Chapter 1:
It was late when he walked through the glass doors and made his way to the dimly lit office. He had made this walk more times than he could count and he already knew what would be waiting for him in the next room. He knew she would be there staring at paperwork and deep in thought without realizing how late it was.
As he walked up to the door he looked at her. He had known she was good looking from the first moment they met but right now, in this moment, he knew she was beautiful. "Hey. Still working I see?" He said as he tapped on the open door. "Well isn't that the pot calling the kettle black?" Olivia replied to the intruder of her quiet night as she gave a subtle grin and motioned for him to take a seat.
She had been working on reports and paperwork for the last few hours after sending everyone home. When she looked at the clock she saw it was another midnight drive home and yet another missed bedtime with Noah. She sighed as she leaned back rubbing her face with her palms. The last few weeks have been a killer on the squad and it was taking a toll on all of them, including the 18 month old asleep in his crib at home. She missed her little boy and felt guilty that she had missed so much over the past week.
"What bring you by this late counselor? No evening plans with a damsel in distress?" Olivia asked Barba. She laughed as she did and he just gave her his iconic judgey eye look before shaking his head. He knew he shouldn't have told her about his failed date from a few weeks prior. "I'll have you know she was a lovely woman who just failed to understand how dating works." He retorted. Olivia laughed out loud as she stated "Ha! Barb she threw herself in the ground on your first date stating you were her knight in shining armor and there to have your babies." Barba cringed at the memories and just glared at Olivia for bringing it up.
"Yea and trust me that will not be happening. I see enough of that craziness around here." He stated. Michelle wasn't crazy when they met. It was the opposite actually. She had slipped as she was walking up the courthouse steps and he was able to stop her from hitting her head. After exchanging words and smiles he had asked her to dinner and the rest was history. He had told Olivia about it the following week when they were grabbing lunch.
"Whew, I needed that laugh!" Olivia stated as she stopped laughing at the memory. She looked at the clock again and groaned. She really wished she was home snuggling Noah and wished she didn't let time get the best of her today.
As she looked back at her friend she narrowed her eyes. "So what are you doing here Barba?" "I was at the new scotch house down the road. I saw the light on when I drove by so I stopped. I knew you would still be here. I figured I'd stop and see you." He replied as he saw her rub her face again. "What's wrong?" He asked.
"I missed bedtime again. I haven't been home before bedtime all week and I'm sure Noah has forgotten who I am." Olivia stated with emotions in her voice. "He hasn't forgotten about you. That little boy adores you!" He stayed with a smile. He knew that her world began and ended with Noah. When he first met Noah he did not know what to do and he still didn't. He was not comfortable around children and preferred the rigidness of the courtroom to that of unknowns with children. Although he did admit the little boy was adorable and smiled at thought.
"What am I doing anymore Barb? Here I am in the middle of the night doing paperwork and reports while I have a toddler at home. I have no love life. My life consists of police work, sippy cups, and keeping track of a stuffed penguin that can't be more than 2 feet from Noah or he will have a fit." Olivia stated while looking at Barba lounging in the chair with his feet propped up and a smug look on his face. He enjoyed letting her ramble and found it amusing to know the penguin he gave Noah for Christmas was his favorite. Although he didn't know why.
"I don't know about you but the Olivia Benson I know is a badass, headstrong, stubborn woman who can take down many with just a few words. She is someone I call a dear friend and who is an amazing mother to an adorable little boy. I don't know what happens in your bedroom but I know that the right man hasn't stepped up to really show you just how to love yet. You'll find him. Just let it happen." Barba responded as he smiled his grin that he usually saved for when he needed to get his way. He had no idea where that last bit came from and he didn't regret saying it either. He had heard that her love life was tumultuous and had heard the rumors about her and her previous partner.
Olivia looked back at him and smiled. "Thank you Barb." She really did enjoy his company and even though he was an arrogant and egotistical assmost of the time she also knew he was a romantic at heart. "Anytime Detective. Anytime." He stated as he stood up and put his hand out. "Come on. I'll take you home. It's Friday and you have someone who I'm sure is missing you at home even if he's not able to tell you yet." She smiled and took his hand. Olivia let him help her up and walked around to turn off the lamp in her office and grab her belongings.
As they walked out and onto the street he led her to his car and she was taken back at his choice of cars. "Well counselor, looks like your car choices are a little out of my range. Don't get me wrong, I like it.. But wow!" She stated as they walked closer to his Jaguar F- Type Coupe. "Aren't you afraid someone will hit it or damage it?" She said. "Yes. That's why I only take it out on special occasions. Anyway it's not the outside that's important. It's what, or who, is inside." He stated as he eyed her.
When he opened the door for her she smiled as she got in and got settled. She felt a little out of her realm in the car and especially with him tonight. She knew he was well off and she knew he had expensive tastes just by the suits he wore but she was taken back by this.
They drove in silence and she was glad she wasn't driving. She could feel sleep clawing at her and before she realized it Barba was waking her outside of her apartment. "Olivia.. wake up. Liv.." he said as he gently rubbed her arm "I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to fall asleep. I guess I didn't realize just how tired I am." She stayed as she went to get out of the car. "There's no need to apologize Olivia. Not with me. Ever." He replied and smiled at her as she got out and walked into the apartment. As she walked in the apartment she looked back and saw him looking at her and smiled.