Prompt #27: Elliot returns from his UC assignment on Christmas morning and surprises Olivia


Christmas Morning Suprise

~oOo~

Snow is blanketing the streets of New York City as Olivia walks down to the coffee cart, taking a much-needed break between meetings. She wraps her scarf tighter and sticks her gloved hands in her pockets as she waits for her order, thinking how many times she and Elliot came here for coffee.

Walking back to her office, she sat down at her desk thinking how it had been seven long months since Elliot was right here in her office, gave her the compass before telling her that he was going undercover. It's been very limited contact and she knows he was hoping to be home for the Holidays.

He's already missed Halloween, taking his grandsons Trick or Treating with Maureen. He's also missed Thanksgiving with the kids, Eli came in from Colorado and they invited her and Noah. They had stopped by on their way home from the Carisis, while Noah played a video game with Eli, the older kids reminded her that they were okay with her and Elliot proceeding forward with their relationship. They said it was time for him to be happy again and he is when he's with her. It made her heart flutter thinking about the possibilities when Elliot came home.

Just last week, she'd tried to get information from Ayanna when she thought that the case might be wrapped up and only got a "soon" out of her. It's disappointing but she understands it's the job. She prayed he'd be home for Christmas, but seeing as it was only three days away, it didn't seem likely.

The Stablers had asked her and Noah to come over and she accepted. She'd known the kids since they were little and if she and Elliot were going to do this when he got back, it was good to spend time with his family. Noah also enjoys spending time with them, they've accepted him already as part of the family, it was nice to see because what she's always wanted was to be part of a family.

It was now after 6, her day started early this morning, being called to a scene. She pushed back from her desk, packed up some files, and headed home. Noah was on break from school until after the first of the year, so she was planning on working a half day the next day and then taking time off to spend with him. It was a long year for both of them and she knew they could use some time together and she had the vacation time. McGrath grumbled but approved her request stating she was on call for any high-profile cases. Arriving home, she walked in, Noah was working on a project at the island. "Hi Mom," he said as she came in.

"Hey, whatcha working on?" she asked.

He held up the canvas. "I was trying to paint a Christmas scene for Grandma B, so she has some more decorations in her room. Do you think she'll like it?" he asked.

Liv put her hand to her heart before ruffling his hair "I think she'll love it. We can take it to her tomorrow afternoon if you want. I'm going in for part of the day, then I'm off with you for two weeks," she said as she got out the ingredients for a salad.

Noah finished up and put his supplies away before coming back to the kitchen.

"Is Elliot going to be home for Christmas?" he asked, leaning against the counter, watching her.

She glanced his way, shaking her head. "I don't think so, he's still working on that case."

Noah sighed. "I wish he'd come home, I bet he misses you."

She set the knife down and put her hand on his shoulder. "What makes you think that?"

He wrapped his arm around her. "Because you both smile a lot when he's around. I think you miss him too."

She hugged him. "I do miss him. I know his kids do too and I am willing to bet, you do too."

"I do. I like hanging with the Stablers," he said, looking up at her.

"Oh, by the way, Ginny texted and asked if you wanted to come up there while you were on break?" she asked, returning to finish their salad.

"Yeah, Connor asked me too. I said I was busy," he said as if it was no big deal.

"Noah, if you want to go to Connor's," she started to say but he was shaking his head.

"You are off and I've spent enough time up there. It's fine, but I really miss home. Did you know Eli is coming home? He said we can play video games and hang out," he said.

Liv chuckled. "Well if you change your mind, let me know."

"Okay," he responded as he set their plates out.

Dinner was soon done and they settled in to watch a movie.

The next couple of days passed quickly and a last-minute invite to Maureen's house to build gingerbread houses on Christmas Eve before mass. The boys, Eli included, were each decorating their own gingerbread house while Maureen and Liv supervised with a glass of wine.

"Thank you for inviting us, Noah really likes hanging out with everyone," Liv said before taking a sip of her wine.

"Of course, you're family. The boys love having Noah around, they think he's cool," Maureen said looking at the giggling boys.

"Noah's half-brother Connor asked him to come up to Woodstock, but he didn't want to go. He said he'd rather hang out here," Liv told her. "He asked me if Elliot was coming home for Christmas," she said sadly.

Maureen put her hand on Liv's arm. "I wish he was home, I can only imagine how he's feeling being away this long from us and you. Last I heard from him right before Thanksgiving, he was hoping it would be done soon."

"I tried to get information from Ayanna and she told me the same thing a couple weeks ago. I hope he comes home soon," Liv told her.

"He's going to come home to us, Liv. He's waited too long to be with you to not come back as soon as it's wrapped up," Maureen said.

Liv looked surprised. "Maureen, you know we never crossed any lines, I respected your parents' marriage."

Mauren shook her head. "I know, we all know. Why do you think we love you, Olivia? You've been there for us, even during your partnership but now is the time you both can be together. We all miss Mom, but we aren't blind, you make Dad happy and grounded. I hope you'll let him prove how much he loves you when he's back," she replied, smiling at her.

Liv hugged her. "I love all of you and him. I plan on letting him know I'm ready when he comes back."

The boys were soon done with their gingerbread house and they all went to Christmas Eve Mass. Liv and Noah went home after mass was over with the promise they'd be over for lunch.

They got changed into their pajamas and Liv made them each a mug of hot chocolate, settling into the couch to watch The Santa Clause.

"Did you have fun today?" she asked.

"The best time. I'm glad you didn't have to work too," he said, snuggling into her side. He sometimes claimed he was too old to snuggle, so she'd take it when he was willing.

"I'm glad I was off too. I love you, sweet boy. After this, we need to get to bed," she said, wrapping her arm around him and pulling their blanket up more.

The movie was over and Liv put their mugs in the dishwasher, saying goodnight to Noah. She settled in bed, checking her phone one last time. She wished she'd heard from Elliot at least. After all, it was Christmas and it would've been perfect to have him home for Christmas.

Little did she know, he was doing his darndest to get back to surprise her.

~oOo~

Airports were crowded, flights either canceled or delayed due to weather. All Elliot wanted to do, was get home to his family and Liv. He asked Ayanna to not say anything to the kids or Liv that he was done and coming home. He wanted it to be a surprise, especially now that everything was wrapped up in time for Christmas. His flight was scheduled to board in 45 minutes so he could catch a red-eye home.

It was finally time to board, and once in his seat, he tried to sleep but he was anxious as to how Liv would react to him showing up. Thinking back to the day in her office, he told her to let the compass lead her to happiness before he left. He was praying she'd be ready when he got back.

Landing at JFK, it was just shy of 7 am. He freshened up in the bathroom and collected his luggage. He wasn't sure if Eli was at his apartment or if he even came home, so he headed straight to Olivia's building. He asked the doorman to hold his suitcase, slipping him an extra twenty as he collected the coffee he had delivered before heading up to Liv's door. He was nervous as he knocked on the door.

~oOo~

Olivia woke up and rolled over, looking at the clock, seeing it was 6:30. She knew Noah would be up in the next hour or so, but she couldn't go back to sleep, so slipping on a cardigan, she put her hair up in a messy bun and went to the kitchen. It was their tradition to make pancakes and a big breakfast before opening presents. As she was about to start the coffee pot, there was a knock at the door. She glanced at the clock, wondering who would be knocking so early. Wrapping her cardigan tighter around her, she looked through the peephole and was shocked to see Elliot. She quickly unlocked the door and opened it, smiling. "Elliot."

He smiled. "Merry Christmas, Liv." He held up the tray of coffee and a hot chocolate for Noah.

"Merry Christmas, Elliot." She closed the door. He set the tray down on the counter and turned to her. He wrapped his arms around her. "I've missed you," she said, pulling back and then she kissed him. He was surprised but deepened it, wrapping his arms around her tighter, pulling her to him.

He pulled back after a minute. "I've missed you too, Liv," he said, leaning in and kissing her.

She smiled. "I'm ready, my happiness is with you."

He was still holding her. "I'm glad, you're my home, Liv. I meant it when I said I love you." He pushed a hair behind her ear. "I couldn't wait to get back to you. I hope it's okay I'm here."

"It's more than okay. Do the kids know you're back?" she asked.

He handed her coffee. "Nope, I came straight here to you. I wanted to see you first."

She took a sip. "So if you came straight here, where is your luggage?" she asked.

"Downstairs with your doorman." He shrugged as if it was no big deal.

She shook her head. "El, go get it. Why don't you take a shower here and then we can go to Maureen's together. You can have breakfast with us. Noah will be up soon."

He set his cup down. "Sounds great." He kissed her before walking to the door.

He was soon back up and she showed him to her bathroom, so he could get freshened up. He took the opportunity to look around her bedroom. She handed him a towel. "I'm going to start breakfast."

She went back to the kitchen and heard Noah's door open. He shuffled out sleepily in his pajamas. "Merry Christmas."

He blinked. "Merry Christmas, Mom." He hugged her and then saw the tray of cups. "Did you go out already?"

She shook her head. "No, special delivery. There's hot chocolate for you, she said, handing him a cup.

"Thanks. You said special delivery, from whom?" he asked.

Liv looked down the hall and saw Elliot coming out, dressed in a henley and dark-wash jeans. He looked so good, she couldn't help but momentarily stare. "Look behind you," she said smiling.

"Merry Christmas, Noah," Elliot said walking into the kitchen, wrapping his arm around Liv.

Noah hopped off the stool. "Elliot, you're back! We've missed you. Mom especially." He wrapped his arms around him.

Elliot stood in the kitchen with Noah and Liv wrapped in his arms, thinking that this was the best Christmas he's had since they returned to the States.


The author of this SVU - Heart for the Holidays story will be revealed in January