Wasn't planning on posting this so quickly after yesterday. BUTTTT I joined Twitter after the suggestion from a lovely reader. (Twitter handle JoyfulHeartEO) And the welcome I got today was overwhelming! So...I decided why not? I have the chapter so I'll post it. Thanks for the continued love and support! I've said it before and I'll say it again...my writing is my escape. The last few years have been tough and being able to get lost in another world for a bit has been super therapeutic for me. It was also terrifying to put my work out there. So your support means THE WORLD TO ME! Thank you from the bottom of my Bensler loving heart! 3

Just some domestic E/O fluff for this chapter. Enjoy :)

Two weeks later, Olivia and Elliot were settling into life as parents of five children. One morning, they were in bed both wide awake staring down at Noah as he slept bundled up. He had been crying and Elliot had retrieved him from the bassinet, Olivia didn't even blink when he brought him between them. Being surrounded by his parents, he instantly calmed down and began to fall asleep again.

Olivia reached out and touched her index finger to his soft cheek, "How is he two weeks old already?"

Elliot smiled, "I don't know. But today is technically his original due date."

Olivia smirked and leaned closer to her son, "Couldn't wait to get into the world."

Elliot watched her watching him and his heart raced in his chest, "How do you do it?"

Her eyes glanced up at him, "Do what?"

He sighed and reached across their son to touch her arm, "Make it all look so damn easy." She rolled her eyes and he smiled, "I'm serious Liv. You've been so good with him and the other kids as if our lives didn't just completely get turned upside down. I mean when they came to meet him, you were exhausted but you still made sure to put their needs first over your own."

Olivia smiled at him, "Well I wanted to make sure they remembered that even with their new brother...nothing has changed. They are still as important as they were before. Still as loved."

A few hours after arriving at the hospital, Bernie showed up with the rest of the kids. Elliot met them outside and brought them up to Olivia's room. He pushed the door open and smiled at Olivia who let him know she was ready. He stepped aside to let the four kids walk in, Bernie followed close behind.

"Oh my gosh…" Maureen said softly, "He's so cute."

Richie walked to the side of the bed and stared up at his Mother with wide eyes, "That's my brother?"

Olivia smiled and positioned the baby so he could get a better look, "Yes Richie. This is your brother. Noah James Stabler. I guess he couldn't wait to see you so he decided to come a little early."

Richie looked up at his Dad, "Can I sit on the bed?"

Elliot looked at Olivia who just nodded her head, "Sure buddy. Just be as still as you can, okay? Noah and Mommy went through a lot today."

He carefully lifted Richie up onto the bed who very cautiously peered over at his brother, "Hi Noah. I'm really glad to meet you. I'm going to be the best big brother. I promise."

When he placed a gentle kiss on Noah's head, the adults and Maureen had to try and hide their tears, "He is so lucky to have you buddy. So lucky."

"Are you okay Mom?" An anxious Kathleen asked from the other side of the bed, "You weren't supposed to have him yet."

"I'm okay honey. I know...I'm sorry if we worried you. It just sort of happened. But I'm good. I promise."

Elliot squeezed Olivia's shoulder, "She was a rockstar as usual. I think she was more calm than I was."

"Was he technically born on the 31st or the 1st?" Maureen asked.

"At exactly 12:00am on January 1st. All 8lbs and 6 oz of him." Elliot said with a smile, "I can only imagine what he was thinking…"

Olivia chuckled, "He had quite an audience upon his arrival."

"Did Uncle Munch pass out?" Kathleen asked with a laugh, "Or say something silly?"

"The later." Elliot said with an eye roll, "More than once."

"Is that why you didn't name him John?" Bernie asked with a laugh, "I love the name Noah though."

"Noah was the man that helped deliver him. And James helped too. My partner from Computer Crimes. Everyone helped….but we wouldn't have been able to do it without them." Noah cooed up at her and Lizzie gasped, "Do you want to come up too honey?"

Lizzie nodded and Elliot helped her sit next to Richie, "Wow...he's so cute."

"I think so too. Think we should keep him?" Olivia teased.

Lizzie nodded slowly, "I think so. Hi Noah…" Her little hand reached out to him but she paused, "Is it okay if I-"

"You can touch him...just be gentle." Elliot said, rubbing her back, "You're okay."

Lizzie gently touched his hand and his little fingers instinctively wrapped around hers, "Oh!"

Elliot smiled and dropped a kiss to the top of her head, "He's just saying hi."

"I don't remember ever being that little." Richie said, shaking his head, "Doesn't seem possible."

"Oh it is possible. In fact you were even tinier." Elliot said to his son, "You weighed about 7 pounds and Lizzie was 6."

"But we're big now!" Richie said proudly, "And I'm still growing!"

"That you are." Elliot ruffled his hair, "And this little guy will grow too. You'll see. Before you know it...you'll be running around together causing all sorts of trouble no doubt."

"When will you bring him home?" Kathleen asked, "We made sure everything was ready."

Olivia smiled at her, "Maybe tomorrow? If not, definitely the next day." They all gave her a worried look, "They may keep me an extra night just because I had the baby at the precinct. But I'm fine. I promise." Maureen gave her a look and she laughed, "Okay...I feel like I got run over by a truck but...it could have been much worse. Besides, this little guy makes it all worth it." She looked up at Bernie, "Would you like to hold him Bernie?"

Elliot turned towards his Mom and smiled, "Come sit."

Bernie followed him and sat down in the chair in the corner. Elliot carefully took Noah from Olivia's arm and brought him over to his Mom. Placing him in her arms he smiled, "Meet your Grandma B."

Bernie leaned down and kissed him softly, "Oh he is so precious. He looks just like you did when you were born, but he has Olivia's eyes."

Richie and Lizzie curled up on either side of Olivia, careful to not hurt her, "What happens when he comes home?"

Olivia smiled at Richie, "Well...it will be an adjustment for all of us. But we'll figure it out. I'm sure it was an adjustment when I first moved in."

Lizzie shook her head, "No. That was easy. You were there all the time anyway. Plus it was awesome because then you were just with us at night too."

Elliot smiled at his wife whose face was flushed, "She was quieter than he'll be too."

Olivia laughed, "He will definitely make some more noise than we may be used to. But Dad and I will do our best to make sure he doesn't disturb you guys when you are sleeping."

"Well we're all going to help too." Maureen said looking at her siblings, "We all talked about it. You guys will be busy with Noah and we don't want you to have to worry about us."

Olivia frowned, "We appreciate the help...but we will always worry about you guys. Noah or no Noah...you're still just as important."

"Told you she'd say that." Kathleen said, nudging her with her elbow.

Olivia laughed, "Well it's true! Yes, thie beginning with Noah will be different but we are still your parents. Whatever you guys need, you come to us. Okay? No matter what is going on."

"Okay. Well what I need right now…" Richie said with a pout, "Is something to eat."

Everyone started laughing and Elliot lifted his oldest son up, "I should have known. Come on...let's go down to the cafeteria. Anyone else coming?"

"I'll go!" Lizzie said, hopping down.

Kathleen followed her until it was just Maureen, Bernie, Olivia and Noah. Bernie stood up, walked over to Maureen and smiled, "I bet your Dad could use some help keeping them in line. He's probably exhausted too. Why don't you take your brother?"

Maureen looked over at Olivia, "Can I?"

Olivia smiled and adjusted her position on the bed, "Of course you can. You've had practice before."

Bernie carefully placed Noah in her arms and then exited the room. Olivia watched Maureen cradling her younger brother and saw tears forming in her eyes. She was growing up so fast and Olivia wanted time to slow down. Reaching out, she touched her arm, "You okay honey?"

Maureen swallowed hard and looked up at her, "Yeah…"

Leaning her head against the back of the bed, Olivia smiled softly, "I can see right through you sweetie. What's on your mind?"

Maureen sniffed and looked down, "I'm happy. And sad. All at the same time and I don't even know why."

"A lot of things have changed in the last few years. You're growing up...sometimes growing up can be a little scary." Olivia whispered, "It's okay to feel that way."

"I don't remember when Kathleen was born...not really. But I remember when the twins were born. Dad was so excited, he came and picked us up and we went to the hospital to meet them. I still couldn't believe there would be two of them." She laughed and stroked Noah's cheek, "Dad was...over the moon introducing us to them. But M-" She paused and shook her head, "Kathy...she just was sitting there. She wasn't looking at them. Didn't talk to us. I think that was when I knew...that something was wrong. She left soon after that…"

"I can understand why this moment would bring up those memories." Olivia answered, "It's okay to still feel sad about it."

Maureen sighed, "I don't miss her...not really. I guess I just feel that sense of…"

"Abandonment?" Olivia asked, Maureen bit her lip and nodded, "I get that. And as someone who felt that a lot in her life, I know how much it can hurt. But sweetie...no one in this family is ever going to abandon you again. I meant it when I said nothing changes. You are still my daughter and always will be. Even if I have another baby after Noah...you, Kathleen, Richie and Lizzie are just as much my kids as they are. Okay?"

Maureen nodded as another tear fell from the corner of her eye, "Okay." Looking down at her brother she whispered, "You have no idea yet, but you are the luckiest kid on the planet. Welcome to the world Noah James Stabler."

Noah stretched his arms and yawned, pulling them both from the memory. Elliot smiled and leaned in to kiss his cheek, "Damn he's cute."

Olivia smiled and Noah gripped her hand as he continued to sleep, "Yeah. He is."

Elliot sighed and looked over at her, "I don't want to go back to work."

"I know you don't. But...you need to. We have five kids we have to feed." She said with a little smile.

Elliot pouted, "I should get the same amount of time you get off."

"That would be lovely. But...that's not how it works hon. I'm sorry." She reached out and touched his cheek, "Maybe if it's a slow day I'll bring him by."

Elliot grimaced, "No." She gave him a strange look, "I just feel like...anything can happen there. It won't be safe."

Olivia scooted up on the bed, "El, you can't keep us in a bubble forever."

"Why not?" He sat up and pulled Noah into his lap, "It's nice in this bubble of ours. I think you'd be happy here."

She laughed and scooted off the bed, "I'm already going stir crazy. So no. I'm going out in the world again and so will Noah."

Noah peered up at his Father with curious wide eyes, "That's up to him. Wouldn't you like to just stay here forever my little man? You've got everything you need."

Olivia pulled her hair up into a ponytail and smiled at him, "El…"

"What? He does." He looked up at her, "What's so great about the real world anyway?"

Sighing, she sat down beside him again and put her hand on his arm, "Considering we put people away for locking away their kids...you gotta loosen the reins a bit."

Elliot leaned all the way down and pressed a kiss to Noah's nose, "Fine. But I don't have to like it."

Olivia laughed and kissed his cheek, "Okay. You got him? I'm going to go make sure the kids are up."

Elliot leaned back and cradled Noah against his chest, "I got 'em. We'll have one of our Father/Son talks."

She chuckled and ran her hand down his arm, "You do that babe."

"Hey…" She knew what was coming before he continued, "You just called me babe."

She rolled her eyes and walked towards the door, "I must be sleep deprived."

She heard him chuckling as she walked out into the hallway. She poked her head into Maureen's room and saw that she was already up, when she heard the shower running she knew she was in there. Kathleen walked by her to go downstairs and Lizzie was waking up slowly but surely. But when she poked her head into Richie's room, he was still fast asleep. Walking all the way into the room, she pulled on the shades and sat down on the edge of his bed, "Richie…"

The young boy groaned and rolled over, his eyes still closed, "Mmm…"

"Come on buddy. It's time to wake up for school." He snored slightly and she chuckled, "Richie…"

After a moment, his eyes fluttered open and he looked up at her, "It's morning?"

"It's morning." She said with a nod, "Time to get moving or we'll be late."

Scooting closer to her, he rested his head in her lap and closed his eyes again, "Can't I stay home with you, Daddy and Noah? I can take care of him."

"No buddy. You need to go to school. We talked about this." He looked up at her with a little pout and she smiled, "I know you love spending time with Noah. And he loves spending time with you. But school is important too."

Richie sighed loudly, "Oh fine...but I don't have to like it."

"You are so much like your Father it's scary." She tickled him and stood up, "Come on. Let's go downstairs and I'll make you some breakfast."

"Or…" Richie said crawling off the bed, "I could spend five extra minutes with Daddy and Noah and I can just eat a bagel in the car?"

Olivia smirked and pointed towards the door, "Go on."

Richie cheered triumphantly and took off down the hallway towards his parents room. Checking back in on Lizzie, she saw her getting ready to change. Curiously, she walked towards her bedroom again and leaned against the wall to listen in. Through the mirror on the wall, she could see her three favorite guys curled up together. Listening carefully, she could hear Elliot talking to them both.

"When will he be big enough to do stuff with me? Like play and ride bikes?" Richie asked.

Elliot smiled at him, "It's going to be a while before riding bikes...a little less for playing but still longer than you'd probably like."

"So I just laid there like a blob too?" Richie asked, peering at his brother curiously, "Don't get me wrong...I love him but he doesn't do much."

"Well he's still growing. And yes...you pretty much did the same thing. You squirmed a lot though and you were a screamer. Boy were you a screamer. You scared Kathleen for a good five months." He said with a laugh.

Richie was quiet for a moment, then he asked in a soft voice, "Do you think that's...that's why she left?"

Outside in the hallway, Olivia's heart ached and she wanted to go in the room and hold him. But, she also knew that Elliot could handle this on his own. Through the reflection, she saw Elliot shift on the bed so he could pull Richie closer to him while still holding Noah carefully. "Richie...you didn't do anything wrong. She just...didn't want to be a Mom. I know that's not what you want to hear...I know that it hurts. Even with your Mom here now...it's probably always going to hurt."

"I love Mom." He whispered, "But...I guess I just worry that she'll get sick of me too. If I knew what I did wrong...I could make sure I didn't do it again."

"Olivia…" Elliot smiled, "Your Mom...is never going to get sick of you. That is one thing I can promise. Okay?"

Richie nodded slowly, "Okay…" He moved closer to his brother, "Can I hold him until I have to get ready?"

"Sure. Sit up against the headboard, okay?" Richie did as he was told, "Now, remember how I taught you to hold your arms? Good...nice and steady."

Richie smiled down at Noah, "Hey little dude...even though you're a blob right now. I still really love you, I'm glad you're here."

Out in the hall, Olivia wiped her tears away and moved away from the door, not wanting to interfere any longer on their Father and son time.

A few weeks later, Olivia had to take Noah to an appointment. Elliot did not want to miss it and Cragen had agreed to let him take an extended lunch break. Walking into the precinct with Noah in his car seat, Olivia walked straight to Elliot's desk. He wasn't anywhere to be seen but immediately, Fin and Munch flocked over to her.

"Hey look who it is! Our New Year's baby!" Munch said leaning into the car seat, "Do you remember your Uncle Munch?"

Noah burped and Fin smiled, "Yeah. And you make him sick."

Olivia laughed and shoved Fin's arm, "Fin…"

"He remembers me, don't you buddy? Your Godfather? Remember Uncle Fin?" He tickled Noah's stomach and the little boy cooed. "See? He likes me best."

Olivia looked around the precinct, "Where's Elliot?"

"He just ran to the locker room to change. Perp spilled coffee on him during interrogation." Munch said.

"Good case?" She asked with a hopeful smile, "Need help?"

"Oh she's got the look in her eyes." Fin said with a chuckle, "Don't let her anywhere near room 2 or Elliot will kill us both."

"Why will Elliot kill you both?" A voice called from behind them, "You do something to my son or my wife?"

They all turned to see him adjusting the sleeves of his shirt, "She wants to interrogate our perp."

Elliot chuckled and looked at his wife, "Yep. She's got that look in her eyes."

Olivia smiled and put her hand on his arm, "Oh come on...give me five minutes. Five minutes! What harm could it do?"

"We have to get to Noah's appointment." She continued to stare at him, "Liv...we have to go."

"Fine." She said with a huff, "But I don't have to be happy about it." Scooping up his carseat she looked at her friends, "We'll see you later. Say bye to your Uncles."

Elliot smiled, grabbed his coat and followed her out of the Precinct, "You mad at me now?"

Waiting for the elevator she looked over at him, "I'm not mad at you."

"Maybe if you're good...I'll let you read the case file tonight." He said with a chuckle.

Her face softened slightly, "I'm going to hold you to that."

As they stepped into the elevator, they both spotted Noah and James, "Hey! If it isn't my namesake. How's it shaking kid?"

Olivia held out the car seat, "Hi! He's great. We're going to the Doctors for a check up but so far so good."

"I still think you should have named the kid James, not just the middle name. I mean who do you love more than me?" James asked nudging Olivia, "You know that the only reason you left Computer Crimes is because you were in love with me."

"Oh was that it?" She asked as they stepped into the lobby.

"Yes." Leaning into her he whispered, "I know we were supposed to keep it from Sarah and Elliot...but now that our son is here-"

"That would work if this kid didn't look like a clone of his Father." Noah said with a laugh.

"He does look like his Dad." Olivia said with a smile, "Hey actually, we've been meaning to ask you both over for dinner. As a thank you. And our other kids want to meet Noah. They'll tolerate James...but they want to meet you."

"That's not necessary." Noah said, Olivia gave him a look and he smiled, "But I see you won't take no for an answer."

"How's Saturday?" Olivia asked, "Your wives and the kids are welcome to come too."

"Saturday should be fine. Let me check it with Christine first but I'll call you?" James asked.

Olivia smiled, "Sounds good. We should get going anyway. It was good to see you."

Saying their goodbyes, Elliot walked to the car and opened the back door. Taking the car seat, he started to strap Noah in. Olivia walked to the passenger side of the car and climbed in. Looking in the rearview mirror, she saw Elliot checking and triple checking the straps. She smiled and turned to him, "El...he's fine."

His face flushed as he glanced up at her, "Just making sure he's really in there."

Leaning back, she squeezed his arm, "I know."

Sighing, he looked at Noah once more and then closed the door before climbing into the Driver side, "You insisted on coming out of the bubble so you must suffer the consequences. In this case, my OCD."

Slipping her hand into his as he pulled out of the parking spot she smiled, "If it makes you feel any better, I watched him napping for a good twenty minutes because I was pretty sure he wasn't breathing correctly. The more I looked the more freaked out I got."

Elliot laughed and stopped at a red light, "I did that last night."

Olivia peeked in the rearview mirror, "It'll get easier? Maybe?" She glanced at him again and smiled, "Okay...probably not. But you learn to cope?" He chuckled and shook his head, "Right...we'll always worry."

Lifting her hand, he pressed a kiss to the back of it, "All parents worry. I suppose the both of us...well we worry more because we know what can happen. What we see...makes it harder."

Olivia had to swallow down the lump forming in her throat. Images of Noah, Maureen, Kathleen, Lizzie and Richie in the place of the countless victims she had seen over the years were swirling through her mind. The faces of anguished parents morphing into hers as an officer told her the news. She pulled her hand from his and looked out the window, feeling overwhelmed. She heard him sigh beside her before whispering, "I didn't mean to...I just…"

"I know. But you're right. We do know." Glancing in her mirror again she saw Noah fast asleep in his carrier, "And it sucks."

"It does." He agreed and reached for her hand again, "But it helps that we can deal with it together. You know I hate to bring her up...but Kathy never understood. You live it with me everyday. I know I can talk to you about it...about my concerns...my worries. And I know you won't judge me because you feel and see it all too." She was still quiet and he squeezed her hand, "Do you understand what I'm saying?"

"Yeah. I do." She looked at him and tried to smile, "I just...keep picturing him…all the kids…"

"It's the stuff that keeps me up most nights. Those dreams and the ones where I can't get to you. It's part of being in love...having a family. We'll always worry Liv. Always. If we didn't...we wouldn't be the parents that we are."

"I guess you're right." She squeezed his hand and then smiled softly, "You're right though. It does help knowing you understand."

Pulling her hand back to his lips, he kissed her knuckles again, "It's one of the reasons why we're such a good team Liv."

Sighing happily she watched him as she drove, "Then I guess it's a good thing we decided to do this life thing together."

"I couldn't agree more." He settled their joined hands in his lap and continued to drive.

On Saturday evening, James, his wife Christine and their two sons and daughter were over for dinner along with Noah and his wife Brooke. Their children were older and in college so they weren't joining. The kids were all in the living room eating pizza and watching movies while the adults had a more formal dinner in the living room. They had just finished up and were sitting around talking.

"That was delicious Olivia. Thank you." Brooke said, putting her napkin down in her lap.

"I can't take all the credit, Elliot helped." Elliot gave her a look and she smiled, "Okay, he did most of the work actually. He's more of the cook in this family...I lived on takeout and coffee before we got together."

"A man who can cook." Brooke said, "Impressive. Not many men do. Especially men who work a full time job and then some."

Elliot smiled and put his arm around Olivia, "Well I had to learn quickly...had to keep four kids fed. And as much as Olivia helped...she was never a cook."

Olivia stuck her tongue out at him, "I did everything else! And back then...I had no reason to do much of anything. I did it out of the kindness of my own heart."

James rolled his eyes, "You did it because you loooooved him."

"God I'm glad I got sent back to SVU. I don't know how you put up with him." Olivia said, pointing at James.

Noah chuckled, "He's a character. That's for sure. But from what I hear...the Stabler and Benson saga started long before you two actually got together."

"I'm only a paramedic and I knew about you two." Christine said with a laugh.

Olivia scoffed, "Why does everyone say that? We were just friends!"

Elliot squeezed the back of her neck affectionately, "Liv, to be fair, you and I were never just friends."

A laugh echoed throughout the room and she blushed, "Yeah well…"

"Olivia, you're the reason that women panic when their husband comes home and says they have a woman for a partner." Brooke said.

Olivia rolled her eyes, "Oh please…"

Elliot laughed, "She's kinda right. Kathy was pissed. Really pissed. Especially after she met you. I mean you're not the reason we got divorced by any means. But she didn't trust me around you."

"Nothing ever would have happened when you two were together." She said sternly, "I never would have let it. I'm not that kind of woman."

Elliot nodded, "I agree. I know you aren't. And I wouldn't have done anything about it either."

"So you both would have just been miserable." James said with a smile.

Elliot nodded, "Pretty much."

"Well none of it matters now does it? You're married, you adopted the kids and now you have little Noah." Brooke said, "Seems like it all worked out exactly as it was supposed too."

"I think so." Elliot took her hand and squeezed, "Turned out better than I could have imagined actually. Although next time...I'd prefer it if we make it to the hospital so she could give birth."

"You weren't happy with my services?" Noah asked, he placed his hand against his chest, "I'm offended. I was thinking of opening my own practice of deliveries at the precinct. I think there's a real need for it."

Everyone laughed, "I was happy with your services. I was less than pleased with John's concern over the color of the pl-"

"Don't finish that sentence." Olivia said covering his mouth with her hand, "I just got over that trauma and I'm still digesting."

Elliot smirked, "We couldn't have done it without you. You either James. But yes...you're more than welcome to come help with baby number two. I'd just like it to be in the comfort of a hospital."

"Fair enough." James said pointing at him, "But I'll only agree if the second one's name is James. Boy or girl."

"Oh stop talking." Christine nudged home with her elbow, "You're lucky it's the middle name."

A cry from upstairs came through the baby monitor, Olivia went to get up but Maureen called out to her, "I got it Mom."

"How do you get a kid like that?" Brooke asked, "Is she always that helpful or is it just because you have company?"

Elliot smiled proudly, "She's a great kid. I think part of it is that she had to grow up pretty quickly. She did a lot...even at a young age. But she never complains. We're very lucky."

"How old was Maureen when you met her?" Christine asked Olivia.

Olivia looked over at Elliot, "I think she was just about to turn five, right?"

Elliot nodded as he put his beer down, "I think you started about two months before her fifth birthday."

"Well she adores you now. It's clear you two have a great relationship." Christine said.

Elliot smiled at his wife affectionately, "Maureen was drawn to Olivia from the start. And Olivia was so good with her. Good with all my kids. But I think Maureen being the oldest, she needed a bit more from Olivia. She was looking for something that Kathy didn't give her. Olivia never hesitated, never shied away from her or any of the kids."

Olivia blushed and looked down at the table, "Well they are great kids. All four of them made it easy."

"It's not easy to take on someone elses kids though." Brooke pointed out, "I mean they're yours now. But back then...you could have walked away."

Olivia laughed and lifted her glass to her lips, "No. I couldn't. I was pretty much screwed from day 1."

Everyone laughed and James pointed at her, "See? She looooved him."

Olivia rolled her eyes but looked at her husband, "Yes James. I loved him. And all four of his kids too."

Elliot beamed at her, lifted her hand and kissed the palm of her hand, "Well we loved you too."

"See? The Benson and Stabler saga it's one for the books." Noah teased.

"The Benson and Stabler saga is only just beginning." Elliot smiled, "That I can promise you."

"You make the rest of us look bad. You know that Stabler?" James said with a sigh. "He cooks, took care of four kids on his own, says romantic crap-"

Olivia laughed, "You could do all those things too buddy!"

"I could...but then I wouldn't be the man she fell in love with. And we can't take that chance." James said.

Chrisitne rolled her eyes, "Can't we?"

Maureen came into the room with a nervous look on her face, "Um? Mom?"

Turning towards their daughter, Olivia smiled, "What's up sweetie? Noah okay?"

Maureen nodded, "I...I think so. But he feels kinda warm. And he won't stop crying."

Olivia's heart leapt in her chest, "Oh. Okay. I'll go up."

Elliot stood up, "I'll go with you."

Together, they excused themselves from their guests and walked up stairs. Walking into Noah's room, Olivia saw him flailing in the bassinet. His cheeks were flushed and he was screaming loudly. Leaning down, she picked him up and pressed him into her chest, "Hey baby. You're okay…"

Elliot pressed the back of his hand against Noah's forehead, "He does feel kind of warm…"

Olivia glanced up at him with a nervous pout, "El…"

Leaning in, he kissed her forehead, "Hang tight Liv. It's okay. Just hold onto him for a minute. I'll go get the termometer. He's not going to like it, but we need to know."

Oliva sighed and tried to bounce Noah up and down to calm him. He was only whimpering now but she could tell he was not feeling well. "I'm sorry buddy. But Mommy is here. I've got you."

After a few minutes, Elliot returned and they laid him down to take his temperature. Elliot frowned when he saw the number, "Just shy of 101."

A knock on the doorframe startled them both, Christine smiled, "Hey...thought I'd come check in. How's he doing?"

"He has a temperature." Olivia whispered, "Should we call the Doctor?"

Christine walked into the room, "Mind if I take a look at him?"

"No. Of course not." Olivia stepped back and Elliot put his hand on her back to reassure her.

Christine smield and picked up Noah, "Hey little man...what's hurting?" Rocking him gently she smiled, and assessed him carefully "He looks like he's got a bit of a stuffy nose. Probably just his first cold...I would say keep him comfortable. If his temperature rises then you can call. A bath could help bring it down a bit."

Olivia nodded slowly, "Okay…"

Christine smiled, "You've taken care of sick kids before. It will be okay. I know the first time is always a little terrifying but you're going to be just fine. And so is he."

Handing him back to her Olivia smiled, "Okay."

"Thank you for dinner...but we'll get out of your hair." Christine said, "But call if you need anything. We should do this more often. Not just because you had a baby."

"We'd love that." Elliot said with a nod, "I'll come down and walk you guys out." Elliot turned to his wife, "I'll be right back."

Olivia nodded, "Okay. I'm going to get him ready for a bath."

Fifteen minutes later, they had Noah settled in the kitchen sink for his bath. Maureen was watching her other siblings. Noah was screeching as Elliot gently poured water over his stomach and legs. "Oh little man...buddy you need to stop crying."

"Christine said we could try some children's tylenol. The bottle says the dose for his age and weight." Elliot said, cocking his head towards the counter.

Olivia frowned, "Do you think we should bring him to the-"

"Let's try this first and see what happens, okay?" He asked, Olivia still looked nervous, "Liv...it's okay. Everything is going to be fine. We've done this before...remember? With Richie and Lizzie?"

Olivia's face flushed, "I remember…"

Two months after Kathy left…

Olivia walked into the house after Maureen let her in. Smiling down at the little girl, she pressed a kiss to her forehead and told her to go back to watching the movie with Kathleen. Then she tiptoed upstairs and found a sleep deprived Elliot trying to rock both babies as they screamed loudly in his arms.

"Guys...I've tried everything. I don't know what else to do. Please, please help me out here." They only screamed louder.

Stepping all the way into the room, Olivia smiled sympathetically at him, "Not sure they can help. But I can."

Elliot turned and stared at her, shocked, "Liv? What are you doing here?"

"Maureen called." She walked right up to him and quickly took Lizzie from him, "She was worried."

"I never should have taught her your phone number." He said with a sigh.

Olivia rolled her eyes and rocked Lizzie gently, "El, I've told you a million times. I'm here to help. I don't know why you won't call me yourself."

They started pacing the room in opposite directions, passing each other in the middle of the room, "Because it's not your responsibility and I don't want to burden you."

"It's not a burden El. You know I love the kids." She glanced at him over her shoulder, "Beside's your my partner. We're supposed to be here for each other."

"When am I ever there for you?" He said with a huff, "I couldn't survive without you but I feel like I don't do a damn thing for you."

"That's not true El. You've always been there for me. Since day 1. I don't have kids of my own...but I know someday you'll be there to help me when I need it. Right?" She asked.

As they continued to pace, Elliot kept his eyes on her. She was holding Lizzie as if she was the most precious being in the world. As if she was her own child. He always knew she would be an incredible Mother. But why all of a sudden did it send a jolt of panic to his heart thinking about her having a child with some other man?

"El?" Her voice pulled him out of his trance, "You still with me?"

Elliot smiled "Sorry...must be the sleep deprivation." He paused and looked at her, "Yeah. Of course I'll be here for you. No matter what."

She smiled softly and reached out for Richie, "Here, I can take them both. Go get some sleep."

Elliot shook his head, "No Liv...it's okay. They need me-"

"You won't be much help to them if you fall while holding them. You're dead weight walking Stabler. Go get some sleep. I've got it under control."

Reluctantly, he put Richie in Olivia's other arm and watched as she began to pace back and forth with both babies. It looked like it came so natural to her. Stopping in the doorway he whispered, "What the hell would I do without you Benson?"

Flashing him that million dollar smile of hers she answered, "You'd be fine. But I'm happy to help. I'll always be right here El. Always."

Snapping back into present time, Elliot pulled Noah up out of the tub and Olivia wrapped a towel around him. Noah snuggled into Elliot's chest and he placed a kiss on the top of his head, "I remember feeling super grateful for you that night. But also...I started getting worried."

Olivia frowned at him as he paced with Noah, "Worried about what?"

"I saw you with the twins...and I thought...she's born to be a Mom. She'll find some great guy, marry him and leave us behind. It was the first moment that I felt this insane amount of jealousy." He sighed, "It started to eat me up inside. But I couldn't...admit what I was really feeling."

Olivia smiled and rubbed Noah's back, "Well you have no reason to feel jealous. You didn't then and you don't now."

Elliot smiled, "Well thank God for that." He kissed Noah's head again, "I'm glad you chose to have those kids you always wanted with me."

She shook her head, "There was never anyone else but you El."

"Hear that little dude? Momma really has always looooooved me." He whispered.

Olivia rolled her eyes and went to get the tylenol, "God why do I even speak?"

He chuckled and watched her as she measured out the right amount, "It's okay...because I always loooooooved her too."

"Mhm." She smirked at him, "Apparently all of New York City knew that so you can't deny it."

"I never would and never could." He said as she walked back over to him, "Alright little man, time to take some meds."

Noah fussed as she tried to give it to him, "Hey buddy, I know. I know. I'm sorry. But if you take this, you'll feel better."

Noah curled into his Father's neck, "There you go Noah. Good job."

Olivia sighed and held out her arms, "Can I take him?"

He nodded and handed him over, "I'm going to check in with the kids. I'll meet you upstairs."

Thirty minutes later, they were back upstairs lying on the bed staring down at Noah as he slept. His fever was breaking and he was finally peaceful. Olivia traced the line of his shoulder all bundled up. Elliot watched her watching him and felt his heart swell with pride at how much she loved their son.

"His color looks better." She whispered, "Not so pale…"

"Told you we could handle it." He said with a smile, "Piece of cake."

Olivia sighed, "Piece of cake? I think my heart has been lodged somewhere in my throat for the last few hours."

"That's what makes you a good Mother." He said with a smile. "You love our kids so fiercely. The way you protect them...care for them. Liv, it's everything to me."

She smiled softly, "They're my world El. You and the kids...you're the reason I get up every morning. Nothing else matters."

Noah yawned and fidgeted slightly, "We made that…"

Olivia smiled at him, "Yeah...we did."

Over February vacation, the kids were all sleeping in on the anniversary of the adoption. It had officially been two years since she had adopted them and Olivia wished time would slow down. Elliot walked downstairs with Noah in his arms and smiled at her, "I think he's hungry."

Olivia quickly reached for him, "I'll feed him. I have to pump anyway so your Mom has enough to feed him while we're gone."

"They are all still fast asleep." He said with a sigh as he sat down beside her.

Olivia readjusted herself on the couch, not afraid to feed their son in front of him as long as the kids weren't around, "They were up late last night anyway thanks to you."

Elliot chuckled, "We were dead locked in our Mario Kart tournament! We couldn't go to sleep Mom!"

She laughed and moved Noah into a more comfortable position, "God you sound exactly like Richie."

"Like Father, like son." He glanced over at Noah who burped, "That one too."

Olivia laughed and handed him back to Elliot, "Sometimes I don't know why I put up with you." She stood up, "Take him for a bit so I can pump?"

"Yeah. I got him." He adjusted Noah on his shoulder and placed a cloth down for him to burp, "Take your time."

As Olivia left the room, the front door opened and Bernie walked in, "Oh it's freezing out there!"

Elliot looked over his shoulder and smiled, "Hey Ma. You okay?"

"Yes. No snow or anything, just very cold." She walked right over to the couch, "There's my grandson. Give me!"

Elliot smiled and handed Noah off to her, "He's getting big isn't he?"

"Growing like crazy. Just like you did and Richie." She resumed burping him as Elliot had.

"Speaking of Richie…" Elliot said with a smile as his oldest son descended the stairs, "Morning bud."

Richie yawned and climbed up onto the couch and sat beside him, "Hi Grandma."

"Hey sweetie. How'd you sleep?" She asked, eying him from her spot on the couch.

"Good. Especially because I finally beat Dad at Mario Kart." He said with a triumphant smile. "Took years."

"Don't get used to it." Elliot said, tickling his side, "Your sisters awake?"

"Lizzie and Kathleen are but I don't think Maureen is." He rubbed his eyes tiredly, "Why?"

"Why don't you go wake them up." Richie gave him a skeptical look, "Yes, I'm actually giving you permission to wake them up."

"Why do I need to wake them up?" He asked.

"Because...we have somewhere we need to be." Richie's face lit up, "Go ahead."

Richie hopped down from the couch and eagerly ran up the stairs, Bernie and Elliot both laughed when they heard him yelling at his sisters. Olivia walked back out of the bathroom and went into the kitchen to store the milk. "Was that Richie?"

Elliot laughed, "Yeah. I told him he could wake up his sisters. As you can tell...he was quite excited."

Olivia walked into the living room and sat down beside him, "Hi Bernie. Thanks for coming to watch Noah."

"Of course. I think it's great you're taking the kids out. It will be nice for them to get your full attention." Noah nuzzled into her, "I'll be just fine here." The look on Olivia's face made her smile, "I know you haven't left him yet...but he'll be fine Olivia. We'll be fine."

Elliot reached out and rubbed Olivia's back, "She's had quite a bit of experience taking care of babies."

"I know. I know." She smiled and then looked at Elliot, "Just keep reminding me of that when I start to freaking out, okay?"

He nodded and leaned in to kiss her, "You got it."

Three barely eyed girls walked down the stairs flanked by an excited Richie, "I got them up!"

Elliot laughed and pulled Lizzie into his lap, "Good job buddy."

"Why are we awake?" Maureen said with a frown, "I thought we were on vacation."

"You are. But we need to start getting ready for our day." Elliot said, they all looked at him curiously, "Mom and I thought the six of us could go into the city. We'll do some skating, go to some museums, wherever you want for lunch and dinner. Maybe catch a movie."

"Really?" Kathleen asked with a smile.

Elliot nodded, "It's adoption day. We have to celebrate."

"Well what about Noah?" Lizzie asked, "He's not coming?"

"Well...he can't really do much with us yet. Someday he might...but we thought it might be nice for us to go out alone. That okay?" Olivia asked.

"That's okay." Maureen said with a smile.

"You mean we get your full attention?" Richie asked, his face flushed, "I mean...I-I love Noah…"

"But it's different." Olivia whispered softly, "Everything has been a bit different. And it's okay to say you miss the way things were sometimes buddy."

"It is? It won't make Noah feel like I don't like him?" Richie's little face looked anxious.

"Not at all." Elliot pulled Richie close, "It was just us for a long time. It's a totally normal feeling. I promise. I bet your sisters felt that way at times too."

"Oh yeah." Maureen said with a smirk, "I believe I asked Dad when they were bringing you back to the hospital."

"Hey!" Richie yelled, "That's not nice!"

Elliot laughed and ruffled his son's hair, "I bet on more than one occasion you wished your sisters would disappear." Richie smirked, "That's what I thought."

Olivia smiled at him, "We should get moving if we're going to head out soon."

The four older kids hopped up and ran towards the stairs, already fighting over the shower.

A few hours later, the six of them were sitting around the table at a favorite restaurant in the city. They had gone skating and walked around a bit to window shop. Now they were waiting for their lunch and busily talking.

"Do you think Noah misses us?" Richie asked, glancing out the window as snow fell.

Elliot smiled and leaned across the table to touch his son's arm, "I'm sure he does. But...he's still pretty little so he doesn't remember a lot of things like you do now."

Richie nodded, "Is that why I don't remember…" His face flushed.

Elliot nodded slowly, "Yeah...that's why."

Richie looked over at Olivia who was watching him carefully, "I know what my first memory of you is."

Olivia watched him curiously, "You do?"

Richie nodded, "The time Kathleen and Maureen put a hole in Daddy's bedroom wall."

Everyone started laughing, "Oh...I remember that." She smiled, "Your Dad left me alone with you rugrats and I turned around for two minutes to check in on Lizzie who was napping. When I came back, you were on the floor and Kathleen and Maureen had knocked over the TV on your Dad's dresser and it went right through the wall."

"You told me you did that." Elliot said with wide eyes, "The girls did that?"

Olivia rolled her eyes, "Did you really think I was that clumsy?"

Elliot chuckled and shrugged his shoulders, "I don't know? Back then I was on overdrive so I didn't always think things through all the way."

"I remember I started crying because Mo and Kathleen were crying so hard and I got scared. And Mom made everyone a snack and hot coco and sat with us until we stopped crying. And then she told us not to tell you what really happened because she was going to take care of it." Richie said.

Olivia scrunched up her nose, "How do you remember that much? You were barely two."

Richie shrugged, "I remember because...you told us you loved us. And that you would protect us."

Olivia swallowed the lump in her throat, "I did?"

Maureen nodded, "He's right. You did. It was the first time you said that...Kathleen and I were freaking out. And you said you would cover for us. And I asked you why and you said it was because you loved us."

"Hm…" Olivia smiled softly and thought about her words carefully, "Want to know a secret?"

"Secrets are always good." Richie said with wide eyes, "What is it?"

Olivia smiled, "I had never said the words I love you to anyone before. That might not seem like a big deal to you...but to me it was. A very big deal."

"Because it was true?" Maureen asked softly.

Olivia nodded, "Because it was true. And it was absolutely terrifying…"

"It's scary when you love someone?" Lizzie asked, "I thought it made people happy."

"It does. But…" Olivia sighed and tired to think of how to respond, "You know that when I was little, I didn't really have a family. Not like the one you've always known. I was alone a lot. And for me...it was scary to care about people."

"We scared you?" Lizzie asked with wide eyes, "But we were just kids."

Olivia nodded, "Kids that meant everything to me. And back then your Dad and I were just...friends. I wasn't sure what to think. I was afraid that I wouldn't be what you needed. That...someone else would come into your life. That at some point you wouldn't need me. Wouldn't want me in your life."

Lizzie jumped off her seat and hopped into Olivia's arms, "That's not true!"

Olivia smiled and squeezed her tight, "I know. I know baby. But...I didn't know that then. I didn't know what I was doing. About a lot of things."

"But you wanted to be with us? Be a part of our family?" Kathleen asked, "Even back then?"

"Of course I did." Olivia answered, "I've always wanted to be part of your family."

"Well you are now." Maureen said, "One of the biggest parts. And just so we're clear...you're never allowed to leave us."

"I would never dream of it." She said looking right at her, "I told you guys when I started dating your Dad...as long as you want me...I'm right here."

"Are you asking us how long we want this adoption thing to last?" Richie asked curiously. "Because if you are...I was kinda thinking forever. Does that work?"

Olivia smiled down at him and then pulled him into her lap with Lizzie, "Definitely works for me."

Later that night, they picked up a cake in the city and went home. They discussed having dessert out, but the kids surprised them by saying they wanted their whole family there to celebrate. Even if Noah was too little to eat the cake, they wanted him with them. Sitting around the coffee table, Elliot had Noah in his arms as they ate cake.

"So two years down. I asked you last year...but asking again. Any regrets?" Maureen asked.

"Only that we didn't do it sooner." Olivia said, giving her a smile. "You guys have any regrets?"

"Only that we didn't do it sooner." The five other Stabler's answered together.

Noah cooed from Elliot's arms and Elliot smiled, "I think he agrees."

"So Mom, you said before you didn't have a family. Well you definitely have one now. But is there anything else you ever wanted?" Kathleen asked.

"Hm...anything else I wanted?" Olivia swallowed the bite of cake she was chewing, "Nothing that I can really think of. I mean I went through a phase where I wanted to actually be Wonder Woman but I think I grew out of that."

"Well I'd argue that you did grow up to be Wonder Woman." Elliot said pointing a finger at her, "And you prove it every single day."

"He makes a good point about that." Maureen said with a nod, "I'd agree with that too."

Olivia rolled her eyes, "Uh huh. Sure."

"Nothing else though?" Richie asked, "No other big wishes?"

Olivia shook her head, "Not really. But I can tell...maybe there is something else you guys want?"

Elliot looked at the four kids and saw them all giving each other knowing looks, "Guys…"

"Well we've been talking." Kathleen said softly, "Discussing...contemplating…"

"Oh just spit it out." Elliot said with a laugh, "What have you been contemplating?"

The four of them looked at each other and smiled before answering together, "We want a dog."

Elliot let out a little breath he didn't realize he had been holding, "A dog."

Olivia took a deep breath and laughed, "We probably should have seen that coming."

Noah squirmed in his arms and Elliot looked down at their youngest son, "Guys I understand the desire to have a dog. Dogs are awesome. But they are also a lot of work. And with a new baby...and the jobs your Mom and I have. It would be a lot of work on the four of you."

"We expected you to say that." Richie said with a nod, "And we already came up with schedules on how we would all share the responsibility."

"We even color coded it." Kathleen said pulling out a folder from under the coffee table. "I'm the purple days, Lizzie is red, Richie is Blue and Maureen is yellow."

Olivia took the folder and opened it, "Well...I'm impressed." She held out the paper for her husband to see, "They did their homework."

Elliot narrowed his eyes at her, "Did you know about this?"

She laughed and shook her head, "No. I did not."

"But you look like you might agree with them...or want to get a dog yourself." He said softly.

The kids looked at her hopefully and she shrugged, "I like dogs. I've always liked dogs."

"You never had a dog." Elliot said, "I know you didn't."

She rolled her eyes, "I lived alone in an apartment that I very rarely inhabited. It wasn't a dog friendly life."

He chuckled and gestured around the room, "And five kids and 2 full time detectives is a dog friendly life?"

Shrugging, she sighed, "I think...it's something we could talk about?" He shot her a look, "For a while. A long while...until we all came to an agreement."

"Told you Mom was our best bet." Maureen said with a smirk, "She'll wear him down. She always does."

"Hey. I can say no to your Mother." All five of the people in the room stared back at him and he laughed, "I can!" Still they didn't blink and he shook his head, "Sometimes. And right now I'm saying no...no dog."

"He said right now…" Richie said quickly, "That wasn't a not ever...it was a no not right now. And I don't know about you guys, but I'll take it."

"If I thought you guys could actually handle it...would be responsible enough. Maybe...just maybe I'd consider it." He said with a huff.

"We'll do the dishes!" Lizzie said jumping up, "See how responsible we can be!"

Quickly the four of them grabbed the dishes on the coffee table and moved towards the kitchen, chattering excitedly. Elliot watched them go and Olivia got up and sat down beside Elliot and Noah. She was laughing, and as he turned to look at her he sighed, "El…"

Looking down at her he frowned, "Liv...don't even start." She continued to stare at him with her wide brown eyes, the ones that always made him cave, "Don't look at me like that." She didn't turn away and he frowned, "It's not fair Olivia. Don't…"

"They made a schedule and everything babe." She whispered, leaning into him.

"Babe? You're really going to call me babe right now?" Noah fussed in his arms and Elliot looked down at his son, "Your Mom is an evil woman."

"Hey...don't say that to our son." She laughed and took Noah from him, carefully cradling him against her chest, "Your Mommy is not evil Noah. Daddy's just a sucker for me."

Elliot growled, "Well this sucker is putting his foot down. We're not getting a dog."

Standing up slowly, she carried Noah towards the kitchen, "Okay. If you say so."

Elliot watched her walking away, he shouted after her, "Liv...I'm serious. We're not getting a dog!"

"I heard you." She said with a nod, "Noah heard you. I think the neighborhood heard you."

"Hearing and believing are two different things." He called after her in a softer voice.

"Yeah...they are." She agreed with a glint in her eyes, "I'm going to put this little guy down."

Elliot watched her go and then looked at his kids in the kitchen. Sighing he leaned his head back against the couch, "God help me…"