A/N: I'm so surprised from the response I received from the last chapter considering it was only a filler. Thank you all for your continued support. This chapter moves the fanfic onto the next plot and I'm a little bit nervous about it. Thanks again and I hope you all enjoy this next instalment. xxx

"Just sit down and tell us what you did to Jennifer!" Olivia exclaimed as she pushed their latest perp into an interrogation chair. She had been back with SVU for about a month now and she had got back into the swing of things straight away. Nothing had changed – Fin was still telling jokes, Munch still couldn't make coffee to save his life and, most of all, Cragen was constantly threatening to write Elliot up whenever he felt the blue eyed detective had stepped out of line.

At first, the captain tried to split Olivia and Elliot up as partners but he soon realised that it was pointless. He would send his detectives out separately with either Munch or Fin only to find out that they would just switch back as soon as they left the precinct. Don had given up with his mission only two weeks into Liv's return. The dynamic duo was stronger than ever so there were no grounds to split them formally.

"Woah, your wifey is a feisty one! Bet she's good in the sack!" The perp looked over Olivia's shoulder at Elliot. The hothead detective felt his blood boil when he saw that the scumbag was leering and trying to get a peek down Olivia's blouse as she hovered over him.

Elliot went to go and pummel him one but Olivia's next words and actions stopped him. "Ha! You think I'd ever marry him?" She pointed over her shoulder at her partner. "I wouldn't touch him with a barge pole." El felt slightly hurt by this but then came to terms with it when he realised where Olivia was going. "He's a pussy. I prefer my men rough...a bit like how you were with Jennifer except without the rape element."

It didn't take long for the two detectives to pull a confession out of the man and they soon found themselves leaving the interrogation room.

"So, you will never marry me, huh?" Elliot quipped once he was sure the man couldn't hear them.

"You will just have to ask to find out, won't you?" Liv teased jokingly before shooting him a wink and sauntering away.

'Maybe I will.' Was El's thought as he watched her walk back towards her desk.

Elliot Stabler was nervous.

He was currently sat on the couch in the living room, dressed in his best suit as he waited for Olivia to finish getting ready. His palms were sweaty and he swore he was having heart palpitations, he could feel his heart beating so hard he could have sworn it was about to be torn out of his chest.

Elliot had this night planned for about two weeks now and every time he thought about it, he felt a rush of excitement along with fear. Tonight was the night he was going to ask his girlfriend to marry him. He hadn't told a soul about his plans just in case he chickened out at the last minute.

"Why can't I come, Daddy?" Maria asked for the fifth time that evening as she played with her toys in front of the TV.

Elliot sighed and waved her over to him so he could talk to her in quieter tone. "Because, I have a surprise not just for Mommy but for you. You'll find out tomorrow when Mommy and I pick you up from Aunt Alex's in the morning. Besides, we're going to a restaurant that doesn't serve food for kids. You won't like it there." He had asked Alex to watch Maria for the night and despite her line of questioning, the ADA was unable to get anything out of him. All he had said was that he wanted to treat Olivia to a romantic meal to celebrate her return to SVU. "You're going to have so much fun with Aunt Alex, you won't even notice that we aren't there." El ensured the child as he knew that this was only the second night she would be spending away from home since she had come to live with Olivia.

Maria smiled and wrapped her arms around her 'father's' neck. "You and Mommy are going to come and get me when the sun comes up, right?" She asked him as Elliot lifted her onto his lap.

"Of course. I'm going to miss you so much." Elliot told her. He looked at the clock and rolled his eyes. It was now approaching six thirty. He booked their table for seven and Alex was due any minute but Olivia still wasn't ready. "Why don't you go check on Mommy?"

Maria clambered off his lap and skipped off towards his and Olivia's bedroom.

Olivia Benson was confused.

She was just making the finishing touches on her hair and make up as she contemplated the sneaky behaviour of her boyfriend. The past couple of weeks Elliot had been acting secretive. She knew this night was coming but so far all she knew was that they were having a romantic date night. She didn't know what restaurant they were going to but she knew it must be fancy as he told her to wear something 'nice'. Liv didn't buy his excuse that the reason for this special night was to celebrate her being back at SVU. Besides, they had celebrated that event in a very special way the night she had made the phone call to Cragen. Olivia knew that Elliot was up to something, she just couldn't figure our what that something was.

"Wow, Mama! You look so pretty!" Olivia turned on the spot in front of her full length mirror to see Maria, who looked somewhat starstruck, standing in the doorway.

Olivia looked down at her outfit of choice. She decided to go for the simple yet elegant choice of a figure hugging black dress that stopped just above her knees. The black stiletto heels she had picked out would add a few more inches to her height and make her legs seem a little longer. She decided to go for simple make up – mascara, eyeliner, a charcoal eyeshadow for a smokey look and a pale pink lipstick. Her hair was curled just slightly at the ends.

"Thank you, Baby." Liv replied as she put her feet into her shoes. She walked over to her daughter and took her hand. "I bet Daddy sent you in here to get me, didn't he?" She didn't normally take so long to get ready but on this particular night, she felt like she had to make more of an effort. Although they had been for many meals together, they had never had the opportunity to do so alone. Olivia just didn't feel right leaving Maria just to go on selfish kid free date.

"Uh huh. He kept saying you were taking too long." Maria giggled as the two of them made their way down the hall. The little girl's giggles caught the attention of Elliot and Alex, who had just arrived.

As soon as Olivia stepped into the room all eyes were on her. Alex was smiling as she waved Maria over to her but Elliot seemed like he was in a state of shock. His jaw was hanging slightly open as his eyes subtly roamed Liv's frame. Sure, he knew that Olivia looked beautiful no matter what she wore. However even in the past, before they had become a couple, Elliot envied which ever man was lucky enough to have Olivia as their date when she was all doled up. That night was different though because now he was actually allowed to look and admire her in the way he had always wished her could.

The dumbstruck man was torn from his thoughts, some innocent and some not, by Olivia who turned on the spot slowly. "How do I look?" She asked as she looked between her partner and her blonde best friend.

"You look great!" Alex exclaimed and then gave Elliot a quick kick to the back of his knee when Liv's eyes landed on him, obviously waiting for some sort of verbal response from him.

Elliot jerked forward just a little at the action of the ADA and managed to finally stutter out some sort of a compliment. "Liv...you look...stunning."

Olivia beamed as she made her way over to El only for him to snake an arm around her slim waist. Maria looked up at Alex, both of them holding back giggles. Alex then looked at the happy couple only to see that they were gazing into each other's eyes as if they were love sick puppies. She cleared her throat to get their attention.

"I think on that note, Maria and I better be off." The blonde announced as she began to gather the child's back pack that was by the couch.

Olivia and Elliot both blushed and composed themselves before jumping into action. "Come give me a hug, Maria." Liv held out her arms and crouched down so she could hold the girl to her tightly. She pulled back after a couple of seconds and placed a kiss on her forehead. "I need you to be a good girl for Aunt Alex, ok?" Maria nodded her head, a little smile on her face. "I love you." Liv reminded her as if she didn't do so multiple times every day.

"Love you too, Mama." Maria responded without fail before going over to Elliot and jumping into his awaiting arms.

"Oh, goodbye, my little princess." Elliot's voice was muffled as some of the five year old's hair was in his face, her head nestled in the crook between his neck and shoulder. He heard a little squeak of 'Bye, Daddy' as he looked over at Olivia who was talking to Alex.

"Ok. So she's already had her dinner. She's allowed one treat but no sugar after eight o'clock. She can have water before she goes to sleep but nothing else. It's Saturday so she has a slightly later bedtime-" Olivia tried to remember all the things that needed to be done off the top of her head but before she could carry on, Alex stopped her.

"Liv, I've been here at bedtime before, remember? She's going to be ok. Just have a great night kid-free. Have fun but not too much fun. We don't need another Stabler running around any time soon." Alex tried to calm Liv down with a joke and she was pleasantly surprised when it worked. She held her arms out to Maria who was still in Elliot's hold. "Don't worry about coming for her at any specific time. I have no plans for tomorrow so come as early or as late as you want." She reminded the girl's parents.

Olivia walked them over to the door and opened it so Alex could leave the apartment. She couldn't help but watch until her best friend left her sight with Liv's baby in her arms.

"Can we go now? I'm starving." Elliot got her attention

"Lead the way, Detective Stabler." Olivia gestured for El to step out the front door before grabbing a light jacket that was hanging up on the coat rack.

"Wow, El. This place is amazing but far too expensive." Olivia said as she scanned the menu in front of her.

Elliot sighed and reached over to take one of her hands in his. "I've told you not to worry about the cost. Tonight is special."

Olivia's suspicions once again spiked at his words. "El, it's not my birthday and it's not like it's our first ever date." She pointed out, hoping he would give her more information on why they were there on that specific evening.

"Is it a crime to want to treat my amazing girlfriend?" Elliot asked.

Olivia shrugged and grinned cheekily. "I guess I am pretty awesome." She quipped back making them both laugh. They finally stopped when a waiter came over to their table and asked if they were ready to order. Olivia and Elliot both gave the man their orders and handed the menus back to him.

"Both excellent choices. Can I get you anything to drink? A bottle of wine perhaps?" The waiter asked looking between the two detectives.

"We'll have your finest bottle of red, please." Elliot told him.

"El, you spoil me too much. All of this really isn't necessary." Her boyfriend held up his hand when Olivia went to protest.

"Olivia, for the last time, tonight is special. We have no responsibilities...we're free to just be us. Enjoy the evening." Elliot found himself once again trying to put her at ease. Liv sighed and shrugged deciding not to argue any more. She silently admitted to herself that it was nice to just spend some adult time alone with Elliot.

They ate their meals and enjoyed a couple of glasses of wine as they spoke about the normal day to day things. By the time their desert arrived, Elliot once again began to feel the jitters. He couldn't believe how well the evening had gone. So far, that is.

"Oh damn," Elliot cursed under his breath as he 'dropped' his spoon. He rolled his eyes at Olivia before getting off his chair to get the spoon.

Olivia's eyes widened as she looked around the formal restaurant. What the hell was he doing? Didn't he know that all he had to do was ask for a new spoon? "El, get up. I can't believe-" She stopped short when Elliot lifted his head but remained down on one knee. "What are you doing?" She asked as she looked around, taking note that there were a few people looking over at their table.

"Olivia Benson, I love you with all my heart. I can't believe it's taking us this long to finally start building a life together. I fell in love with you the first moment we met. I don't know what I would do without you or our daughter. Liv...what I'm trying to say is..." He paused as he brought out a little black box from his suit jacket pocket and opened it up to reveal a rather extravagant diamond ring, "will you marry me?"

Olivia felt tears in her eyes as she held a hand up to her chest. She once again scanned the restaurant only to find that their fellow diner's eyes were all on them. Her eyes landed on Elliot who was still on bended knee, a goofy, yet unsure, grin on his face. "El...I – I don't know what to say. Oh my god." She breathed out.

Elliot began to feel slightly disheartened thinking she was about to reject him. He didn't know what he would do if she said 'no'. "Say you'll do it. Say you'll be my wife." He was practically begging.

Liv didn't have to be told twice. She leapt off her chair as she squealed out a high pitched 'yes!' and planted a kiss onto his lips, her arms around his neck. They ignored the cheers and applauds they received from the people around them and stood up as the kiss continued.

After a couple of moments, they parted a little reluctantly only to see their waiter beside them holding an ice bucket with champagne in one hand and two champagne flutes in the other. "Congratulations. This is on the house. An engagement gift from the owner of this establishment."

The newly engaged detectives looked at each with broad smiles before accepting the gift and asking for the bill. They decided to take the champagne and hail a cab back to their apartment so soon they found themselves out on the pavement.

As soon as they arrived home, Olivia took out two champagne glasses whilst Elliot found an ice bucket and filled it with ice. They carried the bucket and glasses into the bedroom and set the items down on the bedside table.

They didn't waste any time in cracking the bottle open, giggling when Olivia's glass overflowed with bubbles. Taking a sip of their beverages, they lovingly and lustfully gazed into each others eyes. Elliot took Olivia's glass from her and placed it, along with his, to one side. He then returned to his spot on the bed and brushed the hair away from Liv's neck before placing delicate kisses around the sensitive area which earned him a soft moan from his fiance.

Without losing contact they began to undress one another before he lowered Olivia onto her back. "I love you, Olivia Benson soon-to-be-Stabler." He whispered into her ear. No more words were spoken as they got lost in each others souls.

The next morning, Elliot woke up only to see Olivia was already awake. His fiance was laying on her back, her hair fanned out on the pillow, with her hand held out in front of her. She couldn't help but just grin as she admired the new rock on her finger.

"Morning, Baby." Elliot got her attention as he scooted closer towards her and wrapped an arm over her bare torso.

Olivia sighed contently and turned her head to place a kiss on his mouth. "Morning, sleepy head." She teased.

El frowned and looked up at the digital clock and realised that it was past ten in the morning. "How long have you been awake? You wiped me out last night." He admitted.

Olivia laughed somewhat seductively and returned her focus back on the ring. "About an hour."

Elliot chuckled and took the hand she was gazing at into his own. "It's not going anywhere, you know?" He told her before planting a kiss over her knuckles.

Liv chuckled and snuggled into her lovers chest. "I woke up thinking it was all just a dream. I can't believe you tricked me like that! You could never keep a secret in the past."

Elliot shifted so he was now on his back with Olivia lying half on him and half on the bed. "I didn't even tell anyone what I was planning. To be honest...I was afraid you would say no."

Olivia rested her chin on her hand that was splayed across his chest so she could look into his ocean blue eyes. "And why would I of said no?" She asked.

"It's just...you've had to deal with a lot these past few months and it's not even like we've been together a year yet. I thought you might of thought it was too soon to take that next step." He shrugged.

Olivia cupped his cheek in her hand and turned his head to look at her when he had averted his gaze slightly. "El, we're not like most couples. We were best friends for years before we got together. We already knew each other inside and out before we even had our first kiss. Besides, we live together and my – our child calls you 'Daddy'. Sure, we may not be a conventional family but nothing between us has ever been conventional. *You're the longest relationship I've ever had with a man. I love you, Elliot Stabler."

"How did I get so lucky? I can't believe you're going to be my wife."

Liv grinned and tapped him on the chest lightly. "You better believe it, mister. Now, I think we should grab a bite to eat before saving Alex from our daughter."

They both slightly reluctantly climbed out of bed as Elliot replied. "I think that's a good idea. I did tell Maria that we will be there to get her first thing in the morning."

Olivia and Elliot arrived at Alex's place at about eleven thirty. They only waited a couple of seconds after knocking for the door to be opened by the blonde. "Hey guys, come on in." She stepped aside to allow them entry.

"Thank you so much for having her." Olivia said as Alex closed the door behind them.

At the sound of her mother's voice, Maria appeared in the hallway and ran towards her parents. "Mommy! Daddy!" She exclaimed as she jumped up into Elliot's arms.

"Hey, Princess. Were you good for Aunt Alex?" Liv asked as she moved a piece of hair out of the little girls face.

A flash of light caught Alex's eye and her eyes widened as did her smile when saw the new addition to Olivia's finger. "Oh my god! Oh my god!" She exclaimed as she grabbed a hold of a confused Liv's hand. The ADA took a couple of seconds to examine the ring before squinting her eyes at Elliot. "You sneaky so and so. I knew you had something special planned but not...this." She said as she waved Olivia's hand around as if it wasn't attached to full grown woman.

The two detectives blushed and Olivia was the first to compose herself. "Uh, Alex can I have my hand back?" It was now Alex's turn to go slightly red as she dropped her friends hand.

"Come on into the kitchen. I've just made a pot of coffee. You can tell me how it all went down." Alex ordered rather than asked.

Olivia and Elliot shot each other amused looks before following after their friend.

A/N: I'll be the first to admit that I am no good and writing highly romantic scenes but I hope it wasn't too disappointing. I have no idea how I'm going to get through writing about the wedding *hides face*.

*So you probably noticed that I used a line from the show. I just couldn't help myself...it's one of my all time SVU quotes. No copyright intended.