198.

"Daddy, where is Mommy?" Noah, wrapped in an oversized terry bath towel, scrunched his nose and narrowed his eyes when he asked the question. Tiny dots of water were still pooled on his long lashes and his hair was sopping wet.

"She met with her friend, Elliot, remember?"

"But she's been gone a long, long, long time!"

"It takes a long time to talk when you haven't seen someone in a while. Think about how much you and Sarah or Brooke or Grandma talk about when you haven't seen each other in a few days. Imagine not seeing them for years!" Ed did his best to sound upbeat, but he, too, was missing Olivia and hoped she wouldn't come home too late and immediately want to crash.

"Whoa," Noah murmured. His expression suggested he was having trouble fathoming being apart from anyone in his family for such a long stretch of time. "How come her friend-what's his name?"

"Elliot."

"How come Elliot and Mommy don't call on da phone or text?"

"I don't know," Ed replied honestly, "I guess...well, Mommy and Elliot worked together and when Elliot didn't work there anymore-"

"-at police?"

"-yep, at police, well, I guess when he left the department he wanted to move on and think about other things like his kids," Ed's insides clenched, "and his wife."

The explanation made sense to Noah, but he pursued another line of questioning. "How come you didn't go to see Elliot?" He asked, "G coulda babysitted us."

Ed grinned and used a corner of the towel to absorb some of the water on Noah's head. "Elliot's more Mommy's friend than my friend. So, I thought it was better to let them talk and me stay here with the crew."

Noah cocked his head to one side and peered at Ed, scrutinizing him like he'd never done before. "Did you 'rest Elliot?"

"Did I what?" Ed asked, not because he didn't understand the question or Noah's abbreviated version of arrest but because he couldn't figure out how in the world his seven-year-old thought of the question.

"A-rest."

"Why'd ya think to ask that, bud?"

"Sare Bear said dat's what you did at police. You 'rested da bad guys and put 'em in da slammer but your bad guys were da guys who were supposed to help but they weren't helping that were breakin' da rules of police!" Noah bobbed his head from side to side as he often did when making a point he assumed was obvious, "So ya hadta 'rest 'em!"

"That's exactly what I did," Ed replied, "Well, for most of the time I was there. And, no, I didn't arrest Elliot. He got in trouble a few times, but he's not a bad guy."

"Daddy, all people who get in trouble are bad!"

"No, bud," Ed smiled, "Everyone gets in trouble." Ed paused and let this sink in. He watched a slow, sheepish smile form on Noah's face as he remembered the few times he'd been reprimanded for one infraction or another. "Bad people get in trouble all the time, and they never want to be better. Most of us learn from our mistakes so we don't make 'em again."

"And you learn from your mistakes, Daddy! You're a real good guy!"

"Yeah bud, I do. And thanks." Ed gave Noah a playful shove, "Let's get pajamas on and we'll watch the ballgame until Mommy gets home."

"Kay!" Noah flashed a huge grin. "Good talk, Daddy."

"Very good talk," Ed chuckled and shook his head. "Let's do it again sometime."

"Kay!"

…

When big decisions had to be made or announced, Noah always spent significant time debating which of his parents to approach first. In some instances it was easiest to talk to both at once, but, a lot of the time, he felt most comfortable one-on-one. On this night, under the guise of chatting about Christmas gift plans, he met Ed at a pub not far from City Hall. Noah thanked him for making the trip downtown, and Ed joked it was good to get out of the house.

"Your Mom's goin' overboard decorating," he said.

Noah grinned.

Ed shrugged and added, "She's happy everyone's going to be here for Christmas so I'm not saying anything but it does look like the North Pole at home."

"No matter what, she'll think I love it," Noah said, "I can't promise Maggie won't tell the truth."

"Maggie's worse than your Mom."

Noah's smile got bigger. The bartender came over and took their orders-he was gruff and aloof at first but he smiled back at Noah before he went to get the drinks. Noah's cheery disposition was his default, and the mood was often contagious and disarming. Noah's beer and Ed's bourbon arrived right away, and, after they clinked glasses, Noah blurted out his news.

"I'm going to run for mayor," he said, barely having swallowed his first sip.

Ed blinked and winced at the burn of the alcohol, but he didn't act as if he were particularly surprised. Noah had been flirting with politics since college. His internship in Washington and subsequent city government positions tracked toward elected office, and, over the summer, Noah was preoccupied with the uncertain state of city politics. The only mild shocker was he'd decided to make a go of it so soon. If elected, he would be the youngest mayor in the city's history.

"Well I'll be damned," Ed smirked and gave Noah a quick hug. "City'd be lucky to have you at the helm, bud. You know I've always thought that, even when you were a little kid."

"Is that why you're reacting like someone already told you?" Noah squinted at his father, "Did Mia tell you?"

"Nope, nope," Ed replied quickly, "You've been dropping hints here and there. How'd you get an exploratory committee...a staff...all together without us knowing?"

"It's a bare bones operation," Noah coyly admitted, "We think the time's right for some fresh blood in there. Which, I suppose, might be a little difficult given the fact I work for the city now, but, we have a strong platform. Simple, straightforward, universally appealing-I have Mia working on the actual campaign slogan now. I know she'll come up with something clever."

"If anyone can come up with a winner, it's her," Ed agreed.

Noah rolled his glass between his hands, "Do you, uh, think you and Mom will be okay? I mean, we'll all be under scrutiny. Especially in a wide open race like this. Everyone will have a target."

"I appreciate the concern, No," Ed reached over and rubbed his shoulder, "But your Mom and I can handle it-"

"-she can handle lies and mudslinging at her son?"

Ed twisted his lips, conceding Noah's point. "Whatever comes up, she'll have me there to soften the blow. It'll be okay. We both have thick skin. Maybe mine's a little thicker when it comes to you and your brother and sister, but, we'll be fine. You concentrate on winnin' this thing."

"Thanks, Dad," Noah flashed his best camera-ready smile, "I think we have a chance. I bet the media won't think so, but I think we do."

"Bud," Ed replied, "One thing I've always known and admired about you is your resilience. You pick a goal and go after it. You always have. And, win or lose, I have no doubt you'll give it your all."

"I will." Noah stared straight ahead with a confident twinkle in his eye. "But Dad?"

"Yeah?"

"We're gonna win."

…...

Stabler was slurring his words and stumbled on the way out of the bar, so Olivia started to order an Uber for him. Seeing the app, Elliot swatted at the phone and waved his hand, gesturing down the block. "Itsjustupthere," he mumbled. "I'll walk."

"Then I'll walk with you," Olivia replied, knowing it was best and more expeditious to escort him rather than argue. Her breath caught in her throat when Elliot looped his arm around her elbow and leaned into her. Assuming the move was the only way he could manage to stand, Olivia tolerated it and continued ahead, making long strides and forcing him to keep up the pace. They meandered through a small crowd outside of a sports bar and across Third Avenue. Along the way, Olivia shouldered more and more of Elliot's weight and she was relieved when he dug in his heels, skidding to a stop, and announced they'd reached Maureen's building. "Are you good from here?" She asked.

"Yeah," Elliot said. He let go, separated himself from her but stayed close. Olivia took a step back and Elliot shot her a cocky grin. "What are you doin' with Tucker anyway?" He swayed, overcorrected, and nearly fell before righting himself and smiling as if nothing was out of the ordinary.

"Elliot," Olivia took a deep breath, "You should go upstairs. Go to your family. Get some rest." Olivia bobbed and weaved, trying to maintain some sort of eye contact. "You're going to need it."

"Youdintanswerthequestion."

Olivia pressed her lips in a straight line. "Elliot, I'm going home. I'd appreciate it if I saw you go in before I leave so I know you're safe, but," she finished the sentence with a shrug and by holding up her palms.

Cowed, Elliot hung his head. "I love you, Liv."

Her breath caught in her throat. Elliot was still staring at the pavement and appearing as though he was trying to figure out how his feet worked."Take care of yourself, Elliot," she finally said. Olivia almost hugged him but was afraid to initiate any physical contact. She also refrained from telling him she'd see him at the funeral. Though true, it seemed grossly inappropriate. Instead, she stressed again that he should get some sleep and hurried down the block. On the way she reopened the Uber app and was relieved when she saw a car would be around in the next couple of minutes. In order to ward off any unwanted talking from the driver and owing her a call back, Olivia dialed Brooke who answered immediately.

"Hey sweetie," she said, "How are you?"

"I'm good," Brooke sighed, "Where are you?"

"In an Uber on my way home. Met a friend for a drink which is why I didn't text you back right away. Everything okay?"

Brooke groaned, "Yes. I'm good, it's, ugh, we had dinner with Aidan last night and it was so weird."

Olivia peered out at the city passing by. The traffic was light and she'd be home within minutes. "Honey, do you want to have breakfast tomorrow? The two of us? Maybe the twins, too, depending how your Dad is?" Olivia crossed her fingers and hoped Brooke would realize she wasn't in the best space or mindset to give her full attention, which she desperately wanted to do.

Brooke jumped at the invitation. "Of course!"

"I'll come to you."

"Thanks, Liv."

"You're welcome sweetie," Olivia said, "See you tomorrow."

…

Earlier in the day, when Olivia spoke to Ed, he sounded normal and then, as if he'd learned a bit of bad news, suddenly seemed off. She let the lapse go and forgot about it until later in the evening when he arrived a couple of hours after Noah had gone to bed. Olivia waited until after they'd eaten the Chinese food he'd brought to ask him about whatever it was that had bothered him during the call. Genuinely clueless at first, Ed rubbed his forehead and briefly stared at the ceiling. Olivia scooted closer and sipped her wine without taking her eyes off him. Deep in thought, he was even more handsome.

"Oh, yeah," he finally said, "We caught an odd complaint today is all."

"Why was it odd?"

Ed turned to her, obviously hesitant to reveal more information but resigned to the fact he couldn't keep any secrets from her. Not anymore. "It was about Stabler."

Olivia raised her eyebrows and swallowed hard. It was strange to hear Elliot's name again. After he abruptly left SVU and new members joined the squad, his presence became a distant memory. Olivia suspected Cragen and Fin purposely avoided mentioning him out of respect for her even though she sufficiently hid her grief and anguish. The situation had all the characteristics of an untimely death. "What do you do?" Olivia asked, "When this happens? When someone files a complaint against a cop who's...gone?"

"We'll pursue it, I'll hand it off, make sure there's no crime committed, try to get some resolution. Honestly, we'll do our due diligence to make sure it doesn't turn into a lawsuit. I hate to say it, but that's all we can do."

Olivia moved even closer and reached out for his free hand. She threaded her fingers between his then massaged his palm. "Thank you for telling me the truth and not hiding it from me."

"You're welcome." Ed smiled even as Olivia kissed him. "You said that like a few people have hid things from you…"

"More like conscious avoidance."

Ed shrugged. "Same thing."

Olivia studied his expression and tried to determine if he agreed with those who decided to fill the void Elliot left with radio silence and operated as though he'd never existed. "I do think it's strange...how he never comes up. I mean, what if I up and left without saying goodbye to anyone? Would they all move on like nothing happened?"

Ed leaned forward to put his drink on the table and when he leaned back again, he shifted so he could put a hand on her face and sling the other arm across the back of the couch, so, if she wanted, she could easily fall into his chest. "You are unforgettable, Olivia Benson," he said in his deepest, raspiest voice. He let his eyes droop, but the flirty move wasn't necessary.

Olivia smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck. "You're pretty unforgettable yourself, Ed Tucker."

"Yeah?"

Olivia cocked an eyebrow, bit her lip, and sized him up so that there was no doubt what was on her mind. She whispered a seductive "yeah" before taking that silent invitation to collapse into his arms.

…..

After entering the apartment quietly and somewhat apologetically, Olivia peeked at the twins and Noah and finally found Ed in the bedroom reading the rest of last Sunday's New York Times Magazine. "Hey," she said hesitantly, knowing there was a chance he would be annoyed with her staying out longer than planned.

Ed, though, was elated to see her. He tossed the paper and his reading glasses aside and rounded the bed to give her a hug and a kiss. "So how'd it really go?"

"He's in rough shape."

He studied her eyes and every inch of her face.

"Are you IABing me?" She asked.

"A little," he admitted. "It's terrible. I don't know how anyone can deal with somethin' like that. And I've done my share of notifications and what not but I don't know that I could be a good friend to someone in that situation. And naturally I'm worried about you-because you're always goin' above and beyond but ya think you're not doing enough."

"You're right on all counts," Olivia said, "But your instincts are picking up the wrong scent."

"Oh yeah?"

"Before I left him at his building, or, his daughter's building, he was hanging onto me. At first I thought it was because he could barely walk, which is true, but then, before I left, he asked me...why you-"

"-why me?"

"-he said, and I quote, well, he was far more drunk than I was, 'what are you doin with Tucker anyway' and then he told me he loves me." Olivia made sure to lock her hands together at the small of Ed's back so he couldn't easily escape. "And then I knew I absolutely had to leave. So he could be passed out in the street for all I know. But I hope he's not."

Olivia watched Ed for emotions, but all she got was his smirk, the one he reserved solely for her. "So what are you doing with me, Olivia Benson?" He asked, his voice raspy and sassy.

She blushed. "I wasn't expecting that."

Ed merely waited for a response.

"I am in love with you, Ed Tucker," she said, "And nobody loves me like you do. Also...you're so, so sexy. That's what I'm doing with you."

She rose to her tiptoes to kiss him and they ended up falling onto the bed in a passionate liplock. It had been a while, or, a while by their standards since they'd last made love and reconnecting in this intimate way was better than either Ed or Olivia could imagine.

"I'm sorry," Olivia said afterward as they cuddled under the covers, "I forgot you wanted to have a romantic dinner."

Ed pressed his lips to her cheek and grinned, "This is pretty romantic. You hungry?"

"I am."

"Pizza?"

Olivia giggled and nodded. "Love it."

…

The next morning, when Noah opened the refrigerator in search of juice boxes, he frowned and scolded his parents. "You ordered pizza without us! You did secret pizza!"

"SEEEEEEEEEEEket pizza!" Maggie screamed.

Noah ignored his sister and looked at his parents, demanding an explanation.

Olivia sidled up to Ed and kissed him on the cheek. "We're sorry honey," she said to Noah, "Mommy got home late and we didn't have time to cook so we ordered pizza. But we saved some for you!"

"We wanted pizza but we jus' had NUGGETS!"

"Hey!" Ed protested, "You were happy with the nuggets! You didn't say you wanted pizza."

"I didn't know you were gettin pizza!"

Olivia hugged Noah, "I promise the next time we order pizza, even if it's late, we'll wake you up."

"Thanks," Noah sighed and wandered off to join his siblings on the couch.

Ed wrapped his arms around Olivia. "How ya doin?"

"Better than ever," she said.

"Seriously?"

"Ed, I am married to the most wonderful man. I have three perfect children...I...have more joy than I ever imagined I could have. I am always happy," she said. "And I'm extremely grateful that the worst thing our son has experienced in the past week is not being included in a late night pizza order."

Ed chuckled, "Yeah," he grumbled, "He's gonna have to get over that."

…

#Tuckson

**Did Tucker ever arrest Stabler? I couldn't think of a time but I also didn't spend a minute researching! Oops if he did!