Because my person wanted me to update right now. Here ya go. Follow me on twitter Joyfulhearteo

Towards the end of summer, they were all beginning to come to terms with what had happened with the Colonel. There had been many questions from the kids over the course of the days and weeks following the incident. Elliot and Olivia did their best to answer them. They didn't allow the kids to go to Dick's sentencing. But as a couple, they felt stronger than they had in months. One night, Olivia was sitting at the kitchen counter on her laptop. The kids were all fast asleep, except for Noah who had been refusing to go to sleep. He was currently sitting in his carrier on the counter, watching her intently.

Smiling at her son she sighed, "Still not tired, huh bud?" Noah just cooed at her and she laughed, "Maybe your Dad will have more luck with you if he gets home anytime soon." As if on cue, she heard the door open and she smiled, "There he is."

Elliot removed his shoes, threw down his suit jacket and walked into the kitchen, "Still not sleeping?"

Olivia clicked the browser minimize button on her computer and turned to him, "Nope."

Elliot sighed, leaned down to kiss her and then scooped up his son out of his carrier, "Little dude, sleep is amazing. How come you refuse it so often?"

"Maybe he's training to be a cop after all." She said with a laugh, "Lord knows being able to handle sleep deprivation is a requirement."

Elliot laughed and held him against his chest, "Maybe you're right."

Standing up, she rubbed his back affectionately, "Did you eat?"

"I was going to, until a drunken perp came in and knocked my dinner off my desk." He laughed, "And whatever the hell John ordered had a really weird smell so I wasn't touching that."

She smiled and opened the fridge, "There is some leftover lasagna from yesterday? That okay? Your other kids devoured the tacos we made. Sorry."

He smirked, "Aw man, I missed taco night?"

She smiled and took out the bowl from the fridge, "You know it's their favorite. I'm sure if we make them again this weekend they won't protest."

"Good to know. Lasagna is good. Thank you." Sitting down at the counter, Noah squirmed in his arms, "He's getting bigger by the day."

"I know. Richie's convinced he'll start walking soon. But I think we have a little more time before that happens." She said as she popped a plate into the microwave, "Although, I'm sure I'll blink and it'll be here before I'm ready."

"Probably right about that." He reached out with one hand and touched her computer, "Hey, can I check my email on your computer?"

"Sure." She had her back to him and then froze, remembering what she had up on her browser page, "Elliot wait-"

She heard him make a strangled noise in the back of his throat, "Olivia…"

The microwave dinged behind her but she ignored it, turning back to him she smiled innocently, "Yes?"

His eyes shot up to look at her and he sighed, "What am I looking at?"

Reaching behind her, she took out the plate of food and walked over to him, "I don't know...what do you think you're looking at?"

He looked at his son and then back at the computer, "I know your Mom isn't looking at dog adoption sites because I said we weren't getting a dog."

Placing his dinner in front of him she slid the computer towards her, "Technically you didn't officially say no. You said...not right now. And that was back in February but it is now August...so I think we should reopen that discussion."

Elliot hung his head, "We should reopen the discussion despite the fact that you clearly already made a decision?"

"I didn't make a decision." She reached for Noah, "Eat your dinner."

Elliot handed Noah off to her and reached for his fork, "Liv…"

"Okay just hear me out." She bounced her son and smiled at him, he gave her a look of frustration and she sighed, "At least let me make a case for why this would be a good idea before you completely shut me down. Please?"

He smirked and pointed his fork at her, "Better make it a good case Benson."

She smiled at him and kissed Noah's head, "Okay...first of all the kids have been really trying to prove they are responsible enough for a dog. You know they've been helping Mrs. Carver next door with her two dogs since she hurt her hip. They walk them twice a day and have a schedule in place. They've also been super helpful around the house."

Elliot nodded as he scooped up another bite of lasagna, "Okay. But they also are on summer break right now. Once school starts, they'll be busy. We'll all be busy."

"Fair point." She sat down beside him and placed Noah down in his carrier, "But I think they can juggle it all because they really want a dog. Plus...there is one really important thing I think you should consider."

Resting his elbows on the counter he sighed, "And that would be what?"

Olivia smiled and pressed a hand to his arm, "Since everything that happened with Dick...they've been a little off. I mean they're handling it. But they also feel a little unsettled. I know you feel it. When you're not here, Richie checks and double checks the locks. And your Mom said that he goes into every room before he lets his sisters in when they get home from school."

Elliot frowned and pushed his plate away, "I didn't know he did that."

Olivia nodded, "Maureen and Kathleen have been asking a lot of questions about security and Lizzie is a little anxious about having friends over. And if you think about it...a dog is a great form of security. They see it like a watchdog. I heard them talking about it last night. With our schedules...I'm sure it can be scary for them when we're both not here or even just one of us. I think a dog would help them all feel a bit more relaxed."

Elliot sighed and looked over at Noah, "She's good…"

Smiling, she leaned in and squeezed his forearm, "Do you see what I'm saying?'

Elliot was quiet as he contemplated his answer, "I do see what you're saying. But...I still have reservations."

"And I get that. I also respect that." She leaned into him and smiled, "I'm not asking you to say yes right now. But do you think you can at least really consider it? For the kids?" She pouted and leaned into him, "For me?"

He groaned and threw his head back, "Olivia…"

"It would make the kids happy...which makes me happy...and if I'm happy...I can make you happy." Her finger trailed along his thigh and he playfully slapped it away.

"Not in front of your son Benson." He teased, he saw her smirking, "Keep your hands to yourself."

"I'm just saying…" She laughed a little, "Happy wife, happy life, Right?"

Elliot reached for his plate again and sighed, "Alright...show me what you were looking at." She cheered and he pointed his fork at her, "I didn't say we're getting a dog. But I'm open to looking and talking."

She waved her hand at him and laughed, "Yeah, yeah. Same difference."

He chuckled as she opened her browser again, "Just...do me a favor and don't say anything to the kids until we have agreed together. And when I say we, I mean WE not just you making the decision and telling me later."

She cocked her head to the side and frowned, "I'm hurt El. When have I ever done that?"

He chuckled and shook his head, "You're kidding right?"

"This coming from the man that basically bought a house without telling me." She stuck out her tongue at him.

He rolled his eyes, "Okay, but you love this house so that worked out in my favor."

"And you will learn to love the precious, fluffy, puppy I bring home too." She pointed at the screen, "I mean, look at this little baby!"

Elliot laughed and pointed at their son, "We already have a cute little baby. I can give you another one of those if you want."

Olivia reached out and tickled her son's belly, "And I love that little baby of ours. But I want one that walks on four legs with actual fur. I can't produce one of those. At least as far as I know."

He laughed harder and almost choked on his food, "Christ, if you pop out a puppy, I'm going to have some serious questions and concerns."

She snorted and pointed at the screen again, "El, come on. Look at this face."

Elliot sighed and looked up at the screen showing some sort of lab looking puppy. It's hair was curly though, it was small and he hated to admit it, but damn it was cute, "Hm…"

Her face lit up and she tried not to bounce in her seat, "Hm? Hm's a good sign!"

"Hm isn't even a word." He chuckled, "It's a sound of someone thinking."

"But you're thinking about how damn cute this puppy is. I know you are." She said beaming at him, "Right?"

Elliot shook his head and looked down at his plate, "God, what did I get myself into with marrying you?"

"A lifetime of happiness and me talking you into things you don't think you want to do but then you realize you do want those things." She said with a shrug.

"Was that in the marriage contract?" He asked, taking his last bite, "In really small print?"

"Yes. You would have needed a magnifying glass to see it." She said without looking at him, "This little guy doesn't shed either, he's hypoallergenic and on all the blogs I've checked this breed is great with kids!"

"How much research have you done exactly?" He asked as he looked back at Noah.

"Enough." She smiled and shrugged her shoulders, "Enough to have an answer to all your questions and a retort to all your ridiculous reasons why we shouldn't do it."

He rubbed a hand over his face, "Liv, we have five kids and insane jobs. This is a lot to take on."

"I know. I know." She sighed and turned towards him, "I hear what you're saying. But...you also see what I'm saying about the kids, right?"

Elliot nodded slowly, "I do hear what you're saying."

She watched him and then took a deep breath, "Okay what if we do this...what if this weekend you and I go up to this place and check out the dog? If we get there...and you meet the dog and still don't think it's right, then we'll put it on hold. We won't tell the kids we're going, won't tell them we're talking about it unless we make a definite decision. What do you think?"

He frowned, "We're going to get there and you're going to fall in love with the damn thing even more."

She laughed and touched his leg, "I probably will fall in love with it more. And yes, I do want this dog. For me and for the kids. But...if you decide you really don't want to do it. If you think it's not a good time or we shouldn't do it...then I'll respect that decision."

He narrowed his eyes at her, "You'll actually respect that decision?"

She nodded slowly, "Yes. I won't pretend I won't be disappointed but I don't want to do something that you think is not a good choice for us. This is a partnership. And I could easily convince you to do this…" She teased him slightly, "But, I will never force something on you. Okay?"

Elliot leaned forward and kissed her gently, "I appreciate that."

"Good." She squeezed his arm, "So...can we at least go meet this little guy?"

Elliot looked back at the screen and sighed, "We can go meet him...but I make no promises."

"Totally fair." She wrapped her arms around his neck and squeezed, "Thank you."

"Uh huh." He sighed and looked at his son, "Your Mom is going to be the death of me."

Olivia leaned into Noah and smiled, "What he means is, your Daddy really loves me." She looked back at him and smiled, "Isn't that right Dad?"

He smiled and rubbed her back, "That's right."

That weekend, Bernie took the kids and they told them they were working. They didn't want the kids to have any idea as to what they were doing. Elliot and Olivia climbed in the car and drove upstate to meet the dog. As much as he was trying to pretend that he didn't want to meet the dog at all, he at least got an entire day with his wife. Something that often didn't happen.

It was warm out and as they drove through the quiet back roads, Olivia had the window down and had her arm out catching the breeze. Her other hand was resting on her leg. He reached across the car and threaded his fingers through hers. He saw a slow smile spread on her lips. "What are you thinking about?" He asked.

She took a deep breath before turning to look at him, "I'm thinking that...I never thought life could be this good."

He smiled and lifted her hand, pressing it to his lips, "That's a good thought." He paused for a moment, "Even without a dog, it's good?"

She laughed as he lowered their hands to his lap, "Yes. Even without the dog. But...with a dog it would be a little sweeter."

He watched as she turned to look out the window again. She was quiet. And the smile that had been on her face faded slightly. "Liv?" She turned to look at him, "You okay?"

She nodded but her eyes told a different story, "I just...remembered something."

He frowned and tugged on her hand, "Something with the kids?"

"No. No." She shook her head and smiled, "Just...something about being out here." Elliot was quiet, kept his eye on the road but could see her out of the corner of his eye thinking. He knew when she was ready she would talk. "My Mom dragged me out here once...middle of nowhere in the middle of the night. She said we were...being watched. She was drunk. As usual…"

Elliot started rubbing circles against her wrist, "Did she drive?"

"No. We took a cab…" She sighed, "She crashed our car when I was maybe four and she never got another one after that."

Another silence fell between them, he tugged her hand, "Liv…"

"She thought my...she thought he found us." She smiled sadly and shook her head, "I don't know why or how she thought that. It could have been true or it could have been one of her delusions…"

"So she brought you out here...and did what?" He asked curiously.

Olivia looked out at the open fields, "We rented some crappy cabin. It was leaking like crazy and she barricaded it with one of the chairs inside. I don't even know how long we were there but she just...wouldn't let me out. I don't know if she slept. I went in and out. I…" She sighed and pulled her hand out of his grasp, "I don't know why I'm even talking about this."

"Because you're remembering it." He whispered, he didn't try and reach for her again, "It's okay to talk about it Liv. Especially to me." She didn't respond and he pushed a little farther, "But you eventually came back?"

She nodded, "One day she just...said it was time to go home. I don't know why she was ready but we did. I avoided coming out this way for years…"

"We can go back." He slowed the car down slightly but she shook her head, "Liv…"

"No." She shook her head and looked back a thim, "No. I want to do this for the kids." She smiled softly, "I mean...not that we're going to do it for sure but I just…" Looking out at the field again, "I used to think a dog would be nice. It would make me feel more...safe."

Elliot reached for her hand again, "And now?"

She smiled at him and squeezed his hand tight, "Now I have a husband who does that." She chuckled, "And a gun...but the husband's nicer to look at."

Elliot laughed and shook her head, "Good to know." He pulled her hand to his lips and kissed it softly, "Would a dog make you feel more safe though?"

"It would make me worry less...which probably sounds stupid. But we're gone a lot El. I'm not stupid enough to think a dog could protect them from everything. But if it helps them...it helps me." She said with a shrug.

Elliot pulled onto a dirt road and parked the car, "Okay."

She eyed him curiously as he started to get out of the car, "El?"

He shook his head and pointed towards the house, "Let's go."

Climbing out of the car, she slipped her hand into his and let him lead them towards the house. Knocking on the door, they waited for the family to open the door. After introductions and a few minutes of conversation, they were led to the backyard where the puppy currently was. As soon as they saw him, Elliot knew there was no use fighting it. He heard Olivia laugh as the dog ran right to them. He watched the way she knelt down and started to talk to the dog who clearly took a liking to her right away.

Looking up at her husband she asked, "Well?"

Elliot leaned down and reached out to pet the little guy, "He's pretty damn cute…"

"Yes. He is. But that doesn't really answer my question." She said with a smile.

Elliot looked at her looking at him and he smiled. Turning back to the man behind him he smiled, "What do you need from us?"

An hour later, they were standing out in an open field letting the dog run out some energy. Elliot hated to admit it, but the little fur ball was growing on him and Olivia knew it. Hearing him laugh, she turned and smiled. Slowly, she wrapped her arm around his waist and tucked into his side as he wrapped his arm around her shoulder. "Someone likes the dog…"

"Yeah, yeah…" He laughed and dropped a kiss to the top of her head. "I'm not picking up after him though."

"You heard what they said, he's pretty much fully trained anyway. We'll be fine." She looked up at him and kissed his cheek, "Hey…"

Looking down at her he smiled, "What?"

Smoothing her hand up his chest she smiled up at him, "Thank you."

He frowned and turned her so that they were face to face, "For what?

Glancing past him, she smiled as the dog tumbled in the grass, "I know you didn't really want to do this...but you said yes anyway."

"Yeah well...how was I supposed to say no to you?" He huffed and squeezed her tighter, "You're kinda adorable."

Smirking up at him, she pressed up on her toes and kissed him softly, "Adorable? I don't think anyone has ever referred to me as adorable."

"Well you are." He said with a sigh, "If we ever have a daughter...I'm just not even going to try."

"Probably a good idea." She kissed him again, "But...I'm serious. Thank you. The kids are going to be so excited." She paused for a moment, "Do you remember when you...came to help me at my Mom's apartment? After she died?"

Elliot frowned, curious by the change in subject, "Yes. What about it?"

Her finger began to trace the collar of his shirt, "When you took me home...and you stayed." Her words faultred and she shrugged "I remember waking up...on the couch with you and I panicked."

Elliot smiled sadly, "I remember waking up without you...and I worried I'd never get that moment again. The feeling of you beside me…"

Her head tilted to the side, "You let me sleep there?"

Elliot's smile widened and he nodded, "You fell asleep first...and I couldn't bear the thought of letting you go." He paused and then admitted something he had never told her, "I told you I loved you that night." He saw her eyes go wide, "You were asleep so you didn't know...but I said it. And I meant it."

Her mouth hung open slightly, "But we weren't even...we hadn't…"

"Liv." He cut her off and shook his head, "I've loved you forever. It was always there."

Wrapping her arms around his neck she sighed, "As scared as I was that night...I also felt so safe with you. I know I said the dog would make me feel better...and it does. But I just wanted to make sure you know that I trust you with my life El. With our kids lives. Having you beside me always...it's the one thing that makes even the hardest days okay. I was scared that day of how intense it felt...but I also knew that no one would ever make me feel what you do. And I was right. I love you."

His hand caressed the side of her face and brushed back her hair, "I love you Olivia. Always. No matter what this life throws at us...I'm going to be right here. Beside you. Right where I'm supposed to be."

Just as she leaned up to kiss him, they both felt something brush past their legs. Looking down, she smiled at the dog, "This little guy's going to be right beside us too."

"Yeah. He is." He tilted her head up towards his again, "But just so we're clear...I won't be replaced as the number one guy in your life."

Olivia smiled and kissed him softly, "He's cute...but he's no Elliot Stabler. You're number one El. Always will be."

Four hours later, they pulled up to their house in Queens. Bernie had taken the kids home and they still had no idea what was going on. The puppy had spent the ride in Olivia's lap, looking out at the road as they drove. He was excited and wild and Olivai's laugh had been contagious. He still had reservations, but how could he say no to his wife when she was this happy?

Scooping up their new furchild, Olivia looked at her husband, "So...how are we doing this?"

Elliot smiled at her and shook his head, "This was your big plan babe. You tell me."

"Daddy called me babe because despite the fact that you're cute...he's still a little irritated that I won. So that means I'll have to make it up to him later." She teased.

"Okay first of all…" He pointed at the dog, "Please don't refer to me as the dog's Daddy. Second...yes, making it up to me later would be great."

She rolled her eyes and kissed the dog's head, "You are his Daddy whether you like it or not. And if you're nice...I will." She smiled and then climbed out of the car, "And seeing as this is my plan...I'm just going to wing it and see what happens."

Elliot laughed and followed her out of the car, "God...she is going to be the death of me."

Walking into the house, Olivia smiled when she realized they were all out on the porch. The perfect location. She looked at her husband, "You go first."

Elliot put his keys in his car and frowned, "Am I going to get any credit for this?"

Olivia shrugged, "We'll see...now go."

Sighing, he walked down the hall and out the back door onto the porch. "Hey guys. We're home."

The kids turned to look at their Father, "Hi Daddy! Where's Mom?" Lizzie asked.

Elliot stepped aside, "She's...right here."

"No. Way." Maureen stood up quickly as she was the first one to notice, "No way!"

Once the three other kids noticed what she was talking about, they jumped up and ran at Olivia. She knelt down on the porch and the dog hopped down, running around her in circles. "Hang on guys. Give him a breather." The dog stopped behind her, settled on his back legs and watched the kids curiously, "Go slow…"

Richie put his hand out and the dog slowly inched towards him, "Hi buddy...hi…"

Olivia smiled and scratched the dog behind his ear, "There you go...see? He'll come around. Just give him a minute to figure out who you are."

"That's where you guys were today? Picking up a dog?" Kathleen asked as she looked up at her Dad quickly, "We...get to keep him. Right?"

All eyes turned to him for confirmation. Part of him wanted to say no. But he laughed and realized he'd do just about anything to make his wife and children happy, "We get to keep him."

The kids all cheered again causing the dog to bark and start to interact with them. Kneeling down beside his wife he couldn't keep the smile off his face as he watched the kids. Looking over at Olivia, he saw her smile very much matched his.

"What's his name?" Kathleen asked as he licked her face.

"We didn't get that far yet. We thought it should be a family decision." Olivia said.

"Well this isn't going to go well." Maureen said with a loud laugh, "We'll never agree!"

"Well I like buddy." Richie said as the puppy tackled him, "Because he is my buddy."

"Everyone names their dogs buddy." Kathleen rolled her eyes, "He needs a better name than that!"

"What about Lucky?" Lizzie asked, "Because we're really lucky Daddy finally said yes!"

"He was always going to say yes." Maureen teased, "Mom made sure of that."

Elliot looked down at Olivia again who just smiled innocently, "She can be very persuasive."

"What about K-9? We can train him to be a K-9 unit dog and work with Mom and Dad!" Richie yelled.

"We're not naming him K-9! That would be like naming him Dog." Kathleen rolled her eyes again, "Mo was right. We'll never agree."

"What about Scout?" Maureen asked, as she looked at her parents, "I just finished "To Kill A Mockingbird" and I loved that character. Plus...kinda works for a cop dog. A scout is someone who searches for things. That's what you two do. Search for justice."

Olivia smiled and looked down at the dog at her feet, "Scout Stabler...hm...I like it. What do you guys think?"

"I love it!" Richie said nuzzling the dog, "Scout! I want it to be Scout!"

Elliot looked at the other girls, "Has to be a family decision. What do you two think?"

Kathleen and Lizzie exchanged looks and nodded, "Welcome to the family Scout."

"That was easier than I expected it to be…" Elliot said with a skeptical look, "With that said...I meant it when I said I expect the four of you to help with this dog. Your Mom and I aren't going to be the only caretakers. That's not going to work."

"We'll be super responsible!" Richie said quickly, "We'll walk him with Mrs. Carver's dogs."

Elliot nodded, "That's going to be harder once school starts. But you're going to have to wake up and make it happen. Do you think you can handle it?"

"We can handle it!" Kathleen said, "We'll make a schedule so it's fair and we'll stick to it."

"Even on rainy and snowy days...he's gotta go out." Elliot said sternly, "No exceptions. If one of you is sick...you need to pick up the slack for each other. He needs to be fed everyday too. We'll help some but this will be a lot on you four. Especially when mom and I are at work."

"We can do this Dad. We can definitely do this." Maureen said, "I'll make sure everyone does what they need to do."

"We can do this Dad. We promise." Richie said honestly, "We will be super responsible. You'll see!"

Elliot looked at his four kids and then at his wife, "What have I gotten myself into?"

Olivia beamed at him, "You've made your kids and your wife super happy today El. That's all that matters, right?"

Scout tumbled towards him and pressed his paws up onto his chest. Everyone held their breath as the two of them stared back at each other. Elliot eyed the dog curiously, and then...Scout stuck out his tongue and licked Elliot's face from chin to forehead. Olivia tried to bite back a laugh but she was failing, and so were the kids, "Olivia…"

Leaning over, Olivia picked up Scout and smiled, "See? Scout loves his Daddy!"

Elliot groaned and the kids tackled him down onto the deck making him laugh. Olivia let Scot join them and then she stood up to walk over to Bernie who was holding Noah. The three of them watched as the scene unfolded in front of them, loving the sound of the laughter. Reaching for Noah, Olvia smiled as he squealed watching his family, "You'll be joining them soon enough baby boy."

Bernie laughed and put her hand on Olivia's shoulder, "My son really does love you. Just in case you weren't sure. I never thought he'd cave on the dog."

Olivia smiled as she watched Scout licking Elliot's face again, "He does love me. And I will never take that for granted Bernie." Turning towards her she smiled, "Thanks for bringing him into this world. The world is a much better place because of him."

Bernie smiled and wrapped her arm around her daughter-in-law, "The world's a better place with both of you in it Olivia."

Later that night, Elliot was upstairs getting ready for bed. He had been adamant that Scout would not be sleeping in anyone's room. He had spent the last hour trying to keep the dog out of the kid's rooms. He knew at some point it would probably be a lost cause. But until he knew that he could trust the dog not to have an accident, he was putting his foot down. Walking out of the bathroom, he noticed that the upstairs seemed unnaturally quiet. Sighing, walked down the hall and saw all the rooms were empty. Glancing at his watch, he knew it was well past their bedtime.

Walking down the stairs, he was ready to start protesting but instead, he had to stop and smile to himself. "I should have known…"

Olivia turned back and smiled, she pressed a finger to her lips to quiet him, "Shh...they just fell asleep."

Walking further into the room, Elliot climbed up over the back of the couch and settled in beside her. In front of him lay all four of his oldest children sound asleep in their sleeping bags on the floor. In the middle of them slept Scout. He seemed perfectly happy in his new home. Olivia was curled up on the couch and Noah was asleep in the pack and play beside the couch. He knew there was no fighting this, so he wrapped his arm around Olivia and lay down beside her, "Your idea or theirs?"

"All theirs." She snuggled into his chest and sighed happily, "Once they knew you weren't going to let him upstairs...they figured their only option was sleeping down here. Wouldn't be the first time...just new with Scout." She turned and smiled, "And Noah...too. At least, on the outside of the womb." She said with a laugh.

Elliot dropped a kiss to the top of her head, "Seems like a family tradition on important nights. The night you stayed with them during the storm…"

"The same night you told me you loved me." She paused and smiled, remembering what he had told her earlier today, "Well...the first time I was conscious for it."

He smirked and snuggled into her closer, "First time we kissed too. Damn good day."

"I agree." Her hand rubbed up and down his arm affectionately as she spoke, "Our first night in this house too."

Elliot was quiet, then thought about what had happened in this very room not so long ago, "Liv…"

"I know." She leaned in and kissed him gently, "But El...we can't let him ruin this place for us. This is our home." Looking back at the kids and Scout she smiled, "That right there...trumps anything else. We'll always be okay. Always. One way or another."

"Liv." She turned her head back to him, "You told me that you would always find your way back to me...if anything ever tore us apart. Promise me you still mean that."

Turning in his embrace, she wrapped her arms around his waist and tangled their legs together, "I promise El. No matter what this life throws at us...I'll always find my way back to you. Always."

Pressing his lips to hers he breathed her in, letting the remainder of what Dick Finley had done wash away. All that mattered was right here in this room and that's the way it always would be.

On the kids first day of school, Elliot was expecting to have to drag the kids out of bed like every other year. The usual end of summer blues tended to trump the excitement of a new school year. Upon waking up, he heard the house already in the full swing of back to school rush though. Turning towards the clock, he saw that he had slept through his alarm. Or...his wife had turned it off. They were going into work late so they could drop the kids off and get Noah to daycare.

Pulling himself off the bed, he rubbed the sleep out of his eyes and stretched. He was quiet, listening to the activity below him. Five kids and a new puppy left very little quiet time. For some that might be frustrating or overwhelming. But he lived for the chaos of their home. Pulling a t-shirt on over his head, he made his way down towards the kitchen. He saw Olivia juggling holding Noah and feeding Kathleen and Lizzie. He didn't see Richie, Maureen or Scout though.

"Morning Daddy." Lizzie said from her spot at the counter. "Are you still taking us to school?"

Elliot leaned down and kissed her head first, then Kathleen's, "Of course. Where are Maureen and Richie?"

"Walking Scout." Olivia said, sliding a cup of coffee towards him, "Kathleen and Lizzie fed him and they set up his spot down here for when we are gone."

Elliot leaned in to kiss her, "I'm impressed."

"They told you they were serious and would be able to handle it all. And they are proving it." She said with a smile.

Elliot lifted the cup and took a sip, "Well, it's only the first day of school. So I'll believe it in a few months when there is snow on the ground and they still get up to do it."

"We will Daddy." Kathleen said quickly, "We want to keep Scout so we'll do it."

The door opened and Richie, Maureen and Scout came running in, "We had a successful walk!"

Olivia smiled, "Good. Now come eat breakfast."

Elliot watched them climb up onto their stools, "I'm going to go take a quick shower. You okay here?"

Olivia smiled and kissed him again, "I got it covered." She looked at him and smiled, "But don't get dressed for work."

Elliot frowned, "What do you mean? We're going in after we drop off the kids."

Olivia shook her head, "Just dress casually. Okay?"

He narrowed his eyes at her, "What are you up too?"

"Nothing." She leaned up and kissed him again, "But we have the day off. I cleared it with Cragen. Now go. I don't want to be late dropping the kids off." He opened his mouth to respond but she shook her head, "You're not the only one who can be romantic and full of surprises Elliot Stabler."

He raised an eyebrow, "You're always full of surprises Liv." Leaning forward he kissed her without closing his eyes, wanting to watch her, "But I'll follow you anywhere."

Giving him another quick kiss she squeezed his bicep, "Go on."

An hour later, they had dropped off the kids and Olivia was behind the wheel driving them to an unknown destination. Elliot kept trying to search the surroundings for any clue of where they were headed. He heard her laughing beside him, so he turned to look at her, "What?"

"Stop being a cop for once." She teased as she turned off an exit, "Just relax."

"I'm just trying to figure out if you went back on your promise and decided that Scout is the number one guy in your life. You dragging me out into the middle of nowhere to kill me?" He asked.

Rolling her eyes she shook her head, "El, if I was going to kill you I'd have a better plan than this."

He chuckled, "Oh...good to know. Guess I really should sleep with one eye open."

Olivia pulled down another road and Elliot could see the ocean, "Maybe you should."

Elliot glanced around as they pulled into the parking lot of a beach, "Where are we?"

Olivia put the car in park and smiled, "Stop asking questions. I'll explain."

Elliot climbed out of the car with her and took her hand as they walked towards the beach. It was the very end of August so it was still warm but most kids were back at school so the beach wasn't busy. They walked to the edge of the water and Olivia kicked off her shoes to dip her toes in the water. Elliot looked around, it wasn't a place he was familiar with. He noticed a few homes and buildings close to the beach. It was quiet. Calm. The complete opposite of their lives.

Turning to look at her, he saw her looking back at him with an expression he didn't know what to make of, "Liv?"

She sighed and turned to look at one of the buildings behind them, "I never told you this...but right before Kathy left, I almost left."

Elliot's heart leapt in his throat as he watched her, "What do you mean you almost left?"

Kicking at the ground below her, she turned to him again, "I found an apartment. In that building." She pointed in the distance, "I interviewed for a job here...Homicide. They offered me the job on the spot...and I told them I would take it. But before I could sign anything I wanted to clear things at SVU first. I drove back to the city...was going to meet with Cragen and tell him. But when I got there...Cragen and Munch were talking about you. They told me what had happened…that Kathy had left."

Elliot took a deep breath, "Olivia…" She looked at him again with a nervous expression, "Why were you going to leave?"

She shrugged slightly, "I was madly in love with you El. But you were married...and had four kids. And I knew I couldn't have you. It was too hard...I had felt this shift between us lately. I never wanted to be the other woman. I didn't want to break up a family. I loved you but I would never have done that...to Kathy, to your kids, to you."

Elliot swallowed hard and stepped up to her, "You were never the other woman Liv."

His hand tangled in her hair and she leaned into him, "Maybe not...but I couldn't risk it. So I decided the best decision was going to be to just leave. I thought it would be the best decision for both of us."

"Would you have told me?" He asked curiously, his heart ached at the thought of it. He found it ironic that as his wife left him, she almost had done the same thing. Only, for very different reasons.

"I would have told you." She whispered, "I never would have just left...but I knew it was going to kill me."

Elliot looked back at the apartment building behind him, "Why here?"

Olivia shrugged and looked over at the ocean, "I'd always wanted to be close to the water...I never got to visit as a kid. I thought it would be a new start."

Resting his forehead against hers he whispered, "What would I have done without you?"

"I remember leaving the precinct that night...I hadn't said a word to Cragen about the job. I didn't know what to do. I sat in my apartment for an hour and I realized...even if you never loved me the way that I loved you...I couldn't leave you. Especially not then. And so I called and said I changed my mind...didn't want the job. Didn't want the apartment. And I stayed."

Elliot looked over at the ocean, "But you wanted to be here…"

Squeezing his forearms tightly she shook her head, grasping his jaw she turned his head so he was looking right at her, "No El...I wanted to be with you. I just didn't think it was an option. So I thought running was the best option. It was what I did best back then."

Elliot quickly pulled her into his arms, "God Liv…"

"Are you mad?" Her voice was quiet and he could hear the fear in her voice, he pushed her back just slightly so he could see her face, "I wasn't sure…"

"I'm not mad. I'm just sad thinking about what could have happened...what we would have missed out on." He kissed her forehead gently, "I can't imagine my life without you."

"I never imagined...we would end up where we are now. I wanted it more than anything. I just didn't think it was possible." She looked at the beach, "The life you've given me...is better than I deserve."

He squeezed her tight, "No. It isn't. You deserve the world Liv."

She turned to him and held his face in her hands, "You've given me the world and then some El. And I just...I want you to know that I don't take that for granted. That what we have, what we are, means more to me than I can put into words." She kissed him softly, "I brought you here to let you know that I'm damn glad I didn't leave. And I wanted to know…"

He raised an eyebrow at her curiously, "Wanted to know what?"

"Well you agreed on the dog." She wrapped her arms around him and smiled, "I know it wasn't what you really wanted. But you did it for us...because you love us. And so I wanted to know...is there anything else you want in this life? You gave us all what we want...so what do you want?"

Elliot stared down at her like had had so many times before. Every part of her was burned in his mind, in his heart, in his soul and always would be. He knew that he wouldn't need anything else in his life ever as long as she was beside him. Bending down, he kissed her softly, but it soon turned more passionate. They were wrapped up in each other, embracing the moment and each other. When he pulled away, he took a deep breath and looked deep into her eyes, "I have everything I want Liv. Everything I could ever want."

"You sure?" She pulled him even closer, "This is your chance El...go big or go home. Anything at all?"

He chuckled and shook his head, "Olivia…"

"I'm just saying...I'm giving you the option to ask for anything at all here. I'm telling you that I'll give it to you." Her eyes wiggled up and down and she smirked, "I told you I'd thank you or the dog so…"

Elliot smirked and kissed her again, "You've thanked me a few times for the dog in the comfort of our bedroom babe."

"Okay. Well…" She turned back to the ocean and smiled, "You have until the end of the day to change your mind. So keep thinking."

Elliot turned to face the water with her, "So after today, I can't ask for anything else again?"

"Nothing big." She teased giving him a nudge, "So you know...just really think hard."

They stood quietly overlooking the water for a few minutes, letting the water lap at their feet. Elliot slipped his hand into hers and smiled, "Maybe there is one thing…"

She smiled and turned her head to look at him, "And what would that be?"

Taking a deep breath he smiled, "One more kid."

Her face softened and she nodded slowly, "One more kid…"

"You still want that?" He asked softly, "Just...one more. I mean if you want more than that we can-"

She lifted her hand and pressed her fingers to his lips, "Six would be enough." She laughed slightly, "And I want that too."

"Noah's only 9 months...so I'm not saying we need to-" He saw her smile and something made him wonder... "Liv?"

She laughed slightly and shrugged, "Yeah...didn't expect this to be our life so soon but. I'm pregnant Elliot."

His body turned towards her quickly and his eyes were wide, "What?"

"I know. I'm shocked too. But I had an appointment the other day and they made me take a pregnancy test and low and behold…" She shrugged, "I'm just as shocked as you. Especially since it took so long with Noah, but...I'm not upset about it." When he didn't respond she frowned, "Are...are you?"

"No." He quickly moved towards her and kissed her again, "I'm just really...surprised." He laughed and pulled away, "A 9 month old son, brand new puppy, four growing like weed older kids and a new one on the way? God help us."

"I know. I know...I kind of feel guilty about the whole puppy thing now. I'm sure your head is reeling and you're seeing dollar signs and-"

"We'll make it work. We always do." He kissed her gently, "Liv...a baby is a blessing. I'm happy. I'm so happy. I just told you all I wanted in life was another baby...and here we are."

"Here we are." She pulled him closer, "Another baby…"

"So that's why you brought me out here today?" He asked, she nodded slowly, "Well I'm damn glad you did. How far along are you?"

"It's still very early...only about four weeks. So I don't want to say anything to anyone. But I wanted you to know."

Looking around he realized how far they had come, "I love you Olivia Benson Stabler."

When he kissed her again she couldn't help but think, Thank God she didn't leave all those years ago...this was not a life she wanted to miss.

That night, Elliot was putting the four older kids to sleep before he checked on Noah in his room. Smiling down at his sleeping son, he couldn't believe they were going to have another one so soon. Part of him was petrified, and yet, he couldn't wait. Walking down the hallway he saw Olivia sitting in their bed. When she looked up at him her face flushed and she tried to hide something. He started to tug off his shirt and he watched her carefully, "What are you doing?"

"Nothing." She shrugged but then something shifted under the covers and she laughed.

"If there is a furry being in that bed Olivia Benson...I'm going to be very angry." He growled.

Olivia huffed, "Hey...you're furry on your own mister. Don't be mean to my fur son."

Elliot reached out and pulled the covers off to reveal their growing dog, "Nope. He's not sleeping up here."

Olivia frowned, "Okay but...he slept with me here the other night and I think now he loves it."

Elliot's eyes went wide, "What do you mean he slept up here the other night? You mean when I had to stay at work?"

Pouting, she pulled Scout into her lap and smiled, "I was lonely and he was fussy...so it just seemed like the right thing to do."

"Olivia, I said no dog in our room." Olivia pouted again and he laughed, "Oh come on! You're pouting and you're pregnant? What am I supposed to do with that?"

"You're supposed to just say yes and let it go." She said with a shrug, "Easier for all of us. You don't want to make me cry." Lifting the dog up she held him close and whispered, "Besides...how can you say no to this little face?"

Elliot growled and walked into the bathroom to finish getting ready for the bed. Olivia could hear him muttering under his breath and she was trying not to laugh. When he came back into the room, he grabbed one of the pillows and put it between himself, Olivia and Scout. Throwing himself down on the bed with a huff, he ignored her.

"Uh oh buddy...Daddy is really angry." Elliot didn't respond, "Like really angry...he never goes to bed without telling me he loves me or giving me a kiss."

Elliot stared at the wall behind him, "Kiss your damn dog."

He heard her pull the pillow away and toss it down on the ground, "But I like kissing you so much better…"

He felt her curl up against him and he smiled, "Benson…"

She wrapped her arms around his waist and kissed his neck, "Stabler...tell me you love me."

He put his hands over hers and smiled, "I love you Olivia."

He felt her squeeze him and wrap her leg around him, "I love you too." Just as she kissed him, they both felt something jump on them and settle in against Elliot's chest, "And your fur son loves you too."

He sighed and rolled onto his back letting her cuddle up against him, "He's not my son."

"I said fur son." She corrected and reached across him to pet Scout, "But this little peanut loves you too…"

Elliot smiled and pressed a hand into her belly, "And I love him or her too. So much."

"Do I get a good night kiss or are you still mad?" She asked softly.

Eliot looked down at Scout who was already sound asleep. Turning back to his wife he rolled her over onto the bed making her laugh. "Don't look Scout. But I'm going to kiss your crazy Mommy now."