Prompt #9: Olivia fears she will be alone on Valentine's Day since Elliot is UC (it will be their first Valentine's as a couple). But he comes home the day of.

Surprise Homecoming

~oOo~

It's been seven, almost eight, months with minimal contact since Elliot left her office after giving her the compass and letting her know he's going undercover. She's had limited contact with him when he deemed it was safe, those brief encounters have left her longing for more. Most importantly to tell him that she's ready.

Last week she asked Ayanna if they were close to finishing the case and bringing Elliot home, she said they were working on it. Valentine's Day was just a couple of days away, she hoped they would get to spend the day and night together. She even treated herself to a new dress for the occasion.

That night at dinner, Noah asked her if she was still coming to the dance performance he had on Valentine's night.

"I wouldn't miss it. You still have the dance sleepover after?" she asked to confirm.

"Yeah, is Elliot going to be able to make it?"

Surprised he asked, she said, "Oh, honey, I don't think so. He's still on his assignment."

"Oh, I thought maybe he'd be home and could come before you two went out," he stated.

Liv was surprised again. "What makes you think we'd be going out?" she asked slightly smiling

Noah smirked. "Mom, I can see how happy he makes you, you smile more when he's around or you're talking to him. And he gave you that compass you've had since he left."

"So you would be okay if Elliot and I started going out when he's back?" She wanted to make sure he was okay with it.

"Duh, the Stabler kids already said I was the little brother and sixth kid."

She laughed. "I'm glad. You and I will always be the best team though."

They finished dinner and watched a movie.

The following two days were busy as always, as the days usually are leading up to what many would consider the most romantic day of the year, unless you work in the SVU unit. On Valentine's morning, the squad was busy working on DD5s and through evidence for their latest case. Liv was in her office working through paperwork so she could leave on time.

Fin's phone pinged.

Stabler: Liv in her office

Fin: yes, she's out though after lunch. You back?

Stabler: Yes, I'm on my way.

Fin: k, come get your girl. She's been missing you. Had some rough cases over the last month.

Fin went back to work, glancing at Liv's office. She was in before him and hadn't come out but once. He got up to check in, knocking on her door before opening it.

"What's up Fin?" she asked sitting back

"Just checking on you," he said, sitting down.

"I'm fine. I promised Noah I'd be there tonight. You sure Bruno and Valesco can handle tonight?"

"Yes, I told them to call me and not you tonight."

"Ok, call me though if you need me. I will be home after Noah's performance, he's got a dance sleepover."

"Naw, I got this. You need to think about taking a few days. Liv, I know it's not in your vocabulary but maybe think about it. Maybe Baldy will be back by the time you get around to it."

Liv laughed. "What makes you think I need to take time off when Elliot comes back?"

"Come on, Liv. You've been wearing his jewelry since he left. Time for you to be happy," he said, getting up. "Think about it, Liv. It's nice not to be alone anymore, look at me and Phoebe."

He shut the door behind him and glancing back, he could see her rubbing the compass. A normal routine when she's stressed or thinking about Elliot.

Within an hour, Elliot was at the 1-6 with flowers, coffee, and lunch. He nodded to Fin who grinned.

"Your girl is waiting."

Elliot tapped on the door, opening it when he heard, "Come in."

"Hey partner," he said, stopping on the side of her desk.

She stood up, smiling. "Hey, you're back?"

He set the coffee and food down. "I am. Case sorta blew up, can't go back under. I'm home where I need to be," he said, pulling her into a hug.

She wrapped her arms around him. "I've missed you."

"Missed you." He held her tighter.

"I brought you coffee and lunch," he said when he pulled back.

"Hmm, thank you. Can you stay?" she asked.

"I'm off for a few days. Ayanna said she'd call if needed but I needed to take care of things," he said, leading her to her couch. "I was wondering if you had plans for tonight."

She took a sip of her coffee "Noah has a dance performance and then a sleepover, he actually asked if you were going to make it, so how would you feel about joining us and then grabbing a bite to eat after?"

He smiled. "I'd love it."

"Great, I'm actually taking a half day today, so how about you come to my place around 5 and we can go. Noah will be surprised." She stood up and threw her now empty cup in the trash.

He stood up as well. "I'll pick you up at 5." He kissed her cheek.

"Thanks for lunch, El."

He smiled. "Anytime, Liv. I'm back and plan on making this a habit," he said before walking out.

Liv was smiling as she finished up the last of her emails. She packed up her laptop and some case files before walking out. "Guys I'm headed out. If something pressing comes up, call me. Have a good evening."

Various versions of, "Night, Cap," came from her squad as she passed through.

She managed to get her nails done and headed to pick up Noah from school. She was leaning against her car when he came down the steps, expecting Martha. He hurried over to her. "Mom! What are you doing here?" he asked, accepting her hug.

"Well, I managed to get out early. I figured you and I could go for ice cream before we go home to get ready. How does that sound?"

"Sounds great."

They went out for ice cream and then headed home to get ready. Liv pulled out her new dress and got ready. It was ten minutes to five when her phone pinged with a text from Elliot.

Liv: Come on up.

He knocked on the door. "Mom, somebody's at the door."

"I'll be right out, go ahead and open the door, it's a surprise for you," she called as she slipped her heels on and secured the compass.

She heard Noah open the door. "Elliot! You're back!"

She walked out of her room as Noah was closing the door behind him. "Mom, Elliot's back."

She smiled. "I know. He's going to come with us tonight, is that okay?"

Noah bounced excitedly. "Yes!"

"Ok, now go finish getting ready so we can leave."

Noah bounced off to his room.

"Hi."

He handed her flowers. "You look gorgeous, Liv."

"Thank you. You clean up good yourself." He leaned in and kissed her cheek.

She put the flowers in a vase.

Noah came out. "I'm ready," he said holding his backpack and duffel bag.

Elliot reached for his duffel bag and then helped Liv with her coat.

They all headed to where he parked around the corner from their apartment. When they got to the dance studio, Noah went to prepare and they took their seats.

Liv reached for Elliot's hand. "I'm glad you're back and here tonight."

He leaned over and kissed her forehead. "Me too, I missed you."

Noah's routine was fantastic as always and Elliot was in awe of how good he was. "He's great, Liv."

She smiled proudly. "He loves it. I may not be a typical dance mom but I won't deny him from doing what he loves."

Noah came over after it was over.

"You were great, bud," Elliot told him, giving him a high five.

"Thanks, Elliot."

The instructor was providing instructions for the sleepover.

"You better get over there, call me if you need me," Olivia said to Noah.

He leaned in for a hug. "Love you, Mom."

Elliot took her hand and led her back out to his Tahoe. He opened the door. "Alright. Where to?"

"How about Chinese and a nightcap at my place?" she asked.

"Sounds great. I didn't get back in time to make a reservation anywhere. I'm sorry," he said, starting the car

"El, we have time. Chinese and a lowkey night is probably what both of us could use," she said, reaching for his hand.

They stopped for Chinese and headed back to her apartment. Once they were inside, Liv set the bags on the counter.

Elliot came up behind her, placing his hands on her shoulders. "I'm glad you're wearing the compass."

She turned around. "I haven't taken it off." She wrapped her arms around him.

He put his hands on her hips and leaned in to kiss her.

"Definitely lead me to happiness," she said smiling when they broke.

"How about we eat and then maybe do some more of that?" she asked flirtatiously.

He kissed her again quickly. "Yes."

They ate and found some cheesy movie to play in the background on low. Catching up over the last few months, Elliot told her about his case and she filled him in on McGrath being his usual obnoxious self. When they were done eating, they quickly cleaned up, Liv poured them each a glass of wine

"Happy Valentine's Day, El."

He clinked their glasses. "Happy Valentine's Day, Liv. Here's to many more."

They sat on the couch, Liv curled up on his side. "Thank you for coming home and going with us tonight."

"Anything for the Bensons. This is on your terms, Liv, but I meant it when I said I would be here for you."

She set her glass down. "I believe you. I am ready, Elliot," she admitted before leaning in and kissing him.

Soon they were in a full make-out session on her couch. He unzipped her dress as she was working on his shirt.

"Bedroom!"

Breaking their kiss with foreheads touching, he lifted her up with a squeal.

She laughed. "Put me down, El," she said before he silenced her with a kiss.

He gently set her on the bed before climbing up next to her and resuming their kiss. Clothes were discarded into a pile as he made love to her. They both came quickly, she was on her side, looking fully sated.

"Hmm, El, that was amazing."

He kissed her. "You have no idea how long I've wanted to do that, Liv. I love you."

She turned kissing him more. "I love you, too."

The author of this SVU - Love Lead You Home story will be revealed in March