**No. I am NOT over last night. Also...if I don't get some happy Bensler moments next week...I'll never survive until the fall. Literally NEVER. Ugh. Okay. Here you go folks!

Wasn't planning on posting today...but it's a long weekend and I'm feeling good. So...After the drama...here's a happy chapter. Enjoy :)

Two weeks later, Olivia woke in bed wrapped safely in Elliot's arms. She sighed happily and slid her hand up his bare chest. His hand tangled in her hair and kissed the crown of her head. Neither of them said anything for a while, they didn't need to. It was enough to be here together. Since everything with Kate had settled down, they had both found the quiet moments were what meant the most.

His hand lifted and he trailed his fingers lightly against her back. Her alarm would be going off soon but until then, she would enjoy the closeness, the comfort of his embrace. Her finger traced a line under Elliot's naval, a scar. One she remembered from years ago. He had been slashed by a crazed perp. Back then it had scared her, now it terrified her. She loved her job, but she loved him more. Pushing the thought away she glanced at the clock again just as the alarm rang through the speaker. Reaching out, she hit the button and then turned back to Elliot who was watching her carefully.

She smiled, leaned down and touched his cheek, "Hi."

His hands continued to run along her smooth skin making her shiver, "Hi."

Resting her hands on his chest, she perched her chin on them and smiled, "We should get up."

"We should." He agreed, but he reached out and ran the back of his index finger along her cheek, "But...I don't want to."

"Me either." She smiled lazily and crawled up and over him, not hesitating to kiss him.

He groaned into the kiss and sighed when she pulled away, "Damn I'm glad I married you."

She laughed and curled herself against his side, "Yeah. It was your smartest decision."

He laughed and squeezed her ass, "You're supposed to say you are glad you married me too." She just blinked at him and he laughed harder, "You're something else. You know that?"

She smirked and touched his nose, "Yes. But I'm your something else."

He held her face firmly and answered, "Damn straight."

They both heard the pitter patter of feet and she smiled, "They're up."

"Mom! Can we have pancakes for breakfast?" Richie yelled from the hallway.

Olivia smiled and pulled herself away from him, "That's my cue."

Elliot tugged on her arm, "Isn't he old enough to do it himself now?"

Olivia laughed and pulled back again, "Not if you want a roof over your head."

Elliot smiled, "That reminds me, we have that walk through at 3. Did you tell Cragen?"

"Yeah I cleared it with him. Fin and Munch are going to cover for us the rest of the day." She smiled, "Which means we get stuck with a late night tomorrow."

"I figured." He said with a huff, "I'll call my Mom. See if she can stay here."

"It won't be so bad." She replied, he gave her a look, "We're short staffed this week so Cragen had to agree to let us work together."

Elliot raised an eyebrow in surprise, "Benson and Stabler, back in action?"

"Looks like it." She said scooting off the bed, "Just when you thought you were rid of me…"

He grabbed her arm again making her gasp and quickly rolled her onto her back underneath him, "I never want to get rid of you Benson."

The look on his face melted her heart and she smiled, "El…" He leaned down and pressed his lips to her neck, "The kids…"

He sighed when he heard the older girls arguing, "I hate sharing you."

She smiled and pushed him back, "Maybe if you're lucky we'll have to do a stakeout and I'll let you make out with me in the car."

Elliot wiggled his eyebrows, "Don't tempt me. Do you know how many times I wanted to do that?"

She shoved him even harder and he fell back on the bed, "I wouldn't have stopped you. Too bad you didn't."

He watched her reach for a sweatshirt and slip it on her body, "Hey Benson."

Zipping up the front, she looked at him and smiled, "Yeah?"

"Just in case you weren't sure…" He said with a little sigh, a content smile on his face,"I love you."

Reaching out, she squeezed his calf, "I know."

When she turned to walk out of the room he huffed and sat up, "Seriously?"

She threw her head back and laughed, holding onto the doorframe, "Stabler…" He looked directly at her and she smiled, "I love you and I'm really glad I married you."

He smiled when she threw a wink over her shoulder before walking out of the bedroom. Elliot sighed again and leaned back on the bed. He felt content and he was hoping that happiness would carry with them moving forward. He hoped after today they would be one step closer to the next chapter.

That afternoon, Olivia and Elliot pulled up in front of a house a few blocks away from their current house in Queens. They had been going to a few open houses on the weekends but hadn't found anything that fully caught their eye. As soon as they pulled into the driveway though, Olivia's breath caught in her throat. The house in front of her was one she had only ever seen in movies.

Turning to look at her husband she whispered, "Is this in our budget?"

Elliot smiled, he had been expecting this reaction. Putting the car in park, he reached out and squeezed her hand, "It is."

Olivia's mouth hung open, "How? What's wrong with it?"

"Nothing." He said with a little laugh, "The two bathrooms upstairs need some updating and the backyard needs to be cleared out some to make it more kid friendly. But it's in our budget."

Olivia narrowed her eyes at him, "Why do I feel like you've been here before?"

He shrugged, "You caught me." She gave him a look, "Munch's friend is selling it. He mentioned it to me the other day in passing and we drove by. I didn't want to say anything until I knew we could afford it...or if I thought it was worth it."

Olivia bit her lip and looked back out the front window, "It's beautiful."

"It is." He said with a nod, "And there is plenty of space." He saw her tense, "For whatever we need it for."

She took a deep breath, not wanting to bring up the subject of a baby. They had stopped forcing the subject and wanted to see if it would happen on it's own. They agreed to let it play out at least for the next six months and then if nothing happened they would consider making some decisions. But for now, they were enjoying what they already did have. Reaching for the door handle, she popped it open and climbed out of the car, knowing he was behind her.

They walked together up the front walk and up the steps before the door opened and the realtor greeted them, "You must be John's friends, Mr. and Mrs. Stabler?"

Elliot smiled and reached out to shake his hand, "Yes. You can call us Elliot and Olivia. Thank you for meeting with us."

"Luca Green." He said with a smile, "Come in, come in."

Olivia walked into the foyer and her heart was rattling away in her chest. It had an open layout, perfect for a large family. She could be in the kitchen and still oversee what was happening in the living room and the dining room. The floors were hardwood, the appliances in the kitchen looked new. It had large windows overlooking the quiet neighborhood. Large french doors lead out to the hard which had a patio. She could see what Elliot had been talking about. Some of the brush would need to be cleared in order to make space for the kids to play. As she walked further into the house, she could almost see the kids running around her, growing and changing. She heard Elliot talking to Luca but she was in her own little world.

After a few minutes, she felt a hand on her back and she knew who it was. Elliot rested his chin on her shoulder, "Luca had a call." He squeezed her sides, "What do you think so far?"

Olivia reached back and touched the side of his face, "Do I really need to say it?"

He smiled and kissed her collarbone, "So I assume you feel the same way I did when I walked in?"

Turning towards him she smiled, "Which was?"

"Like...we could be happy here." He said holding her close, "Like we could make a really good life here."

Tears welled up in her eyes and she nodded, "As usual, you've read my mind."

"Want to see the rest of the place? He said since I've been here I can take you around." He cocked his head behind him.

"Yes. Please." He smiled and took her hand leading her towards a staircase going downstairs.

She saw two parts of the basement, one was more of a typical basement with a washer and dryer, a space for a gym as per Elliot's request. The left side was finished and he suggested a playroom for the kids. Checking things out some more, he quickly led her back upstairs, where they studied the first floor bathroom. Then he led her up the stairs to the second floor. There were 6 bedrooms and two bathrooms. They agreed that it could be that each kid had their own room until something changed. Then, the twins could continue to share or Lizzie and Kathleen. Neither of them said much in terms of a baby, but they knew the thought was in the back of their minds. Tugging her down the hallway, he steered them towards the master bedroom.

As soon as she stepped over the threshold, she saw their life laid out in front of her. Where the bed would go, their dressers. Her eyes drifted over to a small balcony overlooking the backyard. She envisioned them sitting out there on warm summer nights, sharing a glass of wine and talking about their day. Her hand slid across the windowsill of a large bay window. Poking her head into the bathroom, Elliot explained that he wanted to put in a large tub for her and a new shower.

As he talked, it all came together in her mind and she realized how badly she wanted it. How at home she felt here. They had been happy at the old house. But still underneath it all, she wanted a place that they could call their own. Without any memories of Kathy no matter how mucus he knew she wasn't a threat. She wanted their forever space. Leaning against the doorframe, she sighed, wondering if there was even a shot for them to have it. She was planning their life but they still had to put in an offer and wait.

Elliot smiled at her and leaned on the wall across from her, "So...what do you think?"

Olivia closed her eyes and smiled, "I think...I'd like to live here."

"Well good." He said with a nod, "Because we are going to live here."

Her eyes snapped open and she stood up a little straighter, "What?"

Elliot smiled and shoved himself off of the wall and walked towards her, "I put an offer in.'

Oliva's head was spinning, "What?"

He laughed and reached for her hand, "I put an offer in the other day. Just in case…"

Her mouth hung open in shock, "You...put an offer in?" He nodded, "How did you know I'd like it?"

He shrugged, "I had a hunch. Plus I figured if for some reason I was wrong, I'd just back out. It's okay."

Olivia shook her head, "I still don't understand. Just because you put an offer in-"

"The phone call Luca had?" Olivia nodded, "It was the owners. They accepted. Luca was explaining I needed to talk to you first."

Olivia's heart leapt in her throat, "Elliot, are you serious? Really serious?"

"If you're not sure, you can say no. And I know it was a big risk but I just went with my gut feeling. Are you mad?" He asked, suddenly feeling anxious.

Olivia shook her head, "No. I'm not mad. I'm just trying to catch up here...my mind's spinning."

Elliot smiled and tangled his hand with hers, "Well tell me what you're thinking."

Her eyes roamed the room and she laughed, "I see it all. Our life...and I want it so badly."

Elliot rubbed circles on the inside of her wrist, "Those are good thoughts. I see it too. I think we could be really happy here, Liv. Really happy."

She chewed her lip thoughtfully, "And you're absolutely sure we can afford this?"

Elliot stepped closer to her, "Yes. Absolutely sure. I checked and double checked."

She closed her eyes for a moment and felt that familiar pull that he instilled. This would be their home. The home her children would grow in. The four she had, and hopefully, more. She could grow old here with Elliot. She could have everything she dreamed of and more. Right here. In this beautiful house. When she opened her eyes, she saw him watching her, trying to read her expression. Leaning forward she kissed him softly and said, "Okay."

His eyes lit up and he leaned back, clapping his hands loudly and he turned around, "Okay!"

Laughing, she wrapped her arms around his shoulders and he lifted her up, "We're buying a house."

Elliot lifted her legs and made her wrap them around her waist, "Hell yeah we are."

She laughed, held his face in her hand and kissed him harder, "El…"

He shrugged, "The place is as good as ours, Liv. We can celebrate a bit…"

She laughed when her back hit the wall and she shook her head, "What about Luca?"

"I told him I'd throw in a little bonus for him if he gave us some time. Just to talk…" He said with a laugh as he tugged at her shirt.

She only laughed harder, feeling so incredibly happy, "You're ridiculous."

"Gotta christen our bedroom." His teeth graced her collarbone and she shivered, "Lotta good nights will be spent here." He pulled away and gave her that grin that both drove her nuts and made her want him all the more, "Welcome home Olivia."

Taking his face in her hands again she kissed him hard, knowing that this was the home she had always been hoping for.

The following night, they were parked in the sedan on a quiet street in Manhattan. Something they had done so many times before. She had wondered if it would feel weird now but it felt like slipping into your old favorite sweater. Easy. Comfortable. Normal. Elliot was looking out the window, watching the building to their left. She glance down at her phone and saw a text from Maureen.

"Mo wants to know if she gets the biggest bedroom in the new house." She said with a laugh.

Elliot laughed, "Tell her, not unless she wants to share it with Kathleen."

She smiled and typed back a response, "I'm sure she'd sleep in the basement if you told her she could have her own room."

"Oh. I know it." He said with a laugh, "Maybe Saturday while they have the open house at our house, we can take the kids to the new one. Let them see it."

Olivia nodded, "Okay. Are you bringing the deposit to the bank tomorrow?"

"Yeah. After I drop the kids off at school I'll drop it off." He turned back to her and smiled, "Still sure, right?"

She smirked at him, "Well...we did christen the bedroom already. We have to buy the house now."

He laughed and reached across the console to take her hand, "That's true."

"We told Cragen there would be no touching…" She said with a smile as she looked down at their joined hands.

"Are you going to rat me out?" He said with a cocky grin, "Because I think as my wife that would be pretty crappy."

She rolled her eyes and intertwined her hands with his, "No. But I'm warning you to keep it PG."

"PG 13." He countered, leaning towards her with a playful smile.

Olivia smiled and leaned in and kissed him, "That's all you're getting Stabler. Go back to looking out the window."

He smiled triumphantly and looked back out the window, "I highly doubt this idiot is coming out tonight."

"Maybe not. Wouldn't be the first time we spent an evening locked away in a car looking for a perp." She leaned her head against the headrest and smiled, "We should have kept track of all the stakeouts over the years."

"Yeah." He laughed and rubbed circles on her hand, still not having let go of it, "I'd love to know how many times I missed something important because I was to busy looking at you."

She blushed and looked at him, "Elliot…"

He shrugged, "What? I'm being serious. It was torture."

She playfully rolled her eyes and looked out the front window, "You survived."

"Barely." He said with a huff, "Especially in the warmer months when you'd have less layers on. At least in the winter you were bundled up so I had a little less to gawk out."

She bit her lip, "You were the one that wouldn't get the damn AC fixed." He grinned at her and she rolled her eyes, "It was never even broken was it?"

He shook his head and shrugged innocently, "Guilty."

"You're the worst!" She pulled her hand away and shoved his arm back.

He couldn't help but laugh, "I couldn't help myself."

"Hm…" She pulled one leg up onto her seat and rested her head on her knee, "Well then it serves you right for being tortured."

Elliot took a deep breath and looked back out the window. They were quiet for a moment, both watching outside and contemplating how far they had come. When he spoke next, it took her a moment to register what he had said, "Do you miss it?"

She turned her head to him and he followed suit, "Our partnership?"

He nodded slowly, "Yeah…"

Biting her lip, she turned from him agian, contemplating her answer. She wanted to make sure she answered in a way that he would understand, "Yeah. I do. Of course I do." She could tell he was holding his breath, "But…"

"But?" He sat up a little straighter, "But what?"

Olivia smiled and turned back to him, "El...half the reason I kept you at arms length was because I was so afraid to lose what we had. And yes...I do miss it. I was so comfortable with what we were. It was the first time in my life that I felt like I belonged somewhere. That I fit in somewhere." She paused and reached out to touch his face, "But...what we have now? Means the world to me. I wouldn't trade it for anything."

His face softened and he leaned into her palm, "Me either."

She softly and caressed his face, "Good. Now…" She cocked her head towards the window again, "Get back to work Stabler. Otherwise we'll both lose our jobs."

He kissed her hand again, then took it in his own hand and set them on the console again. They slipped back into that comfortable silence of a stakeout, like they had done so many times before. Only this time...everything was different. And different, was good.

Four hours later, no one had come out of the building and they saw no movement from outside. Elliot rolled his neck back and forth, "I'm getting too old for this shit."

She laughed and looked down at her phone as it rang, "It's Cap." She flipped the phone open, "Benson." Elliot watched her as she talked to their boss and waited patiently for her to finish. After a minute or two, she flipped the phone shut and smiled at him, "He says we can call it a night."

Elliot nodded, "Okay. Let's head back-"

"He also said since it's so late and we're already closer to Queens, we can just take the Sedan tonight and switch cars in the morning."

Elliot sighed, "Really? Okay. Sounds good to me. Less driving for me to do…" When he looked at Olivia she had a glint in her eye and he frowned, "What's that look for?"

Olivia shrugged and looked out the window, "Nothing."

He started the car again and started to pull out of their parking spot, "Liv…"

Turning her head towards him again she smiled, "I think I told you that if you were lucky...I'd make out with you in the squad car."

They stopped at a red light and he looked over at her, "What?"

She laughed at the shocked look on his face, "You said yourself you thought about it back then…"

"Of course I thought about it. Christ, I did nothing but think about it." He said with a laugh as he turned onto another street, "You serious?"

Olivia cocked her head towards an abandoned parking lot, "Why don't you park and find out Detective."

He turned the car into the parking lot to his left, "God I love my life."

She was laughing as they both scrambled into the backseat of the car. Crawling into his lap, their lips instantly connected and they both felt that familiar fire start to rise within them. "Good thing we have tinted windows."

He chuckled and pulled her hair gently, leaning her head back so he could tease her neck, "Thank you New York Police Department for investing in new cars."

She moaned gently when he bit down on her collarbone, "Remember that piece of junk you had when we first started working together? I used to be more afraid to die in that thing than getting attacked by a perp."

Elliot smiled and pulled her face down to his, "Well we aren't in that piece of junk now Liv."

"No. We aren't." She mumbled against lips, his tongue traced her bottom lip, begging for entrance and she was more than willing to comply.

When his hands slid between her jacket and her shirt she pushed her hips into him, "Liv…"

Looking down at him, she smiled, "Yes?"

"I thought you said just making out?" He said with a little smile, she shrugged, "Detective...I'm a happily married man."

She smirked and started to tug off her jacket, "Who's the lucky woman?"

He laughed and started to unbutton her shirt, "My old Partner. Hell of a woman."

"Oh really?" She reached out and started to unbutton his shirt, "Tell me about her."

He slid his hand along her collarbone, across her chest and down her side before moving behind her, "Well...she's smart, and kind. Incredibly compassionate, brave, hardworking and she will fight anyone who tries to hurt the people she loves."

Leaning down she started to kiss his neck, "She sounds lovely."

When she bit down he hissed but smiled and flicked the clasp of her bra, "She is. She's also the best Detective I've ever known. No one holds a candle to her. Such a badass which turns me on more than she knows."

Grinding herself into him she smirked, feeling the hard length of him, "I think she knows."

Tugging her hair to force her to look at him they were both breathing heavy, "She's also the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. She has no idea in fact how perfect she is. How sexy she is. How much she drives me crazy and has since the moment I met her."

Sliding her hand between them, she tugged on his belt, "You sound like a man who really loves his wife."

"More than anything." He lifted her hips and tugged at her own belt, "I don't think I'll ever be able to explain to her how much."

"She's one lucky girl." When her hand wrapped around him he hissed and she smiled, stroking him, "One, very, very lucky girl."

Elliot lifted her up higher and started to try and maneuver them around on the seat. They both fumbled with their pants, anxiously trying to move in the small space. "This is insane." He whispered.

She smiled and kicked her shoes off and her pants, "We're still in the honeymoon phase El. Gotta live a little."

He quickly covered her body with his and trapped her against the backseat, "Or live a lot."

Wrapping one arm around his neck, she pulled his face towards hers, "You know Detective...I'm married too."

He raised an eyebrow and stared down at her, "Oh really?"

She reached between them again and continued to stroke him gently, "Uh huh."

He looked down to watch her and he had to compose himself, "Hm...tell me about him."

She smiled as he repeated her words back to her, "My old partner. Hell of a guy."

He chuckled and rested his forehead in the crook of her neck, "Liv…"

"He's smart, kind, and respectful. He works harder than anyone I know to provide for his family. He's strong...and yet so incredibly gentle all at the same time." She whispered.

Lifting his head to her he smiled, "And do you like it rough or gentle Detective?"

She felt him start to tease her and she smiled, "Depends on my mood. But right now? I don't want you to be gentle."

Elliot smiled and pushed himself into her, "Hm…"

She gasped and pushed her chest against him, "My husband also knows exactly what to do to get me off. Single handedly the best lover I've ever had. No one holds a candle to him."

Elliot beamed down at her, "Well I'll see if I can live up to him…you let me know if I'm doing something wrong." She moaned softly, "Am I on the right track Detective?"

"God yes." She said, clinging to him, "Keep doing what you're doing."

The small space of the car started to heat up but neither of them cared. He leaned in and kissed her as hard as he could as he continued to move fast and hard. Every sound she made only spurred him on. Years of fantasies were being met tonight and he wasn't about to miss a moment of it.

"Just so you know…" She said with a sly smirk as he shifted his position, "This can only ever be a one time thing."

Bracing his arm against the window behind her he smiled, "Is that so?"

"Uh huh." She tightened her legs around him and she smiled, "My husband...is the sexiest man I've ever seen and no one will ever take his place."

"You sound like a woman who really loves her husband." He shifted her hips and she cried out.

"More than anything." She panted, holding his face firmly above hers, "He'll never know how much."

"If I ever meet him, I'll make sure to tell him how lucky he is." He kissed her, their bodies smalling against each other slick with sweat, "Jesus Liv…"

She gripped his neck tight in her hands, "Don't stop. God don't stop…"

He clung to the seat under her body and focussed all his attention on the task at hand. They moved together, just like they always did, so in sync, their bodies melting together as if they were made for each other. The familiar give and take, the push and pull of their dance. Even after all this time, it still only got better. When she felt the ache in her belly letting her know she was almost there, her eyes shut tight.

"Detective…" He said in a rough voice, "If this is my only night with you, I want to watch you. Open your eyes."

She took a deep breath and her eyes fluttered open, "Elliot…"

"Let go Benson." He slammed into her one last time and she shattered, her eyes shining bright as the world tumbled down around her. "That's my girl…"

She shuddered and shook as he continued to thrust into her as she clamped down around him. He grunted, and pushed into her two more times before he reached his own peak. He fell forward slightly and she caught him, running her hands up and down his back as they both tried to catch their breath. When he finally pulled away and stared down at her, she smiled, "Hi…"

Smirking, he pressed a kiss to her lips, "Hi." Another kiss, "So...did I live up to your husband Detective?"

She laughed and slid her hands up his back, "Hm….I'd say you definitely did."

He sighed and felt his arms start to shake, "As much as I'd like to stay like this...I'm going to crush you and there is no room for-"

"Sure there is." She said turning to her side, he laughed and held her against him so they didn't fall, but she felt him falling backwards, "Okay maybe not…"

Laughing together, they both shifted and sat up in the back of the car, she reached for his jacket on the floor and draped it over them. Wrapping his arm around her, he kissed the top of her head and tried to look out the steamed up windows, "We just did it in a squad car."

"Yep." She rubbed his abdomen gently, "Check it off your bucket list Stabler."

He chuckled and ran his fingers through her hair, "New bedroom in our almost home, back of a squad car…"

"The Cribs…" She said with a little smirk, "How we didn't get caught with that one…"

Elliot laughed and looked down at her, "How am I going to sit in this car with Munch now?"

She tossed her head back against the seat behind her, "I have no idea. But I'm permanently insisting that you be assigned to this car from now on just to torture you."

He tilted her head back and kissed her, "You would."

Sighing, she touched his face and whispered, "You think if we had done this years ago...we'd have ended up here?"

Elliot thought about her question carefully and smiled, "I think...we both needed to figure some things out before we could end up here Liv. I know that I cared about you...that I wanted you. But I don't think we would have been ready. Not really. And I wouldn't have wanted to take the risk of losing you."

She sighed and ducked her head into the crook of his neck, "You're right."

"Hey…" He squeezed her hard, "We're here now, right?"

"We are." She kissed his chest and smiled then started to pull away, "We should probably…"

"Yeah…" He ran his hand down her back and she looked at him over her shoulder, "I love you."

Turning, she touched his cheek and kissed his lips, "I love you too." She gave him one more kiss and then smiled coyly, "Just...don't tell my husband."

He crossed his finger over his chest, "Your secret is safe with me Detective."

She winked at him and grabbed their clothes, tossing them in his direction.

By the beginning of June, they had sold their own house and were packing up the last of the boxes. The kids were out in the yard playing for what would be one of their last times. Olivia watched them from the mostly empty kitchen. She smiled as she watched Richie chase his sisters with the house. She'd watched Lizzie take her first steps in that yard, Richie had called her Mommy before they had taken the jump. Sighing, she turned towards the stairs when she heard a sound from the second floor. Elliot was upstairs packing up boxes in the kids rooms. She walked towards the stairs and followed the sound into the twins room.

Elliot was sitting on the floor going through various items. Walking over to him, she knelt beside him and peered into the box, "How's it going up here?"

He smiled and held out a picture of the twins on their first Christmas, "Remember this Christmas?"

Olivia smiled and peered down at the picture, "I do. It was their first Christmas...your first Christmas since Kathy left."

"I was going crazy trying to make everything perfect so the kids wouldn't...wouldn't miss anything. Except I was so focussed on the decorations and the cookies and all the other crap...I forgot the actual presents." He said with a huff he looked at her and saw the blush on her face, "And yet miraculously on Christmas Eve night...Santa showed up looking a hell of a lot like my Partner."

"I still maintain that he came to my apartment first and just asked if I could help him out. That man is seriously overworked." She said with a sweet smile.

"Yeah…" He put the photo in the box and smiled, "You know...that was the first night I felt like things would be okay. One way or another...I felt like it would be okay. And that was because of you."

Shifting her position, she leaned against him, "You know...it's okay to feel sad about leaving El. I understand."

He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye and placed his hand on her thigh, "You know it's not about-"

"I know." She said squeezing his hand, "This is the home you brought your four children home too. They took their first steps here, had their milestones play out here. It's a lot to leave behind."

He nodded slowly, and looked down at their joined hands, "It's also the place I fell madly in love with you."

"El…" He looked back at her and saw tears in her eyes, "We had good memories here. But like you told me when I left my apartment...We'll never forget them. And we'll make new memories. Wherever we are. As long as we're together."

Lifting his hand, he brushed back her hair from her neck and ran his thumb along the side of her jaw, "As long as we're together…"

"It's not the end. Just the start of something else...something new." She said with a shrug, "Time to take the jump."

He smiled and pulled her closer, "You jump, I jump?"

"You jump. I jump." She agreed and then pressed her lips to his. When they pulled back, she rested her forehead against his and sighed, "Come on...these can wait till later. Let's go outside...make a few more memories here."

She stood up and held her hand out to him, he took it without hesitating and followed her out the door. He'd follow her anywhere…

Two days before their anniversary, they were officially moving into the new house. Prior to moving in they had done renovations and fixed the backyard so they would be ready to move in. After unloading the last of the boxes, they joined the kids in the living room. Richie glanced around the space and said, "It looks smaller now."

Elliot laughed and ruffled his hair, "That's because it's full of our stuff. It was empty before when you saw it."

Lizzie ran over and jumped on the couch, "I like it here."

"Good. Because we're never moving again." Elliot huffed, "My back can't take it."

Olivia shoved his arm, "Elliot." He only laughed and she looked towards the kitchen, "Well...I have no idea where any of our pots and pans are yet. So...what are we ordering?"

The kids and Elliot all exchanged glances and answered at the same time, "Chinese."

Olivia laughed and shook her head, "If only every decision were that easy. I'll go make the call."

She winked at Elliot before slipping her phone out of her pocket and walking towards the kitchen so she could hear better. Elliot watched her go and then looked back at his kids who were in various parts of the living room going through boxes. He cleared his throat and they all looked back at him, "So...how are you guys feeling?"

Kathleen shrugged her shoulders, "Fine. Why?"

Elliot smiled and sat down on the arm of the couch, reaching for Lizzie, "Well, you guys have only ever lived in one house. Just wanted to make sure...you were still okay with it."

"This new house is bigger." Richie said, "Plus I don't have to share a room with Lizzie now. And we're closer to the best park in Queens. It's a win for me." He paused and smirked, "OH! And I heard the Ice Cream Man comes down this street everyday."

Elliot smiled at his only son, "I hope you're always this easy to please bud. But I highly doubt it…"

Maureen walked over to her Dad, "We're good Dad. To us, a house is just a house. As long as we get to stay with you and Mom...we're good."

He looked up at her and smiled, "You're getting wise with age kiddo."

She smiled at him, "Must take after my Dad."

"You must." He said giving her a squeeze, he looked between the four of them, "You're all growing up way too fast."

"That's why you need a new baby." Lizzie said with a smile, "Then you'll have us plus a little kid to take care of."

Elliot's heart ached in his chest. Two days away from when they officially started trying a year ago, and still no pregnancy. Olivia hadn't said anything but he knew she was disappointed. And he couldn't deny he was either. "Yeah…"

Maureen squeezed his shoulder, "Dad?" He looked up at her again, "You okay?"

Elliot smiled and nodded, "Course I am. Just tired. Been a long day." He stood up again and nodded towards a few boxes at the base of the stairs, "Why don't you go bring those upstairs? Start setting up your rooms so at least you have somewhere to sleep tonight."

Lizzie paused for a moment, "Actually...Mom said we could all sleep down here tonight."

Elliot turned towards his youngest child and smiled, "She did?"

Lizzie nodded, "Richie and I said we were a little nervous to be in the new house. So she said we could camp out down here. Just like we did that night of the snow storm. Is that okay?"

Elliot smiled, remembering how he had come home to find Olivia taking such good care of his children. Just as she always did. He remembered how sure he had felt that early morning. He remembered how he couldn't wait any longer to tell her how he felt. Though they no longer lived in that house, he would always remember the exact moment he kissed her for the first time and told her he loved her. It was a memory that would stay with him until he took his last breath.

"Of course it's okay." He said softly, "I think it's the perfect idea."

That night after the kids had fallen asleep, Olivia and Elliot watched them from their spot on the couch. They had made makeshift beds out of pillows and blankets while their parents lay tangled up together on the couch. Olivia lay nestled in his embrace and sighed happily, "Today was a good day."

Elliot smiled and pulled her closer, "I agree."

"You think they are happy?" She asked curiously as she watched them sleep, "Change can be scary sometimes…"

"They're happy, Liv." He whispered, "I know they are."

She smiled and turned her face to look at him, "And what about you? Are you happy? Really happy?"

His blue eyes studied her brown ones for a moment before he came up with his answer, "Happier than I thought possible Liv. And that's because of you."

She smiled and reached for his hand, running her finger over the band on his left ring finger, "So a year later, you're still glad you married me? No regrets?"

"Not one." He replied, "I love you more now than I did a year ago. And I realize that feeling is only going to get stronger everyday for the rest of our lives." He saw tears pooling in her eyes, "Are you happy Liv?"

Biting her lip, she knew what he was asking her. She had told him it would be enough to have this family, not have a child of their own. And she had meant it. She did mean it. But it didn't mean she wasn't still holding out hope for a miracle. "Yes. I'm happy. Very happy."

"Can I take you out to celebrate our Anniversary?" He asked, a slow smile spread on her lips, "My Mom said she would watch the kids."

"I'd like that. What did you have in mind?" She asked snuggling into him.

"I booked us a room at the Four Seasons." She looked surprised which made him smile, "Not a cabana in Hawaii I know...but I thought-"

"It's perfect." She cut him off and hovered over him, "It's perfect. I love you for thinking of it. Thank you."

"It was purely selfish. I wanted a whole night with you. No interruptions." He teased.

Chuckling, she kissed him gently, "You mean we're not just going to sit around and play checkers? Talk about the problems in the world? Pay some bills?"

Elliot laughed and squeezed her close, "Yeah no. I plan on loving you in every possible way until the second we have to check out. No checkers, bills or problem solving."

"Well in that case, we should probably get some rest now." She lay down against his chest again and smiled.

He ran his hands through her hair and sighed, "We're going to be happy here Liv. I can feel it."

"I know we will." She squeezed him tight and felt herself drifting off to sleep, content in what they had built together in the last year and happy to see where the next year would take them.

The actual day of their anniversary, they were at work trying to finish a case. Elliot's eyes kept roaming to the clock and he could have sworn it was moving backwards. Every time he let out a sigh of frustration, Munch marked it on a paper beside him.

"That's 36 sighs in the last hour, partner. You anxious about something?" He asked with a smirk. "Got a hot date tonight?"

Elliot shot him a death glare, "Shut it."

"I'm simply pointing out that you seem bored. Am I not stimulating enough for you?" He asked with mock sadness. "I'm not living up to your former partner?"

Fin laughed, "Hell no. You ain't as fine as Liv. Far from it in fact. He had to downgrade. I, on the other hand, got a serious upgrade."

Olivia rolled her eyes and Elliot threw a pen at Fin, "You be careful about how you talk about my wife Tutola."

Olivia looked at all three of them, "How about we stop talking about this and just get our work done so we can ALL leave?"

"I'm just saying. The man has been off his game today. Earlier, we were on a stakeout and he had this goofy grin on his face." Munch said.

Elliot had been taking a sip of water and he choked on it, Olivia smirked, "What nunber squad car was it?"

Elliot shot her a look and Munch answered, "Five. Why?"

She shrugged innocently, "That's a good one. Very spacious. I like it."

Elliot groaned and stood up, walking towards the coffee machine, "Yeah. I guess it's a good one. It's one of the updated ones so we have tinted windows." Munch said.

"Super convenient." She agreed and walked over to her husband, innocently she leaned over him to grab a cup, "Munch is right. You seem off today. Everything okay hon?"

He glared at her, "I hate you."

She laughed and took a sip of her coffee, moaning softly as she did, "No you don't. Not even a little bit."

He watched her walk away, swaying her hips more than usual and he quickly glanced at the clock. He sighed again and growled when he heard Munch say, "There's 37. Think he'll hit 50 before we leave?"

"Most definitely." Fin laughed, "Someone is eager to celebrate the fact that he hasn't scared his wife away after a year. He's gotta enjoy it while he can. She may give up on him in year 2."

Now Olivia threw something at her partner, "Hey! Be nice. At least he has a wife to go home to. You two idiots must get really lonely at night."

Elliot smirked, "Oh come on Liv, you know the reason they agreed to split up was so they could have their own love affair."

Olivia laughed, "You're right. Must be so nice to not have to hide it anymore boys. All that bickering you did was just pent up sexual tension."

Fin huffed this time, "I gotta transfer out of this Unit man. You guys are the worst."

"You've been saying that since you joined. Yet you stay. For me." Munch said, pressing a hand to his heart, "And I love you all the more for it darling."

"Is he a good lover, Fin?" Elliot asked teasingly.

"Probably better than you choir boy." Fin shot back at him.

Olivia smirked from her spot at her desk, "Choir boy?"

Fin laughed, "We all know how religious Stabler is. I peg him for a guy who isn't that adventurous in the bedroom. Surprises me you'd put up with that." When Olivia didn't respond Fin grimaced, "He is a choir boy, isn't he?"

Olivia took a deep breath and smiled, "If that's what you need to tell yourself to sleep at night...then sure."

Munch clapped Elliot on the back, "I knew you had it in you man!"

Elliot smirked and Fin growled, "Oh God...now I'm thinking about how and where you two have done it."

Olivia twirled her ring on her finger, "That's your fault."

"Shit, did ya'll do it here?" Fin growled looking around anxiously, "In the squad room?"

"I'll never tell." Olivia said, turning her back to him.

Elliot and Olivia continued to howl with laughter as Cragen walked out, "What's so funny out here?"

"Just John and Fin getting what they deserve for teasing." Olivia said.

"They're just jealous." Cragen replied with a smile. "They're both lonely." He turned to Elliot, "Still happily married one year later?"

Elliot looked at his wife and beamed with pride, "Absolutely."

"Nothing you'd like to change about the last year?" Munch asked curiously.

Olivia lauged, "Yeah. I would have preferred Kate Montgomery stayed in whatever hell hole she had been hiding in. It would have also been nice to win the lottery so we didn't have to work with you assholes."

Munch smiled, "You win some you lose some Liv. Nothing else you wanted this year?"

Elliot glanced at Olivia and saw the look on her face. He didn't have to ask what she wasn't saying. A baby would have been nice. But she just smiled and shook her head. "Nothing else. I'm perfectly happy with where I'm at thank you very much."

"Then Stabler must be doing something right." Melinda said as she walked into the squad room.

Olivia smiled, glad for the distraction and change in conversation, "Hi Melinda."

Cragen interjected quickly, "Before you throw a monkey in the mix here…" He glanced at the happy couple, "Why don't you two head out? Staying another 20 minutes isn't necessary. Happy Anniversary."

Elliot scrambled off his desk and walked directly to Olivia, "Quick Liv! We gotta go before he comes to his senses."

Olivia laughed and grabbed her cellphone, "Okay. Okay!"

"Actually, I wanted to talk to you both. Not about a case." Melinda said when they both looked skeptical. "It won't take long. I promise."

Elliot looked at Olivia who just shrugged. He was desperate to get out of here to celebrate their anniversary. Sighing, he turned back to his coworker. "Okay? What's wrong?"

Olivia rolled her eyes, and smacked his chest, "Why do you assume something is wrong?"

Elliot shot her a look, "The medical examiner is here...experience tells me something is wrong."

Olivia laughed and looked at her friend, "Ignore him. He's antsy today. What's going on?"

"You can go celebrate after I tell you. I know it's your anniversary so I thought this would be a good present." She smiled at them and took a deep breath, "You're pregnant."

Elliot stood still as her words washed over her but Olivia didn't seem to have heard it correctly yet. "See? You were overreacting. Everything is fine. We can go."

She grabbed her bag and started to walk away. Elliot stood there waiting. It had been a full year since they started trying. So much had been thrown at them. He knew after the issue with Kate, Olivia had said she was okay not getting pregnant. They still chose to not use protection in the off chance that it happened on its own. Munch had asked if there was anything else she had wanted this year. While she answered no, he knew deep down that had been a lie. He wanted it too. More than anything. Now Melinda was standing here telling them their dream was coming true. Fin, Munch and Cragen were watching too. Waiting for it to sink in. Olivia made it to the door before she froze. When she turned back around, Elliot saw tears in her eyes.

Walking back to the desk slowly, she threw her bag down. He waited, letting her process. When she looked up at Melinda she spoke in a whisper, afraid to even say the words out loud in case she had been wrong, "Did you just say I'm pregnant?"

Melinda nodded, a smile on her face, "I did."

Olivia let out a shaky breath, and Elliot stepped closer to her. "What? How?"

Fin laughed, "Baby girl...if we have to explain how- maybe he is a choir boy." Olivia shot him a look and he quickly stood up straighter, "Shutting up now."

Olivia turned back to Melinda, still completely unsure, "How could you possibly know that?"

Melinda looked at Olivia, "Do you remember last week when we were working on the Gaffney case?"

Olivia nodded, her mind reeling, she gripped the desk under her fingers trying to steady herself, "Sure. What about it?"

"I needed to take a blood sample from the young girl but she was scared. And so you offered to take one to show her it wasn't that bad. I ended up running both samples accidentally." Holding out a paper to the couple she said, "I looked at it today. When they run the sample they run through any possibility. You are pregnant Olivia."

Olivia took the paper with shaking hands, she read the words three times, "I…."

Elliot reached for her, overwhelmed with emotions, "Liv…"

She looked over at him in shock, her hands shook and she asked him, "I'm pregnant?"

Elliot cradled her face and kissed her lovingly, "You're pregnant."

She started crying and held onto his arms, "I'm pregnant. We're having a baby. I...I really thought…"

He kissed her quickly three times and brushed away her tears, "I told you it would happen babe."

She laughed and wrapped her arms around his neck, burying her face in his neck, "I'm so happy I don't even care that you called me that at work."

Elliot lifted her up and laughed, "Good, because we both know I'm going to keep calling you that."

After a few moments, he set her back down and Olivia wiped at her tears, before turning to her friend, "Melinda...thank you. You have no idea how happy you just made us."

Melinda smiled and reached out to squeeze her hand, "No one deserves it more. Congratulations!"

"You do realize this means desk duty." Cragen said sternly from behind them, "I'm not putting you or the baby at risk so don't even try and argue with me."

Olivia was still shaking and she wiped at her tears, Elliot rubbed her back supportively, "Cap I would do anything to have this baby. So I'll take desk duty as long as necessary."

He walked over to her and smiled, his voice was laced with emotion and pride, "That kid just won the parent lottery. Congratulations."

Olivia smiled and leaned in to embrace him. Elliot shook hands with his friends and Munch and Fin both took their turns hugging Olivia. Munch was a little over zealous and Elliot instantly butted in, "Hey now, she's carrying precious cargo there Munch. Easy."

Everyone laughed and Olivia looked down at her belly, suddenly realizing the weight of this moment, "Holy. Shit. There is a baby in there…"

Another laugh echoed throughout the room, "That's usually how this works. Yes." Elliot put his hand on her arm, and smiled, "You okay?"

"Yes." She said looking up at him, her eyes were bright and she sighed, "Yes. I'm just really..."

"Happy?" He asked in a soft voice, she bit her lip and tears welled in her eyes. "Yeah. Me too." Leaning in he kissed her gently, "Happy Anniversary Liv."

Wrapping her arms around his waist she beamed up at, "Happy Anniversary El."