Elliot pulled into a vacant parking spot across from the town home they were steaking out. He parked the car and pulled out his binoculars, alert to his surroundings.

"I can take the first shift and you can catch up on some sleep," Elliot suggested as he started scanning for any signs of their suspect.

"I'm good for now but thanks," Olivia replied as she stared at the to-go cup in her hands. There was a long silence before she finally spoke up. "About earlier El..." she started. Her partner turned to face her, but she didn't look up.

"You don't have to apologize. I know you've been under a lot of stress with this case. Wrigley has had us chasing him for weeks. We'll get him Liv," Stabler said trying to comfort his partner. This case had really taken its toll on all of them. He had had his fair share of nights in the cribs, ready at a moment's notice for any break. Olivia did not break her stare from the top of her beverage. He knew his partner. Olivia Benson was not one to let exhaustion occlude her judgement. Something was definitely wrong.

"What is it Liv?" he asked, concern flooding his voice. She took a deep breath and looked up at him, tears welling in her dark brown eyes.

"El... I'm-". A ball formed in the back of her throat, the words struggling to come out.

"Whatever it is Liv, I'm here for you." Concern grew on Stabler's face. His eyes and facial expression softened. Something serious was bothering his partner and he had no idea what, despite how close they were. Olivia drew another deep breath before trying to continue.

"I'm pregnant," she sighed as she gave him an empathetic half-smile. There. She had said it. Saying the words out loud made it real. She scanned her partner's face for any response. His brow furrowed as he processed what was just said.

"I didn't know you were seeing anyone," he blurted out, confused on why she was telling him this now. Her face changed from one of concern to disappointment.

"I'm not. And why would you ever suggest that? You know I don't go sleeping my way around Manhattan." Another long pause. Liv resumed her staring contest with her drink. "You're the father El." Elliot's eyes widened as it finally hit him. Concern, confusion, anger, and disbelief flooded his mind. You're the father is all he kept repeating to himself. You're the father. You're the father. "El?" Olivia asked trying to break the silence, looking back up at him. She wanted him to say something, anything. No interrogation she had ever been in had been this difficult. In those small rooms, she was in control of the conversation. She knew what the plan was and where she was going. But now? The ball was in his court. Her words hung in the air, waiting for Elliot to say something.

"You're pregnant with my baby?" he asked, his voice breaking as he muttered the last two words. Tears poured down Liv's face. She nodded her head, not having the strength to speak her reply. Elliot pulled her into an embrace, wrapping his warm, muscular arms around her. That was all she needed as she melt into him, her sobs filling the car as he cradled her in his arms. As he cradled them in his arms.

"I don't know if I can do this," she finally said as she pulled away. She wiped her tears on the sleeve of her shirt. Elliot placed his hands on her shoulders, holding her at arm's length, looking her up and down.

"Olivia Benson. I love you with all my heart. I love our baby with all my heart." She smirked, locking blood-shot, tear stained eyes with him.

"I love you too El." After years of pent-up tension, they had finally revealed their true feelings for one another. It was like the weight of the world had been lifted off their chests.

"We'll get through this. I don't know how yet, but we'll make it."

***Suspect is heading east towards you Elliot*** Fin called over the radio. The pair climbed out of their car, making their way west to try and intercept the target. Wrigley entered his town home.

***Fin. Wrigley just entered the apartment.***

*** We'll be right there***

Suddenly there was a loud bang. The sound of a gunshot.

"Liv, you take the back, I've got the front," Elliot instructed. They were too close now to wait for Fin and Munch. Olivia nodded and headed for the back stairs. Stabler crept up the front steps, quickly ducking behind a front pillar to give him more cover.

***I'm ready when you are*** came Benson's voice over the radio. On 'three' Stabler kicked the front door in.

"NYPD!" El hollered as he swept the house. He cleared the front two rooms and made his way to the kitchen in the back of the house where Liv had entered. As he rounded the corner anger filled his veins. There Wrigley was, one arm wrapped around Olivia's waist, the other holding a gun to her head.

"DROP THE GUN!" Elliot commanded. He aimed his pistol at the target.

"You really think you're the one giving out orders?" Wrigley chuckled. "I'll tell you what is going to happen. You're going to lower your gun, and Olivia and I are going to head out the back door."

"DROP THE GUN!" Elliot demanded a second time.

"Shoot him," Liv pleaded. She knew the risks. She knew he would be risking her life. But getting a man like Wrigley off the streets meant more to her, if it meant that other women would live. "Shoot him Elliot."

"Shoot him Elliot," the man mocked. "Shut up!" Olivia flinched as the gun dug deeper in her skin, the warmth of blood inching down her cheek.

"Shoot him El," Olivia pleaded. Stabler held his aim.

"You have 3 seconds to back up or she dies!" Elliot didn't move. Liv's eyes pleaded with him to take the shot. He couldn't risk Olivia's life, but he couldn't let Wrigley go. Not again. A gunshot echoed through the air as the kitchen became painted in crimson blood...