Captains Promotion Ceremony- 1 Police Plaza- New York:

"Look mom, it's dad" Noah whispers shouts as he tugs on my hand, pointing up at where Elliot stands with the rest of those awaiting promotions. "Yes it is sweet boy. But you gotta be patient ok? There's several people who's families are also here to see this" I reply, leading him through the crowd to stand behind the curtain on the other side of the stage, waiting for the commissioner to take the stage and begin the ceremony.

As the ceremony begins and names are called, Noah squeezes my fingers as he says "he's next mama." "Elliot J. Stabler, who will be assigned to the organized crime unit in Manhattan." As Elliot approaches the podium, the commissioner stops and says "Will Noah Benson report to the stage?" I turn and say "alright sweet boy, go ahead" and watch as Noah walks up to the commissioner, in his dark blue suit, who then hands Noah Elliots gold badge and bars and squeezes his shoulder before returning to the podium. "Pinning Captain Stabler is Noah Benson, the son of Captain Olivia Benson, Stabler'a former partner, from Manhattan SVU." I feel tears come as I watch Elliot kneel down to Noah's level and Noah speak to him before pinning his bars on his collar and the gold captains badge on his chest.

After Noah completes the pinning, the entire audience begins to clap and cheer. I watch as Noah wraps his arms around Elliots neck and Elliot hug him back before effortlessly scooping him up into his arms. Elliot walks over to shake the commissioners hand, and Noah is handed Elliot's certificate of promotion, before Elliot walks towards me, Noah still clinging to his neck. I can see tears in Elliot's eyes as he stands before me, Noah looking as if he's always known Elliot. "Told you he had a surprise for you" I say softly, reaching out to rub my hand down his arm. "Best surprise ever" he replies, reaching up to cradle the back of Noah's head with one hand. I see Fin and the rest of the squad approach and say "Noah, why don't you go with your aunts and uncles for a moment, ok sweet boy? He's coming home with us tonight" I say softly, watching Noah nod his head and hearing Elliot say "I'm not going anywhere buddy I promise" before he places him on the ground. I look to watch him run to Fin, before turning my gaze back onto Elliot. "He's always thought you were his dad. Ever since he was little, and I've never had the heart to tell him otherwise. Seen you in pictures of us all over the apartment." I begin, watching the tears begin to spill over as he says "the first thing he whispered to me was "hey dad." And that meant a lot to me. Wanna be the man you deserve and the dad Noah deserves. Asked him if he'd let me be his dad walking over to you and you know what he said to me Liv?" He asks, stepping up to press his forehead to mine and wraps his arms around my waist. I shake my head, unable to speak, moved at the love my son showered the man of my dreams with as soon as he met him. "He said you've always been my dad, that you had told him I was a hero and that one day I'd come home" he says a quiet sob escaping from the both of us.

"I never gave up hope either El" I reply, quoting his letter from today. "I always knew you'd come home. I never stopped loving you, told OUR son stories about us. Told him that the day he met you, that you'd never leave his side. That you were our guardian angel in the shadows, and that one day you'd come home to the light. I believed in you and so does Noah. He's our son in every way El. And you, Elliot J. Stabler are the love of my life." "And you Olivia Benson are mine" he replies softly, pressing a long lingering kiss to my lips before pulling back. He turns towards Fin, who knowingly lets Noah go and I laugh as Noah runs into Elliots arms, a loud "Dad!" Bursting fourth as he does so. "I'm so glad your home dad" he says as Elliot catches him. Elliot looks back at me before hugging Noah close and says "Home will always be where you and your mom are for me, forever."