Prompt #74: Liv reveals her pregnancy during Christmas

The Gift of New Beginnings

~oOo~

Captain Olivia Benson was standing in her kitchen, nervously messing with the small, beautifully wrapped present in her hands. The precinct's annual Christmas party was in full swing in her living room, you could hear laughter and cheerful conversations drifting through the air.

She took a deep breath, centering herself for what was about to happen. The last few months had been a wild ride. After years of Olivia and Elliot dancing around their feelings, they have finally taken the plunge into a deeper part of their relationship. They will tell you that it is not easy, given the history they have and the complexities of the job, but they did find a way to make it work.

But now an unexpected surprise is about to change that once again.

"Hey, Liv, you okay in here?" Elliot's voice startled her from the thoughts she was having.

He rested against the door frame with a concerned look on his face.

"Yeah, I'm fine," she replied, with a forced smile on her face. "I just need a moment."

Elliot came closer, his eyes landing on the gift that was wrapped nicely in her hands. "What's that?"

When he asked this, Olivia's heart began to race.

"Actually, it's for you," she said bashfully, holding it out to him.

Elliot's eyebrows raised in surprise as he retrieved the box. "Liv, you didn't have to."

"Just open it," she interrupted him, her voice in a hushed tone.

With a speculative glance at her, Elliot carefully unwrapped the gift. As he picked up the lid of the box, his eyes widened. Inside the gift box was a pair of yellow baby booties and a positive pregnancy test.

"Liv…" he breathed, looking up at her with shock. "Liv… " he breathed out again, looking up at her with surprise and awe. "Are you…?"

She nodded, tears shimmering in her eyes. "Merry Christmas, El. We are having a baby together."

For a singular moment, Elliot stood rooted, processing the news that was just given to him. Then, a huge smile washed over his face. He pulled Olivia into an embrace and swung her around ecstatically.

"This is incredible," he whispered into her hair. " I love you so much."

Olivia relaxed in his arms, relief, and happiness flooding her body. "I love you too," she whispered back.

As they stood there, holding each other in the quiet of the kitchen while the squads were celebrating in the next room, Olivia felt a wave of peace wash over her. This particular Christmas didn't just mark the end of the year, but also a new chapter in their lives together.

"How far along are you?" Elliot asked, drawing back slightly to take a good look at her.

"About ten weeks, "Olivia replied, a shy smile playing on her lips. "I found out a couple of weeks ago, but I wanted to wait and tell you on Christmas."

Elliot shook his head in shock. "I can't believe it. After all the things we've been through this year… this feels like a miracle."

"I know," Olivia agreed, her hand subconsciously moving to rest on her flat stomach. "I never thought this would happen for me, and not at this specific point in my life."

"You're going to be an amazing mother, Liv," Elliot said quietly, his eyes glistening with emotion. "You already are to Noah."

When he mentioned her adopted son, Olivia's eyes widened. "Oh Gosh, Noah. In your opinion, how do you think he'll take the news?"

Elliot gripped her hand reassuringly. "He'll be excited. He always tells me that he wants a little brother or sister."

Just then they heard Fin's voice coming from the living room. "Hey, where'd the lovebirds go? We're about to do the gift exchange!"

Olivia and Elliot shared a look.

"Should we tell them?" Elliot asked.

After a second of hesitation, Olivia nodded. "Yeah, let's do it. They're our family, after all."

Walking hand in hand to the living room. The chatter quieted as their friends noticed their return and the rather shell-shocked expression on their faces.

"Everything okay?" Amanda Rollins asked, her eyebrow furrowed in concern. Olivia inhaled deeply and smiled shyly.

"Actually we have an announcement to make."

Everyone's eyes turned to them, Elliot wrapped an arm around Liv's waist, pulling her closer.

"We're having a baby," he said, his voice filled with delight and joy.

For one minute, there was an awed silence. Then the room busted out into loud cheers and congratulations.

Fin was the first to reach them, pulling them both into a tight hug. "About damn time!" he laughed. "I was wondering when you two would start to procreate some mini-Stablers."

Next Amanda and Carisi, offered their congratulations and she and Liv were already discussing the baby shower plans.

Even Cragen, who had just returned to the party, looked teary-eyed as he hugged Olivia.

"I'm so happy for you, Liv," he said softly. "You deserve this happiness."

As the excitement of the revelation of Liv's pregnancy settled and their friends returned to the party, now with an extra reason to celebrate this revelation, Olivia found herself overwhelmed with the emotions that had transpired over the last twenty minutes. She excused herself and slid out onto the balcony. She just needed a moment to collect herself.

Elliot slid out after her, putting his arms around her from behind. "You okay?" he asked softly.

Olivia leaned back into his chest, watching the snow fall lightly over the city. "Yeah, I'm just...processing. It's all happening so fast."

"Are you having second thoughts?" Elliot asked, a hint of worry in his voice.

"No, not at all," Olivia assured him, turning in his arms to face him. "I'm scared, of course. But I'm also incredibly happy. I never thought I'd have this chance."

Elliot held her face in his hands, his blue eyes intense as they connected with hers. "We're in this together, Liv. Every step of the way. Whatever happens, we'll face it together as a family."

Olivia nodded, leaning in to kiss him tenderly. As they stood there, wrapped in each other's arms with the city lights dancing around them, she felt a sense of hope and excitement for the future that was ahead of them.

While they stood for a while longer outside on the balcony, inside Noah had come home from a sleepover at a friend's house.

Olivia and Elliot exchanged a look, knowing it was time to share the news they had with him.

"Hey, sweet boy," Olivia said, kneeling down to hug her son. "We have something important to tell you."

Noah looked between them contemplatively. "What is it?"

Elliot knelt down beside Olivia, placing a hand on Noah's shoulder. "Well, buddy, your mom and I are going to have a baby. You're going to be a big brother."

Noah's eyes widened. "Really? When?"

"Not for a while yet," Olivia explained. "The baby is still growing in my tummy. But in about seven months, you'll have a little brother or sister."

For a moment, Noah was quiet, taking in the information. Then a huge grin spread across his face. "Cool! Can I help to pick out toys for the baby?"

Olivia laughed, relief washing over her. "Of course you can, sweet boy. You're going to be the best big brother ever."

As Noah ran off to tell his Uncle Fin the exciting news, Elliot pulled Olivia to her feet and into his arms once more.

"Merry Christmas, Liv," he murmured, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

Olivia smiled, feeling truly content for the first time in years. "Merry Christmas, El. And here's to new beginnings."

As they rejoined the party, surrounded by their chosen family and filled with hope for the future, Olivia knew that this Christmas would always hold a special place in her heart. It was the beginning of a new chapter, one filled with love, family, and the promise of a bright future ahead.

The author of this SVU - Season of Love story will be revealed in January