hurt you."

"And I hate that she hurt you." She answered, then her finger touched just outside the bruise on his eye, "And that FIn…"

Eliot quickly cut her off, "He was protecting you."

She stared at him for a moment, getting lost in his face, "El...I love you so much. So much. And even now...it scares me how much I need you. I let her get to me. I let her make me doubt us."

Gently, he pressed two kisses to each cheek, "It's okay."

"I was so scared." She held him close, clinging to his arms, "I just felt like I was losing you."

"You will never lose me." He cradled her face lovingly, "I am all yours. As long as you want me...I'm here."

Crashing her lips against his she poured all of her emotions into the kiss. The tears still flowed freely from both of them but neither of them cared. One hand stayed on her face as the other held her back, holding her close to him. Olivia clung to his shirt as their kisses became more frantic and intense. Elliot pulled her shirt out of the waist of her jeans and slid his hand up her back, his finger traced her spine. As his fingers ran over the bumps there she shivered and leaned further into him. Pulling her face away just enough to speak he whispered against her lips, "Tell me yes…"

The pain in his voice made her heart ache for him. He was asking permission. Something he had done before with her. But more than ever it was important to him. The reality of what Kate had tried to accuse him of angered her. Looking him in the eyes she whispered, "Elliot…"

"Please...just tell me yes. I need you to say yes." His voice cracked and he looked down, "I…"

"Yes." She whispered to him, "Yes. I need you too." Holding his cheek she said, "Look at me…" His eyes blinked open and he frowned, "You are a good man. The best man that I know. I know you. I know your heart. I know who you are inside and out. She cannot break you. Cannot break us. I refuse to let her. Do you hear me? I will fight for you...till the day I die. Fight for us. Always."

Elliot's body shook and he pulled her back to him, "I need you."

"You have me." She pressed gentle kisses against his face everywhere she could reach, "You have me."

Pulling her head back, he captured her lips against his again. Instantly, Olivia started tugging on his shirt. Scooting forward on the couch, he held her against him so she wouldn't fall. As she lifted the shirt up and over his head he started to move his kisses down her cheek, her jaw and when he got to her bruised neck he sighed. Kissing each mark gently he whispered, "I'm so sorry."

"Shhh…" She whispered, rubbing his bare back, "It's okay. It's okay."

One hand trailed from her neck to the buttons on her shirt and he began to open them one at a time, "I won't let her hurt you ever again."

"And I won't let her hurt you." She replied, he lifted his head to look at her, "Elliot, there is nothing you and I can't face together. Not Kate…or Kathy or any other person." She swallowed hard, "And...this thing...about...getting pregnant…"

The tears welled up in her eyes again and he felt his heart crack, "It's going to happen…"

Biting down hard on her lip she nodded, "I just want it so bad El. So bad. I love our children more than life. But I want more...and when I heard her say…" She shook her head, "I was so angry. And scared."

"I know. But Liv I know deep in my soul that we are going to make a child together. I know we will. One way or another we will."

Olivia smiled and kissed him again, "I realized today that even if we don't...it will be okay. I have four beautiful children. And I have you. That's more than I ever could have dreamed of El. You've given me a life I never thought was possible. As badly as I want it...it would be enough to have this. To have you."

Elliot let out a little sigh of relief, "I didn't realize until this moment how much I needed to hear you say that."

"I'm sorry." He kissed her again and she smoothed her hands over his chest, "I'm sorry."

"No more apologizing." He replied as he stood up, lifting her with him.

Olivia's legs slid down his body and she started to pull her shirt off. Elliot stopped her and she frowned, "El?"

"Upstairs." He said, cocking his head towards the stairs.

Olivia smiled and slid her hand into his, she squeezed it and they started to walk towards the stairs. He didn't let go of her hand until they entered their bedroom and Olivia paused, thinking about the night before all of this started when he left their bedroom after their fight. She reached for him, running her fingers along his collarbone, "I hate it when we fight."

"So do I." He began to push her shirt down her shoulders, "But we're going to fight in our marriage…"

She nodded slowly and leaned forward to kiss him, "I know."

Her shirt slid down her arms and pooled at her feet. Reaching behind her, she unclasped her bra and let it fall at her feet with her shirt. Elliot lifted his hand and she took it in hers, tangling their fingers together. He pulled her closer, never letting his eyes leave hers. Her free hand reached for the button on his jeans and he kissed her jaw and up to her lips. He took his time kissing her, savoring the moment. Yesterday he had feared he'd never be able to kiss her again. Once the rest of their clothes were shed, Elliot lifted her up again, tangling one hand in her and holding her lower back close with the other. He put one knee on the bed and lowered her down carefully. As he crawled up over her, she pushed herself up on the bed and reached for him again.

Holding himself up over her, he straddled her legs and slid one hand up and down the side of her body. She shivered and touched the bruise under his eye, "Are you okay?"

Elliot nodded, "I'm fine…"

She arched up into him as his finger ran across her hip bone, "Are we okay?"

His hand slid down and ran along her folds, she gasped and he smiled. "We're always okay."

Letting out a little laugh she sighed as he continued to gently caress her, "El…"

"You and me." He whispered to her and she bit her lip, "You and me against the world Liv."

Her breath got caught in her throat and she opened her legs wider to him, "You and me against the world."

Elliot adjusted his position and leaned all the way in to kiss her slowly. Tightening her hold on him, his chest pressed against hers and they both sighed at the contact. He continued to move his fingers against her, needing to make sure she was ready for him. Her legs started to tremble and pulled away, whimpering, "El please…"

His eyes lifted to hers, "Liv…"

She smiled and touched his face lovingly, "Make love to me."

Elliot thought back to a few nights before when she had been frantic, desperate for something more. But now, she was with him. They were back on the same page and this had nothing to do with anything other than their relationship. Finding their way back to each other. Elliot kissed her again, pouring his heart and soul into the kiss. Desperate for her to feel how much he loved her, how much he would always love her and only her. When they connected fully, he stopped moving and they both tried to catch their breath.

How many times had they been like this? How many times had he made love to her? It didn't matter because it never got old. Each time felt like the first, like coming home. When she grasped his hip with one hand he began to move slowly, almost painfully slowly. But he wanted to savor the moment and she seemed to feel the same way. Her legs wrapped around his waist, pulling him in as tight as he could possibly be. When he hit her back wall she cried out and pushed her chest against him. He started to move only a little bit harder and she urged him on with the sounds she was making.

Her hands slid up his back, clawing at his back which made him groan harder. She was bound to leave a mark, but he didn't care. She could mark him anyway she wanted. He was hers and only hers. "Elliot…"

His name on her lips was the one sound that always brought him back to life. Even today, when everything felt like it was crashing down around him. Her voice calling to him while he crumbled on the couch, she was the one that always saved him. She was the one that could make it all better, make it all okay. He watched her, desperate to see all the emotions that played across her face. Wanting to memorize this moment, memorize her. When her eyes locked with his, he said her name in barely a whisper, "Olivia…"

"I know." She replied, moving one hand up to his face. Her fingers danced along his jaw as he moved within her, "I know."

Nudging her hand he pressed a kiss into her palm, "I love you and only you."

A tear began to fall from the corner of her eye and she felt herself coming undone, "Elliot.'

"Tell me…" The rawness in his voice stirred something inside her, "Tell me we're going to be okay."

"Oh Elliot…" She pulled his face down to hers and kissed him, "We're going to be okay. I love you."

Kissing her hard he felt the familiar burning in his abdomen but he had to have her with him. He always needed her right with him. His hand reached between them and she cried out again, squeezing her eyes shut at the sensation. "Come on Liv...I need you with me."

Her entire body shook and her legs held him tighter. But she opened her eyes, needing him to see her, needing him to hear her and know how much deeper her words went. "I'm always with you."

Elliot felt himself come undone at her words and the look on her face told him she was true to her word. Both of them were shaking as their climaxes overtook them. Both gasping for air but refusing to let go of each other. Elliot leaned in and kissed every inch of her face that he could reach and she clung to him as if she was afraid he was going to disappear. When he tried to move away, she only wrapped herself around him more and he smiled against her collarbone, "Liv…"

"Don't move. Please don't move." She smiled and lifted his head, "I just...I need another minute. I need to know this is real."

Elliot leaned into her touch and answered, "You and me are very real. We always have been."

She sighed and kissed him again, then finally let up so he could lay down beside her. As their connection was lost, she whimpered and he quickly gathered her in his arms again. One leg tangled between his, she rested her head against his chest and listened to the steady beating of his heart. Elliot continually ran a hand up and down her back, his fingers barely grazint the heated skin there and held her other hand against his abdomen. Neither one of them said anything for a few minutes, both of them content just being together. But soon, the reality of everything happening filled up the space again. "Liv if this goes to trial…"

He sounded worried and it broke her heart. "It won't. She's going to drop the charges. She'll have too."

"Maybe…" He whispered, "But if it does...I need you to do something for me."

Lifting her head, she looked down at him and waited, "Anything…"

"The kids…" He saw the confusion in her eyes, "Take them out of the City...maybe go stay with my Mom."

Sitting up she stared down at him, "Elliot, no."

He sighed and reached for her face, "Liv, I can't stand the thought of my children thinking their father is a-"

"They would never think that. They know you. Oh El…" She leaned in and kissed him again, "They know you. Your family, your friends, they know you. We aren't going to let her do this to you."

Swallowing the lump in his throat, "I've always known that eventually...our work would be difficult for them. I've always known that they would struggle with it. But this...I didn't expect this."

"Of course you didn't." She gently caressed his face, trying to soothe him again, "But no matter what happens we're not leaving you. You aren't going through this alone."

He sighed, knowing she wouldn't give in, "I just don't want them to be afraid of me."

"They aren't." She kissed him again, wishing she could erase this pain,"And they never will be. I promise. Everything is going to be okay."

He shook his head, "An accusation like this could ruin my career Liv. Everything I worked for. Gone because some crazy bitch was angry I didn't want her."

Olivia sighed and pulled the sheet up against her chest. Turning towards him, she held his hand firmly in hers. "Elliot you know that we are all going to back you. Everyone down at the Precinct knows this is a lie."

He huffed, "When I walked in there this morning they were judging me. I know I rub people the wrong way. I know I've broken rules, gotten away with a lot of shit but Liv this hurts. To be accused of the very thing I work so hard to protect people from."

Olivia wiped her tears away and leaned down to kiss away his, "Oh honey…"

He held her close and whispered, "I could never…"

"I know." She said holding his face close, "I know. We're going to make this right. She won't get away with this."

Elliot quickly gathered her in his arms again, "Liv?" She lifted her head to look at him, "I want to see my kids. I need to get out of here…"

Smiling, she kissed him again and nodded, "Okay. They are expecting us anyway."

He frowned and then realized what she was saying, "We were supposed to..."

"One year ago I adopted four children. The most incredible children. We started this family and nothing is going to break us." She kissed him, "Let's pack a bag and stay at your Mom's tonight. Get out of Queens, away from the city. Cragen, Munch, Fin and Alex will take care of everything and call us if they need us."

"You sure?" He asked, really wanting to leave, "I just need…"

"I'm sure. We all need it. Everything is going to be okay." She sat up again.

"I don't want the kids to know anything. Not yet. Unless we need to later...but not now." He said sadly

"I understand." She squeezed his hand again, "I'm right here El. Right here."

He sighed and nodded, but held her hand tight. Her support meant the world to him. Especially right now after everything they had been going through. He needed her more than ever.

An hour later, they were at Bernie's. The kids were happy to see them and all but Maureen seemed to accept that they had just gotten tied up at work. Elliot had pulled his Mom aside and tried his best to explain what was going on. Olivia was in the living room with the kids trying to keep them occupied.

"How can she just make up something like that?" Bernie asked, "That's defamation of character!"

Elliot sighed and looked towards his kids, "Shhh...I don't want the kids knowing. They won't understand."

Bernie sighed, "What happens now?"

"Well Alex is making calls. Cragen, John and Fin are looking for security tapes from the hospital. Not sure they keep them that long though. And Olivia will speak on my behalf as a witness."

"But could it go to trial?" Bernie asked, glancing over at the kids worriedly.

"I hope not. But yeah...if she refuses to drop the claim I think it could." He grimaced . "I can't believe this is happening."

"But you and Olivia...you're-"

"We're dealing with it." His heart ached thinking about how bad this could have been, "We were...arguing last night but we're okay. We're on the same page."

"I know she wouldn't believe the rape. But the other child…" She studied her son carefully, "You know your Father wasn't faithful." Elliot's face clouded over, "I always worried one of his...that they would show up here claiming to have his child. I dreaded it. I can't imagine that was easy for her even if it was a lie."

"No. It wasn't." He looked down again, thought through his words and then looked up at her, "But, I'm not Dad."

Bernie reached for him and smiled sadly, "No. You aren't. I loved your Father...but he could be cruel. Lord knows I didn't make his life easy though."

"You still didn't deserve to be cheated on. That's one thing I won't forgive him for."

Bernie frowned, "He's gone now Elliot. Holding onto the past isn't going to help us. Won't fix this. You aren't him. It's okay."

Elliot looked up again and saw Olivia playing with the kids, "I waited so long for her Ma. I can't lose her. Not now. Not over this. Not ever."

"You won't. You two are so much stronger than you realize. It's okay." She whispered.

Elliot smiled and Olivia turned towards him at that moment. Seeing the look on his face, she excused herself and walked directly to him. Sensing they needed a moment alone, Bernie squeezed her son's arm and then walked into the kitchen. Olivia didn't say a word. Instead she wrapped her arms around his waist and stared at him. Elliot reached out and touched her face, immediately feeling better with her by his side. She heard him sigh and she offered another smile, reminding him she was there by his side.

Leaning in, he kissed the side of her face, "I'm really glad you're here."

Understanding his meaning, she pressed her head into his chest and let him take what he needed from her.

That night, Bernie went to sleep early to give the family sometime on their own. They had had dinner together and Bernie had baked a cake to commemorate the occasion. The six of them were sitting around the coffee table in the living room eating cake and talking about the past year together.

Kathleen swallowed the bite of cake in her mouth and smiled, "So...Mom…" Olivia turned to her, "Still happy you adopted us? We haven't driven you crazy yet?"

Olivia smiled and leaned over to pull her against her side, "Oh you've driven me crazy but I love you more than I did a year ago and I didn't think that was possible."

The kids laughed and Richie looked at her, "Well I think you've done a great job being a Mommy. Especially since it was your first time!"

Olivia laughed and ruffled his hair, "I'm glad I have your approval little man."

"I think you've been the best Mom." Maureen said, "We're really lucky."

"The luckiest." Lizzie agreed and then looked over at her Father, "And we have the best Dad!"

Elliot felt a wave of emotion wash over him and Olivia, as usual, could sense it. She reached under the table and pressed her hand on his leg, reminding him she was beside him. "You do have the best Dad."

"So are we getting a new brother or sister soon?" Richie asked, "How long does it take?"

Elliot quickly covered her hand and squeezed, knowing now she needed him, "It can take some time buddy. Nothing you need to worry about."

Maureen looked at her parents, trying to read them. She watched as a look passed over them but she didn't understand what it meant. Knowing now wasn't the time, she let it go.

"So how come we are all staying and Grandma's tonight?" Kathleen asked, "Why aren't we going home? Did someone buy the house?"

"No. Not yet." Elliot said with a smile, "We won't be moving until we find a house to go to first. Mom and I just decided that we could use a night out of the city."

"Are we going to move out of the city?" Richie asked curiously.

Olivia shook her head, "No. We'll stay in Queens so you can stay at your school. But sometimes...it's just nice to get away for a bit."

"Because of work?" Maureen interjected, her parents both looked at her nervously, "Did something happen at work?"

Elliot took a deep breath, "No honey. Everything is fine. We were just...busy. That's all. But we are never too busy for you guys."

Maureen didn't quite believe them but chose to let it go for now, she turned to her youngest sister, "Want to help me clean up Lizzie?"

Lizzie agreed and started to help her sister gather dishes to bring into the kitchen. Richie wandered off to play and Kathleen excused herself to go to the bathroom. Olivia looked at Elliot and tried to read his mind, "You okay?"

Elliot sighed, "Maureen gets more perceptive by the day."

"She'd make a hell of a Detective someday." Nudging him with her elbow, "Like Father like Daughter."

"Like Mother, like Daughter." He replied back and her face flushed, "I'll talk to Richie...about-"

"It's okay." She said with a smile, "It's normal for him to have questions and everyone keeps asking anyway. I'll have to learn to deal with it."

"People should learn to mind their own business." He grumbled angrily.

"Maybe...but it is what it is." When he looked back up at her she saw the worry on his face, "I meant what I said El...if for some reason it doesn't happen…" Taking his hand she pressed it against her chest, "This life we have is enough. I think...I want to stop putting so much pressure on it. If it happens, it happens."

"Are you sure?" He asked, "I just want to you to be happy Liv…"

"I am happy." Leaning forward she kissed him, still holding his hand against her chest, "You make me happy."

Elliot frowned, feeling a sense of sadness, "I haven't made you happy the last few days."

"Hey…" Lifting his head slightly, she looked between his eyes, "We both agreed we're going to fight. It happens. It sucks...but you make me happy El."

"I love you. No matter what happens next...just remember that. Okay?"

Smiling, she nodded and kissed him three times quickly, "I will always remember that El. And I love you."

The next day they launched around Bernie's eating a late breakfast and playing out in the snow. Elliot had needed the distraction and Olivia had taken his phone insisting that if anyone needed him, they'd call her first. She had talked to Alex a few times to get updates and found that Fin and Munch were still going through tapes from the hospital. Tomorrow she could give a statement as an alibi. So far Kate was refusing to drop the claim but Alex had been able to force the DNA Test and they would get official results tomorrow.

When they got back to the house, the kids scattered to put their stuff away. Elliot was going through mail at the counter when she got off the phone with Alex. Thanking her friend, she put her phone in her pocket and walked over to him. Looking up at her he sighed, "Do I want to know?"

"Alex got the DNA test." Olivia said, "She didn't have a choice. It was court ordered."

Elliot sighed and leaned against the counter, "Why do I feel nervous?"

"Because that's how she wants you to feel." She said with a sigh, "Fin and Munch are going through tapes. There has to be something on there. I'll give a statement as your alibi tomorrow." He still looked upset, "El...we're going to figure this out."

"Why does Dad need an alibi?" A voice from behind them said, they both turned quickly.

"Maureen…" Elliot felt his heart rate speed up, "I…"

"An alibi?" Maureen pushed, "Doesn't that mean proof that you were somewhere...people need them when they're in trouble. What's going on?"

Olivia looked at her husband, "El…"

Elliot shook his head, "Maureen...it's not anything you need to worry about. Just a misunderstanding."

"I'm not a kid anymore Dad." He gave her a look and she rolled her eyes, "Dad...what's going on?"

He turned his back on his daughter and Olivia waited, letting him take the time he needed to compose himself. She would follow his lead so that he felt comfortable. When he was ready, he turned to his daughter, "Maureen...someone made an accusation against me. A false accusation. She said I did something...that I didn't do. And we're working on proving it didn't happen."

Maureen swallowed the lump in her throat, "Can people do that?"

Olivia sighed, "Unfortunately yes...it happens a lot."

Maureen leaned against the counter, "Are...are you going to get into trouble?"

Elliot was quiet for a moment, "Maureen...we're working on it."

Looking over at her Mom she frowned, "Mom?"

"Honey…" She reached out for her daughter and Maureen quickly walked up to her, "Dad and I are going to figure this out. Uncle Munch, Uncle Fin, Grandpa Cragen and Alex are helping us too. Nothing is going to happen to Dad. Okay? We're going to make sure of it."

Maureen hugged her tight, "Do you promise?"

Olivia looked over at Elliot who looked just as worried as his daughter, "I will never let anything happen to your Dad or any of you." Maureen glanced up at her expectantly, "I promise."

The next day, they made sure the kids were settled in with the Nanny as they were on vacation. Then, they made their way into the city to go to the Precinct. Olivia would be giving her statement and they were going to help Munch and Fin go through tapes. After they parked the car and started to walk towards the precinct, Elliot was walking slow and she could feel his hesitance.

"Hey…" He froze and she tried to smile, "El...these people know you. It's okay."

He stared at her and she saw the worry there, "Liv I just…"

"I have a good feeling about today." He still looked hesitant, "Today's going to be a good day. Okay?"

The way she was smiling at him made him feel more confident then he had in days. She was able to make things better. Always able to make him feel at ease even on his hardest days. Today was no exception. He was just so damn glad that she had let him back in, he couldn't imagine going through this without her. Going through this with her being mad at him, pulling away from him. When he felt her hand squeeze his, he remembered she was here. They would do this together.

He nodded, and she took that as a sign that he was ready. Together, they walked to the elevator and went upstairs to the precinct. Not caring today, Olivia held firm to his hand not worrying any about rules. Her husband needed her support and she'd be damned if anyone tried to fight her on it. They got a few looks as they walked past, but most of them were just looks of encouragement and a few words of support. Together, they walked into Cragen's office to check in first.

Cragen waved them and saw that John and Fin were sitting inside waiting for them, "Morning." Cragen said, "How are you doing?"

Elliot was quiet beside her and she answered for them, still holding his hand in hers, "We're...here."

Cragen smiled, "Alex is on her way in." He saw the look on both of their faces, "She didn't tell me anything."

They heard Elliot sigh beside them, Fin stood up and walked over to them, "Elliot...I wanted to apologize. I shouldn't have-"

"It's okay." Elliot cut him off quickly, "You were protecting Olivia. Protecting your partner which is what I've always asked you to do."

"I reacted...I saw her upset and I reacted." He said, "But...I want you to know that I have your back in this. No matter what."

Elliot swallowed the lump in his throat, "Thank you Fin. That means a lot."

"We all have your back." Munch said from his spot in the room, "She won't get away with this."

"No. She won't." Alex said with a smile as she walked in and held out an envelope.

All eyes turned to her hopefully, "Alex?"

"Congratulations Elliot, you are not the Father." She said proudly.

Elliot let out a little breath he had been holding in and felt Olivia lean into him encouragingly. He knew deep down that it would come back in his favor, but having the final proof gave him a little bit of hope. "Who told Kate?" Cragen asked.

Alex tucked the folder back into her bag, "I called her lawyer this morning. He said he would relay the message...I think we know that Kate knew what the answer would be. I don't think she's going to take it well."

Olivia was quiet for a moment, 'Do you...think she'd do something to retaliate?" She looked at Elliot, "The kids-"

"I already ordered a detail to watch the kids. There are two unmarked cop cars on your street and will follow them if they leave the house." Cragen said.

Elliot rubbed the back of his neck, "Thanks Cap…" He turned back to Alex, "Okay...now what?"

"Now...we go back to tape land." Munch said holding up another box, "One hurdle down, another to go." He paused, "Just tell me though...am I going to find footage of you two canoodling on here? Don't need to see it."

Olivia slapped him on the arm, "Munch! We weren't even together then."

A snicker rang through the room, "Sure you weren't…" He said with a smile.

"Come on." Alex said taking another box, "Everyone take a box, we have an alibi to back up."

The guys started their tapes while Olivia gave her written testimony of Elliot's whereabouts for the day to Alex and Cragen. When they were done they settled in around the screens and began to look through more footage. Olivia put a cup of coffee in front of Elliot and he reached for it, "Thanks."

"So explain to me again what this crazy lady sees in you?" Munch asked.

Olivia shot him a look, "You referring to Kate or me?"

"Kate." Munch said with a smirk, "Although...I question your choice at times too."

Olivia put a hand on Elliot's shoulder and squeezed, "Munch...just because you're jealous doesn't mean you need to be an ass."

"He's always an ass." Fin said with a sigh as he grabbed another tape, "Nothing new."

Elliot shrugged, "I don't know what her deal is. But I never should have gone on a date with her in the first place."

"So why did you?" Fin asked as he popped in the new tape.

Elliot shrugged, his face flushing, "Because…"

"Because obviously Olivia was dating someone else at the time." Munch said, "We can blame Alex for this one."

Alex scoffed, "I set Olivia up on a date with O'Leary because she was single...and Elliot hadn't made a move so I figured it was fair game."

"You two were exhausting back then." Fin said with a laugh, "All the pretending that you didn't care about each other. The forbidden glances across the squad room."

"The flirting, the jealousy over others, the long nights spent 'working' when they were actually done for the night." Munch said.

Olivia tossed a rolled up piece of paper at Munch, "Both of you shut up."

Elliot chuckled, "They have a point…"

"Yeah, yeah…" She grumbled, "Does any of it really matter now?"

Elliot smiled and reached for her hand, running his finger over her ring finger, "Nope."

Their hands stayed connected and no one seemed to object. They were quiet for a few more minutes, pouring over tapes. Then Munch called out to them, "I got something."

All eyes turned towards him and studied the screen. And there with a timestamp was Elliot, walking into Olivia's room. Through the glass window, they could see him sitting beside her, holding her hand, just like he was doing now. Munch started to fast forward and just as Olivia had claimed, Elliot never left her room.

Olivia let out a little sigh of relief, "Well there's our proof…"

Leaning forward, Elliot ran his hand over his mouth feeling the tension leave his body, "Liv…"

She squeezed his shoulder, "It's okay El...everything is going to be okay."

Alex nodded, "Between the tape, Olivia's statement and the DNA test, she's got nothing.

"Captain?" A voice called out to them from behind, all eyes turned to see another Detective from the squad. "There's a man here. A Derek Coughlin?"

Cragen nodded, "Send him over." The man walked over to them and they all waited, "Mr. Coghlin? What can I do for you?"

"I'm looking for a Detective Stabler?" He asked looking around the group.

Elliot looked at Olivia and then stood up, "That's me. Do I know you?"

"No." He said, reaching a hand out for Elliot to shake, "But...my ex is Kate Montgomery."

"Our condolences." Munch said under his breath, everyone shot him a look and he smirked, "Just saying…"

Derek took a deep breath and looked frantic, "That kid...he isn't yours. He's mine. My son."

"I'm not trying to take him away from you. I made no claim to him." Elliot said holding his hands up, "We demanded a DNA test and it proved it. He's yours."

"Do you know where Kate is now?" Alex asked, "We're worried she'll do something-"

"She's obsessed with you." Derek said, "She was back then...and she still is now."

Elliot frowned, "Mr. Coughlin…"

"Please, call me Derek." He said, "Look, I'll do whatever you want me to do. I just want custody of my son. I've been trying to get full custody the last two years but she's blocked me at every turn. I just want my son."

"Is there anything you can tell us that would help us?" Cragen asked, "The more information we have, we'll be able to help you."

"I found journals before we broke up." Derek said, "She was keeping tabs on you. Tailing your kids. I confronted her about it. But when I did she kicked me out and said if I said anything, she'd keep Shane from me. I should have said something sooner...but my son-"

"I understand." Elliot said softly, "I would have done the same thing in order to see my children."

Derek sighed, "She was angry at you...because you didn't want her. She was always talking about some...Olivia."

All eyes turned to Olivia and she blushed, "That would be me…"

Derek looked at her and smiled, "Well she had reason to be jealous…"

Elliot cleared his throat, "She's my wife now...just to be clear."

Derek took a deep breath, "Ah...got it." He looked at Elliot, "Sorry…"

Elliot shook his head, "Hm...I'll let it go. If you're willing to help me."

Derek nodded, "I know where everything is...I can get it. I still have a key to our old house."

"We'll have an officer go with you." Cragen said, "But I want to know if you think she'll do something to harm anyone. Or herself."

"Honestly? The person I'd be most worried about would be…" He looked over at Olivia, "You. She hates you."

Elliot quickly put himself between Olivia and Derek, "She won't lay a hand on Olivia. That I can assure you."

Olivia put a hand on his back, "El…"

"I won't let anything happen to her. Nothing." He felt rage building inside of him, "She already-"

"Elliot...breathe." Olivia said digging her hands into his back, "He's not here to make things worse. It's okay."

Elliot turned back to her, his eyes roamed over the purple marks on her neck, "If she even-"

"She won't." She said shaking her head, "I can take care of myself." He gave her a look, "Plus...I have you."

His face softened and he nodded slowly, turning back to Derek, "Thank you. For coming here."

Cragen put his arm out, "Why don't you come with me? We'll set something up and get an Officer to go with you to your old house so we can get the evidence we need."

As he walked away, Elliot turned to his friends, "No one leaves Liv alone until-"

"We got it." Fin said standing up, "Think we were going to let that psycho near her? Hell nah man."

Olivia smiled at them all, "I appreciate the sentiment guys...but like I said."

"You can take care of yourself." All three of them grumbled together.

"Humor us though, would ya?" Munch asked, "Make us think that we are at least a little important in your life."

Olivia laughed and shook her head, "The three of you are the most important. You especially Munch."

John beamed and looked at Elliot, "Hear that Elliot? I'm the most important."

As he walked away Elliot scoffed, "What the hell was that?"

"Oh come on...you know we have to feed his ego a little every week. Otherwise he starts drowning in his conspiracy theories more than usual." She said with a laugh.

"She's right about that." Fin said with a yawn, "It was in the handbook I gave you on how to survive being partners with John Munch. I told you to read it front to back."

Elliot rolled his eyes, "Yeah, yeah…"

"Why don't you go catch a few hours in the cribs Fin. You were here all night. Looks like we got what we need." Olivia said, giving his arm a squeeze.

Fin stood up and sighed, "You sure? I can help if-"

"You've helped plenty." She replied, "Now go. I need my partner to be alert."

"Aye, aye boss lady." He said, giving her a salute.

As he walked away, Elliot smirked, "That was in the hand book I gave him on how to survive being partners with Olivia Benson."

She laughed harder and shoved his arm, "Shut up."

He smiled and looked back at the screen that was still playing the tape from the hospital room, he could just make out his frame leaning over Olivia, "Liv...I meant what I said. I won't let her hurt you. I won't let anyone hurt you."

Following his gaze, she watched a younger version of themselves interacting on the screen. Even in the partial frame she could see the way he cared for her. Even back then...before they were anything more than just friends or partners. Smiling to herself, she realized they had always been more than that.

"I know." She turned back to him and rubbed his arm, "I know."

A few hours later, they were all sitting around in the squad room going over final notes to present. Kate was currently sitting in an interrogation room with another group of Detectives as Cragen had refused to let the four of them anywhere near her. They were all holding out hope that she would drop the charges officially so they wouldn't have to drag this out in court. Elliot was still tense beside her but every so often, Olivia would reach out and touch him quickly and she would feel him relax, even for just a moment.

Finally, Cragen approached them with a smile on his face, "Her lawyer finally made her see reason. He explained she had zero case and would only be making things worse for herself if she took this to trial."

Olivia looked at him hopefully, "So she recanted?"

"Yes. She's signing the paperwork now." Cragen answered.

Around the room, everyone celebrated and a shift in the overall mood quickly appeared. Olivia turned to her husband who looked frozen and she smiled, "I told you today would be a good day."

Elliot sighed, "We don't have to go to trial…"

"No. IAB and the Chief have been notified and briefed. You have nothing to worry about." He said, "Your job is secure."

"That's great." Elliot said honestly, "But what happens now? I mean she can't just go out on the street? She's clearly unstable. She could-"

"After her statement is signed, she'll be arrested for filing a false report and assaulting an officer after what she did to Olivia yesterday. Alex said we have plenty for a case of stalking to. A formal restraining order will be put in place and then we'll go from there." He said.

Elliot relaxed slightly and leaned against the table behind him, "Thank God…"

"You should call your Mom." Olivia said nudging him, "She's been worried sick."

"Yeah…" His hands were shaking, "Yeah...I should."

"Hey…" She grabbed his hand and squeezed, "El...everything is going to be okay now."

He looked at his boss who just smiled and turned his back to him, signaling to his other officers to follow suit. Quickly, Elliot pulled her against him making her gasp. But she smiled as his lips descended on hers. No words were needed as she kissed him back, and when she felt like he was okay on his own, she pulled back and urged him to call his Mother. Kissing her once more, he grabbed his phone and walked away to make the call. Olivia focussed on the files in front of her, and out of the corner of her eye she saw her coworkers escorting Kate down the hall.

Glancing around, she saw that Cragen, Munch, Fin and Alex were all busy. Taking the opportunity, she walked out of the squad room and called out to the officers holding Kate. All three heads turned towards her, "Olivia…" Kate said quickly, "What do you want? You've already won."

Olivia narrowed her eyes at the woman, sizing her up, "How dare you? How dare you accuse Elliot of something so awful."

Kate shook her head, "Well you proved I was lying. I guess you really are good at your job. Can I go now?"

Olivia stood there, thinking of the damage this woman could have done. How she could have torn her family apart. Wrecked her marriage. Broken her children's hearts. Ruined Elliot's reputation, his career and his life. An all encompassing rage filled her body and the need to protect the ones she loved bubbled over. "Sure." Kate turned to go and Olivia stepped towards her, "Actually...there's one last thing I'd like to say."

Kate sighed again and turned towards her, still cuffed, "What?"

Olivia reared her hand back and slapped her as hard as she possibly could, making Kate stumble backwards, "Enjoy prison bitch."

The loud smack registered through the hall and into the main room of the precinct. Kate glared, "She can't do that!"

"Do what?" The first Officer said, "I didn't see anything, did you Ricky?"

Ricky shook his head, "I sure didn't. And I know the camera's didn't since they broke last week and haven't been fixed so…"

Tugging Kate towards the elevator, Olivia took a deep breath, feeling a weight lifted off her shoulder. When she turned around, she could see many people watching her with smirks on her faces. The only one not smiling was Cragen. She reached over to her belt, unclipped her gun and badge and walked back into the room. Elliot was standing by his desk, a surprised look on his face but also the hint of a smile.

Cragen huffed, "Three days, unpaid leave." He laughed to himself, "Was it worth it?

She smiled and tossed the badge on her desk, followed by her gun. Walking over to Elliot, she grabbed his face and kissed him as hard as she possibly could, pouring her heart into the kiss. There were hollers from around them but she didn't care. All that mattered was right in front of her. When she pulled away, she smiled at her husband and answered her boss, "Absolutely."

Turning again, she walked out of the squad room leaving a stunned Elliot and her coworkers behind. Munch laughed and came up behind Elliot, "You've got a feisty one there…"

Elliot chuckled and watched her girl, "That's my girl…" Feeling lighter than he had in days, he turned to his boss, "Cap-"

"Go." He said with an eye roll, "But I expect to see you back here first thing in the morning. Even without her."

Elliot quickly gathered his things and ran towards the hallway, his hand shot out to catch the elevator door just as it was closing. Leaning against the wall, Oliva smiled at him, "Took you long enough."

Elliot walked all the way up to her and gathered her in his arms, "My God I love you"

She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him softly, "Good. Because I love you too."

Elliot smiled, "You got her good."

Olivia smirked, "I couldn't let her get away with that. I'd have done worse than a slap but I didn't feel like fully losing my job or going to jail. That would defeat the purpose of being with you. Now...take me home Stabler."

Resting his forehead against hers he sighed, "Home…"

Today marked one more obstacle they had overcome together. He knew there would be many more in their future...but with her by his side, he wasn't afraid anymore. They could withstand anything and anyone.