I originally had another chapter slotted for chapter 13 but I pushed it back to add a little more fluff for now because I think you all deserve it hahaha. So here ya go! Doesn't mean there won't be more drama in the next chapter though. SVU is a Drama after all, isn't it?

And to all my SVU/Bensler Lovers - Good luck tomorrow night! I fully anticipate a meltdown after the two episodes.

Three days before Halloween, Olivia was sitting on the couch finishing some adjustments to Lizzie and Richie's costumes. "Stay still Richie...I don't want to poke you."

"Why did you have to shorten the cape anyway?" Richie asked with a huff looking down at his Batman costume.

"Because it was too long. And you tripped down the stairs. You're lucky you didn't break any bones. That wouldn't be fun if you had to miss trick or treating because your leg was in a cast. Would it?" She asked with a little smile.

He frowned, "No...I guess not."

"Good." Smoothing down the cape she smiled, "Okay. You're all set now. You can take it off if you want."

Richie smiled and zoomed past her just as the front door opened and Elliot walked in, "No! I want to keep it on! Then I can go help Daddy fight the bad guys!"

Elliot smiled and scooped up his son, "Well I'll finally have a partner who can keep up!"

Olivia shot a look at him over her shoulder, "Finally? You may have a partner who's a little slow now but...you didn't always."

"You're right. Jo Marlowe was a great partner. I'll have to call and see if she's still available." He teased sitting down on the opposite couch.

"Ow!" Lizzie shrieked when Olivia's pin slipped, "Mom!"

Olivia looked back at her daughter, "Sorry Lizzie. You're all set too."

"Come on Lizzie. I know where Mom hid the Halloween candy." Richie said, tugging his sister's arm.

Elliot chuckled after them, "Leave some for the trick or treaters!"

"Sure Dad!" The twins yelled as they ran towards the kitchen.

Back on the couches, Elliot stood up and walked over to Olivia to sit beside her, "Hey. How's my girl and my little guy doing?"

She turned her face just as he went in for a kiss, "Fine."

Elliot frowned and watched her clean up, "Liv?"

"There is dinner in the kitchen but you can heat it up on your own. I'm going upstairs." She started to walk away and Elliot quickly grabbed her hand as she walked by him.

"You going to tell me what I did or do I have to work it out on my own? You know I just worked a 20 hour shift, right?" He said with a little eye roll.

Looking down at him she smiled, "Well if you're tired...why don't you give Jo a call and see if she can help you solve this mystery."

Elliot's face softened, "This is about my comment about Jo? Liv...I was just teasing."

Olivia nodded slowly, "Okay."

Huffing, he leaned back against the couch, "But you're obviously still pissed. Is this the hormones talking or-"

Her face turned red and he instantly regretted his words, "You're really an idiot, did you know that?" She tugged her hand away and started to walk towards the stairs, "Don't follow me. You can put the kids to bed. And then why don't you consider sleeping on the couch yourself."

Elliot groaned and fell all the way back on the couch, "Someday I'll learn to think before I speak."

An hour later, Elliot walked into their bedroom tentatively. Olivia was sitting on the bed, resting against the headboard. She had one hand on her belly and the other was skimming through a work file on her lap. She glanced up at him as he walked in the room, he had a nervous smile on his face and she ignored him.

Hearing him sigh, she pointed at one of the pillows beside her, "You can take your pillow and go."

Elliot closed the door behind him and sat beside her on the bed, "Liv…"

"Before you say anything that's going to dig this hole deeper for you...remember that I have the power to withhold sex too." She said shooting him a look.

Elliot chuckled, "Oh so you're that mad huh?"

Closing the folder in front of her she smiled, "I'm that mad."

Elliot sighed again and fell back on the bed, "Can you tell me why that pissed you off so much? I've talked about Jo before. I said I was kidding and I was. You know you are the best partner I ever had."

Olivia was quiet for a moment and then looked down at him, "You have talked about Jo before. Except...there is one thing you failed to mention."

He turned his head curiously towards her, "And what's that?"

"You failed to mention that Jo Marlow wasn't a burly man like I pictured in my head…" She said with a growl.

Sitting up slowly, he finally understood, "Oh. You didn't realize Jo was a woman?" Her lack of response clued him in on where they were headed with this, "Well...I'm sorry. But is it that big of a deal?"

"El you've told me stories about Jo a million times. It was always clear you idolized her. And it bothers me that you chose not to tell me it was a woman. Which leads me to believe there is a reason you didn't tell me she was a woman." She pulled herself off the bed.

"You're a woman and you were my partner. What does it matter?" He asked.

Rolling her eyes she glared at him, "It matters! When we started working together...you put me through the whole 'can a woman hack it phase' and it sucked. And you clearly worked with one before. So you were obviously comparing me to her the whole time. And I'm starting to think maybe you preferred her."

Elliot pinched the bridge of his nose, "Liv...yes Jo was a great partner. She taught me a lot. I value the years I had with her because she made me a better cop. But there is no competition here. You were the best partner I ever had and I mean that in every sense of the word. At work and in my life."

Olivia leaned against her dresser and was quiet for a moment. When she spoke again he heard fear in her voice, "Did you sleep with her?"

Elliot shot off the bed in a flash, "What? Olivia. Christ. No! No, of course not."

"Because you were married to Kathy…?" She said slowly, "But if you hadn't been married...would you have slept with her?"

Elliot frowned, "Olivia...why are we doing this?"

"Because I want to know." She said with a shrug, "I have to know. Were you...interested in her like that?" He went to open his mouth and she pointed at him, "And be honest with me."

"I won't pretend that we didn't...flirt." He cringed when he saw her start to pull away, "But I was young and stupid and it didn't mean anything. She didn't mean anything to me...not in that way."

Olivia watched him carefully, "El…"

"Olivia…" He took her hand and pressed it against his chest, "It was completely different. I know you might not believe that but it was. I'm sorry I upset you by not telling you she was a woman...but it didn't seem important to me. Because she wasn't important to me. Not like that. Not like you."

"So I was the better partner?" She asked, shifting slightly.

Elliot smiled and nodded his head, "Yes Liv. You were the better partner. We worked so damn well together. I didn't even have to say anything...you read my mind. Always. You will always be the best Detective I ever worked with."

Olivia was quiet for a moment, "I still don't like her. I don't know her but I don't like her."

Elliot smiled and turned her towards the bed, "Okay. You don't have to like her. I have a long list of men I don't like either."

Olivia laughed and sat down on the bed again, "How long?"

"It has every guy that has so much as looked at you in a way that I feel is inappropriate so I'd say we've reached about 1,000,000 at this point." He sat down beside her.

She laughed and put both hands on her belly, "Elliot…"

Lifting her chin with his finger and he smiled, "Liv...you have nothing to be jealous of. Not when it comes to Jo or any other woman. I'm yours and only yours."

She pulled away slightly and chewed on her lip, "As much as I hate to admit it...you were slightly right about the hormones. They are making me crazy. Yesterday at the grocery store, I almost put the woman in the deli in a chokehold because she touched your arm."

Elliot threw his head back, "Liv...she was old enough to be my Mother!"

"Yeah well…" She smirked, "Her hand lingered a little too long if you ask me."

Elliot rolled his eyes and started to lean her back on the bed, "Liv, the only woman I want touching me is you."

Laying beside him she watched him carefully, "I think...I'm feeling a little off my game here. I'm so excited for the baby but I'm...I'm just-"

He pressed a finger to her lips, "I hear what you're saying. But you need to stop thinking that way. I love you Olivia. You and only you. It's always been you."

Snuggling into his side she sighed, "I'm sorry."

"You have nothing to apologize for." He kissed the top of her head and held her close, "I'm sorry you felt like I kept something from you. It wasn't my intention. And I shouldn't have said what I said even if it was me teasing."

Rolling her eyes she wrapped her arm around his waist, "Teasing a pregnant woman is dangerous. Tease at your own risk El."

She lifted her head to look at him and he smiled, "Liv, you're carrying my child. You're sacrificing so much for our family. It's my job to support you...be there for you. Take care of you. I should have known better."

She watched him for a moment and smiled, "Can I ask you something?"

Elliot nodded, "Sure. What's up?"

Sliding her hand up his chest she spoke in a low voice, "Did Jo ever get you all riled up in the interrogation room like I did?"

Elliot chuckled, "She pissed me off. But if you're asking me if she turned me on in the interrogation room like you did? Nope."

Olivia looked back at the clock, "Good answer...kids asleep?"

He nodded slowly and started to tug at his tie, "Sure are."

"Want to know the best part about going from work partners to real partners?" She asked with a smile.

Elliot yanked off his shirt and smiled, "What's that?"

"Now when we fight...we get to have really hot make up sex." She grabbed him and kissed him, "Beats the hell out of 'I'm sorry' coffee and donuts."

Elliot leaned her back on the bed, "Hell yeah it does."

The next day at work, Olivia was staring at the large screen in front of her. She was waiting for the guys to get back. She wasn't allowed out on the field at this point and while she was going a bit crazy, she also knew it would be well worth it. Upon hearing voices, she turned and smiled when Elliot held out a cup of tea and a bag for her.

"Thanks hon." She sipped the tea and sighed, "Just what I needed." She put down her cup and reached for the bag, "What's in here?" Her face lit up and she smiled, "You remembered."

Elliot smirked, "Liv, you have been talking about chocolate croissants nonstop for the last 24 hours. You were mumbling about them in your sleep last night."

Olivia bit into the flaky pastry and moaned, "Heaven. Thank you."

Elliot's eyes narrowed at her, "Was that noise necessary?"

She chuckled and licked her lips, "I can't help it. It tastes incredible." His eyes were dark as he looked at her, "Go sit down before you embarrass us both. Although I do like that you want me right now. Belly and all."

He growled as he walked by her, "I always want you Liv."

"Trust us. We know." Fin said as he overheard them, "What did you do while we were out?"

Olivia's face lit up and she started typing away as images pulled up on the screen, "I'm glad you asked." The guys gathered around her and John helped her off the table, "Okay so...We know Peter was in Jersey the night of the rape. At least that's what he wanted us to think."

"What's that?" John asked point to the left of the screen.

"I called the hotel he was staying at and had to do a little schmoozing with the guest clerk." She smirked and Elliot huffed, "And he finally caved and did a little digging for me. Peter was at the hotel, he did order room service but he requested a room on the first floor. And the window screen was broken when he checked out."

"You mean he snuck out the damn window?" Fin asked.

"He did." She typed again, "I even called the restaurant across the street and they have late night security cams. I called that owner-"

"And flirted some more?" Fin said with a chuckle.

Olivia smiled, "I didn't flirt...just used my power of persuasion."

"Same difference." Elliot said with a frown, "And I don't like it."

Olivia smiled, "Well I'm sorry El but I had to do what I had to do for Cali." She pulled up a video, "There's Peter hopping out the window and hailing a cab. And the camera doesn't catch him coming back until almost 4am. Plenty of time to get from Jersey to Manhattan, rape Cali and go back."

"Good work Liv." John said, squeezing her arm the 4 men started to move away from her.

"Oh. I'm not done." She smiled and typed in a few more things as the guys watched her curiously, "Peter has done this before. I found 5 other open cases in New England and they all match the same pattern. Pulled Peter's work records about trips and he was in all those cities at the time of the rapes. I've heard back from 3 out of the 5 hotels and all said he requested a first floor room. Waiting on the other two to get back to me. Oh! Andddd…"

She pulled a file from her desk, "I even got rental car records on him and tracked down his ex fiance Stacy. She said she had plenty to share with me. She's on her way in to talk to us."

The three of them were quiet as they watched her. Finally, Elliot said, "Liv...we were gone for an hour and a half."

"I know. I probably could have heard back from all the hotels if I had another thirty minutes or so." She said with a sigh.

"All we did was sit in the car and go to the bakery for your croissant." Fin said, "You did all of that in 90 minutes?"

Olivia shrugged, "I have a lot of time on my hands these days. Little man and I work off adrenaline."

Elliot put his hand on her shoulder, "Okay. I think you've worked enough today. Let's go."

"Elliot." She brushed his arm off of hers, "I'm fine."

"Hey Olivia, thanks again for breaking Statton for us." Another officer said from across the squad room, "He caved like a little baby when you got in there."

Olivia's face flushed and she instantly turned away from her husband, "Oh. Uh…"

"Hold on a second." Elliot's blood was boiling and the veins in his arms and forehead were protruding, "You interrogated a suspect?" She didn't look at him and his voice was low, "Olivia."

Turning back to him she smiled as sweetly as she could, "I wouldn't say that I interrogated him...I think it was more like we had a conversation."

The officer chuckled, "Oh come on Olivia! You full on interrogated him, amazing reflexes by the way when he went after you. Didn't think a pregnant woman could move that fast."

"Went after you?" Elliot's voice boomed through the office, "Went after you? He put his hands on you?"

"No!" Olivia countered, "He tried but I got him cuffed before he was half way out of the chair. El it was fine. I was barely in there for 15 minutes."

"That's it." He shook his head adamantly, "You're done working until after the baby is born."

Hands on hips she glared back at him, "Elliot, we discussed this. You can't tell me I can't work!"

"He can't. But I can." A voice from beside them said, Don looked pissed, "I left for thirty minutes to get lunch and you broke the rules."

"How could you let her go in there?" Elliot asked, looking at the other officer, "She's pregnant!"

"She told us that she had been cleared and that it was okay." He said nervously, "We didn't know."

"Olivia, baby girl, are you crazy?" Fin looked just as frustrated, "That was incredibly stupid of you."

Olivia huffed, "You're mad too?"

Fin crossed his arms over his chest, "Damn right I am. As your partner I'm mad. As your friend and future Uncle of that kid...I'm pissed!"

Olivia looked over at John hopefully, "John…"

"Don't look at me." John said with a shake of his head, "I'm pissed too. Olivia that could have been really dangerous."

Olivia whined, "I was bored...you all left and I had nothing to do."

"You seemed to have plenty to do." Elliot said sternly, she rolled her eyes, "Olivia Margaret Benson Stabler…"

"My full name? Really? This warranted the use of my full name?"

"Yes. It did." Cragen said sternly, "And just so this doesn't happen again...Attention please!"

"Cragen!" Olivia reached for his arm, "Don't you dare-"

"Just so we're all clear...Detective Benson is on strict desk duty orders until the baby is born. If she so much as talks to a perp under any of your watch...you'll answer to me. Do I make myself clear?" Cragen yelled into the squad room.

"Yes Captain." Everyone agreed and shot Olivia a nervous glance.

Olivia threw her hands up in the air, "Captain, seriously?"

"Yes. Seriously. Now go home. You're done here today." He turned to Elliot, "And you go with her to make sure she actually goes home."

"Yes sir." Elliot grabbed his coat and pointed towards the elevators, "Let's go."

Feeling like one of their children after a scolding, she grabbed her own coat and stomped off, "I should have stayed at Computer Crimes."

"Good luck with that partner." John said, slapping him on the back.

Elliot sighed and followed after her, she was tapping her foot against the floor and her arms were crossed across her chest, resting on her belly, "Don't talk to me."

Elliot laughed and pressed the button again, "Fine. I don't feel like talking."

As they stepped into the elevator, she leaned against the wall and then looked at him, "How could you embarrass me like that?"

"I thought we weren't talking." He said through gritted teeth.

"I changed my mind. Am I allowed to do that or is that too strenuous?" She spat at him.

"You don't get to be angry right now Olivia. I'm angry enough for the both of us." He said pointing his finger at her.

Olivia pushed past home when the doors opened and stomped out of the building. Elliot was right behind her, "We're not done talking about this."

"I thought we weren't talking." She mimicked as they walked towards her car.

"Well you opened the can of worms so we're talking." He grabbed the car door and yanked it open. "Get in."

Sighing, she climbed in and shut the door behind her, waiting for him to get in on his side and climb in. She turned her face from him and looked out the window as he pulled out of his parking spot. As they drove, she heard him thrumming his fingers on the steering wheel. Every so often he made a frustrated sound and she could feel the tension rising. Neither one of them seemed to be able to start the conversation again though. They were both stewing. In fact they didn't talk at all the entire drive. When they pulled into the driveway, Elliot was glad the kids were still at school. Olivia got out of the car and walked up the path and into the house, tossing her bag on the couch. He stood behind her, waiting for her to say something first.

Finally she turned to him again, and immediately he could tell she was going to try and sweet talk her way out of this. "Look Elliot…"

"No you look." He said as he stepped up to her, "Olivia, what the hell were you thinking?"

Her face flushed and she sighed, "They needed help! I was just doing my job."

"Olivia, you more than anyone knows how perps can get in an interrogation. You said you would do anything for this child. That includes being smart at work. If you insist on working until you have the baby…you have to give a little here."

Biting hard on her lip she whispered, "I would do anything for this child. I wasn't...I didn't...I wasn't trying to…"

"I know you weren't." He put his hand on her arm, "But you put yourself in a dangerous situation. You and our son."

Looking down at her belly she whispered, "I had it under control…"

"He lunged at you. Yes, or no?" He asked quickly, "Did he go after you?"

She cringed and nodded, still not looking at him, "Yes. He did...but-"

"Olivia...what would have happened if he had gotten to you? How do you think I would have felt getting a phone call telling me that you got hurt? I mean I worry about that all the damn time. But now? Now...it's all I think about."

Looking back up at him, she saw the genuine fear on his face and for the first time she felt guilty, "El...I didn't mean…" He was still staring at her and she sighed, "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. You're right. I screwed up."

Sighing, he rubbed the back of his neck, "Look, I know how important the job is to you. I do. And you're damn good at it. I'm not saying that you can't ever do an interrogation again. But...while you're pregnant, I need you to put our kid first."

"I'm bored." She said softly, "I'm so incredibly bored."

Elliot laughed and nodded, "I know that. I know you're used to the fast pace at work but this is different Liv. Please don't make me beg because I will."

Walking towards the couch, she sat down and pulled her legs up into a criss cross position, "I just...feel like I'm losing part of myself. And I know it will be worth it, but I don't know who I am if I can't have that part of my life." She looked at him and she frowned, "You wouldn't understand. You don't have to sacrifice things like I do."

Elliot took a moment to consider his words carefully, then walked over to sit across from her on the coffee table, "You're right. I probably don't understand. But I can imagine that if someone told me I couldn't do my job...even for a small time it would bug me. But you aren't losing part of yourself. You're still Olivia Badass Benson and you always will be."

Smiling, she looked down at her bump, "You're just saying that so I'll do what you want me to do."

"No. I'm not." He reached for her hand, "Do I want you to stop overworking yourself? Yes. Of course I do. But I said it because it's true. You are a badass Liv. No one can take that away from you."

Taking a deep breath she whispered, "I want this baby. You know I do. I didn't mean to put either of us in harm's way. I'm sorry."

"I know." Leaning forward he kissed her, "I know you didn't. But do you understand why I am upset about this? Why we all are? We just want you safe."

"I get it. I get it." She leaned back against the couch and sighed, "I won't do it again. I promise."

Elliot smiled and settled in beside her, he wrapped an arm around her shoulders, "Thank you."

Snuggling into him she mumbled under her breath, "I did kick his ass though. Didn't stand a chance. Even with the bump."

Chuckling, he kissed the top of her head, "I don't doubt it baby."

"I'm going to let the baby name slide on the account that I got off easy in this argument." She said with a smile, she heard him laugh again, "But you know...I do have to try and find a way to keep my interrogation skills sharp. Any ideas?"

Elliot ran his hand up and down her arm, "Hm...I think I've got a few."

Lifting her head, she looked at him and smiled, "Make up sex time?"

"Make up sex time." He smacked her on the behind, "Go on up Detective. I'll think of my crime and then I'll join you."

She squealed and pulled herself off the couch, running off towards the stairs. He laughed to himself and put a hand over his face, "God I love that stubborn woman."

The following day, Elliot had gone into work early and Olivia had dropped the kids off at school. On her way into the office she made a quick stop and then walked into the squad room carrying a box and a tray.

All eyes turned towards her and she smiled sheepishly, "I come with 'I'm sorry donuts and coffee' which means everyone needs to forgive me."

A laugh echoed throughout the room, "Oh she's good." John said as he took the box from her, "She's really good."

Olivia beamed up at him, "I know how to get through to my favorite guys. I need to go through their stomachs and tap into their level of exhaustion."

Fin stood up and took a cup from her, "While I appreciate the gesture, I'm still mad."

Olivia pouted softly, "I know. But I really am sorry. Like really, really sorry."

"The pout." Fin said with a sigh, "She brought out the pout. What am I supposed to do with that?" He asked, looking over at Elliot.

Elliot laughed and shook his head, "Don't look at me. I'm never able to stay mad at her long when she does that."

Turning back to her, Fin sighed and took a donut, "I'll forgive you if you swear on my nephew that you won't do that again. I mean it Liv. Elliot's not the only one who worries about you. I know you can handle yourself but right now, it's not just you."

Looking down at her belly, she ran an affectionate hand over the top of it, "I know. You're right. This little man has to come first."

Walking up behind her, Cragen reached for his coffee, "You both come first. Right now you're linked. Keeping him safe is also keeping you safe."

Olivia looked at her boss and nodded, "I understand. And I hear what you're saying. What you're all saying. And I promise it won't happen again. There will be no interrogations from me until after the baby is born and I'm back to work full time. Okay?" They all looked at her skeptically, "I mean it. I really do. Elliot made me realize that even though I can't do my job like I normally do right now...doesn't mean it won't be that way forever."

"That's right." Fin said, "Before you know it, you'll be back out on the mean streets of New York kicking ass and taking names like you always do. Putting the rest of us to shame."

"Yeah, for the next few months, can't you just let the rest of us shine for once?" John said with a sarcastic sigh.

She shrugged her shoulders, "I need to keep my title of favorite around here John."

"Well you almost lost that title yesterday." Cragen said, pointing at her, "It was close. But if you promise to behave I'll hold the spot for you."

Placing a hand over her heart she smiled, "I promise."

"Alright then." Reaching across her he grabbed a donut, "You even got extra points because these are still warm."

Olivia laughed and nodded, "Good to know!"

Elliot stood up and grabbed his own coffee, "Thanks." He smiled down at her and pointed at her chair, "Now go sit."

Sighing, she turned away from him, "Fine. Fine…"

He gave her shoulder a little squeeze as she went, "Just remind yourself that it will all be worth it Liv. So worth it."

As John chewed on his own donut, he spoke, "You know, I'm surprised at how calm you are, Stabler. After yesterday, I thought you two would be still stewing, still fighting like the old days."

Fin chuckled from his own desk, "Oh come on man...you know why."

"Fin...don't." Olivia said with a smirk, "Don't-"

"Back then they couldn't release all that tension. So they spent days, sometimes week making our lives hell. Now...well now they sure can. Beats the hell out of 'I'm sorry coffee and donuts'." He said with a laugh.

Elliot was sitting at his desk and propped his feet up on the desk. All eyes turned to him and he laughed, propping his hands behind his head he gave them a satisfied smirk, "I plead the fifth."

"Which means I'm right." Fin said with a howl, "Olivia apologized in an ohhh so special way."

Throwing a pencil from her desk, she growled, "Jealous much?"

"If you aren't, you should be. I'm a very lucky man." Elliot adjusting his tie as he spoke.

Another pencil flew across the room and landed on his desk, "You shush!"

"Don't worry Liv...he'll just apologize later with not 'I'm sorry coffee and donuts.'" Fin teased.

Olivia stood up quickly, "You know it's dangerous to piss me off right now. When I'm this angry...all I want to do is interrogate someone. Maybe I'll-"

"Sit down!" Four voices yelled at her from their spots in the squad room.

Sitting down again, she reached for a donut and sighed, "Kid...you better love me most. Mommy misses kicking ass."

That night Olivia was still slightly miffed at her husband but kept it casual in front of the kids. After putting them all to sleep and cleaning up from dinner, the front door opened and he walked in from work. He had a little smile on his face and was holding something behind his back.

Leaning against the counter she tossed down a towel and smiled, "Hi."

Pulling one hand away from his back, he waved a white flag, "I'm calling for peace."

She chuckled, rolling her eyes, damn it was hard to stay mad at him, "A white flag? Really?"

He smiled and pulled his other hand away from his back, "And a gallon of rocky road."

"Smart man." She grabbed the carton and reached for a spoon, "This is definitely better than 'I'm sorry coffee and donuts.""Better than make up sex?" He asked as his lips descended on the back of her neck.

She laughed and leaned against him, "I think it might be."

He scoffed and tickled her sides, "Rude."

Olivia turned back to him and offered him a bite, "Which is better?"

He licked his lips and smiled, "The ice cream is good. But you taste better."

She smiled and shook her head, "Again I say, smart man."

Cocking his head towards the couch he smiled, "Come on."

She followed him towards the living room and settled against the cushions. She smiled when he stood behind her and started to massage her shoulders, "El…"

"Focus on your ice cream. I'll focus on you." He whispered as he dropped a kiss to the top of her head.

Her eyes fluttered close as her lips closed around the cold spoon, "Why was I mad again?"

He chuckled and pressed his thumbs further into her shoulders, "I'd tell you but it would only make you mad again."

She smirked and rolled her neck back and forth, "Oh I remember...you were gloating about our sex life to our coworkers."

"A man can't gloat about how sexy his wife is? About how lucky he is?" He teased."Not when it only adds fuel to the fire of our dumbass partners." She growled."Fair enough." His hands slid down her back and he felt her sigh, "How are you feeling today anyway?""Fine." She sighed and put the carton down, "He's very active. And I'm exhausted. But it could be worse.""Anything else I can do to make you feel better?" He asked softly, "Just name it."

She smiled and reached for his hand, "You're already doing it El."

He smiled and went back to massaging her back, "What if I said I brought home extra case files and Cragen said you can work on them from home?"

Her face erupted into a bigger smile, "Oh you're good."

Reaching for a file, he handed it to her, "You kick ass. I'll keep massaging."

With one hand, she propped open the file on her belly and then reached for the spoon with another, "Little man...your Dad is the best."

On Halloween morning, Elliot had been called into work for a few hours. He was rushing around the bedroom while Olivia watched him get changed. "Think you'll be back before the kids go out tonight?"

Elliot sighed and pulled a shirt over his head, "I'm going to do my best. Cap said it should only be a few hours."

"Okay. Well you know if you can't make it back, they'll understand. We'll understand." She smiled at him.

Turning towards her he smiled, "I know that. But I don't want to miss seeing the kids all dressed up. I missed it last year...and it sucked."

"I know El. But it's part of the job...we can't always help it. They get it. It's hard but they get it."

Walking over to her, he took her hand and frowned, "I know...but I also don't want you taking them out. I don't need you walking around late at night and going into labor."

She smiled softly at him, "Your Mom said she would take them if you aren't here. I'm resigned to candy duty at the house."

"Mommy!" Richie ran into the room and hopped up on the bed, "I need to talk to you."

"Okay. What's wrong buddy?" She smoothed his hair back, "You feel okay?"

"I'm fine. But...I have a problem with my costume." He turned towards his Dad, "Are you going into work Dad?"

"For awhile bud." Glancing down at his watch he frowned, "In fact I need to run. I'm going to try and rush back before you guys go out though. Okay?"

Richie nodded, "Okay Dad."

"You be good. Listen to your Mom and help her out. Okay?" He said, looking down at him.

Richie smiled and saluted, "You got it Dad."

"Thanks bud." He kissed him on the head and then leaned into kiss Olivia, "I'll call you later."

"Bye. We'll see you later." She called out as he left the room. When he was gone, she turned back to Richie, "Okay. So what's wrong with your costume? Did you rip something? I can fix it."

"No. But I changed my mind. I don't want to be batman." He said with a shake of his head.

Olivia sighed, this had happened last year too, "Richie...honey...it's kind of late to go get a new costume."

"But I really want to be this person." He said with a frown, "He's the best superhero in the city."

"I thought you said Batman was the best superhero?" She asked, "What's wrong with batman?"

"There's nothing wrong with Batman. But he's the best superhero in Gotham City. Not New York City." He said quickly.

Olivia smiled, "Okay...well then who is the best Superhero in New York City?"

Richie's face lit up and he leaned in, "If I tell you...can you keep it a secret until tonight?"

Olivia was intrigued by his enthusiasm, "I can do that." Leaning in, he whispered something in her ear and her heart beat faster, "Oh! I see...well I think we can make that happen little man. I think we can definitely make that happen."

As the kids ate dinner, Bernie and Olivai were maneuvering around the kitchen making sure they were all eating enough before going out to trick or treating. They were all excited but she could tell they were all looking at the clock, wondering if their Father was going to make it home to go with them. Last year he had to work overnight and they wanted him here tonight. While they understood, Olivia knew it was still hard on them. Reaching for her phone, she was hoping to see a message from Elliot but there wasn't one.

Sighing, she turned to them and took a deep breath, "Keep eating guys. You don' t want to be hungry while you're out there tonight."

"We can just eat the candy." Richie said with a shrug, "Then we won't be hungry."

"You know Daddy likes to look through our candy first before we can eat any of it." Lizzie said softly.

"That's right. And...candy isn't going to keep you full." Olivia said ruffling his hair, "So keep eating please. We can't go anywhere until you eat everything on that plate."

"Last year we had to wait until the next day to eat any of our candy." Kathleen said with a frown, "Because he couldn't come home.""

"He'll be here. I know he'll be here." Maureen said quickly, "He promised."

Olivia smiled and rubbed her back, "Keep eating sweetie. We all have to get ready after anyway!"

Turning away from them, she walked back into the kitchen and Bernie followed her, "He hasn't called?"

"No. But I know he'll be here. He has to be here." She frowned and caught Richie's eye, "Especially since…"

Her voice trailed away and Bernie leaned into her, "Especially since what?"

Richie just gave her a quick nod and she smiled, turning back to her Mother-in-Law she smiled, "He'll be here Bernie. I know he will."

Elliot yawned as he walked into the squad room after a long interrogation. He plopped down at his desk and reached for a file. As his hand passed in front of him, his eyes caught sight of his watch. The very watch that his wife had given him before their wedding. His eyes went wide, "Shit."

Munch sat down at his own desk and frowned, "What's wrong?"

"It's past 5? How the hell did that happen? I promised the kids I'd take them out tonight. Shit. Shit. Shit." He started searching for his phone, "I'm never going to make it home in time."

"Elliot, go home." John said, reaching across the desk and grabbing the file in front of his partner, "Go on."

Elliot looked up at Munch, "John...I-"

"Elliot, Halloween is just Halloween to me. Nothing special. You have four kids who want their Dad to take them trick or treating. Go. I got this. It's no big deal." He said with a smile.

Elliot stared at him for a moment, "Are you sure?"

"Of course I'm sure. Just sneak me a few peanut butter cups when you go through their candy as a thank you, okay?" He said with a smirk.

Elliot chuckled and grabbed his coat and phone, "John, I owe you one. Thank you so much."

He dashed out of the squad room before anyone could change their mind.

At the house, Bernie was downstairs with the girls who were all dressed and ready to go. Maureen was dressed as Hermione from Harry Potter. Kathleen was a PIrate and Lizzie was a Princess. Richie was still upstairs with Olivia getting his own costume on. He didn't want anyone to see him until it was time to go.

"How come Richie decided to not go with the Batman costume?" Bernie asked curiously, "He was talking about it for weeks! And he looked so cute."

Maureen shrugged, "I don't know. He just changed his mind this morning and Mom went with him to the store to get a few things. Neither of them would say anything, Richie wanted it to be a secret."

"So your poor pregnant Mother has been running around getting the costume ready?" Bernie smiled and shook her head, "What a mother she is."

"She's the best." Kathleen said with a smile, "The absolute best."

Bernie smield and squeezed her shoulder, "Yes she is sweetie. Yes she is."

Glancing at the clock Maureen sighed, "We need to go soon…"

"But Daddy isn't here." Lizzie whispered, "He said he'd be here. He promised."

"I know sweetie, but you know how busy Dad can get at work. He doesn't mean to miss things. But it happens. You know he'll try and do anything he can to get here." Bernie said softly.

Headlights filled the driveway and Kathleen's eyes went wide, "He's home!"

The four of them watched from the window and saw Elliot hop out of the car and run towards the house. He whipped the door open and when his eyes caught sight of them, he sighed, "Good! You didn't leave yet."

"Daddy!" Lizzie ran at him and launched herself into his arms, "You made it!"

Elliot scooped her up and kissed her cheek, "I wasn't missing this for a second year in a row. You look great baby!"

She smiled at him, "I knew you'd be here."

Kathleen walked over to him and put her hand on his arm, "Can we go now?"

Elliot looked around and frowned, "Well where is your Mom and Richie?"

"They're upstairs." Maureen said, "Richie had a last minute costume change."

"Again? He did this last year." He laughed and shook his head, "Let me guess...your Mom has been on overdrive trying to make the new costume ready in time?"

"Exactly." Maureen said with a smile, "She's probably exhausted."

Elliot sighed and put Lizzie down, dropping a kiss to her head he said, "Good thing she's staying here tonight. I'll go see what the hold up is."

Taking the steps two at a time, Elliot looked first into Richie's room but didn't see them. Then he checked the bathroom but still no sign of them. When he heard a giggle coming from their bedroom, he followed it and knocked on the door. He was just about to open it, when Olivia's head poked around the corner. "Hey! You're home."

Elliot smiled at her, "I'm home. Sorry it took so long. We were swamped. But John agreed to stay late so I could come home."

Olivia smiled, "That was nice of him." She heard a thud from behind her and she peaked around, "Richie hang on, I'll help you."

Elliot put his hand on the door and tried to push it open, "I can do it-"

"No!" She looked back at him and shook her head, "No. He doesn't want you to see him yet. We're almost ready."

Elliot frowned, "What's going on? I thought he was going to be Batman?"

She smirked, "He's 6 El. He changes his mind about anything and everything."

"Yes. I get that. But you shouldn't be running around like a crazy person trying to get a new costume together." He said with a huff, "He can just be batman."

"El, seriously. It's fine. Besides, his costume is the best. It wasn't that hard." She said.

Elliot sighed, "Fine, but can I at least get some clothes to change into?"

Olivia adamantly shook her head, "No. No, you need to keep that on." He gave her a strange look, "Just...trust me." She leaned out the door and kissed him, "Go downstairs. We'll be right there."

Before he could respond, the door closed in his face and he knew he had been dismissed. He laughed but shook his head knowing he wasn't going to get anywhere with her right now. When it came to the kids, she would do anything and everything for them. One of the many reasons he loved her. Turning, he walked down the hall and downstairs to meet with the kids again.

"Where are they? We're going to miss all the good houses." Kathleen said with a sigh.

Elliot shrugged, "I don't know. She said they are almost done though. You guys have no idea what his new costume is?"

Bernie shook her head, "They kept it pretty hush, hush. Richie wanted it to be a surprise." She reached for her son, "Did you eat? There is some pizza left over."

"I grabbed something on the way home so that I didn't have to waste any time here." He said with a smile.

A moment later, Olivia came down the stairs but Richie wasn't with her, "Everyone ready?"

"We're ready. But where is Richie?" Maureen asked, "We're wasting time."

"He wants to make a special entrance." She turned to her husband, "You stand over there."

Elliot frowned, "What? Why? What the heck is going on?"

"Just go." She said with a little laugh, she pushed him towards the door, "It will make sense in a second."

"Richie's been all about superheroes lately. So did he pick another superhero?" Kathleen asked.

Olivia got Elliot to stand where she wanted him, "He did. The best of the best."

Elliot frowned, feeling very confused, "That's Batman. Everyone knows that."

"He's the best Superhero in Gotham City El. Not New York City." She said with a playful eye roll as she tapped his chest.

Elliot narrowed his eyes at her, "So...he wanted to be spiderman?"

Smiling at her husband, she smoothed the tie down on his chest and then looked directly into his eyes, "Nope." She turned towards the stairs, trying to keep her face impassive, "He wanted to be you."

All eyes turned towards the stairs as Richie came down the steps in a shirt and pair of pants that matched Elliot's. Even his tie was an exact replica of his Father's. Olivia had given his hair a trim so it looked more like Elliot's. She even drew a makeshift tattoo to match Elliot's on his forearm. As he got to the bottom of the stairs. Richie reached into his pocket and pulled out a badge that Olivia had made to look like his Father's, "Detective Elliot Stabler. Can you answer a few questions for me?"

Bernie put a hand over her mouth, "Wow. He's a mini you."

Maureen smiled at her brother, "You look great Richie!"

"I'm not Richie." He said looking towards her, "Tonight, I'm Detective Stabler."

"Oh. I'm sorry." Maureen said with a smile, "Forgive me Detective."

"Let me see the badge." Kathleen said walking over to her brother, he handed it to her, "Did you make this Mom?"

"That's what we went to the store for." Olivia said with a smile, "That and the shirt and tie."

"This costume totally beats Batman anyday." Bernie said, touching Richie's shoulder.

Turning towards her husband, she saw that his face was soft and hard to read, "So...what do you think?"

Elliot cleared his throat and looked at his son, "You picked me over Batman?"

Richie turned to his Father and smiled, "Yeah! You're way cooler than Batman Dad! Batman's not even real. But you are and you fight the bad guys every day. You're a real superhero!"

"You think I'm a superhero?" He asked in a soft voice, "I'm cooler than Batman?"

Richie stood up straighter and tugged on his hand, "Totally!"

"I couldn't argue with that logic because I feel the same way. You're way cooler than Batman El." She squeezed the back of his neck and smiled.

Elliot turned to his wife, "And you helped him put this all together?"

"Yep." She leaned up and kissed him, "How could I not?"

"Oh we need a picture of this!" Bernie said, ushering Richie towards her son, "Take out your badges."

Olivia walked over to stand with the girls and couldn't help but feel such a rush of love for the two boys in front of her. Richie did look exactly like her husband and she wondered if their second son would too. Everyone laughed as they posed together and Elliot taught him how to stand to look more like a Detective. Olivia wondered if she was getting a glimpse into the future. As they started taking pictures as a group, the excitement grew. The kids were anxious to get out into the neighborhood and get candy. Olivia said goodbye to all of them and was walking back into the kitchen when she felt two hands on her hips.

Turning she smiled when she saw Elliot beaming at her, "I love you."

Pressing a hand against his cheek she whispered, "I love you too. Have fun."

As Elliot walked with the kids from house to house, he couldn't take his eyes off Richie. At every house he introduced himself as Detective Elliot Stabler. Being new to the neighborhood, many people were confused. But then Richie would point out his Dad who just blushed and waved. On more than one occasion Richie explained that his Dad and his Mom kept everyone safe and Elliot's heart swelled with pride.

"He really does look like you." Maureen said with a smile as she fell into step beside her Father.

Elliot smiled, "I didn't realize how much he did until tonight."

"I bet our new brother will too." She looked over at her Dad and then frowned, "Does it bother you that I look like…"

Elliot stopped as the younger kids ran up to a new house. "Mo…"

"I know I do." She shrugged, "So do Lizzie and Kathleen. Blonde hair and all…"

Elliot frowned and reached for her, "Yeah. You look like her. It's inevitable. But no Mo...it doesn't bother me. You are your own person. You're growing into a wonderful young lady and I'm so lucky to call you my daughter."

"I just don't want to be like her in any other way. I want to be good...like you and Mom. Think I will be?" She asked softly.

Elliot pulled her close and kissed her forehead, "You already are kiddo. You already are."

"Daddy! Daddy!" Richie's voice snapped him out of his moment with Mo, "They had king size ones!"

Elliot smiled and knelt down in front of Richie, "Nice bud. Twix? That's your Mom's favorite."

Richie stared down at it, thought for a moment and then smiled, "Then we should save it for her."

Elliot's eyes went wide and he touched his son's forehead, "You feeling okay kid? You didn't sneak any candy when I wasn't looking did you?"

Richie giggled, "No. But Mommy helped me put this costume together today. She worked hard. Andddd she is the other best superhero in New York City. She deserves a treat too."

Elliot smiled at his son and kissed the top of his head, "I couldn't agree more Detective Stabler. I couldn't agree more."

That night, the kids were in a full sugar coma. Elliot was making sure the girls were asleep and Olivia was trying to wrangle Richie into going to bed. As he walked down the hall he could hear Richie beginning to slow down. He leaned against the wall outside his son's room and listened in.

"Thanks for helping me with my costume." Richie said snuggling into her, he was still dressed as his Dad and refused to change.

"You're welcome baby. I think it was a great costume." She was rubbing his back hoping he would soon fall asleep.

Richie yawned again, "Daddy is a superhero. Way better than batman. I mean it is cool that Batman can fly...but Daddy helps real people."

"Very true." Olvia whispered, "Daddy works hard everyday to keep us all safe."

Richie was quiet for a moment and then lifted his head, "I almost forgot." Leaning over the bed, he pulled out his bag of candy, "I saved you a King Size Twix. Daddy said it is your favorite."

"It is. But why don't you keep it for yourself? King Size Candy bars are the jackpot on Halloween!" She said, smiling at him.

Richie sat up and handed it to her, "I got another one. And I want you to have it. I picked Dad as the Superhero to dress up as but I think you're a Superhero too."

Olivia's face softened and she smiled, "Oh yeah?"

Richie nodded, "Uh huh. You fight with Daddy against all the real bad guys too. I think it's so cool that both my parents are superheroes."

Reaching out, she touched his cheek and smiled, "Richie…"

"You are like the real life Wonder Woman and Superman. You guys do so much for everyone. At work...and then you come here and do so much for us. You loved us when you didn't need to." He shrugged and looked down, "A candy bar isn't enough to say thank you...but maybe it's a start?"

Olivia reached out and pulled him into her lap, "You never have to say thank you for me loving you baby. That's just a given. Always."

Richie smiled and hugged her tight, "I love you Mom."

"I love you too." She kissed his cheek twice and then lay him down on the bed, "Now...you need some sleep Detective Stabler."

Richie smiled up at her, "You too Detective Stabler."

She chuckled and kissed him again, "Happy Halloween. Goodnight."

Slipping the candybar into the pocket of her cardigan, she walked out of the room with a smile on her face. She jumped and pressed a hand against her chest when she saw Elliot standing there, "Jesus El. You scared the crap out of me."

He smiled and reached out to cradle her face in his hands, "I'm sorry." He kissed her softly, "Although it is Halloween…"

She rolled her eyes and pressed a hand on her belly, "Yes...that's true. But when you scare your pregnant wife it could lead to premature labor. Keep that in mind mister."

He chuckled and put a hand on her belly over hers, "Well we don't want that. I'm sorry."

"Were you eavesdropping?" She asked, leaning in to his touch.

"I can't deny that I was." He whispered, "Come with me."

She let him take her hand and walk her towards their bedroom. "Where are you taking me Stabler?"

"You've been busy today." He closed their bedroom door behind him, "Go sit. My Mom said you've been on your feet all day."

Olivia smiled and was glad she was already in her pajamas, "I just wanted to make sure that everything was perfect for the kids."

"And you did. As always." He tugged off his own shirt and tie, "How you matched Richie's clothes to mine like that, I'll never know."

Olivia smiled and curled into the pillows on the bed, "How adorable was he? He was so excited this morning when he told me what he wanted to be. I couldn't let him down."

Slipping into sweat pants and a t-shirt, he crawled up beside her on the bed, "When he came down the steps I couldn't believe what I was seeing. I still don't think I'm better than Batman...but I'll take it. Someday he won't feel that way. So for now, I'll revel in that victory."

He was sitting in front of her and took her legs into his lap, "Of course you're his hero El. You're his Dad. And since the day he was born...you have gone above and beyond to make him happy. To ensure he had everything and anything he would ever need. You're all four of your kids' heroes. And you will be this little guy's hero too. Plus...you've always been mine."

Elliot massaged her calves and shook his head, "Liv…"

"You have been." She placed a gentle hand on his arm and rubbed his forearm affectionately, "Since day one you've had my back. You protected me and no one else ever had before you. I can pretend to be independent and all that...and I am. But having you at my side...I never felt unsafe. I never do."

Elliot leaned down and kissed her softly, "I will never let anything happen to you or our children. Not under my watch."

"I know." She held his face firmly in hers, "That's why we love you so much."

Elliot sighed and smiled down at her, "You know Richie was right though...you're our hero to Liv. I don't know how you do everything you do. You never let us see you sweat, you kick ass every single day. I don't know how or what we did to get lucky enough to have you in our lives, but we are so lucky. And we'll never forget it."

At that moment, the baby kicked in her belly and Olivia smiled, "Ya know...I think I'm pretty damn lucky too Stabler."

He kissed her once more and then sat up to continue massaging her legs, "Feel okay?"

She nestled into the pillows and smiled, "Feeling great. Keep doing that…"

He smiled and watched as she took out her candy bar and opened it, "I see you got your candy bar."

Breaking it in half, she held out half of it for him, "I did. This superhero shares though."

Elliot laughed and took the half she offered, "Want to watch a movie?"

She reached behind her for the remote and nodded, "As long as you keep doing what you're doing...yeah. We can watch a movie. A scary one?"

Elliot shrugged, "Whatever you want. A scary one will get me freaked out Olivia curled up against me so I'll go with that."

She smiled and turned on a 24 hour horror movie marathon, "My superhero husband will keep me safe. But what happens if you get scared?"

Moving his hands down to her feet he smiled, "I think my superhero wife will keep me safe too."

She sighed happily and munched on her candy bar, "Happy Halloween babe."

"Happy Halloween babe." He said with a wink.