I'm feeling a little under the weather and I'm hoping that writing will make me feel better. I work in a couple of hours so I hope I'm done by then.

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Several hours went by with Liv and Elliot taking turns holding EJ. They were binge watching the show and just enjoying a lazy day. A special day. Liv groaned and looked at the time. "I'd better get the snacks and drinks ready," she said as she got up and went to the kitchen. 

She'd gotten some cookies, chips, and pretzels with dips. Then she had a hard time to decide what type of drinks to get. She wanted some wine, but with her breast feeding, she didn't want to bulk buy. However, some of the other guests might want some wine. She had bought one large bottle of Cabernet, sparkling juice, and some sodas. Each of the bags of chips and pretzels were in a large bowl while Liv chilled the drinks. She set out the cookies on a plate and the dips next to a few spoons. 

Liv looked at the clock when someone knocked at the door. It was about time for the party. Elliot hadn't stopped holding EJ since Liv had given him up over an hour ago. He looked at the boy with all the love in the world for him. Elliot may not be EJ's real father, but Liv knew that he'd be the best father he could to the boy. 

"Come in," she called softly, hoping they'd hear her. 

They did. Maureen entered the room with her younger siblings, carrying a car seat. Elliot stood up and bounced EJ, shushing him as he started fussing a little. "Kids," he smiled warmly at them. 

Kathleen grinned back and went over to give him a hug around EJ. "Hey, dad," she kissed his cheek. She grinned down at EJ. "Hey buddy, welcome to the family. This guy can be a little tough, but only because he loves you." EJ cackled slightly. 

"Wanna hold him?" Elliot asked. Kathleen looked over at Liv, who nodded. She held out her arms for her father to place EJ in her arms. She cooed at him as she bounced him and walked around the room. 

Maureen went to set the car seat on the floor, then went to see EJ as well. EJ was going to be popular in the family. Elliot looked at Liz and Dickie, standing by the door, both looking annoyed. "Hey guys," he greeted, walking towards them. 

"Hey," Liz said more friendly than she or Dickie looked. 

Elliot jerked his head to the kitchen. "There's snacks in there if you want some. Drinks in the fridge." 

Dickie looked at his sister and shrugged. They both avoided Liv and went past her without a word. Elliot sighed as Liv went to stand beside him with a look that said give them time. She rubbed Elliot's back lightly to keep him calm. He and Dickie always made each other hotheaded. 

There was a slight cry coming from the car seat now, jerking it around. Elliot went to it slowly. He knew it was his newest son. He hadn't met the baby yet, hardly knew the kid's name. "Hey, buddy," he said in a higher voice, "what's wrong?"

The 9 month old boy had dirty blonde hair, nearly light brown, and Elliot's blue eyes. His bottom lip was stuck out as tears fell down his face. "Dad, that's Eli," Maureen told him as she held EJ with Kathleen close by, all smiles. 

Elliot glanced questioningly at his daughters. "Elliot Joseph Stabler II," Maureen stated with a blank face. Raising his eyebrows with surprise, he nodded. Kathy and him had talked when she first found out she was pregnant about naming the baby after him. He'd thought that Kathy would refuse after they started fighting and broke up. 

He picked Eli up and held him. Eli immediately stopped crying as Elliot grabbed his toy that was in the seat. Liv smiled at Eli and kissed his tiny hand. "You're so cute," she said in her baby voice. 

A couple more knocks later, Munch, Fin, Cragen, Casey, and Melinda showed up. They barely all fit in the small apartment. "Elliot, you've got to find a bigger apartment," Munch mentioned as he apologized to Kathleen for bumping into her. Kathleen giggled and hugged Munch as a response. 

Elliot huffed as he held Eli once again. Eli had been passed around the room as much as EJ had. "Next time we'll just have it at your place," he responded, kissing Eli's head. Eli had a hold of his teething toy and was slobbering all over it and Elliot's shirt. "Eli, you're getting slobber all over my favorite shirt, buddy," he stated lightly. 

Eli giggled as he smiled at his dad. "Who cares? Right Eli?" Kathleen said coming over to him. Elliot was enjoying this party. All his kids together, Liv. The only problem was Liz and Dickie were still staying their distance from him and Liv. 

He caught a glimpse of Dickie talking to Lizzie by the chips, glaring at Elliot and Liv. He handed Eli over to Maureen who was walking by and went over to them. "You guys have been quiet all evening," he mentioned. 

DIckie leaned against the counter and shrugged. "Surprised you even realized we were here," he said bitterly. 

Elliot crossed his arms and looked from Dickie to his sister. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means that you don't care about us anymore. You have a new family." Dickie looked at Liv as he responded with anger lacing his tone. Liv was nearby, listening in, but acting like she couldn't hear. 

"You know I love you guys," Elliot said harshly. "Your mother and I just aren't getting along anymore."

"Because you're here playing house with another woman instead of being home being a father," Dickie accused. 

Lizzie was silent, just sipping on her soda. "It wasn't supposed to be like this, but I'm happy now, Dickie. Isn't that important also? But no matter what, I love you and your siblings." Elliot walked closer to Dickie and placed a hand on his shoulder. 

Dickie rolled his eyes and shrugged his father's hand off. "You care more about, what are you calling him, EJ, than Eli or the rest of your biological kids."

Elliot pointed towards Dickie. "Hey, your mother wouldn't let me see you kids. We're trying to work out custody right now. I love you all, including EJ." 

Dickie huffed and looked at his phone. He nodded towards Lizzie,  "Sean's here," he announced. He and Lizzie started towards they door. 

"Where are you two going?" Elliot asked loudly, interrupting the laughter. 

"Somewhere you're not," Dickie responded hatefully. He opened the door for Lizzie and then slammed it behind him, causing both Eli and EJ to start crying. 

Munch placed a hand on Elliot's shoulder. "Don't worry, Elliot, I'll follow them." He nodded towards Liv who was rocking EJ in her arms before quickly leaving behind the twins. 

This was not how Elliot imagined the party would go.