Olivia arranged to meet up with Emma at a coffee shop a few blocks from her apartment that for that upcoming Saturday. The adoption agency forwarded Olivia's contact information along to Emma's family. Olivia was a nervous wreck.

—

Emma knew from the age of twelve that she was adopted. Her parents never really knew the right time to tell her and had told her after a school science project based on blood types couldn't explain how Emma was type A but both her parents were type O, it wasn't genetically possible for her to be their daughter. Emma's parents didn't really know how to talk to her about her adoption, she was theirs and that's all that mattered but naturally Emma had a lot of unanswered questions and wondered about her biological parents. Emma's mother was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer shortly after Emma had discovered her adoption. Her parents decided that it was time for Emma to have the letter that Olivia had left for her in hopes it could provide some of the answers to the questions she had and that maybe meet one day could meet the woman that gave them the greatest gift possible. Emma read that letter over and over and would stare at the photograph of Olivia that was enclosed, she kept it in her bedside table drawer.

Emma's mother passed away before her fourteenth birthday and it broke her when she lost her mother. Emma was close with her mom, she was there for every scrapped knee, every nightmare, every school event, with the biggest hugs and a kind smile. Emma was struggling without her mom which lead her to constantly think about Olivia. Why didn't Olivia want her? Why couldn't she have kept her even though she was young? She was left without a mother, again.

As she approached her eighteenth birthday she knew she wanted to meet her birth mom, to meet the woman who decided she couldn't keep her and gave her away to another family, get it over with so she could gain some closure. Emma was about to start her final year of high school and preparing for university and wanted this shadow that had been following her for so long to disappear. She was going into this blind, the letter still left so many questions and emotions, so she started researching Olivia. Easy way was to just google her, it was the easy. When she did she was surprised with the information she found, Olivia Benson, NYPD, a detective, she was out in the world helping victims and kicking ass, Emma came across news articles mentioning Olivia even being hurt on the job. Emma saw photos a Olivia, she looked fierce and had those strong brown eyes that were all too familiar. She knew the news of her wanting to meet her biological mother would have mixed emotions for her dad but this was important to her and he knew he had to be understanding about it. Her dad wasn't overly keen to let Emma travel into New York City alone to meet Olivia so he insisted taking her himself and had booked them a hotel room for the weekend.

—

Olivia got out of bed early on Saturday morning not having slept much the night before. She was supposed to be meeting Emma at 11 o'clock at the decided cafe. Her nerves were a mess. She knew she had been low key leaning on Elliot a little too much lately and this was something she had to do alone. Olivia left her apartment early and walked to the cafe to help ease some of her anxiety. She heard her phone get a text and pulled it out her pocket, it was Elliot.

Good luck today. Let me know if you need anything Liv. She smiled down at her phone and replied, Thanks El xx

Elliot was almost as nervous as Olivia but he was nervous for Olivia, for her heart and her wellbeing. He had always been her protector on the job, forever judging the men she would date and always made sure she got home safe. From day one he was by her side and wanted the best for her. He knew meeting could go either way and didn't want her to get hurt. He wished this could be something that helps Olivia heal a piece of her soul, she was strong but everyone has their breaking point.

Olivia arrived at the cafe twenty minutes early and sat down at an empty table near one of the large window pains that looked out onto the street. It was a cozy cafe that Olivia had found not long after she moved into her apartment, it had tall bookshelves from floor to ceiling stacked full of books, arm chairs and couches arranged around tables and a fire place that was always lit when the colder months hit. Olivia frequently visited the cafe in her spare time, it was her little escape from the busy would for an hour to enjoy a coffee and read a book. Her stomach felt like it was doing flips with the anticipation, her attention was alternating between the front windows and the door.

—

Emma and her father, Joshua left from Hartford, Connecticut on Friday afternoon and head for New York City for the weekend. On the two hour drive to the city Emma's mind was going over every possible scenario as she stared out of the window from the passengers seat. The drive was a quiet one, they both had mixed emotions of what the weekend might bring. They arrived at their hotel and checked in around six. Joshua thought he would take advantage of this weekend getaway with his daughter and wanted to take her out to dinner. They ended up finding a little Italian restaurant near their hotel. Emma and her dad spent the evening chatting away. Josh appreciate this time with Emma, being his only child, he knew that there wouldn't be many opportunities like this left as she was preparing to take on the world. They enjoy the evening and each other's company.

On Saturday morning as they walked towards the cafe Emma was becoming increasing nervous. She stopped a few doors away from the cafe, her dad took a few steps ahead of her before he had realised his daughter had stopped walking beside him. He turned around "Are you okay, Emma?"

"Yeah, I'm fine I just need a second" she replied as she took a few deep breaths.

Joshua walked back towards her, "You don't have to do this if you're not feeling up to it."

"No no, I want to. I just can't believe this is finally happening."

"No matter what happens, I'll always love you and be here for you. You're mother would be so proud of the young woman you've become." He wrapped his arms around her for a quick hug and they walked towards the cafe where Olivia was waiting.

Olivia was sitting waiting anxiously as she caught a glance of an middle aged man and a teenage girl walk past the window and enter the cafe. She watched as they walked in and knew instantly that it was Emma, baby Benson. Olivia had only met with Joshua and his wife a handful of times while she was pregnant with Emma, but recognized his slightly older appearance and wondered where his wife was. Olivia stood up from her seat as Emma walked towards her.

"Hi, Olivia" Emma beaming with a smile. Emma couldn't believe how stunning Olivia was in person, this was the woman who gave her life and the similarities in their features were blatantly obvious. Emma always knew she had her mother's eyes, but Olivia's were glowing with warmth and kindness, and her smile lit up the entire room. She had dark brown shoulder length hair with honey toned highlights that was swept to the side.

"Hi sweetheart, how are you?" Olivia replied trying to maintain her composure as Emma came towards her body for a hug. There was doubt in the world that she was Olivia's biological daughter, the Benson genetics ran strong. She had Olivia's big brown doe eyes long. Her long brunette hair that was parted down the middle framed her face that resembled Olivia's face shape and had her nose. Emma was a lot more fair skinned than Olivia but was tall and slender with fuller lips. She was an image of Olivia and had a sense of confidence about her. Olivia couldn't believe the young woman standing in front of her was that tiny baby she held in her arms all those years ago wishing the world for her.

"I'm good, thanks. I'm so nervous!" Emma replied sweetly with a small laugh.

"Hello Olivia, it's been a while. How have you been?" Joshua said kindly as the two exchanged a quick hug.

"Hi Joshua, I've been good. It's nice to see." As she returned the gesture.

They all took a seat and a waitress came over to take their coffee order.

"So when did you both arrive in New York?" Olivia asked trying to make small talk to break the ice.

"Last night, we drove down from Connecticut so it wasn't too bad." Emma replied.

"Are you staying the weekend or heading back later?"

"Dad booked us a hotel room until tomorrow, we don't usually come down to the city so thought we could have some fun. I'm keen for some shopping."

"I've lived in New York my entire life, so if you need any suggestions on places to go I've got you covered" Olivia suggested.

"I love New York" Emma said excitedly "It's pretty boring back home, I need culture and action" she teased.

"Emma, it's not that bad!" Joshua said elbowing Emma playfully.

"Yeah, right."

"Well there's certainly plenty of that in New York" Olivia laughed.

"So what do you do for work, Olivia?" Josh asked casually, essentially he was trying to suss her out.

"I actually work for the NYPD as a detective in the special victims unit. We specialize in sex crimes, domestic violence, kidnappings."

"That some serious stuff. You must have a heavy work load." Josh stated.

"Olivia, that is so badass!" Emma said leaning back into her seat even though Emma already knew this from googling Olivia.

"Emma, language.." Josh whispered at her as she rolled her eyes.

"It keeps me busy. I'm definitely married to my job." She half laughed.

"Do you have a family?" Emma blurted out.

"No, my job keeps me pretty busy like I said, it's not just a 9-5 job. It's not easy to find a balance between work and personal time."

Emma could feel her dad's eyes glaring at her for asking such a forward question, but she couldn't wonder why Olivia didn't start a family after all this time after her adoption. The three exchanged small talk and laughs as they sipped at their coffees. Not long after Joshua finished his coffee he decided he would give Olivia and Emma some alone time to get to know each other and talk without him being the third wheel.

"Hey Em, I might head out for a while and give you two ladies some time together to talk."

"What are you going to do?"

"I've got a few work emails to reply to and might find a good book store."

"Fine with me"

"Okay, well call me when you're ready and we can find somewhere to meet."

"Sure"

"See you later. Love you" he said as he kissed her head.

"She's in good hands." Olivia smiled.

"I'll see you both later." Josh left the cafe.

"So it's just us girls, now" Olivia said.

"I guess so" she smiled back.

"So did your mom stay back in Connecticut?" Olivia asked curiously.

Emma took a deep breath "My mom died a few years ago, she had breast cancer." Olivia could see the sadness in her eyes as those words left her mouth.

"I'm so sorry honey, I didn't know." Olivia said sympathetically.

"It's fine." She smiled softly. There was a slight awkward silence I'm the air.

"How's school going? A senior this year, you must be excited." Olivia said to change to pace of conversation.

"I can't wait for it all to be over. I've already started looking at prom dresses and I know where i want to apply for school."

"Where do you want to go to university?"

"Either here in New York or California. My boyfriend wants to go to UCLA so I'm undecided yet. I don't want to be that girl that follows her boyfriend."

"Oh, a boyfriend, I bet your dad loves that" she half laughed.

"Yeah right, dad is always giving him a hard time." Olivia dreaded the thought of her daughter with a boy after the experiences she had as a teenage.

"I'm sure he means well, it's only because he cares."

"I know he does"

They exchanged small talk for a little while longer.

"Do you feeling like a walk through the park?" Olivia suggested.

"Yeah, sure. I haven't been there for years. Mom would bring us down for day trips sometimes." Olivia's mind wandered. They had been so close to each other without even knowing it.

The pair walked the paths of Central Park chatting and walking at a slow pace enjoying the New York weather. This was Olivia's go to place when she needed to clear her head but couldn't believe her daughter was by her side. Olivia wished things would have been different and she could have raised her daughter, but knowing how much of a wonderful family she had and how she had grown into a beautiful, bright young woman made her decision seem like the best outcome for Emma. They ended up at Olivia's favorite spot, a small quiet playground with some swings. They both took a seat on a swing side by side and contained their general conversation about their lives, likes and questions.

"Hey Olivia, do you mind if we get a photo?" Emma asked keenly.

"Yeah, of course" Olivia smiled. So this is what it's like to have a teenager Olivia thought to herself. Olivia leaned in closer to Emma as she held out her phone and took a few shots of them smiling together.

"I definitely have your eyes." Emma said as she flicked through the photos on her phone.

"I knew that from the moment I held you." Olivia said, she didn't know if the was too forward or not but the just left her mouth before she could stop herself.

Emma was quiet for a moment. "So why didn't you keep me? I totally understand you were young and all, I'm just curious."

That question stabbed Olivia straight in the heart. Olivia took a deep breath.

"Sweetheart, I wanted to give you the best life possible. Yes, I was young but that didn't mean I didn't want you. I had nothing, no family, no support. I wanted to give you the world but couldn't at that point in my life."

Emma took that in for a moment. "What about my dad?" She asked.

"He… he wasn't ready for a baby or to be a father."

"Oh." Emma was quiet for a moment. "So what made you want to be a cop?"

"I decided I wanted to be a police office after some things that have happened in my past, I knew I wanted to help people."

"What happened to you?" Emma knew that Olivia worked in a very specific part of the police force so didn't know if her questions was very appropriate.

"I don't think we really need to get into that right, honey. But it's something I'll talk to you about one day."

"Sorry, I didn't mean to get too personal."

"No, no, it's fine. I just think we can slowly ease into everything"

"Oh yeah, definitely." Emma said before she went quiet. "Did you want me to text you the photos?"

"That would be great" and the pair exchanged numbers.

"Oh, dad is texting me. He wants me to head back." Emma said, slightly disappointed.

"Okay, I'll take you back."

"That'd be great, thanks Olivia. I'll let my dad know."

"Thank you, Emma, for meeting with me today. I really appreciate it. I understand it wouldn't have been easy for you to do this."

"I always knew I wanted to meet you, needed to meet you. I had no idea what to expect of you, maybe I was just looking for answers." Emma trailed off.

"I know it's a lot, honey. I'm here to talk whenever you want, answer any questions. I just didn't want to overwhelm you today." Olivia paused. "I just don't want you to think I never wanted you." She said softly while her eyes started to water.

"I just wanted to know where I came from.." They were both beginning to get emotional.

"I only ever wanted the best for you.." Olivia said taking a deep breath. Emma had a soft smile, she couldn't help but wonder what her life would have been with Olivia. They took in each other's words for a moment.

"Well let's get you back to your dad" Olivia said as they both stood up from their swings.

Emma's dad met them out the front of the hotel they were staying at, looking slightly nervous. He took a sigh of relief when he saw Emma and Olivia get out of the cab with smiles on their faces.

"Hey dad." Emma called.

"Hi, how did your day go?" Josh replied.

"We had a good day, spoke about a lot."

"Well I just thought I'd make sure Emma made it back safely." Olivia said. "I'll let you two enjoy the rest of your evening, let me know if you want to meet up again before you leave." She hoped she could see Emma again.

"Thanks Olivia" Josh said to Olivia giving her a smile of gratitude.

"Sure, I'll text you" Emma said while leaning in for a hug from Olivia.

"Bye, honey." She said as she got back into the cab.

When Olivia pulled up out the front of her apartment building, she saw Elliot sitting on the stoop looking down at his phone. She got out of the cab and walked towards him, he hadn't noticed her yet.

"Stabler" she called out catching his attention. He smiled when he saw her, he had some beers sitting beside him.

"Hey Liv" he replied as she sat down beside him and he handed her a beer. "How was your day?" He asked cautiously.

"It was good, great actually." She paused "She is amazing, El." As tears started to sting her eyes.

Olivia pulled out her phone and opened up a photo that Emma took of them earlier, she handed it to Elliot.

"So this is baby Benson." he said with a huge smile. It was like looking at Olivia the first day he was introduced to her as his new partner, those familiar big brown innocent eyes that pierced his soul daily were so evident in her daughter.

"She beautiful, Liv. She looks just like you." He realised that comment sounded a little more flirty towards Olivia than he intended as he handed the phone back to her.

"She is." Olivia replied staring at the photo.

"I'm happy for you, Liv." Elliot said as he kissed the top of her head, she looked at him and gave a heartful smile. He only wanted her to be happy, to feel like she was enough. Olivia Benson had a heart and soul that needed protecting at all costs.