Last official chapter! Chapter 50 is an epilogue with another time jump. (No Ember won't be gone, don't worry ;) ) Anyway…enjoy!

A few days before Christmas, Olivia was sitting in the office late at night filling out paperwork. The kids were with Bernie at the house and Olivia expected to be home late. It was snowing softly outside and she looked forward to the morning. She had the whole day off and it was the first day before the Holiday break. She hoped there was enough snow to go sledding or take the kids out to play.

As she sat there, she thought about her own childhood. Days sitting up in her apartment watching the other kids play outside with their friends and family. But not her.

Her Mother never let her go out and she sure as hell wasn't going to go with her. Pair that with the fact that most years Olivia didn't have a coat or any other winter gear to keep her warm, and snow days were just another one of those dreams of hers. If she closed her eyes though, she could see her children. She could see a young Noah tackling Elliot into a snowbank long before they ever started dating. A snowball fight to end all snowball fights that seemed to never end. She saw her girls, making snow angels laughing when Ember rolling around beside them, eating as much snow as she possibly could. She saw her husband helping them make a snowman as tall as him.

She saw it all.

"Whatcha think about Benson?"

Turning quickly, she saw her handsome husband standing by her desk, a very welcome surprise, "What are you doing here?"

He smiled, walked over to her, and bent down beside her, "Got out earlier than expected…" Lifting his hand, he brushed back a lock of her hair and smiled, "Called Cragen to see if I could steal you away for a bit...and he agreed. So...what do you say? Can I take my wife out tonight?"

Looking behind her, she smiled and saw her boss watching them. He gave her a reassuring nod and she smiled, turning back to Elliot she whispered, "I'd love that."

"Good." Reaching for her coat on the back of her seat, he stood up and held it out for her, "Let's go."

An hour later, they'd had a late dinner and were now walking through their favorite park. The very park he'd found her and Noah in after she had left his apartment without a word. The trees were lit up with Christmas lights. The snow continued to fall. Elliot had bought them both hot chocolates and they walked hand in hand down the path.

"So…" Elliot took another sip of his drink before he looked over at her, "You never answered my question."

Slipping her arm into his she leaned in and asked, "What question?"

"When I got to the precinct…" He shrugged, "You looked like you were thinking hard about something. What was it?"

"Oh."

She paused, digging her boot into the freshly fallen snow, "Liv?"

Tilting her head towards him, she smiled and the twinkling lights from the trees reflected off the silver hoops in her ears, "You remember when you were a kid and you'd wake up early and hope for a snow day? That feeling of...waiting in front of the TV to see if your school's name scrolled across the bottom of the screen?"

Elliot nodded slowly, "Sure. Everyone loves a snow day."

Olivia smiled and started to walk again, making footprints in the snow. Taking the last sip of her hot chocolate, she threw it in the closest garbage can and he soon followed suit. "Mm...most kids, yes. But for me...I hated them."

Elliot started to follow her, staying a beat behind her, listening to her words. It wasn't often that she talked about her childhood, but when she did he knew it was hard for her. And for that reason, he always wanted to give her her space, let her talk things out at her own pace, and remind her that no matter what, he was right behind her.

"It meant an extra day at home with my Mom. And when the snow was really bad and we couldn't leave...she'd drink more. I used to lock myself in my room and sit in my window...watching all the kids down below running and playing. I'd envy every single one of them that had a parent out there to play with them." She sighed and turned back towards him, lifting her shoulders sadly, "I never experienced the magic of a snow day. And I guess...I was thinking that I'm really glad my children feel that magic…"

Elliot smiled and walked towards her, reaching for her hand he pulled her close, "I'm glad they feel it too…"

Slipping her arms up and over his shoulders she leaned into him, letting out a soft breath, "And part of that magic is all you, Elliot. You...have filled my life with magic since the day I met you."

A snowflake fell, slowly twirling and dancing along its path before it landed on the tip of her nose. Elliot smiled, leaned in, and kissed it away, "Olivia, you are magic on all your own. You never saw it...but I did."

Pulling him closer she smiled, "Elliot…"

"I knew that you were full of magic, full of wonder and love. You drew me in...lit up my world. You never saw yourself the way I did...the way I still do. You are magic Olivia Benson. And our children are so damn lucky to have you as their Mother."

Biting down hard on her lip, she kissed him softly, "Thank you...for seeing me at my best even when I feel like I'm at my worst. I can't imagine this life if I had never met you…"

He smiled and wrapped his arm around her waist, turning to walk down the path beside her again, "Well then I guess it's a good thing the Universe knew we needed each other."

She smiled and wrapped her arm around his waist, holding him close. "I guess it is…"

Together they walked through the park side by side, Olivia thinking about how grateful she was for him. And Elliot...coming up with a plan of his own as usual to bring a bit of that snow day magic to his wife and his children.

The following morning, Olivia woke up to the sound of pitter-pattering feet on the hardwood floor in her bedroom and giggling.

Her absolute favorite sounds.

Laying still, she waited, face pressed into the pillow under her head she heard the girls whispering. She couldn't quite make out what they were saying, but it sounded important, at least to them. A moment later, she heard more footsteps, and a deeper voice, "Girls...what are you doing?"

She smiled against the pillow case and still, waited. "You said to wake up Momma."

Elliot laughed and knelt beside them, "No, I said go get dressed. I said I'd wake up Mommy."

"But we wanna do it…"

Olivia could practically see the pout growing on her daughter's faces. She had to stifle a laugh and Elliot looked up at her from his spot beside the bed, "Hm…I think she may already be awake girls."

Brooklyn and Charlie looked over at their Mother, hair draped over her face. They both leaned in and Charlie whispered, "Momma? You awake?"

Olivia smiled and brushed her hair aside, "I am Charlie...can I help you?"

Charlie nodded excitedly, "Uh huh!"

Olivia groaned and rolled to the side, reaching for her youngest daughter, "What can I do for you babes?"

"Get up! Get up!" Charlie yelled, bouncing on top of her Mother, "Time to get up!"

Olivia yawned and looked at the clock, "What-" She gasped, "Wait! It's past eight! You are late and-"

"Nu-uh." Brooklyn said jumping from foot to foot, "No school today!"

Olivia frowned and sat up slowly, "Of course, there is school today. Last day before break."

Noah poked his head in the room, "What's the hold up in here?"

Olivia looked at her husband, "What is going on?"

Elliot smiled and shrugged his shoulders, "Just one of those magical days…when Jack Frost decides the world needs to slow down a bit."

Olivia's eyes went wide, "Snow day?"

Charlie jumped up and started chanting with her sister, "Snow day!"

Elliot quickly scooped up his daughter and put her back down on the ground, "First things first...go with Noah and find your snow gear. We'll meet you downstairs in a bit."

The girls took off and Noah soon followed, leaving their parents alone. Turning back to his wife, Elliot smiled and sat down beside her, "Morning, gorgeous."

She beamed up at him, "We're having a snow day?"

Elliot nodded slowly, "Hell yeah we are. Snowball fights, building a snow fort, snow angels, we'll make cookies, watch movies...the whole bit."

Olivia sighed and reached for him, crawling into his lap, "See? You're magic Elliot Stabler. Pure magic."

He laughed and held her against his body, "Well...I may have put in a call to Jack Frost last night and thankfully he listened." He shrugged his shoulders, "Maybe about two decades too late...but I hope you can enjoy the day still."

Olivia smiled, pressing him back down onto the mattress, "It's a day with you and the kids. How could I not love it?"

He smiled and kissed her softly, squeezing her hips, "Come on babe. The kids are waiting…"

Olivia hopped up off the bed and ran towards her closet, "It's a snow day!"

He laughed as he watched her go, his hand draped over his chest. Under his ribs, he felt his heart skip a beat, just like it did every time he looked at her. Damn, he was lucky…

After a hurried breakfast (though Elliot tried to make them all sit and eat), the kids and Olivia burst through the back door ready to play. Olivia had been so caught up in everything she hadn't bothered to look out front. Their yard was small but had the perfect amount of snow to play in. The girls chased Ember through the snow banks and Noah tossed snowballs in the air for Ember to catch. Olivia closed her eyes, tilted her head up, and breathed in the cold winter air.

Behind her, Elliot smiled and slipped his arms around her waist, pulling her close despite the many layers of clothing they both wore. Nuzzling her neck he whispered, "Happy?"

She pressed her back against his chest knowing he'd hold her up, her eyes still closed and she listened. All she heard was her daughter's laughing, Ember barking, and Noah shouting to his sisters to make more snowballs. "The happiest…"

Kissing the back of her neck, he tucked her hair into her jacket and pulled her hand, "Come on."

Together they ran after the girls, Brooklyn and Charlie both shrieked when their Father stomped towards them through the snow. Olivia felt a snowball hit the back of her jacket and she turned just in time to see her son ready to throw another one, "Don't you-"

SMACK.

She gasped and looked at her son, "Noah Benson Stabler!"

Noah smirked at her, "Aw come on Mom…it's a snow day. Isn't this what we're supposed to do?"

"Oh, you're in for it now kid…"

Bending down, she started gathering her own snowballs and launching them at her son. Brooklyn and Charlie ran to her side, hiding behind her, building more snowballs. "Wait! This isn't fair!"

Elliot chuckled and yelled, "Boys vs. girls! I got you, kid!"

Ember ran back and forth between the two groups, catching stray snowballs that missed their targets. After a while, Olivia whispered to the girls and they took off, running straight for their Father. Elliot was bent over, still making snowballs not noticing the two running full as fast as their little legs could take them in snow pants through the piles of snow. But just as he went to turn around, they both came barreling into him, knocking him backward, "Ooof!"

Both girls shrieked, showering him with snow, and Olivia and Noah soon followed. Elliot's whole chest hurt from laughing so hard, but it felt good to feel this carefree. "Uncle! Uncle! Uncle!"

Olivia laughed and picked up Charlie who was still hurling snow at her Father, "He surrendered baby. Ease up."

Charlie's short little legs wiggled back and forth, "Good, cuz I haveta pee."

Olivia laughed and kissed her cheek, "Come on you." She nodded toward the rest of them, "This may take a while to get her out of the layers and back in. Start a snowman while I'm gone?"

Elliot laughed and pulled himself up off the ground, "You got it."

Carrying her daughter up the back path, Olivia pushed open the door and stomped her feet, "Okay missy, boots off first."

Charlie sat down, reaching for her boots, always wanting to do things herself. Olivia laughed as she watched her struggle knowing better than to offer to help. Pulling her own gloves off, she walked into the kitchen to grab something when something outside caught her eye. She froze by the sink, looking out front it became suddenly clear that there wasn't nearly as much snow out front as there was out back. In fact, there was hardly any snow in many of the neighbor's yards. A moment later, she noticed a school bus riding down the street and she felt more confused than ever…

"Momma?"

Turning to look at her, Olivia snapped out of her daze, "Yeah?"

Charlie huffed, "I think I need help this time…"

Olivia laughed and walked over to her, she knelt down and whispered, "Everyone needs help sometimes kiddo. I'm glad you asked."

"Daddy says you never ask for help."

Olivia smirked and pulled her daughter's boots off one by one, "He said that, huh?"

Charlie nodded slowly, "He says you are supa woman."

"Super Woman? Oh, I don't know about that." She lifted her, pulled down her snow pants, and smiled, "But I'm glad Daddy thinks so. However, as your Mom, it's my job to tell you that you never have to be afraid to ask for help, okay?"

Charlie nodded slowly, "Okay, Momma." She paused, "Can you help me get to the potty? I weally need to pee."

Olivia couldn't help but laugh as she scooped her pint-sized daughter up who was currently bouncing from foot to foot, "Come on girlie. I got you."

As they ran to the bathroom, Olivia peeked out the window again, a million and one questions running through her mind. She had a funny feeling Jack Frost's real name was Elliot Stabler…and with her Detective skills, she'd get to the bottom of this.

When Charlie was ready and bundled back up, they walked back outside. Charlie waddled towards her sister and brother, jumping into a pile of snow almost knocking over one of the snow people they'd already created. Elliot was able to save it thankfully keeping world war 3 at bay. Redirecting the girls, Elliot turned back to his wife and smiled, "Everything good?"

"Crisis averted. We made it in time." She said with a smile.

Elliot stood up and brushed some snow off the front of him, "Good. Can be a bitch with all those extra layers…"

"Uh-huh." She watched her husband turn back to the kids, shouting out instructions, "Hey, babe?"

He didn't turn to her, but was listening, "Yeah?"

"When I brought Charlie in, I noticed something...interesting."

Elliot was still lost in thought with the kids, not thinking totally clearly, "Oh yeah? And what was that?"

"That we seem to be the only ones in the neighborhood that have this much snow…" Elliot froze and turned back to her, "I believe I also saw a school bus...and you said the school was closed."

Elliot grimaced slightly but then smirked, "Busted…"

Taking a step towards him, her feet crunched under the snow, "Elliot Stabler, what did you do?"

"Nothin'."

She rolled her eyes playfully, "Bull. Now spill…"

Elliot laughed and pulled her to the side slightly, "You and your damn Detective skills…"

She smirked and leaned into him, wrapping her arms around his waist, "Can't turn them off. Sorry."

She stared at him, waiting and he shook his head, "You know how last night I took Ember for a walk?" She nodded slowly, "You said I took longer than usual, I said we got sidetracked."

Olivia nodded slowly, "Okay?"

He shrugged, "But really, I was going around to all the townhouses in the general area that I knew people would need help shoveling in the morning. And I simply asked if they would be okay if I took said snow away."

Her eyes went wide, "Elliot…"

"And then…I came back and made sure you were extra tired." He said wiggling his eyebrows making her laugh, "So you would sleep in and not notice that I had slipped out before the sun came up…"

"Elliot...you didn't."

He shrugged, "And then I went to each house, shoveled, filled up the truck, and dumped it back here."

She felt like she was melting despite the cold air outside. If she wasn't already completely and madly in love with him, she would have fallen head over heels at this moment, "Elliot Stabler…"

He blushed slightly and looked back at the kids, "You said you never had a snow day. And I felt that...that sadness from your childhood. I can't fix it all. But I wanted to give you that...that magic. That surprise of a day." He turned back to her and saw tears brimming in her eyes, he let out a soft sigh, "Maybe a little crazy...a little overboard. But I thought...it would be a nice Christmas present. Last day before break for them is a good enough day to miss. I wanted to give you this...and hopefully, you aren't mad at me?"

Her mouth hung open slightly, "Mad at you? In what world could I possibly be mad at you for doing something so incredibly sweet and romantic?" He shrugged his shoulders, "Elliot, you've done a hell of a lot of amazing things for me. But this...is one of the most amazing gestures and gifts you've ever done. You really outdid yourself. And this is a day...I will never, ever forget." Pressing up on her toes, she kissed him softly, "I love you, so much."

He smiled and tangled his hands in the loose strands of hair hanging out from her beanie, "I love you too, Merry Christmas."

Late that night long after the kids were asleep, Olivia slipped her hand into her husband's, bundled up, and took him back out to the backyard. Together, they took a blanket and crawled into the snow fort they had made with the kids. The day was more than Olivia could ever ever asked for.

Time, just time with her children, with her husband. That was everything to her. There were laughs, pictures taken, cookies made, songs sung, and early Christmas presents were opened. To her...it was perfect.

Lying side by side in the snow fort, Olivia looked up at the icey walls using the lantern he'd brought out with them. She sighed and snuggled into his side, "Whatcha thinking about?'

She smiled at the question, knowing that the last time he'd asked this, it had made him concoct this wild and amazing idea, "I was thinking...that my husband is not only the most handsome man in the world…" He laughed softly, "But he is also the most thoughtful."

Adjusting his position, the snow crunched under him and he smiled, "Oh really?'

She smiled and reached out with her mitten-clad hand and touched his cheek, "I cannot believe you went through all this trouble just to give me a snow day."

"Don't you know by now? I'd do anything for you?"

She smiled and leaned in closer, "Even shovel massive amounts of snow into our backyard and trick me into thinking Jack Frost brought it?"

Elliot smiled and leaned down to kiss her softly, "Even that."

She sighed and rolled into his side again, closing her eyes, "Today was a great day. One of the best days. Charlie even said she didn't need anything else from Santa."

He laughed and kissed the top of her head, "Oh, so we can return everything hiding up in my closet?"

"Exactly." She smiled and looked over at him, "I told you...you were magic. And you brought that magic to me and the kids today. In more ways than I ever could have imagined…"

Elliot swallowed the lump in his throat, "It's been...a rough few months. For all of us. And I wanted to give you a reason to smile again…"

Rolling once more, she came face to face with him, "Elliot, you give me reasons to smile every, damn day." She held him close, "This life you've given me...these children...this home, those are my reasons to smile. Even on the hard days. Even in the last few months...all of you were what kept me going."

He sighed and traced the slope of her nose, "You and I…we had a lot of shit we had to deal with when we were kids. And you've helped me…deal with a lot of the things I thought I was passed. And I want you to know that I'm so incredibly thankful for that. I wanted to help you…move past some things in your life too."

She smiled and wrapped her arms around his waist, "We've come a long way from the two kids we were back then…don't you think?" He nodded slowly, "Sometimes…when I feel sad about my past…I think about how good my life is now. And I think…maybe I had to go through all of that to fully appreciate the here and now. And if that's the case…then I wouldn't change a thing. Not a damn thing. Because now I'm here with you."

He smiled and rolled her onto her back, "If I wasn't afraid of getting frostbite on my ass, I'd totally get you naked in here right now…"

She laughed and pushed him back, "Good thing we've got a nice big bed upstairs and three exhausted sleeping children then…"

He smiled and reached for her, pulling her out of the snow fort, both of them thankful for finding that magic in one another despite their childhoods.

Christmas day was one of the best that they could remember. But as usual, it all went too fast. Now Elliot found himself at work on New Year's Eve, unable to be with his family. He knew it was only fair considering he'd had Christmas off and all the time he'd been given to handle the situation with Frank. But he would be lying if he said he didn't wish he was with his family, especially his wife. Noah had made plans to go skiing with Liam and his family, despite being towns apart, they were still the best of friends.

The girls were with Bernie at the house because Olivia was stuck at work too. He'd already called and wished the girls a Happy New Year though they had fallen asleep long before the clock even struck nine. It was a quiet night and he was in charge, sitting up in the kitchen and going over some forms. The rest of the team was huddled around the TV watching the parties happening all over the city and the world. He smiled, grateful to be here with them.

Checking his watch, he saw it was 11:30, thirty more minutes in this year. It had been a rough one, to say the least. And he was ready to start a new one, hopefully, one that was less chaotic and had less pain for all of them. Ten minutes later, he got a text from his wife making him smile.

Can you call me quick?

Without hesitating, he lifted the phone and dialed her number, "Hey, what's up?"

"Hey, this morning Charlie was playing in our room and I think she may have put my wallet in your bag. Do you mind checking for me? Just so I know if I lost it or not."

He laughed, tucking the phone into the crook of his neck, "She's a piece of work that kid of ours. Always up to something…"

"She keeps us on our toes. That's for damn sure."

Elliot called out to the crew that he would be back and then walked downstairs to the garage and his locker, "How are things over there? Think you have to stay all night?"

"Seems to be quieting down. I may be able to leave sooner rather than later which would be nice."

"Good. Drive slow though…no snow out there but you know…people drinking and all. I need you home in one piece."

"I know. I'll call you when I get there, okay?"

"Thank you." He reached into his locker and took out his bag, "Alright, wallet…let me see…" He started moving things aside and frowned, "I don't see it…"

"No? You sure? You see anything else that belongs to me in there?"

"N-" He paused when something caught his attention, "Olivia…"

He heard her laugh softly, "Yes?"

"Why are your jeans, shirt, and underwear in my bag? The very things I saw you leave the house in this morning?"

She pretended to gasp in shock, "Really?"

He looked around, "What the hell are you up to Benson?"

A moment later he heard her voice, not on the phone, "Looking, good Lieutenant."

Elliot whipped around finding his wife's head poking out from the fire truck, "What…"

She tapped the edge of the truck, "Gotta say…it's kinda cold in here so are you gonna stand out there and try and figure out what's going on, or are you going to climb in here with me and warm me up?"

Elliot quickly dropped the phone and stomped over to the truck, climbing up and slamming the door behind him. He groaned loudly, looking her over, "You're naked."

She looked down at herself, shivering slightly, "Am I? Hadn't noticed."

He chuckled and leaned forward, cupping her face in his hands, "You're naked in the back of my fire truck."

Leaning back against the seat she nodded, "Yep…"

He sighed and leaned in to kiss her, "Charlie's not the only one who keeps me on my toes."

She laughed and slid her hands up and under his shirt, "Gotta give you reasons you keep me around Stabler. I'm not getting any younger."

He growled, letting his lips move down her neck, sucking softly, "You may not be getting younger but I swear you get sexier with each passing day…"

She sighed, pressing her body into his as her hands raked up and down his chest, "You're smooth, you know that?"

He smiled and nuzzled his cheek against her, "Like my skin or my words?"

She laughed and pushed him back, "You're skin isn't smooth Stabler. I meant your words…"

He nipped playfully at her chest, "You said you like the stubble."

His growing beard scraped against her nipples and she shivered, a smile growing on her face, "Mmm, and I do. I love it, in fact. Feels…" She gasped as he moved lower, "So good."

He left open-mouth kisses down the front of her body, before rolling his tongue along each side of her pussy, "Glad to hear it."

She was already panting slightly, turned on beyond belief, "Elliot…"

Adjusting his position in the truck, he looked up at her, a little glint in his eyes, "Oh, don't get shy on me now Benson. You showed up here, got naked, and surprised me in my truck. Don't expect me to keep my hands to myself."

She shook her head, reaching for him quickly, "Don't expect that at all. Don't want it either."

She was pulling him up towards him again and he frowned, "Then what do you-"

"You. Want. You." She growled, pushing him back where he fell with a huff, "Now."

"Damn." Lifting his hips, he yanked his jeans down over his hips, "I love it when you take control like this."

She laughed and quickly straddled his hips, sinking down on top of him, "Fuck…"

One hand gripped her hip while the other reached behind her, wrapping around the steering wheel, "Olivia…"

Her head fell back slightly as her hips started to move, rolling back and forth on him, "Yes…"

Leaning forward, he kissed her chest, licking his way along her smooth skin, "Hell of a way to end the year…"

She laughed and balanced herself, gripping his shoulder, "I thought so too…"

Lifting his hand, he gripped the back of her neck, pulling her face down towards him again, "You're a little unhinged today babe...if I didn't know any better...I'd think you were pregnant again."

She laughed and pinched his side, "Yeah, right. Sorry babe...three's my limit."

She sighed, and kissed him hard before surprising him once more. She lifted up, swinging her leg to the side, "Where are you-"

She shook her head and quickly turned her back to him, pressing back into him. He grunted, gripping her hips as she teased him, rocking back and forth on his lap without letting him enter her again. Biting down on her shoulder, he squeezed her hips, "Don't make me beg, Liv…"

Lifting one of her arms, she draped it behind him, wrapping it around his neck, using the other hand to hold onto the steering wheel, "Maybe I want you to beg for it."

He huffed loudly, lifting his hips, his cock sliding against her wetness, she shivered, "Please, please baby. I need to be in you…"

She whimpered softly, moving her hips faster but still not sinking down on him, "Mmmm…"

His hand slid up the front of her, cupping her breasts, his thumb and forefinger pulling at her taught nipples, "Please...you know I need it. You know I crave it...nothing feels better than when I'm buried deep inside of you."

She smiled, turning her head to look at him out of the corner of her eye, kissing the corner of his lips, "You love fucking me? Love fucking your wife?"

He growled again, squeezing her hip, lifting his lower half again, desperate to be in her, "God, you know I do. You know I love fucking you, Liv. My girl. My wife. So fucking sexy…"

She hummed low in her throat pressing harder down on him, the tip of him sinking inside of her, "Oh, God…"

His teeth sunk into the back of her neck, "Showing up here to surprise her man...I'm so fucking lucky. My wife is the best...she's so good to me." She sunk down on him again, allowing him to fill her completely, making a shiver run up his spine, "So. Fucking. Good. To. Me."

Both hands fell forward as she gripped the wheel tighter, pressing her feet into the leather of the seat below them. Using the leverage she had, she started moving faster, bouncing up and down on top of his cock, feeling him give in, allowing her to take the reins completely. Lifting her head, she saw him in the rearview mirror to watch him. He was biting down hard on his lip, his jaw clenched as he watched her bounce on top of him.

Leaning forward as much as she could she sighed, "Enjoying yourself back there?"

His head fell back with a thunk and he smirked back at her, catching her reflection in the mirror, "Hell yes I am."

She winked at him through the mirror and quickly clenched down around him, "Good."

He grunted his approval, lifting his hand to smack her ass, "God, damn."

She moaned loudly in response, grinding harder, adding more pressure for both of them. When he started to thrust up inside of her, catching her off guard she gasped, falling forward slightly, "Oh, shit…"

He smiled and pressed his lips against her spine, licking along the line at her back, "Liv…"

She whimpered, and sped up her movements, knowing they were both close to the edge. He took the hint, grasping her hips and pulling her roughly down on top of him, making his hips slammed into hers, "Oh-fu-fuck."

He was breathing heavily, feeling sweat pour down his back which was still covered in his shirt, "Olivia…."

A moment later, she came crashing down around him, her body jumping and jolting as he still rocked upwards, her body more sensitive than ever. "Mmm!"

Biting her shoulder blade he closed his eyes tight, and gave in, letting his release explode up inside of her, sending another jolt of of pleasure through her body. "Damn…"

She laughed softly, leaning back into him as his arms wrapped around her, "My sentiments exactly." She sighed and turned her head towards him, "I think we get better and better at that…"

He squeezed her hips and lifted her slowly, "I'd have to agree."

She smiled when he yanked his own shirt off, and slipped it over her body before settling her down in the seat. She shivered at the loss of him and the feel of the cold winter air rushing over her body again. She watched him climb out of the truck, and retrieve a few things from his truck before he came back to take care of her.

Just like he always did.

A few minutes later, he climbed back into the truck, shut the door behind him, and wrapped them both in a blanket, "Hm…"

Wrapping herself around him she sighed, "You have to get back upstairs soon…"

He nodded, looking down at his watch, "We've got two minutes until midnight. It can wait."

She smiled and pressed her hand into his chest, "Think they'll know?"

He laughed and looked down at her, "Oh, they'll know. But quite frankly...I don't care."

She laughed and twirled her finger across the hairs on his chest, "So...good surprise?"

He squeezed her closer and smiled, "Hell yeah."

She smiled, scrunching up her nose and leaning up to kiss him again, "Cap cut me early, and with it being so close to midnight...I couldn't resist coming to see you. I must say...the naked in the truck thing though was a last-minute decision."

"Well, personally, I loved it." He tilted her head up and smiled, "Like I said...damn good way to end the year."

She smoothed her hand against his chest, feeling his heartbeat beneath, "I thought...we should end this tough year on a more positive note. Hopefully making the next year better…"

Resting his forehead against hers he breathed her in, "Liv…"

From upstairs they could hear the beginning of the countdown, "Our first new years….I told you to close your eyes, count to 100 and make a wish."

Elliot smiled, "I remember…"

She smiled and nuzzled the side of his face, "So...do it again."

His eyes began to flutter close, remembering how she'd kissed him that night. Surprising the hell out of him, just like she had tonight. Just as she did, always. He took a deep breath and listened to the countdown as he began to count, already knowing what he would wish for. The same thing he wished for all those years before…

I want her. All of her. Forever.

She kissed him softly, once, twice, and then a third time before she began to climb out of the truck, "Liv…"

She shook her head, "Keep counting. I want your last memory of the year to be a good one." She kissed him again, "I'll see you at home. I love you, Elliot Stabler. And I always will."

He sighed and squeezed her hand, eyes still closed, "I love you too."

As his friends upstairs finished counting, he opened his own eyes and knew she was already gone. But he smiled, knowing unlike last time, he didn't have to wait any longer. And despite a tough year, he was incredibly grateful for the life they'd created. And he'd make sure that the next year was their best year yet.

"Happy New Year Liv…" He whispered. "You've always been my greatest wish…"

Early in the morning, well before the sun came up, Elliot pulled up in front of his house. He was tired, but happy and that was all he could ask for. As quietly as he could, he let himself into the house, smiling at the Christmas tree in the corner knowing it would be coming down at some point soon. Locking up again, he kicked off his boots and climbed the stairs to the second floor. Poking his head in the girl's room first, he smiled when he saw their beds empty. He knew where they were…

Tiptoeing down the hall, he entered his bedroom, his heart clenching in his chest at the sight before him. Not able to help himself, he took out his camera, and quickly snapped a picture. He wanted to remember this forever. Olivia lay in the middle of their King sized bed, turned to the side, her long brown hair fanned out on the pillows under her head. In front of her lay Brooklyn, curled up against her Mother's side, her head resting against her chest as she slept soundly. At the foot of the bed lay Ember on her side and draped over her was Charlie, curls wild, mouth wide open snoring softly.

He sighed and walked into the room, glad he had changed before he left work. Climbing into the bed, he slipped under the covers and smiled at Ember who lifted her head to look at him, "Thanks for keeping watch Em…"

"El?"

Her voice was laced with sleep but he reached for her, "I'm home babe."

She sighed, yawning, taking his arm to wrap it around her waist, "We missed you."

He smiled and kissed her neck softly, "Missed you too."

Nuzzling further into the blankets, Olivia held Brooklyn close and asked, "Your wish come true yet?"

He smiled against her skin and smiled, "I wished for this. To be with all my best girls...I got exactly what I wanted. What I always wanted."

She smiled and turned her head, kissing the corner of his lips, "Good."

Burying his face into her hair, he sighed, breathing her in as Charlie climbed up towards him, still half asleep. She lay against his chest and he held her close, feeling Ember rest her head against his feet and he knew he wouldn't trade any of this, not for a second. Frank Donnelly may have shaken him this year, and made him question his choices. But he had not broken him. He was here, right where he belonged and he had no intention of letting them go.

The night before Olivia and Charlie's birthday, Elliot sat in the kitchen paying bills, waiting for his wife to come home. She had spent the last week making sure everything was absolutely perfect for their daughter's day but as usual, avoided any conversation about her own birthday. Up until this year, Charlie didn't really understand that she shared a birthday with her Mother, so Olivia had been able to get away with it. This year, however, it was all Charlie seemed to want to talk about. Sharing her special day with her Mommy. And every time she said it, Elliot saw his wife try to smile, but as soon as her daughter looked away, she'd frown, getting lost in memories of years past.

Hearing the door open, Ember perked up and walked across the floor, her claws scratching at the wood below her. Elliot smiled when he heard Olivia greet her, "Hey sweet girl, you waiting up for me tonight?"

"She's not the only one."

From the foyer, Olivia looked up and smiled at her husband, "Hey…it's late. Why are you awake?"

He shrugged and motioned for her to come into the kitchen, "Couldn't sleep."

He watched her hang up her coat, place her boots by the door and practically drag her feet into the kitchen. "The kids give you trouble?"

Elliot shook his head and watched her reach for a glass in the cabinet, "No. Though Charlie was wired more than usual. Excited about tomorrow…"

She nodded slowly, pouring the water into the glass before she leaned against the cabinet, "Hm…"

"She told everyone at the store this evening that she had a birthday twin and it was extra special because it was her Mom. Her favorite person in the whole world."

Olivia's jaw cracked nervously, "Elliot…"

"You should have seen her eyes light up saying how special she felt."

She sighed and pressed her fingers into the bridge of her nose, "El…"

"Liv…" He patted his knee, "C'mere."

She smiled softly, "I'm not a child ya know…"

He shrugged and leaned back in his chair, "So? Can't a guy just want to hold his girl for a little bit?"

She sighed and walked across the kitchen, she placed the glass down on the table and put her hand on her hip, staring down at him, "You make it really hard to be stubborn when you're sweet…you know that?"

He chuckled and reached for her, wrapping his fingers around her wrist, "That's the point…"

She sighed softly and lowered herself into his lap, wrapping her arms around his shoulders as his settled around her waist, "I just…hate my birthday. I'm sorry…I can't change it."

He nodded slowly, leaning forward he pressed his lips to her cheek, "I know. And I understand all the reasons why. But you are so loved Olivia. So damn loved. And your daughter wants to share this with you."

Lifting her hand, she tugged at the collar of his shirt, "I saw her…"

He frowned, "Who?" When she looked up at him again, her eyes glossed over with unshed tears he understood, "Serena?" She nodded slowly, biting her lip, "When? Where?"

She sighed softly and shifted her weight on his lap, "Monday. Fin and I were doing a stakeout and he ran in to get some coffee for us. I happened to look up and see the people coming off the subway and among all the people…there she was."

His hand slowly rubbed up and down her back trying to soothe her, "Why didn't you tell me?"

She shrugged, "I just…didn't want to talk about it. I know she didn't see me. But she looked so…" Her voice cracked a little as she spoke, "So old…so fragile. The years have not been kind to her."

Pressing his chin into her shoulder he squeezed her, "Honey, you tried. You know you tried. But if someone doesn't want help…you can't force it."

"I know." She whispered, "I know…but it still makes me sad. And I think about all the demons she's got. All the things that haunt her at night…and it all goes back to me."

"No…it all goes back to him. Not you."

She looked over at him sadly, "But by extension, it goes back to me…"

He sighed, lifted his hand, and brushed back her hair, "What can I do?"

She shook her head, "Nothing…"

She started to pull away and he squeezed her hand, "Liv?"

"I promise tomorrow I'll pull it together for Charlie…I'll be good." She swallowed hard and pointed towards the stairs, "I think I'm just gonna take a quick shower and go to sleep. Okay?" He looked worried and she smiled, "I'm good…I promise."

She went to turn away and he held her hand again, tugging her back to him, "The world's a better place with you in it Olivia Benson…despite how you got here. I am glad you are here. And so are your children."

Tears welled in her eyes as she smiled at him, but she was too overwhelmed to be able to say anything. Lucky for her, she didn't need to say a thing. He just understood…somehow he always did.

Elliot lay in the bed waiting for her. She took longer than he expected in the shower. When she came out he could tell she had been crying, heard her sniffle slightly but he didn't say anything and she was grateful for it. Climbing up onto the bed, she burrowed under the blankets and wrapped herself around him, holding tight. They lay quietly for a few minutes, his hand running up and down her back.

He heard her sigh softly as she nuzzled into his chest, "Wanna talk about it?"

"No."

"Do you want me to kick someone's ass for you?"

She laughed softly, but he heard the tears threatening to spill over again, "No…"

"Do you want me to lay right here and just…hold you?"

She whimpered softly, a lump forming in her throat as she turned her head into his chest, mumbling her reply, "Yes."

His heart ached for her but he held on tight, pressing a kiss to the top of her head, "I've got you Liv. I've always got you."

And though she didn't say it, all she could think was Thank God for him.

The following morning, Elliot knew his youngest daughter would be up bright and early, unable to hide her excitement for the day. He snuck out of bed, knowing his wife was not only exhausted from work but mental and emotionally drained. He let Ember out and then had her snuggle up next to Olivia to keep her company. Then he walked into his daughter's room and couldn't help but laugh. Brooklyn was still fast asleep but Charlie, was sitting up in bed, practically ready to burst.

Elliot held his finger to his lips and scooped her up whispering to her, "C'mere birthday girl."

Charlie wrapped herself around her Father, holding on tight as he carried her out of the room and down into the kitchen, "It's my birfday."

He chuckled and kissed her temple, "That it is baby girl. That it is." He placed her down on the counter and smiled, "So…what would you like for breakfast then?"

Her feet kicked back and forth and she shrugged, "Choco chip pancakes?"

He gave her a wink and pressed a kiss to her nose, "You got it, babes."

Charlie sat perched on the counter watching her Dad as he gathered what he needed, "Is Momma sleeping?"

"She is. She worked late so we're gonna let her sleep a little later, okay?"

Charlie nodded, "Okay."

Elliot saw a little worry on her face and he smiled, dropping some chocolate chips on the counter beside her. Instantly, her face perked up and she grabbed them, stuffing a few in her mouth. He couldn't help but smile as he knelt down in front of her, resting his chin on her knee, "Hey munchkin, do you know how much I love you?"

She smiled down at him, "How much?"

He tickled her sides legs all the way up to her sides and chin making her squeal with laughter, "More than the millions and billions of stars in the sky and in every Universe. That's how much."

Charlie giggled and hugged him close again, "That's a lot!"

He squeezed tightly and whispered, "It is…"

"Momma loves me that much too?"

Pulling beach slightly, he kissed the tip of her nose, "She does. If you only knew how much Mommy went through to bring you into this world…you'd know how much she loves you. Brooklyn and Noah too."

"Is Momma sad today?"

He frowned, "Not sad…she loves celebrating your birthday babes."

"But it's hers too." She whispered, "She doesn't like it?"

"Just different kiddo…someday you'll understand."

Charlie huffed as he put her back down, "You and Momma always say that…"

He laughed and turned back to the stove, "I know."

He looked back at her and dropped a few more chocolate chips down for her, making her forget (at least for now) all about her worries.

Olivia had slept in, longer than she could remember sleeping in. But she woke up feeling someone snuggling up beside her, someone tiny and she smiled though she was still feeling somewhat down. She had to pull it together for the sweet girl beside her, today wasn't just about her anymore. Rolling over slightly, she pulled the blankets up over their heads and tickled her daughter relentlessly, "Is that a birthday princess in my bed?"

Charlie squealed, "A birfday princess with the birfday queen!"

Olivia paused and reached for her, "I'm the Queen, huh?"

Charlie nodded excitedly, "Uh-huh."

She sighed and rolled onto her back, letting the blanket fall around them as she settled her daughter on her belly, "Why, cuz I'm old?"

Charlie laughed and shook her head, "No! Cuz you're my Momma!"

Olivia smiled, running her hands through her curly hair, "Yes, I am. And I'm very glad that I am…"

Neither of them saw Elliot standing in the doorway watching them, Charlie's face fell slightly, "Momma?"

"Yeah, honey?"

"How come you don't like our birfday?"

Her little voice sounded so sad, so soft and scared and her heart broke, "Oh, sweetie…that's not…" She sighed and sat up slightly, "Why would you say that?"

Charlie pouted, shrugging her shoulders slowly, "I heard Uncle Fin say you don't like today…"

Brushing her hair back she frowned, "Sweetheart…"

"Is it me?"

"Oh, no." Quickly she wrapped her daughter in her arms, feeling tears hit her shoulder, signaling her own.

Elliot went to move into the room but someone grabbed his arm, he turned and saw his son. Noah gave him a slow shake of his head, telling him to wait.

"Charlotte...baby…" She tilted her head back and wiped away her tears, "It's not about you at all, kiddo. I love celebrating with you. Celebrating my Charlie bear is the best thing in the world! I'm so, so sorry." She kissed her nose gently, "It's never about you."

Charlie bit her lip, "Daddy says I'll understand when I'm bigger. But I wanna know now…"

"It's...complicated." She whispered, "I wish I could explain it better...but I can't. Not now."

Charlie lifted her shoulders, "But Momma...you should like your birfday. I like your birfday. Not just cuz its mine too."

She held her breath, trying hard not to cry, "Charlie…"

"And Uncle Alex told Uncle Fin that you sometimes wish you'd never been bornd." Olivia gasped, "But Momma...if you hadn't been bornd, then I wouldn't be bornd either."

Her heart jumped in her chest, despite her mispronunciation, she understood her fully, "Charlie…"

"And that makes me sad. Cuz it would mean no Noah or Brookie either."

Olivia's heart broke in two and she leaned forward, pressing her forehead against her daughter, "Well, that's not a world I want to live in either. Not for a second. You, Brooklyn, and Noah are the best things in my life. Charlie…"

"Then...then shouldn't you like today?" Charlie asked with a little shrug of her shoulders, "It's a good day."

Olivia wrapped herself around her little girl, holding tight, "Oh my Charlotte Bernadette...you are right." She sighed and kissed her temple, "We should. Because there is no me without you." Leaning back she kissed her nose, "I love you my girl, thank you for reminding me of how much I have to be grateful for. Especially my birthday twin…"

Charlie held her Mother's face in her hands, "Can we be happy now Momma? You and me?"

Hugging her again, Olivia looked over her shoulder and saw her husband and son watching her, "Yeah baby. We can be happy now. The happiest…"

Noah stepped into the room and smiled, bending down, "Hey sis...remember I promised you could play on my Wii today? It is your birthday after all."

Charlie looked at her Mom, beaming from ear to ear, "Can I Momma? Can I?"

She nodded slowly, wiping at her own tears, "Absolutely. I'll be down soon...maybe we can play together."

Charlie shouted happily and jumped up, wrapping herself around her brother. Noah looked down at his Mother and smiled, "Happy Birthday Mom. I'm quite glad you were bornd too."

Olivia laughed softly at his playful pronunciation like his sister, "Me too. Gave me you…"

Noah smiled and carried his sister out of the room, singing along with her as they walked down the hallway. As she left, the tears fell hard and fast and Elliot was there, quickly wrapping her up in his arms, "Liv…"

"I don't want a world where those three kids don't exist."

He nodded, pressing his lips to her temple, "Neither do I…" He leaned her back slowly and brushed her tears away, "I've told you before...if they are the reason you were brought into this world...then that's a damn good reason to me."

She sniffled softly, "El…"

"But I know, you were brought here for so much more than that. Not just our kids. But...for all the amazing work you do, for how much you help the victims. For all the love and light you bring me...and every person who knows you. You, Olivia Benson, were meant to be here. And my life is infinitely better with you in it. Always will be."

She sighed, and rested her forehead against hers, "I want to celebrate my girl."

He nodded and kissed her nose and then her lips, "I want to celebrate both my girls."

She smiled softly, squeezing him tight, "Okay."

He kissed her again and smiled, standing up he held his hand out to her, "Come on. It's gonna be a good day. I promise."

And for the first time in all her years, she believed her birthday would be a good one after all.

Later that afternoon, Elliot stood back and watched his wife and youngest daughter having the time of their life, and for him, that meant more than he could ever express. He laughed watching them fall together onto the trampoline, laughing. Charlie crawled over to her Mother who was tickling her, both of them wearing tilted birthday crowns.

"Happiest I've ever seen her on her birthday."

Elliot turned to see his wife's best friend watching them. Her whole family was here, parents included to celebrate both Olivia and Charlotte. They had shut down the sky zone just for them, the one thing Charlie wanted most. And it looked like Olivia was loving it too.

"Started off a bit rocky, but I think she's learning to love her birthday. At least sharing it with Charlie."

"You know when we were in college I told her someday she'd enjoy her birthday. But she didn't believe me.

Elliot laughed as he watcher Olivia toss Charlie higher, "She found a reason to enjoy it with Charlie. And for that I'm grateful."

Alex turned and put her hand on his arm, "Has a hell of a lot to do with you too Stabler."

"Without you, there would be no Charlie either. And my best friend wouldn't be as happy as she is."

He held his breath for a moment, "Alex…"

She squeezed his arm and pushed him toward the trampolines, "I knew you were one of the good ones."

And with that she walked away.

Elliot sighed and shook his head, remembering all those years ago when Alex had dragged him out to the bar. She'd been the one to tell him to wait, she saw it, that undeniable thing between him and Olivia. And he was so damn glad he had listened to her and shown up that night. Looking back at his wife, hearing her laugh, seeing the life they'd created together, despite all the dark days, the good days, these moments, outweighed them every time.

"Daddy!"

Elliot smiled and walked over to the edge of the trampoline, "What's up baby?"

She fell down onto her behind, bouncing slightly before scooting to the edge, "I need a snack."

Elliot laughed and scooped her up, kissing the tip of her nose, "Go on, Grandma B is over there."

"Be right back, Momma!" Charlie yelled as she ran towards the snack table.

"I'll be here!"

Elliot laughed as he watched her go and then turned to look up at his wife, still bouncing slightly on the trampoline. She laughed and looked down at him, "What?"

"Having fun?"

She bounced backwards, "I am."

Pushing himself up, he climbed up onto the edge and heard her shriek, "Olivia…"

She saw him approaching, ready to pounce and she jumped away from him, "Elliot Stabler! Don't you dare!"

He pretended to growl at her, "What'cha gonna do about it Benson?"

She shrieked again, turning quickly but he was faster, wrapping his arms around her and lifting her up before they both fell down, bouncing on the trampoline. He laughed hearing her laugh, and rolled to the side to pull her close, "Elliot…"

"Couldn't help myself…" He lifted his hand and slowly brushed the hair out of her face, "It feels good to see you so…carefree. Especially today."

She smiled and leaned into his touch, "Feels good to feel this carefree…" She smiled and kissed him softly, "You were right. Birthdays are fun."

Smilng softly, he rolled her onto her back and kissed her deeply, "I told you, your birth is something to celebrate. You may not want a life without our kids, and neither do I. But I sure as hell don't want a life without you either."

Biting down hard on her lip, she held her hands on either side of her face, "Thank you."

Cocking his head to the side he shrugged, "For what?"

A single tear escaped the corner of her eye, but not from sadness this time, "For never, ever giving up on me. I wouldn't have wanted to miss this…"

He smiled when he felt the dip of the trampoline and the sound of the girls, followed by Noah scrambling up beside them, "Me either." Bending his head he kissed her softly, "Happy birthday babe, I love you."

She smiled and nuzzled him closer, "I love you too."

The girls came crashing down around them, soon followed by Noah and as the five of them started jumping again, Ellliot and Olivia both were thinking the same thing. They'd grown a hell of a lot together, and they'd grown better together. This life had been worth the wait, worth the struggles to get here. And no matter the highs or the lows, they were better growing together…