TW: suicidal thoughts

Prompt #35: Olivia reaches out to Elliot when Noah becomes her son (16x23)

They Were Wrong

Chapter 1

~oOo~

Olivia exited the courthouse absolutely reeling from shock. She just couldn't believe that she, Sergeant Olivia Benson, was about to become a single mother. The system had failed her when she had attempted to adopt several years before.

They had deemed her 'not prime parent material'. They had claimed it was due to her dangerous job and unpredictable work hours, but Olivia knew that had she been married, she probably would have been more seriously considered. Now, about seven years later, someone saw something in her. Something special. That someone was Judge Lindun in Family Court.

She had taken notice when Olivia cared enough to come to every placement hearing for Noah Porter. That kind of dedication meant something. It showed the judge that this detective had what it would take to give this baby boy a safe, loving home. She had a strong support system even without a husband or even any biological family. All she needed was for someone in the system to see that and now, someone finally had.

Standing out on the sidewalk of Hogan Place, Olivia knew she should call the people in her support system. She was going to need plenty of help to prepare her place for baby Noah. At that moment though, there was only one person she wanted to tell before anyone else. That person was Elliot Stabler. For thirteen years, they had been detectives working side by side. He had been her partner, and he had supported her on the job and in life.

Partners for life he had called them. He was married, but he had always been there for her. They had never crossed any lines, but they had a bond like no other. A lot of people had questioned that bond, especially the brass, but they had been wrong. They didn't know Elliot the way Olivia did, and visa versa. Their bond is what made them one of the most successful detective partnerships in the NYPD.

Just like Olivia knew Elliot was a good man and a good cop, Elliot had always known that Olivia was 'prime parent material' and she deserved the chance to be a mother. He had told her as much.

"They're wrong, Liv," he had told her when she had confided in him years ago during a case not long after the system had let her down.

Well, now he was about to be proven right. Except he wasn't here to know that. Three years ago, he had walked away from SVU…and her.

Olivia hadn't heard from Elliot at all during that time, but she couldn't help but want to share this milestone with him. Taking a deep breath, she dialed the last number she had for him, taking the chance that she could still reach him that way.

She got a voicemail recording, the generic kind with a robotic voice.

After the beep, she cleared her throat and said, "Hey, El. It's me. It's…Liv. Listen, I know we haven't spoken in three years. I still wish I knew why. But I just had to call and tell you my news. I… I'm going to be a mom, Elliot. Finally. Well, just a foster mom now. But I'll have the option to adopt after a year. His name is Noah. I thought of you when the judge told me. How you always believed I'd be a good mother. I wish you were here to share this with me. I hope, wherever you are, that you're ok. I miss you, El."

Not knowing what else to say, Olivia sighed and ended the call. After sitting on a bench for a few moments, lost in thought, she smiled and stood, heading in the direction of Noah's foster home. It was time to go see her boy.

On the way, she texted Amanda, Fin, Amaro, Munch, Cragen and Barba. By the time she had reached the children's home, a plan had been made to set up and childproof Olivia's place to make it suitable for a baby.

Olivia spent an hour with Noah before going back to the office. That weekend, the squad, as well as Barba, Cragen, and Munch helped Olivia make the necessary preparations. Olivia spent the following week filling out the paperwork and cutting through the red tape so she could bring Noah home.

Finally, the big day arrived. Olivia went to pick up Noah and their chosen family met them at the apartment to celebrate his arrival. After showering the little boy with gifts and affection, the visitors left, leaving mother and child alone together.

Olivia carried the boy over to the sofa and reclined against the arm of it with the baby on her stomach.

"Well, it's just you and me now, Kiddo. I'm kinda new at this, but I'm going to do whatever it takes to keep you safe and show you how much you're loved. Do you know how much I love you, Sweet Boy? Very, very, much."

She was interrupted by a knock on the door.

"Now, who could that be?" she asked Noah, who simply stared back.

Olivia stood and placed her baby boy on her hip as she went to answer the door.

When she opened it, she could only stare in shock at first.

Looking back at her was the one face she had dreamed of seeing for three years but believed she'd never see again.

"Elliot."