A/N: A little domestic EO based off last weeks episode. After a hard case leaves Olivia wondering how anyone could love her, Elliot reminds her of just some of the reasons she does. As in most of the domestic one-shots I've written, Elliot and Olivia got together when he retired in season 12 so they've been an official couple for 8 years.

She closes the door with a heavy sigh, closing her eyes and leaning against it. It had taken a lot to keep from breaking down today. Her insecurities surrounding her upbringing didn't affect her as bad as they used to but there were times it hit. Today it had hit with a force she hadn't felt in a few years.

The sound of his voice surprised her but didn't startle her. He was her stability.

"Rough day dear?" He was laying on the couch. The TV was on in the background but it was quiet. She knew he had waited up for her to make sure she was ok and it made her feel safe, grounded. He gave her a small smile and his blue eyes were soothing her mind already. If the circumstances were less serious she would have made a joke about how he had turned into a housewife. The apartment looked freshly cleaned and the kitchen smelled like he had cooked lasagna for dinner. Not to mention calling her 'dear'. But, she had had a rough day as much as she hated to admit it.

"You didn't have to wait up for me." But it warmed her heart that she knew she could always count on him to look after her.

"Amanda texted and said the case had...brought up some things."

"I'm fine. I'm good I just-"

"Your famous words." He teased lovingly and they exchanged small smiles. She took a few moments to just look at the beautiful man occupying the couch. He was older than when they were partners, but to her, he was just as sexy as he had been then. His stubble was turning into a goatee and what was left of his hair was grey. His muscles, though not as toned as they once were were still strong and sturdy. Even after 8 years, she still had to stop and remind herself that he was hers.

"You checking me out Benson?" He smirked and she laughed. That technically was what she'd been a doing. She took her eyes off his broad chest and locked with his blue orbs again biting her lip.

"Maybe."

"Like what you see?"

"You're not bad looking for an old man." She smirked.

"Old?" He mocked hurt and she laughed. A laugh she desperately needed after today. She walked over to the couch so she could lean down and kiss him. He deepened the kiss and pulled her onto his lap. She melted into his embrace. She could taste ice cream and it warmed her heart that he'd put so much effort into spending time with a son that wasn't biologically theirs. She snuggled into his chest, inhaling the scent that surrounded her. It felt like home.

"You and Noah had ice cream?"

"Of course. It got him to do his homework." She smiled and kissed his chin.

"You're a great dad El." He wrapped her tightly in his arms.

"So if I can bribe our son with ice cream what can I bribe you with? Because I know something is bothering you that you're not telling me." She sighed against his neck. "Don't tell me you're fine. I've known you for 20 years. I know that's crap." She sniffled, he knew her too well. "Talk to me, baby."

"When I was 15 years old, I overheard my mother on the phone and she said 'How I could ever love someone conceived by a monster'. Our Vic, Kitty she's...she's pregnant and uh….she said basically the same thing to me today about how there was no way she could-" Her voice cracked.

"Oh, Liv."

"She was right though wasn't she? I'm damaged goods, Elliot. I was a product of the worst thing that ever happened to her. How could she love me? How could anyone?" He gently wiped away her tear with his thumb.

"I do. I love you very much." She sniffled.

"Why? You could have any other woman in the world. Why me?" His smile warmed her heart as he leaned over her and kissed her tears.

"So many reasons sweetheart. So many."

"Tell me? Please?" He loved that she felt comfortable enough with him to show vulnerability and seek his reassurance, but it still broke his heart that she had those insecurities in the first place. He stood with her in his arms and carried her to their bed so it would be easier to hold her. He laid her down gently and kissed her forehead.

"Well for starters...you're drop dead gorgeous inside and out." She rolled her eyes.

"You need glasses, Stabler."

"My eyes are perfect. You're beautiful Olivia. You're breathtaking. Don't ever doubt that."

"If you say so."

"I do." He was giving her the Stabler grin that she'd always loved so much. "You have the biggest heart of anyone I know. You're an amazing mother, seeing you with Noah is-you're amazing Liv. You're a natural." He cuts her off with a sweet kiss. "You're the most dedicated cop in that unit, and they all know it, even Dodds and his band of assholes at 1PP." She laughs. "You're so selfless...you have so much love to give baby. So much. You've always loved my kids like they were you're own. You got Kathleen through a rough patch in her life, encouraged me to reconnect with my mother, oh and what's that thing you did with Eli? Oh yeah, saved his life and brought him into this world."

"What kind of partner would I have been if I'd done nothing?"

"Olivia look at me. You are special, you're beautiful, you're compassionate, you're devoted. You matter sweetheart, a whole hell of a lot no matter what anyone says."

"El-"

"Your mother didn't know how to love you like you deserved. That wasn't your fault and it's not hers either, she went through hell. But, you deserved better. You didn't do anything wrong. You deserved to be loved unconditionally. You are loved unconditionally. Immeasurably. By so many people and especially me." His words brought more tears to her eyes. How was she to respond to that?

She snuggles into his embrace, absorbing the love and warmth he always gives her. He wraps his arms around her tighter.

"I. Love. You." He makes sure to emphasize each word.

"I love you too El."

"I love you." He repeated and she giggles.

"You said that."

"I know because I love you."

"El-"

"I'm going to say it as many times as you need to hear it until I draw my last breath, Olivia." The truth was, she would never get tired of him saying those beautiful words.

"I love you too Elliot Stabler. I love you too."

"I love you so much more."

"Not possible."

"Yes, it is. I love you to the sun and back."

"Sun, not the moon?" She teased.

"The sun's farther. More distance means more love so I win, I love you more." They both share warm smiles and she kisses him softly.

"Nah, your love is invalid unless it's infinity." She smirks.

"Oh baby, it's more than infinity." He kisses her deeply and passionately and she hums into his kiss.

"You always know what to say."

"You know why?" She rolls her eyes lovingly but her heart is warm because yes, she does know.

"Because you love me?

"More than you'll ever know."

"Even though-" I was conceived by a monster. I'm damaged, you shouldn't love me and yet:

"I'd love you even if you joined IAB sweetheart. You know how much I hate those guys but not you. Never you." She yawns and closes her eyes, letting the soothing rhythm of his heartbeat and his gentle voice lull her to sleep as she is cradled in his arms.

The last thing she hears is him say: "Get some sleep honey, I love you."

And she knew that his love was all she really needed. Because she too loved him for so many reasons.