Liv and Elliot went racing through the front doors of the hospital, following Eli who was directing them to the floor they needed to be on.
"What's the plan?" El asked his son.
"Kids are all in the cafeteria-"
"-Lemme guess, Noah was starving with worry?" Liv laughed, and Eli nodded and smiled.
"Exactly. Well they're in there with Liz and Peter- Katie and Beau will be back soon. They wanted to come back with me, and I think Anna Kate too. Ted was asleep when I left and AK had a little meltdown," he said as they walked out of the elevator.
"It's late," El commented, checking his watch and sighing.
"Poor baby is probably exhausted," Liv sighed.
"Yeah, she's outta it. Brandon was going to take her but she's been attached to me and Liz and keeps just whispering about 'Sam'."
"Oh she loves her Sam," Liv said adoringly as she signed their names into the registration book and stepped back for her photo.
"Yeah, plus, Brandon never sees her," El grumbled about his son's brother-in-law as he switched places with her
"That's what Jerry said," Eli nodded, referring to Sarah's father.
"Did he pout," Liv asked, following her boy.
"Oh yeah," Eli rolled his eyes, and the pair laughed a little, relaxing and coming down from their adrenaline high as they finally got to Maureen's room.
"Hi baby," Liv said, rushing to her and gripping her hand.
"Hi momma," she whined softly, leaning back and looking up at her.
"Hi… oh hi baby," Liv said, emotion filling her voice as she took one of her hands and put the other on her cheek.
"It's hurts," she laughed sadly, a tear dropping down her face.
"I know baby… I'm so sorry," she cooed gently, kissing her forehead.
"She's about 7 centimeters. They're gonna give her the epidural soon," Carl, who looked worse for wear, explained.
"Alright, that's good," Liv smiled, nodding encouragingly.
"L-Lilly's here," she said and Liv chuckled. "Sh sh… I know. Focus on you okay? Dad and I are gonna go see her, see the kids, and then I'll be right back. 10 minutes tops, okay?"
Maureen nodded and sniffled, leaning into her mom and afraid to let go.
"Alright… I love you baby. I'll be right back I promise you."
"I love you, mom," she nodded, hanging onto her promise and laying against Carl when he sat back beside her.
Dickie was waiting in the hallway with a dorky smile on his face when they got down to Sarah's room.
"Oh man… she's beautiful guys," he grinned, allowing both El and Liv to pull him in for a big hug. "Tiny but beautiful… four weeks early. About gave me a heart attack."
"Daughters do that," El laughed. "Especially your younger ones."
"I can't wait to see her," Liv said with a big smile, kissing his cheek. "Congratulations baby."
"Congratulations son," El smiled, squeezing him before they walked in.
"Ohhhh," Liv cooed, the tears that started in Maureen's room finally falling. "Oh look at her."
"She's perfect," Sarah said, smiling up through tired eyes.
"Look at that," El smiled, putting his hands on his wife's shoulder and looking down at the newborn.
"Congratulations, guys," Sarah's mother smiled, coming up to hug them.
"Thank you, Anne," Liv grinned. "Congratulations you!"
"She did so well," Anne boasted proudly.
"Of course she did. She's one tough cookie," El said proudly, hugging her, too, and then reaching to shake Jerry's hand.
"Alright, we'll still be here," Dickie smiled, "go see my sister. She needs her mom."
"We just did," Liv said, covering her chest with her hand in effort to keep her emotions at bay. "We're gonna go hug the littles and then yes, we'll be in her room," Liv said, kissing his cheek.
"AK's gonna go with Eli I think?" El asked, and Dickie nodded.
"I think he has my keys. Same infant seat so Teddy's will hook in there."
"You guys have thought of everything with all these babies," Jerry laughed.
"Someone's had to," Liv teased, winking. "Okay… we're gonna go see the kids and then I'm gonna go back to Maureen's," she nodded.
"I'll be between everyone," El nodded, leaning over to kiss his daughter in laws head. "Love you girl… congratulations."
"Thanks, El," she smiled sleepily.
"Dad I have a feeling you're gonna wanna take the kids home," Dickie warned with a nod. "They've been missing you guys, and always get a little weird when you specifically are gone for a certain amount of time."
"I toooold you," Liv sang, laughing softly and leaning over to kiss Sarah's head.
"Yeah, yeah," he chuckled softly as they left.
Emma sprinted over to them when they arrived in the cafeteria.
"Mooom," she sighed happily, hugging her. "I missed you."
"No love for dad?" El teased, smiling when his daughter quickly switched parents and hugged him tightly. "Daddy, obviously I missed you too."
Liv's heart swelled and her hand subconsciously fell to belly as she watched the interaction between her husband and their first daughter, eyes filling at the possibilities of him and their baby girl.
"Mom? You okay?" Noah asked, mouth full of food as Liz and Peter looked on skeptically.
Dropping her hand quickly, she nodded and blinked, walking over to hug him.
"I'm okay… just emotional! I've missed my babies and now I'm getting two granddaughters in one night?? Amazing!"
"It's pretty wild," Noah nodded, taking another bite on his burger. "Glad you're home, mommy."
"Me too," she smiled, kissing his curls. "Now don't talk with your mouth full," she teased, stepping back and peeking into the wagon stroller where Teddy lay, sleeping peacefully.
"Don't wake him up," Emma warned, "he won't wanna leave your side."
"I won't wanna leave his," she whispered, laughing, "but your sister is pushing soon so I need to go up there."
"Maybe I'll stay in the waiting room with him? Since he's asleep?" El asked hopefully with a nod to Teddy, having missed his little one desperately.
"Dad," Eli chuckled, smiling at the way Emma and Noah frowned at the thought of a sleepover without Teddy, "how about I take him and you can come grab him on your way home?"
"Shouldn't be long for our little Livie," Liz nodded, yawning herself.
"I have a much better idea… how about daddy takes you three home, and I'll come home after?" Liv said, arms crossing as she expertly examined all of the kids.
"I do miss daddy," Noah said, setting his fork down on his now empty plate and wiping his face.
Emma looked to her big brother who couldn't help but laugh. "Up to you guys. I'm gonna take Anna Kate home to sleep. We can have sleepovers whenever but I know you missed dad.
"Sam," came AK's tiny voice from her uncles chest.
"Gonna take you to see your Sammi," he promised, kissing her head and gently rubbing her back.
"I think you guys should go home with daddy," Liv nodded, making the decision and ignoring Elliot's nervous glare. "You guys can sneak up and say bye to Dickie, and then come back in the morning to meet everyone, okay?"
They all nodded obediently, and Liz stood with a yawn. "Mom has spoke. Mush," she commanded, waving at all of the kids who chuckled.
Liv walked ahead with the stroller and littles, and Liz gave her dad a knowing look. "Kate and Beau are coming with food. I'll make sure she eats and gets home at a reasonable hour," she whispered up to him.
He couldn't help but give her a small smile, wrapping his arm around her as they walked and kissing her head in silent thanks.
"You wanna say bye to daddy?" Eli whispered from behind him, and AK nodded, hugging his neck a little tighter.
"I'll text him and have him meet us in the waiting outside labor and delivery," El nodded as they all headed off.
Anna Kate flew into her daddy's arms the minute she saw him, and, in her overtired state, almost immediately started to cry.
"Sh… sh, sh… daddy's here. What's wrong, baby girl?" He cooed softly.
"T-t-tire d-daddee," she sniffled, shaking her head.
"I know… I know," he frowned, having to agree with her. "Uncle Eli is gonna take you home okay? Then daddy will come get you for breakfast 'fore I come get mommy and Lil, okay?"
"T-Tay, daddy," she whispered, reaching back for Eli who took her with a warm smile.
"How about everyone comes over for breakfast in the morning," El nodded to everyone. "You guys, too," he smiled at Sarah's parents.
"We'd love that," Anne smiled.
"Perfect," Noah grinned, putting his hands on his stomach. "I love breakfast."
"You love all food," Emma laughed, wrapping her arms around her baby brother from behind, and smiling when he leaned into her.
Mo reached for Liv when she made her way back in the room.
"Hi… you doing okay?" She asked the older blonde softly.
She nodded, leaning against her mom who'd sat beside her.
"They just gave me the epidural so feeling a little better… my body is just so tired," she sighed.
"I know… but you're gonna push through this like you do everything okay?"
Mo sniffled and nodded, pushing against her as a contraction hit and Carl rushed to her side.
When it passed, she went limp in their arms and a few tears rolled down her cheeks. "Mom you must be exhausted," she whispered, "go home."
"And miss my oldest have her first baby? Not in a million years," she said into her hair, reaching to pull her own hair tie free to pull back her girl's blonde locks.
"I-I h-had Carl t-text…" Mo began, a sob escaping her throat.
"I saw the flowers," she whispered, rubbing her arms soothingly.
"I-I'm… s-sorry," she groaned, bearing down as another contraction hit.
"Shhhh… breathe through it… you're okay," Liv coached, talking her through his one that was much closer to the last than before. "Carl go let the nurse know they're closer okay?" She directed, and he nodded, running out of the room.
"Mom, I'm sorry," Mo whispered, going limp in her arms again, breathless.
"Not a single thing to be sorry about," she promised, moving to look down at her, wiping away her fresh tears. "I love you, and I love this beautiful baby girl you're about to bring into this world."
Fresh tears pricked at both of their eyes, and Mo grasped the hands that cradled her cheeks.
"Relationship or not?" Liv whispered, voice thick with emotion. "You're my baby girl and my very best friend."
"Next to daddy," Mo whispered, laughing her tears down her cheek.
"Next to daddy," Liv corrected with a laugh of her own.
They both looked up the doctor walked in with a nurse trailing him.
"Alright let's see how we're doing," he doctor said, approaching the foot of the bed with a smile.
"Ah you're new," he chuckled, extending a hand to Olivia.
"This is my mom," Mo said through a sleepy smile.
"Pleasure to meet you mom," the fresh-faced doctor said. It was rare for anyone to not know Captain Benson, and the ability to fly under the radar for once made her smile.
Carl went to correct him, "Captain" on his lips, but Liv gave him a little shake of the head and a smile.
"Mom" was all she needed to be in that moment.
"Hey," Sam whispered with a smile, reaching out for Anna Kate when Eli brought her in.
She was sound asleep, and he leaned in to peck Sam's lips before handing over their niece.
"Kiddos go home with dad?" She whispered.
"Yeah, mom forced it," he chuckled.
"Good, they were both missing him anyways," Sam smiled, rocking gently with AK while Eli locked up and shut out the lights.
"I figured the moment they saw him they'd wanna go home. Thankfully Ted was asleep," he laughed softly, following her into Joey's room to hopefully get AK settled just as their phones buzzed.
"Mo's pushing," Eli whispered, smiling adoringly when AK refused to let go of her auntie.
"Thank goodness," she chuckled, "I think we're gonna have a roommate tonight," she whispered.
"What's one more," he winked, kissing her and placing his hand on the small of her back to lead her back to their room.
Noah, Emma, and Teddy were snuggled up in their parent's king bed when Elliot came out from brushing his teeth.
"Dad can we have a sleepover?" Noah asked, already comfy and having brought his blanket in, elephant, and pillow in.
"Looks like it," he laughed softly, climbing beside his boy. "C'mere," he motioned to Emma, laying back and settling Teddy on his chest.
She smiled small, and got up, curling into his other side. "Missed you daddy," she whispered.
"I'll always come home," he reminded her gently, kissing her head.
"I know I…" she trailed off.
"Talk to me?" He asked, knowingly.
"Jake's being a jerk," Noah mumbled, already half asleep against him.
El's head whipped towards his daughter, who mustered up her best Olivia Benson look. "Daddy… tomorrow?" She asked softly.
"Tomorrow," he nodded, kissing her head and content with the fact that she even would talk with him about it.
They fell asleep quickly, and he reached for his phone when it buzzed with a message and photo from Dickie.
He was laying on the couch in the dark of Sarah's hospital room with Lilly sleeping soundly on his chest.
D: Obsessed!
E: Best girl dad! Love you son
He sent back a pic of all of the kids snuggled in with him.
Eli: Awww hell yeah man. I'm glad they went home. They missed you!
E: I missed them!
D: They're the best. How could you not??
D: How's AK?
Eli replied with a selfie of her snuggled between him and Sam, sleeping peacefully.
Eli: Perfect now that she's with her Auntie
D: Aweee. I love you guys. Thanks for loving my baby so much!!
Eli: Thanks for loving ours, brother!
E: I'm getting emotional.
D: Shocking!
Eli: Lmao right? Heard from mom yet?
E: Not since she texted she was pushing.
D: Want me to investigate?
E: No you're good- stay with your baby. She'll text when she gets here.
D: Aye aye Sarge
E: Any idea what's going on with Emma and Jake?
D: I am the last person who would know
Eli: Must be serious cause she hasn't even told me.
D: Ask Liz
E: She hasn't even told you????
Eli: Nope I just know they've been weird.
Eli: Do not go through her phone.
D: Put it down, Stabler.
E: *mocking gif*
Eli: Alright, we're gonna try and get some sleep. Love you guys
D: Love you
E: Love you boys so much. So proud of the men and fathers are have become!!!!!
Eli: Oh man now I'm emotional.
D: Seriously!
Elliot set his phone down and snuck out of the kid's embrace, settling Teddy between them and making it out to the living room just as a text from Carl came in.
C: Olivia Margaret, 8lbs 10oz, 21 inches long. Mama and baby are great!!!
He sent a reply of congratulations and plopped down on the couch, anxiously waiting for Liv's FaceTime that came just an hour later.
"We have a new granddaughter!" She whispered with a big smile, turning the phone to Maureen, Carl, and the baby, who were settled in together on the small hospital bed.
"Oh…" El cooed softly, eyes filling up. "Hi guys… wow congratulations, honey," he grinned.
"Thanks daddy," she smiled eyes not leaving the little girl bundled up against her chest.
"Shes perfect," Carl said, his voice thick with emotion that made Elliot laugh.
"Welcome to the dads of daughters club, buddy," El said proudly.
"Thanks, El," he smiled, puffing out his chest.
"Alright, honey, I'm gonna send the kids home... think you can pick me up?" She asked, turning away from the new family and biting her lip.
He laughed. "Come get you?" Elliot asked, making Liv laugh. "Baby, the kids?"
"Are sleeping. Emma is 13 she'll be okay."
He thought for a moment and then nodded. "Yeah you're right."
"Who are you and what have you done with my dad?" Mo asked from her spot on the bed, making everyone laugh.
"I'm a grandpa for the 5th time- I'm soft now," he chuckled, before making eye contact with his wife via the camera.
"I'll be there in 10 okay? I love you."
"I love you," she smiled, blowing him a kiss.
El hung up with a smile, shuffling back in to quickly change and wake his daughter.
"Hmmm," Emma whispered, having gotten comfy with her arm stretched protectively across her brothers.
"I'm gonna go pick up mommy," El whispered back.
"Little Livy here?"
"She is," El beamed, and Emma smiled.
"I'm locking you in, just call if you need anything okay?"
"Okay daddy," she yawned, closing her eyes again.
"Love you baby," he whispered, kissing her cheek.
"Love you daddy."
Everyone was in the waiting room when El got in.
"Congrats papa," Katie said with a smile, moving to hug him tightly.
"Thanks honey," he grinned, kissing her cheek. "How you feeling?" He asked, stepping back to admire her almost 4 month bump.
"Good," she sighed contentedly. "We're just tired."
"Yeah, let's get everyone home," Beau said, standing with a yawn.
"You wanna go see her real fast?" Liv whispered, taking Katie's place and wrapping her arms around his middle.
"Hell yeah," he laughed softly, trying to not show his exhaustion.
"Breakfast in the morning," he called to his kids who'd quickly hugged them and were half way out the door.
"Let's do brunch," Liz suggested and Peter laughed, checking his watch and groaning at the 2am time.
"Brunch it is," Liv answered for them, yawning and giving El a little squeeze before slipping her hand under his shirt.
"We'll be there," Beau promised, and the four headed out.
"Thought you were hitching a ride," he asked her, taking a moment to just hold her.
"I knew the kids would be in our bed and needed you to take care of me before we got home," she admitted with a sly grin.
He couldn't help but laugh, taking a step closer and positioning one of his legs between her's.
"Oh?"
"Mhm… tonight has made me very excited about our baby," she whispered, smiling as he dropped his hand to her belly.
"Well then," Elliot smirked, resting his head against her's. "Let's go see the girls real fast," he said, voice low. "And then I'll take you back to the car and have my way with you."
"Mr. Stabler that sounds amazing," she purred, nipping at his lips before leading him to the elevator.
She all but dragged him into the back seat when they parked in their buildings garage.
He pulled her into his lap, smacking her ass roughly and making her squeal.
"What do you want?" He asked, already breathless and hard against her core.
"I don't care," she groaned, dragging his hands to her full and leaking breasts. "Just make me cum."
"Yeah?" He asked, breath heavy as he pushed her shirt up to reveal her distended nipples.
"Mhm," she whined as he took each of her nipples between his thumb and forefinger.
"I wanna make you cum like this," he whispered against her lips, kneading her sensitive buds for several more seconds before dropping his mouth down to her breast and nipping roughly at it.
She let out a cry of pleasure, readjusting herself so she could grind on his knee for added stimulation.
"Fuck Olivia, I love these pregnancy hormones."
"Little man wake up at all today?" Liv whispered once they'd walked back inside.
El laughed softly, leading her to the fridge for a bottle of water. "Yeah- he woke up a little when I was changing his butt and like, realized I was there, gave me a big cheesy smile and then closed his eyes," he paused a minute to laugh. "Basically if he could talk, he'd of given me a fist bump and said 'oh hey dad nice to see you man!'"
Liv was in stitches, trying to quiet her laughter with her hand as Elliot laughed softly with her.
"That kids got such a personality," he said once they got themselves together. "Not sure where he gets it from."
"Noah," Liv chuckled and El nodded. "Very true!"
"Oh man El I can't believe he's gonna be one and a big brother," she sighed contentedly, laying against his chest.
"I know," he smiled, hand dropping instinctively to her belly. "Two months until he's one."
"This first year of his life has gone so fast… so much has changed… I mean I wouldn't trade it for a thing but damn…" she chuckled softly.
"I hear you, honey."
She smiled, covering his hand, and yawned. "I'm ready for bed. Think they've taken up the whole thing?"
"You know they have," he chuckled, walking with her to their bedroom and smiling when they found the trio still snuggled in an orderly fashion over to one side.
"I love how much she loves them," he whispered to her, nodding about their daughter.
"She has your heart… she always has."
"You don't give yourself enough credit," he mused into her ear, hand wrapping his arms around her.
"Think she'll be like her?" Liv asked softly, linking their fingers together.
"I think she'll be her own, incredible little person. Just like they all are," he said, nuzzling his head into her hair. "But for my sanity I hope she comes out like an adult Mo," he snickered, making Liv burst into soft laughter.
"Go shower. I'll be waiting," he whispered, pecking her cheek and sending her off.
Liv woke the next morning to tiny hands on her face and the softest and sweetest voice she'd ever know.
"Mamama," came Teddy's excited whisper.
"Hi baby," she cried softly, forcing her tired eyes open and wrapping her little one in her arms. "Oh did I miss you," she whispered, getting emotional.
"He missed you, mommy," Emma yawned as she rolled over, wrapping her arms tightly around her middle and nuzzling into her chest.
"He's not the only one huh?" She whispered, and both laughed as Teddy pulled at her shirt with a frustrated squeal.
They listened to their boys dance around in the kitchen to the radio while they made breakfast, and Liv adjusted Teddy to nurse while Emma worked up her courage.
"Talk to me?" Liv asked softly, once they settled.
"Jakey and I… Things are changing and…" she sighed.
"What's changing?" She asked, running her hands through her hair that seemed to be darkening every day.
"Just... I don't know.. liking other people but.. not?"
Liv couldn't help her soft laugh. "Sounds like young love... and sounds like you need to do what we both tell your brother all the time."
Emma cracked a small smile and hid her face. "If it's meant to be it'll be?"
"Mmmmhm," Liv laughed. "But can you promise me something?"
"Always," Emma lifted her head, propping up on her arms to look at her mom.
"Talk to me? Talk to your sisters and your brothers? And even when he's being the most? Your daddy," Liv laughed softly.
"I promise," she smiled, eyes drifting down to her distended belly. "Mommy?"
"Emma?" She said, brow raised but smirk on her face.
Emma opened her mouth to ask her again if she was pregnant when the boys burst in with breakfast.
Teddy pulled free from her breast and gasped. "Dada!!"
Liv laughed, quickly pulling the covers over herself before sitting up and digging into breakfast as they planned their day.
They were back to work the following Tuesday, and had spent almost no time together between getting caught up on paperwork, kids activities, and helping with the new grandbabies.
So, she was surprised to see him walk through her office door around lunch time that Friday afternoon.
"Hey," Liv smiled, looking up from her desk and taking off her glasses.
El grinned, shutting the door and stalking over to sit on the edge of her desk.
"I have news…" she smiled, hands rested on her belly.
"Me too," he countered laughing at her shocked face. "You first."
Biting her lip, she nodded with a chuckle. "It's a girl. Confirmed."
He beamed, leaning down to kiss her with his hands tangling in her locks and framing her neck and jaw bone.
She got lost in their kiss for just a moment, before she remembered what he'd said and pulled back. "Wait… what's your news?"
"We got the house!" He grinned, and she squealed, jumping up into his arms.
Outside her office, Fin leaned back in his chair, watching through the window, and laughed to himself.
"They're like damn teenagers."
Amanda laughed, tossing a paper clip at him. "They deserve it."
"They more than deserve it," came a voice from behind them.