June 24th, 9 AM.
Good it's running. Elliot thought to himself as he was relieved that the motorcycle cranked and even more relieved that he had cranked it every now and then in the last couple years Liv's gonna have a blast today I'm gonna make sure of it, he decided as he felt his phone vibrate in his pocket and pulled it out to check it.
Liv: Morning El smiling face emoji the text read and he sighed feeling a little bad that she hadn't woken up in his arms Morning baby, smiling face with hearts emoji, face blowing a kiss emoji he sent.
Liv: face blowing a kiss emoji you want me to start breakfast?
El: You don't have to honey I'll be right in.
Liv: I want to. What should I fix?
El: ask the kiddos what they want smiling face with hearts emoji.
Liv: thumbs up emoji as with that Elliot found their helmets, sat them on the bike then headed inside.
"Breakfast smells amazing baby," Elliot said with a smile as he walked into the kitchen.
"Thanks it's just chocolate chip waffles and microwaved bacon."
He nodded "well still. Liv I'm sorry I wasn't there when you woke up this morning I planned to be..."
"It's okay El really you can't be there all the time I only woke up because I heard a loud motor revving it must have been across the street."
He nodded keeping silent as he wrapped his arm around her and gently pulled her to him "so why does Munch need to be here so early?" she asked again as she had asked him ten times since dinner was through the night before.
"Because I've got all sorts of surprises lined up for you Liv," he whispered as he had given her that same answer every time.
"What kinds of surprises?" she pushed.
"If I answered that question then it wouldn't be a surprise now would it?"
She sighed slightly and shook her head "no but..."
"You hate surprises. I know baby but have I ever given you a bad surprise before?"
"No," she said as she shook her head slightly.
He nodded and smiled "only good surprises today baby, only good things and good thoughts," he whispered as he kissed her gently.
Olivia melted into it then returned it in kind "can I ask you one question though?" she asked once they had pulled their lips apart.
"Of course doesn't mean I have to answer though."
She nodded "what kind of outfit should I wear?"
He smiled "wear something that you're comfortable in and that it wouldn't upset you if it got a little dirty."
She nodded with a smile and with an eyebrow slightly raised "I can do that," she said as they then all headed to the table to eat breakfast.
10:10 AM.
"So we have Mr. cuddles, your favorite two dolls, your princess pajamas, your bedtime story, your barbie computer and your pillow and blankey is there anything else that you wanna take with you to uncle Munch's?" Olivia asked with a smile before zipping Izzabella's overnight bag.
Izzabella thought about it for a couple minutes then looked to her "h-how long will I be there?"
"Just for one sleep sweetheart and if you don't wanna go you don't have to me and daddy can do this another time."
She nodded slightly and was quiet for another minute "uncle Munch is really fun," she said thoughtfully.
Olivia smiled and nodded "yes he is," she agreed.
She nodded "do you think I'll have fun?"
Olivia nodded "I think you'll have loads of fun I think he'll spoil you rotten while he has you," she said with a smile.
Izzabella nodded slightly "c-can I give you , daddy and sissy hugs before I go?"
"Of course baby," she said softly and Elliot stepped into the room slightly "everything okay?" he asked softly.
"She's just a little nervous about leaving," Olivia whispered as he nodded, walked all the way over to them and pulled Izzabella into his arms "how come you're nervous kiddo?" he asked softly as he rubbed her back.
"I-I've never been to uncle Munch's before a-and I only want it to be one sleep."
"That's all it'll be baby, that's all it'll be we promise and what do I always tell you our number one job is?"
"T-To keep me safe."
He nodded "so do you think we would send you to stay with uncle Munch if it wouldn't be safe and fun?"
Izzabella shook her head and Elliot nodded and smiled "I want you to give it a try for a little while and if you try for a bit and still wanna come home then uncle Munch will let us know and we'll pick you up okay?"
She nodded slightly "I'm gonna stay for one sleep," she said bravely.
Liv and El both smiled proudly as Elliot kissed her on the head, hugged her gently then put her down when he heard the motion detector app on his phone go off in his pocket motion detected, front door. Motion detected, front door it announced and the doorbell rang immediately after "damn he's early," Olivia whispered.
"Yeah he is," El agreed as Izzabella looked to Liv "Mommy you said a bad word," she said and Olivia chuckled and nodded "god help us if we ever use a swear jar," Elliot said.
"Between me and you I think we'd be broke," she said as Elliot nodded "most definitely," he said with a smile and the three of them headed downstairs.
"I take it the CIA's spying from up close now? Not just from a far?" Munch asked in response to the motion detectors he could see outside the house.
Elliot rolled his eyes at him clearly unamused "you know why we have them," he said flatly.
Munch's expression sobered as he nodded his head "when'd you guys put them in? I didn't see them last time I was here."
"Friday night it's helped our peace of mind a lot."
"That's good to here. You know I think my house phone was tapped."
Elliot sighed and Olivia frowned "how come?" she asked.
"Cuz it makes a lot of clicking sounds. I know a lot of things that big brother doesn't want me to know so I'm sure he's making sure I don't reveal his secrets."
Elliot chuckled slightly "Jon there are so many people in this country the government wouldn't have time to monitor you that closely even if they wanted to."
"You just keep telling yourself that," he said and Izzabella looked to them "whose big brother?"
"Nobody baby," he said as he picked her up and wrapped her back in his arms "I love you so much baby, so so much and I'll see you tomorrow okay?"
"Okay daddy. I love you too," she said as Liv then took her and showered her with hugs and kisses too "remember what I said about the conspiracy theories Jon, absolutely none of them if she comes home scared because of some story you told her you'll never get her overnight again," Elliot said.
"I hear you loud and clear," he said and Elliot nodded "she can't have regular milk only soy milk. Her bag's packed it's got her pajamas, a couple pairs of pull ups, her blanket, stuffed animal and a few toys in it. She's a little nervous about staying over so if she gets to where she really wants to come home just call us and we'll take her to Carmines with us."
Munch nodded "I will but we're gonna have a great day and you two are gonna have a great date night you deserve it more than anyone I know."
Elliot smiled "thanks Jon," he said sincerely.
"My pleasure," he said as he took Izzabella's bag, she hugged Lizzie then they both left as Olivia went straight upstairs to get dressed.
"Is the government really listening to Mr. Munch's phone calls?" Lizzie asked once they were gone.
"No baby, no they aren't he's just paranoid."
"Good," she said relieved "it's awful to spy on people like that I'm glad the government doesn't do that."
Elliot nodded "well to be fair the FBI does do it sometimes but it's mainly just focused on terrorists and dangerous people."
She nodded "so they listen to robbers phone calls?"
He shook his head "to get on their radar you have to threaten the government or a government official in some way."
Lizzie nodded her head alarmed "people really still do that?"
"Sadly yes it's rare though," he said as he relocked the door and secured the chain "are you gonna be alright fixing yourself lunch in a bit? Me and Liv will be out riding for several hours."
"Yeah I will be I'll probably just eat a ham sandwich."
Elliot nodded "alright honey," he said with a smile as he sat down on the couch and patiently waited.
10:50 AM.
Elliot looked up from his phone hearing soft footfalls on the stairs as he smiled when he saw Olivia approach "sorry it took me so long I was debating between two tops," she said as she was wearing a short sleeved NYPD top and a comfortable pair of genes with her hair up in a loose bun as her sneakers matched her outfit.
"No problem baby we have all the time in the world today. You look beautiful by the way."
She smiled "thanks El so where are we headed? What do I need to bring with us?"
He smiled "you'll see really soon sweetheart and I wouldn't bring much we won't have much space to put stuff."
"Oh? Okay..." she said as she headed into the kitchen and made herself a to go thermos of ice tea "do you want tea too El?"
"Please?" he asked and she nodded and fixed it for him "hey Liv you might wanna make that bun a little tighter," Lizzie said.
"Why?" she asked curiously.
"Because it might fall out," she said and Olivia just nodded and tightened it with a slightly raised eyebrow.
"So are we ready?" Elliot asked Liv with a smile after taking his tea with a grateful expression.
"Yeah I think so. Should I bring my phone or anything?"
"You can if you want to I have mine though."
Olivia nodded satisfied with that answer "I'll just leave it here," she said as she threaded her fingers through his "love you Lizzie! We'll see you in a bit!" she said with a joyful smile.
"Love you too! You guys have fun!"
"We will! Lock the door behind us!" he said and they were then out the door.
"Hey! What the?" Olivia said puzzled as he was leading them towards the shop not the truck.
"You trust me?" Elliot asked softly.
"Of course... I just thought..."
He gently rubbed her hand with his thumb "you're gonna like this baby just let your guard down for today and enjoy the day? Please?"
She nodded and slightly smiled "I'll try," she said and they walked further as she then gasped and her face lit up when she saw the two helmets sitting on the motorcycle.
"See? I told you you'd like this," he said with a soft smile as he gently fastened her helmet on for her.
Olivia continued to smile huge "dammit El I should have known... The clues were right there the loud motor I heard this morning... Lizzie telling me my bun was to loose..."
He just smiled and chuckled a little "well I'm sorta glad you didn't figure it out for yourself because I love seeing this look on your face."
"I love smiling too El, I really really do," she said as she secured his helmet for him "that comfortable?"
"Yeah is yours?"
Olivia nodded and he smiled slightly "if at any point it isn't and you start to feel restricted in it just let me know and we'll pull over for a bit okay?"
"Okay," she said still smiling as she climbed on to the back then he carefully got on in front of her "you ready baby?" he asked once her arms were wrapped around him.
"Yeah," she said eagerly and he nodded, cranked it up then slowly pulled out of the driveway.
As they pulled out Ryan McGuire waved from the porch swing across the street and Liv shot him a smile and waved back "that kid's looking a lot better!" Elliot said over the noise of the motor.
"He sure is! You know this was the perfect day for this El the weather's perfect!"
"Yeah it is! You think Izzabella's having a good time with Munch?!"
"Ohh most definitely I'd bet you twenty dollars that they're at coney island right now!"
"No need to bet cuz I agree with you!" he said as he was still driving rather slowly.
Olivia just smiled "Go a little faster honey I want you to make me squeal!"
Elliot's cheeks reddened and he said nothing "get your head out of the gutter! I didn't mean that kind of squealing..." she said and he nodded several times, cleared his throat a little then started driving at the speed limit.
Olivia in fact squealed with a bright smile when the bike sped up as she kept her arms around him and enjoyed the ride "maybe tonight once we're home from dinner we can try something though..." she finally said.
"I'd like that baby but only if you're comfortable with it I mean that!"
Olivia nodded her head slightly "I love you El!"
"Love you too baby!" he said as they then went into a comfortable silence enjoying the ride and the view.
2 PM.
Olivia gently tapped the side of his stomach "El I could really go for a snack how about you?!"
He smiled "I could do for more than a snack! How about we stop at the diner over there?! It's the one with the milkshakes!"
"Sounds great!" she said with a smile as he promptly pulled into the parking lot, parked and they took their helmets off storing them in the saddle box.
"What are you gonna get?" she asked as they stood in line.
Elliot smiled "I think I want a chilly dog how about you?"
She smiled "Ummm I'll probably get nachos."
He nodded "looks like they moved the shake menu it's over there now," he said pointing to the right.
She sighed and nodded "that figures," she said as she glanced over and read it "I think I'm gonna get the Oreo one."
He nodded "I'm gonna get the mint chocolate chip."
Olivia smiled and nodded "some things never change," she said as he smiled, wrapped his arm around her waste gently and they moved to order.
Ten minutes later they were sitting in a booth side by side "I've enjoyed today so much El," she said with a smile as she munched on her nachos.
"I'm really glad you have baby it's nowhere near over," he said as he stole a nacho chip.
She nodded "what made you decide to pick motorcycle riding? It's been so long since we last rode I didn't figure we'd ever do it again," she said as she took a bite of his chilly dog.
He nodded and smiled "when you were in the hospital I promised I'd take you riding on our anniversary and you know when I make a promise I keep it besides I've been wanting to ride for a while too."
She smiled at the end of his statement "I don't remember asking to go riding."
He nodded "you didn't ask I made the promise one of the 50 times they drew your blood while you were there."
She nodded and sighed "god El I'm so thankful I don't remember most of that."
"So am I baby it was really traumatizing for you my heart was broken almost the hole time we were there I felt so powerless to help you."
She frowned slightly "you shouldn't feel that way honey the one thing I do remember is never feeling like I was going through any of it alone and the day I became aware of myself and my surroundings again you were there for me."
He nodded "I know I was I guess I just wished I could have done more."
"You did all you could I know you did," she said adamantly.
He nodded, swallowed the food he had in his mouth then kissed her temple as she smiled and scooted closer to him "he didn't kill them!" someone shouted on the other side of the diner and she frowned.
Elliot wrapped his arm around her lovingly and ate with his free hand "yes he did Amanda there's loads of evidence!" a man shouted as it was clear to them now that it was Amaro and Rollins.
"You know they remind me so much of us back in 06 and 07," Olivia said.
"It's all circumstantial!" Rollins shouted back and Elliot nodded "they do me too."
"Thank god we don't fight like that anymore," she whispered as she ate another nacho.
"You know damn well you have a blindspot for middle aged men! What I wanna know is why!" Amaro demanded as Elliot's jaw dropped "right?" he whispered speechless.
"Excuse me?!" Rollins demanded and Amaro just nodded "you have daddy issues don't you?"
The next thing Liv and El knew punches were thrown and a waiter was breaking them up "w-wow," Liv said slightly shaken as she watched them both storm out in opposite directions.
Elliot nodded and rubbed her back knowing she still had a bit of healing to do and that fights didn't usually effect her like that "it'll be alright I'm sure they'll work it out and find their stride."
"Maybe," she said as she sighed and tried to shake away her nervousness and adrenaline "good thoughts Olivia, good thoughts it's a good day," she whispered to herself.
Elliot smiled softly and kissed her temple "do you wanna leave? It's alright if you do."
She sighed "part of me does and part of me doesn't. I-I just feel uneasy and I don't want to and I don't know why."
He nodded "I think you were triggered by the violence baby. It's alright we can finish our food outside."
She nodded and they moved in sync grabbing their food and drinks and heading outside to sit on the bench by the door in the breeze "how am I gonna do it El?" she whispered after a couple minutes.
"Do what baby?" he asked turning to face her having finished his chilly dog.
"Go back to work in a month when aggression shakes me up like that."
He sighed slightly and rubbed his forehead with the back of his hand "I donno baby," he whispered.
She nodded "you don't think there's a chance I'll be over it by then do you?"
He sighed again softly "I really don't know baby," he said.
She sighed "El it's okay you can tell me what you really think."
He sighed "I really don't know Liv that's the honest to god truth I want you to be because I know that's what you want but I also know how healing is and I wanna support you but not smother you or discourage you and"-
She nodded understanding as she took his hand in hers "m-maybe I should just ask for more time?"
"Maybe but only if that's what you wanna do."
She sighed "I-I don't know what I wanna do El I really don't."
He nodded slightly and stroked her knuckles with his thumb "I can't make the decision for you baby but I'll support whatever you decide whenever you decide and you still have around three weeks before you'll need to let them know one way or the other."
She nodded, sipped on her milkshake a little then ate a nacho "I wish I wasn't so conflicted El I-I wish I just knew."
He nodded "I know baby, I know but as more time passes things will become clearer."
She nodded her head then sighed heavily "I've ruined a perfectly joyful afternoon with this heavy shit El I'm sorry..."
He shook his head adamantly then kissed her temple "you've ruined absolutely nothing baby."
She didn't fully agree with that but nodded her head anyway "I think I'm through with these you want the rest of them?" she asked pointing at the nachos.
"Nah I'll save the rest of my appetite for tonight," he said with a smile.
Olivia nodded and that statement made her face light up again "are you ever gonna tell me where we're going?" she asked as she stood and threw their trash away.
"Not a chance Stabler you're just gonna have to wait and see I can promise you'll love it though."
She walked back over to him "that promise is good enough for me," she said with a soft smile as they kissed tenderly then had an enjoyable motorcycle ride home with Olivia determined to keep her trauma, her job and everything that wasn't Elliot Stabler out of her mind for the rest of the day.
4:15 PM.
"I'm gonna head upstairs to shower and change what time do I need to be ready by?" Liv asked as when they got home they had quickly checked on Izzabella then watched a quick show together and just cuddled.
"I'd say around 6 to account for traffic and stuff," he said with a smile.
She nodded her head "I can do that we're going formal right?"
"Just where whatever makes you feel comfortable baby I want you to feel comfortable."
She nodded her head and kissed him touched by his thoughtfulness as he returned it in kind just as his phone began to ring "dammit," he whispered through a sigh.
"It's okay El really," she said standing from the couch and he just nodded and grabbed it "Stabler," he answered.
"Yes this is he."
"Okay," he said with an unreadable expression.
"I knew that would be the case," he said a minute later as he nodded several times knowingly.
"Yeah maybe but it put my wife through unnecessary worry that I didn't appreciate."
Olivia glanced at him then and stopped walking towards the stairs as he just gave her a soft smile "no not at this time I see no reason to," he told the person on the phone.
"Mmhmm, alright thanks for the call."
"Yes ma'am, alright mmhmm bye bye," he said as he ended the call then put his phone down on the table "everything okay El?" she asked.
He nodded then stood and walked over to her "that was doctor More's office."
She nodded "w-what'd they say?"
He smiled softly "they just let me know that my A1C results came back normal. I don't have diabetes baby."
"Ohh thank god..." she said as she let out a huge sigh of relief and hugged him tightly.
He smiled, lifted her in to the air and twirled her around and she let out a happy squeal as he smiled then put her back on her feet a minute later "in all fairness I did tell you I'd be fine from the get go," he said teasingly.
She nodded "I know you did but I couldn't help but worry though until I knew for sure," she said seriously.
He nodded and pulled her close again as his face sobered "I know baby, you don't have to worry anymore though I'm not going anywhere anytime soon and I want you to know even if it had been positive I would have done everything they said to do so I could have stayed on this earth with you and the kids where I belong."
She nodded and smiled as she melted into him "I know you would have El," she whispered emotionally and confidently.
He smiled, kissed her temple and stayed that way with her for a few minutes then stepped to the right a pace to give her the space to head upstairs as when he moved she instinctively followed his movement "are you wanting to stay in? If so that's okay I can reschedule the reservation for another time," he said as he wrapped his arm back around her.
"No no I still wanna go I-I wasn't thinking I'll go get ready now."
"Are you sure Liv? Because it's really okay if"-
She nodded "I'm positive El it's been years since we went out like this we're going."
"Alright baby," he said with a soft smile as he moved his arm, they kissed then she headed upstairs to shower and get ready while he fixed Lizzie a quick dinner.
5:15 PM.
Shit I only have 45 minutes Liv thought to herself while drying herself off in the guest bedroom as she had shaved while in the shower , washed her hair and also scrubbed all the flaky dead skin off of the arm which had been casted despite the doctors orders not to.
Once she felt like she was dry enough she applied some scar cream to all her scars then put her vanilla bean lotion on lingerie or no lingerie? she asked herself in her head.
She debated on it for a minute then ended up shaking her head to herself as she rung the access water out of her hair, blowdried it then got dressed as she was relieved that her hair was wavy and didn't need to be curled.
As she was about to fully take a look at herself in the mirror she heard her phone ping as she sighed, grabbed it and looked at it.
Her annoyedness turned into excitement though when she saw the name on her screen as she clicked on it and looked at it.
El: 5:42 PM: as there was a simple picture attached and it was of him standing in their completely finished and cozy looking master bedroom with her favorite suit and matching tie on You look handsome El xxxx she sent as she had payed more attension to his selfy than the appearance of their room.
El: Thanks baby xxxx smiling face with hearts emoji.
Liv: smiling face with hearts emoji she sent back to him as she then put her phone down ignoring the unread messages she had received from Rollins and Amaro earlier in the day and she looked at herself in the mirror.
Once she was satisfied that none of her scars were showing she quickly applied some light makeup careful not to get any on her dress as she didn't wanna go overboard but she also wanted to look nice okay I think I'm ready, she decided as she looked at herself in the mirror a final time, put on her perfume and high heels then made her way downstairs.
"Wow Liv you look beautiful," Lizzie said with a smile from the couch as she was watching tv.
"Thank you sweetie. Did you have a good day today?"
She nodded "mmhmm I slept all day it was nice."
"It was huh?" she asked shocked.
"Mmhmm I love sleeping," she said as just then the front door opened and Elliot came in from outside as he walked up to her and looked her up and down with a soft smile "you look really beautiful baby," he said genuinely as he handed her a few flowers from the garden.
She took them from him gently with a smile "thank you El you look really handsome too. The picture didn't do you justice."
He blushed slightly "you're to sweet."
She shook her head "no I'm just honest," she said as they exchanged a quick kiss and she smiled even bigger when she got a whif of his cologne "you wore my favorite," she whispered.
"Of course I did you did too," he whispered with a smile as he then held his arm out "you ready?"
"Almost I just need to put these in a vase," she said referring to the flowers.
"I'll take them," Lizzie said with a smile as she then looked to Elliot "do you need a blindfold for the drive dad? I have a bandana you guys can borrow."
"Why would I need that?" he asked frowning.
"Because I thought you didn't want Liv knowing where you were going."
"I-I'll just close my eyes," she said quickly.
Elliot threaded his fingers through Liv's and gave them a reassuring squeeze "thanks for the thought honey really I know you were just trying to help but a blindfold isn't the best idea," he told Lizzie.
She nodded "oh okay. Well you guys have fun," she said as she took the flowers from Liv and put them in a vase."We will," they said in unison as they walked out together, got in the truck and headed off.
6:48 PM.
Olivia smiled from the middle front seat of the truck and looked at the city view as Elliot had his right arm wrapped gently around her while he drove. They had talked some on the drive but mainly just enjoyed the comfortable silence and physical proximity of the other "close your eyes baby," he whispered as they approached a block with several high end restaurants on it.
She nodded and closed them as he smiled and rubbed her back "I have to say I do kind of like the mystery of this," she admitted.
"Good I'm glad," he said relieved.
She nodded "I wouldn't ride in a car with my eyes closed with anyone else."
"Not even Fin?"
She shook her head "only you El."
He took a breath and nodded slowly, the knowledge of how much she fully trusted him touching his heart "I love you baby," he whispered.
"I love you too," she said and they rode the remaining five minutes in a comfortable silence.
"You can open your eyes now," he said with a smile once he had parked and turned the truck off.
She nodded, opened them then looked around as her face lit up when she saw he chose Carmines "I should have known you'd choose here! This was a perfect surprise El."
He smiled "I'm glad you like it baby. You ready to go in and eat some Italian food?"
"Most definitely!" she said cheerfully as they got out of the truck and walked in arm and arm.
"Do you guys have a reservation?" the woman at the door asked when they entered.
"Yes ma'am the last name is Stabler," Elliot said.
She nodded "right this way," she said as they followed her and several men stared open mouthed "seems like I'm not the only one who thinks you're beautiful," El whispered softly.
Olivia nodded still smiling as she then caught several women staring at him as well "and I'm not the only one who thinks your handsome," she whispered as they kissed.
"Who cares what they think you're the only woman that'll be on my arm," he whispered once their lips broke apart.
"Exactly and you'll be the only man on mine," she said agreeing as they sat down at their table not giving the people who had been staring at them any more thought.
"I think I'm gonna try these," El said with a smile a couple minutes later as they were looking at appetizers together and he pointed at the stuffed mushrooms.
Liv nodded with a smile "I'm just gonna stick with the garlic bread I know I like it."
"You know it's not bad to try something new every once and a while baby," he said.
She sighed "I know El but this place is so expensive and I'd hate to buy a really expensive appetizer and not even like it."
He nodded "I get that just please let yourself splurge a little tonight you deserve it."
She nodded "I'll try," she said as when their waiter walked over a couple minutes later she ordered a glass of red wine, he ordered a sweet tea and they told him the appetizers they had picked.
While they waited for their drinks and appetizers to come they got to talking about anything and everything, old job memories, dates gone right, dates gone wrong and before they knew it everything had been sitting on the table for 30 minutes untouched "are you guys ever gonna order?" the waiter finally asked shortly after having checked on them silently 4 times.
Elliot and Olivia's laughter died down when they heard his voice "pardon?" Elliot asked facing him not really appreciating his tone.
"Your drinks and appetizers have been sitting on the table for 30 minutes and I really need your main course orders you two are holding up our reservations."
"Ohh... Umm we're sorry just give us five minutes to look we haven't even looked yet," Olivia said.
"Clearly," the guy muttered under his breath and Elliot frowned "don't take that tone with her sir not if you want me to tip you when we leave."
He just rolled his eyes and walked off "I can take care of myself you know," Olivia said softly.
"I know he just pissed me off I don't like when people are rude to you."
"I know," she said softly as she turned to the main courses and they looked at them together as Olivia chose chicken Parmesan, Elliot chose spaghetti and meatballs and they decided they'd share a Caesar salad as after they ordered they went back into easy conversation.
"I've had a really nice time tonight El have you?" Liv asked once they had finished eating what they could of their food.
"Sure have I mean I could have probably made close to the same quality food at home but it's been nice to relax and spend alone time with you."
She nodded "I agree with that," she said as I don't wanna miss a thing by Arrow-smith started playing over the restaurants speakers "you wanna dance?" she asked.
"Sure," he said with a soft smile as they stood and he pulled her into his arms gently and swayed beside their table.
They danced to a couple songs before the waiter interrupted them yet again "do you guys want dessert?" he asked.
Elliot looked to Olivia and she shook her head "nah we're good thank you sir," He said.
He nodded and handed him their ticket "do you guys need to go boxes?"
"Yes please," Olivia said.
He nodded but stood there as he stared at them both for a minute "what is it?" Elliot asked.
"I'm just committing you guys to memory I've never seen a couple in here that looked this in love before."
Elliot nodded as he just pulled Liv closer to him and smiled deciding they could just keep dancing until the guy got their to go boxes ready "guys," he said a few minutes later.
"Nothing's gonna change my love for you, you auta know by now how much I love you, one thing you can be sure of, I'll never ask for more than your love. Nothing's gonna change my love for you..." Elliot sang softly and slightly off key into Liv's ear as his only focus was on the swaying, the song and how Liv felt in his arms.
The waiter sighed heavily "guys... Guys your to go boxes!" he called out as he waved his arms and snapped his fingers at them.
"Ohh ahhh sorry," Elliot said as he took them and began boxing up their food "we are gonna tip him right El? I mean we have been a little difficult to deal with," Liv said.
"Yeah I'm gonna tip him 12 percent."
She frowned slightly "15 is standard."
"Yeah maybe it is but he was rude to you that one time."
"You're right he was but..."
He shook his head "it's only a dollar fifty difference and he's young maybe next time he thinks about mouthing off like that to a customer he'll remember the dollar fifty he lost."
She nodded "maybe," she said as she grabbed her to go box, he grabbed his and they walked to the counter arm and arm.
"I need to get one Penne Alla Vodka to go please," they heard a familiar voice say from in front of them in line as a minute later he turned around "Mr. and Mrs. Stabler!" Lindstrom said.
"Dr. Lindstrom. We didn't expect to see you here," Elliot said slightly shocked.
"Likewise my daughter just gave birth so I'm here picking up her dinner."
"I see it's anniversary date night for us."
He nodded "it's your third right?"
Liv and El nodded and he smiled "congratulations," he said.
"Uh thanks? There was never any doubt in my mind that we would make it though," Liv said.
He smiled and nodded "how did using a key go for you?"
"It was easier than I expected it to be," she said as Elliot slipped away unnoticed.
"That's great. You look very nice by the way you seem a lot more confident in yourself."
"Thank you. I feel that way though because I'm not thinking about negative things so."
He nodded getting her not so subtle hint to drop it "sir? Here's your Penne Alla Vodka," the girl at the counter said.
"Thank you ma'am," he said as he took it and paid just as Elliot walked back over "I went and paid at the kiosk on the other side," he told Liv.
She nodded, smiled and looped her arm back through his "see you on Friday doctor Lindstrom," she said.
"Sounds great you two have a good rest of your night."
"You as well," she said with a smile and they walked out together "couldn't turn his shrink meter off I assume?" Elliot asked.
"Nope he said I look nice and more self confident."
Elliot nodded "well you always look nice but I agree that you've seemed more self confident."
She nodded "I've pretty much found that the key for me is focusing on positive things," she said as she got into the truck.
"That makes sense baby. I'm just really glad we got to enjoy today together," he said as he got in too and cranked it up.
"Me too El," she said with a smile and they were then on the road.
10:15 PM.
"Do you want your anniversary present tonight or on Wednesday?" Elliot asked while throwing away the now empty can of the one beer he had allowed himself to have.
"We can exchange them tonight if you want," Liv said with a smile.
Elliot nodded, shot her a nervous smile then made his way to their master bedroom closet where he had had her gift hidden for months as Olivia noticed his nervous look but didn't make him aware that she had as she went to the guest room, grabbed the wrapped gift which she had hid in that closet then made her way back to the couch.
"You okay El," she asked a couple minutes later when he sat down beside her and couldn't stop tapping his foot against the floor.
He sighed "yeah I'm just worried you won't like it."
She frowned "I always like everything you get me."
He nodded "I know b-but I bought this for you months ago before Lewis happened and it's non refundable and"-
She took his hand in hers gently for a moment, kissed him reassuringly then reached for the gift bag he was holding as he handed it to her and held his breath while she untaped it and removed the tissue paper.
She pulled a small leather purse out of the bag "I love this El it'll be perfect for me to take with me to work when I go back," she said with a soft smile as she liked that it was big enough to fit her phone, glasses and a few case files in but was small enough that it wouldn't be bulky or in her way "I don't understand why you're so nervous though..."
"I-Inside it... L-Look inside it," he whispered.
She nodded her head, kissed him again then unzipped it as she found a key ring in there with the raised letters eo on the leather end and she fingered them then wrapped her arms around him tightly "I love it honey..." she whispered as she kissed his cheek then temple "I love it..."
He exhaled a sigh of relief and pulled her closer to him "thank god..." he murmured quietly as he exhaled again then kissed her temple.
She rubbed his back slightly "how long have you been worried about this for?" she asked softly.
He sighed "since the moment I found out you were burned with our house key," he whispered.
She nodded her head slightly and continued to rub his back "I'm getting a bit better every day El," she whispered.
He nodded "I know you are and I'm so proud Liv... So proud but I was terrified that"-
She nodded slightly and kissed him not needing him to finish to know what he was gonna say as she pulled her house key from her wallet then clipped it onto her new keychain "now every time I use my key I'll see our initials," she said fondly.
He smiled softly and kissed her temple again "are you ready to open yours?" she asked then with a smile.
He nodded as she smiled and handed him the small box as he stared at the bow "it amazes me how pretty you're able to make those every time."
She smiled "I'll teach you if you want."
Elliot shook his head with a smile "I think I'll let you keep that talent for yourself baby," he said as he carefully unwrapped the box.
Olivia smiled, nodded and watched him as he gasped when he saw the leather wallet with the initials eo engraved into the front then 6-26 engraved on the inside cover "this is perfect baby I love it so much thank you," he whispered as he kissed her tenderly.
She returned the kiss in kind as their foreheads were touching and they were both slightly emotional "no thank you for being the best husband a girl can ask for," she whispered.
He smiled touched and shook his head "you never ever have to thank me for that."
She nodded softly and they stayed like they were for a few minutes "you ready to head to bed?" she finally asked.
Elliot nodded "I just need to put Lizzie's dishes in the dishwasher really quick and throw this rapping paper and stuff away."
She nodded and smiled slightly understanding "I'm gonna head on up there and get out of this dress. See you up there?"
He nodded his head and kissed her gently "see you up there," he said and they pulled apart and went their separate ways.
A minute later found Olivia standing in front of the door to their master bedroom as she opened the door and stepped inside "wow," she whispered to herself as she was amazed by all of the hard work that Elliot had done as their bedroom was painted a dark blue color, there were family photos on the walls and the whole room looked calm and cozy as a couple happy tears streamed down her cheeks.
After admiring the room for a couple minutes more she removed her dress, hung it up in the closet then crawled onto her side of the bed wearing only underwear as she laid there for a few minutes fighting sleep thinking about how comfortable the bed was and she smiled when the door opened, looking forward to seeing Elliot's face light up when he figured out she was there.
He hummed slightly to himself while quickly taking his suit off and when he opened the closet to hang it back up he gasped in surprise seeing Liv's dress in there because he knew what that meant; Liv had faced her fears and went in there as once he finished hanging the suit up he closed the closet door quietly "baby?" he called softly.
"El," she said softly with a smile and he walked over to her with a soft smile now only wearing boxers "you okay?" he asked gently.
She nodded "more than okay it's beautiful, honey you made it so beautiful..."
He blushed slightly "the pictures were Lizzie's idea... and the color paint was yours all I did was"-
"Hang them up and paint the room and if you hadn't done that it'd still look the same so I'm standing by what I said."
"Fair enough," he whispered as he leaned down, kissed her gently and she returned it in kind "why tonight?" he asked.
She smiled "I felt ready," she whispered.
He nodded, kissed her temple then got on the bed and pulled her into his arms gently "it's so comfortable..." he murmured as he sighed in contentment and let his body relax into the memory foam.
"Sure is I almost fell asleep a couple times before you were in here."
He chuckled slightly and nodded as his hand was gently stroking her breast with out him really realizing it and she tensed slightly then relaxed again "you okay baby?" he asked softly, her tensing making him realize what he was doing.
"Mmhmm," she murmured leaning a little further into his touch "love you," she whispered.
"Love you too baby," he said and not much later they were both asleep.