A/N: My goal for this week is to cross post. Wish me luck by reviewing lol.
Liv and El were quiet after Katie and Beau left.
"Whatcha thinking," El asked after what seemed like forever.
"That I don't know how to help our boy."
"Unfortunately I think our boy has to help himself," he sighed softly.
"I know I just… I wanna fix it. He's been so happy and," she sighed. "I just feel desperate for some peace."
"I know babe," he frowned, feeling guilty and sitting back beside her.
"I'm sorry I…" he stopped when she squeezed his thigh. "But I'd still rather do this insanity with you than have peace without you."
"I love you," he whispered, leaning in for a kiss which she gladly returned.
"I love you… papa," she winked and he groaned laughing softly.
"Let's take today for some peace okay? No phones, no kids, except this guy."
"I like it," she whispered, adjusting herself slightly and rubbing Teddy's little back.
"He sleeping yet?" She asked, and El lowered his head, nodding with a chuckle.
"Out cold."
"Will you put him down? I'm gonna go lay in bed," she whispered, giving him a look and he breathed out a chuckle.
"Yes Captain."
She was hobbling in still when he finished getting Teddy down, and El smiled small, grasping her arm and helping her into bed.
"I don't think you're up for anything," he said to her, gently brushing her hair aside and she exhaled shrugging. .
"I just want you so bad… just need to relax," she pouted.
"I know but I don't wanna risk hurting you Liv," he said against her lips, cupping her cheeks gently.
"I'll tell you if you do?" She reasoned, begging a little. "Anything… just anything please."
"I'll try with my fingers okay," he nodded and she bit her lip as he helped her shimmy down her shorts and climbed beside her.
"Babe you just got shot you're sure?"
"Mhm," she whined softly as he skated her swollen breasts lightly, trailing down her body.
His thick fingers trailed down between her folds, making her gasp. "Baby…"
"So wet already…"
"Mhm," she whined as his fingers began to thrust slowly and his thumb applied pressure to her clit.
She winched when her legs began to shake with her impending explosion, but she shook her head and kissed him to continue.
His free hand found an unbandaged part of her leg and held it steady for her.
Relaxing and allowing her other leg to shake, she gasped, hitting her edge quickly.
"Yes El," she whined, a small orgasm rocking her body and making her clench around his thick fingers.
"Fuck," she gasped.
"Good?" He whispered and she nodded, smiling and sighing happily, closing her eyes.
"So good," she moaned softly, relaxing back with her eyes closed.
"Sleep my love… you need it."
She nodded and drifted off.
El spent some alone time with Teddy when he woke up, allowing Liv to rest like she needed.
She slept soundly until she heard the kids clamor in from soccer, complaining of hunger and exhaustion.
Hobbling out slowly, she smiled at them and they all came over to give kisses.
"How was soccer?"
"Super good," Noah grinned and Eli nodded. "The Stabler killed it as usual."
Liv looked to Emma who nodded. "Duh. Can I go to Jessie's tonight?"
"Yeah sure baby just make sure you sleep, we have church in the morning okay?"
"Okay!" She grinned, heading to shower and change.
"Cool cool can I go to Jacob's?" Noah asked hopefully, and Liv laughed. "Of course. Lemme see if Dani can pick you up okay? Use our shower," she nodded and he smiled and ran off.
"Soooo can I go to Harley's?" Eli asked and El cut in. "Nope, you can stay home and chat with me and mom," he nodded.
"What? Why?"
"Cause we gotta talk to you," he said casually, giving him a look that didn't allow for argument.
He sighed and made his way off to his room in a huff to shower.
El looked down at Liv who groaned softly. "Suddenly feel sick," she frowned and he nodded.
"We gotta do it…"
"I know…"
"I'll order some pizza, kids can have some slices before they go, and I'll give a box to Dani for the boys."
"Sounds good," she nodded, pecking his lips and hobbling to the couch.
Dani knocked a bit later with the pizzas and Jacob. "Found these at your front desk," she laughed and Noah ran through with his overnight bag.
"Bye mom bye dad," he called.
Jacob gave him a look and he groaned playfully, sprinting back to him for kisses. "Bye love you, bye love you," he nodded and they both laughed, returning the sentiments.
Emma emerged, ready too, and grinned at Jacob, blushing a bit.
"We're gonna drop ya off at Jessie's, cmon girl," Dani grinned, pulling her in for a hug.
"Thank you," she smiled big before running back to her mom. "Bye mommy… good luck," she whispered and Liv breathed out a laugh, kissing her cheek.
"Thanks baby…"
"Bye girl," El smiled, kissing her head. "I love you."
"Love you too, daddy. By mom, love you," she grinned and Noah gave one last wave as they walked out.
They spent a solid hour waiting for Eli to emerge. He was procrastinating, hard, and alternated playing games on his phone and texting Harley.
E: They won't let me come. Need to talk to me.
H: About?
E: Who knows but I'm frustrated
H: Well don't be frustrated
E: Probably something about Sam.
H: Well…
E: Well they're not mine Dickie was wrong and I'm so sick of this. She's probably lying.
H: DNA doesn't lie Eli….
E: Can you please just be on my side??
H: Don't get mad at me….
E: I'm sorry… I gotta go talk to them it's been like an hour.
H: Okay…
E: Love you…
He sighed when she didn't reply and tossed his phone, making his way to where his mom and dad were.
"Hi," Liv frowned, seeing the abruptness in his actions.
"Hi," he grumbled, plopping in front of them.
El went to speak, but Liv put her hand on his forearm.
"Eli," she said gently, waiting for him to look up.
He was agitated and clenching and unclenching his fist, running his hand through his hair, and all around looked like he was going to burst.
The man sitting beside her was on the verge of behaving the same way, so she squeezed his arm and spoke again.
"Son," she said, a little louder, and his head shot up to look at her. "I need you to take a deep breath."
He shakily inhaled one, before exhaling and allowing tears to rush his eyes.
"Eli… we need to talk about Sam and the babies."
"They aren't mine," he said quickly. "They're Jack's."
El had taken a deep breath with him, and was more relaxed as he leaned forward, resting his forearms on his thighs.
"No… they're not buddy."
"Yes they are!" He yelled, starting to stand when Liv put her hand up.
"Eli… sit."
"No I'm sick of this! I'm sick of having this conversation with everyone, they're not mine! If they were, why wouldn't Sam just tell me huh??"
"Elliot," she warned, giving him a look.
His lip quivered and he sat back with a huff, shaking his head. "Sorry," he mumbled. "I… I just know they aren't mine and I'm sick of this and I wanna move on."
"Baby will you come sit next to me?" She asked, holding her hand out to him.
He shook his head and his voice cracked. "No… no I…"
"Eli, we aren't trying to upset you. I know it's overwhelming but… buddy DNA doesn't lie," El said gently.
"And I think Sam's not telling you cause she's scared... she's been through a lot and her dad's trails coming up," Liv trailed off when Eli spoke again.
"Well fine if you guys insist they're mine, I don't want them. I'll go to Sam's right now and tell her," he said, getting more and more worked up.
With a sigh and careful movements, Liv stood and made her way over to him. She sat beside him, wrapping her arms around him.
He sunk down into her chest as quiet sobs rocked his body.
After several long minutes of soothing him and rubbing his back, she spoke again. "I don't think you want that," she whispered.
"I don't know what I want…"
"You shouldn't have to… you're barely 17… you shouldn't even have to worry about this but… Eli this is your reality now, buddy," El said, coming to sit on his other side.
"Dad and I are gonna tell Dr. Johnson… we think she needs to know. Someone has to help you come to terms with this and," she paused to steady her wavering voice, "it's breaking my heart that I can't be that person for you, son… but I understand."
His sobs started again and he clutched onto her, not quite being able to stop or relax himself this time.
El got up and elevated Liv's foot before grabbing a blanket and wrapping it around both of them.
"I think right now you're tired and overwhelmed… and I think you need to sleep okay? And we'll be here when you wake up to talk more."
He simply nodded into her chest and continued to breakdown.
"Oh baby… don't cry," she cooed softly. "Eli everything happens for a reason… it all works out the way it's supposed to and, I know you're scared because this is a huge change. But I don't think God would have put this in His plan for you if you couldn't handle it.
He nodded against her chest and sniffled harder, unable to fully relax.
"You're so strong.. and I know it's scary but you're going to make the best daddy. I promise. Me and dad will be here and always have your back."
He was sobbing harder, unable to even catch his breath. "Come honey… come on let's go lay in your room okay?" She whispered and he nodded, his breaths coming hard and fast as he made his way to his room ahead of his parents.
He laid down, covering his face and sobbing into the pillow while Liv rubbed his shoulder and El his back.
"Eli… Elliot Jospeh, listen to me," she whispered, encouraging him to look up at them.
"You are… you are the most incredible young man I've ever met," she said, voice cracking. "You're smart, kind, hilarious. You are the best son… our best friend," she said, allowing some tears to fall. "You take care of your little brothers and your little sister, and love them with everything you've got. This… this is a part of life you shouldn't be at yet but you are… and just like everything else you've done… E you're going to excel at this," she finished in a whisper and he nodded, burying his head into his pillow and crying hard again.
"We love you buddy… and you're gonna be as great a father as you are a son and brother. We're gonna help you," he nodded. "You know we always have your back."
"I-I-i just wanna s-sleep," he coughed into his pillow. "J-just wanna be alone," he gasped and they breathed out softly.
"Okay… okay well we're not gonna leave you alone. So you can either have me or dad stay till you fall asleep."
"B-b-both," he nodded and they both sighed in relief, relaxing back on his bed with him until his tears stopped, his breathing steadied, and he drifted off, still clutching his mom's hand.
When Eli woke up, it was dark out.
His head hurt and his eyes were basically crushed shut from his tears.
He was alone in his bed, and patted around for his phone.
The light from the screen made him squint, and he read the time. 8:30pm.
Sighing softly, he started to read his missed messages, but stopped when he heard familiar voices in the kitchen.
"Listen we love Eli… and Harley does too. I went through this as a teen when my son was born, just like you did, El, but we didn't stay together. It can be done," Harley's dad, Josh, said encouragingly.
"Yeah and whatever they decide to be is up to them, but we just want you to know that we love Eli and care about him, and this doesn't change how we feel about him at all," her mom Laura added.
"It's not ideal, but we care more about his mental health than anything, and we're both just worried that it's going down hill. That's why Harls asked us to come over."
"I can't tell you how much we appreciate that," Liv said, her voice full of emotion.
"Yeah guys seriously… thank you so much," El nodded.
"She's crazy about him, and I know he's crazy about her too," Laura smiled small. "We just wanted you guys to know that, to tell him. Being in their life isn't gonna make us think less of him or pull her away from him."
"And if he ever wants to talk to me, I'm here for him," Josh nodded.
Eli's tears started again and he quickly wiped them, holding up his phone to read his messages.
H: Don't be mad I asked them to go over. I'm just worried about you. I love you, Eli.
Sucking in a stuttered breath, he texted her back.
E: Just woke up. I love you so much. Can I see you tomorrow?
H: Of course
Her reply was instant and he blinked quickly, moving to his next message.
Beau: We told Sam that you know for sure. She's really upset at us, I'm just warning you. We love you, brother.
E: I'll text her. I just need some time to process. Love you too.
B: Don't take too long, okay?
The next set of messages were from his two best friends in their group chat.
Em: Hey we're home come see us when you wake up
N: We're in my room. We have pizza
Em: And cake
N: It's chocolate
Em: And If you don't come see us we'll come and see you
N: Period!
His tears started again and he let out a sigh of relief when he heard Harley's parents leave.
Making his way slowly out of his room, he looked at his mom who was still at the kitchen table.
"Hi my boy," she said gently.
He smiled small and went to hug her tightly, kissing her cheek. "I love you. Sometimes I think I wouldn't be here without you."
"I love you so much son," she whispered, "and I just wanna see your eyes shine again."
He nodded and moved to his dad next. "I love you man."
"I love you more, man," El chuckled. "Go in Noah's room. Their spidey senses were tingling so they came home," he winked at him and Eli breathed out a chuckle, slowly heading into Noah's room.
From the door, El and Liv watched their three amigos.
"There he is," Emma exclaimed. "I basically had to tie Noah down so he wouldn't eat the rest of the cake."
"She's being dramatic I didn't even eat that much!" He said and Eli laughed, looking at the quarter slice that was left.
"How much did you come back with?" He asked Emma who gave him a look. "A half a freaking cake! And I didn't have any!"
"Noah!" Eli laughed, shaking his head.
"I'm a growing boy," he sighed dramatically, getting up to hug his brother tightly. The top of his head just about reached his chest, and he laughed softly, kissing it.
"Growing too fast baby bro," Eli nodded and Emma smiled, joining in the group hug.
"You okay?" She asked, and he shrugged. "Hard not to be with you two as my besties," he said.
"Awwwwe I knew he liked us," Noah said, eyeing the cake and pulling back.
Eli wrapped his arms around Emma tightly. "So much that I might even let you have some more cake," he teased as Emma hugged into his chest.
"Someone loves me here!" He exclaimed, returning to the board game they were playing.
"Thanks for coming home," Eli whispered to his sister.
"All this talk about the Stabler boys knowing everything about the girls and nothing about the Stabler girls knowing what our guys need!" She laughed and he grinned.
"Love you, sis."
"Love you more, bro. Come on, we were just about to start a new game."
From the doorway, El wiped his tears and Liv leaned against him.
"Don't stay up too late guys, okay?"
They all nodded and said their good nights, and the pair went into their room.
El stopped her once their door was shut, and moved to wrap his arms tightly around her.
"Those are some great children we have, Olivia."
"Yeah I think we're doing a good job," she smiled up at him.
"They have their momma's heart. All of them."
"And their daddy's loyalty," she countered, making him tear up more.
"He's gonna be okay, Elliot," she whispered, pecking his lips.
"I believe you… I truly do."
"Good… I'm pretty smart," she chuckled and he grinned, kissing her again.
"We should text Sam," he said as he pulled back and helped her sit in bed.
"Let's just call her?" She suggested and he nodded. "Good idea."
They got changed and settled next to one another, FaceTiming the young woman.
She didn't answer and texted them instead.
S: don't feel much like talking.
L: It'll be quick, I promise.
Liv smiled small when she called them back, and wiped her eyes at the site of the two people who were like her parents.
"We just wanted you to know how much we love you and our grand babies. That's all," El said and Liv nodded in agreement.
"Anything you need, we're here. Space, family, friendship… whatever, honey. Okay?"
Her face contorted as new tears spilled and she nodded quickly. "I-I love you guys too…"
"Sleep honey and we'll come see you tomorrow… okay?"
She nodded and they said goodbyes, breathing out.
El and Liv cuddled up together as best they could, and were about to drift off when Teddy cried softly.
"Classic," Liv laughed and El nodded. "Classic."
The following Monday, Liv was back at work on desk duty, and Eli texted her around noon.
E: Gonna skip soccer today. Coach was really understanding. Cool if I come to the precinct to box and hang with you? Just need some mom time.
L: Always! I love you.
E: Love you too mom
Liv was waiting in the gym for him after school, sitting with her leg propped up and entering some paperwork into her computer.
"Hey," he smiled small, coming in already in his workout gear. "Can you tape my hands?" He asked and she laughed, setting her computer aside. "Yes… I hate when you bust up those knuckles."
"I know," he blushed.
"Luce has the kids today, dads gonna come by in a bit too okay?"
"Sounds good," he smiled thankfully and nodded, watching her tape his hands and slide on his gloves.
He was just about to take his first swing when he heard a voice from the doorway that made him turn.
"You know, I think spent half of my career in this gym, or one like it, watching a Stabler wail on a bag while a Benson made sure he didn't hurt himself. Glad I'm spending my retirement doing the same."