The final chapter is here! I didn't want to cut it in half, making you all wait again, so it's a long one. Enjoy, and do let me know if you liked it! I have included the song that inspired me to write this story. The chorus got stuck in my head and I just had to make it an EO line. I'm not a fan of either of the singers who sang the duet, but I love the lyrics. Listening to the song while reading the lyrics is recommended for maximum effect :)

"I don't know much but I know I love you. And that may be all I need to know."

Aaron Neville & Linda Ronstadt (1989)

...

80. All I Need to Know

They lay on their sides, looking at each other.

Olivia had pulled the comforter over them and when she lay back down, Elliot had reached for her and she had scooted close to him, resting her head on his right arm. His eyes were shining and she couldn't help grinning from time to time, just like him. They didn't speak for the longest time. There really was nothing to say that their eyes weren't already telling them. Olivia caressed Elliot's cheek, tracing the outline of his cheekbone, his jaw and touching his lips with her thumb. Elliot caressed her hip and lower back, reveling in the feeling of her skin under his hand and the knowledge that he was allowed to touch her now. Somehow this, just laying together, not speaking and just looking at each other, was more intimate than what they had just done. Her body was still feeling the effects of their lovemaking and she was definitely interested in exploring him further, but for now, she just wanted to look at him. See him. Truly see him and know that he was hers now, to have and to hold, and that nothing would come between them again.

The past few weeks had been an emotional roller coaster for both of them and for Elliot's family as well. But the dust was beginning to settle and Olivia couldn't be happier with what they were now left with. Elliot had come back to her. He was always going to come back and had never truly forgotten her, despite his amnesia. He had known he was missing someone in his life and he'd recognized her almost as soon as he saw her. That thought could still move her to tears. He had come back to stay and he was going to be Noah's daddy. In the short time that he'd lived with them, they had already become a family. The Stabler children accepted her and it was more than she could have asked for. Stripped of his past, Elliot had learned to live in the moment and she was learning from him to do the same. And this moment was absolutely perfect.

Elliot smiled and she blinked a few times. He was so beautiful. People would call him handsome, a stud, a Greek god. But when she looked into his eyes, the mirrors of his soul, the only word that truly applied was beautiful. A beautiful soul in a beautiful body. There was no way around his body, but it wasn't the most important aspect of him, just like her body wasn't the most important thing to him either. When she finally fully understood that truth, tears welled up in her eyes. Elliot didn't ask her why. He didn't ask her what was wrong. He simply pulled her close to him, until she could hide her face in the crook of his neck. His arms wrapped around her and his warm body was against hers, his cast resting between her legs. She felt safe and understood. No man had ever understood her the way Elliot had, and missing him had felt like dying inside. But she had come alive again, her heart was beating again, for Elliot and for Noah. They were truly all she needed.

"I love you," Elliot whispered in her ear.

Olivia kissed his neck and held him close. And she whispered,

"I love you too."

...

...

Five months later

Not all of his memories had come back to him. From time to time, small snippets would be added to the pile, but they didn't focus on his memories anymore. In the end, Elliot didn't expect to remember anything about his childhood. Bernie had smiled when they were visiting her once. It was fine, she told him. It was like she'd always believed. Everything he truly needed to remember to become himself, had come back to him. The rest had just been baggage and he was better off without it. They had a good rapport now and it was more than she could ever have hoped for.

They were hoping to see Richard again in the summer, after Maureen's baby was born. A family trip to California was in the works to welcome the new baby into the world. Meanwhile, Richard and Elliot called each other regularly, and it was a joy for Olivia to hear him discussing life as a Marine so animatedly with his son. He was so proud of Richard and their long talks had brought back some memories of his own time in the Marines. And without fail, at the end of every phone call, Richard told him to give Olivia his best. She wondered if the young man knew how much that meant to her. He had gotten his wish at last, and he thanked her for it. For giving him back his father, just like Kathleen had predicted.

Kathleen and Terrence had contacted Olivia behind Elliot's back, telling her that they had plans to get married and asking for her help organizing things with Terrence's aunt. Olivia was back at the helm of SVU and had no trouble coming up with excuses to come home late and she really enjoyed the renewed contact with Kathleen. She did ask her why she hadn't asked her own mother to help, and Kathleen had told her, a little sadly, that Terrence didn't have a mother anymore. That was why his aunt was helping them and they couldn't think of a better person to be on Kathleen's side of the preparations than Olivia.

"Besides," Kathleen had added, making Olivia chuckle, "you're badass so I think you'll fit in better with Terrence's family anyway."

Maureen and Steve were back in LA but keeping in touch, albeit a little irregularly. When they called, it was mostly via Skype chats, so Maureen could show off her growing belly. Elliot couldn't believe that his baby was now having a baby and enjoyed every minute of their talks whenever she called.

And Eli now stayed with them every other weekend. It had been quite an adjustment for Olivia, but the boys had been surprisingly okay with it. Despite the age difference, Eli and Noah had really hit it off and Elliot told her that it was probably because of the age difference. There was no competition between them at all, like one would see in siblings that were only two or three years apart. Siblings. Olivia loved that word. She'd been raised as an only child and savored the moments that she could see Noah enjoying the company of another child. His big brother, for all intents and purposes. Eli didn't mind sharing a room with Noah but they were considering looking for a bigger apartment over time.

Sometimes they'd pick Eli up, and sometimes 'aunt Kathy' would drop him off. The adults weren't the best of friends and probably never would be, but they had found a way to deal with the new situation, and leave most of the past behind them. They were civil with each other, and Kathy had come to terms with the end of her marriage at last.

Elizabeth and Jessie were Noah's new favorite baby sitters. The girls had insisted on starting to pay rent for the use of Elliot's apartment, and Elliot was looking into changing the paperwork so it would become their own apartment. It looked like it would be a long process but it didn't really matter to Elliot. He didn't need the place anymore after moving in with Olivia and Noah.

Tonight, they were dropping Noah off with the girls and he'd sleep over. Elliot wanted to take Olivia out on a real date, wanting to spend some quiet time with her now that the entire drama of the accident and his memory loss was behind them. He'd worked hard to get back into shape after his cast had come off, and Greg was very content with his progress. He had recommended caution with regards to power lifting because of Elliot's ribs, but Elliot had insisted on keeping his back, chest and arms just the way he liked them. Olivia certainly wasn't complaining.

He looked so strong and handsome in his tight white t-shirt and leather jacket, and of course his favorite Levi's. He had told her not to dress up, because they weren't the type to go to fancy places anyway. So she had opted for a casual outfit as well, after taking a peek at his outfit. She was wearing tight jeans and a black V-neck t-shirt and was going for a lavender jacket that was perfect for the spring weather they were having, not too hot and not too cold.

"Lavender?" Elliot asked her surprised, and she laughed.

"Yeah. I felt a little colory when I bought it the other day. Do you mind?"

"Not at all," he said with a grin. "You look great in a little color."

While Elliot vividly remembered Olivia's light blue V-neck sweater, her orange sweater as well as a bright red blouse, he knew she usually wore black or dark blue clothes. It made sense in their line of work, but he really liked it that she was choosing more color these days. He'd seen a change in her that was amazing to watch, mostly because he knew he was the cause of it. It still moved him from time to time, remembering how complicated their friendship slash partnership had been, with all the unspoken feelings between them, to see her - them - like this now. They weren't complicated anymore. Everything made sense now, as if the pieces of their lives had fallen into place at long last. They had tried so hard to make them all fit in the wrong places and combinations, and they had all meant well. But it just hadn't fit. And now, it did and the result was something he would be eternally grateful for.

"Which shoes?" Olivia asked him, holding up a pair of black sneakers and a pair of black high heels.

He bit his lip, picturing her in those heels combined with her tight jeans, but it wouldn't be practical where they were going.

"While I would love to see you on those," he said, pointing at the heels, "I think the sneakers are best for tonight."

Olivia grinned at him.

"Okay. Maybe I can wear these for you another time," she said, a seductive tone to her voice. "Only these."

Elliot groaned and closed his eyes, needing a moment to clear his mind of all the unholy things he was thinking as soon as he pictured her in those heels and nothing else. They had gradually explored more ways to be physically intimate and he couldn't get enough of her. He figured he needed at least another sixteen years to get all the pent up feelings out, and he was very much okay with that. He was almost fifty but certainly didn't feel like it. He felt rejuvenated, and he could tell Olivia did too. There was a glow about her that he only remembered from a long time ago, when they were much, much younger and still a little more innocent than they were now. They had seen the worst life had to offer but somehow, they had managed to find their way and find goodness as well. He saw it in his kids, and now in Noah too. And they could see it in each other.

Olivia was looking forward to going out with Elliot. It had been ages since she'd been out, aside from drinks after work with co-workers. They had prepared Noah for the evening and he'd packed his own little backpack, stuffing the things into it that he really, really couldn't sleep without. Olivia showered his face with little kisses when they dropped him off, until Noah had had enough.

"Mommy stop!" he said clearly, and Olivia stopped immediately.

'Stop' was such an important word that she was trying to teach him early on that the effect of that word should be immediate. 'Stop'or 'no' means no consent and she wanted him to be ingrained with that notion from day one.

"Thank you," Noah said sweetly and then he turned around to give Elliot a hug.

"You take good care of Jessie and Liz, okay buddy?" Elliot told him, and Noah nodded enthusiastically.

"Yes daddy. Love you. Bye."

That was their cue and they all chuckled. Elliot took Olivia's hand and led her out of the apartment, winking at his daughter and her girlfriend.

"Thanks girls. See you tomorrow."

...

Their date was perfect, exactly them. Well, the new them. Elliot took Olivia to a small Italian restaurant with a view over the Hudson. The owner had taken a chance and had opened the sliding doors to the patio. Patio heaters were making it just warm enough to sit outside and they had a modest but delicious meal. Olivia chose lasagna and the house salad, and Elliot had chicken fettuccine with extra vegetables. They drank a little wine but not too much and had a small ice cream for dessert. After dinner, they strolled along the river arm in arm, taking in the beautiful view and enjoying the quiet. They wanted to make it a habit to stop and reflect from time to time, in stead of just letting time get away from them. Olivia was learning to delegate more on the job and come home at a decent hour - unless she was with Kathleen and Terrence behind Elliot's back of course - but she still had a busy life. Elliot reminded her regularly to keep breathing and tonight was a perfect night to breathe together.

When they reached a part of the sidewalk that was very quiet, Elliot stopped and turned to face Olivia.

"What is it El? You wanna head back?" Olivia asked.

"No," Elliot said, smiling. "I wanna dance with you."

"What?"

"Yeah. I brought the music."

He fumbled in his jacket pocket and pulled out an MP3 player, complete with a little speaker that he tucked in the chest pocket of his jacket.

"Wow, seriously?" Olivia asked, smiling hesitantly.

"Just listen, and you'll understand. Can I have this dance, miss Benson?"

Olivia grinned and decided, what the hell. There were hardly any people around and it was kind of romantic.

"I thought of this song a lot while my memories started to come back to me," Elliot said softly while he pulled her into his arms. "It's about us. About you and me."

Olivia let him lead their slow dance and she closed her eyes, letting the meaning of the words sink in while they danced in the dark.

Look at this face. I know the years are showing
Look at this life, I still don't know where it's going

I don't know much, but I know I love you
And that may be all I need to know

Look at these eyes, they've never seen what mattered
Look at these dreams, so beaten and so battered

I don't know much, but I know I love you
And that may be all I need to know

So many questions still left unanswered
So much I've never broken through
And when I feel you near me, sometimes I see so clearly
The only truth I've ever known is me and you

Look at this man, so blessed with inspiration
Look at this soul, still searching for salvation

I don't know much, but I know I love you
And that may be all I need to know

I don't know much, but I know i love you
That may be all there is
to know.

By the time the song had ended, they both had tears in their eyes and Olivia was sniffling, hiding her face from Elliot by holding him tight. They continued to sway together even after the song was over, realizing how true those words were. Elliot kissed Olivia's neck softly, realizing the song had affected her as deeply as it had affected him. When she finally lifted her head to look at him, he could see tears glistening on her cheeks.

"Liv," he said, not sure what he should say right now.

"It's beautiful El," she said with a trembling voice. "The only truth I've ever known is me and you. That's so ... so ..."

"Us," Elliot finished for her and Olivia smiled.

"Yeah."

He leaned in to kiss her softly on the lips and when she rested her head on his shoulder again, the words tumbled out of his mouth before he could even register them himself.

"Marry me one day."

He felt her tense up very briefly and he started to brace himself for her reaction, but then he felt her relax against him again.

"I ... Liv, I don't have a ring yet or anything, I just ... I hadn't planned to ask you yet but ..." he stammered, and it was the truth.

He hadn't planned to ask her now, but it was a question that was in his heart.

"Okay," Olivia whispered, and he swore his heart stopped for a moment. What exactly was she saying okay to?

She lifted her head to look at him again, and her smile was so wide that her cheeks hurt.

"It was perfect," she told him, still smiling.

The man knew her so well and even while he hadn't planned it, his proposal was perfect. One day. It suited her. It suited them.

"What do you mean?" Elliot asked, and for once they weren't completely in sync. She attributed it to nervousness.

"I will," she said. "One day."

Elliot dropped his forehead to hers, almost afraid that he was taking her words the wrong way.

"I will marry you one day," she repeated, and he finally dared to believe that she was saying yes.

"Yes!" he said, and then again, a little louder while picking her up.

"Yes!"

He turned them around and when he set her back on her feet, they were both laughing out loud with tears in their eyes. That song was so simple, but it said so much, about them. In the end, all they needed to know was each other and their love for each other. Anything else was either baggage or a bonus. Their love was all they needed to know.

...

They almost skipped the rest of the way back to the car, joking and laughing, and they couldn't get home fast enough. Elliot's heart soared each time he heard Olivia laugh out loud. For too long, she had hardly laughed at all. She hadn't had a reason to laugh, but now they did. Her laughter made him happy, and a while later, so did her moans of pleasure.

Olivia didn't even remember exactly how they'd gotten home, but their clothes had started coming off as soon as the door had closed behind them. It was so much better to be devoured by the man now that he had his strength and the use of all his limbs back. He was as passionate as he was loving and it was a combination that could take her to incredible heights. And he loved every inch of her. She didn't feel any insecurity about her body when she was with him and counted it as another victory against the demons of her past.

His hands and mouth were everywhere on her naked body and Olivia's back arched off the bed when he sucked one of her nipples into his mouth. She loved the battle of dominance between them, both in and outside the bedroom, but she secretly enjoyed it immensely when Elliot took charge. It made her feel strangely safe to be beneath him and see and feel his powerful body cover her own, as if he was shielding her away from the world. They were in their own little world now, and without Noah around, they didn't need to be quiet tonight.

Elliot took his time enjoying her body, exploring her as if he was doing so for the very first time. He loved finding new sensitive spots in unexpected places and he knew where she was the most ticklish. He made her laugh and moan and he knew now, that there would always be laughter when they'd be together like this in their bedroom. It was the place where they felt the most free to be themselves.

Olivia was writhing beneath him and he was amazed once again how easily she was surrendering to him. He never would have expected it after remembering the full fury of her independent personality. But here she was, her eyes almost sleepy, completely relaxed on one hand because of the trust that was between them, while on the other hand she clearly needed him to satisfy her. There was a very content, lustful gaze in her eyes if that combination was even possible.

She saw him taking her in, reading the look in her eyes, and she could see the love in his. They had come such a long way and to have him now, on top of her, between her legs, had become her new definition of home. They had shed all of their complicatedness, their difficulties to communicate in the past. Basically, they had both shed their filters, and right now, she felt like being completely filterless with him as well.

"Elliot, just do it already," she mumbled and his wide grin could have annoyed her, but it didn't because he chose that exact moment to make his move. Olivia tilted her hips and squeezed her eyes shut when he started entering her, digging her heels into the mattress. He filled her up like no man had ever before or would ever again. When he lowered his upper body to kiss her, she wrapped her arms around him and let her hands wander across his back. Feeling him moving inside her while feeling his muscles ripple underneath her palms was incredibly stimulating.

"No rush Liv," Elliot whispered against her lips, feeling the eager movements of her body.

"If I come too fast, you can just make me come again," Olivia retorted, making him laugh out loud again.

When Olivia lifted her arms above her head invitingly, he responded immediately, dipping down to capture her nipples between his lips one by one. He loved making her shudder and he loved how sensitive she was to his touch. But it was much the same for him. He was putty in her hands and when she began pushing her hips up faster, he couldn't do anything other than follow her lead. He might be on top, but she could still command him when she wanted to. Elliot moved his face to her neck as they sped up gradually together, and Olivia wrapped her arms around his neck.

They were reading each others' bodies with their eyes closed, knowing exactly how far along they were and falling into step so they would reach their climax together. The sounds they made and their movements told them all they needed to know. When Elliot felt her walls contract around him, he knew she was getting closer. When Olivia heard the pitch of his low grunts go up, she knew it was the same for him. She spread her knees wider and dug her heels into the backs of his thighs, spurring him on. and purred contently when he hit that one spot, that one spot ...

"Oh," she said softly.

"I know baby," Elliot whispered back, never slowing down.

He moved with fast but long, deliberate strokes, making her insides tingle in places she had never known could tingle like that.

Her tight heat did things to him that made him feel like his cock was twice the size it used to be.

His soundless gasp told her he was ready to blow.

The tilting of her hips told him she was giving him permission.

He changed the angle of his hips as well, knowing he'd give her clit the stimulation she would need, now that they were hurdling towards the finish line.

"Yes."

It hadn't been more than a whisper but his body had heard her loud and clear. His hips jerked forward, then stilled for a split second before Elliot resumed their rhythmic movement, letting out a guttural groan as he came.

She could feel him pulsating, spilling his seed deep inside her while continuing to hit that one spot that made her scream out loud when she joined him in his ecstasy. Pleasure exploded in her lower half and seemed to spread throughout her body as if her bloodstream was carrying it everywhere. Even the tips of her toes were tingling. They whispered each other's names and moaned together as they rode out their orgasms, coming down from their high slowly, almost lazily. Elliot was still moving slowly when he lifted his head to look into Olivia's eyes. The blissful fog was lifting gradually for both of them and they smiled at each other. Olivia played with the short hairs on the back of his head and Elliot ran one hand through her long locks before resting his arm above her head.

"I love you," he said softly, unable to find more appropriate words to say to her at the moment.

Olivia's smile widened.

"I don't know much," she started, speaking softly, almost singing the line, "but I know I love you."

"And that may be," Elliot hummed, and Olivia could feel the vibration of his low voice in his chest, "all I need to know."

"All I need to know," she whispered just before Elliot leaned in to kiss her tenderly.

It was quiet in their bedroom. All that could be heard for a long time was their lips and tongues meshing together in a deep, loving kiss. And if you listened carefully, you could hear their song still playing in the background, as the theme for their love life. And that may be all there is to know.

END

...

...

And so this journey comes to an end. Thank you for reading all 80 chapters, I hope you enjoyed the ride!

All your reviews were/are appreciated, it doesn't matter if you write the same thing over and over. It just lets me know you're still with me and I love getting every single on of them. I do enjoy loooong reviews ( wink at actionman81! ) so if you want to give me some final feedback here, I'm up for it!

Now I'm thinking of writing a spin-off of this story, where Elliot fights off the mugger and makes it to Olivia on his birthday. Let me know if you're up for that? Please follow me to know if/when I upload it.