Disclaimer: SVU and all of its characters were created by and are the property of Dick Wolf. I make no profit with this story, which is my own original work.

On the way back to Olivia's apartment, Elliot had suggested stopping for Chinese take out for their dinner. On any other night, they would have ordered delivery, but since they were close by their favorite place, it was just as easy to stop in and pick it up in person. She had eagerly agreed – Chinese takeout was one Christmas Eve tradition she had always had. With so many things seemingly changing this year, it was nice to still have something familiar.

Despite how busy the restaurant had been, it hadn't taken long to pick up their food and get back on their way. No sooner than she was back inside her apartment and her coat had been removed, Olivia was slipping the sling over her head, relieved to be rid of it. She knew she would need those few hours of a reprieve from that contraption before she would have to wear it again in order to sleep later that night.

"I'm going to go and get changed back into something comfortable, El. I'll meet you back out here in a little bit."

"Not a problem Liv, I want to get changed myself. I don't want you worrying about the food, I'll plate it up when I get back to the kitchen."

Sighing and shaking her head, Olivia made her way to her bedroom. Deep down, she understood Elliot's need to take care of her, it was just frustrating sometimes when he wouldn't let her take care of him, too. As she changed back into the leggings and tee shirt she'd had on earlier in the day, she remembered that she hadn't yet brought the gifts she had bought for her partner and his kids out of hiding. She was still trying to wrap her head around the fact that this year she had an actual tree to place them under. Grabbing the two large bags from her closet, Olivia carried them to the living room.

By the time Elliot joined her several minutes later, the gifts had all been arranged neatly under the tree. When Olivia turned around to find her partner standing there, she was surprised to see that he had packages of his own in his arms. Then, realization dawned on her. He was away from his kids, of course it would make sense that he hadn't given them their gifts yet.

"I believe there is still some room under the tree, El. I didn't realize you'd be needing space, too."

"No worries, Liv, I can make everything fit. If there is one thing I'm an expert at, it's this."

True to his assurances, Elliot had perfectly arranged all of the wrapped gifts under the tree in no time at all. As he stood, he spun on his heel to head toward the kitchen, calling over his shoulder for Olivia to select another movie from the pile of DVDs he'd brought over so they would have something to watch while they ate dinner. Studying the titles carefully, she picked the one that she thought she would most enjoy, knowing there was still plenty of time between today and tomorrow to finish watching them all. In truth, Olivia didn't care if she slept tonight at all. For the first time in her life, she was so completely swept up in the magic that she felt, that she didn't want to miss a moment of it.

Elliot soon returned, carrying two plates piled high. True to form, he had divided their choices between them, as they had been sharing their Chinese food ever since their first week as partners. Even with as much as he had given them to eat, there would still be plenty of leftovers for a late night snack, or even for lunch the following day.

"Were you able to find something?"

Olivia indicated the open DVD case on the coffee table, making it known she had already inserted the disc into the player. Earlier today, they had watched It's a Wonderful Life together, now she had chosen another classic – A Christmas Carol. These were films she had always heard about growing up that her friends had talked about watching with their families as part of their holiday traditions, and she had always felt like she had missed out on something important.

Both Elliot and Olivia had been starving, so by the time they had finished eating, Ebenezer Scrooge was still in the middle of his encounter with the Ghost of Christmas Past. Not wanting to get up in the middle of the movie, but wanting Olivia to be more comfortable, Elliot took a chance. He set their plates on the coffee table, then moved closer to her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and pulling her against his body. To his surprise, Olivia not only complied, but swung her legs up onto the couch as she adjusted into the new position. Not wanting to spoil the moment by speaking, he focused his attention back on the screen, watching the miser's journey toward redemption unfold.

When the movie had ended, Olivia's eyes were bright with unshed tears. She'd always been familiar with the story – her education had at least allowed for that – but this had been her first time ever witnessing it in this format. Wiping a stray tear from her eye, she reluctantly pulled back a little from Elliot's hold to look into his eyes.

"Okay, what next? And please, tell me that not everything is going to make me this emotional."

With a smile, Elliot swept a lock of Olivia's hair behind her ear.

"I can't guarantee that, but I can offer you something else. What do you say we dig into some of those baked goods that we made, and watch something a bit lighter?"

His grin was contagious.

"That sounds perfect. What did you have mind?"

"How about I introduce you to some of my favorites growing up, that I enjoyed having my kids see as well? Specials that became their favorites when they were growing up, and something they still insist on watching to this day – even if they won't always openly admit to it?"

Olivia's felt her body tingle with warmth at the suggestion. This was more than just giving her a Christmas – this was Elliot sharing his own holiday traditions with her, as though he were welcoming her into his family. She felt herself nodding in agreement, almost giddy with excitement at what awaited her next.

Twenty minutes later, they were back in the living room. Much to Olivia's surprise, Elliot had told her there was a 'method' for watching these particular holiday specials. He'd instructed her to go into her room and change into pajamas, specifically plaid flannel pants if she had them. Since he knew she didn't own any decorative tee shirts with snowflakes on them, he'd told her a red or green tee shirt would be fine for the occasion.

By the time Olivia had returned, she found that Elliot had been busy in her absence. Not only had he changed into pajamas as well, but he'd arranged a platter of cookies for them to snack on, and he'd made hot chocolate – complete with marshmallows. He'd also apparently gone digging in her linen closet, because on her couch was a comfortable blanket for her to cover up with. Upon taking in the black plaid bottoms and long sleeved red tee shirt she was wearing, he nodded his approval.

"That works. Next year, though, we'll have to get you a pair of our matching pajamas so you can blend in with the rest of us."

Olivia nearly choked on her hot chocolate. Next year? Unless she was mistaken, next year would be Elliot's turn to have his kids for the holiday. Was he already insinuating that he wanted her to spend Christmas with them - in matching pajamas no less? As though sensing her panic, Elliot did his best to calm the woman sitting next to him before she would start hyperventilating.

"Easy, Liv. Did you really think I'd only spend one Christmas with you then abandon you? I want this to become a regular tradition - that is, if you want it, too."

"Of course, Elliot. But your kids -"

He held up his hand, stopping her before she could go any further.

"My kids all know you and love you. In fact, sometimes I think they like you better than they do me. Plus, I want you to know that it was Lizzie who suggested we spend this Christmas together. I'd already had the idea on my own, but she thought it was pretty good, too."

Olivia wasn't feeling any more calm after hearing Elliot's explanation. If anything, her heart was only racing faster. He wasn't only talking about this year – but future years, and it seemed he was alluding to something more than friendship between them. She had to be imagining things. It had to be the concussion talking. There was no way her partner would be interested in her in that way. As though he could read the way her thoughts were starting to spiral, Elliot reached out and gently took the mug of hot chocolate back and returned it to the coffee table. Then he grasped her hands in his own.

"Olivia, listen to me. I'm not trying to rush you here, but I want you to know that I meant every word that I said. I want what is happening this year to be a new beginning of traditions for us – but only if that is what you want, too."

"El -"

Her voice was a whisper, a silent plea. However, for the first time in as long as he'd known her, Elliot wasn't sure exactly what she was asking of him. He decided to take a chance, and he hoped that it wouldn't ruin everything.

"If you don't believe me, Olivia, look on the shelf by the CD player. There is one decoration there that I didn't put up – only because I was afraid of what you would think. But I want to know your opinion on it now."

Struggling to her feet, Olivia shakily made her way over to the spot Elliot had indicated. There on her shelf was the box he had been referring to. With trembling hands, she pried off the lid, letting it drop to the floor. Peeling back the tissue paper, she stared down into the package in disbelief. Carefully lifting the item from where it lay nestled, she discarded the bottom part of the box, and spun around slowly, a sprig of mistletoe now cradled in her hands as she looked at Elliot with wide eyes.

He crossed the room to meet her, knowing this was one holiday tradition that needed no explanation. Without a word, he'd just confessed to his partner of nine years that he wanted to kiss her. Elliot considered the fact that Olivia hadn't run from the room screaming or laughed in his face a positive sign. She was, however, visibly trembling. Once again covering her hands with his, he studied her face intently.

"I want you to listen to me carefully, Olivia. This, this is real. My feelings for you have been changing for some time. I hope you know that I've always loved you, but I want us to have more than that."

Olivia said nothing, but her eyes were sparkling with tears. With an imperceptible nod, she indicated he should continue.

"When you knocked me out of the way on the Gapstow bridge the other day, deliberately putting yourself in danger over me, it still terrifies me to think about. I don't know what I would have done if Humphries would have killed you."

Gathering his courage, Elliot pressed on.

"I promised myself that I wouldn't let another moment pass me by. I swore that once I knew you were going to be okay, I was going to tell you how I felt. I know you've felt the shift between us today, and unless I'm mistaken, you've been happy. Tell me I'm not imagining things, Liv."

Though she was overcome with emotion, Olivia's voice was clear and strong.

"You're not."

"Well, then, at the risk of being extremely cheesy and cliché, I would love it if our first kiss was under the mistletoe. What do you say, Liv? May I kiss you?"

Laughing through her happy tears, Olivia nodded in earnest.

"Yes."

Elliot picked up the sprig from her hands, and held it over both of their heads. Then, he leaned in and captured Olivia's mouth with his in a soft kiss. She wrapped her arms around him, and he responded in kind, the mistletoe soon forgotten as the kiss gradually deepened. Eventually they did have to break apart due to a mutual need for air, but they kept their foreheads connected, unwilling to end the intimacy of the moment. This would be a Christmas Eve memory neither would ever forget.

Several minutes later, Elliot suggested they return to the couch, though truth be told, he could have gone on kissing Olivia endlessly. The last thing he wanted, though, was for her to feel pressured in any way, and he didn't want to overwhelm her, either. Plus, he'd seen the look in her eye when he'd suggested watching the Christmas specials he had grown up with. Getting a glimpse of his traditions really mattered to her.

Giving Olivia a few minutes to herself, he headed into the kitchen only long enough to reheat their hot chocolate. When he returned to the living room with the two mugs, he found her sitting and staring at the sparkling lights of the tree. The fingers of her left hand were touching her lips, and the corners of her mouth were turned up in a smile. The mistletoe now sat on the edge of the coffee table, and Elliot knew it was a keepsake he'd want to preserve forever.

Clearing his throat softly, he came around the edge of the couch and sat down, passing Olivia a mug. She accepted, taking a careful sip before setting it down again. As Elliot picked up the remote and prepared to press 'play', he noticed when Olivia shivered slightly next to him.

"Why don't you wrap up in the blanket if you're cold, Liv? That's why I brought it out for you in the first place."

Olivia reached out for the blanket, ignoring the pinch in her shoulder as she did so. As the evening wore on, her pain really was increasing, but she didn't want to say anything. The day had gone so well, and tonight so far had been perfect, the last thing she wanted to do was remind Elliot that she was hurt. All she needed to do was tough it out for a few more hours, then take something before she went to sleep tonight.

As she tried to make herself comfortable under the blanket, Elliot's arm wrapped around her shoulders yet again, and Olivia gave in to the touch. When she felt him pulling her closer, she brought her legs up to the side and tucked them against her body, and leaned into him. Adjusting the blanket better so that it now covered the both of them, she gave him a smile.

"It's only fair that I share. I don't want you to be cold, either."

Settling in, Olivia asked what they were about to watch. With a smile, Elliot rattled off a list of titles that he had planned. There was Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, A Charlie Brown Christmas, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas. As the first show began to play on screen, Olivia reached for her hot chocolate and selected a cookie before tucking back in against Elliot's side. For the next three hours, she found herself transported into a world of wonder, and she truly began to understand why children believed in magic. After last night and today, she was beginning to believe in it herself.

Now it was just after nine, and Olivia wasn't ready to call it a night just yet. So, when Elliot asked her if she wanted to watch one more movie, she readily agreed. Then he had one more question.

"Would you have any objections if I picked this time? I'll let you have a turn again tomorrow, I promise."

"Go ahead El. It's not as if I have any clue what I'm choosing, anyway."

With a brief kiss to the tip of her nose, Elliot promised he would be right back. Then, he proceeded to clear away the plate of cookies he had brought in and the now empty mugs that had once held their hot chocolate. After searching briefly through the DVDs upon his return, he popped on into the player, and joined Olivia on the couch once more.

"Okay, you are in for a treat. I thought for our final movie tonight, we would go with something that would make us laugh a little. This one is another favorite that I always watch with my kids on Christmas Eve."

Before Olivia could even register what was happening, the movie was beginning, and the title A Christmas Story appeared on screen. She was whisked away into the nostalgic narration of Ralphie Parker's best Christmas ever – the year the thing he wanted most in the world was a Red Ryder BB gun. Even though there was a bit of a generational gap – the movie took place in 1940, and she had been born in the late sixties – Olivia still found herself nearly doubling over with laughter at various points. Randy and his snowsuit, Flick getting his tongue stuck on the flagpole, even the way the bullies were portrayed. By the time the Old Man had received his major award, tears were coming out of Olivia's eyes as she was clutching her sides trying to maintain her composure. When it came time for Ralphie and Randy's visit to Santa in the department store, Olivia turned to Elliot.

"You know, I never got to see Santa when I was young, but if I'd encountered one like that, I can see why some kids are terrified. Talk about childhood trauma."

Laughing, Elliot couldn't help but agree with her. While his father had burst his bubble in regards to his belief in Santa at a relatively young age, he'd kept the magic alive for his own children for as long as possible. Even now, he still would label some of their gifts as being from Santa, instead of just from himself.

The movie played on, and Elliot and Olivia watched as the Parker family shopped for their Christmas tree, and enjoyed their very own Christmas eve. Just when Olivia thought they were about to have the ultimate picture – perfect holiday, the Bumpus hounds came in through the door that Ralphie had inadvertently left open when he'd come back in from outside. They slipped by the old man, and within seconds, the family's dreams of a turkey dinner were ruined. Instead, they ended up at a local Chinese restaurant, being sung carols by the employees, and getting more than they bargained for with the entree of choice.

As the movie came to a close, snow was falling quietly, creating a picturesque scene and everything was right with the world. Olivia's heart felt full, and when she shifted her gaze, she saw that real life was imitating what they had just witnessed on screen – big fluffy snowflakes could be seen just outside the window.

"El, look – it's snowing."

"How about that. Seems we're going to have a White Christmas after all."

The fact that it was snowing outside – and quite earnestly too – had barely even had time to register in Olivia's mind before Elliot was pulling her up from couch and nudging her toward the door. Before she could fully respond to his actions, she was bundled in her coat, and he was passing her her shoes.

"Elliot, wait! What are we doing?"

"We're going up to the roof to watch the snow."

Coming to her sense, Olivia tried to object, but to no avail.

"But I'm only wearing pajamas!"

"So am I. Come on, Liv. It's almost midnight. No one is going to even notice. I want to share this with you – it's part of the Christmas magic I've been telling you about. Maybe we'll even see Santa flying by in his sleigh."

Rolling her eyes at the comment, but laughing nonetheless, Olivia gave in. She put her hand into Elliot's outstretched one, and grabbed the keys with her free one. Allowing him to lead her out the door, she followed him as he guided them up the stairs to the roof of her building.

When they got to the top, Elliot was relieved that no one else had had the same idea. He and Olivia had the entire roof to themselves, and he couldn't be happier about that fact. As they walked toward the edge, Olivia placed her palms on the railing that bordered the rooftop balcony, and looked out over the city. Coming to stand behind her, Elliot wrapped his arms around her waist, and rested his chin on her shoulder. He knew he was taking a chance, and hoped that the woman in his arms wouldn't find the gesture too intimate. Whispering in her ear, he questioned her softly, not wanting to disrupt the quiet atmosphere.

"Penny for your thoughts."

"I just can't believe it. It's like a different world up here tonight."

Elliot said nothing, just allowed Olivia some space to continue. He could tell she was in a pensive mood, and given everything that had gone on that day, knew she needed some time to process everything that she was feeling.

"I don't know if I've ever told you, but this is a favorite place of mine that I come to whenever I need to be alone and think. I'm sure that must seem silly, I live alone, why couldn't I do my thinking in my apartment by myself?"

"It doesn't sound silly at all."

Elliot's words weren't an interruption, more of a quiet reassurance. He wrapped his arms tighter around her in an attempt to make her feel more secure.

"It always amazed me how small the city would look from up here, but tonight, everything seems different somehow. It even smells different. How can I explain it without sounding stupid? It feels like I'm seeing everything for the first time – and it all looks so very beautiful."

Turning Olivia around so he could look into her eyes now, Elliot reached out and brushed a stray lock of hair behind her ear. Snowflakes were clinging to her eyelashes as she blinked up at him, and he wanted to kiss her in the worst way – but first he had something to say.

"It has always been beautiful Liv. I just think sometimes, given the nature of our jobs, we tend to forget that. What do you say we try and remind each other of the good that exists in the world more often?"

"I like that idea."

Now that they'd been outside for several minutes standing in the falling snow, Elliot was getting ready to suggest they had back indoors. Even though it had been determined that Olivia had suffered no adverse effects from the hypothermia the other day, he didn't want to take any chances. But he simply hadn't been able to resist bringing her out here to witness the makings of a White Christmas the first year she was actually celebrating the holiday. Remembering a promise he'd made to his daughter, he took his cell phone out of his pocket, and shot a few seconds of video of the falling snow that was illuminated by the lights on the roof. Tomorrow, when it was daylight, he'd be sure to get more footage.

"We should get back inside, Liv. I don't want you getting too cold."

"Can we stay out here a little bit longer? Please?"

For as long as he'd known her, Elliot had never been able to deny Olivia anything when it came to her requests. That certainly wasn't going to start tonight.

"Of course we can. Just promise me that if you get cold, you'll tell me? I can always give you my coat."

Olivia shook her head, dismissing the thought before he'd barely even finished speaking it.

"Then you'll be cold. Don't think I've forgotten that you went in that water the other day, too, El. You haven't told me anything, but I'm sure you had consequences of your own as a result."

Elliot cupped Olivia's cheek in his palm, and his blue eyes flicked back and forth between her brown ones.

"I know that's a conversation I keep putting off, and I swear to you, we will have it. Just, not outside on the roof of your building, okay?"

"Fair enough."

Just as Olivia was about to concede to the fact that the temperatures were getting the better of her, and she was ready to go back inside, she heard it – not the prancing of hooves on the rooftops, but the pealing of bells. It must have been coming from the churches in the area as they rang out the midnight hour, officially announcing the arrival of Christmas Day. She looked back into Elliot's eyes, and saw a warmth reflected there that matched the one she had seen earlier – the same glow as when he had shown her the mistletoe and asked permission to kiss her. Deciding that this time she would be the one to take the initiative, she took a step forward, bringing their bodies closer together. Even though they were alone on the roof, and no one was around to hear, her voice was a whisper.

"Merry Christmas, El."

Arching up on her tiptoes, she pressed her lips against his. Elliot's arms reflexively tightened around her waist, and Olivia wrapped her own arms around his neck as the kiss gradually deepened. Their tongues mingled and danced together as the snow continued to fall around them, blanketing the rooftop.

The kiss on the roof had gone on for endless minutes, but now they were back in the warmth and comfort of Olivia's apartment. Elliot knew that he needed to have that important conversation with Olivia that he'd been avoiding, but the increasing frequency of her yawns told him tonight wouldn't be the night, either.

"Did you want anything else before bed, Liv? A cup of hot tea to help you sleep, maybe?"

With a smile, Olivia reached out and rested her palm on Elliot's bicep.

"Thanks, El, but I don't think sleep is going to be a problem for me tonight. I believe I'm going to drift off with – what is they call it – 'visions of sugarplums' dancing in my head in no time."

Olivia paused for a second, a pensive expression on her face. Then, she met Elliot's eyes once more, genuinely curious.

"What exactly is a sugarplum, anyway?"

Elliot tried his best to explain. His kids had once asked the same question, all at varying ages. When it had been Maureen's turn, he'd genuinely not known the answer, so he had taken it upon himself to find out – never once wanting to lie to his daughter about anything she was openly curious about. Now, it was time to share that knowledge with Olivia.

"Well, despite what it sounds like, they aren't actually referring to the actual fruit called the plum. A sugar plum is in reference to any kind of hard candy. In the days the poem was originally written, it often was a nut covered in a hard shell of sugar."

Again, Olivia felt her insides flooded with warmth at how Elliot responded to her questions without making her feel silly or awkward for not knowing the answers. There was something else she wanted to ask of him, but she was conflicted. In some ways, it felt to soon, yet in others, it felt as though too much time had passed them by already. Not that what she was going to ask was anything improper, at least, she hoped not.

"El?"

"Yeah, Liv?"

Gathering her courage, Olivia exhaled a shaky breath and pressed ahead. The worst that could happen was that he would say no. Though her ego would undoubtedly be bruised, it wouldn't damage their relationship any, and she would certainly understand. After all, up until a few months ago, Elliot had still been a married man. Separated, yes, but still married.

"Liv. Liv!"

Startled out of her wayward thoughts, Olivia focused her attention once more on Elliot. How long had she been staring? Feeling a blush creep into her cheeks, she tried to collect herself. That was when she felt a pair of hands close around hers and squeeze gently.

"Come on Liv, it's only me. You know that you can ask me anything. What's on your mind?"

"Can you...would you -"

Olivia paused, faltering for a moment before continuing, the words all coming out in a continuous jumble.

"Wouldyoustaywithmetonight?"

Elliot's expression softened even more, knowing just what that request had cost the woman standing in front of him. For as long as he'd known her, Olivia had been fiercely independent. In his eyes, she always would be. What he didn't understand, though, is why she was asking him to stay. Didn't she already know that he was here with her for the long haul? Committed to remain by her side until she was fully recovered?

Olivia's anxiety increased as she waited the endless agonizing moments for Elliot's answer. As she studied his face, she also saw something else written there – confusion. No wonder he hadn't given her a response right away, he hadn't understood. Her stomach did another somersault as she realized she'd have to say the words again, more specifically this time.

"El, I was asking you if you'd spend the night with me in my room – just to sleep, nothing more. I want to wake up tomorrow morning with you by my side."

A slow smile spread across Elliot's face as recognition dawned. Instead of answering verbally, he leaned forward and touched his lips to hers. It was the only confirmation that Olivia needed, and she relaxed in his arms.

After making sure the door was securely locked, Elliot turned off all the lights, save for the tree. He explained that it was another tradition that on Christmas Eve, they leave it lit all night long. Hand in hand, they made their way to Olivia's bedroom, and closed the door behind them.

Going to her normal side of the bed, Olivia took one of the pain pills she kept on her nightstand that she'd been given by the hospital pharmacy. Setting the bottle of water back down, she pulled back the covers and crawled between them. She flipped on the bedside lamp so that Elliot could turn off the overhead light and make himself comfortable.

Even though it wasn't a part of his usual routine, Elliot decided that he would sleep in his pajamas tonight. He watched as Olivia switched off her lamp and turned on her side to face him as he climbed into the bed. The room was lit now only by what lights filtered in from the streets outside. Not wanting to get into any serious topics tonight, he tried for a little levity.

"Do you want me to tell you a bedtime story?"

Elliot wasn't sure exactly what kind of reaction he'd been expecting. Laughter, perhaps – or even a backhand to his chest as Olivia told him not to be such a smartass. What happened instead completely took him by surprise.

"What kind of story?"

Realizing that she was serious, Elliot reached out and wrapped an arm around her, pulling her against his body. Olivia complied, resting her head against his chest, and tucking her head under his chin. The arm that wasn't in the sling relaxed against him, her hand coming to rest just over his heart.

"How about A Visit From St. Nicholas? I read it to my kids every Christmas Eve for as long as I can remember. There was even a time when the twins were young that they wanted it as their bedtime story every night, no matter what time of year it was."

"That sounds perfect."

From memory, Elliot began to recite the iconic verses. When he'd finished, Olivia lay sleeping peacefully against his shoulder, and he could feel her breaths falling in even intervals against his throat. Turning his head to the side, he pressed his lips to her forehead in a tender kiss, and whispered a final farewell for the night before joining her in slumber.

"Goodnight, Liv. Merry Christmas."