A/N: After 31 chapters of fluff, I realized I needed a few of angst to keep the story going for another 31. But, cause I agree with the comments about an escape to a happier world, I've tried to add a lot of love in.
Anyways. Enjoy, review, etc.
The pair slept until 2pm, only waking to the sounds of their kids giggling in the kitchen.
Liv smiled small against El's chest and he pulled her as close as her bump would allow.
"Whatcha think they're doing," he asked, his voice still gruff with sleep. The pair were quiet a moment as they listened to the kids whisper and laugh together.
"I think Eli talked Emma into letting him use her phone to order pizza for lunch," she said after a moment.
"Hmmm no I think Chinese."
They both chuckled softly and he pressed his lips to hers gently.
"I hope it's Chinese… now I'm craving it," she whispered with a giggle.
"I'll run out and grab it for you if they didn't get it."
Nodding, she kissed his cheek. "Thanks baby…"
Sitting up with big stretch and yawn that raised her shirt up ever so slightly, she smirked as she felt his eyes on her bare skin. "Can we take a bath tonight?" She asked, looking back at him and he nodded, sitting up to kiss her shoulder
"Absolutely my love," he whispered, pressing another kiss to her neck. "You get his phone? I wanna take a look through and see why the hell he was sneaking Sam in."
He knew what her response was going to be, and watched as she leaned back on her arm to look at him. "I do… but I want to give him the opportunity to tell us first before we dig through his phone. We have no reason not to trust him, baby," she said softly.
Nodding, he kissed her lips. "Always so wise. Cmon, let's see what they're up to… then I wanna sleep some more."
The pair got up and emerged from their room to find the kids chowing on some Chinese, causing Liv to cheer. "This is what I wanted, amazing," she giggled and kissed their heads, sitting.
"How we doing on homework you guys?" Elliot asked, sitting too.
"Good," Eli nodded.
"I finished," Emma smiled.
"I napped," Noah sighed, pausing, "I need new bed…"
Elliot laughed and shook his head. "I know bud. Next weekend it's on the list, okay?"
"Hey where's Teddy gonna sleep when he's born?" Emma asked.
"Our office," Liv said, sitting back and nodding to the final "unused" room in their condo, "we've gotta get that started," she trailed off, looking at her husband who put his hand in his head.
"Shit," he muttered, "yeah we do…"
"Dad I can help," Eli offered and the littles nodded in agreement. "We can, too."
Both adults chuckled. "Sounds perfect, guys, thank you," Liv smiled, reaching to hold her daughter's hand.
"Poor Teddy already has last kid problems," she chuckled and Elliot nodded smiling. "Being number 8 will do that."
They finished eating and El nodded at the boys. "Back in to finish homework. I think mom and I are gonna go back to sleep?" He asked her and she nodded.
"Boys, once your homework is all done the three of you can play board games and stuff okay?"
"Yes ma'am." "Yes ma'am!" They said together as El and Liv stood and made their way back to their room.
"I can't believe I literally forgot we had to put a nursery together," Liv said, half laughing and holding her belly. "I love you baby boy… really… just been busy."
He laughed. "It's been a long few weeks momma, You're forgiven," El said, standing behind her and pressing himself against her.
"Hmmmm," she hummed out, leaning back against him as he started to kiss her neck.
"My case took off. You got dragged in… kids have been wild… grand baby… we have time and three adult daughters who are willing to do it," he said, nipping at her neck and causing her to moan in approval.
"I wanna work on it I just feel like I don't have time," she sighed sadly and he spun her in his arms slowly.
"Ask for help, Liv," he whispered and pressed a kiss to her lips causing her to nod.
"Also would really like to try and get away before he's born… just us?" She asked hopefully and he nodded. "Anything you want momma."
"Right now I wanna get off my feet," she whined softly and he chuckled, kissing her slowly and leading her to bed.
Curling up behind her, he pressed himself into her and resumed the soft dance he started on her neck.
"You need sleep baby…" she whispered and he breathed a soft laugh.
"I'll sleep better when I've come inside of you," he said, biting at her ear softly.
"Hmm maybe you're right," she whispered and he nodded, his rough hands shimmying her from her shorts and pulling himself out.
"Really quick," he whispered as she lifted her leg over his and entered her from behind.
"Oh fuck this is a good position," she whispered and he moaned softly into her hair, moving as quickly as their squeaking bed would allow.
"I've been so horny all week," she muttered into his mouth, with her neck craned to reach it.
"You've been horny and frustrated… You kept checking out my cock yesterday when we were arguing in your office," he replied as he ran his tongue across her lips.
"I wanted you to pin me against the wall and fuck me senseless," she admitted, causing him to groan.
"I'd have preferred bending you over your desk but… we all have fantasies, huh."
"Remember that time we fucked in the cribs?" She asked, breathless and he nodded, moving his hand to tease her clit. "I pissed you off so bad that day," she gasped softly and he covered her mouth with his in an effort to mute her impending release.
"I don't even remember why I was mad, but I sure as shit remember how hard I came all over you belly," he breathed out as his balls tightened.
"Fuck I love you," she whimpered as he sped up and they both neared their edges.
"Pull my hair," she begged and he did, causing every nerve into her body to light up and tingle as she broke apart beside him.
Moaning into her hair, his hips bucked wildly before slowing to a stop as he filled her.
Breathlessly, she laid her head back against his chest, letting her leg drop, and he hugged her a little closer, remaining inside of her.
"I can't believe we slept together for 3 years and I never once let you cum in me," she whispered, sleepily, "it's the best feeling."
He chuckled softly. "Well… you did one time…"
Smiling small, she nodded. "And I was addicted the moment it happened," she moaned softly as he tried to pull out of her. "No, stay…" she whined.
They both felt him come back to life within her, "what about the kids," he whispered and she shook her head.
"Don't care… need to feel you," she moaned softly as she drifted off. Smiling small, he settled himself a bit more snugly inside of her and moaned softly as he closed his eyes.
They drifted back to sleep, El waking again several hour later to the sound of their kids in the kitchen again.
Liv was still sound asleep and had a vice grip on his morning-wood level cock.
He let out a soft moan into her ear and started kissing that spot as he slowly moved his hips.
"Mhm… El…" she whined softly and he allowed his fingers to roll over her clit.
It didn't take either of them very long to reach their climaxes again, and afterwards, they lay tangled up and breathless.
"What a way to be woken up," she whispered causing him to smile.
She moved his hand up to her belly where Teddy was kicking up a storm. "Damn buddy… take it easy on momma," he whispered laughing.
"Emma was just as active," she said fondly and he smiled. "That Stabler and Benson blood huh."
"Yes," she giggled. "Speaking of, let's go check on them."
The pair stood and made their way out to the kitchen where the kids were enjoying some pasta Eli had made.
He was nowhere to be found, and the parents looked at their two youngest who were sitting quietly. Noah frantically looked between his older sister and their parents.
Sighing, Emma put her fork down. "He's in his room. Please don't be angry… I can… he can explain," she said slowly and Liv's eyebrow shot to the sky.
"Emma Bee, what do you know that daddy and I do not?"
She just shook her head. "I can't…"
Liv shot a look back at El whose eyebrows were also raised and they made their way to his bedroom, finding it locked.
Not locking their doors was a strict rule for the kids in the Stabler house.
She could tell his blood was boiling and she squeezed his arm. "Chill," she muttered, giving him a look.
Two loud knocks sent a cascade of whispers through the door. El's eyes went wide and Liv dug her nails into his forearm even harder, stepping between him and the door. "Elliot open the door," she called, her Captain voice startling both Elliots.
He slowly creaked the door open and looked at them. "Before you freak out please let me explain?" He whispered, clearly panicked.
Liv looked back at her husband before she gave their son a nod. He pushed the door open and they both sighed, finding Sammi on Eli's bed in tears.
"I'm so sorry…" she whispered, "Please don't be mad at Eli… m-my m-mom and dad are fighting and I-I didn't know where to go…I know he's grounded and I'm so sorry."
Everyone softened and Liv sat beside her, wrapping an arm around her and pulling her close. "Sh sh… it's okay… breathe… do they know you're here?"
She shook her head. "We'll they're probably worried about you," she paused and looked back at the boys, motioning for them to leave. "Can you tell me what happened…"
Elliot took the hint and grabbed his son, giving them privacy.
She took a stuttered breath and looked down. "He um…" her lip quivered. "He hit my mom…"
"Was she okay?" She asked her, going into full Captain mode.
She nodded. "She got up b-but then I just ran… he was apologizing b-but…" she couldn't finished and just broke down in tears.
"Okay honey… okay calm down… calm down… why did he hit her…" she asked softly and Sam shook her head, lip quivering more.
"Alright... alright stay here and let me go see what's happening." She nodded and walked out to meet El who was in their room grabbing his badge and gun.
"Let's go upstairs," she said and he shot her a look. "No, you stay here."
She sighed and put a hand to her head. "What if I stay in the hallway…"
He groaned, knowing he was going to lose, and handed her her gun and shield. She pecked his lips and the pair went upstairs.
Making sure she was safely behind him, he knocked and her father opened the door.
"Stabler… hi… I take it Sammi ended up at your place?"
He raised a brow. "She ended up at the apartment of an SVU Captain sobbing hysterically and saying you hit her mother."
Her father looked down. "It was a misunderstanding, I-…"
He cut him off. "How about you step outside with me, and the Captain here will talk to your wife," he looked back at her and she nodded, "and we'll clear this up as friends and neighbors and Cap won't have to call her squad," he said, leaving no room for questioning.
Her dad, Jim, nodded slowly and stepped outside as Liv went in.
"Jamie… Hi are you okay?" She asked the woman softly and she immediately started to cry again. Sitting beside her, she wrapped her arms around her tightly, letting her cry. When she'd finally relaxed, she sat back and took a deep breath.
"He fell off the wagon… came home drunk tonight for the first time in years and… he didn't mean to. It wasn't a punch he was frustrated and he turned around and my face was there… Sammi came out to him apologizing and crying and me crying and holding my face… I figured she went downstairs, I should have called I'm so sorry, it's getting late."
Liv shook her head. "Jamie she's welcome anytime it's okay… we were just worried about her and you," she paused, "You're sure that's what happened."
Jamie nodded profusely. "Yes… you know us… you know him he… he got laid off last week and has been struggling and just… the temptation was too much."
Liv sighed sitting back. "Why didn't you tell us…"
"We haven't even told Sam…" she whispered, "it's just been a lot… and tonight was a lot."
"If you need anything… at all…" Liv said softly and Jamie nodded, giving a sad but thankful smile.
"Please just… call me if this happens again… we're here for you…" she whispered and Jamie nodded. "Thank you Olivia…"
Outside, El sighed shaking his head after hearing the large man in front of him sob and explain what happened. "Listen… my d… my old Captain is in AA.. sober for like 40 years. Maybe I can connect you two?"
"That'd be really great," he breathed out. "Thank you…"
El looked at him and nodded slowly. "Listen. Do me a favor and don't lay a hand on her again. Also, Sammi should stay out of the house tonight, either at our's or Katie's. We'll put Noah in our bed and she can take his if she stays at ours, and I'll have her text you what she decides."
He nodded. "Elliot… thank you…"
They both turned to see the women walk out and Liv nodded to El. They'd spent enough time as officers to know lies from truths, and this wasn't sitting well with them.
Saying goodnight, they got back in the elevator and breathed out a joint sigh. She looked up at him. "Buy it?" She asked and he shook his head. "Not even a bit."
"I volunteered Noah to sleep in our bed tonight so Sam could stay," he said and she nodded. "Or we can send them to Katie's. Eli was a mess before we left," he sighed.
"Good idea… but definitely a shame."
"Why," he asked, confused.
"Cause being partners with you and having you pull rank really turned me on. And I'm already spun up from earlier," she said walking out of the elevator to their door and leaving him with his mouth agape.
When they walked back in, the four kids were curled together on the couch and Liv smiled sadly.
"Em, Noh, can you give us a minute?" El asked and they nodded, running off.
Sitting in front of them, Liv took a deep breath. "How long has this been happening? Has it been happening this week? Is that why you lost it yesterday?" She peppered them with questions as she rubbed her belly softly, trying to make sense of the last 24 hours and concerned for her son.
Eli sucked in a huge breath and spoke quickly. "Gotten worse over the last few months cause he lost his job and started drinking and um… then… two w-weeks ago the… my condom b-broke and she was late but then she started. A-and um… yeah its been bad this week," he finished in a whisper.
The pair was silent for a moment before Liv took a deep breath. "Sam… can you go wait in Eli's room," she whispered and she nodded doing as she was asked.
The moment his door shut, El sat next to his son, pulling him in for a tight hug. "Eli…" he whispered, "why didn't you tell us…"
Breaking down, Eli sunk into his dads arms and shook his head. "I-I don't know… I'm so sorry dad…"
"Eli you can talk to me and dad about everything and tell us anything…" Liv whispered, "I'm so sorry we made you feel you couldn't buddy," she whispered, her heart breaking for her son.
Reaching for his mom, Liv sat on his other side holding him as he curled into her and got his breathing under control.
"I thought you'd be mad," he sniffled and she shook her head. "Baby no… you should have come to us after it happened, I've been doing this job for over 20 years honey I… I could have helped, baby. It was a mistake and I wouldn't have been mad," she said softly as she held onto him.
They both sat, holding onto him until he calmed fully, and quietly breathed against her chest. El watched his boy with Liv, in awe of their connection.
He found himself constantly having to remind his conscious that Eli wasn't theirs, biologically at least. But still, they were connected as though it was her to gave birth to him in the ambulance that day instead of Kathy.
She sat, rubbing his hair softly. "Do you want me to send the littles away? Maybe see if Kathleen or Lizzie can come get them and Sam?"
Shaking his head, his stared blankly ahead. "I-I don't want to make her leave," he whispered and she took a deep breath, lowering her voice.
"Eli… I adore Sam… but you're mine and dad's priority. And our priority isn't okay right now. I don't feel comfortable letting this fester in your brain any longer," she said gently, looking to El who nodded.
"Mom's right… Eli you've been carrying a lot of weight on your shoulders… and mom and I want to help you, so if you want to be alone with just us tonight you can tell us buddy…"
His eyes filled again and he nodded. "Y-yes," he said just above a whisper.
They both breathed a sigh of relief and El nodded. "Lemme call Katie and talk to them," he said, kissing their heads and heading into their room to call.
Emma snuck out as Liv was making them tea and curled up with Eli. "You okay," she whispered and he took a deep breath, his lip quivering at his sister's unconditional love for him.
"I'm just having a hard time right now," he nodded and squeezed her. Frowning, she held him like their mom had and gently played with his hair.
"I think you need a new look and some mom and dad time," she said and he smiled small. "Don't like my hair anymore?" He teased, causing her to laugh.
"I do.. I just know whenever I get really sad, mom or Lizzie and I do a make over and I feel better," she said softly.
"I'll consider it…" he smiled small before sitting up and looking down at her. She knew him like the back of her hand and quickly shook her head. "Don't."
He ignored her and pulled her into his chest anyways. "I'm so so sorry for yesterday… I'm so sorry…"
"I said don't," came her muffled response from his chest and he laughed, letting her go.
"I don't say it enough but… Em I'm really glad you're my sister and best friend. You're just the best and I don't think I'd be surviving without you," he said and Liv's breath caught in her throat at she listened.
Emma grinned and nudged him. "You were unsure at first," she teased and he laughed.
"Yeah… but I'm glad I gave you a shot."
"Me too," she smiled and stood when El came out. Noah jumped up onto the couch hugging Eli tight.
"I love you and I'm sorry you're sad," he whispered as Eli returned the hug.
"I love you too, baby brother. Have fun tonight okay? Maybe tomorrow we can go kick the ball around… snows finally melted some," he said smiling small, causing Noah's face light up.
He got up to hug Sammi and whispered an apology, but she shook her head. "It's okay… I told you to take some you time this weekend anyways and then this happened," she whispered.
"You can just say you love my siblings more," he teased with a smile and she giggled. "That's not a secret."
They left and Eli took a deep breath looking at his mom.
"Alright," Liv said, "start talking."