A/N: Just a fun little Joeleen/EO oneshot I thought of for RegardsAlexandra's birthday (I'm a tad late I know, but I hope it was a great one!) Enjoy! Thank you to 13Starbuck42 for beta reading :)

Olivia looked up from her computer when she heard a knock on her office door, silently pleading it wasn't McGrath because she didn't have the energy to listen to him reprimand her today. She cleared her throat.

"Come in."

Thankfully she was met with the smiling, yet nervous face of Kathleen Stabler. "Hey Liv. Are you on your lunch break?"

"I will be in a few minutes, but I can take an early lunch for you. Everything ok sweetie?" She wasn't sure if it was the fact that she was a cop, or that the younger woman was like a daughter to her, but her first instinct was to worry.

"Yeah. Or I mean, I think it will be. I just-do you mind if I sit?"

"Of course not." Olivia gestured to the chair across from her. "I'm always happy to see a Stabler."

"Especially me or dad, right?" she teased.

"I love all of you, but yes."

"Have you seen dad today? He said he was gonna stop by."

She smiled. "He brought me coffee and breakfast this morning. I told him I'd been running late, and he, of course, knew that meant I skipped breakfast, and wanted to make sure I ate."

Kathleen scooted the chair closer and leaned forward against the desk. "He loves you. He wants to take care of you. It's sweet."

"This isn't weird for you guys? Me and your dad? It's not too soon after your mom-"

"We're always going to miss her, and I think it might take a little time for Eli to be comfortable since he doesn't know you as well, but Olivia, I have never seen my dad look as happy as when he's with you or thinking about you. He deserves to be that happy. You both do, and if he was gonna move on with anyone we're glad it's you."

Olivia took her glasses off and leaned back in her chair. "He does make me happy. Really happy, but we're taking this slow because we want all of you and Noah to know that your feelings matter to us, too."

"And see? That's exactly why you're the perfect person for dad to bring into our family. You're already family. You love us and put our needs before your own, and we love you, too." Kathleen paused a moment before continuing. "That's…why I wanted your advice. You've always been like a second mother to us, and now that mom is gone-" Her voice broke and Olivia squeezed her hand.

"You can ask me anything, Katie. Always."

"How'd you know dad was the one?"

"The one?"

She nodded.

"Well-" She trailed off, unsure of what was appropriate to tell Kathleen about her feelings for Elliot. "He has always, since the day I met him, been able to understand me better than anyone else ever could or will. He has my back. He calls me out on my shit. I can trust him even after ten years apart. He's solid. He makes me feel safe no matter the situation. He's always wanted to take care of me, but never because he thought I couldn't take care of myself. He was my first partner, he looked out for me when I had no one else.

And I guess one of the most important things is that despite how angry and hurt I was when he left, I'm able to work on forgiving him now because I know deep down that he's a good man. I know deep down he wants all the people he loves to be safe and happy. His heart is in the right place, even if he gets misguided; even if what he thinks is best for someone turns out to be the wrong decision.

When he left-the pain-it felt like he took part of my soul with him, but I could never make myself hate him. I tried, but I couldn't. I've loved your father for twenty-three years, and I feel so guilty about that because he was married, and I never would've wanted to do anything-"

"We know, Olivia. It's ok. You can't control who you love, and mom, I don't think she and dad were ever really in love. I mean, sure, they had happy times… but they were settling. I don't think-they weren't the one for each other. You and dad aren't settling. You're the one for him. I just wish mom could've found the one for herself."

"Oh, I don't know Kathleen. I'm sure there's someone out there better for your father than me."

"There's not. Because there aren't very many people who can go through all the shit you two have and still love each other as much as you do. Dad loved mom, too, but not like this. You and dad-I want the kind of love you have, and I think-" She swallowed hard, smiling tearfully. "I think I may have found it, but I-I don't know if I deserve it and he wants to meet dad, and I'm scared Olivia. I'm scared I'm gonna screw this up, and scare him away when he realizes how damaged I am, and-"

"Shhh, hold on a second, honey. First of all, I want you to breathe before you pass out." Olivia watches as Kathleen takes a shaky breath. "Second, you are not damaged, and you absolutely deserve that kind of love. You are a beautiful, bright, compassionate, strong young woman, and any man lucky enough to be in your life is going to see that. Nothing will scare him away. Not even your overprotective father."

"He doesn't know I have Bipolar. I'm not really sure how to tell him, and-"

"And you know what? It is entirely up to you if and when and how you tell him about that, but if knowing that changes how he looks at you or treats you, he isn't the one for you."

"I love him. I love him because he gets me, he makes me feel safe, he's fun-"

"Let's maybe leave out the 'fun' part when telling your dad, ok?"

"Oh, yeah. He would kill him." Kathleen wiped her eyes. "I haven't felt this way for anyone before. He has my back. I trust him. He's a good, hard-working, honest man with a big heart, and if he were to leave, it would feel like he took my soul with him, but I also don't think he could do anything that would make me stop loving him. He wants to take care of me, but not because he doesn't think I'm capable. I feel like he's my partner, so I guess it's fitting that he's a cop. I don't know if that will make dad feel better or worse."

"Well I think your father will worry regardless, because you're his daughter and he loves you and wants to make sure everyone in your life treats you the way you deserve. I'm really happy for you; I always have been and always will be proud of you, no matter what. Your father is, too." She smiled, leaning forward and resting her chin on her hands. "So-spill. I want details. What's his name? How'd you meet?"

"His name is Joe. He's a Detective, and you can find out the rest when I bring him over for dinner Friday night."

"Katie-"

"Please come over, Liv? Please? You'll be able to keep dad calm, and you know how much he loves cooking for you. He acts like a little kid on Christmas morning when he is trying to impress you. It's adorable in a gross way, since he's my dad."

Olivia rolled her eyes. "He does not."

"He does. Please, please, please?"

"Oh, fine."

"Thank you! I love you! You're the best." Kathleen kissed her cheek and ran out.

Olivia shook her head and laughed.

This family.

X

There was another knock on her door a couple of hours later.

"Captain?" Her newest recruit stepped into her office.

"Velasco. Everything ok?"

"Uh, yeah. I finished up those DD5s you asked for." He placed the papers on her desk.

"Thank you."

He stood there for a minute, opening and closing his mouth a few times.

She put her glasses on to sort his paperwork, and looked up at him. "Can I help you with anything?"

"This might seem weird, but can I ask for your advice about something?"

"You know, you're the second person today. It's making me feel old."

"I don't think you're old! You seem very wise, and I respect you."

"Relax, Joe. I was joking. Sit down, please." She was the mother of the squad and they all knew it.

"I've been seeing this girl for a few months."

"Oh, dating advice." Olivia chuckled. "I'm not sure my track record with relationships makes me the most credible."

"It's umm-it's more about meeting her dad. He was a cop, too, and is a former marine, so I know he has guns."

"Ah, meeting the parents."

"Well, her mother died last year. Her dad is super protective. I think he has a girlfriend now."

Mother died last year.

Father is a super protective cop and former marine.

His name is Joe. He's a Detective.

She mentally shook away the thought. No, it had to be a weird coincidence.

"I thought maybe since you and her father are both cops you could write me a letter of recommendation?"

She had to stifle more laughter. "A letter of recommendation about what?"

"Just that… I'm a good guy. I work hard. I don't have a record, and he doesn't have to worry about me being with his daughter. I think maybe that would help."

"Wow. You seem really serious about this girl."

"I am. More than I have been with anyone else. I love her, and I want her and her family to know how serious and committed I am. She means the world to me, Captain. She's amor de mi vida." She's the love of my life. "I'm just worried I'm not gonna make a good enough first impression on my own."

"Well, I think you will. You're a great guy Velasco, and as long as you are yourself, you're honest, and respectful, I don't think you have anything to worry about. He'll know his daughter is in safe hands, but I'll see what I can come up with."

"Thanks Captain."

"You're welcome, Detective."

X

Their Captain had been quiet since McGrath left her office earlier. Likely emotionally exhausted and stressed, and not in the mood to talk to anyone. Fin and Amanda tried to go in and check on her, but she told them she had a headache. She came out of her office to get a cup of coffee and they heard her sigh as she closed the door.

About a half an hour later a man Joe hadn't seen before walked into the squadroom. He was about to ask if he needed something, but Fin spoke before he could.

"'Bout time you showed up, Stabler. Your girl is refusing to go home even though she needs a break."

Shit.

Joe quickly turned back to his computer.

Stabler.

It couldn't be any relation to Kathleen could it? Because if the tall, muscular man who walked with the gait of a confident former marine was his girlfriend's father?

Oh, Joe Velasco was definitely dead.

The man in question immediately looked towards the Captain's office with deep concern. "Is she ok?"

Double shit.

Stabler's 'girl' was Captain Benson.

Maybe Fin was joking. They could just be friends.

"Stressed, working herself to death, exhausted, and had a look on her face that said 'I'm too old for this shit but can't retire yet,'" Fin answered and Elliot sighed.

"Is she in her office?"

"Yeah. Go ahead, but knock first or she might shoot you. I thought she was gonna shoot me earlier."

"That bad huh?"

Fin nodded. "You know she'll insist she's fine and not take anything for the headache because she wants to be awake enough to finish the paperwork McGrath piled on her this afternoon, but-"

"She needs a reminder that she's not superwoman." Elliot's smile was one of understanding and admiration, despite his concern. "That's our Liv."

"Go take care of her. I gotta get home."

"Always." Elliot knocked softly on the door after bidding Fin good night.

Joe watched as it swung open a minute later. The sight of her friend, or whatever he was, made the Captain's shoulders relax in relief and she sagged into Elliot's arms.

He fired off a text to Kathleen when the man (who he was pretty confident was her father and who he was terrified to meet) kissed the top of Olivia's head.

J: Babe, I'm about to shit my pants. I think your dad is here.

K: Where?

J: My squadroom. In my Captain's office. I think they're a thing.

K: Wait…hold the fuck on.

His phone buzzed with a facetime call, and he tried to stay quiet when he answered.

"What?"

"Your Captain is Olivia Benson!? Why the hell didn't you tell me you worked for SVU?"

"Would you keep your voice down?"

"Are they still in her office?"

"Uh-" He looked over his shoulder and saw Elliot massage Olivia's shoulders and kiss her temple. "Yeah, and it's safe to say they're distracted."

"Ewww that's my dad, and the woman who is practically my stepmother. I don't want to picture what they're doing to distract themselves."

"Sorry." He looked back at his phone when the kiss on the temple became a passionate kiss on the lips. "They look happy, so maybe he'll go easy on me?"

"Velasco." Olivia's voice interrupted from behind him. "I'm going home. Why don't you head out too?" Elliot's arm was slung around her shoulders and she looked content, at peace in a way she hadn't before he showed up. "Oh." She noticed him looking at the man next to her and put a hand on Elliot's chest. "This is Elliot Stabler. El, this is my newest Detective Joe Velasco."

"Nice to meet you."

"You as well, sir."

The sudden cackle that erupted from Velasco's phone had both the Captain and her partner giving him a strange look.

"I-"

Olivia's look of confusion suddenly turned into a fit of laughter.

"What? Liv, what am I missing here?" Elliot watched as she tried to stop laughing long enough to speak.

"Who did that sound like, El? Did that laugh sound familiar to you?"

Realization filled his features. "Wait-"

"Hi dad! Hi Liv!"

Joe groaned when Kathleen made herself known. He was so dead.

"Hi sweetie." Olivia took Joe's phone out of his hand and showed Elliot. "So Joe is the man you were asking me for advice about earlier?" She turned to her Detective. "And Katie is the woman you asked for my advice about earlier?"

"You knew about this? Kathleen, why didn't you ask me for advice?"

Both women snorted at Elliot's comment. "Seriously dad? Besides, I love talking to Liv. She's the best."

"I don't understand what's going on." He shook his head. "I didn't know you were seeing anyone."

"I was gonna bring him over for dinner Friday. Liv, you said you'd keep dad calm. The vein in his forehead is bulging."

Olivia rolled her eyes and gave Elliot a look. "El, breathe."

He huffed. "I am calm. This is just a lot to take in."

"Uh, sir I-"

"And you, you're dating my daughter? Why-how do you even know my daughter?"

Velasco visibly gulped and Olivia gave Elliot her best Captain's glare. "Stand down, Detective Stabler."

"Dad, he's a good guy! Come on, do you really think Olivia would trust someone on her squad if they had bad intentions. She's a good judge of character."

That seemed to get to him and he sighed. "She is. That's true."

"See!? We're both gonna be over for dinner Friday night and you're gonna love him. He's so sweet, and he cares about fighting for justice like you and Liv do."

"He has been a great addition to the squad, El." Olivia supplied helpfully.

"I promise, sir. I love your daughter, and I would never do anything to hurt her, or let anyone else hurt her."

"You better not. I've been carrying a gun since you were in diapers, young man."

"Elliot, stop trying to scare him," Olivia warned. "Don't worry, Joe, he's just protective, that's all."

"I respect that."

"Good. Cause he isn't the only one you'll have to worry about if you cause this amazing woman pain. I'm pretty protective of the Stablers, too."

"Understood."

"Now, as for you." She turned to Elliot. "I love you, but you need to remember that your daughter is an adult who you can trust to make her own decisions."

"You've been an adult longer than her, and I'm still protective of you," he whined, and she glared at him.

"You are, but you are also fully aware that I could kick your ass if I wanted to, and so could she. Right?"

"Yes," he grumbled.

"We know it comes from a good place." She handed Joe's phone back to him and gave Elliot a peck on the lips. "Alright, now I'm exhausted so let's all go home and get some sleep, ok?"

"Got it. Thanks Cap. Have a good night."

"You too, Joe."

"Love you daddy! Love you Liv! Goodnight!"

"Night Katie. Love you, too."

"Love you too, babygirl. Don't stay on the phone too late."

"Dad-"

"I know, I know. I'll get used to you growing up someday. I promise."

"No you won't, but it's ok. See you Friday. Thanks for the advice, Liv, and for keeping your promises."

Elliot raised an eyebrow. "Promises?"

"I told Kathleen when you met her mystery boyfriend I'd be there to keep you calm, and I told Velasco that I would write him a letter of recommendation for his girlfriend's father. Of course, it was more a verbal recommendation than a letter, but still."

He chuckled as they stepped into the elevator. "You're lucky I love you."

"You're luckier that I love you."

"Hell yeah I am."

A/N: Thanks for reading!