The countdown is on…after this, only 1 official chapter left and then an epilogue. Enjoy!

September 13, 2016

Fifteen.

Somehow her son was fifteen today.

How the hell had that happened?

Olivia stood in the doorway of her son's bedroom, watching him sleep. Something she'd done almost daily when he was a small child. But now, there was never time, never time to just stop and take it all in. When he was little he always slept in a ball, curled in around himself or some nights, her. Back then it was just the two of them, at times in his early life they shared a room.

Even when Elliot had met them, she was struggling. Living in an apartment that was falling apart at the seams. But Elliot was there, fixing things when he could, painting her bedroom, giving her everything she deserved before she ever even let him in. Noah had fallen hard and fast for Elliot, ready to let him into their little bubble before Olivia had been.

Now, look at them.

Living in a real home in Brooklyn. Noah not only had his own bedroom and bed, but he also had a Mother and a Father who loved him more than anything in the world. He had two sisters who adored him. He was on the path to something great, becoming stronger and more talented by the day with dance. He was kind, caring, independent, a free spirit, and an all-around amazing kid.

And more than that, he was happy.

Wasn't that what she had always wanted for him? To just be...happy?

Wiping her tears away she laughed when he rolled onto his back, sprawled out on the bed, feet hanging over the end because it seemed he continued to grow by the second. His wild brown hair sticking up in all different directions and if she looked closely...was he beginning to sprout facial hair?

Good, God, how had it all gone by so fast?

"What are you doing?"

Olivia jumped at the sound of her husband's voice, "God, Elliot. Don't scare me like that."

He laughed and walked over to her, work bag flung over his shoulder, "Sorry."

She looked him over, her usual assessment to make sure he was in one piece. Satisfied with what she saw, she sighed, "Make it stop."

"What?" She gave him a pout and he nodded, "Oh, you mean the growing thing?"

She huffed and looked back into her son's room, "Look at him. He's huge! And I think he has facial hair…"

Elliot placed his bag down on the ground beside her and whistled signaling Ember could go into Noah's bedroom. Wrapping his arms around her waist, he swayed his wife back and forth to soothe her, resting his chin on her shoulder. They both watched Ember settle in beside Noah's bed and they both envisioned them years before. Inseparable from the start. In his sleep, Noah turned again, his arm hanging over the edge as if he sensed Ember. She leaned forward, licked his palm, and then settled down to sleep for a few hours.

Elliot sighed and held her tighter, "You're right...he is huge. Time is flying."

She leaned into him whispering, "Remember how little he was? And how excited he was every time you came over? All he wanted was to spend time with us. And now...he's busy with friends and dance. And I swear he has a girlfriend or something. He's always on that damn phone of his and-"

"Liv…" Slowly, he turned her, pressing her back into the door frame, "He's a teenager. I hate it too. But we can't stop it."

Swallowing hard she slid her hands up and around his neck, "He was always a great kid. But I hope you know...he wouldn't be half the kid he is without your influence. You changed his life babe. Changed both of our lives. And as much as I hate how fast it's all going...I'm so grateful for the young man he is. Because I see a lot of you in him…"

A knot formed in his chest, the good kind, the kind that made him feel overwhelmed by love, "That...means more to me than I could ever express, Liv. Thank you."

Pressing up on her toes, she kissed him softly and nuzzled the side of his face, "Thank you for being you."

Sliding his hand down her arm, he threaded his fingers with hers, "Come on. Let's get a little sleep. Seems like I'm gonna have to teach the kid how to shave today…"

She laughed and wrapped her arm around his waist, "Oh God…"

He smiled and threaded his fingers through her hair, kissing her temple. He watched her crawl into the bed first, waiting for him as he undressed. When he was ready, he joined her, laying down beside her, "Hey, Liv?"

She yawned, already halfway to dreamland again, "Hm?'

Tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear he smiled, "What you said about Noah...about seeing a lot of me in him."

Her eyes blinked open slightly, "What about it? It's the truth."

He smiled and nodded, running the back of his index finger along her cheek, "That may be true...but for the first 7 years of his life...it was you. That kid is the boy, and becoming the man he is because of you. I know it wasn't always easy when he was little...but you should be hella proud because he is who he is because of everything you instilled in him from the start."

Tears burned in her eyes and she reached for him, pressing her fingers into his chest, "El…"

"You laid the foundation. I was just there to help in the end. I fell for you and that kid, you were a packaged deal. I always knew that. You are the most amazing Mother."

She fidgeted slightly, "El…"

He shook his head, "You always tell me that I'm not my Father. That I'm different. But I hope you know...you Olivia, are everything your Mother wasn't. And Noah and our girls are better having you in their life. I love you."

She sighed, leaning in and resting her head under his chin, "I love you too."

Later that afternoon, Elliot stood in the bathroom with his son, both of them with faces lathered up with shaving cream. He'd taught him step by step what to do, and now he watched him do it all on his own. Elliot wiped his blade and placed the razor down as he looked over at Noah, sliding the blade up and over the last part of his face.

"Well…" Elliot smirked, "No cuts...your Mom will be happy about that."

Noah laughed, "Yeah...she probably will. Although, I'm pretty sure she was crying when we came in here."

Elliot smiled, "That's because she hates how fast you are growing up...and so do I."

Noah tilted his head back as his Dad wiped the little bit of shaving cream still on his face, "Dad, can I ask you something?"

"You know you can ask me anything." Placing the towel down on the sink he smiled, "Lay it on me."

Noah frowned and fidgeted nervously, "How...do I ask someone out?"

"Ah." Elliot took a deep breath and leaned back, crossing his arms over his chest, "Your Mom thought you might be into someone…"

Noah rubbed the back of his neck, feeling his cheeks burn, "Man...she picks up on everything."

Elliot chuckled and shrugged, "Well, she is a Detective. It's her job to figure out everything...it's also part of being a Mom. Nothing slips by her." Noah smiled and Elliot shrugged, "Who is this person?'

Noah stood up straighter, noticing he hadn't used any words to indicate it was a girl which he was grateful for, "Well actually...there are two people I like. That I'm...interested in."

Elliot raised an eyebrow, "Okay...while I want you to explore your options, I do want to remind you that...you need to be careful. And you don't want to hurt anyone here…"

Noah nodded, "I know...I guess I...I want to explore both feelings. I'm feeling a little...confused?"

"Okay. That's alright... the truth is being a teenager is confusing as hell, kid. So I promise you aren't alone with that feeling." He shrugged. "So...tell me about them."

Noah moved towards the shower, sitting on the edge of the tub, "Well...one of them is Ashley...you know her."

Elliot nodded slowly, "Yeah. You two have been friends for a few years. She seems really nice."

Noah nodded and then looked down, "Yeah...I like hanging out with her. I think she's really pretty and...she makes me feel important. Feels like she cares about what I have to say which is nice."

Elliot smiled, "Those are all good things. And...what about the other person?"

Noah squeezed hard on his knees, "That's...where it gets confusing."

"Noah…" His son lifted his head slowly, "It's okay…"

Noah nodded slowly and chewed his lip before answering, "It's...Tyler."

Elliot smiled softly, "And how does Tyler make you feel?"

Noah shrugged slowly, "The same. Like I'm important...that he cares about what I have to say. I like hanging out with him and he's...cute I mean he's-I just-"

Elliot could feel the nervous energy radiating off of his son, the worry that what he was saying wouldn't be accepted, "Noah." His son froze, leaning back slightly, swallowing hard, "Look at me."

Noah lifted his chin and sighed, "Is that wrong?"

Elliot sighed and walked closer to him, sitting down beside him on the lip of the tub, "Unfortunately in this world…there are people who may think that that is wrong. That having those feelings…are wrong."

Noah nodded slowly and then asked softly, "But what do you think?"

Elliot smiled and put his hand on his son's knee, "I think, that you're the best son I could ask for. And as long as you're happy…then I'm happy. And it doesn't matter to me either way, okay?"

Noah's cheeks flushed, "You promise?"

Elliot nodded, squeezing his knee, "Of course. And it won't make a difference to Mom either." Noah still looked nervous, "The thing is…there's no way to control those feelings kid. I mean even with your Mom…I didn't expect to feel what I felt. I didn't expect to meet her that day and just…know. But it happens. And it's all confusing and scary no matter who the other person is. But…it's also exciting and new and fun to explore. So as long as you're safe and you are respectful of both people… then we're good. Okay?"

Noah let out a shaky breath, "Thanks, Dad…I think I…really needed to hear that."

Elliot smiled and wrapped an arm around his shoulder, pressing a kiss to the top of his head, "Well any time you need a reminder, let me know." He smiled, stood up, and checked his watch, "How about we go grab some lunch and talk about this some more?"

"Just you and me?"

Elliot nodded slowly, "Yeah, just you and me."

Noah beamed up at his Dad as he stood up, "Hey Dad?" Elliot gave him a look letting him know he was listening, "In case I haven't told you before…I'm really glad you're my Dad."

Elliot wrapped his arm around his shoulder and smiled, "Well, I'm really glad that you're my son. So works out well for both of us."

By Elliot's birthday, Noah and the family had finally come to terms with what had happened, and were healing. Frank's trial was over and it was clear that he would not be getting out of jail anytime soon, if ever which helped make everyone feel more settled. Elliot had worked long hours the last few days and was currently fast asleep but his children and his wife were ready to celebrate him. Noah and Olivia stood in the doorway and the girls stood at the end of the bed with Ember, peering over the edge.

Charlie was bouncing from foot to foot, anxious for the moment she could finally wake her Father up. Looking back at her Mother, she brushed back her curls, "Now, Momma?"

Olivia smiled and looked at the clock, 8:00 am. As much as her husband probably wanted to sleep in, there was no turning away the girls any longer. They'd been awake long before the sun came up and had been as patient as they could. She laughed and gave her a nod, "Now baby."

Charlie looked at her sister who smiled down at her and together, they crawled up onto the bed, inching closer to their Father. Wrapping her arms around her son, now nearly as tall as her, she remembered long ago when he was the young kid, excited to wake him up. Look at them now…

Elliot lay on his stomach, arm draped over his pillow under his head. Brooklyn sat to his left behind him and Charlie sat to his right, face to face with him. Taking a deep breath she whispered, "Daddy?"

No response.

Charlie leaned in closer, "Daddy?"

Elliot let out a little grunt, but nothing more, and Olvia knew what was coming next.

Leaning all the way in, Charlie shouted, "Daddy!"

Elliot jumped and the girls giggled, "Wh-what?"

Both girls hopped up excitedly, jumping up and down on the bed, "Happy Birthday Daddy! Happy Birthday, Daddy!"

Elliot laughed softly, rolling onto his back as he let out a little yawn, "Thank you, girls."

Ember barked and hopped up onto the bed, nuzzling closer, "That's dog talk for Happy Birthday."

Elliot looked over at his oldest daughter and smiled, "Is that so?"

"Uh-huh." Brooklyn reached behind her and held something out for him, "Here Daddy. This is from me and Charlie."

Elliot smiled and sat up, looking at his wife and son standing by the door, "Just from you two?"

"We made it with Gwamma B." Charlie said curling up beside him, "Open!"

Bending down, he pressed a kiss to her curly head and smiled, "Okay, I'm opening. I'm opening!"

Taking the tissue out of the bag, Elliot pulled out a little canvas picture. It was clear that Bernie had traced the picture of him in his firefighter gear and the girls had done their best to color it in. Beside him, there was Ember and the fire truck. In Brooklyn's handwriting were the words "Our Daddy is a hero".

"Do you like it?" Brooklyn asked softly, "We did our best."

Elliot cleared his throat, feeling a rush of emotions coursing through him. The picture, the date, knowing he had almost missed Brooklyn's life and if he had been gone that Charlie would never be here, he was feeling incredibly grateful.

Looking up at his daughter, he smiled and leaned forward, wrapping his hand behind her neck, and whispered, "I absolutely love it, baby. I love it. Thank you." He scooped her up and then Charlie, pulling them both close, "Love you both."

The girls squeezed tight, already talking about their breakfast, distracted as usual and Elliot looked at his wife and son, knowing they remembered it all too. Noah looked at his Mom and smiled, "I'll take the girls downstairs. Dad can open my present later."

Olivia squeezed his shoulder and smiled, "Thanks, honey."

The girls hopped down from the bed and ran to follow their brother, Ember hot on their heels. Elliot bent forward, pressing his elbows into his knees as his wife watched him carefully. He cocked his head to the side and smiled, "What?"

She shook her head and slowly walked towards him, crawling up onto the bed, "Nothing."

Elliot reached for her, running his fingers through her hair, "No…you're thinking about something…I can tell by the look on your face."

Olivia pressed her fingers into his chest and pushed him back onto the mattress, "Hm?"

Elliot smiled up at her, listening to her hum softly as she bit down on his ear, "Olivia…"

She smiled and rolled to the side, pulling him towards her, "I was just thinking…I'm really glad you were born. That's all…"

Elliot lifted hush hand, running his index finger along the bridge of her nose, "Oh yeah?"

"Uh-huh." She kissed him softly, "Happy Birthday Elliot Stabler. You are the best thing that ever happened to me."

He sighed and rolled her onto her back, "I love you."

"I love you too." She moved to kiss him again when the girls started to yell up the stairs, "But…our birthday celebration may have to wait until tonight."

Elliot laughed and nodded, "I can be okay with that."

Together, they climbed off the bed and walked hand in hand downstairs where the kids were all waiting in the kitchen. Breakfast was laid out on the table, and Brooklyn and Charlie already eating. Noah looked over and watched his Father tap the little statue of Ember he'd given him for his birthday all those years ago. Elliot smiled at his son and sat down at the table, grateful for another year with his family.

That evening, Elliot sat in the backyard, drinking a beer, staring up at the dark city sky. The girls were chasing Ember and he smiled listening to their laughter, his favorite sound. Olivia was inside cleaning up from dinner with Bernie and Noah had gone inside to get something. A moment later, his son returned with a box and sat down beside him, "Happy Birthday, Dad."

Elliot lifted his head and looked at him, "From you?"

Noah nodded, "Been saving up for a while."

Elliot narrowed his eyes at him, "What did you do kid, you know you didn't have to get me anything fancy."

Noah shrugged and pulled his legs up against his chest, "I know. But I wanted to."

Elliot smiled, took the box, and began to unwrap it curiously. Inside he found a new Knicks Jersey with his current favorite player's name on the back, "I love this bud. Thank you."

"There is more." Noah said pointing at the box, "At the bottom."

Elliot moved the tissue paper around and found two tickets to an upcoming game, "Noah…"

His son shrugged slowly, "Not the best seats…but it's been a while since we went. And I really wanted to go again." He paused and smiled, "Remember the first one we went to?"

Elliot looked over at him, pride welling up in his chest as he thought about the memory. Olivia had given him tickets for his birthday and he had chosen Noah to go with him to the game. Both Olivia and Noah had been so touched by the sentiment but little did they know, there was no one he would rather have gone with. At the game, Noah had been upset and eventually open up to his Mother's then-boyfriend that there was a big Father son football game coming up. And Elliot of course had volunteered to play with him.

Looking back now, he realized that was probably what cemented his relationship with both Noah and Olivia. They'd both seen how serious he was. And they'd both let him in just a little bit more. "I remember…"

Noah smiled, "I mean if you want to take Ashton or one of your other buddies. Maybe Mom or the other girls I understand but-"

"No." Elliot said with a shake of his head, "I want to take my son." Leaning forward he pulled him in for a hug, "That's what I want."

Noah smiled and gave his Dad a tight hug, "Happy Birthday Dad, love you."

"I love you too kid. I love you too."

As they pulled away, Brooklyn and Charlie came running, the youngest of the two launched herself at her Father. Elliot huffed loudly and laughed as she slammed into his chest, "Whoa! Man, you're fast kiddo."

Charlie giggled and wrapped her arms around his neck, "Daddy, did you have a good day?"

"Oh, I had the best day." Elliot whispered, dropping a kiss to the crown of her head, "The absolute best day."

"Well, it's not over yet." Brooklyn beamed at him, "You still need cake."

Elliot looked behind him and saw his wife and Mother walking out with a cake on a platter. He smiled as everyone started to sing to him, a little off-key, and even Ember howled a note or two making everyone laugh. Olivia knelt down in front of him, holding out the cake, the golden flames on the candles illuminated her beautiful face and she smiled, "What are you going to wish for Stabler?"

He pressed Charlie into his chest and felt Brooklyn reach for his arm, "I don't think I could possibly need or want more than this…"

She smiled and cocked her head to the side, "Hm…well you need to wish for something. It's kind of a birthday rule, isn't it?"

Elliot smiled and nodded slowly, "I suppose it is."

Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes thought about his wish, and slowly blew out the candles.

Let me have a million more days like today.

The kids cheered and Bernie took the cake, bringing it to the picnic table out back. Holding her hand out for her husband, Olivia smiled and pulled him up, "Did you make a good one?"

He sighed softly and curled her hair around her ear, "I think so…"

Wrapping her arms around his waist she beamed up at him, "I ever tell you you're really, really good-looking Stabler?"

He chuckled and shrugged his shoulder, "Maybe…"

Leaning forward, she bit down hard on his jaw and pinched his ass, "You're aging like a fine wine babe."

He jumped when she pinched him again, "Not in front of the kids Benson!"

She smirked up at him and shoved him back, "They better go to bed early tonight."

Elliot looked behind them and chuckled when he heard the kids chanting 'Cake! Cake! Cake!', he looked back at his wife and sighed, "Not sure that's gonna happen, babe. The sugar rush is going to kick in full force."

She smiled and reached behind her to pull something from her pocket, "Well then I guess it's a good thing your Mom is babysitting and we're not sleeping here."

Elliot's eyes went wide, "What?"

"Your bag is packed. We are headed into Manhattan in about an hour. And we'll be back early Monday morning before the kids go to school." Pressing up on her tiptoes she smiled, "Happy Birthday, Stabler."

He growled and pulled her even closer, pressing his hand into her lower back, "God, I love you."

She gave him a quick wink and took his hand, dragging him towards the kids and Bernie, "Glad to hear it."

Olivia had to drag him away from the kids (the girls protested them leaving) but they promised to bring them back gifts from the city. But when they were settled in the hotel, Olivia could see he was happy. She'd poured him a glass of wine and slipped off to the bathroom leaving him alone on the balcony. A moment later she emerged, calling out to him, slowly he turned to look, his hand dropping to his side, nearly spilling the wine.

"Jesus…"

Standing against the wall by the bathroom, she began to move towards him. She had on a slinky black robe, clearly hiding something underneath. Her impossibly long legs were the first thing he set his eyes on, anxious for the moment he could wrap them around his waist, better yet his head. His eyes traveled up, noticing the v at her neck, the bit of cleavage exposed to him.

"Sit." He raised an eyebrow, curiously and she shook her head, "Sit…"

Elliot took a deep breath, sat down on the edge of the bed, and leaned his hands back, "Sitting."

"So…" She tugged on the robe at her waist, "This hotel and weekend away isn't the only birthday surprise I have for you…"

Cocking his head to the side he smiled, "Oh really?"

Biting her lip nervously, she stared down at him, "We've been pretty busy the last week or so. Haven't had…much alone time."

Elliot nodded slowly, "No we haven't…"

"Which…while I hated it…also gave me the perfect opportunity to do something I've been wanting to do for a while…but was a little nervous about."

Elliot sat up a little straighter, "Liv? What are you talking about?"

Without saying a word, she began to untie the sash at her waist, letting the robe fall open. Elliot's breath caught in his throat when he saw the skimpy lacey black lingerie underneath, hugging her curves in all the best places. He groaned softly, reaching for her, for a moment forgetting all about the other surprise she'd mentioned. But she knew he'd find it. His hands ran down the length of her sides, taking in every inch of her.

He leaned in closer, a soft sigh leaving his lips, "God…I'm one lucky m-"

But his words got caught in his throat, as his fingers found what she'd been talking about. Something that only he would see. Right on her hip bone, just above the waistband of her panties, was a tattoo. A simple black-inked tattoo, but it was there. A cursive E connected below it diagonally to an O. Elliot and Olivia, together, permanently etched into her skin just as her badge number was on him as well as their children's names.

"Olivia…"

She fidgeted nervously and watched as his index finger traced the letters over and over, "It's not much…I had a few designs but I chickened out on some of them. Hurt more than you let on Mister…"

He looked up at her and smiled, "I can't believe you did this…"

"I wanted to do it with you when you got yours but needles have never been my favorite. But…I wanted to do this. For you. For us."

He smiled and leaned forward, pressing his lips against the mark, "Olivia, I love it. It's perfect. You and me…intertwined always."

Chewing on her lip she tilted his head up, "I spent a long time…pushing you away. Telling myself I didn't need you…didn't want you. But I did, always."

Leaning into her touch, he smiled and whispered her name, "Olivia…"

She shook her head, threading her fingers through his short hair, "You changed my life. And sometimes I think about what it would have been like if you hadn't waited. If…I had pushed you away for good…my life would be so empty without you. Without the girls, we created together. Without this life…"

He felt her leaning him back on the bed, "But none of that happened…I waited and I would have waited as long as I needed to."

Pressing her knees into the mattress on either side of him, she laid him out on the bed, smiling when his hands settled on her hips. Slowly, she rocked against him, feeling the length of him below his sweatpants, aching to be pulled free, "And then I think about how on this day…six years ago…" He froze, and she sighed, leaning forward to press kisses along his neck and chest, "I almost lost you forever."

He took her hand, pressing his fingers against her palm before he placed it over his heart, over the tattoo, "But I'm here…aren't I?"

She smiled and kissed her way lower, "You're here. And for that…I'm grateful and so much more. So I thought…we should celebrate."

Just as she was pulling at his sweatpants, he surprised her lifting her off of him with ease, tossing her to the side. "No."

She sat up, blowing her hair out of her face, "What do you mean n-"

But her words died on her lips when she felt his lips against her tattoo again, "My birthday right? I want a treat. My favorite treat…"

She shivered when the tip of his tongue traced the letters on her hip, "I-am supposed to be-" He pulled at the lace at her hip with his teeth and she whimpered, a rush of arousal pooling between her legs, "Oh fuck…"

He laughed that deep, sexy, animalistic laugh of his, "Birthday boy gets what birthday boy wants Benson…"

Her eyes rolled back in her head as he pulled the fabric tight against her clit, making her jump, "Oh!"

He tugged on it again, letting it slide against the sensitive little bundle of nerves, "That's what I want…I want to make you scream."

Gripping the sheets around him she sighed, "You aren't playing fair Elliot…"

Lifting his head from the apex of her thighs, he smirked, "Again, I'm the birthday boy and I want-"

This time she caught him off guard, flipping them so that his back was against the mattress, "So maybe we should give you two treats at once then."

Elliot huffed about to ask what she meant but then she stood up on the bed, pulling her panties off and tossing them at him. He caught them, bunched them up in his fist, and held his breath as he realized what her intention was. Smirking he crooked his finger towards her, "Come here, now."

She giggled and crawled up over him, "So demanding…"

"Again, the birthday boy gets what the birthday boy wants." He kissed her hard and then growled, "Now get up here."

He emphasized his point by giving her a quick smack on the ass. Moving up higher, she threw her leg onto the other side of him, straddling his head. He hummed low in his throat when he breathed her in, that familiar burning in her belly ignited and she had to calm herself before leaning forward, wrapping her hands around his thick cock. She sighed happily when his lips pressed against her pussy.

Running her finger along the tip of him, she spread the bit of precum along the length of him, "Mmm…Elliot…"

He grunted her name before whispering, "God you taste so good."

Flipping her hair to the side, she licked from the base to the tip of him and replied, "So do you."

He held his breath when he felt her envelop him in her mouth, "Aw fuck…"

His large hands slid up under her thighs, gripping her thighs to hold her against him, grinding her body along his face. He heard her gasp and he smirked, biting on her clit gently knowing it would make her crazy. His legs tensed, his hips pushing up making his cock fill her mouth, hitting the back of her throat. She groaned around the length of him, digging her nails into his hips.

Licking her slowly he sighed, "Now this is what I call a birthday treat…"

She laughed and lifted her head, contining to stroke him as she looked at him over her shoulder, "Happy baby?"

He moaned against her feeling her wiggle her hips, "Ecstatic…"

She smiled and leaned forward again, sucking hard on the tip of him, rolling her tongue around the head, "Mmmm…"

Elliot pulled her flush against his body, "Fuck babe…"

She sighed softly taking him all the way in again, moaning his name with his cock in her mouth. Slipping one of his hands between her legs, he thrust a finger, and then a second up as his lips wrapped around her clit.

She leaned back, gasping, "Elliot!"

He twisted his fingers, determined to get her off as many times as possible. Even on his birthday, he wasn't a selfish lover and God bless him for that. She knew what he wanted and she couldn't deny him or herself. Keeping her hand wrapped around him, she continued to stroke him as she whimpered.

He grunted and twisted his fingers again before pulling them out, "Ride my face until you come Benson. You know I love that."

His voice was deep, gravely, and primal and her whole body gave in, shivering as she began to roll her hips against his face. "Oh God…oh fuck…"

He grunted loudly and squeezed her ass even tighter, "Mmmm…"

Her legs started shaking knowing she was so close to the edge and he would bring her tight there. Her fingers pressed into his lower belly and her eyes squeezed tight, her other hand gripping him, "Oh-oh-please…fuck baby. Yes!"

She collapsed forward and he moaned around her, tasting every last drop of her. Then he rolled her to the side, smacked her ass, gripped her hips, and lifted her off of him, adjusting her position, "Yep, my favorite treat."

She was breathing heavily, her hands resting on his chest, "God you have a talented tongue, you know that?"

He laughed and pulled her closer by the back of her neck, "So do you…but I wasn't ready to be finished yet."

She sighed and rocked against him, his cock parting her pussy lips making them both groan. She was still pulsing from her release and she sighed softly, "Good thing we have all night…"

He beamed up at her, wrapping his strong hands aroudn her hips, he lifted her, "Now ride me again…"

She smiled, nuzzling his cheek before kissing him softly and whispering huskily, "What the birthday boy wants, the birthday boy gets."

Leaning back, she lifted her hips and reached between her legs, helping guide him inside of her. She pushed down, letting him fill her, her head fell back and she sighed, "God that's the best feeling…"

He smiled and felt her clentch down around him, "Yes it is."

His hands were settled on her hips but slowly slid up along her sides to her back, reaching for the clasp of her bra, unhooking it. The straps slid down her arms, she caught it, throwing it to the side. His hands moved around to the front of her, wrapping his hands around her breassts, tweaking her nipples, "Elliot…"

"Happy Birthday to me indeed…"

She laughed and began to move faster, bouncing ontop of him, "Mmm…."

His thumb and index finger pinched her nipple, "That's it...keep going, baby."

Her hands slid up his arms, wrpaping her fingers around his wrists, holding him in place, "Elliot…"

Biting down hard on his lip he smiled at her, "God, baby. Look at you. So fucking sexy riding your man."

She whimpered softly, looking down at him, "Elliot…"

The look in his eyes, the smirk on that damn face of his made her feel utterly powerful and sexier than she could explain, "That's it…fuck Liv. Look at you…my wife."

Her fingers gripped the sides of him, picking up her speed, "Aren't you supposed to be the one getting spoiled right now?" He pressed one hand between her legs, flicking her clit and she jumped, "Jesus-E-Elliot."

He chuckled and sat up, pressing his hand into her lower back, "Trust me, baby, I'm feeling plenty spoiled right now. I love being inside of you."

A soft sigh left her lips and her head fell back, leaving her neck exposed to him as she moved up and down, "Fuck…"

He smiled, leaning forward to suck on the pulse point, "Right where I belong. This body was made for me. Wasn't it, Liv?" She growled her response and he bit down on her collarbone, "This pussy was made just for me. I fit so perfectly inside of you."

She grunted and wrapped her arm around his shoulders, holding him tight to her, "Yes!"

His fingers slid down her lower back, cupping her ass, helping her move up and down, "Keep going. Keep fucking me until you can't take anymore."

She whined low in her throat, grasping each side of his face and pulling him up against her, "Elliot…"

His lips turned up in a wicked smile, "I feel it. Feel you getting tighter. You're gonna come aren't you?"

Her legs shook as she tried to keep up her pace, "I-fuck…I-"

"Come on." He held her hips in place, pulling her down hard on his cock, "Come on Liv. Let go. Let me feel it."

Her fingers dug into the back of his neck, her eyes closed tight feeling the burning in her belly. Her toes pressed into the mattress as she leaned into him, her breasts pressed up against his chest, feeling his heart pounding against hers, "Fuck!"

He turned her face towards his, kissing her hard as her whole body convulsed, and shook around him, "That's my girl…"

She rocked slowly against him still, her body still completely oversensitized, "Damn…"

He smiled again, tucking her hair wet with sweat around her ear, "Mmmm…best present ever."

She took a few steadying breaths, feeling how hard he still was inside of her. This time, she gave him a wicked smile, pressing him back on the mattress. A loud huff escaped his lips and he laughed, "And it's not over yet…"

A low groan rumbled from his chest as he felt her lift herself off of him, his cock leaving her body with a wet pop. His hands fell to the side, holding his breath as he watched her begin to crawl back down his body again, "Shit…"

She laughed as her mouth left open-mouth kisses along the length of his body. Licking along the line of his abs, "Shhh…"

He let out a shaky breath and pressed his head into the mattress, "How the hell am I supposed to be quiet when you-" He sucked in hard when he felt her pull him into her mouth again, feeling her hollow out her cheeks, "Jesus fucking christ!"

She laughed around him, sending a rush of vibrations through his body. She pushed his hips down as she swallowed his cock, gagging slightly in the way she knew would make him come undone quickly. Above her he was swearing, grunting, saying all the things that told her she was seconds from bringing him over the edge. Grabbing his hand, she placed it on her head and his fingers quickly gripped her hair, "Olivia…ahhh…" She moaned around him again and he mumbled, "Good girl."

She squeezed her lips tighter around him and then he came hard and fast, his release hitting the back of her throat. She hummed her approval and continued to move her mouth up and down until he started to push her away, too sensitive for more. This time his body jumped and jolted as she kissed her way up his body. Leaving sloppy wet kisses up and down his torso, "Mmmm…"

Lifting his hand, he pressed his fingers into the bridge of his nose, "You trying to kill me woman?"

She laughed, kissing just under his jaw as she laid herself over him, "No?"

Pressing his chin into his chest he gave her a look, "You sure about that? Cuz I think my heart just stopped beating."

She smiled and kissed his chest, feeling the fast thumping beneath his skin, "Nah...it's still ticking babe." She sighed and traced the lines of faded scars from the fire, "Thank God for that…"

He smiled and wrapped his arms around her back, kissing the top of her head, "Thank God indeed…"

Flattening her hands on his chest, she looked up at him, "Happy?"

His fingers ran a trail up and down her back making her shiver, "I'm always happy when I'm with you, Liv. Always."

Her cheeks flushed and she leaned in, kissing him softly, "This world is a better place with you in it Elliot Stabler. And today...is one of my favorite days. Just wanted you to know that."

He smiled and rolled her onto her back, "Oh yeah?"

Inching her fingers up along his neck she settled them behind his head, "You are the love of my life Elliot Stabler. Happy Birthday. I hope you got everything you wanted."

He sighed happily, leaning in to kiss her, "Liv, I got everything I wanted the moment I met you." Rolling them to the side he pulled her leg up around his waist and held her close, "I love you."

She let out a soft little breath, resting her head in the crook of his neck, "Mmm...I love you too."

He felt her body relaxing, giving into the exhaustion. Not just from the exertion of their recent encounter, but from life, working as much as she did and being a mother of three. "Liv?"

She sighed again, wrapping her arm around his waist, "Give me a ten minute nap and then you can do whatever you want with me."

He laughed and closed his eyes, breathing her in, "We've got all the time in the world baby. Close your eyes. I'm right with you."

She was halfway to being fully asleep but she felt the weight of his words. The reminder that not everyday was promised. That six years ago to the day, she almost lost him forever. Holding him tighter, she pressed her lips against the tattoo on his chest as his fingers traced the new one on her hip, "Right where you should be. Always."

Eleven days later, the family was getting ready for trick or treating. As a family, and by family really it was Brooklyn and Charlie who had settled on their costume. Both girls were currently obsessed with The Wizard of Oz and made their parents and brother watch it as often as possible. Thus, there was no other choice for a costume.

Olivia was currently dressed as Galinda the Good witch. Elliot was the tin man. Brooklyn was Dorothy with a basket and a fake toto in her basket, still a little bitter that her Father had not agreed to getting her a new puppy for the occasion. But she'd gotten over it when he distracted her with her favorite candy. Ember was the cowardly lion and Charlie was currently running around decked out in green face paint and a witches hat yelling "I'll get you my pwetty" making both of her parents laugh.

All they needed was their scarecrow which of course the girls had picked for their big brother Noah. The only problem was...Noah was currently nowhere to be seen. They were supposed to go to Alex and Matt's house for a Halloween dinner and then go trick or treating All together in Alex's neighborhood. Olivia new she was pushing her luck with Noah agreeing to attend now that he was 15 but he had said yes and she assumed he'd be there.

Elliot looked at his watch, "Liv, if we don't get going soon we're not going to have enough time for dinner before we go."

Olivia frowned and picked up her phone, "I know. Let me try him again."

But at that moment, the door open and Noah came in, the girls immediately running to him to show off their costumes. They were talking a mile a minute and Noah was as patient as ever, but when he looked up at his parents, they both knew he wasn't all that excited to go.

"Hey girls, can you go back some treats for Ember? She can't have candy but she should get something special tonight too, don't you think?" Olivia asked with a smile.

The girls nodded and quickly took off towards the kitchen with Ember hot on their heels. Noah nervously rubbed the back of his neck, "Their costumes came out great…"

"Gonna be a bitch to get the paint off Charlie but I think it suits her well." Elliot said with a smirk, Noah smiled nervously and Elliot smiled, "Lay it on us kid. It's okay…"

Noah sighed and shrugged, "Ashley...is having a Halloween party. It was all kind of last minute but...the thing is I really want to go and...everyone will be there. Liam is even coming because he's dating her friend Michelle. And I know I promised Charlie and Brooklyn it's just…"

"It's just…" Olivia smiled and shrugged her shoulders, "You're fifteen and you deserve to do what you want to do too."

Noah's shoulders slumped, "I feel like the worst brother in the entire world."

"You shouldn't." Elliot said with a smile, "You do so much for your sisters. Even if they are disappointed, they'll get over it. I promise. If you want to go, you can go."

"Really?" Noah asked in shock, "I mean, really? I can go? It's okay?"

Olivia nodded slowly, "Of course you can go. I mean...will her parents be there? How many people?"

"The kids in our class. And yes, both of his parents are going to be there the whole time. You can even call them to check if you want and I'll be home by midnight."

Elliot pointed a finger at him, "Make it 11 and I'll allow it. And no taking the subway or getting in a car with anyone who just got their license. I'll pick you up or we'll call you a car."

Noah nodded, his face lighting up with excitement, "Deal!"

Olivia smiled and reached for him, "Okay...well please behave. Make smart choices. Just...don't feel pressured to do things or-"

"I know Mom. I know." He squeezed her back and pulled back, "You're sure it's really okay?"

Olivia smiled and brushed his hair back, "It's okay. I promise. Would I like to blink and make you six years old again? Yes. But I can't. And you're fifteen and we've gotta let go a little bit."

Noah looked over at his Dad, "They'll be okay?"

"Once they get their first candy bar, I promise they'll be just fine." He squeezed his son's shoulder, "Go on. If you get ready we can drop you off on our way."

Noah smiled and turned to run up the stairs, "Thank you!"

As he left, Olivia leaned into her husband, "He's...a teenager. A full fledged teenager."

He kissed the side of her face and nodded, "That he is…"

"But...he's smart." Olivia said softly, "Right? He'll make...smart choices."

"He will." Elliot whispered, "But...he'll make mistakes." She tensed slightly, "All kids do. But as his parents, it's our job to be here to help him navigate through all of it. No matter what." She turned towards him and he smiled, "And we will."

Sighing softly, she kissed him, "I ever tell you I'm really glad I don't have to parent him alone anymore?"

Elliot smiled and rubbed her arm, "You may have mentioned it a time or two, yeah."

Hearing the girls arguing behind her, Olivia sighed and turned away from him, "He may be a teenager...but those two are gonna keep us on our toes for many more years to come."

Elliot laughed and squeezed her arm, "Yes, they sure will. Come on...with any luck they will have not ruined their costumes already."

Olivia laughed and took his hand, wishing she could make time slow down...

An hour later, Noah sat in the basement at Ashley's house. He'd thrown together a last minute costume, a baseball player wearing one of Elliot's jerseys. He wasn't naive, he knew that some people had snuck in booze and were drinking it and it seemed one of those people was Ashley, even though her parents were upstairs. When he'd first gotten there, she'd jumped into his arms, telling him how excited she was he had come. But now, she was draped over an older boy, a boy who often made fun of Noah and if he was honest with himself...it fucking hurt.

Someone slammed into him from behind and he spilled his soda on his shirt, "Hey-"

"Sorry." The person snickered as they ran off.

Noah sighed and lifted the shirt, realizing the person had spilled something from their cup too. And it was clearly alcohol, he grimaced and held it away, "Great…"

"Hey." Noah looked up and his heart skipped a beat as Tyler sit down beside him, "You okay?"

Noah sighed and looked down at his shirt, "Yeah, but my Dad is gonna be pissed when he smells whatever this is on the shirt."

Tyler leaned in and sniffed, "Smells like...cheap vodka." Noah gave him a surprised look, "My Brother is twenty...I've smelled it a time or two. Haven't tasted it though."

Noah swallowed nervously, "Yeah...me either."

Tyler looked around the room, "Seems like everyone around here has though."

Noah looked back at Ashley, now sitting in the other boys lap making out with him, "Hmmm…"

Together the two of them sat and watched the movement around them. The music got louder, the boys were rambunctious, the girls laughing obnoxiously and Noah had never felt more out of place in his life. And in that moment, all he could think about was being a little kid, beyond excited to trick or treat. But the problem was...his Mother got called into work. He had no costume, and assumed it wouldn't happen that year.

Until…

Elliot had shown up. Fully decked out as Mario, Ember dressed as Princess Peach and he had the time of his life.

He smiled at the memory, thinking about how everyone had assumed Elliot was his Father. He remembered how Elliot went to every single house he wanted, never said no, let him have everything and anything he wanted just to make him smile. And here, in the middle of this crappy party with the girl he thought he liked throwing herself at someone else...the only place he wanted to be was with his family.

A moment later, he snapped out of his daze when he heard Tyler speaking to him, "Hey, I think I'm gonna have my Mom pick me up. You want to get out of here?'

Noah sat up straighter, "Yeah. I do...but do you think you can give me a ride somewhere?"

Tyler shrugged, "Sure, where do you want to go?"

Noah sighed, "I promised my sisters I'd go trick or treating with them...and I kind of bailed. And I think...I made the wrong choice."

Tyler smiled at him, "So you want to meet them?'

Noah nodded, "I'd need to get my costume at my house...but-"

Tyler stood up, "Come on. My Mom won't mind at all." Together, they started to walk towards the stairs, "What was the group costume?"

"My sisters are obsessed with the Wizard of Oz lately so that was the plan. I was supposed to be the scarecrow."

As they walked up the stairs Tyler said, "I love the Wizard of Oz. In fact…" He paused and stopped at the top of the stairs, "I was the all and powerful Oz in a play last year for school…"

Noah's face lit up slowly, "Oh yeah?"

Tyler shrugged, "I mean...if you think you're parents would be okay with me crashing...maybe I could tag along?"

Noah beamed at him, "I think they'd be more than okay with that…"

At Alex's house, they were getting ready to head out to go trick or treating. They'd had dinner together, and while there was an excitement with all of them, as they were about to head out the door, Charlie and Brooklyn both looked...sad.

Olivia pulled on her husband's hand, "They're missing their brother…"

Elliot sighed and nodded, "I know...you're right." Adjusting the hat on his head he walked towards the girls, awkwardly bending down in front of them, "Hey girlies. It's Halloween! No crying on Halloween…"

Charlie lifted her head, the green paint on her face smudging as a single tear fell, "I want Noah."

Elliot sighed and squeezed her arm, "I know baby, but Noah and his friends had plans and-"

"But, we need the scarecrow." Brooklyn hiccuped, "Dorothy needs her scarecrow."

Olivia sighed and walked towards them, "Girls, we-"

"Are we late?'

All heads lifted towards the door as Noah walked in, fully decked out in his scarecrow outfit, "Noah!"

Both girls ran towards the door, throwing themselves at their big brother. Noah stumbled slightly but laughed as he caught them, "Dorothy and the witch...my two favorites."

Brooklyn beamed up at her brother, "You came! You came!"

He smiled and tugged on one of her braids, "Yeah...I realized I couldn't miss this." He looked up at his parents, "I remember what it's like to be so excited to go trick or treating…did you ever hear about the time Dad surprised me and took me with Ember when Mom had to work?"

"When you were Luigi and Daddy was Mario?" Brooklyn asked.

Noah smiled, "Best Halloween ever. And this will be yours. I promise."

Someone cleared their throat behind the door and Noah looked behind them, "Oh...and I brought a friend with me. Hope that's okay. He comes in a costume too…"

Tyler slowly pushed the door open, "Tis I, the Great and Powerful Oz!"

The girls jumped up and down excitedly, clapping their hands, "Yay!"

Tyler looked over at Olivia and Elliot, tipping his hat towards them, "Mr. and Mrs. Stabler. I hope you don't mind I crashed the party...my Mom's still outside and can take me home if-"

"No, you're absolutely welcome here, Tyler." Olivia said, tears brimming in her eyes, "We're happy to have you."

A moment later, Alex appeared with Max on her hip, "We ready to go?" She paused and smiled, "Noah! You made it!"

"Hey Auntie A. Sorry I missed dinner...but yeah, I'm here." He said with a smile, he pointed towards Tyler, "This is uh...my friend, Tyler. Tyler this is my Aunt Alex."

"Well, it's nice to meet you Tyler. There is some leftover pizza if you are hungry."

"I'm good. Thanks...besides." He looked down at Noah's sisters, "I think these two are ready to go."

Brooklyn and Charlie took their brother's friend's hand and dragged him outside, Ember hot on their heels. Alex smiled, took her own kids and Matt and followed them outside, leaving her friend, her husband and their son alone.

Noah fidgeted nervously, "Can we not make this a whole big thing please?"

Elliot laughed and looked at his wife, still trying to hold in her tears, "Yeah, good luck with that buddy…"

Noah hung his head, "Dang it…"

Olivia crossed the room and pulled him into her arms, "You are the best son and brother in the whole world."

Noah grunted as she pressed kisses across his face, "Mom, seriously. Stop!"

She pulled back and wiped at her tears, "Hey, you can't expect to surprise the girls like that and not make me an emotional wreck. And then add on the memory of you and Dad...I'm gonna cry okay?"

Noah laughed and shrugged, "Fine. But just...pull it together in front of Tyler, okay? I really like him…"

Olivia beamed at him, squeezing his hand, "Me too. Much better than that hussy Ashley. I never trusted her-"

"Mom!" Noah said with another groan, "Geez."

"What?" She said looking back at her husband, "I told your Dad last week that she had a heartbreaker look about her. I was always rooting for Tyler. Besides...the kid showed up here dressed up to impress your sisters too. That says it all for me. Only really good guys go above and beyond to impress someone they like." She winked at Elliot, "I should know…"

Noah smiled and looked at his Dad, "I meant it you know...that was the best Halloween I can remember."

Elliot walked towards them, "One of my favorites too." He put his hand on Noah's arm, "You're sure though? I mean its okay if you want to be with your friends…"

Noah shrugged, "I got to the party and felt so out of place…people were drinking." Olivia held her breath and Noah shook his head, "Not me. But someone spilled something on your jersey, Dad. Sorry about that."

"It's okay. We can clean it." He said with a shrug, "You're okay though?"

Noah nodded, "I'm okay. Just…put some things into perspective for me. About the kind of kid I want to be. About who I want to surround myself with." He shrugged and looked around, "I'm right where I want to be. I can go to a hundred crappy parties in my lifetime...but I don't want to miss these moments with my sisters, especially when I'll never get them back again."

Olivia sighed and pulled him between her and her husband, "We love you kid. And so do your sisters...you just made their night."

Noah smiled and slipped his arm into his Mother's, "Come on Glinda. Can't keep them waiting...especially that wicked witch of the west."

Elliot chuckled as he followed them out the front door hearing the girls squeal with excitement at the sight of their brother again. Brooklyn took Noah's hand and Charlie had Tyler's and the four of them stepped forward onto the sidewalk, the two boys sharing a gentle look as Ember walked alongside them. Behind them, Olivia smiled and leaned her chin on her husband's shoulder, Elliot beamed at them walking ahead, "That's one great boy you got there Benson…"

She smiled and kissed his cheek, "That's one great boy we've got there Stabler. He wouldn't be half as amazing as he is without you…"

Slipping his hand into hers he tugged her forward, "Come on, our kids are waiting."

All those years ago she'd missed trick or treating but tonight...tonight she wouldn't miss a second. And for that...and so much more she was incredibly grateful.