A/N: Okay…I realize that some of this chapter seems…maybe unlikely, but I'm assuming that kids really do grow up faster than we'd think. Also, I have NO clue how old the twins would be…so, let's assume 13(even thought I could be wrong)

Elliot POV

Well, that was just plain bad timing. But thank God it was Kathleen. The twins like to take their timing coming in. I didn't really want to leave it off here. Shame she's gotta hide that body underneath those clothes. sigh Shirt's back on, guess that means we're done.

"I do believe our cover is blown."

"You could say that. Well, can I get a delay? We could pick this us later tonight…."

"MOM! PLEASE!"

"Kathleen….oh, I'll talk to her. Keep her head from flying off into space."

Ah, Kathy the peacemaker. Makes me almost jealous of her relationship with all our girls…but I guess that would be weird with me. Maureen and I have made strides, and we've become closer in recent years…but Kathleen has always been a bit of a mystery to me. Still trying to figure her out…oh, there they are. Those two really have a talent for killing time.

"Hey, how was school?"

"Daddy? You're home! You're NEVER home!"

Lizzie, always so happy to see me….probably because I'm never home. She's almost too big to hop in my lap, and not squash me. This is a strange age…not really a child…not really a teenager either. Just like…ah, ah, ah…just get that image out of you head now Stabler. Just be glad to have her in your arms and to hold her. But, something's up…Dickie hasn't said one word…time to go to work…

"Good to see you too, sweetheart, but neither of you answered my question."

Wow, look at him flop down in the chair. He looks so much like me, it isn't even funny. But he's definitely upset about something…I know that upset look, that's my look.

"It was fine, okay? Happy now?"

"Not really. How was it really…you can tell me…"

"NOTHING is wrong. It was school. I went, they gave me homework, and then I left. Good now?"

He's a bad liar. He wouldn't make a good criminal, but all my kids are bad liars.

"Yeah, I'm not buyin'. What happened?"

"Do you have question me like that? God, your such a cop. I didn't DO anything."

Well, if he won't tell me…Lizzie, always a good informant.

"Ask me Daddy. I know!"

"YOU PROMISED! Dad, she's full of it….don't listen to her."

"Here, you and Mommy are supposed to read this. At least that what he says."

"Dad. It's nothing."

"I'll decide that after I examine the evidence for myself, huh."

Hey, I've gotten plenty of these in my day. He looks worried…let's see what he's so worried about. Usual stuff….here we go, huh….that is interesting.

"He was kissing! I saw him and his girlfriend!"

"SHUT UP LIZZIE! Tattle-tale…you know what happens to tattle-tales?"

"Alright, enough. Both of you. Lizzie, baby, go do some of that homework I know you have lots of."

"Promise you'll call me down as soon as Maureen gets here."

"Promise."

It feels so wonderful just to hug her, and that little kiss she gives me before she leaves makes me remember the truth. This won't last forever. Maureen wasn't much older than her when…well, she wouldn't do that anymore. sigh My kids are getting older….but I guess I've got something to discuss with my getting older son.

"Dickie. Just tell me what went on. This doesn't sound like you're in serious trouble; looks like they just want to keep us informed."

"IT was…"

"Nothing. I know. Come on, I know what having a girlfriend's like."

"You don't understand, you can't…."

"Just try me. I was your age once…"

"Yeah, like a hundred years ago."

"Two-hundred, thank you. Tell me." Ha, I remember the first time I got in trouble for kissing a girl…perhaps I shouldn't have done it during mass…

"Okay…first of all, you and Mom know her parents and her. They go to church with us…O'Connell. Her name's Faith."

Playing the church card early…. "So, it's someone that your mother and I wouldn't mind you hanging out with."

"Yeah, and she's really really hot!"

You are truly my son, never mind details…Just that she's good looking. "And?"

"AND she's a cheerleader. And she's smart, funny…and besides Dad, if I'm gonna play basketball, I can't just date anybody."

"Hey, I know the rules. Believe me. And it gets more complicated as you get older."

"Hey Dad…you and Mom ever get caught…you know…making out?"

Actually, son. Yes. Just a few minutes ago. "A few times. But mean, when we were in school? Yeah, we did."

"Well, see, they caught us hiding in one of the janitor's closets. We just wanted to kiss, that's all, I swear. But I guess we kinda lost track of time and didn't realize class started. So, they went looking for us. And Lizzie was helping…and she found us."

I shouldn't be laughing, but I know this story. Kathy and I have been caught in our fair share of closets. "I'm sorry. It's just, well, I've been there before. Go on."

"Well, now, I just fell so…."

"Guilty?"

"Yeah, that's it. I didn't think we were doing anything wrong. But I feel like, I don't know….I need to be forgiven…but…but kissing isn't a sin is it? And should I feel sorry…'cause maybe I don't…."

Guilt and endless questions. What does the Church do to all of us? "It's not a sin, unless you let it take control of you. And it's worse to say you're sorry for something you're not.

Look I'm not mad at you okay? Just…surprised, that's all. You're just getting older faster than I would expect. I'll make you a deal. Promise me that you and Faith will try and control yourselves and I'll spare your mother the details."

"Do you have to tell Mom? Can't you just…let it slip your mind?"

Nice try. "Son, lesson number one about women: they know everything, regardless of whether or not you tell them. And if you don't tell them, they have ways of making you talk."

"You think she'll be mad?"

"Nah, she was young once, too. Now, homework…we'll call for you two."

Okay…he still hugged me. But all too soon he'll be too old for that. Hell, he's already too old for that. I'm just glad…no, Stabler…those kids were different. No, they ARE like your kids. Except no parents. Oh Lord, just give me the wisdom to make sense of all of this. Speaking of making sense….wonder if Kath needs with an explanation.