A/N: It's about that time
"Eli it's the state championship, you're going."
He sucked in a deep breath, trying to hide his frustration. "I'll have next year for that. It's just indoor league it's not a big deal. I'll only have the birth or our kids once," he said as calmly as he could.
"You're going," Sam repeated, stepping slowly out of the shower with a groan and taking his hand for support.
"Sammi," he sighed softly.
She looked up at him and shook her head. "You promised."
"I know but that was before I was super connected to them, Sam… they're my babies."
"I don't wanna discuss this anymore," she sighed, wrapping her towel around herself with a groan of pain, hand flying to her lower back.
"Come on," he said, walking her to her bed where she sat with a pout.
He helped her dry off and she laid back on the pillows sighing. Giving her a sad smile, he sat beside her. "Clothes?"
"I'm too exhausted," she said, and he nodded, pulling the blankets over her and kissing her cheek.
Tears rushed to her eyes and he frowned, curling beside her. "I just want them out," she said through tears. "I just want them out I hate this everything hurts and I'm so tired and-" she trailed off as sobs overtook her.
Kissing her cheek several times, he pulled her to his chest and let her cry it out. When she'd relaxed a little, he grabbed her hair brush and gently brushed out her long, chocolate hair, drying it with a towel.
"Let me at least get you a tshirt okay?" He whispered once he was done and she nodded, but pulled him back when he tried to stand.
Breathing out a laugh, he sat back beside her and put his hand to her cheek. "What's up," he whispered.
"Make love to me?" She asked, her eyes watering again.
He laughed a little and kissed her. "I think we've done more than enough to induce labor babe… why don't you just take it easy."
She shook her head. "It's not for labor or cause of hormones, E… I just…" her eyes trailed down before she looked back up at him. "Please…"
Her eyes were different and he blinked quickly, feeling his heart squeeze like it hadn't in a while.
"Sam," he whispered.
"Please," she said again and he crashed his lips to hers without hesitation.
Liv was focused on paper work when her oldest came barreling in.
"Mama can I have the gym key?" He asked, setting his overnight bag on her couch.
She looked up, immediately concerned, and took off her glasses. "Eli what's wrong…"
"Mom," he said, holding his hands up. "Gym key, please."
Taking a deep breath, she handed it to him and nodded. "I'm checking on you in an hour. Wrap your hands, please okay?"
"Thanks," he nodded, storming out and up to the gym.
Fin walked into her office with a raised brow. "Want me too check on him?"
She shook her head. "Just hold the bag?"
"Got it cap," he nodded, heading up.
El had taken a half a day and picked up Teddy from Lucy's to start packing for the weekend's away games.
"Alright little man," he said to his baby, sitting on the floor of his bedroom as El rummaged through drawers.
"We gotta get all your little Stabler shirts… some jammies annnnd… oh your cool guy pants," he said, smiling down at him.
Teddy looked up at him and gave him a toothy grin, and El smiled, turning his attention back to the dresser and taking clothes out.
At work, Liv got the notification of motion in Teddy's room via the cameras, and smiled small, turning it on to watch and listen to them.
"Okay so we gotta get the twins a few of these. Isn't it crazy Eli is having babies? You're gonna be an uncle," he laughed to himself and then shook his head.
Liv gasped as she watched Teddy move himself on his knees slowly like he always did, and then begin to rock back and forth.
"Go buddy go," she whispered as she watched.
"Man buddy we get a whole weekend together!" He exclaimed, folding his tiny joggers.
Teddy squealed in response.
"I know right! I'm excited too!"
Liv hit record on the video right as Teddy took one "step" forward on his hands and knees, and then another.
El was chatting away to him casually and laughed again to himself, looking down when Teddy reached his legs and pulled himself up, laughing a loud belly laugh.
"What are you laughing at??" He asked, looking down with a smile, and then back to his folding for a second until he realized.
Liv laughed hard as El gasped and looked back down to their baby. "Did you just crawl?!" He exclaimed, lifting him in the air and pressing a million kisses to his face. "You just crawled!! Oh my gosh buddy!!!"
She was in stitches watching her boys, and stopped recording to answer his FaceTime.
"I just watched the whole thing. Don't worry I recorded it!"
"I can't believe he crawled!!!! I thought he never would!!!"
"Good job buddy!!" She cooed to her baby boy who was getting more and more of her features.
"Send me that video so I can see it and send it to the kids!"
She laughed and nodded. "Okay… hey let me go. Eli stormed in here a little bit ago. He's up in the gym with Fin."
"Well at least he's no longer isolating when he's upset?"
"Small wins," she laughed softly. "I love you boys!"
Setting her phone down, she made her way up to the gym where Eli, now shirtless, was wailing on the bag Fin was holding.
"Hours up," she announced, sitting on the bench and looking up at him. He sighed, giving the bag one final punch before sitting down slowly on the bench.
"Thanks Uncle," he said, pulling off his glove and fist bumping him.
"Anything for you man. You're gonna be just fine."
He nodded and sighed, straddling the bench beside his mom.
"Talk," she said, turning to face him.
"Sam and I you know," he motioned, "and this time it was just different and um… when we were done we were laying together and scrolling through Instagram and there was this video," he paused and sighed. "Just about how their first few years are only when you have your babies and…" he trailed off as some tears fell.
She reached to hold his hand and he took it, pulling in a stuttered breath.
"We… I just love her a lot but I know… rationally we both know that… we'll find our way back and be there for our babies I just… I'm gonna miss them."
"Eli," she whispered, and he looked up. "What do you want, buddy?"
He nodded slowly. "I wanna go to Princeton and play soccer and excel in prelaw. I wanna come home to get my law degree from Columbia. I wanna be the best dad to my kids and best co parent and friend to Sam. I just wanna set myself up for success, for them. You know? So I can be at every soccer game and dance class and stuff… be there for when it matters most. Like dad is with Em and Noh now."
He was confident and steady in his words, despite his tears, and after he wiped his eyes, he looked up at her.
"Then that's what you'll do."
"Okay," he agreed after a beat.
They sat together in silence for a little longer before she smiled. "So dance and soccer huh? Already planning their lives?"
He blushed and then smiled, looking at her. "I hope she looks like Sam…"
"You're gonna be a goner if she looks like Sam," she laughed and he nodded. "She's already got me wrapped. Plus, you're one to talk. Wait till you get your third Elliot Stabler," he teased with a big smile.
"I am a sucker for my Elliot's," she laughed. "What's the word on this weekend?"
Exhaling he nodded. "She wants me to go. I can't really argue, she has Tom and Harley on her payroll," he grumbled.
"Are they dating?" She cut in, and Eli shook his head. "No, she's with that kid Bruce now from her school."
She nodded slowly. "You guys think you'll give it another try once you get to college?"
Eli shrugged. "Maybe. Maybe not, just don't know yet. Sam will probably want me to. But I want her to date, too."
"You're sure you guys just don't wanna give it a try?"
"I just think it's gonna be too hard. You and dad are, well you and dad, and struggled when Ted was born. Dickie and Sarah when Anna Kate came. I just know us and," he paused, running his hands through his hair, "I think it's gonna be too much. To try and focus on a serious relationship ya know? While I'm away and they're so little."
"I get that… but can I say something?"
"Always," he nodded.
"In your relationships, your partner comes first. Even before the kiddos."
He made a face. "What? You and dad always put us first?"
"Me and dad put each other first, but are just really good at it so it seems like you guys are number one," she winked and he chuckled. "But seriously… me and dad came before all of you at home, at least. And you and Sam came before those babies. If you're gonna do it, you have to be one another's priority."
"I understand… I just… she doesn't think we're ready."
"Do you?"
"I would move them out to an apartment in a heart beat, yeah."
"She'll get there... you both will."
"I hope so," he paused and then looked at her. "Mama?"
"Yeah bud?"
"Will you stay home with her this weekend?" He asked shyly, and she smiled small.
"Of course… was already thinking about it."
He relaxed visibly and smiled, nodding. "I want you there I just," he trailed off when she took his hand again. "I get it."
"Thanks," he nodded quickly.
His phone buzzed with the video of Teddy crawling and then a picture of him laughing in one of his "Stabler" soccer jerseys.
Laughing, he showed his mom and she looked at him with a grin. "You guys wanna bring him this weekend?"
"Duh," he said with a laugh. "I thought that was a given."
She held her hands up in surrender and smiled. "Maybe I'll have Sam come stay at ours. We haven't had some girls time in a while."
"I think she would really love that mama," he smiled small. "Thank you… so much."
"Alright we got everything?" El called, picking up his and Ted's bag.
"All in the car," Eli confirmed, putting his bag on his shoulder's and gently rubbing Teddy's cheek.
Liv squeezed Noah and Emma, kissing their heads and making them promise to be good.
"Yeah yeah yeah," they said, hugging her, saying their I love you's, and heading downstairs.
Liv took Teddy to give him a few cuddles before he left while Eli went to hug Sam tightly.
"Love you, girl… please keep 'em inside till I get home," he laughed softly and she smiled. "I'll try… kick some ass," she whispered, smiling up at him.
He leaned down to kiss her softly. "I will. Call me if you need anything.. okay?"
"Promise," she nodded, her hands trailed up his back to his shoulders when he knelt before her and kissed her belly. "I love you two… be good for momma and stay in there till daddy gets home okay?" He said seriously, making everyone laugh.
Eli stood and hugged his mom. "Thanks momma, appreciate you."
"Course baby, have fun and good luck!"
"Thanks," he grinned and nodded, "love you."
"Love you," she smiled.
The boys left and Liv sat next to Sam, propping her feet up on the coffee table.
"Thanks so much for letting me stay," she said smiling small. "And for staying home with me."
"Of course," Liv said, rubbing her belly gently. "How you doing?"
Sam breathed out and nodded. "I'm okay… exhausted."
"I bet," she said with a soft laugh. "You and Eli doing okay?"
She nodded slowly. "Yeah it's… different. But we're trying to be there for each other and establish a good relationship you know? For them…"
"Understandable… any news on the Harley front?"
She shook her head. "No, I mean she and I are friends but they haven't talked much. I mean they talk, they're friends and she and Tom have gotten really close, but everyone is more making sure he's treating me right," she laughed.
Liv laughed. "You've got good friends, you know."
"Oh I know… I'm so so lucky."
"What's are you thinking? As far as you and him?"
"No idea," she sighed. "We both just want our babies to be happy and healthy. I don't think we're gonna be able to do that while dating you know? Like Dickie and Sarah had struggles when Anna Kate was a baby. Same with you and El… we both know we have too much going on to try and make a romantic relationship with expectations work. So starting small? I guess?" She laughed. "Being friends and co parents. Then we'll see."
"I think that's very mature of you guys," Liv said encouragingly, satisfied that her answers matches his.
"We just keep saying like, they're our priority while they're little and he and I are in school. And then when he comes home we'll see I guess."
"What about dating?" Liv asked.
"That's a whole conversation that's already been had. I told him I would be okay with Harley being in the kids life as his girlfriend. It's different cause she'll have been in their lives from the start, you know? But anyone else, we both agreed a minimum of a year dating before they meet the twins."
"That's definitely smart… I… I regret bringing Tucker into Emma and Noah's lives so early," she admitted and Sam nodded, breathing out. "Okay good so I'm not overreacting," she laughed softly.
"Definitely not," Liv smiled.
"Plus," Sam added, "Eli's biggest worry, and I agree, is EJ not having a consistent male figure and then getting attached to someone who won't be around. And… you know how those Stabler boys are with their daddy," she said, looking over to her with an eye roll.
Liv snorted and nodded. "Absolutely."
"We've talked to Dickie and Beau and Carl… they're gonna be there for EJ when Eli goes to college, and I know El will too. I'm just so worried that he's gonna see how much he's there for Teddy and feel sad or jealous," she sighed, rubbing her belly.
"We can only take it day by day… we can't speculate on how they're going to act or be."
"I feel like I already know them… already know exactly how they're gonna be. You know?" She smiled small. "Didn't you feel that way with Ted?"
Liv bit her lip and smiled small. "Yeah I guess I did…"
"All I want is for them to be happy and loved… and I know I'm this family it's impossible to be any thing but those two things."
"You know we're always here for you right?"
"I know… and you have no idea how much I appreciate it."
She smiled and nudged her. "I'm so glad we get to be together this weekend. We were overdue for some girl time!"
"Yes!" Sam smiled and nodded, rubbing her belly gently. "I can't believe I'm gonna have a mini me," she laughed.
"It's the best!" Liv exclaimed as they settled in for a movie.
Their Friday and Saturday was overall uneventful.
The following week was Thanksgiving, so the pair planned the meal, the birth plan as Sam was convinced she was going to have to be induced, and then Christmas and New Years.
"God we're so productive without them," Liv had teased and Sam laughed and nodded.
They got the call Saturday night that Eli's team had won, and talked him into staying to celebrate with everyone and coming home the next morning.
He very begrudgingly agreed, and he, his teammates, the girl's team, and Em and Noah spent the evening down at the heated hotel pool, sending selfies to the whole family of their shenanigans.
El was in the room with Teddy after making Eli promise up and down to keep an eye on Noah and Emma and have them back in the room by 10.
It was just around 9 when he settled back into bed and texted Liv.
E: Thinking about you.
L: Oh?????
E: Mhmmmm. Kids are at the pool and Ted is asleep.
E: What are you doing?
L: Reading in bed with a glass of wine. Sam wasn't feeling great so went to be early.
E: Hmmm glasses on?
His free hand drifted down his bare stomach to his sweats, palming himself through them, and he groaned when she sent him a selfie.
She was make up free with pursed lips and her dark frame glasses on.
L: Course
E: Call me
She laughed softly and dialed his number. Knowing her husband like the back of her hand, she knew what he was aiming for, but didn't anticipate just how far gone he was until she heard his rough and gravely tone say hello to her.
Her moan was audible, and she set her book down, sinking back in the bed.
"I miss you," he said as he heard her get comfy.
"I miss you… don't wanna FaceTime?"
"Nah," he said confidentially. "I need to make sure I still have the power to get you off with just my voice."
"El," she breathed out, drawing circles on her fluttering belly at his words.
"Whatcha wearing?" He asked, kneading himself until he was fully hard.
"One of your t-shirts and some leggings," she said softly, running her hand up her belly to the valley between her breasts.
"Take your shirt off," he instructed, and she did, laying back and turning her eyes to her heaving breasts.
He was about to give her more instruction when Teddy cried.
They both laughed softly and she FaceTimed him, smiling when he answered and was holding a still whining Teddy.
"Ohhh what's wrong baby boy," Liv cooed, having slipped her shirt back on.
"Long day I think so just sleepy and needs some daddy cuddles," he chuckled, settling him on his chest.
"Well there goes your plans," she teased with a smile.
"You're mine when I get home," he clarified and she smirked. "Yeah? What are you gonna do?"
"I want you to ride me… wanna see those perfect tits bounce above me while I bury myself into you," he grumbled, his erection beginning to throb again.
"Yeah?" She asked, breathlessly, slipping her hands in her panties and circling her clit slowly.
"Oh yeah… I wanna make you scream… make you cum over and ov-..." he trailed off when Noah and Emma knocked. "Daaaad we're back!"
Liv burst into laughter and El shook his head. "Why god why," he begged.
She laid back and got herself under control as El let the shivering kids in.
"Hi mom!" Emma smiled into the camera before disappearing into the bathroom.
"Hi mommy," Noah grinned.
"Alright mommy we're gonna go to bed, I'll let you go. We love you and miss you," El said blowing her a kiss.
"Love you guys so much! See you tomorrow!"
El got the kids settled and Ted back to sleep before texting her again.
E: We're gonna need to get a hotel cause I'm gonna make you scream
L: Elliot Stabler
L: I can't wait ;)
E: Night baby. Love you
L: Love you more, my love
She couldn't resist how worked up she was after his words, and used her favorite toy to get herself off, making sure to send him a photo of it resting against her spread thighs when she was done.
E: Evil. But so sexy.
L: ;)
It was 3am when a sharp cry of pain from her son's bedroom down the hall startled Olivia awake.
Racing out of her room, she threw open Eli's door to find Sam sitting up.
"Liv…" she sobbed, looking down between her legs where her water had clearly broke and some blood had begun to pool.