A/N: This chapter starts off pretty light hearted but as promised, there is drama towards the end. Again, I've used a specific episode as inspiration but I've changed certain details to fit with my story. Also, I wrote this one pretty sharpish so apologies if there are any mistakes. Enjoy. Xxx

"Are you ok to get yourself changed, Maria?" Olivia asked her daughter as she handed her her swim suit. "I'll have your floaties ready for you when you're done." She added when she received a nod from Maria. Liv then ushered her into the cubicle next to the larger one she planned to change in with Zoe. She made sure Maria locked the door securely before going into the one next door. Turning on the spot once her own door was locked, she saw the blonde child in the small space with her looked a little downtrodden.

Olivia smiled and crouched down in front of her. "What's the matter, Sweetie?"

Zoe shrugged slightly. "I have no swim suit." She said sadly.

Liv chuckled a little and rummaged in her swimming bag. She pulled out a pink swim suit and held it up so Zoe could see the item. It was mainly pink with white polka dots with frilly pink material around the waist. "I got this especially for you. Isn't it pretty?"

The three year old's eyes widened, a huge smile lit up her face. "I love it! Thank you, Livy!" Zoe lunged towards the brunette and wrapped her arms around her neck.

Olivia returned the embrace but pulled away when she heard Maria call out to from the cubicle next door.

"Mommy! I'm almost done!"

Liv smiled at Zoe as she unbuttoned the clasp of the little girls jeans. "Do you think you can be a really big girl and undress yourself? I'll help you with the swim suit once I'm done."

Olivia made quick work of getting herself and Zoe changed and soon she was fighting to put the floaties on the two children. "Maria, please hold still. The more you struggle, the harder it will be." she reminded the girl as Maria kept jumping on the spot. Liv shot a reassuring smile at Zoe who was waiting patiently.

Once she was sure the floats were on properly, Olivia led the two girls out to the showers by the pool where she knew her husband was waiting. Elliot smiled when he saw the three girls. "Wow! Cool swim suit, Zoe! Give me a twirl." Zoe smiled shyly from the attention but did as requested and turned on the spot.

"Daddy! Daddy! Can you throw me in the pool!" Maria bounced up and down as she tugged on Elliot's hand. They had all just rinsed themselves in the showers and were ready to start their swimming session.

"Come on then. But remember, this isn't Grandpa's pool so there are some more rules here. I can't throw you in from the side in case some body else gets hurt." Elliot reminded his daughter. Luckily, the pool wasn't too busy that day but he was still aware that there was a 'no diving' rule in place. He handed the inflatable ball they had brought with them over to Olivia and allowed himself to be taken over to the pool side. He looked behind him to see Liv following close behind, Zoe attached to her hip.

"You ready to have some fun?" Olivia asked softly as reached the shallow end of the public pool. Zoe nodded although Liv knew that she was feeling slightly unsure.

It didn't take long to get Zoe used to being in the water and soon they were playing catch with the inflatable ball. Although the little girl no longer attached herself to Liv or El, she still made sure she was as close to them as possible. The kids soon got bored of playing catch so Elliot made up a game of 'water tag' with them. The rule was, if he caught them, he got to tickle them until they said 'you win! You win!'. Olivia was content to just watch the little game. She loved her little family. They all had their little quirks: Elliot was an amazing father, Maria was just full of energy and little Zoe was the definition of 'adorable' when she sucked her thumb whenever she got lost in her little head.

Liv was pulled from her thoughts when she realised that the three of them had paused their game and was no looking at her. "Let's get Mama!" Elliot exclaimed. The two kids cheered and followed after El as they paddled over to Olivia. The detective's eyes widened but it was too late for her to get away by the time she realised what was going on.

Elliot laughed in triumph as his arms wrapped around hers around her with her arms pinned to her sides. This left her vulnerable and the two little girls were able to 'attack' her with their little fingers. Of course, they weren't able to tickle her as much as El would have been able to but she still put on a show by squealing and struggling against her 'assailants'.

"Stop! No! Somebody help me!" Liv cried in mock distress as she twisted and turned to try and get away.

"Mommy, you have to say that we win!" Maria said as if it was obvious. She was adamant that, even though her mother wasn't a willing participant, she still had to follow the rules.

"Ok! You win! You win!" Olivia eventually gave in and smiled triumphantly when Zoe and Maria ceased their tickling.

Maria looked at the younger child. "Let's go find the ball." She suggested. The six year old didn't wait for Zoe to respond but instead took her by the hand and went in search of their toy, leaving the two adults alone.

Olivia rested her head against Elliot's shoulder as they watched the two girls 'swim' away from them. The two parents smiled in content and soon Elliot's focused turned onto his wife who he still had his arms around. He turned her around and kissed her lips gently and ran his fingers through her wet hair.

They got lost in the moment and Liv instinctually wrapped her legs around her husband's waist. The couple, remembering they were in public, kept their embrace kid friendly. Their lips parted but they remained in each other's arms as they stared into each other's eyes. "You're a great daddy. Did you know that, Elliot Stabler?" Liv whispered softly.

Elliot grinned and backed up a little so he was leaning against the pool's wall. "Hmmm. And you're an amazing mama."

The moment was interrupted when they heard a piercing scream. A scream they recognised well by now. Olivia and Elliot separated and turned in the direction of the commotion to see Maria trying to comfort Zoe who was sobbing and wiping at her face. The two parents made their way over to the girls and Olivia took Zoe into her arms when the little blonde held her arms out towards her. "Shhh. It's ok. You're ok." Liv whispered as she rubbed her back as she tried to determine what had happened.

Elliot's focus was on Maria who looked a little guilty. "What happened, Princess?" He asked gently and wrapped an arm around her shoulder.

"I kicked my legs and accidentally splashed her. I didn't mean it." Maria explained before turning to Olivia and Zoe who was now a lot calmer but hiccuped a couple of times as she tried to catch her breath. "I'm sorry, Zo-zo." Maria left Elliot's hug and got a little closer to her mother.

Olivia looked between the kids and lifted Zoe's chin. "You ok now, Baby?" Zoe nodded in reply as she looked around a little wearily. "I think Maria really needs a Zoe hug. She feels a little bit sad." Liv commented when she saw that her daughter still looked a little worried and guilty.

Maria held out her arms and finally smiled when the three year old wrapped her arms around her neck briefly before letting out a yawn and burying her face into Olivia's chest. Liv looked over to her husband and smiled. "I think we should go and get changed and grab some lunch back at the house." She was glad when, after a few weeks, they were able to have Zoe for the day unsupervised. They were also relieved when they were able to take Zoe to their home a couple of times.

Elliot agreed and the four of them climbed out of the pool before heading off to get changed.

On the drive back to their brownstone, the children in the back seat had both fallen asleep. Once Elliot pulled up in their parking space, Olivia turned in her chair and smiled when she saw Maria and Zoe still napping. She took out her camera and snapped a picture, glad when the flash didn't wake them.

"They're both out like a light. You wanna grab Maria while I get Zoe?" Olivia suggested to her husband who smiled and nodded.

They climbed out of the car and took each child into their arms. Zoe remained asleep but Maria stirred in her father's hold. Looking around blearily, as she rubbed her eyes. "Daddy?"

"Hey, Princess." El replied as he locked up the car and followed Olivia up the stairs towards their front door. As he stepped inside their home, he kicked off his shoes and used his free hand to take off Maria's sneakers. "You still sleepy?" He asked when Maria let out a small yawn.

"No. I want to watch cartoons."

Elliot deposited her on one of the couches in the family room and looked over to the other couch where Olivia had just put down Zoe and was now covering the sleeping child with a fluffy blanket. "Ok, but the volume can't be too loud. Zo-zo is still asleep." El said as he turned the TV onto some kids channel.

Olivia went over to them and rested a hand on her husband's back."You want grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch?" She shook her head smiled when Maria's response was a little nod. The child had quickly become engrossed in the kids show she was watching.

"You want some help?" Elliot asked and Liv just shook her head. He sat down beside Maria and she was quick to snuggle into his side. Olivia smiled and looked at two briefly before leaving the room.

About twenty minutes or so passed by before Zoe was awoken by a giggle from Maria. The three year old gazed around the room from her position on the couch. It took her a minute to realise where she was but soon recognized the room. She got off the couch but still clutched onto the blanket tightly and crossed the room to where Elliot and Maria sat.

The little blonde watched them quietly and took it upon herself to climb into Elliot's lap. El grinned and wrapped his free arm around her. "Did you have nice nap, Sweetheart?" He asked softly. The little girl nodded and buried herself into his chest, her thumb going up to her mouth. She turned her head slightly so she could watch the TV.

Olivia appeared in the doorway and gazed at the trio on the couch before stepping into the room. She hated to break up their bonding time but lunch had been ready and she knew the kids must be hungry by now. "Hey, guys. The sandwiches are ready." Liv announced. Maria jumped up from her spot on the couch and raced towards the kitchen whilst Elliot stood, Zoe still in his arms.

"Hey, Sweetie. You hungry?" Olivia asked Zoe and brushed a piece of hair out of her eyes. The child nodded, still feeling a little groggy from her nap. "Let's go get some food then."

Later that afternoon, the little family arrived at Zoe's foster home. They pulled up on the driveway and saw that Irene was waiting for them by the front door. Olivia and Elliot looked at each other with sad smiles on their faces before reluctantly climbing out of the vehicle and opening up the back doors to let the children out.

They stopped just in front of the social worker and Elliot tightened his hold on Zoe when she buried herself into the crook of his neck.

"Well, someone seems tired." Miller took note.

Olivia smiled and nodded. "I think the swimming tired her out. She's had a nap and she perked up a little but she started to get tired so we thought we would call it a day."

Zoe's foster mother made an appearance by the front door and held her arms out towards Elliot who gently handed Zoe over. The little girl looked around wildly and held out her arms towards Olivia and Elliot. "No. Livy...Elliot..." Tears appeared in her eyes when she realised what was happening.

"It's ok, Baby. We'll see you soon, ok?" Olivia reassured her. Elliot would have done the same but he found himself unable to talk. A lump had formed in his throat when he saw the sad look on Zoe's face. He hated seeing his soon to be child look so upset. "We love you so much. Be a good girl for Mr and Mrs Wilson, ok?" Liv blew Zoe a kiss and a piece of her soul went with the child was taken inside by Mrs Wilson.

"I don't think I can do this much longer." Elliot finally vocalised more to himself than to anyone else.

"And you won't have to." Miller stated and smiled when she saw the questioning looks she received from Olivia and Elliot. "I just had a meeting with my superior today and he has approved the adoption. We've put a rush on it and Zoe will be yours officially by the end of the month."

Liv and El released simultaneous sighs of relief. "Oh, thank god." Olivia breathed out when she was pulled into a spontaneous hug by her husband. They separated and turned back to look at the social worker. "Thank you so much. You don't know how much we've appreciated your support in all of this."

Irene smiled in understanding. "We're just glad to see one of our cases get a happy ending. The Wilson's always telling me how much Zoe talks about all three of you. You've made her a very happy girl."

The adults set a date for Olivia and Elliot to sign the adoption paperwork and soon they were saying their goodbyes before driving away.

Around midnight a couple of evenings later, all was quite inside the Stabler residence. That was until Olivia's cellphone rang. Liv groaned and fumbled with her cell, she sat up once the phone was held up to her ear. "Benson." She mumbled into the phone as she wiped at her eyes. She knew it would be a work related phone call as she was on call that night.

Elliot sat up and watched his wife's facial expressions as she listened to the other person on the end of the line speak. "Uh. Ok. Sure, I'll be right there." Liv said quickly as she already began to pull on the clothes she was wearing the day before.

"Need me to come with you?" El managed to get out around a yawn.

Olivia looked over her shoulder at him as she pulled up her jeans and shook her head. "No. That was a nurse at Mercy hospital. She thinks one of her victims is a victim of a sexual assault but she's not talking. Guess she thought I could get more out of her." She went over to her husband's side of the bed and kissed him. "I'll see you later." Without even waiting for a response, she left the room and a few moments later, Elliot heard the front door close behind her.

Olivia pulled up outside the hospital just in time to see the woman whose hair had been hacked off. 'He must have done a real number on her.' The detective thought to herself sadly as she climbed out of her car. She knew the woman was her victim as the nurse had told her about her bloody scalp.

"Hey, you ok?" Olivia called out as she went over to the woman.

"Yeah, never better." The victim spat sarcastically.

Olivia sighed when she realised it was going to take a lot to get her to open up. "Can you tell me who attacked you?" She asked, tilting her head to get a better look at the woman as they walked along the side walk. Liv flashed her badge when the victim asked who she was and was slightly surprised when she refused to talk to her.

Instead, the battered woman jumped into a taxi and was promptly driven away. Olivia watched the cab pull away and took a mental note of the cabs medallion number.

It didn't take Olivia long to track where the cab had taken the woman she now knew to be Haley Kerns and she soon found herself outside her apartment. At first, Haley didn't give her entry into the apartment but soon stepped back and let her in very reluctantly. Liv realised she had pushed too far in her questioning when the woman rushed into the bathroom and slammed the door behind her.

"Haley, it's not too late to get a rape kit. As soon as you step foot in that tub, all the evidence will be washed away. Please let me help you." Olivia called through the closed door but knew she had been ignored when she heard the sloshing of water. She sighed sadly and looked around. Liv stopped when she saw the bedroom door was slightly ajar and when she stepped into the room she found a pile of clothes on the floor.

After bagging up Haley's underwear into an evidence bag, Olivia took out one of her business cards and placed it on the table in the living area. "I've left my card. You can call me anytime." Still getting no response, Olivia left the apartment knowing she wouldn't get any more information.

Climbing into her car, Olivia realised it was coming up to four am. She decided there was no point in going home and made her way over to the ME's office and prayed Warner would be there when she arrived.

Olivia finally experienced some luck when she saw Melinda was working in the lab. She supected she had got a case during the night as well. "Thank god, you're here. I need you to see what you can get from these." Liv held up the evidence bag with the panties before passing it over.

"Wow. Usually patrol will bring me the evidence from a crime scene. Your new victim must be a VIP." Melinda commented thinking that the new victim must be some sort of celebrity or public figure.

Olivia shook her head. "This guy did a real number on her. You should have seen her. He chopped her hair off with a razor right down the scalp and made her head bleed. I wanna catch this bastard ASAP." She explained briefly.

"You know the French did that to female traitors during the resistance?" The ME realised quickly that Olivia wasn't really listening. "Don't worry, I'll put a rush on the DNA. Why don't you head home and get some sleep?"

"I think I'm passed sleeping now." Liv told her before leaving the lab.

Hours later and Olivia was sat at her desk in the precinct. She had been up all night looking through vicap for any MO's matching Haley's assault. Olivia was about to give up and wait for the other's to arrive when Don came into the squad room.

Cragen paused when he saw his tired looking detective at her desk despite the fact that it had only just gone seven am. "Nice outfit." He made his presence known with his wry comment.

Without looking up from her computer screen, Liv responded somewhat offhandedly. "Thanks."

"You were wearing it yesterday." Don sighed as he made his way over to her. He had hoped her days of all nighters were behind her now that she was a mother and was happily married.

His surrogate daughter shrugged as she explained her early morning presence. "Yeah I caught a case last night. I haven't been home since." Olivia then went on to tell Don about their latest case and turned her computer screen so he could see her research on what Melinda had mentioned regarding the French shaving traitors heads.

Later on that morning Olivia had since spoken to Haley's boss who pointed her in the direction of her boyfriend. That's when Liv discovered Haley was involved with an environmentalist group called 'C.A.U.S.E'. After speaking with the boyfriend, Olivia thought it would be a good idea to speak to Haley again. However, when she reached the apartment, she became worried when the door had been left open. The place was a mess and she was just looking through pictures of abused animals when heard a gun's safety being taken off.

Olivia dropped the pictures and held up her hands when the person behind her said 'Don't move.'. Liv closed her eyes briefly. "Don't shoot. I'm a police officer."

"Ms Benson?" A familiar voice questioned and once Olivia was sure the other woman had lowered their weapon, she turned on the spot. Her eyes widened and her mouth hung open in shock when she saw the FBI agent Dana Lewis stood in front of her.

"Star. What are you doing here?"

Olivia listened intently as Lewis told her the details of the case she was working. They soon come to the conclusion that their cases are linked and decide to work Haley's case together. Olivia started to feel a little unsure when Dana informed her of the eco terrorist group known as 'EDG' but found herself more determined to get justice for Haley.

The two law enforcement officers had just walked into the precinct and were just about to once again question Haley's boyfriend but Olivia was stopped from following them into the interrogation room by Don who summoned her into his office.

"What's up?" Liv asked as she looked between her Captain and Novak who were giving her disapproving looks.

Don held up an official document that was hardly filled out. "Your sixty one on your latest case has holes in it. You haven't even got a victim's statement." He told her.

Then Casey put in her two cents. "Not to mention the panties you stole are inadmissible. Warner is pissed and thinks you've roped her into some sort of conspiracy. What were you thinking?" Olivia inwardly rolled her eyes at the ADA's slightly patronising words. She loved Casey, she really did, but when the red head went on one of her power trips Olivia just wanted to scream.

Olivia went to jump to her own defence but was stopped from doing so by her CO. "You also left your card in Haley's apartment. She called and asked to speak to your superior officer. She told me that you harassed her in her own home. Haley has also threatened to sue you and the rest of the department if you don't back off."

"Look, Cap. I know it looks bad but we need to get this guy. The only reason why Haley won't talk is because she's terrified. Her attack has something to do with a federal investigation Agent Lewis is running-"

"You're telling me that you're mixed up in a FBI case?" Don asked in shock.

Olivia sighed and lifted the blinds to reveal Dana who was talking to Haley's boyfriend. "Lewis and I are working together. She's investigating an eco terrorist group and helping me with Haley's rape case."

Don could feel his bloody boiling. Nothing ever good came out when the FBI got involved, especially when it concerned Agent Dana Lewis. "Get her out of there. We need to talk." He commanded.

Olivia, with the help of Dana, was quickly able to brief Don on the separate yet integrated cases and presented him with the information they had found out so far.

"Ok. That's it. Liv, you're off this case. I don't want you or anyone else in my department working it." Don decided when he heard how risky the case was getting.

"But, Cap-" Olivia tried to protest but was quickly interrupted.

"That's my final decision. Don't make me write you up." Cragen threatened before leaving the room.

"I'll keep you updated. Don't worry." Dana shot Liv a wink before leaving the precinct.

A couple of days later, Elliot was just about to leave work for the day. He was standing just in front of the elevator when the doors open to reveal Dana Lewis. He rolled his eyes when he saw her. Olivia had spent the past couple of days pouring over information regarding Haley's case. Even at home she was still working even though their captain had ordered her not to. Now the woman responsible was in his presence.

"What are you doing here?" He asked sourly.

"I've come to speak to your captain. Your partner around?" Dana asked, not the least bit bothered by his cold shoulder.

"Cragen sent her home for some rest. She hasn't slept in three days and our kid was missing her." Elliot told her.

Dana looked a little shocked. "You and Liv? Since when?"

Elliot shrugged. "Almost a year." He said shortly.

"And you have a baby?" Lewis continued to ask. She was happy for Olivia and even though they barely knew each other, she knew the SVU detective would make a great mom.

"A five year old...adopted. About to close another adoption too." Elliot didn't want to offer up a lot of information but he was hoping that if he gave her a little, she would respond in kind. "Again, what are you doing here?"

Dana then caught Elliot up to speed on their 'joint' investigation. "Mitchell Hissam. I just found out he and Haley left a 'C.A.U.S.E' meeting together the night of her attack. Not only that but he has a history of sexual assault. I like him for Haley's rape." Elliot listened to the recording Dana had discovered and they decided to check out Hissam's home together when Dana revealed she had a warrant to do so.

A couple of hours later, Olivia was just about to get Maria tucked into bed and call Elliot when her cell phone rang. "I bet that's your daddy." Liv smiled reassuringly at her daughter. The six year old had asked where her father was multiple times that night and Liv had just won the battle in getting her ready for bed.

"Hello?" Liv's face dropped when the person on the other end of the line spoke and beckoned Maria over to her. Maria crawled into her lap and gave her mother a worried look when she saw that her mother looked upset. "I'll...I'll be right there." She spoke before hanging up.

"What's wrong, Mama? Where's Daddy?"

Olivia blinked and smiled reassuringly at her baby girl. "We're going to go on a little trip and see daddy. He has a bit of an owie." She told her before standing up with the girl in her arms. Liv wasted no time in gathering their jackets and shoes before racing off towards the hospital Elliot was at.

Olivia rushed through the main entrance of the hospital El had been admitted to and stopped by the reception desk. She flashed her badge and took a moment to catch her breath. "Detective Olivia Benson. I got a call about my partner, Elliot Stabler."

"I'm sorry, Detective. I can't release any information-"

"Look here lady," Liv spat harshly but composed herself quickly when Maria whimpered and clung onto her tighter, "He also happens to be my husband and the father of my child. Now tell me where he is." She ground out.

Olivia listened intently to the receptionists directions and raced off towards her husbands hospital room. She sighed in relief when she saw that Elliot was awake and alert. Liv lowered Maria onto the ground and their daughter hurried over to her father's bed side, not bothering to think twice about climbing up onto his bed.

With Maria snuggled into his side, Elliot watched his wife walk over to him quickly. "What happened?" Olivia asked as she examined his head wound.

"Ask your jinx of a friend. I always wind up getting hurt when she's around." Elliot somewhat joked.

"Dana?" Olivia's brows furrowed and El decided to put her out of her misery and explain what had happened.

Once he was finished, Elliot gave her a serious look. "Liv, you need to stop working this case. It's way too dangerous." He made sure his tone was quiet as he didn't want to worry their daughter more than she already was.

Olivia sighed and rubbed her face tiredly. "I can't do that, El." She told him. Before Elliot could protest, Liv's cell phone rang and she held up her palm as she took the call. She nodded and listened to the other person speak and quickly hung up. "That was, Dana." Liv kissed him on the mouth before placing a mother kiss to their daughter's head. "Be good for Daddy, ok? Mommy has to go to work." She said and before Elliot could get one word out, she was gone.

The case escalated rather quickly that night and soon Dana and Liv had discovered the eco terrorists new target, thanks to Haley who had called Lewis out of the blue. Dana roped Liv into impersonating Persephone James so she could accompany Haley to the groups next hit. Everything went by in a blur for Liv and before she knew what was happening she found herself in federal lock up with her feet and hands in handcuffs.

Olivia breathed a sigh when Dana released her from the cell. All she wanted to do was go home, shower and get some much needed sleep. "I can go now?" She asked once her hands and feet were released from the restraints.

Dana, surprisingly shook her head, "no. we need you to continue being Persephone. You've successfully infiltrated 'EDG'. You're the only one who's been able to do that. You're in too deep for us to pull you out now." She hoped Liv realised how important her agreeing to go undercover was for their investigation.

Olivia gaped at the agents in the room and shook her head. "I can't...I...I have two kids, a husband. I can't just up and leave for Oregon unannounced. What about my job? My life?"

Lewis sighed and regretted her next words although she knew them to be necessary. "You're going to make bail and jump as Persephone and head for Oregon." Olivia went to protest again but her mouth snapped shot at Dana's final words. "Do it for Haley."

The next morning, Elliot was on his way into work. The hospital had cleared him and he didn't want to be sitting around doing nothing. Olivia failed to come home the night before. He wasn't worried as he assumed she was at the precinct working on Haley's case.

Stepping into the squad room, he rolled his eyes at the way his colleagues greeted him. "We thought you got blown up." Fin teased.

Elliot looked around for his wife and was about to respond when his eyes fell on her desk. "Where's Liv's stuff?" It was all gone. Everything. Even her precious family photographs.

At that moment Don walked over to him and rested a hand on Elliot's back. "Why don't you come into my office?" He suggested.

El shrugged him off and looked his Captain directly in the eye. "Don, where is my wife?"