Wildfire

Ten Years Later

Elliot sighed heavily, adjusting his tie in the mirror. He hated speeches. Liv was in her best dress, brand new, and beautiful gold hoop earrings, beside him. She had on a simple smile and some index cards, mostly for him. They were at Munch's retirement ceremony. As a Sargent, 1PP went all out for him. Cragen retired a few years ago and was sitting in the crowd with the kids. 

He had become the grandpa of his younger kids, and he enjoyed every second of it. Eli was 11 years old, sitting beside Richard, holding his own daughter. Rebecca, also 11, was on Cragen's immediate right, curled up in his side, listening to Cragen tell her all about some of the Detectives. She was heading fast in the same direction as he was, Military and then the police force. Easton just turned 10 and was beside Kathy and her husband, rolling his eyes and wishing he was home playing video games. His little sister, Serena, was being held by Elizabeth while her twin boys laughed and hit each other beside their dad. Maureen, her new boyfriend, (three years divorced) and their blended family( her son and daughter and his two daughters) were at the very end.

 Kathleen's daughter was seven and while she looked so much like her father, Kathleen still loved her. Elliot still couldn't believe that all those years of protecting his children, and Kathleen gets raped and gets pregnant from it. It was a surreal experience for Liv when she found out that Kathleen was going to keep it. A few days later, Elliot had asked if it was what she wanted. 

"Dad, Liv was the product of rape and she turned out great. She's the perfect partner for you, wife, mother to Easton, Rebecca, and Serena, and second mother to Maureen, Elizabeth, Richard, Eli, and I." It made him cry. 

After Fin gave his heartwarming speech, or really lack thereof. (He simply said 'now I can find a partner that doesn't tell the same stories over and over again.') It made everyone laugh heartily. Honestly, he wasn't sure what all Liv put on the index cards for them, he was too busy freaking out at the idea of actually speaking. 

"And now, finally we hear from Captain Benson and Lieutenant Stabler," the announcer stated, moving over and clapping with the crowd. Elliot took a deep breath and started wishing he was out shooting rapists instead of here. 

He went to stand beside Liv, who waved at a couple younger detectives she recognized. "Hello, Lieutenant Stabler and I welcome you all here to help us say a grand farewell to an amazing Detective. John Munch. He had already been working at SVU for a fair amount of time when I joined the team. He welcomed me and helped guide me to who I am today. I wouldn't be the person I am without him."

"Yes, John was always there for the group. When he had to step up to watch over us more than once, we were never as grateful as we should have been. Now that you've helped keep us in line, you deserve to retire to save yourself from Fin's complaining." Elliot stated. Fin glared at Elliot in half offense while Munch laughed next to him. "Enjoy retirement and don't stop question authority."Munch smiled and dipped his head in agreement. 

They all went to their tables after the ceremony finished. Dinner at the other end of the hotel for the celebration. The new detectives of SVU were swapping stories with Munch and Cragen who kept egging each other on. Fin and Liv kept on trying to stop them, but every time Munch would hug Liv or pat Fin on the back and laugh, then keep going. \

Elliot could 't believe his life had gotten so perfect. He had all the children he wanted, grandchildren, and more to come, a great wife in Liv, and a great job in helping people get over the worst time in their lives.