A/N - Thanks for all the love! Here is part 2! Easter dinner and maybe just maybe…Olivia has a memory box of her own. Will be one more part after this!

Frozen in time

The memory of you and I

A distant past

Forever in my mind

A little after 1 on Easter, Olivia found herself in her bedroom staring at a box she hadn't looked at in a long time. A memory box of her own. All the things she could find that reminded her of Elliot that she'd packed away. More than once she'd almost thrown them out, once she even considered burning it, but everytime she did something in her hesitated. She realized now that she felt that if she destroyed them for good she would have to accept that he was gone for good. So maybe, just maybe, part of her felt that someday he'd come back.

And he did.

The TV was playing softly in the living room. Noah was watching a movie and more than likely eating a massive amount of candy from his Easter basket though she had told him no more than two pieces. But today, she'd let it slide. All things considered, he was a damn good kid and she figured it was only fair to let him live a little. She just hoped the sugar rush wouldn't cause any problems when they went to the Stabler's. She was nervous enough as it is…

She hadn't seen him since she left that night but they'd talked, texts, calls, flirting back and forth. She felt like a teenage girl basking in the glow of her first ever crush. Every time her phone pinged, she felt a rush of butterflies and when it wasn't him, disappointment flooded her. Get a grip she thought to herself. You're a grown ass woman and you've known this man for almost half of your life. And yet she knew, that this was a long time coming and it was okay to enjoy it, really enjoy it.

Reaching into the box, she lifted a picture frame from the top. A photo of the two of them, one that Alex had taken of them at an event. They were both dressed up, and he'd come up behind her, leaning in and surprising her with a kiss on her cheek just as Alex snapped the picture. Kathy hadn't come that night, and they'd gone as "friends" but she wouldn't deny it had felt like a date and the flirting had been on display more than usual. And though she had felt some guilt, part of her had felt damn good to let loose that night. She knew that Alex had only given her the picture seeing as this particular one wouldn't have gone over well at the Stabler residence…

What we were to each other was never real. We both got in the way of each other being who and where we needed to be.

Kathy's words. Not his. Sighing, she lifted the frame and put it back in the box. Digging into the box, she found her own little notes and pictures, mementos, cards and gifts. Stolen moments that no one but the two of them ever knew about. Proof that what they were to each other was real and yeah, maybe their feelings did get in the way. He had been married, and yes it had been wrong but as far as she was concerned, she'd never crossed any big lines though it had been hard. To love a man as much as she did but never act on it had been harder than she could explain, and she had respected his marriage. But that was then, and this was now and Kathy Stabler…well, she was gone. And as sorry as she was for his children's sake, selfishly she felt like it was her turn to find happiness.

Lifting a card out of the box, she opened it and smiled as she read his words. Happy Birthday Benson! You don't look a day over 60. Must be all those long nights working with me. Sorry about that. Here's to another year of you kicking ass and taking names. I'm proud to be your partner and your best friend. Drinks on me tonight. -El

Her fingers landed on another frame, a picture of them after a rare night out. For John's birthday they'd all gone to a concert and dinner. In this one, his arm was looped around her shoulders, both of them smiling widely, beers in their hand. They looked relaxed, calm, happy and if she was honest, in love.

"Mom?" Olivia lifted her head and saw her son standing in the doorway, "What are you doing?"

She smiled and placed the photo down on the bed, "Just…taking a trip down memory lane."

Noah walked over to her, climbing up onto the bed, "What's that mean?"

She laughed and leaned forward, brushing back his curls, "Just means I'm looking at somethings I haven't looked at in a long time…"

Peering into the box, Noah saw a number of pictures of his Mother long before he came into the world and a man, a man that was still a bit of a mystery to him. But he knew exactly who it was. Elliot Stabler. His Mom had said a few things, at least in the last year. But it was his Uncles that filled in the bigger gaps. "That's Elliot, right?"

Olivia looked up at him, "Yes. That's us a long time ago…a long long time ago."

Noah lifted one of the pictures up and smiled, "You look happy…"

She sighed and felt the tears burning in her eyes, "We…were good friends."

"And now?" He looked up at his Mom and she just stared at him, "I mean we're going over for dinner…so you're still friends?"

She fidgeted nervously on her bed and smiled, "Yeah…I guess you could say that." The look he was giving her made her laugh, "What is it you want to say Noah?"

"I'm just curious." He put the picture back down and said, "Uncle Fin said Elliot loves you."

Olivia sucked in her lower lip and grumbled, "Uncle Fin has a big mouth…"

Noah laughed softly, "Not as big as Uncle Munch…"

Olivia grimaced and hung her head, "I don't even want to know what he said…" She peeked at him and then whispered, "What did he say?"

Noah smiled, "That you've been in love with him for many a year." She growled and he smiled, "But that the feeling was very, very mutual."

Olivia smiled and reached for her sons hand, "Noah…"

"You told me that it was team you and I." He whispered, she froze and he smiled, "But…something tells me that maybe that's about to change?"

Fidgeting slightly on the bed she asked softly, "If it did…what would you think about that?"

Noah looked up at her and said, "I think that you and I make a really good team. I think I'm really lucky to have you as a Mom. And I also think…there is room for more. Especially if he makes you happy…"

Pushing the box aside, Olivia pulled her son into her arms and pressed her lips to the top of her head, "Do you know how much I love you kid? How lucky I feel everyday knowing I get to be your Mom?"

He squirmed in her arms and whispered, "Mom…"

She laughed though a few tears trickled down her cheeks and she only held him tighter, "You don't know how long I waited for you Noah Porter Benson…and you are more amazing than I ever could have imagined."

Noah squeezed back and then pulled back before climbing off the bed, "Seems like I wasn't the only one you were waiting for…"

Her eyes went wide and she whispered his name, "Noah…"

He shrugged and he stepped back, "Are we leaving soon?"

Letting out a rattling breath she whispered, "Yeah. Twenty minutes."

Noah nodded and walked back out, "Plenty of time to have more chocolate…"

She laughed and shook her head, "One more piece Noah! I mean it!"

He laughed as he walked out of the room and she sighed, looking down at the box again after he left. Reaching in, she took out the photo on top and sighed, if there was a medal for patience, she would win. She'd waited for Noah, for Elliot and still managed to keep a smile on her face. But maybe she didn't need to wait anymore. Maybe just maybe she was finally going to have it all. Sighing, she picked up the lid for the box and placed it on top thinking that she should probably share her memory box with him just as he'd shared his. And more than that…it was time to finally tell him how she really felt.

Back at the Stabler residence, Elliot had been nervously pacing for the last hour since they got back from church. His kids couldn't stop teasing him and he was pretty sure he was going to have a heart attack soon if she didn't show up within the next five minutes.

"You're going to put a hole in the floor." Bernie said with a laugh as she stirred something on the stove, "Would you relax?"

"Yeah come on Dad…you've already sweat through two shirts. Give this one a chance." Dickie said, clapping him on the back.

The girls all laughed and he shot them a look, "Can it."

"Grandpa?" Seamus ran up to him, Elliot looked down and waited, "Do you think Noah and Olivia will like us?"

Elliot smiled, bent at the knee and picked up his grandson, "I think they will love you kid."

"In fact, they'll like you better than they like him." Kathleen teased, making everyone laugh again.

Before Elliot could respond, there was a knock on the door and the words slipped from his lips, "They're here…"

Maureen walked over, took her son and whispered, "Then don't keep them waiting…"

Taking a deep breath, he walked slowly towards the door feeling his heartbeat with every step he took. Breathe he thought to himself, just breathe. Before opening the door, he looked over his shoulder and saw his five children, his Mother and his grandchildren watching him, all of them smiling reassuringly at him. Knowing he had their support, that they were okay with this meant more than he could possibly explain. Turning back to the door, he reached for the door knob and pulled it open, his heart actually stopping when he saw her standing there.

My God I love her.

"Hey…" She whispered, a nervous smile plastered on her face that matched his own, Noah stood beside her, his hand firmly clasped in hers.

Time stood still for a moment and he wished he could take a picture of them. He wanted to remember this. Because he knew that this moment was the first in a long line of moments they would share for the rest of their lives. "Hey…"

Lifting a bottle of wine she whispered, "I hope everyone is okay with white?"

Sensing he needed a little support, Kathleen walked up behind her Father and took the bottle, "Everyone is more than okay with it." She leaned in and hugged the woman she'd admired for so long, "We're so glad you're here Liv."

Olivia smiled over her shoulder as she held onto his daughter, "We're glad to be here." When Kathleen pulled away she asked, "Isn't that right Noah?"

"Definitely." He smiled at Kathleen and held out his hand, "Hi…I'm Noah."

Kathleen smiled and, "It's so good to finally meet you Noah, I'm Kathleen. I know there are a lot of us…" Leaning in she whispered, "But I'm the most important one."

"Hey!" Dickie shouted from behind them, "Everyone knows I'm the most important…"

"Ignore them." Elliot said, cutting them both off before any more of his kids could interrupt, "I'm actually the most important…" Holding his hand out he whispered, "I've waited a long time to meet you Noah, I'm really glad you're here."

Noah smiled and put his small hand into his large one, "I've waited a long time to meet you too…" He paused and then looked at his Mom, "Do I call him Mr. Stabler?"

Olivia opened her mouth to respond but heard Elliot groan, "Oh please don't…you'll make me feel older than I already know I am." Shrugging, he said, "Elliot is good…"

Noah shook his hand firmly and said, "For now…"

Olivia gasped and Kathleen started to laugh, "Noah Porter Benson!"

Noah shrugged and looked at his Mom, "What? Am I wrong?"

"Oh I like you. You're gonna fit right in…" Kathleen said, reaching for him, "Come with me kid…leave the grown ups to their flirting and googly eyes. I'll spare you from the trauma of that."

Olivia sighed as she watched them walk away, "Behave please…"

"We will." Kathleen and Noah said together.

"I wouldn't trust them…" Elliot said leaning in towards her, she looked at him quickly, "I think they'll be keeping us on our toes…and teasing us every step of the way." Nervously, he shrugged and asked, "Still in?"

She saw the worry on his face, the thought that all of this was too much for her, that she wasn't ready. But standing here, listening to Noah and the rest of the Stabler's already laughing together, she knew she was right where she should be. "Still in…"

Both of them leaned in, not thinking twice, ready to kiss again after a few days apart. It took less than thirty seconds though before the catcalls, jeers and teasing started. As they pulled away, Olivia was laughing, her hand pressed against his chest as Elliot turned to glare at them, "Cool it…"

The laughter continued and Olivia smiled, kissing his cheek gently, "Elliot…"

Looking back at her he sighed, "We're in for it aren't we?"

She nodded slowly and said, "I think so…"

"I know so." Bernie said as she walked over to them, she reached out and hugged her, "Welcome. Happy Easter."

"Happy Easter Bernie. Thank you for having us. It smells amazing in here." She whispered.

"Well I hope you're not one of those girls who only pretends to eat. I made enough for a small army." She said.

Olivia smiled, "I think we have a small army here today to be fair…"

Bernie turned and smiled, "The Benson-Stabler army." She smiled and nodded her head, "Watch out world…they'll be tough to beat." She turned back to them and said to her son, "Why don't you help your friend Olivia put her coat away? Your bedroom is a good place for it I think."

Olivia snorted and Elliot huffed, "Jesus Mama…subtle much?"

"Subtlety was never my strong suit." She said with a wink, "Now go…I'll distract the troops for a few minutes."

After she walked away, Elliot turned to look at her, "I'm sorry…"

She shook her head, pushed the door open with her hip and bent down for the box she'd bright with her, "Don't be…"

He frowned as he looked down at the item in her hand, "What's that?"

"Not here…" She whispered, holding the box against her hip as she slipped her hand into his just as he had done just a few nights before.

Elliot followed her down the hall, knowing he'd follow her anywhere. When they got to their room, he quietly shut the door behind them, smiling when he could still hear the muffled laughter coming from the living room. So far, this was going better than he could have even imagined. He saw her place the box on the bed, walking up behind her he reached for her coat, "May I?"

"Oh. Thanks." She smiled and watched as he folded it gently, placing it on the other side of the bed.

"No problem." He poked the box and suddenly, he had a feeling he knew what was in here, "So…what's all this?"

Taking a shaky, nervous breath, she sat down to the left of the box and reached for the top, "My Elliot box…"

He smiled softly and sat on the other side of the box so it sat between them, "Your Elliot box?"

Shrugging, pulled the top of, placed it behind her and said, "Well you had an Olivia box…and since you shared it with me, I figured I'd share mine."

Clearing his throat, he leaned over, "We really are always in sync aren't we?"

They both froze for a moment, thinking about the same thing.

It's like the old days. The two of you together. Always so in sync.

"Guess so…" Reaching in, her hands shook as she pulled the first item out, "What does that say about us?"

Taking the frame from her he shrugged, "That…this was always bound to happen?" He smiled down at the picture in front of him, he remembered that night just like he remembered all of them, "That we are connected…in ways that no one can ever understand."

Not even Kathy.

He didn't need to add the last part for her to know it's what he meant. Rifling through the box she sighed and lifted a hand written note reading it out loud, "Benson - sorry I ruined your blouse with coffee again. Blame John for burning it. I'll take you shopping for a new one." She smirked and then added, "You never did follow through with that offer you know…"

He smiled and picked up something else, "Well then maybe I'll make it up to you now. You free anytime this week?"

"I could make time…" She whispered as she ran her fingers over a book in the box, "For you."

His cheeks flushed, "Good." Looking down he frowned at the book, "What's that? It doesn't look familiar to me…"

Her heart pounded softly in her chest and she lifted it slowly, knowing that this would show just how much and how long she had loved him. A ribbon held a particular place in the book where something lay hidden. Opening it slowly, she revealed a pressed flower in the middle, "You gave this to me…about two years into our partnership. I was having a really crappy day, we'd lost a victim. She reminded me of my Mom. And my boyfriend at the time had broken up with me because I spent too much time at work." Sighing she swirled her fingers on the page around it, "We were leaving and you wanted to drive me home…but I was being stubborn as usual."

Elliot smirked, "You? Stubborn? No…"

She laughed and kicked his shin playfully, "Says the King of stubbornness…"

"We rubbed off on each other over the years I suppose." He teased, she gave him a look and he sighed, "There's a dirty joke in there somewhere but let's skip it for a moment, okay?"

She smiled and looked down at the flower again, continuing her story, "I said no. And we argued a bit about it. While I was waiting for a cab…you walked away. But just as I was getting in, you walked up behind me and held out this flower that you bought from a vendor. Do you remember what you said?" He just stared at her, "You said…that you hoped tomorrow was better. But if it wasn't…you'd still be right by my side."

Sitting up a little straighter, he whispered, "Liv…"

"I think I knew that night that I loved you." She shrugged, a tear sliding down her cheek slowly, "Which is why I kept it…and to be honest it scared the hell out of me. I tried to fight it…God I tried to fight it and I hope you know that I respected your marriage. Your family. That I never wanted to come between you…"

Letting out a little shaky breath, he slid off the bed and knelt in front of her, "Olivia…"

"But I loved you. I've always loved you and I know now…" Her hand lifted, the book laid out on her lap between them as she touched his cheek, he leaned into her pam, "I always will."

Swallowing the lump in his throat, he kissed her softly, "I love you too."

Their lips met again, softly, gently, and then it quickly turned more intense. The book shut again, and she pulled him even closer by his shirt, just like she'd done during their first kiss. Their breathing intensified, both of them getting lost in the moment, his hand sliding up her leg and she was damn glad she'd decided to wear a dress today. She needed his touch more than she could even begin to explain. Just as he was leaning her backwards, there was a loud thump on the door making them both jump apart.

"Keiran, Seamus, Dickie, Eli, Noah! No soccer in the house!" Maureen yelled from afar.

"How many times do we have to go over this? It's called football!" Eli yelled back.

"Dude, you've been living in America for over a year. Let it go." Dickie shot back.

As they started to bicker, they could hear the three youngest boys laughing which only ignited Olivia's laughter, "I'm gonna kill 'em…"

Olivia laughed and turned his face towards her, "No you won't." Leaning down, she kissed him softly again and whispered, "We've waited this long Stabler…we can wait a little longer."

He huffed, pushing himself off the ground, adjusting his pants, "Easy for you to say…"

Biting her lip she looked up at him and frowned, "Sorry…"

He looked down at her, smirking as he reached for her hand, he pulled her up in front of him, "No you're not."

Her eyes sparkled and his heart stopped once more, "You're right…I'm not." Leaning in, she kissed his lips and then his cheek, "Now come on…our kids are waiting."

Our kids.

He smiled as he fell into step behind her again knowing that the future looked a hell of a lot brighter than he could even have imagined.

Hours later, they were sitting around the table swapping stories from years past. Olivia and Elliot sat side by side, their hands clasped under the table, resting on Olivia's knee. She was nervous, he could feel it. The kids were all talking about her, good things of course, all good things. Reminiscing about the times that Olivia had been there, for the good and the bad.

"So there I was at my first ever sleepover and Dad was at work. Mom was away for the weekend and I had never packed my own bag before. I forgot pretty much everything I needed and called Dad at work sobbing. But he was stuck in interrogation so Liv snuck out, drove all the way to Queens, went to my room, packed up everything I needed, drove to Sarah's house, dropped everything off and then went ALL the way back to Manhattan during rush hour." Lizzie said with a sigh, "She even gave me a pep talk because I was freaking out about staying the night…"

Elliot squeezed her hand tight, eying her carefully, "She's good like that…"

"What about the time Dad had been working three days straight and forgot our birthday presents in the locker room at work? I thought Mom was going to absolutely murder him." Dickie said with a laugh.

"But then Liv showed up just in the knick of time." Maureen said with a smile, "Her arms full of your gifts from them, and a few extra just from her."

"It had been a tough few days…I didn't blame him for forgetting. He was exhausted." Olivia tried to reason.

"I remember when my first boyfriend broke up with me and I was a wreck." Maureen said with a sigh, "Cried for hours. Mom got called into work and Olivia dropped by to bring Dad something for work…and he was freaking out about me. She offered to take me shopping. Dad agreed because he didn't know what else to do…and so we went. And I was such a b-" Elliot cleared her throat and she smirked, "Brat…sorry Liv."

Olivai shook her head, "You were a teenager with her first heartbreak…I understood completely."

"We spent three hours wandering the mall and then over milkshakes I broke down. And Olivia…" Her voice cracked as she spoke, "She just listened. Without ever interrupting, without ever making me feel silly. She just made me feel heard and respected…"

"That's her way." Kathleen interrupted, "God knows she did more for me than I'll ever be able to thank her for. Saved my life…"

"Sounds like she was there for all of you. Just like she's always there for me." Noah said with a smile, he turned to Eli, "What about you? What do you remember?"

Everyone froze, knowing that Eli had been so young when they left that it would be hard for him to remember. But everyone other than Noah and Eli knew the truth. Out of all of his children, she'd done more for Eli than all of them combined, "Eli wouldn't be here if it wasn't for your Mom kid…"

The room was quiet as Elliot spoke, and Olivia looked at him in shock, "El…"

Shaking his head he smiled and looked at his son, "It's time he knows…"

Eli looked at his Father curiously, "Dad?"

Taking a deep breath, Elliot rested his elbows on the table, "There was a case…kept me away. And your Mom had an appointment but I wasn't going to get back in time…so Olivia offered to take her." The emotion filled his body, his eyes closed tight and he whispered, "But…they were in an accident. And it was bad…it wasn't Olivia's fault." He clarified, "The man-" But his voice cracked and he wasn't able to continue.

"Mom went into labor because of the trauma." Kathleen whispered, remembering that day like it was yesterday, "And Olivia…was right by her side every step of the way." Looking right at her brother she said, "She helped bring you into this world…without her you wouldn't be here. Dad was right about that. And Mom would have…" Now it was her turn to lose her voice, "We would have lost her a lot sooner than we did…"

A silence filled the room, many tears were shed and Eli slowly turned to look at the woman that up until this point had been a big mystery to him. He'd heard stories over the years, whispers but he had been so young when they left it was hard to remember her. But hearing this story, he realized that Olivia saving him at Christmas had not been the first time. As much as he missed his Mother, he had a feeling he was going to be okay. They were all going to be okay as long as she was by their side.

"Olivia…" He leaned back, not quite sure what to say, "I…" He was beside his Father and slowly, Olivia reached across his lap, taking his hand, "Thank you…"

Squeezing his hand gently she whispered, "Nothing to thank me for…"

A silence filled the space between them and Elliot watched them, feeling so damn grateful that despite everything they had somehow found their way here. That no matter what they had all been through, what they felt, no matter how much history lay behind them, it was going to be okay.

In the middle of this moment, Olivia's phone started to ring and an all knowing look passed over the group. Duty called. Pulling back, she glanced at Elliot and then her son who looked nervous. Leaning in, she pressed her lips to the top of his head, "Behave please…"

Dropping her napkin on the seat, quietly excused herself and walked back towards Elliot's room again to take the call. When she was gone, the silence lingered until Noah sat up a little straighter and said, "So…" He turned to look at Elliot and without missing a beat asked, "What exactly are your intentions with my Mom?"

Elliot's eyes went wide, surprised by how bold he was but also knew that he got that from his Mother, even if he wasn't biologically hers. A loud ripple of laughter echoed around the table and Elliot shifted nervously, "Well…your Mom is my best friend. Always has been."

Noah reached for the roll on his plate and pulled off a piece and then asked with an eyebrow raised, "So…you're just friends?"

Elliot smiled, leaned in and whispered the exact words Noah had said to him earlier, "For now…" Noah smiled, "That okay with you?"

Noah nodded slowly, lifted his glass and whispered, "Works for me." He stopped and then said, "But just so you know…" He turned back to him and said, "If you hurt her…you deal with me. And I might be little…but I'm mighty."

"I wouldn't expect anything less from Olivia Benson's son." He replied quickly, and then gave him a wink, clinking his own glass to the young boys.

In Elliot's bedroom, Olivia quickly called Fin back, hoping to God she wasn't being called into work. But as soon as he answered, she knew she'd been set up because she heard chuckling on the other end, "I hate you, you know that?"

"We're just checking in." Fin said quickly, "And by we I mean me and John…not me and Phoebe."

"Of course. I should have known. He is the one true love of your life after all." She said with a playful eye roll though they couldn't see, "Hi John…"

"Hey Benson. How's it going? You two engaged yet?" He teased.

Olivia huffed, "God I hate you both…what are you doing together anyway? John doesn't celebrate Easter…"

"We're doing a little double celebration. Easter and Passover." He replied, "And you didn't answer my question…"

Leaning against Elliot's dresser she sighed, "No…we're just having dinner. That's it. And all the kids, his grandkids and his Mom are here so don't start."

"Cock blocks." Fin said with a playful sigh, "How dare they…"

"Unless there is something really important you want to say…I'm hanging up now." She said with a laugh.

"Nothing important…we just wanted to check in." Fin said quickly, "And tease you a bit of course."

"And to tell you to tell Stabler I'm insulted that he's seen everyone but me. So if I don't get a dinner soon…I'm cutting him out of my will completely." He said.

"Like you have anything in your will? With the amount of ex-wives you wracked up…you'll be in debt when you die." Fin teased.

"I'll let him know." Olivia said with a smile, thinking about having the opportunity to be all together again. Elliot, Fin, John and Don. The four pillars of her life. Each of them teaching her more about life, love, loyalty and friendship than she could ever thank them for, "Besides…I'd like that too."

"Alright then. We'll set something up soon." Fin said, "In the meantime…go have fun. We won't keep you any longer than necessary. Elliot's probably crying in a corner without you right now…"

Olivia laughed, "Goodbye boys…"

"Bye Liv." They both said together, and then they hung up.

Sighing, she dropped the phone and looked back at the box again on the bed. She was so lost in thought, she heard a knock on the door. Lifting her head, she saw Elliot poking his head in, a sheepish look on his face, "Hey…everything okay?"

Nodding, Olivia dropped her phone at her side, "Yeah…everything is fine."

Walking into the room, he leaned against the door and asked, "You don't have to go into work?"

She heard the worry in his voice. Even though he would understand, it would still kill him if she had to leave, little did he know it would kill her too. "No. It was…" She laughed and then realized there was no point in hiding it, "It was just Fin and John being…"

"Being Fin and John?" She laughed and he smiled, "So how much grief did they give you?"

"Enough." She sighed and tossed her phone on the bed, "John wanted me to tell you he's offended he's the last one you will see…so if we don't have dinner all together soon he's cutting you out of the will."

Elliot snorted, "Like he'll have any money left once it gets spread out between the wives?"

Olivia smiled and looked down, "Fin said the same thing…" She paused and then whispered, "But…I can't say I wouldn't love to all be together again. Like old times…"

As she said the last part, her eyes turned to look at the box and his eyes followed. "Like old times…" He smiled and whispered, "We can make that work…"

"Yeah?" Slowly, she pushed herself off the dresser and whispered, "I mean…that would be okay with you? I know…it's all a lot. But…it would mean the world to me if we did." Her voice cracked as she spoke, "The four of you…you were my family. The only family I ever had and I missed that…more than I can begin to explain."

Reaching behind him, he locked the door out of instinct, wanting a few moments alone. As he walked towards her, he saw the tears in her eyes and knew that though she was in, though she wanted this, there was still fear and uncertainty. He couldn't blame her for that. He'd abandoned her and it was going to take a long time to prove he'd never do it again. She was holding her breath as he gently cradled her face in his hands, "I missed it too. And I know we said we didn't want to live with any regrets…" She gave him a look and he frowned, "But my biggest regret will always be…leaving you. Leaving all of you, but especially you." He felt her fingers dig into his hip and he sighed against her lips, "And I promise you, I will never leave again."

Batting away her tears she whispered, "You have my heart now El…please don't break it. I won't survive it again."

Threading his fingers through her long tresses he replied, "Neither will I. I'm here Liv…I'm right here. And you can't get rid of me now."

Sighing softly she whispered, "Thank God for that…"

And then they were kissing, much more intense than before, even more intense than their make out session on the couch. All of this was intimate. The joining of their families, something they'd put off, the discussions, Elliot telling Noah about his birth. She felt closer to him than she had in years, and yet she wanted to be even closer. Before she could stop herself, she realized she was pulling his shirt from his dress pants and he wasn't stopping her. Lifting her up, he placed her gently on the dresser, his hands once again sliding up her bare leg, resting on her inner thigh, "Tell me to stop and I will…"

She sighed as he tilted her head back, once again devouring her neck, "I don't want you to stop…"

He groaned against her skin and said, "Then I guess it's a good thing that everyone went outside to play football…"

"Soccer." Olivia teased and Elliot laughed, "If you're gonna be an American again Stabler…you better start acting like it."

His lips began to trail a path down along her chest, settling in the space between her breasts, licking the crevice slightly, "Sei bellissima amore mio…"

You're beautiful my love.

She smiled, feeling the heat rise in her belly, "Smooth talker…"

"It's true." He began to thread his fingers through the buttons on her dress, "And I'm tired of waiting…"

Her hips rocked forward and she knew there were a million and one reasons why she should say no. And yet…she didn't seem to really care right now, "Right now with everyone outside?"

"They'll be busy for a while." He spread her legs slowly and she whimpered, "But I mean it Liv…tell me to stop and I will."

Her head tilted to the side and she leaned back as his fingers traveled upwards, "I should tell you to stop…" Instantly, his movements stilled and she looked down at him as he settled in front of her, kneeling on the ground, "But I don't think I could if I tried…"

He smiled and kissed the inside of her knee, "So that means I can continue?"

Sucking her lip between her teeth she peered down at him and said, "You're the one that wanted to know what I tasted like…"

He growled loudly and nipped playfully up her inner thigh and breathed her in, "I did…"

"So unless you want to wait another 23 years…" She said with a laugh and he huffed, "Then keep going…"

"Aye, aye Captain." He said with a smile and moved with her as she lifted her hips, tugging the straps of her panties down along her hips.

She was panting loudly, knowing he was going to make her feel things she had never felt before. He dropped the garment at his feet and moved in, pressing a kiss against her bare pussy, "Elliot…"

He groaned, his tongue peeking out, slowly he slid it and down the length of her, "Fucking hell…"

She whimpered, spreading her legs even wider, "Careful Stabler…it's a holy day."

He laughed and wrapped his lips around her clit, humming softly, "Well Jesus died so that our sins may be forgiven…" He circled his tongue around the little bundle of nerves making her legs begin to shake, "And the thoughts I'm having…and have been having are quite sinful…"

Her fingers curled around the edge of the dresser as her breath rattled in her chest, "Oh my God…"

Sliding his hands up under her legs, he gripped her thighs tightly, pulling her flush against his mouth, devouring her with his mouth as if she were his last meal, "And for the record…you taste better than I ever could have dreamed of."

His hand snaked around as he began to rub her clit gently with his thumb, his tongue pressing up inside of her. Her head fell back, hitting the mirror with a thud, "Fuck…"

He laughed against her, the vibrations making her squirm, "Try and keep quiet Liv…they may be outside but for an old lady my Mother has ears like a hawk."

Lifting her hand, she pressed it over her mouth knowing she wouldn't be able to hold it together for very long, "Well…then I'm gonna have to apologize to her thoroughly."

He smiled, pulled back and she gave him a look that could kill, assuming he was stopping. But quickly, he lifted her, her legs wrapping around him as he walked towards the bed. Laying her down gently he smiled, turned her so that her face was against the pillows in front of her, "Bite down on something…"

Elliot She sighed and reached for the pillow, curling her fingers around it as he began to press kisses down her back, lifting her dress up. He bit down on the round globe of her ass and she grunted, "Elliot…I swear to God…"

He smiled and licked his way back down right where she wanted him. Swirling his tongue around her clit, he felt the wet warmth and knew that he'd never get enough of her. His left hand spread her open, and his right, inched down, his middle finger pushing up inside of her and she cried out, the sound muffled by the pillow, "That's it baby…I've got you."

She felt the burning in her belly and knew that this would be over before she was ready. But she smiled to herself knowing that this was just the first of many experiences, and for that she was grateful. A second of his thick fingers slid inside of her, turning and she gasped, "El-Elliot…yes!"

"Shh…" He whispered again, kissing her ass again, "I mean it Liv…bite down on the pillow…"

Her mouth opened and her teeth closed around the edge of the pillow as he worked her over. His fingers filling her, reaching deep inside of her, his tongue making her weak. Her body trembled as she felt it building, her eyes closing tight. At the base of the bed lay the box filled with all of their memories. Their past. But here on this bed, he was making sure she wanted their present and their future to be theirs and theirs alone. Her dress was bunched up around her and she ground her hips against him as he feasted on her. "Elliot…baby…please…"

His cock was straining against his pants and he was desperate for some release of his own. Rocking forward against the mattress, he felt the friction ignite something in him and he worked even faster, needing to bring her over the edge once before burying his cock inside of her. His teeth grazed her clit, applying a bit more pressure and he felt her tense, "You feel good?"

She moaned loudly into the pillow, "So…so good. I'm so close. Please…"

Wrapping his lips around her clit again he tugged and whispered, "Come…"

The feeling of his hands, his lips, his tongue and the gruffness of his voice pushed her right over the edge. The feeling was so powerful, so intense, no sound came from her lips, her body went slack before it began to shake uncontrollably. "Oh my God…"

He smiled, knowing his work was done, kissing her gently, he tasted her, wanting more and more. Making his way up her back, he settled on the side of her face, "You okay?"

She grunted softly and whispered, "You're joking right?"

He laughed and slowly rolled her so he could see her face, her skin flushed as she looked up at him. Her eyes wide, a deliriously happy and satisfied smile on her face. "Just checking…"

Reaching for him, her hand landed on his belt buckle and began to tug on it, "Elliot…"

He groaned and knew her intentions but he shook his head, "Not today Liv…" Leaning down he kissed her so she could taste herself on his lips, "But we have plenty of time for that later…"

He crawled off the bed, she leaned up, resting her elbows on the mattress as she watched him undress. He never let his eyes leave hers as he pushed his pants down, they fell to the floor and he quickly kicked them aside. She was breathing hard as he unbuttoned his shirt, letting it slide down his arms. He smirked when her eyes finally darted down, her smile growing when she saw his cock for the first time, hard and ready for her.

Slowly, he crawled up onto the bed over her and settled between her legs. The front of her dress was open, her black lace bra peeking out and he smiled, pressing his lips to the swell of her breasts. Just below the last button he saw a scar and he froze. She felt it, but she reached for him, tilting his head up towards her, "Not today El. Please not today…" Pulling him closer, she kissed him and repeated the same words he'd said when he called her, "I need you…"

Bracing his arm beside her, he used his free hand to slide up her outer thigh, landing on the side of her ass. Rocking forward, the tip of his cock entered her and they both shuddered, "God Liv…"

Her hands slid up under his arms, her nails raking down his back, "I need you. I've always needed you."

Looking her in the eye, he moved forward, the full length of him slid home, right where he belonged, "You have me." Slowly he began to thrust in and out, deep thrusts, "You've always had me."

She clung to him, rocking her body against his, he filled her in ways she'd never been filled before like he was made for her. And maybe he was. One hand curled around the back of his neck, kissing him, her tongue teasing his lower lip. He groaned into her mouth and sped up his thrusts knowing their time was limited. "Liv…"

As he sped up, he hit her at a new angle making her gasp in surprise and pleasure, "Fuck…"

Smiling, he pressed his fingers to her lips, "Shh…"

Wrapping her hand around his wrist, she took his fingers in her mouth, the same fingers that had teased her and brought her release before. She smiled around them, tasting herself, using it as leverage and a way to muffle her pleasure. "Mmm…"

His mouth hung open slightly as he watched her, imagining his cock replacing his fingers. Next time her eyes said and he smiled knowing there would be a next time, and a time after that and every time until he took his last breath. There would be no more hiding, no more running from this. She was it and he wasn't letting her go again. Her legs wrapped around him, her heels digging into the muscles of his ass, pulling him even deeper so that he hit her back walls. They both groaned at the sensation, feeling more connected than they ever had been before.

Pulling his fingers from her lips he traced her bottom lip and sighed, "I love you Olivia Benson…"

She smiled, a lazy, beautiful, smile that showed her pleasure, "I love you too El."

She took his hand, placing it against her chest so they both could feel the beating of her heart and he knew she meant every word. Their bodies moved in rhythm with one another, slowly, passionately, feeling all of the years of sexual tension, desire, love, longing build by the second. Pulling out of her completely, she whimpered before he thrust all the way back in, her body pushing back on the mattress from the friction. "Elliot!"

Leaning forward he gently but firmly wrapped his hand around the base of her throat, holding her in place as he kissed her. Grunting loudly, he filled her, again and again feeling her body begin to tremble, telling him she was ready once more. He, was right behind her just as she always had been. A few more deep long thrusts, and she shattered, her scream muffled by his mouth. As she pulsed around him, his own release exploded inside of her, his body feeling so sensitive that he jumped slightly as he continued to thrust forward, both of them riding out the waves of pleasure.

Until finally, he collapsed against her, her arms and legs wrapping around him tightly, "Damn El…"

He huffed, pressing his lips against her neck, "I think you killed me."

She laughed and turned his head up, her finger teasing his lower lip, "I hope not. I want to do that again…" Kiss, "And again…" Another kiss, "And again…"

But then they heard laughter booming from the living room signaling the end of the soccer game outside. Sighing, he looked down at her and whispered, "That may need to wait…"

Running her fingers along the back of his neck she whispered, "I'm good at waiting…"

Waiting a moment he asked, "Was it worth it?"

"And then some." She replied, a huge smile on her face, "We're gonna be okay El…"

"Yeah." He kissed her again and turned slowly, "Yeah…we are…"

Though they would have liked to bask in the glow of their love making, their family was waiting. Pulling himself off the bed, Elliot held his hand out to pull her up off the bed. She smiled sheepishly as she stood before him, fixing her dress, "I'm gonna…"

He nodded as she walked towards the bathroom before he started to get redressed himself. A few minutes later, she came out, trying to fix her hair, "Do I look okay or are they gonna know?"

Elliot laughed and ran a hand over his face, "I can tell you my Mom will probably know…because that's just who she is. And seeing as Kathleen is basically her clone…she'll know too." Olivia's head hung low and he laughed, "But…they're gonna have to get used to it." Leaning in he kissed her cheek, "Because I'm not going to be able to keep my hands to myself now."

Slipping her hand into his, she gave him a wink and then slowly picked up the box again, "Good to know."

"What are you doing?" He asked as they walked towards the door.

She waited for him to unlock the door she said, "It's my turn to share some stories Stabler…and I don't plan on holding back."

She kissed him again, dropped his hand and walked towards the living room. As he watched her go all he could think was that he'd never been more grateful. Never felt more sure, never been more ready for the future. As she settled around the table again, dropping the box in front of her, everyone gathered around. Lifting her head, she winked at Elliot as Eli asked, "What's all this?"

"Memories." Olivia whispered, "And my chance to embarrass the hell out of your Dad…"

"Yes!" Dickie shouted as he pulled up a chair, "This…is gonna be good."

Elliot smiled knowing his son was right, it was definitely going to be good. In fact, it would be everything he always dreamed of. And he couldn't wait to get this future started…