A/N: Will never stop updating this one. No end in sight. Please review!
All three kids piled into Lizzie's car.
Noah hadn't said a word and Eli and Emma had been bickering.
Liz quickly texted the older siblings group chat.
L: Let me know how I have all three littles in my car at 1pm on a Monday cause one got in trouble and now they're all mad at each other.
D: Wait wtf why did they call you and not me???
L: Cause, Dickwad, Emma got in trouble. I really regret being the responsible twin right now.
M: Emma???? Emma B??????
K: Wait what??
L: I have to take them home, I'll text later.
They were still quietly throwing digs when they walked inside.
Noah bee-lined for his room and Eli rolled his eyes.
"Way to go Em," he sighed, still in the hallway and not having seen their parents yet.
"Are you kidding me? That kid was being a jerk."
"We have to let him fight his own battles! He's 10! And you're not gonna be at school with him next year."
"Shut up Eli, you would have punched the kid."
"Oh my god I punched Dickie once and you've never stopped talking about it."
"Well it's true," she said, walking deeper into their apartment into view of their parents and Teddy who was nursing.
"Emma all I'm saying is that we have to let him grow up."
She whipped around, startling everyone with her Captain Benson look. "I've been his big sister way longer than you've been here so why don't you just let me handle it."
"Ohhhh you're really gonna throw that dig to me right now, Emma? What the hell?"
Liz was sat in the wing chair, glancing nervously at the parents. El started to speak with they heard Noah's door rip open from down the hall.
"Guys. Stop." He said firmly and very adulty. "I love you both and I appreciate you standing up for me. I'm not mad, I'm just upset at what was said. I just need some alone time," he said, his voice cracking. "Okay??"
Both teenagers nodded slowly.
"Okay. Thank you." He sighed, shutting the door to his room once he was safely back inside.
Liv looked up at El who was completely bewildered and confused.
Eli sighed and nudged his little sister. "I'm sorry," he mumbled.
She sighed. "Me too… I love you."
"I love you, more," he said pulling her in for a hug.
Lizzie shook her head. "Good luck with that. I'm gonna go double up on my birth control. Byyyye." She said, kissing their heads and walking out.
"Okay can someone explain what happened today," came Liv's voice from the couch.
They both sighed and sat on the other side of Liv as Emma recounted the story.
"Noah wouldn't tell us what he said, and then the bell rang and he ran inside, so I got Isaiah to tell me," Eli interrupted her with a look and she held her hands up. "I was nice! Anyways, he said that Noah didn't pass the ball to him while they were playing and he went off," she groaned.
"Went off? What did he say?" Elliot pushed, looking across his wife at them.
"He said that he wouldn't pass the ball cause he was jealous of someone who had a real dad that wasn't a criminal," she groaned and Liv watched as both Elliots tensed up.
"Then he just kept going and was like 'oh how does it feel being replaced by your baby brother. They'll probably get rid of you now,' and all this mean shit!"
"Emma Bernadette, language," Liv scolded and she held up her hands again. "Sorry…"
"So what did you say that got you suspended for the rest of the day?" El asked.
Emma cocked her head to the side a bit and bit her lip. "Well you know… I uh…"
"Emma," Liv said warningly.
Sucking in a deep breath, she spoke quickly. "You know I just said if he ever said something to hurt my baby brother again then I'd do more than just emotionally hurt him."
The room went quiet and after a few minutes, Eli broke out into laughter, and the parents couldn't help their smile.
"Baby…" Liv started and Emma nodded. "I know, I know. I can't threaten people, it's just so mean! Guys, Noah was so sad," she frowned, reaching for her baby brother once Liv was done burping him.
She passed him off and yawned. "Guys… mama is exhausted. I need some sleep and then we're gonna talk about this okay? Daddy is gonna talk to Noah first but then we're sitting down as a family," she said, laying back.
The kids nodded. "Sorry momma," Emma said, kissing her cheek.
"It's okay baby… I'm glad you protected him. You're a good big sister," she said, pulling her gently against her.
Emma snuggled into her, holding Teddy on her chest.
"I'm gonna go talk to the boy," El said, standing and Eli looked up at him. "Should I stay out here?"
"Yeah bud for now," he nodded, standing up and kissing his son and daughter's heads. "Thank you for being the best, guys.. Noh and Ted are so lucky."
"Are we still grounded," Eli asked, wincing and El looked down at Liv who shook her head.
"No- but like mom said this conversation isn't over."
They both saluted him causing him to roll his eyes and laugh. Eli took Teddy and curled up on the arm chair with him so Emma could snuggle in with Liv.
Knocking softly, El opened the door and smiled at his son who was curled up and facing the wall.
"Noh," he whispered and the little boy stayed quiet, simply sucking in a deep breath.
Elliot shut the door and made his way slowly over to him, laying next to him quietly.
"C'mere," he whispered, and the little boy rolled into him, remaining quiet.
"Momma and the gang are hanging in the living room , snuggling and napping. Why don't you come join us?"
Noah gave him a gentle squeeze and El nudged him. "Come on… we don't have to talk if you don't want to, but when you're sad you should be with your family. Cause you got one who is obsessed with you," he winked.
Noah nodded slowly, remaining stoic and the pair got up and made their way into the living room.
Liv was asleep and Emma was curled against her. Eli glanced over at them as they got settled on the couch. Wordlessly, he curled into his dad and Eli frowned.
Carefully standing with Teddy, he climbed beside his brother and dad and got comfy, offering the baby to Noah who nodded and took him, holding him close.
Eli wrapped an arm around him and gently stretched his curls as they sat together.
Nervously watching from the other side of the couch, Emma's eyes darted back and forth between her dad and her older brother.
"Em," Noah whispered, speaking for the first time since his outburst.
Getting up quickly, she curled beside him, in between he and Eli, and kissed his head.
"I love you," she said, "and you're my baby brother so I'm always gonna protect you. But I'll try to do it without embarrassing you next time."
He nodded and leaned against her with Ted against his chest. "Thank you… I love you Emmy."
Liv woke when Teddy whined softly.
She smiled at her four babies and husband asleep on the other side of the couch.
Slowly standing, she took Teddy from his brother's arms and bounced him gently. "Sh sh… mommy's got you. Come eat," she whispered as El opened his eyes.
"Stay baby, you need sleep," she whispered, but he shook his head. "No, I'm okay," he nodded, standing slowly and going into the nursery with him.
She settled herself in the rocker, and adjusted her shirt so he could nurse.
"I know you just gave birth but… damn your boobs look incredible," he breathed out and she giggled softly.
"I feel like they've tripled in size," she said, rocking gently with the baby.
"I think they have," he said, licking his lips
"Noh ok?"
"We didn't talk yet, I told him to just come cuddle with us. Emma apologized and they said their 'I love you's.'"
Liv smiled. "They're the best siblings, aren't they," she whispered and he nodded. "You did so well with them… again… just riding on the coattails of your success with them."
"Elliot Stabler, you are much more important and influential in their lives than you could ever understand."
"It means everything to me that you feel that way," he smiled small, kissing her.
"Of course I do… we're in this together."
"Momma… dad…" came a small voice from their door.
"Hi buddy… c'mere," she whispered to Noah as he came to sit in the rocker with her.
"You wanna talk," El asked softly, sitting on the foot rest in front of them and watching his son nod.
"I… I know that… Johnny was a bad man. And I used to be afraid he'd come get me but uh. You know I know he's gone. What… what did he do?" He asked softly.
Elliot looked to his wife for guidance and permission and she nodded slowly.
"Buddy… uh… Johnny was a trafficker a… a pimp. And he trafficked Ellie and many other young girls. So he sold them for sex and made them do drugs," he said as gently as he could to his 10 year old. "And…" he trailed off and Noah nodded slowly, having overheard enough about what is mom did for work to connect the dots.
"He raped Ellie," he whispered, "and made me."
"Yeah… he did buddy…"
His lip quivered a bit and he nodded. "Where did… how did they die."
Liv took a deep breath. "Ellie was killed… by Johnny and his crew. And Johnny was killed by Uncle Nick. He tried to attack people in court and Uncle Nick saved everyone."
"Woah…" Noah breathed out.
The trio was silent for a bit before Liv and Noah looked at one another at the same time to speak.
"I… they didn't want me did they," he asked her.
"Ellie did… she named you. She loved you in her own way. And before she died, she'd made a promise to herself that she'd get clean…" Liv trailed off.
"And Johnny?" He asked.
"He was a very mean and selfish man," Liv said softly, "but I think maybe in some way he loved you…"
"Momma don't lie to me… please…"
It was her turn to look to Elliot for guidance now, and he gave her an encouraging nod.
"I don't know. I can't answer that… I wish I could."
He nodded slowly and leaned back, his little mind racing behind his crystal blue eyes.
"Noah…" Liv began, and he looked up to her, "my father raped my mother… I was born under similar circumstances as you. But the difference, between my life… and I hope yours… is that my mom, Serena, resented me. And Noah," she said her voice cracking. "You are our entire world," she whispered and he nodded, his tears falling hard and fast as he curled into her.
El was emotional now too, and put a hand on his son's arm. "Momma's right… Noah you… you're not my biological son. But I love you so much that I often forget that. Your momma feels the same buddy… you're our everything."
He nodded quickly and reached for his dad who pulled him into his arms. "And nothing anyone could say would change that, especially that idiot at school."
"Thank you daddy," he whispered, breathing out a chuckle.
"Come in you too," Liv called gently, and the two older kids came in sniffling to wrap their arms around their baby brother.
"We love you," Emma whispered.
"So much…" Eli finished.
Teddy squeaked softly and everyone laughed. "Teddy loves you, too, bud," Liv smiled.
Six weeks later
"Mom you're coming with Teddy right?" Noah asked as he slipped on his socks and shin guards.
"Of course bud, as soon as he finishes eating we'll meet you there," she said as she nursed the now 6 week old.
All three kids, much to Emma's slight dismay, had summer/fall soccer tryouts that morning.
Her brothers had begged and pleaded for her to try out, too, and though she wanted to focus on dance, she eventually gave into their nagging.
"Gotta go," El said, coming out of the bathroom and looking like a total dad in his team shirt from the kid's school, shorts, running shoes and a ball cap.
Liv couldn't help but snort.
"What??" He asked with a grin.
She shook her head. "Just time traveled back to 2000," she smiled, nodding to his outfit.
He laughed and went over to kiss her softly. "I love you, we'll see you there."
"Love you more."
"Bye buddy," he whispered, kissing Teddy's head several times.
"Stablers, let's roll please!" He called when he stepped back, moving to hold the door open as they all waved to their mom and filed out.
Liv laughed and shook her head, rocking with their boy as he ate and texting her husband.
O: You're really turning me on with that outfit there, daddy.
E: Stop that right now, woman lol
O: ;)
O: Should be cleared today
E: Don't jinx it.
O: Ted is almost done and then we'll be on our way. Love you.
E: Love you more
Elliot was on the side lines, running back and forth as he watched Eli's scrimmage game. Noah was on the adjacent field and Emma was at the one next to that.
The bleachers were set up in the middle of all three, and Liv took a seat with Teddy wrapped snuggly on her chest in his carrier and fast asleep.
She wore a tank top, shorts that showed off her tanned and toned legs, and a ball cap and sunglasses.
Turning when she felt a presence sit beside her, she chuckled at the curly haired blonde she recognized from a lifetime ago.
"Dani Beck."
"Olivia Stabler," she replied in her southern drawl that made Liv smile. "I thought we'd never meet. And this must be Teddy," she cooed, looking at the sleeping baby who was adorned in an oversized ball cap that used to be his big brothers.
"This is Teddy," she affirmed and nodded towards the other Dad'ed out man standing beside Elliot and talking shop.
"And that must be yours chatting with mine?"
She chuckled. "Yep, Jake."
"Oh you have a senior and junior too?" Liv asked with a laugh.
"Yes, worst decision ever," she teased.
"Thankfully my junior doesn't have the same temper as his father… most of the time," she cracked and Dani laughed.
"Two Elliot Stablers in the world… that's something else."
"That's what I said when they named him," she laughed a little louder, causing El to turn around, grin at her and wave.
"Well," Liv continued, "I haven't met your husband but I can assume Jacob has an amazing role model based on how good he is to my girl and Noah. We're thankful she has just a good 'boyfriend'," she said in air quotes, laughing.
"Oh he adores her," Dani said seriously. "And views Noah and Eli like brothers."
"Well we're very thankful for him," Liv smiled, looking at her.
"Thank you… that makes me feel like I'm doing something right," she said with a nod and a smile.
"He's your only?" Liv asked and Dani nodded. "Yeah. So we're thankful he has the boys, too. They're good for him."
"Jacob is welcome at our house at anytime- I know it's been crazy with the new baby and Sammi, but we're glad to have him whenever."
"Thank you, Olivia," Dani smiled genuinely as their husbands and Eli sprinted over during a water break.
"Hi momma," Eli said, leaning down to kiss her cheek.
"Hi baby, you look great out there!" She exclaimed and he waved her off playfully, taking a few long chugs of water.
"That fricken Mike kid has been circling Noah like a vulture," he said shaking his head. "Thankfully Noah has a whole posse."
"Oh jeez I haven't even noticed, which one is he," she asked and he pointed him out. "Short little blonde twerp. Emma keeps eyeing the situation from her field."
"Well just let him be okay? She knows too. We'll step in if we need to."
He nodded and kissed her cheek again, then Teddy's hat covered head. "Buddy's first soccer match," he said with a grin and Liv laughed. "He might be getting a little warm in here, Honey can you get his stroller?" She asked El and he nodded, taking her keys and heading to the car.
"Dad harassing you?" She asked her son once the older man was out of earshot, and Dani and Jake both laughed.
"No he's actually been behaved," he laughed and nodded.
"Okay good, just give the signal if I need to beat him."
"Yes ma'am," he smiled, running back to his field.
"You'd think you raised him from day one," Dani said after watching the interaction.
Liv smiled small and nodded. "He's my boy through and through."
Elliot came back a few minutes later, set up the stroller, and helped Liv unwrap and get Ted in it.
"Olivia I didn't even bounce back like that and I had Jake in my 40s'. I don't know how you did it in your 50s."
She laughed. "Hush. I look like I just had a baby, but thank you."
The husbands took a seat behind their wives and watched the kids play and practice.
"Heard Emma wasn't crazy about playing this summer?" Dani asked and Liv nodded.
"Oh yeah. But her brothers can get her to do anything," she laughed.
"She's a sucker," Elliot teased. "She loves those boys."
"Speak of the devil," Dani laughed as Emma, Jacob, and Noah came running over for their breaks.
"Hi Cap," he smiled sweetly before looking at Elliot and nodding nervously. "H-hi Sergeant Stabler."
Elliot laughed when his daughter gave him a look. "Jacob, call me Elliot," he nodded, patting his arm and the young boy let out a breath.
"He's not at scary as he looks," Noah chimed in, hugging his dad.
"Boy, you're sweaty," he teased and Noah nodded laughing.
"He's been killing it out there!" Jacob said enthusiastically and Emma nodded. "Seriously though."
"Glad you ended up playing?" Dani asked Emma and she nodded. "Definitely, but don't tell Eli," she teased.
Their coaches blew whistles and they waved goodbye before running off.
"She is a mini me," Dani said in awe and Liv laughed. "I know… sometimes she gives these looks and it scares me."
They watched for a while more, and Eli joined them once his tryouts were all done.
Eventually, they saw things heating up on the boy's field, and saw Jacob get in between Mike and Noah, at Mike's aggression.
Liv put her hand on both Elliot's shoulders, giving them both a look.
They watched as Noah nodded to Jacob and he got up close to his face, puffing out his chest a bit and speaking calmly to him. He pointed to the bleachers and then looked back at the other boy.
From the next field, Emma had stopped playing and was watching the scene unfold with her fists clenched.
"Eli," Liv said and he nodded. "On it."
He was about half way there when they heard whistles blow and everyone was told to take 10.
Emma and Eli were at Noah's side in a millisecond and the three siblings and Jacob ran back to their parents as Mike stood in the middle of the field with his head hung.
"You okay," El said looking up at his son who took a seat on his dad's knee and nodded as he chugged some Gatorade.
"What happened, son," he asked gently and Noah shrugged.
"He started being mean again and I asked him to take a look at the bleachers and tell me where his mom and dad were. And he couldn't. Cause they never come. So I told him that, and reminded him that my dad and my mom come to every event, even practices and tryouts, even with a newborn, and that I think he's jealous cause he wishes he had a family who loves him as much as mine does. That shut him up."
"Damn," Eli said, pulling him in for a hug. "Proud of you bro."
"Forreal," Emma said hugging him too.
Liv took his hand. "Good job buddy… Daddy and I love you."
"And I definitely hope you believe and remember that," El added and Noah smiled.
"Love you guys," he nodded with a smile and they ran back off.
Later that afternoon, the kids had all passed out on the couch after they ate and showered, exhausted from the heat and playing all day.
El had taken Teddy home so Liv could go to a doctors appointment. He was sitting in the rocker in his room, feeding him when Liv texted.
L: Clear
E: Oh fuck yeah.
L: Dirty man
E: Absolutely. You looked so hot today.
L: You're too good to me.
E: You did!
L: I'll be home soon. Everyone okay there?
E: They're allllll asleep.
L: :) See you soon, babe.
He sat back in the rocker and let out a happy sigh, looking down at their baby. "You're mom's gonna kill me," he teased and the little one gave a small smile he usually reserved only for Noah.
"Oh man, if I'm not careful, you just might too," he grinned, kissing his nose.