October 11th, 12:42 PM, 16th precinct.

Olivia let out a deep sigh from her desk as she tossed her subway rapper into the nearby trash can then stared at her unoccupied couch then the walls of her bare looking office I need to put some decorations in here or something, make myself start to feel at home in here she decided as when there was a knock on her door she smiled "come in!" she called just a little bit too eagerly.

Rollins nodded and opened the door "where'd Elliot go? I just saw him leave without you?"

Olivia sighed "court he's got the OKief trial today and Barba wanted him in the witness room by 1."

Rollins nodded understanding "he know when he'll be testifying?"

"No but we're both hoping it'll be soon, why do you ask?"

"I was just curious, you want me to keep you company during the rest of lunch like yesterday? Yesterday was really nice."

"Yeah it was, sure but I'll be using my phone I've gotta try to find the best deal on a weight bench."

"Aww Liv you don't need that you're in excellent shape," she said closing the door and making herself comfortable on the couch.

"Eh I could look better, it's not for me though it's for El his birthday's on the 20th and he loves working out."

"Yeah?"

Olivia nodded with a smile "mmhmm before Izzabella came along he went to the gym once a week not because he needed too, I made sure he knew that but because he wanted too lifting the weights was one of the ways he blew off steam."

"I can definitely see that, that's a good idea Liv does he know?"

"No I want him to be surprised when it shows up which is why I have to do this today," she said as she pulled up a website and started looking at it.

"I can help you look if you want I'm sure there are a lot of options."

"Ohh there are and yeah I'd appreciate that just remember I need the best deals for the least amounts of money."

"Gotcha," she said nodding with a smile "I'll text you the listings for the top three I find, does he already have weights?"

"No I wanna get one that comes with them."

"Kay that makes sense," Rollins said as Olivia's desk phone rang and she sighed "Manhattan Special Victims Unit Sergeant Benson speaking," she answered.

"Sergeant Benson hi this is Brooke Mathers chief Dodds's assistant, chief Dodds would like to see you down at 1pp immediately."

"Uh okay is something wrong? I thought he was still on leave?"

"He got in from vacation early this morning and is working a half day today, as for something being wrong I have no clue hun he just told me that he wanted to see you immediately."

"Uh okay I-I'll be right there," she said as she ended the call and sighed "I'm sorry Amanda I have to go I'm needed down at 1PP."

"No biggy is it a com-stat meeting?"

"No those are scheduled before hand I'm honestly not sure what this is Dodds usually comes here."

"That's true you think he's pissed about something?"

"That's exactly what I think," she said as she sighed "I guess it's good that El didn't know I was researching those because this was my only chance to do it without him getting curious and now I can't because I'm horrible at lying to him and he'll see through anything I tell him."

"Liv hope's not lost what website were you on? I'll look at it too and just send you my top five then you can tell him I sent you an article or something."

"Amanda I can't ask that of you..."

"You're not asking I'm offering because that's what friends do. What website?"

"Walmart dot com, I was gonna look at Amazon next."

She nodded "alright I've got this I promise you just worry about the chief."

"Ohh that I am definitely doing," she said as she sighed and stood from her desk while grabbing her purse "thank you Amanda, thank you really."

"No worries Liv, good luck," she said as when Olivia left she went back to her desk and checked the different listings glad that this was actually something she could help her with.

xxxxx

If I'm not at the precinct when you get back I was called to 1pp Liv sent in a text to El before sighing, cranking the truck and heading off.

Elliot sent her a thumbs-up icon with some hearts that she didn't see as she continued to drive and dialed Maureen handsfree "hello?" she answered on the third ring.

"Hey sweetie it's Olivia are you doing well?"

"I am is everything okay? You sound kinda far away and I hear air over the phone."

"Yeah it is I promise I'm just limited on time and calling you from the truck, do you and Carl have any plans next weekend?"

"No not that I know of why?"

"Well you know your dad's birthday is next Sunday so I was hoping to surprise him by having all of his kids which are in the states in one place next weekend."

"Ahhh okay so is this gonna be like 2005?"

"Exactly like that I'm gonna order his favorite cake and I was thinking I'd have worlds best dad too then all of your names written on it does that sound good to you?"

"It sounds perfect I'm down for it you might have trouble convincing Kathleen to come though."

"Yeah probably so but Lizzie has a home game that Saturday and she hasn't been able to see her dance yet so I plan on using that."

"That's a good idea Liv and if you need me to I can try and help persuade her too, where will we all sleep if we come?"

"We've got a guest bedroom that I'll probably give to you and Carl and we have an air mattress and couch that Kathleen can choose between."

"Okay that works, I'm really excited for this Liv and I'll help in any way I can just let me know what you need."

Olivia nodded while pulling into the parking lot "I will sweetie I'll text you your flight information once I have it and I'll call Kathleen as soon as I get out of this meeting that I'm about to step into."

"Sounds great, good luck with your meeting."

"Thanks sweetie, I'll be in touch," she said as she ended the call, put her phone back into her purse and sighed "well here goes nothing," she whispered as she got out of the truck, locked it up then headed into the building.

xxxxx

"You wanted to see me chief?" Olivia asked after being let into his office.

"Yes I did shut the door and have a seat."

Olivia nodded and did as asked "how was your trip?"

"It was fine thanks but that's not why you're here."

So Dodds doesn't like pleasantries, good to know she thought to herself as she nodded her head "you're here because we need to talk about one of your detectives," he said.

"Okay which one?"

"Detective Stabler but I think you knew that already."

She shook her head through a shrug and Dodds glared "don't play dumb with me Sergeant."

"I'm not chief I'm in charge of five detectives and several of them have marks on their files I had no possible way to know which of them wound up in your crosshairs today."

He nodded through a sigh "well it's him he needs to be really taught about the chain of command."

Olivia sighed "he knows what it is but I can't control his brain and make him follow it."

"No but you can write him a written reprimand."

"Why would I do that?"

"Because he broke chain of command and because he has a nasty temper you know you don't seem all that surprised that he broke the chain of command."

Olivia just shrugged "I mean I have known the man for fifteen years and he's pretty predictable if he knew I couldn't do anything about whatever was going on then I could see him going up the ladder about it to get results which is pretty courageous if you ask me, what did he call you about?"

"Like you don't already damn well know."

"Detective Stabler hasn't minitower anything about a call to you while on the clock today chief."

Dodds glared "how about over the weekend?"

"I was off the clock last weekend and conversations that I have while off the clock aren't any of the NYPD's business."

"Sergeant you're grading on my patience... Did detective Stabler admit to breaking chain of command? Because if he did then you're required to write him a written reprimand."

Olivia sighed "why don't you just write the damn reprimand yourself if your so determined that he's done something wrong?"

"Because again, chain of command but I'll write you up for insubordination if you keep this up!"

That'd be fine with me but that would makeElliot feel guilty she thought to herself as she sighed "y-you can't be serious..."

"I'm as serious as a heart attack Sergeant you've been uncooperative all throughout this meeting and I won't continue to stand for that plus I expect you to do your job."

"I am doing my job I-I've been doing it for over fifteen years."

"Not when it comes to detective Stabler you haven't been and that's gonna change starting now if you wanna keep your post going forward do we understand each other?"

Olivia sighed and nodded in defeat "yes sir," she whispered.

"Good, now I expect his reprimand to be in the system by five PM today and if you're thinking about forgetting to put it in just stop now because I'll be checking it."

"I-I understand, did you need to talk to me about anything else chief?"

"No that was all, by the way though I looked at your units stats before you got here and I'm impressed by the number of cold cases that have been solved."

She nodded "I'll make sure and tell detective Stabler you said that that was all him," she said while standing from her chair.

Dodds just nodded to that and Olivia only waited another couple seconds before leaving okay what the hell can I do to keep from doing this? She wondered as by the time she had cranked the truck and driven off she still hadn't been able to think of anything "dammit!" she cursed as an angry tear streamed down her face just as her cellphone rang "WHAT!" she shouted answering it handsfree without looking at the screen.

"Liv? Hey it's Fin you okay?"

She sighed heavily "I-I'm fine sorry I shouted what is it?"

"It's okay. Umm we just got a call from officer Grimes in the 27th, he found an eleven year old girl wondering around in the street with blood all over her clothes and I was wondering who to send?"

"Send Rollins and Carisi I'll be back at the precinct in a few minutes, is El back yet?"

"He's not sorry."

"It's okay Fin, I'll see you in a few minutes and sorry again."

"It's alright really just know if you need to talk I'm here."

"I don't I just had a bad meeting and it seems like I'm gonna have to get used to those, thanks for offering though."

"No worries Liv," he said as he hung up then and she sighed get it together Olivia, get it together you can't be biting people's heads off because you hate your boss she thought to herself as she then remembered she needed to call Kathleen distraction, distraction is good she decided as she hit the button on the steeringwheel and dialed her handsfree.

"Hello?" Kathleen answered on the second ring.

"Hi Katie it's Liv how are you doing?"

"I'm fine," she said flatly as she then sighed "is something wrong? Did someone get hurt?"

"No nothing's wrong and no one's hurt but you know it's your dad's birthday next Sunday right?"

"Mmhmm," she said noncommittally.

Olivia nodded as it took everything in her to hide her sigh at Kathleen's lack of enthusiasm "if you're not doing anything that weekend I was hoping to be able to surprise him by getting all you kids together in one place to celebrate it."

"Ohh, well uh sorry I've got plans with a friend of mine on Saturday and I'm filling in for somebody at the center on Sunday."

Olivia did sigh then "look I get that your still angry but"-

"No I'm heartbroken, completely heartbroken I've sent Brad so many letters but I have no clue where he is, I've sent them to Cook county jail, Statesville prison, Monard prison even to the federal prison in Chicago but he hasn't responded to any of them."

"Kathleen that's not on your father that's on Brad for not letting you know where he is."

"And if dad wouldn't have turned him in we'd be happily married right now."

"Katie life's too short for this sweetheart... And don't you want to see your sister perform? She's got a game on Saturday too."

"Y-Yeah I have wanted to see her dance... I could see it on tape though and you have no right to tell me that life is too short for my feelings when you've never been through anything like this."

"I actually have Kathleen."

"W-What?"

"You heard me," she said as she pulled into the parking lot then "listen sweetie I have to go and this is a conversation better suited for in person anyway but I'll make you a deal, if you fly in with Maureen and Karl on Friday after your sister dances I'll tell you my story then if you still wanna leave I'll respect that."

Kathleen sighed "I-I really did have plans with my friend next Saturday, the shift on Sunday not so much."

"I figured but if your friend is a good friend, a true friend then she'll understand."

"True," she said as she sighed "I'll think about it Liv, I'm not making any promises though."

"Okay sweetie I just ask that if you choose not to come that you give me 24 hours notice so I can get my money back for your plain ticket."

"I will, when will the flight be?"

"I'm gonna book it for next Friday but I don't have all the details yet I'm gonna text Maureen when I do."

"Okay sounds good, bye Liv," she said ending the call as Olivia shook her head, ordered the cake then headed into the precinct.

xxxxx

"Hey Liv," Fin said with a slight smile when he saw her walk in.

"Hey Fin did anything else come in?"

"No the phones have been quiet."

"That's good but you know"-

"We don't say the q word, I know sorry Liv you okay from earlier?"

"Yeah I'm fine I told you it was just a bad meeting."

"I know you did I just thought I'd ask, Elliot isn't back yet either."

"Yeah I know the Sedan he took wasn't in the parking lot, they must be dragging their asses at the courthouse."

"Maybe who knows," he said as Amaro looked over then "I think I have a lead on the Mcfearson case."

She nodded "what'd you find?"

"I traced her root from the McDonalds where she works to her apartment where she was raped and one car was following her the hole way there, I ran the license plate and it's registered to a Roofis Felps of Elmhurst Queens."

"Okay does his photo match her description of the attacker?"

"Yeah almost to a T."

"Alright go pick him up with Fin I'll call her and ask her to come in and do a lineup."

"Copy that," Amaro said as Fin frowned "you know if I go you'll be by yourself here right?"

"I do but last time I checked I'm a big girl besides I doubt Elliot's gonna be much longer anyways."

"Alright," he said persuaded as they both left and Olivia sighed, headed to her office and called their victim who agreed to have her father drive her before booking the flights and texting Maureen.

Once she finished with that she sighed knowing what was next on her to do list as she opened her middle drawer to look for a disciplinary form please don't be in there she thought to herself as she sighed when she in fact had one as she took it out and began filling it out.

As she worked on the reprimand a couple tears fell from her eyes don't cry it's not doing you any good she told herself as her desk phone rang and she reached to answer it "M-Manhattan Special Victims unit this is Sergeant Benson speaking," she said shakily.

"Hi umm are you okay?" the man on the other end of the line asked as his voice was rough and gravely.

"Yes I'm fine who am I speaking with?" she asked after clearing her throat slightly as she wiped her eyes.

"Okay good, I'm Sergeant Hank Voight from the intelligence unit of the Chicago police department I was hoping to speak to someone about a case my unit is working here in Chicago which is an m.o. match with one of yours."

"Yes of course I can definitely help you with that can you tell me which case it is?"

"It's the serial in which a cowardice prick raped two women in your city, killed them and cut each of their right ears off and he's in my city now."

"I remember that case... I'd appreciate it though if you'd tone yourself down there just a little?"

"Ma'am I was just speaking the facts I'm sorry if they offend you believe me they offend me too."

"I can tell, it's good that you're passionate about what you do though I can respect that," she said as just then her cellphone rang and El flashed across it "I'm sorry Sergeant I need you to hold for one minute."

Voight sighed but didn't object any further as she sighed in relief , laid the corded phone down on it's back and grabbed her cellphone "hey El," she greeted warmly.

"Hey baby, I just wanted to call and let you know that I just left the courthouse and I'm on my way back to the precinct now."

"Good, that's good how'd your court appearance go?"

"Okay it felt like riding a bike to be honest."

"I'm glad to hear that I was a little worried you were gonna get ganged up on."

"Ohh the defense tried to but it wasn't anything I couldn't handle."

"That's a relief, honey I have to go I have a sergeant from Chicago on hold one of our perps from six months ago is apparently striking there but you can tell me more about it when you get here everyone else is out."

"Alright sounds good baby I hope they find him."

"Me too he's one of the sickest perps I've seen."

"I wouldn't doubt that, alright unless I get stuck in a traffic jam I should be ten minutes tops."

"Sounds good, drive safe."

"I will baby, I love you."

"Love you too El, see you in a few," she said as she hung up with him then regrabbed her corded phone "sorry about that Sergeant Voight," she said.

"It's fine," he said while shaking his head at the unprofessionalism of it "the reason why I called is you guys take notes on this kind of thing right?"

"Yes sir my detectives take notes and information on every case they work."

He nodded "I figured, did your squad get close to colaring anyone when you were working the case?"

"Unfortunately not there was practically no evidence at either rape and murder."

He nodded through a sigh "how long did you all work the case for?"

"I don't remember that off the top of my head I wasn't the lead detective on that case, it wasn't very long though because we had nothing to go on."

"I see," he said as he nodded again "I'd like to speak with the lead detective if that's possible."

"It's not he's out right now, I can email the file and case notes to you though if that would be helpful."

"I'd prefer the paper copies I can have someone fly out now to get them plus then maybe he'll be back when she gets there."

He seems really strong willed, and difficult to work with too Liv thought to herself as she just nodded "okay that works too I suppose, I'll make sure that someone is here to get your detective what she needs."

"Great thank you Sergeant her name is Erin Lindsey, I get the sense that you'll probably like her she's as smart as a whip and she's putting her all into this case."

"I imagine she is I look forward to meeting her tonight."

Voight nodded his head with a slight smile "can you tell me which precinct you work out of and the floor that she'll need to go to?"

"Yes sir it's the 16th precinct third floor it'll be labeled Manhattan Special Victims."

"Great thank you have a great rest of your day Sergeant," he said as the call waiting beep sounded.

"You as well," she said before sighing and clicking over "Manhattan Special Victims Unit this is Sergeant Benson speaking."

"H-Hi Olivia this is Tina Mcfearson we spoke earlier?"

"Yes I remember you said your father was gonna bring you in for the lineup."

"Y-Yeah I did, I can't come though his truck won't start he's tried it seven times."

"Okay that's alright how about your mother sweetie? Can she bring you in?"

"No she's working and doesn't get off until 10 o'clock tonight."

"Alright," she said as she nodded to herself "hmm."

"I-I can come tomorrow my mom will be off work then."

"It's gotta be today sweetie my detectives are bringing the suspect in today... How about you guys come in by cab?"

"We only have the money for one fair a-and I'm not comfortable walking there by myself."

"Could your dad walk with you?"

"No he's got a bad knee."

"Alright I can have someone go get you guys how's that?"

"T-That works who should we be looking for?"

"It'll either be me or detective Stabler sweetie do you remember him?"

"I think so was he the one with the goatee and marines tattoo?"

"Yeah that's him if he picks you up he'll be in a blue Sedan."

"Okay w-we'll be waiting for one of you guys, sorry I'm so difficult."

"You're not difficult at all sweetie I just hope we've found the right guy so you won't have to do any of this again."

"Me too it's scary for sure."

"I know it is but you'll be completely safe here I promise you that."

"I-I believe you."

"I'm glad sweetie, I need to go but I'll see you soon okay?"

"Okay, bye Olivia."

"Bye sweetie," she said before ending that call damn my ear is hot she thought to herself as she grabbed her cellphone again and dialed Elliot.

"Hey baby I'm two minutes out you okay?" he answered on the second ring.

"Yeah I'm fine, I'm sorry El but I need you to go pick up a victim I don't have anyone else I can send."

"No need to apologize honey really who is it? And what'd they do?"

"Uh it's not that kind of pick up El it's for a line up and it's Tina Mcfearson, the 19 year old from Tuesday night."

"Ohh okay gotcha, so you guys found the guy?"

"I think so he was on security cams following her in his car as she walked to her apartment and the photo on his ID matched her description."

"Okay is he there at the precinct yet?"

"No I sent Fin and Amaro to bring him in but he lives in Elmhurst."

"Gotcha I'm on it Liv, is she still staying with her parents?"

"Yeah and I almost forgot to tell you her dad's gonna be riding with you guys he was gonna drive her in himself but apparently his truck wouldn't start."

He nodded "that's no biggy I'll just have them both ride in the back seat, hey before I go how'd your meeting with 1pp go?"

"Not great I-I'd rather tell you about it in person if that's okay?"

"Of course it is," he murmured as he was quiet for a minute "do I need to kick someone's ass?" he finally asked.

"No you don't Elliot," she said firmly.

"You sure? Cuz I've got some boots I haven't worn in a while and"-

"I'm positive El, 100% positive plus if you're talking about your brown ones I love those and I'd hate for you to have to throw them away because they got blood on them."

"I could just buy new ones."

"It's still a no El and actually you know what I don't want you interacting with anyone there again," she said adamantly before sighing "I've gotta go I-I've gotta finish working on a form."

"Okay baby," he murmured before frowning "wait you sound upset."

"I-I'm fine I promise sorry I snapped, I-I love you El."

"Don't worry about it Liv, I love you too and I'll be as quick as I can alright?"

"T-Take your time," she said before hanging up and getting back to work on the reprimand again as Elliot just put his foot down a little harder on the gas with a worried frown.

3:03 PM.

"Liv you okay?" Rollins asked after tapping on her open door lightly as she looked a bit upset to her.

"Y-Yeah I'm fine," she said while signing Elliot's now complete reprimand "what happened with the case you caught?"

"It turned out the girl had just started her period but she was a homeless 11 year old so we took her to the hospital to get checked out and called ACS."

Olivia nodded "was she alright? No injuries?"

"Yeah she was a bit malnourished but that wasn't a surprise I'm just glad the uni came across her."

"Me too anything could have happened to her out there."

"Yeah it could've, Elliot's still not back from court yet?"

"He is but I had to send him to get Tina Mcfearson and her father so she could do a line up Fin and Amaro are picking up a suspect now."

"Ah okay gotcha, you have anything you need me to do?"

"Maybe you and Carisi could find a few fillers for us? We'll need five male whites who have blonde hair, brown eyes and who are between 5 feet 7 and 5 feet 9."

She nodded "we'll get right on that, what build?"

"Medium, start down stairs with patrol officer Taylor and officer Mathews will probably agree to do it if they're on shift."

"Copy that, how about the detectives in computer crimes and major case?"

"It definitely won't hurt to ask, remember if you guys have to ask civilians 50 dollars is what we pay them and if you go to the tombs you can either put 20 dollars on their commissary or let them choose what they eat for dinner tonight."

"Copy that, do you want me and Carisi to split up?"

"Yeah that'd be good just keep each other in the loop."

"Copy that," she said leaving the office as Olivia smiled slightly to herself then sighed, turned on her computer and began looking for the file and case notes that Sergeant Voight needed.

3:29 PM.

"Hey Liv I've got them here where do you want me to put them?" Elliot asked after knocking lightly as Tina and her father Joseph were standing behind him.

"The break room's good, thanks El," she said with a slight smile.

"No problem, umm they were wondering if it'd be okay if he stood beside her while she does her lineup?"

"It'll depend on how many eyes we have in there."

"Gotcha," he said as he nodded knowingly "okay I'll be right back, this way guys," he murmured leading them off as Olivia sighed, closed her blinds and moved to the couch preparing to have a difficult conversation as she put his reprimand in her pocket for the right time.

xxxxx

Elliot was back within a minute as he noticed something was off when he stepped in as he closed the door gently, sat down beside her and wrapped his arm around her.

Olivia melted into the contact and wrapped her arm around him too "I missed you," they both said in unison.

They both chuckled then at the synchronicity of their statements as they just enjoyed each others company and closeness for a couple minutes before Elliot finally spoke "it was Barba's damn fault he told me to be there an hour earlier than was necessary I didn't even testify until 2 o'clock."

"He's over cautious always has been and always will be, we would have been apart this afternoon anyway though El I-I would have still had that meeting and the call from the Sergeant to deal with," she said after turning to look in his eyes.

"Good point," he said as there were three sharp taps on the door before it opened and Fin stuck his head in "we got him with no incident but he asked for a lawyer the second we got him into the car," he said ignoring their physical closeness.

"Shit," she said as she nodded "alright let him call for one then stick him in holding until they get here."

"Copy that," he said shutting the door behind him and following instructions "you think this'll inter-fear with the lineup?" El asked.

"I doubt it there's too much evidence against him plus whoever the lawyer turns out to be will know that if she gets the ID wrong that they can use that at his trial."

"That's true, honestly I hope she ID's him then he just confesses."

"You and me both," she said before sighing "El w-we need to talk," she whispered.

"Okay," he murmured as he rubbed her shoulder "what's wrong? Does it have something to do with the meeting?"

"Yeah it does D-Dodds was," she shook her head "no is really pissed at you El."

Well that explains her reaction from earlier he thought to himself as he nodded "I figured he was but I was hoping that while he was on vacation it would have blown over."

She nodded "I was too but it didn't if anything I think he just got more angry."

Elliot nodded sadly and pulled her close to him again "I'm sorry baby, I'm so sorry you had to deal with that."

She shrugged "it's part of the job and honestly I'm not upset because he yelled at me."

He nodded "then why are you upset baby?" he asked softly as his muscles tensed and his fists clinched "did he touch you? Do something to you?"

"No honey, no he didn't I promise," she said as she rubbed his arm.

Elliot nodded as at her touch his body relaxed "just tell me what happened baby whatever it is it's okay," he said as he started stroking her hair.

"I wouldn't tell me that just yet," she whispered.

Elliot nodded as he continued to stroke her hair while using his detective skills "okay you said he was still angry with me so this has something to do with me doesn't it?"

"Y-Yeah it does."

He nodded "alright am I being fired, transferred out, suspended or investigated? It's okay you can tell me."

She nodded "i-it's none of those I would never let any of that happen to you, he made me write you up for breaking chain of command El."

Elliot sighed and she teared up a little "I'm sorry... I-I tried to fight him on it but he threatened me with an insubordination charge and I figured you'd rather this than that but if I was wrong I can just throw the paper away then I'm sure he'll"-

"No don't baby, don't you did the right thing I'm not mad at you I'm mad at him for putting you in this position... Do you have any idea how many reprimands I have on my file?"

"10?" she guessed as she relaxed more into him.

Elliot chuckled "26 and I'm sure I'll have 26 more before we retire together in 20 years."

"I'm thinking 15 and no you won't cuz I won't be writing you up any more."

"Yeah you will you know you will," he murmured as he kissed her temple "and 15 years sounds perfect that'll be right in line with when Izzabella graduates."

"That's true, she'll head off to college and me and you can travel the world."

Elliot nodded "mmhmm I'll take you to Paris and Rome and Hawaii..."

Olivia nodded and kissed him tenderly with a dreamy look in her eyes "what about the grand canyon?" she asked after their mouths separated enough for her to speak.

"We can absolutely go to the grand canyon," he said with a soft smile while continuing to gently cradle the back of her head in his hand as his eyes were filled with love.

She nodded and the dreamy look stayed in her eyes as they kissed tenderly once more and stayed in the moment for a couple more minutes before breaking apart again "have you got the paper baby?" he ended up asking.

She nodded and pulled it from her pocket as the smile fell from her face "Liv it's okay we're fine baby," he reassured softly again before taking and quickly reading it "you have a pin?" he asked after he finished.

"Your not gonna appeal it?"

"No all that would do is draw this out and I know that what I did technically broke the NYPD's policy so."

Olivia gave him a solemn nod understanding "my pins are on my desk in the purple cup."

Elliot nodded and stood to get one "for what it's worth I'd do it all again to protect you."

"I know you would, I have to pretend I didn't hear you say that though," she said as Carisi knocked then stepped into the office "what's going on in here?" he asked curiously.

"We're just handling a confidential matter, did you and Rollins find our fillers?"

"We did we have officer Taylor, officer Mathews, detective Phillips and two convicts from the tombs named Ernie Gladchuck and Glen Burns," he said as defense lawyer Buchanan walked into her open office "I'm here to see my client," he said.

Olivia nodded to Carisi before turning her attention to Buchanan "he's in holding waiting for you, detective Carisi will show you both to the lineup room."

"Whoa wait just a minute what has my client been charged with?"

"He's been brought in on suspicion of rape in the first degree, detective Tutuola can show you everything we have on him."

Buchanan nodded as Elliot retook his seat beside Liv after signing the reprimand "and I see he's back," he said through a frown.

"I sure am nice to see you too, I'll be there during the lineup so keep what I told you four years ago in mind it still rings true," Elliot said.

"You still remember that?"

"I do I have a very good memory."

Buchanan just nodded as the two of them had a silent stare down sizing each other up "I take it there's history there?" Carisi asked.

"There is he tried to intimidate a rape victim during a lineup back in 2009," she said as she then frowned at them both "lets tap down this macho man energy I feel going on here just a little, counselor go talk to detective Tutuola, Carisi go get the prisoner and take him to the line up room and El I'd really appreciate it if you could go get the victim and her father and bring them to my office please, also guys please make sure the victim and suspect don't cross paths in the hallway, thank you."

Elliot and Carisi both nodded their heads "copy that," they said as Elliot gently ran his hand over her arm once before standing and following Carisi out "why are you having them brought in here? It better not be to tell her what number my client's gonna be holding," Buchanan said.

Olivia sighed and shook her head at that "I know we aren't each others biggest fan Jon but you should know me and my squad better than that."

"But should I though? I've only met you guys twice, three times counting today."

Olivia just nodded her head "we're officers of the law and we're not gonna risk tanking the case not when we have this much evidence, not ever now please go speak to detective Tutuola or hell just stand here and spy, I don't care," she said as when he stepped away she sighed in relief and started thinking about how having a glass of red wine tonight would be nice.

A minute later Elliot walked in with the two of them "you want the door closed Liv?" he asked.

"No leave it open," she said before looking to the father "hi I'm Sergeant Benson I don't believe we've met?"

"No ma'am we haven't," he said as she nodded, stood and shook his hand before turning to Tina "are you holding up okay sweetie?"

"Y-Yeah I'm just nervous."

"That's completely understandable," she said sympathetically as she nodded "do you understand what's gonna happen next?"

"I-I think so we're all gonna go into a room with a big window and I'm gonna look through it and tell you if I see the man that r-raped me."

"That's mostly right me, you, detective Stabler and an attorney will be in the room," she said as Tina's father rubbed her shoulder.

"W-What about my dad?"

"He won't be able to go in the room honey but he can stand right outside the door and you can see him as soon as you finish."

"Why can't I stand with her?" Joseph asked.

"Because it could hurt the case if you do," Elliot said sympathetically.

"That's ridiculous."

"I'm sorry I really am," Liv said as Tina had frozen for a minute before starting to step towards the door "I-I don't think I can do this now I-I was only okay with it because I knew my dad would protect me if he tried to come at me."

"Sweetie he won't be able to come after you he won't be able to see you and even if he could me and detective Stabler will be on either side of you and five cops will be in the room with him."

"F-Five?" she asked shocked.

"Yeah five and he's been searched for weapons too, we take your safety very seriously I promise."

She nodded slightly as she felt much more reassured now "okay I-I'm ready."

"Okay then lets go," Liv said relieved as Elliot lead them out of the office Mr. McFearson you can follow us to the door then I'll need you to wait outside."

He nodded his head understanding as although he didn't like it he was proud of his daughter for being brave and wanted her to receive justice as a minute later the three of them had themselves settled in the observation room "you feeling okay Tina?" El asked softly.

She nodded "I-I think so."

Elliot nodded "I give you my word everything's gonna be alright we're gonna make sure this goes as smoothly and quickly as it possibly can for you."

She nodded her head slightly as just then Buchanan stepped into the room "Sergeant you know everything you have on my client is circumstantial at best right?"

"I wouldn't call following our victim to her apartment complex as she walked circumstantial counselor and this lineup is planned to be the nail in his coffin."

Buchanan sighed "isn't it possible that he just knows someone who lives there?"

"I suppose it is but if that were so I doubt he would have trailed behind a pedestrian the whole way there," she said as Elliot frowned then "lets get started," he said firmly.

"Good idea," Olivia said with a slight smile before pressing the intercom button "please step to the window, hold your numbered sign up high and stand two shoulder widths apart."

The men did as instructed as Roofis held the number four "do you see anyone you recognize?" Liv asked Tina softly.

"I uh... I think so yeah they all just look so close to the same."

"You have to be 100% sure or you can't pick anyone you're holding someones life in your hands," Buchanan said.

Elliot reached into his duty belt and pulled out his handcuffs with a glare "you're under arrest for intimidating a witness I warned you," he said harshly while stepping over to him.

"You can't do that," Buchanan said as Olivia frowned "Elliot calm down and put your handcuffs away, Buchanan shut up I'm only saving your ass once, Tina, sweetie it's okay just take your time and tell us if you recognize anyone okay?"

Elliot nodded, put them away and retook his place beside Tina as she nodded slightly but began to tremble seeing both men harshly glaring at each other "you know what I'm two seconds away from kicking both of your asses out, you're both grown men act like it and stop this right now," Olivia said angrily while putting her hand on Tina's shoulder reassuringly "you're okay sweetie," she said softly.

Elliot and Buchanan both gave quick nods as they both wore shocked expressions for a moment but Elliot's slowly turned to one of pride "I-I recognize number four," Tina said shakily a minute later.

Olivia nodded "where do you recognize him from?"

"H-He's the man who r-raped me against the brick wall outside my apartment building."

Olivia nodded her head "good job sweetie, really good job you can go now," she murmured before tapping on the glass.

Tina nodded, stepped out and ran into her father's arms as Elliot made his way to the lineup room to give them the news "you've really got him whipped don't you?" Buchanan asked.

"Excuse me?"

"He followed your instructions like a little puppy."

Olivia frowned deeply "no he followed them because A, he knew continuing the glaring contest with you was wrong with a victim in the room and B we're at work and I'm in charge at work."

Buchanan nodded "so whose in charge at home?"

"Not that it's any of your business but we're equals at home."

"Figures," he muttered as he shook his head and grumbled to himself about how men should always rule the household while walking off to speak to his client as Liv just shook her head to herself and went out to the squad room "Amaro are you busy right now?" she asked.

"No I just finished my last dd5 what's up?"

"Can you put all of your completed dd5's on my desk and take the McFearson's home please? You can clock out after that."

"Yeah sure," he said with a slight smile as Fin walked up to her "hey Liv I need to go to the lab."

"Why what's going on?"

"Turns out Roofis doesn't like crust so I wanna take the rest of his sandwich to Warner so she can test it for DNA."

"Good idea, go ahead then once you're through you can clock out for the day."

"Copy that, thanks Liv."

"No problem," she said as her phone started going off in her pocket "motion detected, front door! Motion detected, front door!" it spoke.

"What's that?" Fin asked.

"It's our motion detector app I guess I forgot to turn it down."

"Ah okay," Fin said understanding before leaving "you've gotta be kidding me," Elliot grumbled while coming out of the lineup room.

"What's wrong El?" Olivia asked before frowning "I-if you're upset because I said something in there I'm sorry it was just you guys were scaring Tina."

"It's not that Liv, I promise you it's not that," he said softly before sighing "Lizzie just left the house in a skimpy looking outfit."

"That shouldn't surprise you honey she's 19 and she did say she was gonna go to the party."

"Yeah I know she did but I wish she wasn't going in that outfit guys will try to take advantage of her with her looking like that."

"Maybe they won't but if they do she knows she can call us anytime if she needs us or starts to feel uncomfortable, you've gotta try and trust her to handle herself El."

"That's easier said than done Liv she's my baby."

"I know she is she's mine too in my heart but she's got a good head on her shoulders and that's largely because of you, who's with Felps?"

"Rollins , Carisi and Buchanan," he said as Rollins came out then "I'm about to take Burns and Gladchuck back to the tombs do you want me to take Felps with or put him in holding here?"

"Take him with you but have Carisi go too three perps is too many for one officer to handle alone."

"Copy that," she said nodding and Olivia slightly smiled glad that things were starting to settle down "I'm headed to my office El you wanna come too or no?"

"Yeah sure I can I'll bring my papers with me, what time are we clocking out?"

"I can't leave until the detective from Chicago gets here."

"Why is a detective coming here from there?"

"Because she's gotta pick up the files on the case they caught where the perp struck here."

"They couldn't be sent by email?"

Olivia shook her head "I suggested that but the Sergeant was adamant on getting the paper copies."

"That's strange, and a waste of money too if I'm being honest."

"Yeah I agree but he seemed a little aggressive and I wanted to pick my battles with him, look at the bright side though we'll both be getting overtime pay tonight."

"That's true, he was aggressive?"

"El lets go on to my office."

He nodded and quickly grabbed the stack of uncompleted dd5's off his desk then followed her in there and shut her door "what happened Liv?" he asked worriedly while sitting down on the couch.

"He wasn't rude to me or anything like that it's just some of the language he used rubbed me the wrong way."

"What'd he say?"

"He referred to Chicago as his city like he owns the entire place and just uh used really blunt language over all, he was just really intense to talk to is all and I didn't wanna make him angry or think we were hiding something by not letting him have the paper copies so I chose to accommodate his request."

Elliot nodded his head understanding "it sounds like he just has one of those big personalities like I do baby and if that's the case letting him push you around isn't the answer, what's his name?"

"Sergeant Voight, you're nothing like that though El you don't intimidate me at all."

He nodded "I try not to I never ever wanna do that, as for the name I do recognize it."

"Oh?"

Elliot nodded "you remember when I told you about that corrupt cop in Chicago that they talked about on that cop blog I subscribe to a few months ago?"

"Yeah vaguely I think you said his son caused a car crash or something like that."

Elliot nodded "that's the one he was charged with attempted murder of a firefighter."

"I thought you said you weren't sure that that was true."

"I wasn't but when they took you to the hospital in the ambulance there the paramedics were talking about the case, I think they knew the firefighter who was almost killed."

"Oh wow... Well I guess it's good I decided to give him what he asked for huh?"

"Yeah maybe," he said as just then her desk phone rang and she sighed and grabbed it "Manhattan Special Victims Unit how can I help you?"

"Sergeant it's chief Dodds, why isn't that reprimand in detective Stabler's file yet? It's 4:41."

Olivia sighed "I've been busy conducting a line up besides you said I had until 5 o'clock."

"You do but that's only nineteen minutes away."

"I'm aware of that I promise you I'm about to work on it."

"That's great, has he been made aware of it?"

"Yes he has he signed it."

"Good I'm glad to hear that."

Of course you are because you're a lousy human being she thought to herself as she just shook her head slightly "is there anything else I can do for you this evening chief?"

"No that's all."

"Okay great, have a good night then," she said ending the call with a sigh as Elliot looked to her then "everything okay?" he asked softly.

"Yeah Dodds just won't leave me alone about the damn reprimand."

Elliot nodded understanding "well the hard part, telling me about it's over so you've made it to the top of the hill already."

"You think putting it in your jacket's gonna be easy for me?"

"I was hoping it would be easier yeah."

She sighed slightly and nodded "well it's not."

"Why not baby?"

"Because when I put it in there that makes me reprimanding you official."

"It was official when I signed it honey."

"Yeah I guess that's true but once it's in the computer it can't be undone."

"It doesn't need to be undone I deserve the slap on the wrist plus you already told Dodds I signed it so if you got rid of it now all that would happen is you'd get in trouble."

"Good point..." she said as she sighed i guess "I didn't think that through well did I?"

Elliot shrugged "you didn't think of lying to Dodds because your an honest person and lying to your superiors isn't you. I need you to stop trying to protect me and just do your job okay baby? We're fine I promise."

"Alright," she whispered as she nodded, sighed then got to work inputing it into the computer as Elliot sighed in relief then and started working on the dd5's he needed to complete.

5:25 PM.

"We got all three of them settled at the tombs do you need anything else from us before we clock out?" Rollins asked after stepping into the office.

"I don't think so no but either you or Carisi will need to take the on call phone with you you two are on call tonight."

"Alright who's on tomorrow?"

"Me and El tomorrow's our Saturday."

"Alright," Amanda said as Carisi stepped in "has anyone informed Barba about Roofis Felps's arrest?"

"I'm just about to email him the case file now."

Carisi nodded and he and Rollins stepped out as Olivia's cellphone rang and she reached to answer it "hello?" she said.

"Hi Mrs. Stabler, this is Lucy Huston your nanny."

"Hey Lucy is everything okay?"

"Yeah it is I promise I was just worried about you guys you've usually relieved me by now."

"I know we have I'm really sorry we would already be on our way but a detective from a department in another state is flying out here to get some files and"-

"It's okay really Mrs. Stabler I have nowhere I need to be I was just concerned is all," Lucy said as the desk phone rang.

Olivia sighed and nodded relieved "we'll only be another hour at the most and you can just call me Olivia okay?" she said as Elliot gently reached over her "Manhattan SVU this is detective Stabler," he said answering her desk phone.

"Okay I'll see you soon," Lucy said before hanging up as Olivia put her phone back away "yes hi my name is Sergeant Hank Voight from the intelligence unit in Chicago Illinois is a Sergeant Olivia Benson there? We spoke earlier."

"Yes she is one moment," he said before handing her the phone "it's Voight," he whispered.

Olivia nodded "and that was Lucy," she said while taking it "what can I do for you Sergeant?"

"Is this Sergeant Benson?"

"Yes it is."

"Okay great I wanted to call you and let you know that Erin's flight was delayed."

"For how long?"

"Well it was supposed to leave at 3:30 and she just now boarded so two hours."

Olivia nodded "and if she just now boarded then that means it hasn't left so we're looking at 2 and a half more hours until she's here."

"Yeah I'm afraid so, I'm sorry Sergeant we're both just as frustrated as you are if not more so."

Olivia nodded "It's fine things happen but I can't stay here until 8:30 to wait for her I have a young daughter at home."

"Well it seems like we're at an impasse then because I really need those paper copies, what about your detective who just answered the telephone?"

Olivia shook her head "he's got a family too, I can take the files home and your detective can pick them up there but I'm afraid that's the best I can do until tomorrow."

Voight sighed "I suppose that works she's already on the plane and it makes no sense for her to stay the night in New York city, where do you live?"

"My address is 42-24 Mulberry drive, Queens New York and the zip code is 11106."

"Alright I'll tell Erin, you do think she'll be able to get another plane out tonight with the delay right?"

"Hopefully so, if she can't though I'll help her find a motel."

"Sounds good, I appreciate this really Sergeant."

"It's not a problem have a good night," she said before ending the call and stuffing the papers she had left to sign into her purse "change of plans?" El asked softly.

"Yeah the flight hasn't even left Chicago yet and Lucy was already wondering where we were we can't make the girl give up her whole weekend when this isn't even necessary."

"I agree with you baby, I agree alright I'll grab my papers," he murmured grabbing them from the arm rest "I really need to get myself a handbag or something," he said through a chuckle.

She smiled through a chuckle while clocking them out "yeah that might help, I can put them in my purse if you want."

"Nah they'll get mixed up with yours, I can carry them honey it's alright really," he said as she nodded, quickly forwarded the case file to Barba then they headed out to the truck.

xxxxx

"So what do you want to eat?" he asked as they entered Queens.

"I was thinking we could get Woo Hop I'm getting a little tired of chilly cheese tots."

"I hear ya I think all Lucy knows how to fix is easy stuff, you think I should write down a few recipes for her?"

"No cuz that'd be the equivalent of telling her her cooking sucks, as long as Izzabella likes it that should be what matters for now she eats healthy foods at school and we can cook our own food."

"Good point," he said as he nodded "Woo Hop it is," he said with a smile.

Olivia smiled, nodded and turned the radio up as let it be by the Beatles began to play "dammit!!" Elliot shouted slamming on his breaks hard "fucking"- his words became unintelligible as he grumbled.

"El whoa w-what happened?" Olivia asked, her heart racing as she tried to lean down and get her purse which had fallen from her lap as scattered papers covered the floorboard.

"A fucking dog ran out in front of us and I almost hit it, I swear nobody follows leash laws anymore."

"El honey it's alright we're safe and that's what matters, will you pull over for a minute?"

"Of course I-I'm sorry I jostled you baby are you okay?"

"Yeah I just need to pick up and reorganize these papers, could you tell what kind of dog it was?"

"No it happened too fast I just know it was small, red and hairless," he said while pulling over on the shoulder "you need some help with that?"

Olivia unbuckled her seatbelt "no it's okay I've got it, it was probably a Chihuahua or small puppy I'll call the pound in a minute."

"Sounds good," he said as he sighed, his adrenaline coming down "I'm just glad I was able to stop before I hit it it was really close Liv."

"I know it was and I am too," she murmured as she finished getting the files back into her purse then re-buckled her seatbelt and touched his shoulder "but you didn't hit it, we're safe and that's what matters."

"I agree with that, you ready to drive on honey?"

"Yeah I am," she said with a slight smile as he nodded and drove off as when he did Olivia immediately found the number to the local pound and dialed.

"Queens animal control this is Jessica," a woman answered after 2 rings.

"Hi Jessica this is Olivia Stabler I need to make a report please."

"Okay what's going on?"

"There's a dog running around in the road about 4 miles south of the Woo Hop on highway 7, it's not far away at all from Bayside and they have a leash ordinance which is being violated."

"Okay is the dog in Bayside?"

"No we're just close to Bayside but my husband almost ran over the dog and it could have caused us to have a car accident, it's a hazard and as a police officer I'd really appreciate it if you guys could take the proper action on this matter."

Jessica sighed and nodded "can you describe the dog?"

"Yes ma'am it was small, red and hairless."

"Okay did it look to be cared for? Was it's owner nearby?"

"The dog was running unattended on the road, as for it looking to be cared for El? Could you tell?"

"No it all happened too fast," he said as Olivia nodded to him "we're unsure on that part but even if it did look physically cared for the owner is still negligent by letting it run around in the road and violating the leash ordinance."

"Okay Mrs. Stabler I'll send someone to take care of it," Jessica said before ending the call as Olivia sighed "well she definitely sees me as a Karen..."

"Baby you're not a Karen you handled it just right you saved that dog's life, possibly a human's life too by making that phone call."

"You don't think they'll euthanize the dog?"

"They might but at least this way it'll die humanely instead of by getting hit by a car and who knows somebody might end up adopting it."

"Maybe I'm sure a kid around here would love it."

"No doubt, I'm dreading the day Izzabella asks for one."

"Yeah me too cuz we'll break her heart by telling her no that's not a responsibility I'm willing to take on."

"Me either it doesn't matter how clean you try to keep them the smell they omit never goes away plus we wouldn't have the time to give one the attention it would deserve."

"Yeah I know, maybe when she asks we can take her to the pet store and let her pick out some goldfish and an aquarium?"

"That's a good idea it's low maintenance and I'm sure the aquarium would enamor her."

"No doubt plus I like the sound they make it's relaxing."

"I never knew that," he murmured as he pulled into the parking lot.

Olivia smiled "well I never knew you were planning to take me to Hawaii so I guess we learn something new about each other every day."

"Definitely," he said as he leaned over and kissed her tenderly "I'll take you wherever you wanna go baby."

"I know you will and I will too," she said with a smile after returning the kiss "you want our normal?"

"That sounds good to me," he said as after parking the truck they headed inside and ordered together then went home to spend some much needed quality time with Izzabella.

7:56 PM, Stabler residence.

"We're changing the color to green, draw four baby," Elliot said from beside Izzabella at the table as he helped her put an uno wild attack card on top of the used cards pile.

"Really guys?" Olivia groaned playfully through a sigh as she shook her head and drew the four cards, having only had one card left at the time, a red 8.

"Sorry baby it's all we had to play," Elliot said regretfully as Olivia just shook her head at him with a soft smile "this one daddy, lets play this one," Izzabella whispered pointing at the green draw two.

"No lets do this one," he said pointing at a green 5.

Izzabella shook her head "if we do that one first," she pointed at the draw two "then we can do that one and this one," she pointed back at the 5.

"Yeah maybe but I wanna be nice and just play that one," he whispered.

"Daddy that's silly we're supposed to win not be nice."

"This isn't about winning or losing it's just about having fun together," he said putting down the 5.

Izzabella just nodded as Olivia played a green 3 then looked at Elliot "honey you didn't have to do that," she said.

"I know baby I just want her to understand that it's not about winning if she grasps that now then when she gets older losing games and stuff at school won't feel so bad."

"You've got a point there."

"I know I do plus I hate ganging up on you so," he said as he sighed when he saw that Izzabella had put the draw two card on the pile.

"El it's okay really I really don't care," she said as she drew the two cards then chuckled when Izzabella laid down a green skip card "baby how are you this good at this game?" El asked.

"Mrs. Kathy, Lizzie and Lucy taught me what all the pictures mean."

"And you understand all of them?"

"Mmhmm this one means I get to go again," she pointed at the skip card "this one means I get to lay all the cards down," she pointed at the discard all yellow card "and this one means I get to pick whatever color I want," she pointed at the wild card.

"Your absolutely right about most of that kiddo the only thing is since that discard all card is yellow it only works for your cards that are the color yellow," Liv explained.

Izzabella frowned "me and daddy don't have any more yellow cards."

"Then you can't use that card yet, you either have to lay down another green card or your wild card."

"Me and daddy only have two cards left."

Olivia nodded her head understanding as Elliot laid down the wild card then the yellow discard all card and ended the game "you and daddy won that game baby great job," Liv said with a smile.

Izzabella smiled brightly and nodded her head "can we watch the little Mermaid now?"

"It's too late to start that now honey but we can watch Dora for an hour instead if you want," El said.

She nodded with a bright smile and ran off to the living room as Olivia and Elliot worked on clearing the table and putting the cards away "I think I'm gonna read over and sign the rest of the dd5's while she watches that," Liv said.

Elliot nodded "I'll try and finish mine too, you want me to wash her hair tonight? I haven't done it in a while."

"Sure you can but don't be surprised if she splashes you in the face with water that's her new thing."

"Ohh I'll get her out of that."

"I don't know if you can El I asked her to stop a few times and it didn't work."

"I've got a no nonsense voice I can use when I want to I'm sure that'll work or if all else fails I can hold both of her hands in one of mine."

"True you can, alright you ready to endure an hour of Dora the explorer?"

"I'm as ready as I'll ever be," he said through a chuckle as once the last dish was put in the sink to be washed later they headed into the living room in sync.

8:51 PM.

"Mommy daddy watch with me, watch with me! You're missing the train race!" Izzabella exclaimed as Liv was steadily reading and signing forms and Elliot was writing.

"I see it baby I promise the red one's winning, whoa now it's the blue one! Wow they're moving so fast aren't they?" Liv said glancing at the tv for a second before continuing to read.

"Mmhmm, you have to keep your eyes on it though mommy or you'll miss something, daddy your missing it."

"I won't miss anything I promise I'm just multitasking is all," Olivia said as Elliot glanced at Izzabella distractedly "sorry baby," he murmured before looking back down.

"What's multitasking?"

"Multitasking is when you do two things at one time, adults are good at it and you'll get good at it too when you're older," Liv said as the doorbell rang then and the motion detector apps sounded.

"Mommy don't go, don't go you'll miss more of it," Izzabella pleaded as Olivia stood up.

"I've got it, it's okay I've got it," Elliot said putting his DD5 down and standing then as Olivia nodded and sat back down deciding to take a break for a minute and focus on watching the train race with Izzabella.

xxxxx

I don't think I'm at the right place, detective Erin Lindsey thought to herself after ringing the doorbell of the average looking suburban home with red bricks and white shudders that she was standing in front of.

Sergeant Olivia Benson is supposed to live here with her daughter and all I see is a red Ford f150 in the driveway, that's not feminine and it says Stabler on the mailbox, yeah I'm definitely at the wrong place I'll have to tell Hank he accidentally gave me the wrong address, and wow at all the motion detectors, I guess they're cautious people, they have a beautiful garden though, she thought to herself as just as she was about to step back over to her cab the door opened "can I help you?" A tall muscular man with broad shoulders and blue eyes asked.

"I don't think so sir I'm sorry about this I think I have the wrong address," she said going to turn away.

"It's okay ma'am things like this happen more often then you'd think around here who are you looking for?"

She turned back around and faced him "A Sergeant Olivia Benson from the NYPD I'm a detective from Chicago and my Sergeant sent me ! here to pick up some files."

"She's here are you Erin Lindsey?"

"Yes sir I am."

"Okay come in, it's alright I'm her husband," Elliot said.

Erin nodded and stepped in behind him "it's nice to meet you sir," she said.

"You as well," he said before shutting the door and shaking her hand with a smile "Liv detective Lindsey's here!" he called.

Olivia nodded, grabbed the case files and walked over to the foyer with Izzabella hot on her heals "daddy! Daddy the red train won the race!" she said excitedly.

"It did?"

"Yeah it moved a lot faster than the blue one, hi," she said smiling at Lindsey.

"Hi there I'm Erin it's nice to meet you."

Izzabella smiled and nodded her head "you wanna watch Dora with us?"

"Well you know I would but I live a long way away and my boss is expecting me back at work soon," she said as Olivia held out the folder then with a smile "everything's in there, case notes and all."

"Thank you Sergeant," she said as she nodded, opened it and quickly flipped through it "Sergeant Voight said something about me maybe speaking with the lead detective but I assume that's not possible?"

"No it's not sorry but his notes are in there and they're pretty thorough so."

"That's good hopefully all of this information you've given me will get us somewhere the MO of this case is horrifying I really don't get how you work these cases on a daily bases."

"Izzabella come here lets get you your bath baby," Elliot said as Olivia nodded in agreement, leaned down and kissed her temple.

"Daddy I'm not ready to go to sleep yet..."

"I know but it's almost 9 o'clock and you need a bath plus Erin and mommy are having a grownup conversation right now."

Izzabella frowned a bit but nodded her head and Olivia smiled softly at her "after you take your bath I'll read you a story I promise."

Izzabella nodded her head and Elliot carried her off "sorry about that," Olivia said as she turned back to her "if I'm being completely honest with you it takes a lot of compartmentalizing and not everyone's cut out for it it's one of those things where while I'm working I focus on it but then when I get home I have to just try and put it out of my mind, it's the only way I survive sometimes."

Lindsey nodded her head understanding "that explains the different name on the mailbox then."

Olivia chuckled "me not using my marital name at work is complicated and something that I doubt you'd care for hearing the details about but one thing I'll tell you about me is this when I'm at work people call me badass Benson sometimes because I'm headstrong and fiercely independent but when I get here I'm just me, just Olivia and if I'm being completely honest with you I like her better because she's freer."

"What do you mean freer?"

"Just freer like I said when I'm here I try my best to just let the stress flow off my shoulders and enjoy my family and that helps me. Everyone's different and that may not be the right approach for you but I'm good at reading people and I can tell that you've got a thick skin so I think you'll be fine plus your Sergeant said you've got determination so."

"He said that?"

Olivia nodded "he did, he said you're as smart as a whip too, he's very proud of you detective."

"Wow t-That means a lot to know he said and thinks that."

Olivia nodded her head with a slight smile but before she could say anything crying and splashing started to be heard and she turned to face the upstairs "I need to go see if Elliot needs help upstairs detective but I wish you the best of luck in catching your perpetrator and I hope you have safe travels back to Chicago."

"Thank you Sergeant I'll make sure and let you know how it goes and good luck with whatever's happening up there."

Olivia chuckled and smiled "thanks I'm sure she's just upset because he won't let her splash him like I do."

"You let her do that?"

"Well I asked her to stop a few times at first but," she shrugged and shook her head "Elliot's just a tad bit stricter than me right now but he loves her so much."

"I could tell he does, alright have a good night Sergeant."

"You too detective," she said and Erin left with a slight smile.

xxxxx

Once detective Lindsey was out of the house Olivia immediately locked up then headed up to Izzabella's bathroom "are we all okay in here?" she asked with a slight smile.

"D-D-Daddy won't l-let me play the s-splash game..." Izzabella cried as Elliot was washing her hair with his right hand and gently holding and rubbing Izzabella's hands in his left one.

"Well kiddo splashing us in the face really isn't very nice that's why I asked you to stop the first night."

"B-But it's fun..."

"Just because it's fun for you doesn't mean it's fun for us," El said softly.

Izzabella continued to cry and Olivia frowned "honey why don't you try and play I spy with daddy instead?"

She shook her head "n-no I-I wanna play the splash game..."

Olivia sighed through a frown as Elliot just shook his head at that "splashing is for the swimming pool not the bathtub baby," he murmured before looking to Olivia "can you hand me a cup please?"

She nodded and grabbed it "is this worth it?" she mouthed while handing it to him.

"Yeah she's a toddler she's gotta learn and she'll never stop if we don't make her," he said as in their distraction Izzabella managed to get her hands out of his grip and begin splashing again as she smiled and giggled.

"Honey please just stop...?" Olivia pleaded to Izzabella while continuing to frown as Elliot shook his head frustratedly and swiped the water out of his eyes "Liv you shouldn't have to plead with her, Izzabella you need to listen to me now, you're either gonna stop this or I'm gonna finish rinsing your hair with you sitting on the counter and you won't get your bedtime story tonight."

"But daddy..."

"No buts this is the way it has to be so decide, what's it gonna be?"

Izzabella teared up, stopped splashing and crossed her arms over her chest "you're mean," she whispered.

"He's not mean don't talk to him that way," Liv said as Elliot went back to rinsing her hair.

"Yes he is," she pouted as Liv went to say something else but Elliot shook his head slightly "it's okay Liv," he said softly.

She nodded but continued to frown as the rest of their time in the bathroom was pretty tense "El have you already picked out her clothes?" Liv asked once Izzabella had the towel around her.

"No I usually wrap her in a towel then let her pick out the pajamas she wants to wear once we're in her room."

Olivia nodded, took Izzabella by the hand and lead her across the hall "you should apologize to daddy for what you said to him it wasn't nice," she said.

"But he was mean you let me play the splash game so he should have too."

"It doesn't matter if I let you splash me or not daddy was the one giving you a bath tonight not me and I've decided I'm not gonna let you splash me any more either because I don't like it and it isn't nice."

"T-That's mean mommy..."

"I'm sorry that you feel that way but I don't like that you were mean to daddy all throughout your bath, do you want your princess pajamas or your fuzzy pajamas?"

"Fuzzy," she whispered.

Olivia nodded, pulled them out of the dresser and helped Izzabella dress into them "where's Ms. Erin?" Izzabella asked.

"She left to go back to work."

"Does she do the same job as you and daddy?"

"Close yeah but she lives really far away."

"Far away like Mrs. Kathy?"

"She's not quite that far away but she's still far away enough that she won't be coming back here again plus we're strangers."

"She didn't seem like a stranger she was really nice."

"I know she was but she was just here to get some papers for her work that's it, lets get you laying down kiddo," Liv said as Elliot walked in then having just finished cleaning the water off the floor.

Izzabella nodded slightly and laid down on the bed "I'm sorry I called you mean daddy," she whispered seeing him.

"It's okay baby I know you were feeling upset," he murmured sitting down on the edge of her bed.

She nodded slightly and tapped the spot beside her "you want me to lay up there with you while mommy reads?" he asked.

"Yeah," she said as he nodded and scooted up there with a slight smile "what story do you want tonight?" Liv asked.

"The one about the boy that grew the long nose."

She nodded with a smile "so Pinocchio, okay I can do that," she said and after finding the book she started to read as during the story Elliot let Izzabella cuddle close and stroked her hair.

xxxxx

"She's asleep," Elliot whispered 3 quarters of the way through the story as he gently unentangled himself from her grip and rose up.

Olivia nodded, quietly closed the book then sat it down as they then tiptoed out "is it my turn now?" she asked once the door was closed.

"Hmm?"

"I want one of those amazing head rubs El as I was reading I struggled not to watch your hand."

Elliot chuckled slightly and pulled her close as his expression turned tender "you should have put your hand out baby I have two of em you know."

"If I would have done that then I wouldn't have been able to focus on narrating the book with the different voices."

"You don't think so?"

Olivia shook her head and he nodded and kissed her temple "well guess what?"

"Hmm?"

"I had planned on it anyway," he yawned "I'm gonna take the rest of my paperwork upstairs and do it in the bedroom when I wake up in the morning."

"Sounds good I only have three of Amanda's left to read over and sign so I'll do them in the morning too."

Elliot nodded and they started walking downstairs to get their phones "me and you are a couple of slackers aren't we?" he said.

Olivia nodded "yeah a little but being the boss and being married to her have their perks."

"I definitely agree with that, umm what time are we getting the on-call phone from Rollins in the morning?"

"Probably around eight or so unless she catches something tonight I'll just have to call her in the morning."

"Sounds good," he said with a slight smile and a few minutes later they were in bed.

10:13 PM.

"Whatcha reading?" Elliot asked curiously while stroking Liv's hair gently as he could see her focusing on the phones screen intently.

"Just an article about rape statistics in the US that Rollins sent me, she asked me if I'd read it and let her know if the information in it's legitimate."

Elliot nodded with a slight smile "it seems like you guys are doing a lot better."

"We are the letter helped a lot and we talked while you prepped with Barba yesterday, I think we might manage to build a friendship after all."

"That's amazing Liv I'm really happy for you you need to have friends besides me."

"Yeah I know, I miss Alex, Casey and our girls nights a lot."

"I know you do baby," he murmured as he kissed her temple gently and wove his fingers further into her hair "when's the last time you heard from either of them?"

"Honestly El I don't even remember," she whispered.

"We're gonna have to fix that," he said softly.

"El I don't know if that's a good idea at this point..." she said as she looked back down to her phone screen and clicked on the Home Decor 6 in 1 weight bench with 600 pound weights which was priced at one hundred thirty nine dollars adding it to her Amazon checkout cart.

"Why wouldn't it be?"

Olivia confirmed her debit card details quickly and clicked on the 7 day shipping option before hitting confirm and shutting her phone off "well for one neither one of them work at the DA's office any more, neither of them have since Cragen was falsely arrested for murdering that escort."

"That doesn't mean they couldn't have still kept in touch with you."

"Yeah I know but if I've learned anything over the years it's almost everyone leaves."

"Ohh baby..." he murmured.

She shrugged "it's true think about how many people have moved on this year alone."

He nodded "we lost John and Don both... They say they still wanna be part of all of our lives though."

"El I believe they think that's true right now but me and you both know how this goes when people leave the unit they drift away, some take longer than others but they all eventually drift away."

Elliot nodded slightly hearing what she was saying and being unable to refute it "is this why you've quit getting close to new people honey?"

"It's a lot of it yeah because what's the point when I know one day I'm gonna lose the friendship I built with them anyway?"

"I hear what you're saying but sometimes such strong bonds are built with people that they weather retirements and career changes, ours did."

Olivia nodded "you have a point there El and I couldn't be more grateful that I let you into my life back then and that you're still in it now."

"Same here baby, same here," he whispered before kissing her on the lips tenderly "did you ever try calling Alex and Casey?""

She returned his kiss then looked back into his eyes "Yeah but neither one of them answered," she said before sighing "I think I'd just rather focus on the people in my life who are here for me and care for me now because my life is good plus I am gonna try with Amanda assuming she doesn't start any shit about you again."

Elliot nodded "I really don't think she will."

"Neither do I," she said as she repositioned and laid her head on his chest gently "night El, I love you."

"Love you too baby, hey what time do you think that party Lizzie's at will wrap up?"

"With it being a college party and a comedian being there I'd think midnight at the earliest. Do you wanna call her and check on her before we go to sleep?"

Elliot shook his head "you told me to trust her so I'm working on that, trying not to hover."

"El that was in regards to her clothes it's natural for you to be worried about her tonight this is her first college party."

He nodded "yeah well I still don't wanna bother her, my ringers on high she'll call if she needs us."

"Okay, night El."

"Night baby, sleep well," he said and they fell asleep together a few minutes later.