Thanks again for all the support! So glad people are enjoying the story as much as I am enjoying writing. This was a fun chapter to write as it focuses mainly on Elliot's kids and their relationship with Olivia (specifically Kathleen). There is also a sprinkle of another important SVU character who started out this story with Olivia in Chapter 1.

As always, keep readingOf and review if you can! Also check out my other In-Progress story, "Desire" which is rated M. That is a sexy, dramatic yet fun one that I am working on too. Let's keep ticking off those days until we get to April 1st! I know it feels forever away...but if we've waited a decade for this reunion...we can make it through this month! (Even if it is the return of the dreaded March...lol!)

Enjoy!

Previously in the story...

He could feel the emotion building up inside of him and he didn't try and hide it. His voice was low and he knew his eyes were shining with tears, "I will never let anyone or anything hurt you. Till the day I die...I've got you."

She pressed her bare toes into the floor beneath her feet and pushed up until her lips met his. "You always have." She kissed him again, "I love you Elliot."

He smiled and kissed her back, "I love you too Olivia."

Wrapping her arms more securely around him she snuggled into his chest once more. He let her stay like that for a moment and then saw his daughter's car pulling into the driveway. He knew that she would want to compose herself before seeing the kids. So he did the one thing he knew how to do best...make her laugh.

"Just so you know...when you do take charge like that and really mess with a perp…" She pulled away and gave him a strange look, wondering how they had taken such a turn in the conversation, "It's a total turn on."

At first she looked surprised, and then her body started shaking and the laugh erupted from her chest down to her toes. He smiled knowing he had succeeded in his task just as the door opened, signaling the arrival of the 5 Stabler children.

Olivia heard the door and let her laughter start to subside. She leaned up and gave him one more kiss, he squeezed her hips to remind her he was right beside her and always would be.

He watched her turn from him and quickly embrace Eli and the rest of his children. And he knew...no matter what happened next, they were all going to be okay.

"Hi Livvie!" Eli said, squeezing her tight, "Richie said everyone is sleeping over tonight!"

Olivia kissed the top of his head and smiled, "That's true little man. One big sleepover. Are you happy?"

"Super happy!" Eli said as he pulled away, "But we may need to get Maureen a minivan like Mom has. I'm tired of being squished in the middle seat."

Richie rolled his eyes, "You're not the one who has to have the booster seat digging into your hip. You looked just fine to me."

Kathleen smirked, "You're just mad that I called shotgun before you. I told you little brother...you need to be quicker."

Richie rubbed his hip bone, "I maintain that as the oldest boy...I should automatically get the passenger seat. At least until I get my license in which case I'll be driving us all around."

Elliot shook his head, "Yeah...I'm not letting you be in charge of your siblings. And second...show a little chivalry son. Always make sure the women in your life are comfortable over you. Even if they are your sisters."

Richie sighed as everyone laughed, "Whatever, can we eat? I'm starving!"

Elliot playfully pushed him towards the dining room, "Go. Table is set. Help your sisters and Eli start to unpack the bags."

Maureen walked into the house last and smiled when she saw her Dad and Step-Mom. As the oldest of her siblings, she was well aware of what was going on and had seen the story of Olivia and Elliot unfold before her eyes from a young age. Some kids would have been angry when they thought about Olivia as 'the other woman'. But long before they became a couple, she realized her parents weren't meant to spend forever together. Though it hurt, she knew they were all exactly where they were supposed to be. And more than that, she realized she was one lucky girl to have two incredibly strong women as her role models.

"Hey." She said leaning up to kiss her Dad's cheek, she turned to Olivia and repeated the process, "If Eli get's any bigger, I'm not going to be able to cart them all around anymore! And if you two have any kids...god help us. I'll need a school bus."

Olivia and Elliot shared a look over her head and smiled knowing they were going to tell the kids. But they agreed to wait until later and to tell them all at once. Olivia smiled and looked down at the pan in Maureen's hand. "What's this?"

Maureen smiled and pushed it towards her, "Compliments of Mom. Her famous ooey-gooey bars. She thought you could use a pick me up after today."

Olivia smiled, feeling incredibly grateful for the friendship she had been able to build with Elliot's ex-wife despite the many years of awkwardness. "Well that was sweet of her."

Elliot pointed at the pan, "You better hide those good. Richie will devour them in seconds if he finds them."

Maureen shot her Dad a look and smirked, "Liv you might want to hide them when Dad isn't looking. He's worse than Richie…"

Olivia laughed, "Noted."

Maureen stood up a little straighter and studied her StepMother carefully, "How are you doing?"

Olivia paused for a moment and looked at the grown up woman in front of her. It was hard to believe how much she had changed over the years. She remembered meeting her as a quiet, inquisitive young girl. The polar opposite of her younger sister Kathleen. She had blossomed into a beautiful, smart, brave and kind young adult. Olivia wondered what it would be like for Elliot to have children so far apart in ages. Granted he and Kathy had started very young...it was still something to think about.

Shaking her head to push the thought aside and smiled knowing Maureen was waiting for an answer, "I'm good Maureen." The young woman gave her a questioning look and she smiled, "Really...I'm good." She cocked her head to the side in the general direction of Elliot and smiled sincerely, "I've had a good support system."

Maureen relaxed slightly and reached a hand out to squeeze her arm, "Well just so you remember...Dad's not the only one here for you."

Olivia's smile widened and she nodded, her voice was laced with emotion as she spoke, "I'll remember that."

It was quiet for a moment as the three of them took in the moment. However, the spell was quickly broken when a crash echoed from the living room. Elliot hung his head as he heard, "Dad! Richie threw a plate at me!"

"And that would be my cue…" Elliot said pointing towards the living room with a laugh.

Maureen smirked, "I'll help you. It will give Olivia a chance to hide the desert from everyone. I think she deserves that whole pan to herself."

"Can't argue with that." Olivia said, pulling it towards her chest as she walked away into the kitchen.

Forty-five minutes later, the room was filled with 7 people completely stuffed and laughing hysterically at a story Richie was telling. Olivia was so lost in the moment, for the time being she had forgotten everything else going on in her life. Despite the raucous laughter, she vaguely heard the doorbell ringing and it snapped her out of her daze.

Elliot must have heard it too because he went to stand up but she shook her head and smiled, "I got it."

He gave her a little look but she just smiled and exited the room. Walking down the hall, she pulled her sweater around her tighter feeling a little chill in the air. She'd have to crank up the heat on her way back in. Lifting her hand, she wiped a tear from the corner of her eye and was glad that it was a tear caused by laughter and not pain…

Opening the door, she stepped back but smiled when she saw who was standing on the doorstep, "Melinda. Hi."

Melinda Warner stood anxiously on the front steps of the Stabler house, "Hi Olivia. Sorry to bother you so late."

Olivia shook her head, "It's okay." Another round of loud laughter echoed down the hall and Melinda gave her a questioning look, "Elliot's kids are spending the night."

Melinda smiled, "That's nice."

Olivia nodded, turned back to the house and then decided she needed to have this conversation in private. Stepping onto the top step, she closed the door behind her and turned back to her friend and co-worker, "Melinda I should have call-"

Melinda shook her head, "It's okay. I understand why you didn't. I wanted too as well but I also didn't want to overwhelm you. Fin's been keeping me in the loop though."

Olivia smiled gently and leaned against the front door, "He's a good friend…"

Melinda nodded in agreement, "He is. He's been worried about you. We all have been." She paused and bit her lip, "Olivia I owe you an apology." She saw Olivia start to shake her head but she pushed on, "I should have looked at that file before I gave it to you. I am so sorry."

Reaching out, Olivia put a hand on Melinda's arm, "There is no way you could have known what that file was going to say. Never in a million years would I have expected that so why would you?"

Melinda let out a shaky breath and nodded, "True. But I could tell something was wrong...yet I let you leave anyway."

"Melinda-" She said, trying to take a step towards her.

"I keep thinking about what could have happened. Olivia you could have gotten really hurt. You weren't thinking clearly. You could have been in an accident. You could have found him and-" Her voice sounded frantic.

"I know…" Olivia whispered in a soft voice, "Trust me. I know. All those thoughts have been going on in my mind for days. I know they've been bothering Elliot too. And I'm sorry that I ran like that. Luckily for me, a kind stranger got me to where I needed to be. Huang took it from there."

Melinda nodded slowly then looked back at her car in the dark driveway, "Look I know that you have your family...and you have Cragen, John, Fin and Casey." She paused then looked back at Olivia, "But I just want to be clear that you have me too. I not only consider you a wonderful colleague but a very dear friend. I want to support you in any way that I can. Please know that."

Tears pooled in Olivia's eyes for what felt like the millionth time in the last few days. Despite everything she had been going through lately, she couldn't help but feel like the luckiest woman in the entire world. Elliot was right...she had believed for so long that she was alone and didn't have a family. But even before she married Elliot...she did have a family. Her work family.

Olivia stepped closer to her, "Melinda...I consider you to be one of my best friends too. You are incredible at what you do but you also have been there for me in times when I was about to make a really stupid decision. I appreciate your friendship more than you know."

Melinda smiled a little, "Are you referring to the day I kept you from breaking up with Elliot?"

Olivia smirked, "I may be referring to that…"

Olivia walked into the morgue in a daze. Last night she had gotten into a fight with Elliot over something so stupid she didn't even fully remember how it started. But what she did remember was storming out after telling him she wasn't sure that it was going to work between them…

That had been 14 hours ago. She had successfully avoided his phone calls and kept away from her apartment so he couldn't find her. She felt guilty. She knew she was being immature. But lately...things had been so good. But they had also been

intense.

She didn't like that feeling. She preferred things to be simple. Easy. She liked to know what was coming. But in this relationship, she felt like she was constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop. She was waiting for Elliot to realize he had made a huge mistake and break her heart into a million little pieces.

She was so consumed in thought she didn't hear Melinda talking to her. But she did feel it when she placed a hand on her arm, "Olivia? You with me?"

Olivia looked up and tried to smile, "Oh. Sorry...sorry I'm a little tired. Worked a-a double."

Melinda frowned, "I thought last night was date night for you and Elliot?" Olivia gave her a strange look, "Elliot couldn't stop talking about it when I dropped by the precinct yesterday. He said he was making dinner for you. How romantic." She smirked and Olivia's face blushed, "So maybe you're tired for a very different reason…"

"Uh…" She looked back at the samples on Melinda's desk, "Look I need to get back to the house so do you have anything for-""Olivia." She said a little sternly, "What happened?"

Olivia looked back at her friend and shook her head, "Nothing Melinda. I'm just tired and want to nail this bastard so do you-"

"Oh no…" Melinda said with a frown, "You didn't break things off with Elliot, did you?" She saw Olivia cringe, "Olivia…"

Lifting a hand, she ran her fingers through her hair, "I didn't actually break up with him...not fully. I just may have said I didn't think it was going to work out. And I'm not sure it will."

"Oh Olivia…" She said with a sigh, "You don't actually believe that and I know it. You and Elliot have been a love story in the making for almost a decade. Don't run now just because you're afraid.""I'm not afraid!" Olivia snapped, Melinda gave her a look, "I'm not…" She frowned, "Okay yes. Maybe I'm afraid. But I have good reason to be."

Melinda rolled her eyes, "If you're about to go through the, 'I don't deserve to be happy routine' you might as well stop. Because it is a load of bullshit. I've been knee deep in dead bodies for the last 10 hours and I'm not in the mood. Olivia, you, more than anyone I know deserve to be happy. And I know for a fact that Elliot Stabler makes you happy."

Olivia's face burned red, "Melinda…"

"You forget that I've watched you hide your feelings away for many years Olivia. So did Elliot. But you don't have to hide anymore...this is a good thing." She reached for her hand and squeezed, "Don't push him away Olivia. You'll regret it for the rest of your life." She cocked her head to the side where Jane doe lay, "You don't want to end up dying someday and wondering why you didn't take the plunge when you did…"

Olivia took a deep rattling breath, feeling the tears brewing, "Melinda I need too-"

She smiled and squeezed her hand, "I'll call Fin. He can take care of the rest of this." She pushed her back, "Go. Go get your happiness Olivia. You deserve it."

Olivia reached forward, gave her friend a thankful hug and then turned to leave the building. As soon as she stepped onto the street, she reached for her phone and dialed the number she knew by heart. He answered before it even went through it's first ting, "El. Hi. I'm...I'm so sorry. Can we meet?"

She smiled when he told her he was already at her apartment and she knew...she couldn't run again.

"If it weren't for you...I really would have walked away that day Melinda. I'm stubborn and incredibly stupid. And if I had done that...I wouldn't be married today. Nor would I be expecting a child with the man I love…" She whispered, putting a hand on her belly.

Melinda's eyes widened, and tears reflected in them, "Pregnant?" Olivia nodded, "Oh Olivia!" She leaned forward and pulled her in for a hug, "I'm so happy for you!"

Olivia squeezed her back and smiled, "Thank you. We're very excited."

When Melinda pulled away she wiped a tear away, "Wow. What a whirlwind of emotions you must be feeling."

Olivia laughed softly, "You're not joking. Especially since I found out just minutes before walking into the morgue to meet you."

"Hence the total tailspin…" Melinda whispered, beginning to understand.

"Exactly." Olivia said softly, "Melinda, I don't blame you for any of this. No one saw this coming. But…" She shrugged, "As scary as it has been, it's also been life changing. In so many ways. I think I needed this so that I could finally put that part of my past behind me. I need to move on. I need to focus on the things that I can control and that are important."

Melinda smiled, "Well maybe I can help with that."

Before Olivia could question her, the door opened and Elliot stepped out. She smiled realizing he was probably getting concerned and was just checking in. "Melinda. Hi." He said before walking up to put a hand to Olivia's back, "What are you doing here?"

Both women wiped away a few tears and he looked nervous, "Sorry to interrupt family night." Melinda said, "I just wanted to check in with Olivia...and drop something off." She cleared her throat, "Although she told me some good news…congratulations Dad. Six kids?"

Elliot smiled and wrapped his arm protectively around his wife's shoulders, "Thank you. We're very happy."

"Good. That's good." She said before reaching into her bag, "Well I should let you get back. But I wanted to drop these reports off. I think they'll help with your case. The statute of limitations may have passed on your Mother's case but I have more than enough evidence to nail him on more than one current assault."

Olivia took the folder and looked it over, "Jesus...he's been busy."

Melinda frowned, "It seems like he took a break for a few years there. Unless he moved out of the state and continued there. But in the last six months...he's hit five different women. I ran his DNA through a full system that extends out of Manhattan"

Olivia sighed and closed the file, "Thank you Melinda. This will help."

Melinda eyed her carefully, "I know that look…" She frowned, "You're nothing like him Olivia. No two people could be more different than you two."

Olivia felt Elliot rub her shoulder supportively, "Thank you." She touched the top of the folder and smiled, "For this...and so much more."

Melinda smiled, "What are friends for?" She stepped back, "Go enjoy your night. I'll see you in a few days."

Elliot and Olivia waved and watched her get in her car and pull out of the driveway. Taking a deep breath, Olivia turned to look at her husband. He studied her carefully, then lifted a hand and brushed a stray tear away. "You okay?"

Olivia looked down at the file again, then back at her husband, "No. But...I will be." Leaning forward she pressed a kiss to his lips, "I have a hell of a lot to be grateful for."

Elliot smiled and kissed her again, "Come on...I think it's time we tell the kids our good news."

Olivia smiled at him, "If Maureen doesn't get a minivan...you may need one."

He chuckled, "Me driving a minivan. Can you picture that?"

She shrugged, "I'd still have sex with you."

Elliot threw his head back and laughed harder, "Good to know your attraction to me won't be swayed by a car choice."

She pressed a hand into his stomach and smiled, "Come on Stabler. The kids are waiting."

He smiled and turned to open the door to follow her into the house. He was more than ready to have a happy, positive moment after the days of stress they had been living.

Twenty minutes later, the dishes from dinner were cleared and the kids had crashed in the living room. Richie and Eli were playing Mario Kart and the girls were sitting on the couch talking together about a TV show they all watched. Elliot and Olivia walked into the room. Olivia took a seat in the chair in the corner, Elliot sat down on the arm of the chair and put an arm around her shoulders.

"Hey uh...guys?" Elliot asked, the girls looked at him but the boys were lost in their game, "Hey...thing one and thing two. Think you can pause the game for a minute?"

Maureen reached over and pressed a button on Richie's controller, "Focus Richie."

Richie snapped out of his daze, looked at his Father and StepMom and saw the serious look on their face. His heart started to pound a little harder. He knew there was a lot going on and wondered when or if they would discuss it. Reaching out, he took his little brother's controller and shifted so he was looking at his Dad and Olivia. Eli instinctively climbed into his lap and waited expectantly.

Olivia looked up at Elliot, suddenly feeling very nervous. She loved these five humans more than she could possibly express. She would die for them. She knew they knew that too. She also knew they had supported her marriage to their father and been more than welcoming of her into their family. But suddenly she wondered if adding another sibling to their word was crossing a line they wouldn't be ready for…

She wasn't sure she could handle another disappointment this week. She heard Elliot clear his throat, "I uh...I know that your Mom has talked to you all a bit about things going on. And...we're not going to get into the case that much right now. We did want you to know that Olivia and I are handling it and that no matter what happens, everything is going to be okay."

The four older children looked at each other and then at their youngest brother knowing that Elliot wasn't going to get into any details in front of him. However, he was letting them know in a subtle way that if they had questions they could talk to him or Olivia later.

Lizzie spoke up first, "Olivia?" The young girl's voice caught her attention and her Stepmom turned to her, "You're...you're okay?"

Olivia's heart squeezed in her chest and she wanted to reach out and hug her. Instead, she took a deep breath and nodded, "I'm okay Lizzie. I promise. In fact...I'm...I'm more than okay."

Kathleen narrowed her eyes at her Father and Olivia, out of the five children she knew Olivia best. She could read her moods, tell when she was lying or hiding something. And in this moment...she was holding something back. And yet...the smile on her Dad and Olivia's faces told her it wasn't something bad. And then it all clicked when Elliot glanced down at Olivia's stomach.

"You're pregnant." She blurted out, all eyes turned to her and Kathleen ignored them before repeating her statement, "You're pregnant!?"

Oliva looked up at Elliot and smiled, "Told you she had good Detective skills…"

Maureen leaned forward, a huge smile blooming on her face. "Oh my God! Are you?"

Elliot squeezed Olivia's shoulder and looked at his oldest child, "Yes. We're having a baby."

Maureen, Kathleen and Lizzie all squealed, jumped off the couch and launched themselves at Olivia and their Father. After a few moments of celebration, they all pulled away to look at Richie and Eli. Richie was standing up now and looking at his Father and Olivia with a smile.

Elliot looked at his oldest son, "Are you going to say anything?"

Richie looked at Olivia, "Any chance you can ensure this one is a boy? Even the playing field a bit?"

Olivia wiped a happy tear away but laughed, "Hate to break it to you kid...but that's all up to your Dad. I have no control over that part."

Richie looked at his Dad, "So you hold my fate in your hands?"

Lizzie rolled her eyes, "Richie…"

Richie smiled, "I'm really happy for you guys." He said walking up to hug his Dad, "This is awesome!"

Elliot pulled away and looked at his son, "Yeah?"

Richie smiled and walked over to Olivia to hug her, "Boy or girl...this is really great. Another kid for me to corrupt."

Olivia laughed as she hugged her stepson, "This will be one lucky to kid to have a brother like you."

When she pulled away, all eyes turned to five year old Eli. He was sitting on the chair that Richie had abandoned and was clearly thinking hard. Olivia gave her husband a look, worried that Eli was upset. Elliot cleared his throat, walked closer to his youngest son. He sat down on the coffee table in front of him and tried to imagine what he was feeling.

Eli was only five. But he had been born during a confusing time. Elliot and Kathy were divorced...and Elliot was with Olivia. He never knew his parents as a couple. He of course loved Olivia as well as his parents but what if the boy felt resentment towards this baby for having something Eli never did have? A home with two parents at once.

"Eli-" He said, reaching a hand out to his son.

Eli looked back at Olivia, then at his Dad, "So where is the baby right now?"

Olivia walked around the older children and joined Elliot on the coffee table, "Well buddy…" She lifted a hand and placed it on her belly, "He or she is in here. Just like you were in your Mom's belly until you were ready to be born."

Eli looked at her stomach, "How does it breathe in there?"

A little laugh echoed throughout the room, "Well...it's complicated." Elliot said, "But we can try to explain it to you if you want." Eli was quiet again and Elliot pushed on, "What are you thinking about little man?"

Eli looked at his Dad, then to Olivia, "So...I don't have to be the baby anymore?"

Olivia shifted in her seat, "Well...in a way you still will be. But...the good news is you get to be a big brother like Richie. Isn't that going to be fun?"

Eli's lips turned up at the corners, "You mean I get to boss someone around for a change?"

Elliot laughed, "Yes. Eventually. Although the first few years...you're going to have to be a bit patient. Babies can't do much."

Eli nodded, "I can do that. It will give me time to think of things for us to do."

Olivia smiled then reached out to the little boy's hand, "This baby will be very lucky to have you too Eli. You're going to be the best big brother. And…" She squeezed his little hand, "You know that just because we will have a new baby in the house, that doesn't mean we love you any less. You're still my little buddy. And you always will be."

Elliot rubbed Olivia's back, feeling his heart swell at her words, "That's right Eli. I know it seems like a big change. And I'm sure your siblings felt that way from time to time...but I love you all so much. I have since the day you were all born and nothing and no one will ever change that. Okay?"

Eli smiled at his Dad and hopped off the chair, "Okay. But...I'm with Richie on this one. If we can make it a brother...that'd be great."

Everyone in the room laughed again and Elliot pulled Eli into his arms and started tickling him. The room filled with laughter and excited chatter again and Olivia felt such a warmth and feeling of happiness fill her whole body. And she was finally starting to feel a sense of peace…

A few hours later, Elliot had finally wrangled Eli into going to bed. Mostly because the young boy could barely keep his eyes open any longer. He had put him to bed and said goodnight to Richie who shared the room with him as he settled into the bed with his ipad and headphones.

Walking out of their room, Elliot smiled when he heard laughter coming from down the hall. All three of his girls decided to bunk together in Lizzie's room even though there was another bedroom in the house. He smiled realizing that soon...that would become a nursery.

He heard the bathroom door open and smiled when he saw Kathleen exiting, holding a toothbrush. "Hey." She said softly.

Elliot smiled and put a hand on her shoulder, "Hey. You sure you three will be comfortable in there? The guest room is all set up."

Kathleen nodded, "Yeah. We're good. The three of us don't get to spend much time together now that Maureen and I are out of the house. It will be fun."

Elliot nodded, "Okay. Well if you need anything, you know where to find us."

Kathleen smiled softly, then glanced down at the ground. The last few years had been very difficult for Elliot's second daughter. It had started with the DUI but quickly came crashing down with her bipolar diagnosis. It has been terrifying as a parent to try and navigate that time. In fact...the stress of it had almost torn a newly engaged Elliot and Olivia apart.

"What's on your mind kid?" Elliot asked softly, she lifted her head slowly and he saw tears shining in her eyes, "Tell me."

Kathleen took a deep breath and shrugged, "I know she said she's okay...but I still worry. Olivia means a hell of a lot to me Dad. I just...I'm afraid."

Elliot sighed, stepped forward and pulled her into his arms, "I know." He pressed a kiss to the side of her head when he felt her start to shake, "I know Kathleen. But I promise...she's doing okay. And I would and will tell you if that changes."

They pulled away and he wiped at her eyes, "Promise?"

Elliot nodded, "I promise. You know that when you got sick...we all agreed to be honest and open about anything going on. I won't keep anything from you or your siblings. At least not you, Maureen, Lizzie and Richie. Olivia is a big part of all of your lives and you deserve to know what is going on. Plus, she is going to need a lot of love and support in the next few months."

Kathleen nodded slowly, "It must have been really hard for her to meet him…"

Elliot took a gentle breath, "It was. But...she did great. She's strong Kathleen. And now that she's pregnant...she's not going to let anything happen to put her or the baby in jeopardy."

Kathleen smiled, "Six kids...ranging 25 to newborn. Ready for that?"

Elliot chuckled, "Trust me...I know how screwed I am." Kathleen laughed, "But I also know how incredibly lucky I am."

Kathleen took a deep breath, "You know...thinking about what Olivia must be feeling has made me think a lot about you." Elliot gave her a look, "I know I haven't always made being my Dad easy. But...you've never given up on me. I am so lucky to have you, Mom and Olivia. I don't want to think about where I would be if I didn't."

Love filled Elliot's heart and he leaned forward to hug her again, "I am so proud of you kid. You have no idea. You will never have to worry about me, your Mom or Olivia giving up on you. We're here. Always."

She squeezed him back and pulled away, "Liv's been a great listener when I needed it most…" She paused, "Think she'll let me be the same for her?"

He smiled and rubbed her shoulder, "You can try." He cocked his head towards the staircase, "She's down in the kitchen." He started to walk away and down the hall towards his kitchen, "If you find out where those ooey-gooey bars, you better let me in on the secret."

Kathleen laughed and then started to walk down the hall towards the staircase. She crept down the stairs, not wanting to disturb her youngest brother. She knew if he woke up, he wasn't going back to sleep. She placed her toothbrush down on the table at the base of the stairs and followed the golden light illuminating the kitchen.

She smiled when she saw Olivia preparing a pancake batter. She knew she had promised Eli Chocolate Chip pancakes in the morning and was getting a head start on the process. She noted the way that Olivia was humming as she stirred, a small smile on her lips. And in that moment...she felt so grateful for her StepMom. She couldn't help but remember one of the scariest nights of her life and how much Olivia had helped her…

Kathleen was sitting on her bed staring at the pill bottle the Doctor had prescribed. She had been home for a few hours now and was trying to process what had happened in the last few days. Everything seemed to be moving at warp speed. She didn't remember breaking into those peoples' house. She didn't remember taking a shower. She didn't remember any of it…

The last thing she did remember was a tube being shoved down her throat and the burning sensation it caused in her body. Then she remembered the arguing outside her hospital room. Kathleen had asked for Olivia and at first she assumed her Mother was angry about it...but in a strange turn of events, it had been her Father that was angry. He has asked Olivia to leave and though Kathy fought him, Olivia left.

Now she was sitting in her childhood bedroom afraid to take the medicine but also afraid of what would happen if she didn't. She spent the last hour crying, begging her Mom to call Olivia. It wasn't that she loved Olivia more than her parents, but she felt more comfortable talking to her than them. It was hard to look your parents in the eyes and tell them all your darkest secrets…

Lucky for her, her Mother had ignored her Dad's protests and called Olivia. A slight knock on the door caught her attention, "Liv?"

"Yeah. It's me. Can I come in?" Olivia asked softly."Yes." She said as she pulled her knees up against her chest and tried not to cry.

Olivia entered the room and Kathleen could see Kathy and Elliot hovering outside the door. Elliot looked tense and she felt a stab of worry thinking that she was about to be the reasons or Elliot and Oliva's demise. She noticed the way that Olivia didn't shut the door all the way, she left it open just a crack. Her parents stepped away but she was sure they were close enough to hear what was happening.

"Hey…" Olivia said walking into the room, she sat down on the bed, "How are you feeling?"

Kathleen looked down at the bottle of pills again, "I'm scared Olivia. I'm really scared. I didn't mean to do any of those things. I don't even remember it! I swear that I'll never do anything like that again if-"

"Hey…" Olivai reached a hand out and rubbed the girls arm, "Shh...don't get upset. You need to stay calm. It's been a rough few days. Don't work yourself up.""Olivia, I'm so, so sorry. You guys have to believe me. I didn't mean for this to happen. I never would have-" She was frantic now.

Olivia sighed and scooted closer, pulling her into her arms, "Shh...take a deep breath. You're safe. You're home now. Breathe Kathleen...you need to breathe."

It took a few minutes and Olivia never let go as Kathleen cried. She rubbed her back, whispered words of comfort and wished she could take away the pain from this girl. She couldn't help what had happened. It was all out of her control and she couldn't imagine how scary it must have felt.

Finally, Kathleen pulled back and leaned against her headboard, "I'm so tired."

"I know." Olivia whispered before reaching out to grab the glass of water by her bed, "Take a sip."

Kathleen swallowed the water and then handed it back to Olivia, "I'm so tired…" She whispered again, "But I feel like I can't sleep."

Olivia nodded, "I know. But...the pills should help. Maybe you should try-"

"They will change me." She whispered, "I know they will. I won't be the same person.""Kathleen…" She whispered reaching a hand out to her, "At first...yeah it might feel like you're changing. But it will take some time for your body to adjust. Eventually it won't feel that way. I promise."

Kathleen's lip trembled, "I know what everyone thinks of me. I'm crazy."

"No." She said firmly, squeezing her hand, "No one thinks you are crazy Kathleen. We never have and never will. Honey, you have an illness. That isn't your fault. I know that is probably really frustrating and scary but this isn't your fault. We're going to find a way to make it through this. You don't have to do it alone."

Kathleen frowned and looked down at Olivia's hand that sported her engagement ring, "I will if Dad continues to be a jerk and you two break up…"

Olivia frowned and followed her gaze, "Whatever does or doesn't happen between your Dad and I will never change how I feel about you. I will

always be here for you whenever you need me." Kathleen's eyes welled with tears, "I know there are a lot of things that seem uncertain right now...but you never have to doubt that. Okay?"

Kathleen swallowed hard, "If you were in my position...you'd take the pills?"

Olivia squeezed her hand again, "Yes. I would."

Kathleen took a deep breath and reached out to the table, she picked up the glass. Olivia took the hint and reached for the pill bottle on the bed. She popped the top off and took out the right dose before placing them in Kathleen's hand. She gave her a reassuring nod and Kathleenr reached out to take the pills.

After she swallowed them, she smiled at Olivia and said, "Thank you. For never giving up on me."

Olivia' s smile widened, "You know that your Dad and your Mom will never give up on you Kathleen. They love you more than anything."

Kathleen smiled, "Maybe...but you don't have a reason to stick around. Yet...you do."

Olivia stared at her for a moment and thought carefully, then she smiled, "You don't remember the first time you met me, do you?"

Kathleen shook her head, "I don't think so...I would have been pretty little. Although I assume it was at the precinct."

Olivia nodded, "You are correct. Your Dad and I were working late...as usual. Your Mom was pregnant with the twins. She showed up completely at her wit's end and I didn't blame her. She had taken you and Maureen to a birthday party. You were both hopped up on enough sugar to keep you awake for a week. I felt so bad...she looked exhausted and didn't know what to do. Your Dad to his credit, wanted to be there. He wanted to help. But...we had worked the last 36 hours on a particularly brutal case. Cragen was never going to let him go. Your parents were talking quietly...or as quiet as they could in the corner. I agreed to entertain you and Maureen while they did. Maureen was perfectly content coloring at my desk. You on the other hand…"

Kathleen smirked, "Was I a terror?"

Olivia laughed, "You were...wired. Everyone at the precinct was focussed on you. You were talking a mile a minute. I couldn't keep up. Lord knows I was trying though. And then…"

Kathleen yawned as the pills started to take hold, "And then?"

"You suddenly stopped talking. And you got this odd look on your face. I was about to ask you what was wrong...but you leaned forward and emptied the contents of the birthday party menu onto my desk, my brand new computer and all over me." She said with a chuckle.

Kathleen snuggled down into the bed but laughed, "No! I did? I'm so sorry!"

Olivia laughed, "Yep. And there is one thing you should know about me...I see a lot of brutal things at work. There isn't a lot that gets to me. I can take a crime scene full of blood any day...but vomit?" She shook her head, "Gets me everytime."

It felt good to laugh and Kathleen couldn't stop, "Oh god. Olivia I'm so sorry."

Olivia laughed and shook her head, "I've taken the years to recover. I promise it's okay."

Kathleen smiled, "What did my parents do?"

"Well...Maureen started to cry because some of it landed on her. Your Mom looked like she too wanted to cry...and your Dad-" She let out a little chuckle, "Your Dad looked terrified. I think he thought I was going to explode.""And did you?" Kathleen asked, although he already knew the answer deep down.

Olivia smiled, "There may have been a few choice words floating through my brain that I will not share...but no. I looked back up at you, and you looked so scared. You had your blonde hair in braids, your lower lip was trembling and most of your front was covered with the remnants of your episode. And your big blue eyes that matched your Dad's were full of tears threatening to spill over. And I knew...right then and there that no matter what you did in your life I could never be angry with you. You stole my heart the moment I met you kid. Puke and all. There is nothing you could ever do that would make me turn away. Do you understand?"

Kathleen was fully crying now, she sat up on the bed and pulled Olivia in for a hug, "I love you Olivia."

Olivia's heart ached at her words and hugged back, "I love you too Kathleen. Everything is going to be okay...I promise."

After a few minutes, Kathleen drifted off to sleep and Olivia exited the room to find that Elliot had left and Kathy was standing there with tears in her eyes…

"Kathleen?" Olivia asked from her spot in the kitchen.

Kathleen looked up and snapped out of her memory, "Hey. Sorry…"

Olivia smiled and gestured for her to come further into the room, "You okay? Need something?"

Kathleen shook her head, "Uh...no. No, I just wanted…"

Her voice trailed off and Olivia smiled, "Come here." She patted the stool to her left, "I think I have something that will help."

Kathleen walked over, sat down and waited. She watched as Olivia put the finished pancake batter into the fridge. Then she looked around and put a finger to her lips before pulling the ooey-gooey bars from their hiding spot. Kathleen laughed as Olivia put two on a plate and walked over to the counter.

"Don't tell your Dad." She whispered, "And definitely don't tell Richie. He spent 45 minutes searching. He said he could smell them on the car ride over."

Kathleen laughed and picked one of the bars up, "He's got the nose of a dog…"

Olivia laughed and took a bite, then she moaned softly, "Wow. These are good."

Kathleen smiled, "They were my Grandma's recipe. Mom taught us how to make them too. I'm sure she'd be okay with us sharing the recipe with you too."

Olivia smiled, "I'd like that." She paused and swallowed the bite of her bar and then placed it down, "So...you looked like you were thinking pretty hard there. What's on your mind?"

Kathleen looked down nervously, "I was thinking about the night you got me to take my pills…"

Olivia stood up a little straighter, "You were?"

The young woman looked back up at her and nodded, "I was thinking about how if you hadn't helped me see that the pills would help...I'm not sure I would have taken them. And I don't know if I would have made it through the last few years without you. I love my parents...and they have been amazing. But sometimes it was a lot easier to talk to you than it was to talk to them. I will neve be able to thank you enough for helping me when I was at my lowest."

Leaning forward, Olivia smiled and squeezed her hand, "I told you that night that I will always be here for you. Nothing is ever going to change that."

Kathlneen nodded and squeezed Olivia's hand back, "I know. But I hope that you also know it works both ways. I'm here for you too. All of this is a lot to handle…" Her lip trembled, "When I found out that Dad couldn't find you. I was scared Olivia. I was really scared."

Olivai frowned and moved closer to her step-daughter, "Kathleen I'm so sorry that I worried you. I'm sorry that I worried everyone. I just...I wasn't thinking clearly. I know that doesn't make it right, but I needed some space to clear my head."

"I understand that more than most people. But I need you to promise…" Her voice broke off, "I need you to promise that no matter how hard this gets...you won't run again. I don't want to feel like that again Olivia. You mean more to me and this family than you know. We need you."

Olivia quickly pulled Kathleen off the stool and into her arms, "I promise. I'm not going anywhere Kathleen."

Kathleen squeezed her tight and then pulled back, she looked down at her stepmother's stomach, "Besides...you have a really good reason to stick around now."

Olivia smiled and put a hand on her stomach, "I do. But for the record...even before that I had five really good reasons." Kathleen looked at her again, "I may not be your biological Mother...but I love the five of you as if I was. And you know that when I make a promise I keep them...I'm not going anywhere Kathleen."

Kathleen smiled and squeezed her hand before sitting down on her stool again,"Good. We're going to hold you to that." She lifted the desert to her lips again and smiled, "Besides...Dad was lost without you Liv. We won't be able to put him back together this time."

Olivia smiled and took up her own bar and smiled, "Then it's a good thing my feet are firmly planted on the ground…"

Kathleen smiled and they both went back to eating their deserts, happy to have a reason to smile.

After finishing cleaning up the kitchen and walking Kathleen upstairs, Olivia checked in with the girls for a few minutes. They talked about the baby, a little about the case and a lot about how everything was going to be okay. Once she left the room, Olivia walked down the hall and checked in on Eli and Richie who at that point were both fast asleep. She started to make her way towards her bedroom and noticed the door was open slightly.

Her mind wandered to her conversation with Kathleen. Watching Elliot's daughter struggle the way she did was heartbreaking. She had wished more than anything she could fix the situation for her or even change places with her. On top of everything going on, it had taken a toll on her relationship with Elliot.

They were engaged by that point and planning the wedding. It was only a few months away. But for whatever reason, Kathleen's insistence on talking to Olivia over her parents had really bothered Elliot. She had almost expected it from Kathy. Worried it would break the relationship they had worked so hard to create. Instead, Kathy had been happy, grateful and accepting of the relationship.

That night that Kathleen had remembered...Elliot had all but kicked her out of the hospital. When Kathy called her to beg her to come to the house, she had initially said no because she didn't want Elliot to be any more angry. But when Kathy started to cry she knew there was no choice but to go.

She had showed up at Kathy's house and entered the house, Elliot was in the corner and he looked upset. She barely had time to register how he was feeling before Kathy had dragged her down the hallway and into her daughter's room. She was vaguely aware of the fact that both Kathy and Elliot were behind her and so she chose not to shut the door all the way behind her. She remembered the conversation she had had with the young girl...she would never forget it. Mostly because she was so glad that Kathleen had taken the first step to recovery.

But she would also never forget what happened after…

Olivia flipped off the light and slipped out of the bedroom, closing the door gently behind her. She walked back down into the living room when she realized that Elliot and Kathy had moved away from their daughters bedroom. Her heart sank when she only found Kathy waiting for her.

Glancing down at her ring finger, she wondered if her happily ever after was going to end before it ever really had the chance to begin. "How is she?"

Olivia smiled, "She's asleep. She took the pills...and I think she will agree to continue taking them. I told her that you would be monitoring them to help make sure she was taking the right dose."

Kathy stood up and nodded, "Good. That's good…"

Olivia reached out and squeezed her arm, "She's going to be okay Kathy." The woman's eyes filled with tears, "She's strong. Just like her Mom."

Kathy smiled sadly and wiped a tear away, "I have never been so scared Olivia...I thought I was going to lose her."

"I know.' She whispered, "But she took the first step in making sure she gets the help she needs. She'll need a few reminders along the way...but we'll all be here for her."

Kathy smield, "I know. We all will." She placed a hand over Olivia's, "I can't thank you enough for helping her. I know that sometimes we need someone other than our parents to open up too."

Olivia cleared her throat nervously, "Kathy I meant what I said when Eli was born. I will never overstep my boundaries. But I am here for Kathleen and all your kids. Please tell me if you are uncomfortable with-"

Kathy shook her head, "I'm not." Olivia gave her a look, "I'm not Olivia. There may have been a time when I was...but I'm not. I just want her to be okay. I'm glad she has someone like you to turn to."

Olivia nodded slowly, "Okay then. I should...go." She glanced around the room, clearly looking for signs of her fiance, "If she needs anything, or you, you know where to find me."

"Olivia." Kathy said from behind her, she turned back to her slowly, "He's just scared…" Olivia's cheeks blushed, "This isn't about you. You know him. He always thinks he has to be the one to fix things. He wants to fix this for Kathleen but he can't and he doesn't know what to do. This has nothing to do with you."

Olivia swallowed the nervous lump in her throat, "Yeah...yeah I know."

Kathy nodded her head towards the front door, "I'll call you tomorrow."

Giving her a strange look, she followed her gaze and noticed someone lurking on the porch. And then she understood. She offered Kathy another quick smile and then started to walk towards the door. Pulling it open, she braced herself for whatever was about to await her. She just hoped their relationship was as strong as she thought it was.

Closing the door behind her, she tried to smile, "Hey…" He lifted his eyes to hers and then looked down again, she sighed, "El-"

He put his hand up, "Just...give me a second." She stepped towards him, "I just need to...pull myself together here."

Understanding that he needed to process on his own she stepped back and leaned against the porch railing. He paced for another few minutes and then turned towards her. When he got to be in front of her, he planted his feet firmly on the ground, shoved his hands in his pockets and looked directly in her eyes, "I'm so sorry."

She shook her head and went to step towards him, "El it's oka-"

"No." He said lifting his hand, "It's not okay. And I need you to let me finish this before I lose my nerve. Okay?"

Nodding once, she leaned back against the railing again and nodded, "Okay."

He took a deep cleansing breath and then stood up a little straighter, "Seeing Kathleen like that was...something I was not prepared for. I mean I've seen a million and one victims in a similar situation. Gruesome murder scenes that should keep me up at night but I handle it. But this...this was different."

"Because it was your daughter this time around." She said reaching out to touch his arm, his eyes filled with tears, "I understand that. You know I do."

Elliot sniffled and wiped a tear away, "I know you do. I also know that you would do anything for my children. Anything. You've proven that time and time again. And the way I acted tonight…" He shook his head angrily, "It had nothing to do with you. But it had everything to do with me and my pride." He didn't push her away when she put her hands on his cheeks, "I should be able to protect my children from anything and everything."

Sighing, she rested her forehead against his, "El...there are some things in life you can't protect them from. This is one of them. I know it's scary...but this isn't your fault. It's no one's fault. But she will get through this. She's got a strong family there to support her. She can do this. And she will."

He sighed and breathed her in, "You are a part of her family Olivia." He reached out and took her left hand, rubbing his finger over her rings, "A huge part of her family. She trusts you in a way she isn't comfortable with me and Kathy. And yeah maybe I'm a bit jealous of that...but I'm also-" His voice cracked with emotion again and he looked straight into her eyes, "I'm so damn grateful Liv. Hearing you talk to her tonight...remembering the day you met her. I didn't think it was possible to love you more but I do. Everyday Liv...every damn day you give me a reason to fall that much harder. I am so sorry for the way I behaved tonight. And I will never, ever treat you that way again." He lifted her hand and pressed it tightly to his lips, "I need you. Please don't leave."

She pulled her hand away, only to pull him in for a tight hug, "I'm right here El. I'm in this. Good or bad...I'm going to be right here."

He squeezed her tight, "Good. Because losing you is the one thing I couldn't survive…"

They stood together on the porch, both crying over the pain that Kathleen was feeling and because they were grateful to have found each other. There was a lot of uncertainty that lay ahead...but the one thing they didn't need to doubt was their love for each other. Not now...not ever.

Olivia snapped out of her memory when she heard Elliot whisper her name. He was standing in the doorway to their bedroom, watching her carefully. Clearly worried she was upset again. She smiled, walked up to him and pressed her hands to his cheeks and planted a passionate kiss on his lips.

When she pulled back he smiled, "What was that for?" He asked.

She shook her head, "For...everything you have ever done for me and everything you will ever do…" She lifted his hand and placed it over her stomach, "For all of us."

Elliot smiled and tilted her chin up to meet his eyes again, "I'd die for you all."

"I know." She said leaning into him, "Although I hope it never comes to that...I've become quite accustomed to having you in my life."

He smiled and started to pull her into the room, before shutting the door behind them, "I don't plan on going anywhere Benson. You're stuck with me."

She smiled and walked over to the bed, "Good to know."

Elliot walked around the side of the bed and started to pull back the covers again, "Eli asked me where babies come from…"

Olivia laughed and climbed in beside him, "I was wondering when that question would come up. Makes sense that it would be tonight after hearing our news. What did you tell him?"

Elliot sighed, "I told him the old immaculate conception story."

She couldn't help but laugh as she propped herself up on her elbow and stared at him, "Of course you did."

He shrugged sheepishly and looked up at the ceiling, "I panicked. Kathy took the lead with the other ones...my brains been a little preoccupied lately. I wasn't sure how to approach it. I'll call Kathy tomorrow."

She laughed again and touched his chest, "That's a good idea."

He smiled when he heard her laugh and turned his head towards her again. He saw a dreamy look on her face as she traced random patterns on his chest. It had been a hell of a few days and some people would have completely crumbled by this point. But here she lay, smiling, strong and ready to take on whatever came next.

He lifted his own hand and placed it over hers resting on his chest, "Penny for your thoughts." She looked up at him and he shrugged, "Been a long day...lots happened. Good and...bad."

She scooted down on the bed and got as close to him as possible without kissing him, "I'm just...I'm feeling really content right now El. That might sound completely insane, but it's true. Despite everything, despite how hard today was." She shrugged, "I'm finally realizing how lucky I really am. The beginning of my life may have been very lonely...very dark." She smiled and touched his cheek, "But now...now my life is very full and I wouldn't trade it for the world. And do you want to know what the best part of it all is?"

He smiled softly and started to move, "What would that be?"

Smiling sweetly, she rolled over a little so he could hover over her, "You."

His face blushed and he wanted to have her then and there, "Olivia…"

"You broke down the wall Elliot. The very sturdy...thick...nearly indestructible wall." She teased and he smiled, "I would have hid away on my own forever if you hadn't. I needed you to pull me out of my shell. I needed you then...I need you now. I'll need you always. I love you El."

Elliot cleared his throat and lifted a hand to place over her belly, "I need you too Liv. And I'm always going to be right here. I love you too…" He went to move his hand again and paused when he felt a lump in her sweatshirt pocket, "Liv...having done this four other times, that's not what a baby feels like."

She chuckled, "No. It's not." She pushed him back on the bed and then sat up, reaching into her front pocket before pulling something wrapped in a paper towel, "But it is the shape of an ooey-gooey bar." She whispered as she held it out to him.

Elliot's mouth hung open, "You're willing to share?"

She shrugged and unfolded the paper, "I think you earned it today…"

Elliot smiled at her, "I'm honored." He took the offering from her, stared at it for a moment and then smiled, "Although...I had something else in mind for dessert tonight."

Catching his meaning she raised an eyebrow and touched his cheek, "Is that so?"

"Yep." He said turning to place the bar down on the side table, "But this will make a great after sex snack."

She couldn't help but laugh as he turned back to her and pulled her flush against his body before flashing his lips to hers. Today had started out as one of the scariest days of her life. But it was sure ending as one of the best…

I will update as soon as I can! In the meantime, check out "Desire" a short story I am working on it is rated M. I also added another one-shot called "Ocean Eyes" yesterday. Hope you enjoy! Drop a review and let me know if I should keep going :)