Disclaimer: Only Jake, Luke, Becca, Gage and Elyse are mine…but that doesn't mean I can't play with everyone else!
A/N: Okay, I don't know if this is really how a promotion ceremony goes, but it is how I want it to happen…
A Promotion and An Engagement
A Few Months Later
"Did you call Jake? He was supposed to be here by now," Elliot shouted down the stairs as he tried to get his dress blues to fit correctly.
"Yeah! Him and Becca are running late. They are going to meet us there."
"Okay."
Olivia journeyed up the stairs to see what was keeping Elliot. She walked into their bedroom to find him staring at himself in the mirror. She smiled and walked up behind him. She slipped her arms around his waist, "What's wrong? You are looking pensive."
"I'm just nervous, that's it. Oh, and these pants don't really fit right."
Olivia stepped back and looked at the NYPD issue uniform pants he was wearing, they were tight around his butt and made his legs look longer. "I don't see anything wrong with them," she commented with a wink and a pinched ass cheek.
Elliot rolled his eyes, "Liv! I meant I think they are too tight for me to be comfortable. Have I been gaining weight since the last time I had to wear these?"
"No. You just haven't worn them in like five years. They just need to stretch out."
"Okay, but why don't you have to wear yours? I think you look cute in your full uniform."
Olivia smiled, "Thank you, you look cute as well, but I am not the one getting promoted. You need to look your best to be on that stage and get your new position from the Commissioner."
"Okay," Elliot paused. "Have you seen Gage and El? They are being awfully quiet and with two three year olds, that can't be good."
"Your right, let's go find them."
The parents walked out of their room and down toward the twins' rooms. The kids weren't in either room, so the two went downstairs to look. They found Gage and Elyse in front of the television entranced in an episode of The Suite Life of Zack and Cody. They smiled and made their way into the kitchen to finish getting ready.
Elliot went to the foyer and got his gun and holster. He put them in the proper place on his belt and walked back over to where Olivia was standing, "So, how do I look?"
"Like the most handsome police officer I have ever seen," she said with a smiled and extenuated with a kiss.
Elliot and Olivia exited the kitchen and snuck up behind their children. Elliot grabbed Gage and Olivia grabbed Elyse at the same time. Both children screamed and then started giggling.
"You guys ready to go?" Elliot asked kids youngest children. After a nod from both, Elliot went to the stairs to call Luke down, "Luke! C'mon son, we have to go. I can't be late for my own ceremony."
"I'm coming," Luke called down to his father. A few seconds later he was walking down the stairs in a pair of khakis and a nice polo shirt.
"You look very handsome young man," Olivia said and gave his shoulder a squeeze.
Luke blushed and looked at his shoes, "Thanks."
The family left the house and piled into Elliot's truck. They pulled out of the driveway and headed for the ceremony.
One Police Plaza
The promotion ceremony was taking place in the giant banquet room on the 6th floor of the One Police Plaza building. There were tables set up for the each squad member's families and one bigger table in the center for the actual squad. Elliot sat on stage with Cragen and the police commissioner.
At precisely 6:30 the Police Commissioner Williams stepped up to the microphone, "Welcome friends, families and members of the 1-6 Precinct. Today is a special day in the lives of three of your own. Not just the two members sitting on this stage but the detective married to this young man," he said motioning to Elliot. "I would like to start by telling you all a little about Elliot Stabler and his history with the New York Police Department.
"Elliot began learning about the NYPD as a young child. His father, Retired Detective Robert Stabler," he motioned to Robert at the family table, "was a member of this department for many years. His work with the city of New York inspired his young son to follow in his foot steps. Elliot was selected for a very prestigious internship with the department after his freshman year in college." He paused and looked down at his notes, "After graduating from Siena College with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Criminal Justice, he married his college girlfriend that summer and both entered the Police Academy the following September.
"After excelling in the Academy, he started his career as a beat cop at the 2-7. Two years later he earned a promotion to detective. Unlike many newly appointed detectives, Elliot chose not to enlist in an area of the department that would be easy to handle. He and his wife chose to work under Captain Donald Cragen at the Special Victims Unit in this 1-6 Precinct." Commissioner Williams paused and allowed the information to soak in with the crowd.
"This is where Elliot's career took a dramatic turn. While raiding a warehouse in Manhattan, Elliot was shot in the shoulder and the perpetrator escaped custody. Because of this escape, Elliot's family was told that he died on scene. Elliot was moved in the Witness Protection Program and placed in St. Louis, Missouri. While in Missouri, Elliot had a ten year break in law enforcement. He became kindergarten teacher at Cardinal Elementary School. Elliot's wife, Olivia, and two children Elliot Jr. and Lucas decided five years later to move away form the city. By some lucky coincidence they chose to move to St. Louis. Elliot just so happened to be Lucas' kindergarten teacher. The family was reunited in Missouri and lived the rest of Elliot's stint in WP there. After co-workers John Munch and Odafin Tutuola captured the man who shot Elliot, the family was allowed to move back to the city. Elliot rejoined the force and has had a lot of success still under the care of Captain Cragen.
"This leads us to the reason we are here today. Captain Cragen has decided to retire from the New York Police Department and told Elliot that he would like him to take the helm of his squad. Elliot took and aced the Captain's exam and will take over the SVU starting at the beginning of next year." The Commissioner motioned for Elliot to stand and come next to him at the podium, "Elliot," he directed to him, "I am here today to give you your official Captain certificate, your new shield and to swear you in as the new commander of this unit."
Olivia looked at Jake, he had tears in his eyes, "Are you okay?" she asked him.
He nodded, "Yeah, even though we still have Dad, every time someone tells the story of his shooting I can't help but tear up."
Olivia smiled and rubbed his back a little. She turned back to the stage and met eyes with Elliot. Elliot grinned as he looked at his family.
"Detective, please raise your right hand and repeat after me…" Elliot nodded and the Commissioner continued, "I Elliot Stabler…"
"I Elliot Stabler"
"Promise to uphold the high standards and expectations,"
"Promise to uphold the high standards and expectations,"
"Of the New York Police Department, and pledge to maintain,"
"Of the New York Police Department, and pledge to maintain,"
"These expectations in my new role,"
"These expectations in my new role,"
"As Captain of the Manhattan Special Victims Unit of the 1-6 Precinct."
"As Captain of the Manhattan Special Victims Unit of the 1-6 Precinct."
"Congratulations!" the Commissioner turned to the crowd, "I now present to you, Captain Elliot Stabler."
Elliot smiled and turned to the room. Everyone was clapping and cheering for him. He felt proud to be in command of such a great unit and made a vow to himself to be a stern yet fair Captain and to be friends with his unit, but also give orders and punish when necessary.
Later that evening the family and the squad went out to celebrate. They reserved the back room at O'Malley's and everyone was there to celebrate with the newly appointed
Captain.
Gage, Elyse, and now six year old AJ, were all sitting at a table with Luke, Fin, John and Casey. Jake, Becca, Cragen, Elliot and Olivia were at a separate table, but one close enough to keep an eye on the children and to interact with the other adults.
As their food was being served, an object caught Olivia's eye. She first didn't think anything of it, but when she saw it again, she couldn't deny what it was. Olivia turned to Becca, "Is that what I think it is?" she asked motioning to Becca's left hand.
Becca looked at her hand, and then to Olivia. A slow blush rose over her face and she turned to look at Jake. She tapped him on the shoulder and whispered something in his ear. Jake smiled and turned to his mother.
"Yes Mom, that is exactly what you think it is."
Olivia's smiled got even bigger, "I can't believe it. How come you hadn't mentioned it yet?"
By that time, Olivia had the whole room's attention. "Mentioned what Liv?" Elliot asked.
Olivia motioned to Becca's hand, "There is an engagement ring on that girl's hand Elliot."
Elliot looked to Olivia, then to Becca and finally to Jake. He smiled and asked, "Yeah, why haven't you mentioned it yet? And how long has it been?"
Jake spoke for the two of them, "Well, first off, we were going to tell you tomorrow, we didn't want to take away from your day Dad. And secondly, it has been a week. I didn't think it was something to tell over the phone either."
Olivia stood up and took Becca into a hug. She then turned and grabbed her son, "Congratulations you two!"
Elliot followed Olivia's actions and gave Becca a hug. He then shook Jakes hand and gave him a half 'man-type' hug, "Didn't I tell you it was all going to work out in the end? Right before you told her we were moving back to the city from St. Louis, I told you not to worry and look, I was right."
Jake nodded, "Yes Dad, you were right."
"What? Say that again…I don't think everyone heard you."
Jake rolled his eyes, "Yes Dad, you were right. Everything did work out in the end," he said a bit louder.
After Elliot and Olivia were done with hugs and congratulations, the rest of the room stood and praised the newly engaged couple.
"So, when is the wedding?" someone finally asked.
"We want to get married in the summer, after Jake is done with the College World Series tournaments," Becca said.
Everyone nodded and went back to their dinners. This night was one of the most special nights that Olivia could ever remember. He husband was promoted and her son was engaged. This night was at the top of her list with the three nights her children were born, her wedding night and half of the night that she got engaged, she chooses not to remember the kidnapping part.
A/N2: So? Was it okay? The next chapter is going to be the wedding… R&R please!!!
