Prompt #64: "You got us matching pajamas?"

Matching Pajamas

~oOo~

Christmas was Elliot's favorite holiday. He always looked forward to celebrating this holiday with his family. It's his third time celebrating Christmas in the city since he came back, but his first time has was going to be celebrating it with Noah and Liv. They had been dating for six months, and he was thrilled to have them over. He knew that Olivia was a bit nervous, but he assured her everything was going to be fine.

Olivia felt nervous about spending time with Elliot and his family. It was Noah's first Christmas with the Stabler family. It had always been her and Noah for the holidays, but this year is different. She wanted Noah to feel loved and welcomed. She wanted her son to know that maybe having Stabler's family on their team would be good.

Olivia was filling out paperwork in her office when her phone pinged. It was a message from Elliot.

Hi, my love. I wanted to let you know that I'm so ecstatic about this weekend with our family. I know you're a bit nervous, but we're going to have a great time—the first of many Christmases together as a couple. I miss you. I love you, Livvie.

She couldn't contain her blush and couldn't bring herself to care if anyone saw. Ever since she and Elliot started dating, he's been showing his soft side more often. Whether it was through a grand gesture or just the slightest thing, it seemed that anything he said or did brought her joy.

She took a few minutes to text Elliot back.

I'm not nervous, but I can't wait to see you! I miss you. I'll be there on time tomorrow. I love you. El.

Olivia put her phone away and continued on her paperwork. She noticed it was late when she checked the time, so she dismissed her team and headed out soon after them.

~oOo~

The next day, Olivia woke up early to start breakfast as Noah was getting ready. Starting today, they would be spending the weekend with Elliot and his family. Noah was so excited and eager to arrive at Elliot's house.

Later that day, Olivia and Noah gathered the presents and their overnight bags and put them by the door so they wouldn't forget them. Olivia decided to wear something casual, and Noah followed suit. They finished getting ready and headed out.

On the other side of the Hudson, Elliot woke up and started on breakfast. He made breakfast for him, his kids, their spouses, grandkids, and Bernie. He wanted to make a big breakfast for Olivia and Noah the next day as a surprise. He had a lot of surprises in store for this Christmas weekend, and he couldn't wait to see Olivia's reaction.

Kathleen walked into the kitchen to find Elliot working on breakfast. She walked over to him, kissed his cheek with a quick 'good morning', and started to help him.

She noticed her dad was extra happy today and she thought about how proud she is of how far Elliot has come. She always wanted her dad to be truly, unconditionally happy, and she knew Olivia was the person who could make that happen. Once everyone woke up and freshened up for the day, they joined the pair in the kitchen.

~oOo~

Later that day, Elliot received a text from Olivia that they were on their way over. He started to look for something casual to wear. After much deliberation, he decided that a red shirt and loose slacks would be a great choice. He walked out to find Bernie and his kids setting up the table for tonight. Elliot offered his help, but they declined his request. He walked over to the living room where the boys were to join in on building a block tower.

Being so distracted by his grandkids, Elliot didn't realize when someone knocked on the door. His attention shifted to the entryway when he heard her voice. He looked up and grinned at her. She looked beautiful like always. He knew that, but today, she looked radiant, and he couldn't be more in love with her. He greeted her and Noah and introduced Noah to his grandkids. Immediately they got along and started playing games. Elliot and Olivia looked at each other before he grabbed her hand and walked her into his room. She put the overnight bag on his bed and the presents behind the door just in case one of the kids came snooping around.

"I'm so happy you're here."

She smiled. "Me too. I have a good feeling about this holiday."

"Good." Elliot leaned over and kissed her cheeks.

They walked back out, and dinner was ready. Elliot said grace and the family began to eat. The table was full of laughter and it was perfect. They were having a great time. Elliot's children talked about their plans for this break and what's been happening in their lives. Elliot was admiring Olivia from across the room, and Bernie noticed this. Bernie knew her son was truly happy, and that's all she ever wanted for him.

After the family finished eating, Olivia offered to wash the dishes, and Elliot accompanied her. They were talking and pretending to be in their little world, just the two of them. After that, Elliot put on Christmas music in the background as the family played Jenga.

~oOo~

Once they were in the bedroom, Elliot took his pajamas into the bathroom and changed as Olivia sat on the bed waiting. Once he came back out, she smiled at him. "I love your pajamas, El. It's adorable." Elliot blushed.

Before Olivia went to change into her pajamas, Elliot stopped her. "What is it?"

"I have a present for you." Elliot gave Olivia her early Christmas present. "El… you didn't have to do this."

"I know, but this year is different, and I wanted it to be special."

"What did you get me?"

"Why don't you open it and find out, babe."

She opened her present and was surprised, more excited about this holiday. She gasped before she could even speak. During the time she has known Elliot, she never thought he would do something as cheesy as this. She looked at him before speaking. "You got us matching pajamas?"

"I did. It's our first Christmas together as life partners, and I wanted to do something special that we both will remember. I want to have the same pajama sets. I know it's probably cheesy and very like a boyfriend-girlfriend type of thing, but I want this year to be the start of something beautiful."

"Elliot…this means a lot to me. No one has ever done this for me. You are the first person to ever think of this, and I love it." She kissed him passionately. "I'll be back. Let me change so we can match."

He lay on his bed as he waited for her. Olivia came out of the bathroom and crawled right next to Elliot. "I love this so much, and I love you for making this night more special." He looked at her with lovey eyes and kissed her. "Anything for my favorite girl in the world."

It was the perfect way to end the night, but most of all, it was a new stage in their relationship, and both Elliot and Olivia were ready for it. For Olivia, Christmas has become one of her favorite holidays, thanks to the amazing man in her life. For Elliot, this holiday was extra significant because for the first time, he was with the love of his life, and he wouldn't change it for the world.

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