A/N: so here's the final chapter of our story. Amber wrote the first part 'til "About six days later..." and I wrote the last. And I just want to say: the idea for the anthem came to me when I listened to it the first time.

Chapter 9: The greatest of honors

„El… where are you? Are you okay? "She asked quickly.

"Liv, I'm fine. I just need to see you," he answered, softly.

"Where are you?"

"I'm still in the hospital. Can you please come?"

"Of course, I'll be there soon." She hung up and went to her car and quickly sped to the hospital.

She walked into his hospital and tried to hide the fact that she had been crying.

"El." She ran over to him and hugged him as tight as she could.

"It's okay. I'm okay, Liv," he said as he stroked her back.

They sat there hugging for what seemed like forever.

Olivia was the first one to pull away. "You almost died," she whispered.

"Don't think like that, Liv. I'm still here and I'll be fine. I'm never going to leave you again."

"Promise?"

"I promise. You're going to be stuck with me forever, whether you like it or not."

She laughed. "That's not such a bad thing. I'm just glad you're okay."

"We're both too stubborn to die. We'll live on forever." He smiled.

She smiled back at him and then she felt his hand stroke her cheek.

"Were you crying?" he asked curiously.

She turned away. "You almost died and I care about you."

"I'm not saying it's a bad thing, Liv. I'm glad to know that you care."

"She raised her eyebrows. "How could I not care? You're my best friend, El. You're all that I have."

"I know it's just good to be reminded sometimes." He held her hand and looked her directly in the eyes. "I'm really glad you came. You're the only person that I wanted to see."

"Good because I'm staying until you get released."

"Liv, you don't have to do that. I probably won't get released until tomorrow."

"So what? I want to stay here," she assured him.

He smiled at her. "Thanks, for everything."

"You don't have to thank me. What are friends for, huh?"

"Still though, you've been there for me every time I needed you. I really appreciate it."

"You do the same for me."

About six days later…

Elliot and Olivia walked through the door, hand in hand. They were joking around and laughing. Every time they met someone they knew, they greeted and waved.

Fin looked up at the happy couple and rolled his eyes. He changed a look with Munch who was sitting across him and said:

"Since they're together, they are acting like five year old kids."

His partner laughed first, but then a paper ball hit him in the face. He looked to Elliot who was grinning goofily.

"I heard that!" he said and walked to his desk. As he sat down, he grunted quietly, causing Olivia to look up.

"Everything's okay, El? You know what the doctor said: 'Keep it slow.' And what are you doing here?" she frowned.

He gave her a sheepish look.

"Keeping it slow in my own way?"

Olivia rolled his eyes and turned to her computer. She smiled silently at Elliot, who was staring at her every single second.

At least she liked it. They had agreed that they would try to be together. After over ten years of partnership. Weird in some way.

And the weirdest thing was that Kathy had accepted it and had agreed, that Elliot could have the children every second week.

Later that day Cragen walked out of his office and headed toward Olivia's desk.

"Olivia? Can I talk to you for a second?"

"Sure, Cap. What is it?"

"Can we talk in…" he looked around. "…private?"

"Sure." She said and followed her captain. She was curious now. What did he want from her? Maybe she had to transfer to another unit because she was with Elliot now.

But what surprised her the most, is that the Captain was nearly crying.

"What… is it, Don? You're almost crying."

"Er… I got a call today. From the Chief of Department. He told me that you…" he sniffed. "Will get the Combat Cross. You're going to get a medal."

Olivia could just stop and stare for a moment. A Combat Cross? That was the second highest medal in the whole New York City Police Department. She was speechless.

"B-But… why?"

"Because you, Olivia Benson, saved your partner Elliot Stabler from Dale Stuckey."

"Wow…" she whispered and stumbled back to the squad room.

Every body looked at her, wondering why she was acting so weird.

"Hey Liv! Everything's okay with you? You look like you've seen a ghost." Munch tried to make a joke, but failed.

She could just shake her head. It was more than that. More than she'd ever dreamed of.

"Olivia Benson?" the Chief of Department asked, standing in front of her.

"Yes, sir?"

"Now you will earn the New York City Police Department Combat Cross for successfully and intelligently performing an act of extraordinary heroism, while engaged in personal combat with an armed adversary under circumstances of imminent personal hazard to life. The City earns you a lot. Thank you."

While the Chief put the cross on Olivia's uniform, everyone in the big room applauded, especially the Stabler clan behind her. Yes, Kathy was there, too. They had become friends very soon.

As she stepped backward, Elliot laid an arm around her shoulder and squeezed it. He was in his uniform, too, like all the other officers who were standing around.

They were all there to celebrate the special day: the team, the Police Commissioner, the major, the Chiefs of Department, even Dean Porter.

As soon as she turned around to face them all, a well known melody filled the room. Olivia smiled and looked at the big flag of the U.S.

Elliot and Olivia saluted at the same time, causing them to grin a bit, then sing the U.S. hymn as loud as their lungs allowed.

Oh, say, can you see,

by the dawn's early light

What so proudly we hailed

at the twilight's last gleaming?

Whose broad stripes and bright stars,

through the perilous fight,

O'er the ramparts we watched,

were so gallantly streaming.

And the rockets` red glare,

the bombs bursting in air,

Gave proof through the night

that our flag was still there.

Oh, say, does that Star - Spangled Banner yet

wave o'er the land

of the free and the home of the brave?

A/N: Hope you enjoyed our little story and please, please, please review for a little last time! XD I just wanna thank you all guys for reading our story and reviewing all the time. Then I wanna thank you, Amber, for writing a story with me. I LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH! 3