On the morning of his birthday, Elliot woke up just like he did every morning. His alarm went off, rolled over, greeted Ember, and sat up yawning. He wiggled his fingers, and his toes, wondering if his body would feel different now that he was a year older. But as Noah had said on his own birthday, not much had changed. But as his feet hit the floor, he realized everything had changed, especially when he heard giggling coming from outside in the living room and he knew damn well he lived alone. Which meant…two people had weaseled their way into his apartment this morning and quite frankly, that was the best damn present he could have asked for.

The weeks since Noah's birthday had passed the same as the ones since he met them. He worked, she worked, Noah lived his life and he spent every waking minute counting down the seconds until he got to see them both again. Ember wagged her tail beside him and he laughed, "Didn't bark again to warn me huh?"

Ember just tilted her head to the side and he laughed, walking over to his dresser, he slipped on a t-shirt and opened the door. As soon as he did, he was greeted with a chorus of "Happy Birthday" and before he knew it, a seven-year-old had launched himself at him.

"Oof!" Elliot said with a laugh as he fell back onto the ground.

"Noah!" Olivia said quickly, trying to sound stern but she was laughing, "Honey, he's an old man now. Don't break him!"

Noah looked down nervously at Elliot, "Sorry!"

Elliot laughed and ruffled his hair, "No need for apologies bud. Best birthday surprise ever." Sitting up slowly, Noah reached for Ember and Elliot turned to the gorgeous brunette nervously standing in his kitchen, "What are you doing here?"

Olivia shrugged, "Well, we knew you had a 48-hour shift starting this afternoon and this may be the only chance we could see you. So…" She shrugged, "Noah suggested we come by and make you breakfast."

Elliot's heart jumped in his chest, "How'd you get in?"

"Your landlord Mr. Parson's is quite partial to me." She said with a bat of her eyelashes, "Didn't take much convincing to let us in."

Elliot smiled knowing how well Olivia could turn on the charm, and he made a mental note to thank Mr. Parson's later, "Breakfast huh?"

"Mom makes the best pancakes and waffles. And when I'm a really good boy, she'll put chocolate chips in it." He said excitedly.

Elliot pushed himself up off the floor and walked towards Olivia, feeling a little bold, "Well I wonder if I've been a good boy or not. Do I get chocolate chips?"

Olivia's breath caught in her throat as she felt him so close. She'd only been here a handful of times since that first night and not for very long. But having him stand this close made her remember kissing him, the way it had felt, the way he'd tasted. How she'd crawled into his bed half-naked and he had been smart enough for the both of them to know that it wasn't what she was ready for, even if she wanted him.

Taking a deep breath, she looked up at him and whispered, "It's your birthday…so it's only fair you get what you want."

Sucking in his bottom lip, he looked down at her in her skinny jeans and loose-fitting sweater that dipped low in the front. He smiled and felt the way his body reacted to her, how it always reacted to her. What he wanted was her and only her but he had a feeling that wasn't quite on the menu yet. So instead, he looked her straight in the eye and whispered, "I want chocolate chips."

She smiled softly and stepped back, "Okay then."

"Among other things." He grumbled, feeling his cock twitch as her hips swayed and he smiled when she laughed and turned away from him.

Noah ran back over to him and pulled him towards the table, "No one should have to work on their birthday. Or go to school."

Elliot laughed and reached for the coffee that Olivia had left for him, "Maybe not…but that's life kid."

Noah pulled his feet up onto the chair and stared at the man he'd become insanely attached to in such a short time, "Can I give Elliot his birthday present now?"

Olivia was at the stove getting things ready and she smiled, "That's up to him babe."

Elliot looked at her and then at Noah and smiled, "You didn't need to get me anything bud…you being here is present enough for me."

Noah blushed nervously, "Well…I actually made it. I hope that's okay. I…I did my best."

Elliot saw Olivia watching her son carefully, could tell she was just as nervous as he was and whatever it was was important to Noah. And more than that, he knew that whatever it was he was going to love it. Elliot turned to him and smiled, "I know I'll love it kid."

Noah hopped down from his seat and Ember followed, hot on his heels. Olivia set the waffles up and then turned to watch as Noah ran back to him with a carefully wrapped gift. Elliot smiled at him and Noah stood back waiting patiently as Ember sat at his heels. Elliot's heart was pounding as he opened the gift, first reaching for the homemade card. On the front he saw a picture of himself and Noah hand drawn in Elliot's fire truck. Written in his handwriting he saw Happy Birthday Elliot

He smiled and opened the inside to read, I hope you have the best birthday Elliot! Thanks for being such a good friend!

Elliot pulled him closer, "I love this bud…can I bring it to work and hang it in my locker?"

Noah nodded quickly, "Yeah!" He pointed at the bag, "There's something else in there. I made it in Art."

Elliot reached into the bag and pulled the item wrapped up in tissue paper out. As he uncovered it, the smile on his face grew. It was made out of clay and though it was maybe a bit lumpy, he knew what it was supposed to be. Or who it was supposed to be. It was Ember with a firefighter hat on and to him, it was the best gift he'd ever been given. "Noah…"

"I had a little trouble with the hat but I tried." He pointed to her nose, "I even made her little scar. Mom said that's how she got her name…I-I hope you like it."

Elliot cleared his throat feeling overwhelmed with emotion and carefully placed the clay dog on the table. Then, he turned to Noah and reached for him, pulling him flush against his body, "This is the best gift anyone has ever given me Noah. Thank you."

Noah held on tight and looked over Elliot's shoulder at his Mom who was watching them, a huge smile on her own face, "Happy Birthday Elliot."

The three of them and Ember climbed in Elliot's truck and headed back into Manhattan. Elliot still couldn't believe how early they'd gotten up to go into Brooklyn to surprise him. After dropping Noah off at school, Elliot swung by Olivia's work and pulled up out front.

"Well…looks like we've made it back to your stop." He whispered, not wanting to let her go.

Olivia smiled and petted Ember gently, "Looks like it…"

Elliot tapped his fingers on the steering wheel, "So…you really left Manhattan before the sun came up…picked things up at the market and then took the subway to Brooklyn to have breakfast with me. Only to come all the way back to Manhattan?"

She laughed and shrugged, "Only because it is your birthday and Noah would have cried if I said no…"

"Hm…I wouldn't have done that for you." He said with a smirk.

She smiled at him and looked him right in the eye, "Yeah…you would have."

He laughed and looked down at his lap before answering honestly, "Yeah…I would have."

Taking a shaky breath, she leaned forward and pressed her lips to his cheek, "Happy Birthday Elliot."

When she pulled away, she lingered a little close to his lips and he could have easily leaned in and kissed her. But, still he waited wanting it to be her choice. "Thank you Liv…"

She smiled and slid across the seat to reach for the door before she slipped out, grabbing her bag, slipping something in the back with Ember knowing that Elliot hadn't noticed it. She said goodbye to the dog, gave him one more wave and then turned to walk back towards work even though she would have loved to climb into that truck and run away with him for the day.

Maybe next year she thought.

Elliot drove to the firehouse, not being able to keep the smile on his face as he drove. Pulling up into his usual spot, he grabbed his bag and opened the back so that Ember could climb out. And that's when he saw it, an envelope and a small rectangular box. His heart jumped in his chest as he reached for it. Opening the card first, he saw a simple white card with a cake on the front. On the inside she had written…

Hey my friend Elliot,
Happy Birthday. I am very glad you were born. I hope this is just the first of many birthdays I get to spend with you. Thanks for being you.

Xoxo Liv

Tearing off the paper on the box, he pulled out a picture frame. And in the frame was a picture of him, Noah and Olivia on his birthday. Elliot was making a funny face, sticking his tongue out as Olivia pretended to pick his nose. And beside them stood Noah, laughing at his two favorite people. And all Elliot could think was, I hope every birthday can be like this.

Walking inside, he let Ember go and she made her rounds greeting everyone in the firehouse. He found his locker and set up the card from Noah and placed the frame up on the top shelf. Through the little mirror, he saw his best friend Ashton walking up to him, he spotted the newest additions to Elliot's locker and smiled, "Looks like you've already had a hell of a birthday…"

Elliot smiled and reached for his shirt to change, "You could say that."

Ashton leaned against the locker beside him, "You look happy Stabler."

Elliot shrugged and pulled on his FDNY shirt, "Is that a bad thing?"

"No. Of course not. It's a damn good thing. Just haven't seen that look for a while." He looked over at the picture again, "You two still just playing the friends card?"

Elliot sighed and looked at him again, "Taking things at her pace here Ash. I want her to feel comfortable. Sure. She has a lot more to lose than I do."

Ashton nodded slowly, "I get that..she's protecting her kid. But please don't forget to protect yourself too."

Elliot looked over at him and frowned, "Protect myself from what?"

"Last time I checked…" Ashton whispered, "Guys can have their hearts broken too. And as your best friend I just want to make sure you know what you're doing."

Elliot stood up a little straighter, "I do know that. But…I realized that I'd rather have her in my life as a friend than not have her in my life at all. So if someday she realizes she doesn't want more than that…that's something I'll have to deal with. Do I hope that it doesn't work out that way? Of course. But…I'm not turning my back on her Ash."

Ashton narrowed his eyes at him, "Even if it meant you getting hurt?"

"Even then." He said looking at the picture again, then he quickly closed it, "Some things, some people are worth the pain. And she's one of them."

He patted his leg and Ember came running and Ashton watched him go, hoping he had the chance to meet this girl sooner rather than later. So he could gauge for himself just what her intentions were with his best friend. He knew Elliot was head over heels, anyone could see that. And if it was the real deal and she just needed time, he could respect that. But, if this was a game to her, he wanted to make it very clear that he'd defend his friend if push came to shove. He just hoped…Elliot knew what he was doing.

Ten days later Olivia was swamped at work, drowning in piles of paperwork and she had yet to even be able to get Noah's final Halloween costume making her feel an insane amount of guilt. Walking up to her apartment, she knew Noah was already asleep and that Lucy was with him but she couldn't bring herself to go up just yet. She had to tell him that not only had she been unable to get his costume today as she had promised for the last week, but she also wouldn't be able to take him trick or treating tomorrow night. Her knees buckled as she stepped up onto the first step and she fell hard, curling in on herself, feeling tears wrack her body.

She was so fucking tired.

From down the street in his truck, Elliot saw the outline of her as he made his way toward her apartment. He wasn't expecting her to be home knowing that work had been crazy as of late. But he'd been meaning to drop off Noah's sweatshirt that he'd left in his truck earlier in the week. Before he headed back into Brooklyn he decided he'd drop it off. Seeing her curled in on herself, her shoulders shaking, clearly crying warning bells went off in his head. He sped up, whipped the car into a spot on the sidewalk, and was halfway out of the car before he could even think about what he was doing.

Running over to her, he bent low and reached for her, "Liv? What's wrong?"

She jumped, not having heard him, tears streaming down her face and her hand instinctively went to her side where her gun rested, "Jesus Christ Elliot. You scared the shit out of me!"

He sighed and leaned back on his heels, realizing he had been a little reckless but he'd been too worried to think properly, "I'm sorry…I just saw you crying and-"

She sniffled softly and sat up straighter, "What are you doing here?"

He sighed and realized he'd left Noah's sweatshirt in the truck, "Noah left his sweatshirt the other day when we went to the park with Ember. I've been meaning to drop it off…figured tonight was as good a time as any. I called and Lucy said it was okay."

Olivia sighed and ran her fingers through her hair, "Oh…thank you."

She looked ahead, her eyes still sad, her mind clearly going a mile a minute, "Liv…"

Licking her lips, she sat up a little straighter and whispered, "I'm okay. I swear…just a shitty day."

Moving to sit beside her he shrugged, "Had my fair share of those…wanna talk about it?"

The words were on the tip of her tongue and she knew she could tell him, unload on him and he would be right there beside her. But she felt guilty throwing her problems on him when he was so good to her. She often wondered what the hell he got out of this friendship. "I just…I feel like I'm failing Noah. And..I'm so afraid to disappoint him. But I know I am."

Tentatively, he went to wrap his arm around her but realized she may not want that kind of physical contact. They'd gotten closer lately, but there were still boundaries he was trying to respect. Instead, he rested it on the step behind her so she knew he was there, "Liv you aren't failing Noah. You do so much for that kid…"

"But it's not enough." Her lip trembled again, "I was supposed to get his costume weeks ago and life kept getting in the way. And now it's the day before Halloween and there is no way I'll get one. And even if I do…I can't even take him. We're so short-staffed right now and they need me on the late shift…he's going to be crushed."

His eyes darted up to the window that he knew was Noah's and imagined him asleep, thinking about Halloween tomorrow, excited to indulge in all the candy and pranks. And without thinking twice he said, 'I'll take him."

Olivia let out a little laugh, not believing him and she looked at him, "Yeah. Okay."

He nudged her slightly and said, "Hey, I'm serious." She looked at him quickly, eyes wide with disbelief, "I'll take him trick or treating."

"I…" She pressed a hand to her chest and frowned, "Elliot I couldn't ask you to do that.'

Smiling coyly, he leaned in and whispered, "Ah, but you didn't ask me. I offered all on my own."

Pushing herself up off the steps she turned back to him and crossed her arms over her chest, "Why?" He just stared at her, clearly confused by her question, "Why would you possibly offer to take my son trick or treating? What do you get out of it?"

He shrugged and asked, "Why do I need to get something out of it?" She still just stared at him, "Olivia, I know it's hard for you to believe but I actually like Noah. He's a great kid and I've come to care about him. I don't expect anything for being his friend…from him." He paused when he saw her worrying her lower lip, "Or you."

She looked down at the ground, "I'm sorry…that sounded mean or…accusatory I just-"

"I know." He whispered before he stood up to stand by her, "I know Liv. I do. Don't apologize. I'll just keep reminding you that I don't expect or need anything other than this friendship."

She lifted her eyes towards his and asked in the softest voice he'd ever heard from her, "For now?"

Reaching out, he brushed a strand of hair behind her ear and replied, "No matter what you decide…I promised to be your friend. And that means being Noah's friend too. No matter what does or doesn't happen down the road…I'm quite happy having you both in my life. So…can I take him?"

She looked at him, saw the sincerity in his eyes, and then looked up towards the window where her son lay sleeping. Letting out a heavy sigh, she reached out without thinking and wrapped her arms around his waist, pressing her face into his chest, "Yes. Thank you."

He fought the urge to kiss the top of her head, instead, he wrapped his arms tightly around her and decided to just enjoy this moment.

The following afternoon, Elliot picked Noah up from school for the first time, checking in at the office as Olivia had instructed. Noah was sad that his Mother had to work but he tried not to show it knowing that she would be there if she could. He was expecting to see Lucy as his Mom had not told him it was Elliot that would be getting him. He figured it would be a nice surprise. As he rounded the corner, he sighed listening to his friends boast about their Halloween plans.

And then, there stood Elliot and everything seemed to get better. "Happy Halloween kid!"

Noah's eyes went wide and he ran to Elliot, "What are you doing here?"

Noah bent down in front of him and smiled, "Taking you trick or treating tonight. That okay with you?"

Noah smiled and then shrugged, "I don't have a costume…"

Elliot smirked at him, "Oh we have costumes. You, me and Ember have costumes."

Noah started to laugh, "Elliot, what did you do?"

He smiled and pointed to the car, "You'll have to wait and see."

After a pizza dinner and a few pre Halloween pieces of candy, Elliot revealed their costumes. And Noah was NOT disappointed. Whenever they hung out at Elliot's they often played Mario Kart, a favorite of both of them. And for Halloween, Elliot was Mario, Noah was Luigi and Ms. Ember was Princess Peach. Standing in front of the mirror, Noah couldn't stop laughing, "I look funny with a mustache!"

Elliot leaned closer to the mirror, adjusting his, "So do I."

Ember barked loudly and they both looked at her, "Think she hates the dress?"

Elliot laughed and adjusted the little crown on her head, "For you, she'll do anything kid.

Noah smiled and reached for his candy bucket, "Can we go?"

Elliot nodded and fidgeted with Noah's hat a bit, "Not before we take a picture for your Mom. I promised."

Noah walked over to Ember, knelt down beside her and Elliot quickly followed, holding out his phone. They both smiled up at the camera and did silly ones just to make her laugh. And then, Noah was ready to go. He grabbed Elliot's hand and practically dragged him out of the apartment and Elliot knew they were in for quite a night.

Elliot was pretty sure they'd walked through half of the Manhattan neighborhoods and as tired as he was, he wouldn't have changed this for the world. The excitement on Noah's face as he went up each step was contagious and he hadn't felt that kind of excitement since he was a kid himself. Elliot was standing behind him as a group of kids waited for their turn. At the door, the woman smiled at Noah and then looked at Ember and Elliot, "Well look at this! A Father and son costume. I love it!"

Elliot's breath caught in his throat and he went to correct him but Noah smiled, "It was my Dad's idea! It's our favorite game!"

The woman smiled and put some candy in his bag, "You're a lucky boy."

Noah looked up at Elliot, his face red and he whispered, "I am." Then he turned back to the woman and said, "Thank you for the candy! Happy Halloween!"

Noah turned to walk away before Elliot could say anything and the woman smiled, "Sweet boy…"

Elliot held onto Ember's leash as she tugged, clearly wanting to go after Noah, "He's the best…"

Leaving the woman's doorstep, he followed after Noah and saw him sitting on the curb looking through his bag. But from where he was standing, he could tell the boy was anxious and it didn't take a rocket scientist to know why. He was afraid he'd said the wrong thing and that Elliot was going to be upset with him. Walking closer to him, he eased himself down onto the curb and smiled, "You're hitting the jackpot tonight kid."

Noah glanced at him quickly and then went back to sorting through his candy, "I am. Remind me to save the twix's for Mom. They're her favorite."

Elliot smiled at him, always thinking of his Mom just as she always thought of him, "Okay."

Noah pushed himself up off the ground, "So can we go this way and-"

"Noah." Elliot watched as Noah froze, clearly knowing what was coming next, "Come here."

Noah sighed and turned towards him, "I'm sorry Elliot. I shouldn't have-"

Elliot put his hand up, "Noah…stop." He saw Noah swallow hard, clearly nervous, "Come sit for a second."

Noah sighed and took his seat again, this time reaching for Ember who quickly walked over and put her paw on his lap, "I shouldn't have said that to her…"

Elliot shook his head, "Hey…kid…"

"It's just…" He kicked nervously at the ground, "Sometimes I wish I had a Dad. And it's not that Mom isn't good enough because she is. She's…she's the best. I know how lucky I am. But…I see my friends with their Dads and I just alway wonder what it would be like. And sometimes…when you're around…it just feels…like I have a Dad." He looked up at him and frowned, "But you aren't my Dad…I don't even know who my Dad is. Mom never talks about him and I stopped asking…because I know it upsets her."

"Noah…" He turned towards him but Noah shook his head.

"I don't want to upset her but I just want to know if it was something I did wrong? Was it me? Is that why he left?" He asked softly, "Do you know him?"

Elliot sighed and answered, "No buddy…I don't know him. And you want to know what? I don't want to know him. Because any guy that wouldn't want to know you or your Mom…isn't the kind of person I want to know."

Noah kicked at the ground again, "Elliot?"

Somehow he knew what he was going to ask next but he waited patiently, "Yeah?"

"Do you like my Mom?" He smiled and shrugged, "I mean…you know like Auntie A likes Matt…"

Elliot took a deep breath and rubbed the back of his neck. Should he be honest? Was that the right thing to do? Or was he supposed to lie and say they were just friends, that he didn't care about her in that way? This was all new territory to him. But, something about this conversation felt like he needed to be honest, "Yes Noah. I do."

Noah sat up a little straighter, "Does she like you like that?"

Lowering his head, he could feel the blush growing in his cheeks, "I…I don't know."

"I think she does." Noah said with a smile, "I think sometimes…she just thinks she has to protect me. But…I trust you. And…and I think you like hanging out with me?"

Elliot leaned over and nudged his shoulder, "I love hanging out with you kid. You're one of my best friends."

Noah's face lit up and he said, "So…what I said…didn't upset you? About you being my Dad?"

Elliot looked right at him and shook his head, "Not in the slightest…I'd be really lucky to be your Dad. And if your real Dad doesn't see how great you are…that's his problem. And someday, he'll regret that. But no matter what…you'll always have me. Okay?"

Noah smiled and quickly whispered, "Okay."

Feeling that that was enough for now, Elliot stood up and reached out to him, "Come on kid. We have plenty of places we can still hit before we need to get you home."

Noah stood up and Ember quickly followed suit, he stepped forward and followed Elliot down the sidewalk, "What's your favorite candy?"

"I'm partial to kit kats." Elliot said looking down at him, "Why?"

Noah reached into his bag and pulled one out, "Thanks for taking me tonight Elliot. I've had a great time."

Elliot took the candy bar and wrapped his arm around Noah's shoulder as they walked, "Me too kid. Me too…"

At work, Olivia was drowning in piles of paperwork and hating that she couldn't be with her son tonight. Every so often though when she needed a pick me up, she reached for her phone and looked down at the pictures that Elliot had sent. Each time, her heart beat just a bit faster and for the moment, the sadness went away. During one of those stolen moments, her partner Fin walked up behind her and laughed, "How many times have you looked at that damn picture tonight?"

Olivia blushed and put down her phone, "Fin…"

He smiled and sat down across from her, "I'm just saying…look any longer and the screen's gonna crack."

She smirked at him and grumbled, "You're so funny, did you know that?"

He chuckled again and reached for a file of his own, "I know you're bummed that you had to miss tonight but Noah understands. And it looks like he had a great time." Olivia just nodded and he smiled, "But…I bet you wish you were with both of them." Her cheeks flushed into a deep shade of red and he pushed on, "So…when do I properly get to meet this man in your life?"

She cleared her throat and shrugged, "You did meet him at the competition."

"Not really. I saw him…didn't really talk to him. And you've been very careful to keep him away from the rest of us. Even Alex said you haven't brought him around her since that first night. Which leads me to believe that he's someone important." He said with a smirk.

She chewed on her bottom lip as she signed the paper in front of her, "Life's just busy Fin. That's all. I'm not keeping anyone from you guys."

Fin watched her as she worked, head down, thinking hard, holding back. In the four years they'd worked together he'd learned a lot about life and what it meant to be selfless. She would give anything up just to see her kid smile, even her own happiness. He knew that. But, he also wanted his partner and one of his best friends to be happy, "He seems like a good guy. Even for a firefighter…"

Olivia smirked at him, "Uh huh…"

Fin sighed and leaned against his desk, "You know you're allowed to be happy, right?" She glanced up at him again, and he shrugged, "In fact you of all people deserve it."
Olivia sat up a little straighter, "I am happy Fin. I have a good life."

"I know." He said softly, "But…it's okay to want more. Not only to want it…but to have it."

She sighed and heard her phone ping, another picture from Elliot of him, Noah and Ember now on the couch at the apartment stuffing their faces with candy. What she wouldn't give to be right there with them, "Can we talk about something else please?"

Fin smiled knowing that was code for drop it and he resigned to accepting it, "Fine." He paused for a moment and then said, "Cap said we're both looking good for that promotion…asked where we wanted to go. He seemed surprised when I said SVU too."

Olivia smirked, "You just want to follow me. You in love with me or something Tutuola?"

Fin chuckled and shook his head, "You're a piece of work, did you know that?"

She laughed and picked up her files and walked them to the basket by her boss's office, "So I've been told." She walked back to him and sighed, "But…you really wanna do that too? I mean you know why I…" She looked down, "I just mean, it's what you really want?"

"I probably would have said no a few years ago. And to be honest, I know it's not going to be easy. Then again, no career here is easy. But yeah. I want to give it a shot. I'd like to really help people. And they're always looking for more help there. Might as well try. Plus, if we got to go together, that would be extra nice."

Olivia smiled and said, "They wouldn't let us work together. At least not up front. We'd be too new and they'd expect us to have mentors…we'll need 'em."

"I know." He said with a shrug, "But we could still experience it together."

She sighed and then sat back down, "That would be nice…"

Fin saw the trepidation on her face. He knew that as much as she wanted to follow that path, it would be hard. Really hard. But if anyone could do it, it was Olivia Benson. She just didn't believe in herself. He sure as hell did though and he had a funny feeling this Elliot Stabler did too.

Just as she was about to reach for the last few forms on her desk, he reached out and grabbed them, "You know what, I got these." She gave him a strange look, "We both know I owe you when it comes to paperwork. I slack off and you pick up the pace."

She knew what he was trying to do and she smiled, "Fin…"

"Go home." He said with a smile, "It's late…but Noah will be happy to see you."

She leaned back in her seat, "Just Noah?"

He smirked and shook his head, "Firefighter guy too…"

She blushed and looked down at her lap, "I'm not trying to keep him from anyone…I'm just trying to make sure…"

"I know." He whispered, "Take all the time you need Benson. But just know…that if he does anything to hurt you…" She looked up at him again and he pointed at his chest, "He's gotta deal with me."

She smirked and then stood up, "And if any girl tries to break your heart…she has to deal with me."

Holding his fist out he whispered, "I got your six partner."

She smiled and tapped his first with hers, "And I got yours. Night Fin." She grabbed her coat and began to step back, "And thank you."

There had been more traffic than she had anticipated and by the time she got home, she knew Noah was likely asleep. Still, she was happy to be home. As soon as she opened the apartment door, she felt a sense of relief wash over her. It felt good to be home. The lights were dim and the TV was playing softly. Her eyes scanned the apartment expecting to find it cluttered with the chaos of the night. Instead, she'd seen that Elliot had been very careful and had cleaned up everything.

Damn him, she thought. Closing the door quietly behind her, she saw that Elliot was fast asleep on the couch. Her heart raced in her chest and she fought the urge to go to him. Instead, she heard a whimper from down the hall and knew that Ember had chosen her son tonight. Tiptoeing down the hall, she found her curled up on the end of Noah's bed, keeping watch over him. He was fast asleep, mouth hanging open slightly, his mustache from the costume a little crooked, the rest of his costume still on. His little chest rose and fell as he breathed and his hand rested on Ember's back. Her heart clenched in her chest as she leaned down and pressed a kiss to his head, "I love you sweet boy."

He mumbled something in his sleep and rolled to the side, the mustache finally falling off. She laughed and reached for it, knowing it would more than likely startle him in the morning if he saw it still half asleep. Once again she thought about how fast time was going. It seemed like just yesterday she had dressed him up as a little pumpkin for his first Halloween with Alex and now he was seven. How the hell had that happened?

With a heavy sigh, she leaned down and ruffled Ember's fur, "Hey sweet girl…thanks for watching after my boy."

Ember nudged her with her nose and licked her arm. She kissed her nose and then stepped back, expecting her to follow but she stayed put. Slowly she walked out of the room leaving the door open so that Ember could come out when she was ready. Walking back into the living room she saw a note on the table with a line of twix she knew were just for her and a note from her son. Happy Halloween Mom. Love you.

She grabbed one of the bite sized treats, took a bite and then turned back to the man fast asleep on her couch. He too still had his costume on, except for the hat which sat on the coffee table in front of him. But the goofy red shirt and overalls combo with the mustache was too much for her to take. He really either was the devil in disguise and she'd fallen for his tricks or he was the best man she'd ever met. Walking towards him, she sat down on the couch and reached out, once again fighting the urge to kiss him. His own mustache was crooked on his face and she laughed, making him begin to stir, "Liv?"

She smiled and caught the mustache as it began to fall from his face, "Hey-a Mario."

He chuckled and looked down at the item in her hand, "God that thing was itchy…"

She saw him run his finger along the top of his lip, "I bet." She looked down at it and frowned, "No offense…but it gave you 70s porn star vibes…not your best look."

He laughed and sat up, stretching, feeling his muscles strain as he did so, "Not into facial hair Benson? I'll keep that in mind."

She dropped the item into her lap, "I didn't say that…" He turned back to her, eyebrow raised in question and she shrugged, "Beards can be…enticing. Just maybe not a mustache alone."

He smiled and ran his hand along his smoothly shaved face, "Good to know…"

She blushed slightly, imagining him with a little stubble or a full beard and knew she was down bad for this man. Especially when she wondered what that would feel like against her skin, inching its way lower along her body. Somehow she knew he knew what she was thinking because he had that little glint in his eye again from that first night and the blush in her cheeks only grew. She reached for the second half of her candy bar needing a distraction, "So…he didn't cause too much trouble did he?"

Elliot knew better than to push and leaned back against the couch, "Oh we caused quite a bit of trouble. I just cleaned it all up before you got home so there was no evidence."

She laughed and tossed the mustache at him, "I am a cop you know…I'm sure I can find something."

He smirked, "Oh I don't doubt it." He paused a moment, "So I'll just give myself up and say there may be a paper bag full of broken glass…I made sure I got it all though. I promise." He shrugged, "Casualty of a nerf gun war and Ember's busy tail…"

She smiled and leaned her head back, "How dare you!"

He chuckled and put his hands up, "Don't arrest us Officer Benson. Just trying to make a boy's night."

Her heart jumped in her chest and she sighed, "You did…"

He cleared his throat nervously and looked back towards the open door of Noah's room, "I couldn't get him out of the costume but I did make him brush his teeth."

"Thank you." He turned back to her and saw the emotion on her face, "For everything. You seemed to have saved the day again Stabler…"

He hoped that was a good thing in her eyes. Reaching out, he placed his hand on her arm and squeezed gently, "Don't mention it Liv. I had a great time too. In fact, I had a great time." She watched as he pushed himself up off the couch, "But it's late…and I'm sure you're exhausted. I have to get up early in the morning anyway so I should go…though I don't know how I'll pry Em from Noah's bed. Despite me being the one that saved her cute little but from the fire…she seems to choose the Benson's over me everytime." He shrugged as he picked up the Mario hat, "Not that I blame her…"

She blushed again and saw him start to gather up his things, "Did Noah share any of his candy with you? If not…steal some. He won't know."

Elliot laughed, "Oh he'll know. He made sure to count it. But, he did share." He pointed towards the table, "Gave me about 5 kit-kat's and said that if I come back Friday for movie night maybe he'll share more."

She laughed and shook her head, "He's something alright…"

He grabbed his coat and then walked quietly towards Noah's room. He gestured for Ember who whined again and he smiled, "Come on girl…"

Ember looked back at Noah, let out a little sigh and then quietly hopped down from the bed. Noah rolled over in his sleep but never woke up. Elliot carefully shut the door and turned to see Olivia getting up to say goodbye. He wanted to stay. God he wanted to stay, but it wasn't time yet. And that was okay. Whenever she was ready, he'd be ready. No matter how long it took.

They both walked towards the door and he smiled as she said her goodbyes to Ember. "Thanks again for taking him…as much as I hated to miss it…it helped knowing he was in good hands."

Elliot shrugged and reached for the doorknob, "Don't mention it Liv. It was fun. Happy to help anytime…you can't do it all on your own." He paused and then amended his thought, "Let me rephrase that, you can do it all on your own but you don't have to."

Leaning against the doorframe she whispered, "You think he ever thinks about him?" Elliot gave her a strange look, not following her thoughts, "His Dad…I mean do you think he ever wonders about him? Does he even care? Or did he forget about him the moment he walked out of the hospital…"

Elliot sighed and leaned on the doorframe across from her, "I find it hard to believe that he never thinks of him. I mean I know if I had a kid…I'd think about them all the damn time."

"Yeah…but you wouldn't abandon your kid in the first place." She whispered, "So I'm not sure that really matters."

Elliot looked down, "True…" He thought through his answer and then shrugged realizing he had nothing he could say that would make her feel better, "I don't know Liv…I wish I could give you an answer but I just don't know." He paused and then realized he should probably mention at least partially the talk he had with Noah, "But Noah thinks about him…"

Her eyes glossed over and she nodded, "I know…he's come up more recently. I know as he gets older he'll have more questions. I just…don't want to hurt him anymore than he already has been."

"You can't protect him from everything." He whispered, "Someday he's going to learn the truth. And it will hurt…I can't deny that. But…he's also smart enough to realize how lucky he is to have you. In fact…he told me that tonight."

She stood up a little straighter, "What?"

Sighing he continued, "One of the people we got met…they assumed I was his…" He gestured with his hands and then frowned, "Well anyway…Noah asked if I knew his Father. Asked if he had done something wrong and that was why he left." He saw the sadness in her eyes, "I told him that of course he hadn't. But…I also said that it was his loss. Just like I've said to you. Because it is." He watched as she chewed on her lip and worried he'd overstepped, "Look I know it's not my place to talk to him about it and I"m sorry if I upset you but he was worried and I just-"

"No." She shook her head and reached out, wrapping her fingers around his wrist before sliding them down to tangle her fingers with his, giving his hand a little squeeze. "No, you did the right thing. Not that I'm surprised…" She sighed and looked down at their joined hands, "I just…wish I could make it easier for him."

"You're doing everything just right Liv." Leaning forward, he threw caution to the wind and kissed the top of her head, "He's lucky to have you as his Mom." And then he whispered in her ear, "And I'm damn lucky to have you as a friend…"

Olivia's heart stopped and she watched him pull away, whistling to Ember as he went, "Elliot…"

He turned as he reached the elevator and gave her a little wave, "Goodnight Liv. Happy Halloween."

Sighing, she rested her head on the door frame and watched him climb into the elevator, "Goodnight Mario." He chuckled and slipped his hat on again, "Happy Halloween…"

And then the doors shut and they both hoped that this time next year, maybe they could do a costume all together. As a family. A real family. Wouldn't that be nice?

When Thanksgiving rolled around, Olivia already felt the pressure of the Holidays. It wasn't that she didn't love them, she did, at least now with Noah. But it had been a hard shift for her since she rarely celebrated growing up. And most of the time she worried nonstop about money to provide for her son let alone give him all the presents he wanted and deserved. But, she decided at least for today to not worry about it. Usually she spent the day with Alex's family as they had become her family in many ways. Noah even referred to them as Grandma and Grandpa Cabot and no one felt the need to question it.

But this year, Alex was going with Matt to his family in Boston and her parents had decided on a last minute trip to Hawaii. That meant it was just the two of them. Olivia could cook well enough, but an entire Thanksgiving dinner was a different story. So, they decided to eat their meal at a friend's restaurant who was putting together a whole Thanksgiving feast for anyone who came down. They would also be helping him set up and clean afterwards. Noah seemed happy about it and so, that was good enough for her.

Before they were leaving, Alex had called to check in. She'd spoken to Noah first and now was on with Olivia, "Feels weird not to be with you guys…I feel terrible."

Olivia smiled at her friend's concern, "You have no reason to feel bad Alex. You're living your life! I think it's great that you are with Matt and his family. I mean, the way things are going with you two I see this becoming more permanent. Splitting holidays and all that."

Little did Alex know that Matt had already confessed to Olivia that after the New Year he wanted her help ring shopping, "You're right. I just wish you didn't have to be alone. No chance of seeing Elliot huh?"

Olivia laughed and shook her head, "For the hundredth time…I told you he had to work. And even if he didn't, I doubt he would have spent the day with us."

She heard her best friend sigh, "I'm sure he would have found a way." She paused for a moment and then said, "Actually…now that I think about it, I think Matt said there were a couple of big fires last night around Elliot's station. They must be exhausted."

"Yeah I heard that. I texted to check in but haven't heard back. I'm sure they are swamped. Will be a long day for all of them I'm sure." She whispered.

"I bet a visit from his two favorite people would cheer him up." She pointed out, then someone called to her, "Listen, I gotta go. But I'll be back on Sunday. Maybe we could do dinner? I feel like I haven't spent much time with you and my nephew."

"Sure." She replied, ignoring the first part of her little speech, "Have fun and say hi to Matt and his family for us. Happy Thanksgiving."

After they said their goodbyes, Olivia finished what she was doing in the kitchen and then found Noah watching TV. What was unusual was that he had the news on, a story about the number of fires that had occurred last night. Worry passed Noah's face and it didn't go unnoticed by her, "He's safe babe…" Noah looked at her, "I promise. Just busy."

Noah sighed and stood up, walking over to her, "So he won't get a Thanksgiving dinner?"

"I'm sure they'll do something at the firehouse, okay?" She bent down to kiss his head, "We should go though. I promised Leon we'd help set up."

Noah nodded again and they both grabbed their coats and were off.

Two hours later everything was ready to go at the restaurant only, it was dead. Not that Leon had expected a mass group but he'd opened it up to the public for anyone who may need a meal, not even expecting compensation. Olivia could tell he was disappointed and worried about wasting all the food. And then, she had an idea…

Excusing herself for a moment, she quickly dialed Elliot's number, hoping this time he would answer. A moment later she heard his voice and she tried to ignore the beating of her heart, "Hey…I'm so sorry I never texted you back. I'm fine. We just got back about twenty minutes ago. Been out most of the night…we're exhausted. But I'm good."

She leaned against the wall and sighed, "I'm glad to hear that. You stuck there for the rest of the night?"

He wished more than anything he could say no and go be with her and Noah but he knew that wasn't going to happen, "Yeah. We're here for another 24 hours. Ash and I were gonna cook but at this point we're so tired…we'll probably just eat cereal."

She looked back at Leon and whispered, "Okay, well…Noah's looking for me but I just wanted to check in. I'm sorry that the day wasn't quite what you expected. But…I guess given the nature of the job it happens. I'm just glad everyone is safe."

"Me too." He paused for a moment, "We still on for Saturday?"

She smiled remembering Elliot had asked them to go to a movie that day and she nodded, "Yeah. We'll be there."

She heard him let out a relieved sigh, feeling like at least he had something to look forward to, "Great. Well, say hi to Noah for me and Happy Thanksgiving to you both. I'm thankful to have met you this year Benson…both of you."

She pressed her hand further into her chest trying to calm it down, "I'm thankful to have met you too Elliot. Happy Thanksgiving."

After she hung up, she took a few moments to calm herself. And then made a plan. Walking towards Leon she saw he looked upset and she smiled, "I'm sorry we didn't get more people to come in…"

Leon shrugged, "No it's okay. I mean I guess it's a good thing really. Means people had somewhere to go. I just don't know what the hell I'm gonna do with all this food…"

Olivia bit her lip and looked around, "If I said I knew a group of really hungry and deserving men and women who would gladly take it…what would you think about that?"

Leon just smiled at her and bent down to start grabbing boxes, "I'd say…let's pack this all up and go."

And so they did.

Thirty minutes later, Elliot, Ashton and the rest of the crew were sitting around the kitchen exhausted and hungry. But no one had the heart or strength to do a damn thing about it. Ashton was walking by the window when he looked down and saw a brunette woman he had technically still not met officially. Saw a little boy he recognized from pictures and behind him, a whole crew of people carrying platters of food, "Well I'll be damned…"

Elliot frowned and looked over at him, his spoon full of cheerios hanging in mid air, "What's up?"

Ashton turned to him and smiled, "Looks like we might get Thanksgiving after all folks…"

The whole crew got up and walked to the window to see what was happening below. It was a rather warm day and one of the people downstairs was helping them set up tables to lay out the food. Elliot's heart flipped about a dozen times and he laughed to himself, "Olivia Benson…"

Ashton smiled and put his hand on his friend's shoulder, "I guess she's worth it after all…"

Elliot beamed at him and turned, whistling to Ember as they all began to file downstairs. Groups of men and women approached the tables and started helping set up. Bringing chairs out for everyone. Someone turned on music and the party officially had begun. Elliot watched for a few seconds as Olivia and Noah greeted everyone. But as soon as Ember saw her favorite guy, she barked and Noah lit up like a Christmas Tree. "Ember!"

Ember took off, tackling Noah to the grass below and Olivia smiled. She turned back just in time to see Elliot walking towards her, a huge grin on his face, "What's all this?"

She lifted her shoulder and said, "We thought if you guys couldn't have Thanksgiving with your families…we'd at least bring a bit of Thanksgiving to you." She looked over at Leon, an older gentleman who'd she'd become friendly with after moving into her neighborhood, "This is Leon. He owns the restaurant down the block from me and Noah's apartment. And he is one of the best chef's in New York City if you ask me."

Leon smiled and shook his head, reaching out he looked at Elliot, "Don't listen to a word she says. She's full of it." He shook his hand, "We had plenty to share and wanted to show our appreciation for all you do."

Leon shook his hand back, "Well thank you, I can tell you that you just made our day."

"I'm glad." He said with a nod, he looked at Olivia and pointed down towards the other tables, "You good? I'm gonna go help down there."

Olivia smiled, he was always protective of her and Noah and for that she was grateful. "I'm good Leon."

He gave her a wink and then turned to let them have their moment. Elliot just stood there, staring at her and she blushed, looking down, "I know what it's like to be apart from your family on Holidays…and I just…wanted to remind you aren't as alone as you may feel."

Elliot bit down hard on his lip and whispered in a throaty voice full of emotion, "I'm glad to hear that."

She took a deep breath and looked up at him, "Now, I'll tell you that no one makes better cornbread than Leon. But…if you don't grab it now it'll be gone in sixty seconds. Because Noah will have eaten it all…"

They both turned to see that sure enough, Noah had a rather large piece, more like half of the tray on his plate and he was giving crumbs to Ember, "What?" He asked through a mouthful of food.

Elliot laughed, walked over to him and grabbed a corner, "Happy Thanksgiving Noah."

Noah smiled and tackled him to the ground just as Ember had done to him, "Happy Thanksgiving Elliot!"

Olivia smiled at them as she saw someone bring out a football and an impromptu game was set up. She continued helping serve and clean as she went when she felt someone approach her. Looking up, she recognized that he was Elliot's friend Ashton, a man she'd heard so much about but had yet to officially meet, "Oh. Hi."

Ashton smiled at her, "Olivia Benson I presume?" She nodded slowly, her cheeks flushing and he could sense the nervous energy radiating off of her, "I've heard a lot about you."

Olivia put her fingers on the table in front of her and nodded, "I've heard a lot about you too Ashton. I'm sorry…that we haven't met before this. I guess…life's just been busy."

Ashton nodded, "As it always is. But…I'm glad you're here." He looked around, "This was very thoughtful. We've had a hell of a night and this is exactly what we all needed. So thank you. Truly."

She smiled and shrugged, "No problem. I can't take much credit…I didn't cook. Just…gave Leon the idea."

He nodded slowly, "But you could have brought it anywhere…even to your precinct. Instead…you chose to come here." Her cheeks grew even redder and he smiled, "I'm gonna beat around the bush here okay? I know technically it's none of my business…but I just want to say this. Elliot's a good guy…a really good guy."

She swallowed the lump in her throat and looked to the left where she saw Elliot carrying Noah and the football, Ember running after them to the makeshift end zone. "He's the best…"

"I'm glad to hear you say that." She looked back at him, "He's like a brother to me and I will always look out for him. I think you're a wonderful woman from what I've heard. And clearly you're a hell of a Mom. I just…I just want to remind you that while you are protecting yourself which I respect and understand completely…to remember your feelings aren't the only ones in this scenario."

She knew exactly what he was saying and rather than being upset, she was glad to know someone cared enough about Elliot to say it, "You're right. And I do know that. I don't expect anything from him…not at all. Maybe this all seems weird to you. At times…it's strange for me too. It's not that I don't…care about him…I do." She paused and looked back at him, "I care about him more than I think I can express. I just…I'm not sure I'm quite ready to…cross those lines yet."

"But…it's something that you could see in the future?" He asked curiously, "Because if it's not…if there is any part of you that thinks that could never happen…let him know now. It's only fair to him."

She looked right at Ashton and whispered, "I've never felt this way about anyone. But I also know that my own baggage…my own issues are a lot to take on. Not to mention the fact that I have a son. And if Elliot were to meet someone…and he was interested. Then I wouldn't stand in his way. Right now, I consider him one of my best friends. Do I think he could be more than that? Yes. I'm just not ready…and if that's too much for him to handle then I wouldn't be upset if he had to walk away."

Ashton nodded slowly, taking in what she had said. It hurt him to know that she'd been so hurt in her own past that she couldn't accept the kind of love she clearly deserved. But, he also understood it. He also appreciated her honesty. That's all he'd been looking for, "Okay then. Good to know."

She stood up a little straighter and smiled, "That's it? You're not gonna push me anymore?"

Ashton shook his head, "Nope. Just wanted to remind you that men like Elliot Stabler don't come around often. And…to let you know that I like you…but he's my brother. And so…if you hurt him you deal with me. Got it?"

She smiled knowing that someday Fin would probably give Elliot the same speech. They weren't as alone as they thought. Neither of them may have the traditional family people sought after. But, they had one that had chosen them. And for that, she was grateful. "Got it."

Ashton smiled and stepped around her, "For the record though…" He looked at Elliot and Noah and replied, "There is no woman that is going to come close to you for him. So I wouldn't worry too much about him with someone else…"

She held her breath as he walked away and turned back to the table in front of her, a million thoughts running through her head. No, she wasn't ready. She wished she was. God she wished she was. But, she had hope again that Elliot would still be there when she was. A moment later, she heard him running up to her, panting slightly, "Alright, now I'm starving. I need to make a plate."

She realized she'd made one for him without even thinking it through and she held it up for him, "Here."

Elliot smiled, looked down at it and saw all his favorite things as if she'd known him for her his whole life. Leaning in, he pressed his lips to her cheek without thinking and took the plate, "What would I do without you Benson?"

She blushed as he stepped back, giving her a little wink before he settled in beside Noah and Ember once more. She sighed as she watched the three of them. She'd never in a million years seen him coming. But this, this was more than she ever could have imagined or asked for. And that was terrifying. But maybe, just maybe, it didn't have to be.

"Come sit with us Mom!" Noah called to her quickly.

She saw Elliot just smiling at her, not needing to say anything. So she quickly made up a plate of her own and walked back over to them. Sitting down between them she knew they all felt it. This feeling of how right this was. She just didn't know when or if she'd be willing to act on those feelings. But beside her, Elliot never pressured her, never wavered in his respect and kindness. And she hoped that Ashton was right. Because she wasn't sure she could handle losing him now…even if he was just a friend. At least…a friend for now.