Only one official chapter left after this and then the epilogue! Don't forget to drop a review! This is one of my favorite ones! Things come full circle for sure!

Seven months later…

"Elliot, hurry up. We're going to be late." Olivia called from the bottom of the stairs, "Dickie is starting!"

Elliot came bounding down the stairs of their new home, "Sorry. I'm ready."

Olivia grabbed his coat and handed it to him, "Good thing we live in Queens now. Short commute."

He smiled and kissed her cheek, "Let's go."

Walking through the living room, they walked out onto the front porch and Elliot locked up before walking to the car. They took the short drive to the field at the school and got out to find the kids. "Dad!"

Elliot slipped his hand into Olivia's and pulled her towards his daughters, "Hey!"

Giving them all quick hugs, they sat down and Olivia smiled, "How was Dickie feeling?"

"Honestly? He was a wreck." Lizzie said, "He is so nervous…starting on the Varsity Team at his age is huge."

Olivia looked at Elliot and he smiled, "I'll uh…I'll be right back."

Squeezing Olivia's hand he walked climbed down from the stands again to find his son in the locker room. He spotted Dickie's coach, the very coach that had helped him get the lawyer that helped him get custody of his children. "Coach Birkhead."

The man turned and looked at Elliot, "Mr. Stabler. Glad you could make it to the game."

Elliot smiled and shook his hand, "How's my boy doing?"

The Coach smiled and then sighed, "Honestly…he could probably use a pep talk from his Dad about now…"

Elliot nodded and pointed towards the locker room, "You mind?"

He shook his head and said, "Take him back to my office so the other guys don't bother you. He's got the talent. He just needs to know it's okay to not be perfect all the time. He's his own worst enemy."

Elliot smiled sadly, "Gets that from me…"

The Coach watched him walk towards the locker room and then said, "Hey Stabler…" Elliot turned to look at him, "I'm glad it all worked out for you."

Elliot smiled, "Wouldn't have been able to do it without your help. So thank you…" Turning, he walked into the locker room and found his son sitting in the corner on the bench, leaning over, a very anxious look on his face, "Hey bud."

Dickie looked up and let out a shaky breath, "Dad…"

Elliot cocked his head towards the back office, "Come with me for a sec?"

Dickie looked at his teammates who were for the most part ignoring him, getting their own preparations in for the game. Standing up, he walked with his Dad into the small room and leaned against the door, "What are you doing back here?"

Elliot shrugged, "Just wanted to check on you…wish you luck and all that."

Dickie laughed nervously, "Luck. Right…I thought you said luck wasn't real."

Elliot smiled thinking about his conversation with Olivia months before in Oregon, "Well…things have happened in the last year that changed my mind." Dickie watched him nervously, "Plus…I'm pretty damn lucky to have you for a son."

Dickie stood up a little straighter, "I feel like if we lose, everyone is going to blame me. Everyone's hyped me up…like I was going to lead us to victory. But if we lose…it's on me."

"No." Elliot said walking towards him, "It's on the team…you're not the only guy out there Dickie. You can't put that kind of pressure on yourself."

Dickie frowned, "So what's the secret then…how do you work as a team? How do you do it at work?"

Elliot smiled and thought about Olivia, Fin, John and Creagen, "You have to trust each other. Know that you're all after the same goal. Trust your instincts and know that when you aren't at your best…the rest of the team will pick up the slack." He shrugged, "Do you trust your teammates?"

Dickie nodded, "Yeah."

"Good. And they trust you." He said with a nod, lifting his hand he placed it on his shoulder, "Besides…I can promise you that one game isn't going to make or break your future kid. I believe in you. But even if tonight doesn't turn out the way you hope it does…your family is still going to be damn proud of you."

Dickie took a deep breath, "I think I really needed to hear that. Thanks Dad."

Elliot smiled, pulled his son against this chest and smiled, "I love you kid."

Dickie sighed and held him tight, "I love you too Dad. I'm really glad you're here." Pulling away he smiled, "Everyone is here, right?"

Elliot nodded, "Your Mom, Michael are on their way and they're bringing Jacob too."

Dickie smiled, "So the whole family will be here…at least the family we have now."

Elliot smiled and shook his head, "Slow your roll kid."

"I'm just saying…" Dickie said with a shrug, "I fully expect to have at least one more sibling at some point. And I will love him or her just like I love Jacob too."

Elliot smiled and squeezed his shoulder, "I'm glad to hear it. And when it happens…that kid will be really lucky to have you for an Older Brother." Nudging his shoulder he smiled, "Come on…let's go. You've got a game to win."

The girls had excused themselves for a few minutes to check in with friends before the game started. Olivia was sitting by herself on the bench anxiously waiting for Elliot to come back. "Um…hi Olivia."

Olivai turned and saw Kathy, Michael and their son walking towards her, "Oh. Hi!"

"I thought we were going to be late." Kathy said with a sigh as she looked down at Jacob in the carrier on her chest, "This guy had a blow out just as we were leaving."

Olivia smiled as they sat down, leaving space between them, "Oh no." Clearing her throat she smiled, "He's getting big…"

Michael rubbed the young boys back, "Four months old this week."

"I swear I forgot how much work it is." Kathy sighed and leaned down to kiss her son's head, "But it's damn worth it."

Watching her, Olivia couldn't help but feel a little ache in her chest. Lately she'd been worried, worried that she would never have this. In the last few months, they'd decided not to be particularly careful or concerned with protection. But, so far nothing had happened. She felt someone slide in next to her and was grateful that Elliot was back, "Kathy. Michael."

Michael nodded at Elliot slowly, "Elliot. Good to see you."

Things had been…tense at times but the four adults were determined to make things work for the kids. "You too." He smiled at Kathy, "How's Jacob?"

"He's good." Kathy said with a smile, "Excited to see his brother play for the first time." She looked back at her ex husband, "He seemed pretty nervous today…"

Elliot smiled and wrapped his arm around Olivia, "He's good. We just had a little talk."

"Good." Kathy said with a genuine smile, "I'm glad."

The four of them sat there for a moment, not sure what else to say but soon the crowd started cheering. And the girls quickly joined them on the bench, sitting between the two couples. Olivia was still watching Kathy out of the corner of her eye, Lizzie was leaning forward to talk to her baby brother. Elliot glanced at his girlfriend, saw the look on her face and knew. Squeezing her shoulder he smiled, "It's gonna happen Liv. I know it will."

Turning towards him she smiled and squeezed his knee, "Yeah. I know."

Leaning forward he kissed her cheek gently, "Let's just enjoy the game…yeah?"

Settling into his side she nodded, not wanting to worry tonight. She just wanted to be there with her family, and she wanted to cheer on Dickie. As he took the field, seven people on the bench started cheering the loudest and Dickie turned to look at them. Taking a deep breath, he gave them a little wave and then took the field, ready to face the game, win or lose.

The game was almost over with only a minute left and the teams were tired. Elliot could sense the frustration in his son and wished he could go down there and talk to him. Olivia kept glancing at Elliot who looked tense as he leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees.

Wrapping an arm around him, she rubbed his back, "There is still time."

Elliot glanced at the clock, "Yeah…I know."

"Come on Dickie." Maureen yelled loudly, "You can do this!"

Dickie was trying to ward off one of the defensive players to get open in the attempt to score a last minute goal. Elliot stood up quickly and started clapping harder, "Come on buddy! You got this!"

Time seemed to slow down, but everyone was cheering loudly in the stands. Dickie's family the loudest of them all. He glanced at his Father who was staring right at him. His heart was pounding and he'd never wanted anything more. Elliot gave him a little nod, and Dickie moved to the left, catching his opponent off guard. His teammate quickly passed him the ball and then he was off, racing down the field with no one near him as he got closer and closer to the goal.

"Oh my God." Olivia said excitedly, "Go Dickie! Go!"

"There is no way they are going to catch him!" Michael yelled from his seat, "Keep going Dickie! Go!"

Elliot held his breath as his son reached the goal line, pulled his foot back and kicked as hard as he could. The ball soared through the air, the goalie leaped forward to try and block it. But the ball went flying over his head and straight into the net. The screams from the stands pierced the air and Dickie dropped down to his knees as his teammates ran to him, tackling him to the ground.

Elliot threw his hands in the air and screamed the loudest, "Yes!"

Olivia was beside him clapping just as loud and she leaned into her boyfriend, "That's your boy…"

Elliot laughed, turned to her and kissed her hard on the lips. Staring at her, he knew had she not pushed him, he would have been afraid to keep fighting for his kids. He could have missed this and for that, he loved her a million times more. "That's my boy."

Olivia turned to celebrate with the girls and Elliot caught Kathy's eye. She bounced Jacob in her arms slightly and gave him a knowing smile. He stood up a little straighter and nodded back, both of them glad that neither one of them had missed this. No matter how angry they may be with each other, their son deserved more.

"Come on!" Lizzie said tugging on Olivia's arm, "We need to get down there!"

Kathy and Michael were already on their way down and Olivia watched as the girls climbed over the stands, Elliot just behind them, "You go on. He should be with family."

The girls and Elliot stopped, turned to her but before they could say anything Kathy spoke up first, "You are family."

Everyone turned to look at the blonde woman and Elliot couldn't help but smile. Turning back to Olivia, he held out his hand, "Come on."

Olivia's heart was pounding in her chest, and she took Elliot's hand, following him and the rest of kids, Kathy and Michael down the stands. People swarmed the field but Dickie saw them from afar and ran towards them, hugging his Dad first, "I am so damn proud of you." He said, hugging him tightly.

Dickie smiled, "I'm really glad you were here."

"Me too." He said, kissing his temple, "Me too kid."

Dickie let the rest of his family congratulate him, Olivia included and then turned to see his Coach walking towards them, "Coach Birkhead, would you mind taking a picture of me and my whole family?"

His Coach smiled and quickly took a phone from Lizzie, "Not at all. Everyone get together."

Dickie stood in the middle, his sisters gathered around him and then he turned to his parents and their significant others, "When I said the whole family…that includes all of you. So get in."

The four adults quickly took their places, each couple on either end of the row. To the outside world they may look like a complicated bunch, and maybe they were. But for now, all that mattered was that the kids were happy. Elliot pulled Olivia as close as possible and held her hand behind his back and he knew now more than ever his next plan was the best plan yet…

A week later, the NYPD was putting on a charity event for the city. Most of them at SVU were attending but Olivia needed to meet the guys there because she had to check in with a victim first. Elliot was standing by the bar with Fin and John, each of them nursing their own beers.

"Is that the infamous jacket?" Munch said with a laugh, "The one with the long lost love letter?"

Elliot smiled and placed down his beer, "It is indeed. Thought I'd bring it out tonight."

Fin rolled his eyes, "What a hopeless romantic you are Stabler…"

Elliot smirked and shrugged his shoulders, "What can I say…Liv brings it out in me."

"Cap said you were busting out of this thing early." John said with a frown, "Big plans?"

Elliot shrugged and took another swig of his beer, playing coy, "You could say that."

Fin looked around the room and noticed many of the males in the room seemed to be staring off to the left, "What are they looking at?"

Elliot followed their gaze and quickly started to choke on his beer, "Aw shit."

From the top of the stairs, Olivia caught his eye, slipped her coat off and handed it to the clerk. She was wearing the dress. The very dress she'd worn that first night, the one she'd worn again on their date before she was whisked away to Oregon. The one that started it all and he was pretty sure she was trying to slowly kill him.

John clapped him on the back, "You truly are one lucky son of a bitch, I hope you know that."

As Olivia sauntered towards them, the dress clinging to her curves in all the right places, her hair curled just the way he liked it he let out a shaky breath, "Oh…I know it Munch. I definitely know it."

"Good evening boys." Olivia said as she approached them, leaning in, she kissed Elliot's cheek, "Buy me a drink babe?"

His jaw clenched and unclenched and he wrapped his arm quickly around her waist, pulling her up against his side. "Really?"

Pouting softly, she twirled her hair around her finger and shrugged trying to play dumb, "What?"

"Hey…isn't that the dress we always said Stabler would lose his shit over if he saw her in it?" Fin said pointing at Munch.

Munch nodded, "Yes. And by the look on his face…I'd say our calculations were right."

Olivia looked down at herself and sighed, "What? This old thing? I found it hanging in the back of my closet and decided to throw it on. It's just a dress."

Elliot's hand curled around her waist and pulled her even closer, "Yeah…but you're wearing the hell out of it Benson."

"Glad you think so." She said resting her hand on his shoulder, "Now…about that drink?"

He huffed and turned to the bartender who was gawking at Olivia, "She'll have a Merlot and I'll have another beer and ask you to stop staring at my girlfriend before I break this bottle over your head."

John and Fin laughed, Olivia smacked his chest, "Elliot Stabler!"

"Sorry!" The young man said and turned, "I'll be right back with those. Free of charge."

Elliot smiled and tugged on his suit jacket, "That's more like it."

Fin laughed and nudged John, "Let's go before they start screwing against the bar."

John laughed, "Right behind you…"

Elliot was chuckling and Olivia was standing there glaring at him, "Elliot…you owe that poor kid an apology."

Elliot huffed and looked at her, "Hell no."

Rolling her eyes she crossed her arms over her chest, "He's probably scared to death."

"As he should be." He said looking her up and down, "Did we learn nothing from my jealousy of a squirrel? I don't share Benson…and it's your own damn fault for showing up in that dress. How did you think I would react?"

She couldn't help but laugh, "That damn squirrel saw less than Bambi…"

"I think we may have scarred Bambi for life." Turning back to the bar he smiled at the bartender and tossed him a twenty, "Consider it a tip and a reminder to keep your eyes off my girlfriend."

"Yes sir." The boy said, taking the twenty and quickly walking away.

Olivia took the wine glass and rolled her eyes as he slipped his hand in hers and walked away from the bar, "You really are insufferable."

"Again I ask, what did you expect showing up in that dress?" He leaned closer and whispered in her ear, "You know what it does to me…"

Her skin flushed and she took a sip of her wine, "I have no idea what you are talking about. I have no recollection of this dress being significant in any way."

Pulling back he glared at her, "You're mean, you know that?"

Reaching her hand out, she caressed his cheek and sighed, "Yes. I know. And yet…you love me. Right?"

Reaching for her wine glass, he placed it on the table next to their names along with his beer, "God help me I do."

She smiled as he led her towards the dance floor, "Are we dancing?"

He smiled and pulled her up against his chest, "We're dancing."

"In public?" She said with a glint in her eyes, "Elliot Stabler is letting people see him dance?"

"Oh they're not looking at me…I can assure you." He said as he with a little laugh.

Wrapping one arm around his neck, she held his hand with the other, "I thought you didn't want anyone looking."

He shrugged and leaned in, "Let them look when you're pressed up against me. Then they'll get the memo. You're mine."

Smiling, she moved her other hand to clasp it behind his neck, his hand settled on his waist, "El, they've always known I'm yours. Always."

"Good." He kissed her softly, keeping his eyes wide open, "Let's give them something to talk about babe…"

She laughed as he twirled her around and she was damn glad she had worn the dress. Little did she know just how much better the night was going to get…

Two hours later, everyone was finishing up their meals and sitting at their tables. Olivia, Elliot, Fin, John, Cragen, Casey and her date were all sitting around the table. There was one empty seat. Olivia and Elliot's chairs were close together, she was nursing a glass of wine and Elliot had one leg draped over her lap protectively. They were all laughing and talking, telling old stories and enjoying a well deserved night off.

"God, doesn't it feel good to not be knee deep in blood for once?" John asked.

Casey's date who happened to be a Doctor in the ER answered for them, "Absofreakinglutely."

Casey gasped, "Good thing we have a Doctor on site…Stabler's life is at stake."

Olivia frowned, "What are you talking about?"

Someone quickly sat in the empty seat, "I believe she's making a dig at me Benson."

Elliot sat up a little straighter and put his hands up, "I yield. Don't shoot. Don't shoot."

Star rolled her eyes and reached for his beer sitting on the table, "I'm unarmed tonight Stabler."

Fin leaned forward and removed the silverware in front of her, "I'll just take these for safe keeping."

Star laughed and shook her head, "Did it ever occur to anyone it's his bad luck and not my fault?"

"No." They all said in response and a laugh rang through the table.

"Yeah well…" Star turned and looked at Olivia, "How are you Benson?"

Before Olivia could respond, Elliot stood up and took her hand, "Oh no, I'm taking her out of here before you whisk her off on another little mission."

Olivia laughed as he pulled her to his side, "Elliot…"

Star smiled and shook her head, "I'm not here to ask her for her help. Although I will say that Agent Porter asks about you often. Inquiring about you. Wondering if you'll change your mind."

Olivia felt Elliot tense up beside her and she shook her head, "Well you can tell Agent Porter…I won't be changing my mind. I'm quite happy where I'm at."

Elliot relaxed beside her and smiled when she took his hand, "Despite your presence, we were heading out anyway."

Olivia looked at Elliot in surprise, "We were?"

Elliot nodded, "We were."

Olivia looked back at her boss, "Doesn't this go for another few hours?"

"It does. But Elliot asked if you two could sneak out a bit earlier and I gave my blessing." He said with a smile.

Turning back to Elliot she asked, "Where are we going?"

"Can't say." He said with a shake of his head, "It's top secret."

Turning back to her friends at the table she asked, "Do you guys know about this?"

"We knew you were leaving. But we don't know anything else." Fin said with a shrug.

Looking over at Casey, she saw the blonde woman refused to look at her, "Casey…"

Casey's date quickly cleared his throat, "Come on Casey…let's go dance."

Casey let out a sigh of relief and followed her date, "Call me later Liv!"

"Hey…why does Novak know and we don't?" John asked with a frown, "I take offense to that."

"Novak AND Cap know because they can keep a secret. Unlike you two." Wrapping his arm around Olivia's lower back he smiled, "Come on Liv."

Turning back to her friends again as he pulled her along she called out, "Bye!"

Slipping his hand into hers Elliot walked with a confidence she hadn't seen in him, not since that first night when they ran into each other on the street. She had been at an event much like this one only she left all alone expecting to have the worst night. And yet, it had been one of the best nights of her life. Elliot had swept her off her feet, showed her a side of himself she never would have dreamed of. He made her feel things she only thought existed in movies. That night had set her on a path that she never would have dreamed possible. Yet…here she was.

"Where are we going?" She asked walking quickly to keep up with him.

"We're getting your coat." He said whistling as they moved towards the coat closet.

Olivia laughed, "I didn't mean right this second…"

"I know." He said with a gleam in his eyes, "But that's all you're getting."

She sighed and stopped beside him as he spoke to the coat attendant. "El…"

Shaking his head he handed the man in front of him something and suddenly he was walking away, "Thank you."

Olivia frowned as she saw the man leave them, "Where is he-"

But before she could finish her thought, he was pulling her into the closet and slamming the door behind her. She gasped as he pressed her against the far wall, "Elliot…"

Clearing his throat, Elliot rested his hands on her hips and frowned, "You know this dress does things to me Benson…and I've been a very good boy for the last two hours. But I've had enough."

It was dark in the closet but she could still see his face, hear his ragged breathing and she pressed her back firmly into the wall behind her, "So…we're not going anywhere? We're just going to make out in a coat closet?"

Elliot chuckled and leaned in, his lips settling on the pulse point behind her ear, "We're going somewhere. But first…"

His hands trailed down her sides towards the hem of her dress and she gasped, "Elliot…we can't do this here."

He smiled against the hollow of her throat and groaned, "I paid the guy fifty bucks to leave for a bit and I locked the door. We're fine."

When his hand moved under her dress she closed her eyes tight, "Elliot…everyone we work with is out there and-" She froze when she felt him stop and he chuckled, "Elliot…"

Pulling back slightly he cocked his head to the side, "You seriously wore this dress with absolutely nothing underneath?"

She took a deep breath and shrugged innocently, "Well…like you said…this dress seems to do something to you. Figured I'd speed things up for you."

He hummed low in his throat and licked his lips, "And she was trying to tell me we couldn't do this here yet she was ready to go all along?" He felt her body relax and he smiled, kissing her slowly, "Bad girl…"

She bit down on his lip, tugging it gently, "What can I say…you bring it out in me Stabler."

"I'd say we bring it out in each other." He said, lifting her leg and settling it around his waist as he began to tease her gently, "And God I love that about us…"

Her head rolled to the side when she felt him press his thumb against her clit, "Elliot…"

"Don't worry baby." He settled his other hand in her curly hair and tugged gently, "I'm gonna take good care of you. Just like I did that first night…"

Her hands flattened against the wall behind her and she whimpered, "This is insane…"

"No more so than what we did in the helicopter." He said with a smirk, "This time we're actually alone."

She whimpered and rotated her hips against his fingers needing more friction, "What is it about this dress?"

Sliding his hand down, he cupped her pussy gently in his hand and then quickly thrust his middle finger up inside of her, "I think it's got magical powers."

She laughed and it quickly turned into a moan as he moved a second finger inside of her, "Magical powers huh?"

He bit down on her ear and sighed, "Uh huh. Because when I saw you in it that first night…I thought, 'I have to have her.' And after eight years of being afraid to say something…it pushed me to do something about my feelings. I knew I had to make you mine." He tugged harder on her ear, "And I did make you mine that night, didn't I Olivia?"

Her hands moved out to grab hold of him, feeling weak in the knees and she arched her back off the wall, "El, I've always been yours."

"Mnmmm…" He moved his face towards hers, his lips just inches from hers, "Yeah?"

She panted softly, feeling the tension build in her body, "Y-yes. Yours and only yours."

Leaning in, he smiled and then whispered, "That's my girl."

He kissed her gently, and then more firmly, teasing her with his tongue. He thrust his fingers harder, faster and had to hold her hip tightly to keep her up right. Her fingers pressed into the back of his neck, trying to hold herself up. She was glad he was kissing her because she knew if he let her go she wouldn't be able to keep her cool or be quiet. Even with the music raging below and the conversation flowing between her coworkers, anyone who walked by would surely hear them.

She felt dizzy as he fucked her with his fingers and she couldn't help but think about how glad she was that she decided to wear this dress tonight. If only she could wear it everyday. Then again, it probably wouldn't be as special if she did. Pulling away, needing air, she gasped, "If Cragen knew what we were doing right now…"

He laughed, "Cragen probably does know what we're doing right now. There is a reason why he won't let us interrogate anyone together anymore."

She laughed, throwing her head back, slamming it against the wall as he curled his fingers inside of her, "Fuck El…

"You like that?" He asked with a cocky little smile knowing he had her right where he wanted her, "Are you going to come for me Olivia? Right here? In this dress that makes me absolutely crazy while all our coworkers are downstairs?"

She whimpered softly, practically tasting her release, knowing it was right there if he just kept going, "Yes. Fuck yes Elliot please…please make me come."

"Because you asked so nicely…" He whispered as he leaned back in towards her lips, "Come Olivia. Come now."

He crushed his lips to hers to hide her moan as he felt her whole body tense and spasm around him. He pumped his fingers in and out of her a few more times, slower, letting her come down from her high. Her body trembled and her leg fell from around his waist, her heels clicking against the floor as she tried to compose herself, "Jesus…"

"Not Jesus. Elliot." He said, pressing a hand to his heart, "Did you hit your head that hard on the wall babe? You got a concussion?"

She huffed, grabbed his tie and pulled him closer, "God I hate you."

Laughing, he kissed her and whispered, "Keep telling yourself that Benson."

She felt him pulling away and she sighed, "Where are you going?"

Adjusting himself slightly he smiled, "We are leaving."

She tugged on his tie again and sighed, "But-"

Shaking his head, he leaned in and kissed her once more, "Just like that first night…tonight is all about you Liv."

"What if I want it to be about us?" She said with a frown, "Don't I get a say?"

Giving her a little wink, he tugged down her dress against her thighs and whispered, "Maybe later, okay? Right now we have somewhere we need to be."

Threading his fingers through hers, he pulled her towards the door, "You're serious?"

Unlocking the door, he poked his head out and nodded, "Yep. Don't want to be late. Let's go."

Following behind him she once again tried to keep up but he was a man on a mission, "Man, you're focussed tonight."

He pointed towards the elevator, "Got my eye on the prize."

She laughed as they climbed in and he pressed the button for the lobby, "What's the prize?"

"I can't tell you that." He said, swatting her hand away from his chest, "It would ruin the surprise."

Her hand moved towards the waistband of his pants, "I seem to remember that we had elevator sex on our fantasy card too."

He groaned and looked at her, "Not tonight. But yes…we're making that one happen at some point too."

She pouted and felt him pull her towards the doors as they opened, "Boo."

He laughed and led her through the lobby and out the doors onto the busy Manhattan street, "Ah, our chariot awaits."

Frowning, she followed his gaze and saw a limo parked out front, "A limo?"

Nodding his head he reached out and opened the door for her, "After you."

She raised an eyebrow, "Can we fool around in the limo?"

Opening his mouth to respond, he was cut off by another voice, "No. You can't. Get in."

Olivia looked behind him and gasped when she saw Ryan, "Ryan? You fly planes, helicopters and drive limos? What a multifaceted man you are!"

He rolled his eyes, "Borrowed it from my Brother-in-Law and I only said yes because Stabler said he'd forget about my $200 debt from the last poker game. However, after the helicopter stint, I draw the line at limo sex."

Olivia laughed and climbed in, "Noted."

Looking up at Elliot through the window he smiled, "You ready?"

Elliot tugged on his suit jacket and noted, "Absolutely."

Climbing in beside her, Olivia smiled at him and wiggled in her seat, "Well, I'll say you certainly have pulled out all the stops Mr. Stabler. I'm impressed. Although…I'm a humble girl. Cold chinese and a cheesy movie would have been just fine for me."

He laughed and reached beside him for the bucket of ice with a bottle of champagne, "I know. But every once and awhile…I like to spoil you if I can. You deserve it."

She accepted the glass he handed her and smiled, "Thank you. But I'd argue that you spoil me often El…"

Lifting his glass towards her he shrugged, "Gotta keep you interested."

Leaning in closer she smiled, "Elliot?" He started to laugh when he saw the glint in her eyes, "Where are we going?"

He smiled, clinked his glass with hers and said, "You'll find out soon."

Taking a sip of her champagne, Olivia looked at the window separating them and Ryan, "Hey Driver boy?"

Elliot started to laugh harder and Ryan huffed, "What?"

"Is some seriously heated making out allowed?" She said twirling her glass, "Because…I'm having a hard time keeping my hands off of him."

Ryan rolled his eyes and started to roll up the window, "I'm turning up the music. You two make me sick."

Olivia laughed, put her drink down and tugged Elliot by the tie, "Come here."

Elliot groaned and quickly put his glass down beside hers, "You're gonna kill me woman."

"Nah. I think I'd like to keep ya around for a while." She said with a wink as she crushed his lips to hers.

And as they kissed all he could think was, I want to keep you forever.

When they finally reached their destination, Elliot had to all but push Olivia off of him. She reluctantly let him go with a pout, "You seriously aren't going to let me touch you?"

He took a shaky breath and once again adjusted himself, "Trust me when I say it's killing me…but not yet."

"Yet. He said yet." Olivia said with a devilish smile, "I like yet…"

Rolling his eyes, he reached out to open the door, "Come on Benson. The next part of our adventure awaits."

She had been so consumed by him she didn't think to look at where they were. He helped her climb out of the limo and she gasped when she saw where they were, "Elliot…"

Ryan walked around the side and patted Elliot on the back, "I'm gonna go get everything ready. I'll wave you over when we're ready."

Elliot nodded, "Great." When he walked away, he turned back to Olivia, "So…"

She smiled softly at him, "We're going flying again?"

Elliot nodded slowly, "We are…only this time I'm the pilot."

She gasped and pressed a hand to his chest, "Really?"

"I obviously don't officially have my license yet. But you know I've been taking lessons. And Ryan said I could take you up with us for this one. If you're okay with that…" He said nervously, "If you aren't comfortable…Ryan can take the wheel again and-"

Leaning up on her toes, she pressed her lips to his in a gentle kiss before pulling back, "I'd follow you anywhere Stabler."

He let out a nervous breath, reached for her hand and lifted it to his lips to press a kiss against her knuckles, "I was hoping you'd say that."

She smiled widely at him and whispered, "Lead the way Captain."

He laughed and tugged her hand towards the plane as Ryan beckoned them over, "Not a Captain yet…"

"Just let me live this fantasy, okay?" She said with a sigh, "But I believe that someday you will be a Captain."

He squeezed her hand, "A Captain who flies or a Captain of my own Squad?"

She shrugged as her heels clicked against the concrete below her, "Whatever you want El. Maybe even both."

He stopped beside the plane and looked right at her, "You really believe I can do either of those things?"

Smiling, she adjusted his tie and kissed him again, "I believe you can do anything El. You're a hell of a man and I am so lucky to call you mine."

Taking a deep breath he smiled, "I'm glad you think so. Hop in."

She shivered slightly and then frowned, "Hey…we forgot my coat…"

He laughed and reached for his own jacket, "Sorry about that. We got a bit distracted I guess…"

She smiled and wrapped it around her shoulders, "That's okay. It was well worth it. Besides…I like yours better."

Giving her a wink, he nodded towards the plane, "Hop in back."

Giving him a little salute she smiled, "Yes, sir!"

Climbing in up front next to Ryan, he took a deep breath and reached for his headset. Ryan smiled and looked back at Olivia, "So you're gonna trust this son of a bitch with your life?"

Olivia laughed, buckled herself in and reached for her own headset, "Well…I trusted him as my partner for eight years against some of the worst criminals in the city. This seems no different."

"Good point." He said with a nod, "Alright, we are all ready to go. But just so you know Olivia, if anything were to go wrong, I have access on my side to guide us if need be. But Elliot has been a hell of a student and is doing great. I have no doubt he's gonna do great tonight too."

Olivia beamed at her boyfriend as he checked his mirrors and adjusted himself in the seat, "Me too."

"Alright Stabler…" Ryan said with a smile as he turned back to his friend, "You're on."

Glancing over his shoulder Elliot smiled, "Ready Benson?"

She smiled, remembering how nervous she had been that night going into the helicopter with him. But tonight, in this small plane with Elliot at the wheel, she felt no fear at all. Just an overwhelming feeling of pride when she looked at him. He was finally going after his dreams and that was something she would forever be grateful for. "Ready Stabler."

Giving her a wink, he turned forward again and slowly began to ease the plane forward. Olivia gripped the sides of her seats, not because she was nervous, but because she couldn't believe they were actually doing this again. As the plane began to ascend into the sky, the smile on her face only grew as she saw the excitement and determination on Elliot's face. She heard Ryan giving him instructions and he did everything he was told. When they reached a safe height, the plane glided through the quiet night and Ryan spoke into his head set, "Check out the view Liv. This time you won't be distracted."

Olivia laughed and looked to her right to look out the window, "Wow."

"Pretty cool, huh?" Ryan said with a smile, "Makes you feel like you're on top of the world."

"It looks so different from the way up here." She said with a sigh, "Peaceful…"

"Yes it does." Elliot said with a smile, "That's why I love it. It's a little escape from the reality of it all…"

Leaning her head against the cool window she watched the lights pass her by below and thought of all the years they'd spent running through the streets of New York together. She thought of all the years she'd lived here, thinking she was happy with what she had but not realizing how much more there was for her to explore. Little did she know that the man she had been partnered with all those years ago at SVU would be the one to show it all to her. Prove to her that there was more to life than work. That she deserved to be taken care of, loved in a way that she never could have imagined. Way up here among the clouds, she felt overwhelmed but grateful. Tears burned in the corner of her eyes and somehow he knew, because she heard him speak to her, "You okay Liv?"

Glancing back at him she smiled and whispered honestly, "Never better."

He winked again and turned his focus back on the journey ahead.

After several loops around the city, Ryan helped guide them back towards the small airport. Olivia was so blown away by how well Elliot had done, how at ease he seemed, focussed and determined at the task at hand. If he was nervous, he never showed it. Then again, in all the years she had known him, he was always very composed when he needed to be. When the wheels finally touched down on the tarmac Olivia couldn't help but clap and Elliot laughed from his seat.

"Man, I wish someone would clap every time I landed a plane." Ryan said with a sigh, "My boys don't even think it's cool anymore."

"It was a clap for both of you." Olivia said with a laugh as she squeezed his shoulder, "Good job Ryan."

"I knew I liked you…" He said pointing at her, "Only compliment Kathy ever gave me was when I was able to not spill anything on my shirt for the first time at one of her boring dinner parties."

Olivia laughed, "Note to self, don't invite Ryan to any dinner parties."

"I appreciate that." Ryan smiled and began to check on the plane, "You guys can hop out. I'm gonna go through everything here and then I'll drive you home."

Elliot slowly moved out of the plane and then turned to help Olivia. Placing both hands on her hips, he lifted her down and she smiled up at him, "That was really, really sexy."

Elliot laughed and kissed her, "Oh yeah?"

"Yeah…my man can fly a plane." She pulled at his coat tighter, "Such a turn on."

"Please move away from the plane before you jump him…" Ryan called from his seat, "Please."

Elliot laughed and took her hand, pulling her along, "Again, I say jealousy is a disease my friend."

Olivia smiled and let him lead her across the tarmac, "El, this was seriously so amazing. Thank you. You never cease to amaze me."

Looking down at her he smiled, "Well I hope I can keep surprisinging you Liv."

It was a cool night and she pulled his coat around her tighter, her hand moved from the jacket to the gold pendant on her neck, the one engraved with his badge number, "I am more than sure you will."

They walked in silence for a few minutes, Elliot watching her as they moved. The moon was high in the sky just like it had been that night in Oregon when they danced by the lake. The stars were twinkling in the sky but all he could look at was her. She tugged on his coat tighter and then smiled, "Hey…isn't this the jacket you put my necklace in?"

Elliot nodded, "It is…and the jacket where you put the letter."

"The letter you didn't find…" She said with a smile and a shake of her head, "I should probably check the pockets to see what else you've forgotten in here."

Elliot stopped walking but she didn't notice, "Yeah. Maybe you should…"

She smiled and pressed her hand into the pockets, "If I find money in here…I want you to know I'm keeping it." She froze when her hand fell on something hard in the pocket, "Finders…keepers."

He watched her from behind and smiled, "What'd you find?"

Her heart was pounding in her chest as she pulled out the item, and her fingers ran over the black velvet, "Oh my God…"

"Turn around Liv." He said in a low voice full of emotion.

Turning slowly, she saw him lowering himself down on one knee and she slowly lifted her free hand to her lips, "Oh. My. God."

Reaching for the box in her hand he smiled and said, "It's not money…but you can absolutely keep it. In fact I'm hoping you keep it forever…"

She gasped as he popped open the box and a beautiful diamond ring sparkled up at her, "Elliot…"

"Liv…since the moment I saw you in this dress a year ago…I knew. I knew that everything I'd been trying to fight was inevitable." He took the ring out of the box, slipped the box into the coat pocket again and whispered, "And when I thought I lost you…I knew that if I ever got you back I'd make damn sure I got to keep you." Her hands were shaking and he held the ring out to her, "You helped me realize I can still go after my dreams…and I'm working on one of them by taking flying lessons. But one of my other dreams…happens to be the same as yours. And I'm hoping…you still want that dream." Taking a deep breath, "So if you do…say yes. Olivia Benson, will you marry me?"

Tears streamed down her face as she listened to him and the words left her lips instantaneously, "Yes. God yes. Yes!"

He let out a little breath, slipped the ring on her finger and whispered, "Perfect fit."

Pulling him by his tie, her legs shook and his hands rested on her hips, "Come here!"

He laughed and stood up, pulling her flush up against this body, "Liv…"

She shook her head, reaching for his face she ran her fingers along his jaw, "I love you. I love you so much."

Leaning down, he pressed his lips to hers, "I love you too Benson. I always have…"

She laughed and he wiped away her tears, "As much as you love this dress…I really, really love this damn jacket."

He laughed and slowly lifted her up off the ground as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders, "I'm gonna make you happy Liv. Make all your dreams come true."

She smiled and pressed her face into his neck, "You already have El. You already have."

Later that night, they lay tangled in the sheets of their bed. Olivia was lying on her stomach, the sheet resting low on her back. He lay beside her tracing patterns along her spine. Olivia was resting on her elbows, one hand reached for a strawberry as her left hand was laid out in front of her admiring the diamond on her finger, "You like the ring?" He asked.

She smiled and glanced at him over her shoulder, "Like it? El it's gorgeous. I can't believe I get to wear this thing."

He laughed and leaned forward, pressing a kiss to her back, "You're never allowed to take it off."

"I definitely don't have a problem with that." She said with a smile, "Forever sounds good to me."

Reaching for a strawberry of his own, he took a bite and then moved it forward, running it along the line of her arm. He heard her laugh as his lips followed it, "God I love strawberries."

"Me too." She smiled and rolled over onto her back, exposing her chest to him, "We should have chocolate covered strawberries at the wedding. And strawberries in the cake. Strawberries everywhere."

He laughed as he kissed his way across her chest, "Whatever you want babe."

She ran her right hand up and down his back, holding her left hand above them, still admiring her ring, "Do you want a long engagement?"

"Hm…" He continued his way lower down her body and shrugged, "Doesn't matter to me. You pick the date and I'll be there."

Biting down on her lip she spoke the next words without second guessing herself, "Next Saturday."

He froze for a moment and then pulled back, "What?"

Beaming up at him she touched his cheek and smiled, "Next Saturday."

The corners of his lips turned up into a smile and he laughed, "You're serious?"

Nodding slowly she said, "Yeah. The kids will already be here. I don't want or need anything fancy. I can get a dress with Casey quickly enough. And you can wear whatever you want…" Pointing at him she smiled, "Actually, you can wear the suit jacket."

He smiled and said, "The suit jacket?"

She nodded, "I told you it's my favorite. But before you ask…I'm not wearing that dress to our wedding. I will be wearing white."

He smiled and rolled onto his side to look at her, "Liv, you could wear a plastic bag and I'd still want to jump you so don't worry about that."

She laughed, "You already said that John and Fin are officiating. Ryan is your best man. And Dickie. I'll have Casey and your girls if they'd like to be in it."

His cheeks flushed, "You want the girls in the wedding?"

She nodded, her smile widening, "Of course."

Elliot smiled, "You really don't need more time to plan?"

Shaking her head she whispered, "No. I don't need anything over the top. I just want to be your wife…and I don't want to wait any longer." Rolling him over onto his back, she settled over his chest and smiled, "We have a nice big yard now…Don can walk me down the aisle. We could ask Fin's buddy Silas to cater from his restaurant. We won't need a lot. Small is good." He was just staring at her wide eyed and suddenly her heart started to pound, "Unless…you would rather wait. Or maybe you want a church wedding-"

"Liv…" He cut her off and smiled, "I just want to be your husband. Tell me when and where and I'll be there. And I'll be the luckiest son of a bitch on the planet."

She smiled and leaned down to kiss him, "I thought you didn't believe in luck…"

He laughed and shook his head, 'I told you in Oregon…you changed my mind. In fact…you changed my mind about a lot of things Liv. You made me believe in soulmates too…"

She smiled as he rolled them over again and she repeated her words from Oregon, "You calling me your soulmate Stabler?"

"Absolutely." Leaning down he whispered, "In this life and every life…you are my soulmate Olivia Benson. And I can't wait to marry you next Saturday…"

Running her hands up and down his back she sighed happily, "We're getting married…"

Leaning closer, he pressed his lips to hers and whispered, "Hell yeah we are Benson…"