Understanding

He looked up from his desk when he heard a gentle knock. He saw her standing tentatively in the doorway of his office, he was surprised but glad to see her.

"Hey, I didn't want to wait till you got home to hear how it went with your boss. Hope that's ok." She told him. He smiled a little and got up from his desk.

"Of course it is." As he spoke they walked towards each other meeting halfway. She immediately wrapped her arms around his neck and embraced him in a tight hug, he wrapped his arms around her waist and hugged her back.

It was at that moment that Liv rounded the corner on her way to his office, she stopped when she saw Barba and Cassie's embrace. Deciding to watch, she took a half step back to conceal most of herself behind the wall.

"Are you ok?" Cassie asked as they continued to hug.

"I will be." He confirmed and she pulled back enough to look at him.

"So what happened?" She asked.

"I've been suspended." He sighed.

"I'm sorry." She commiserated.

"Thanks. Hey, at least I get to keep my job." He said trying to sound optimistic.

"That's great." She smiled supportively. He nodded but she could clearly see he was upset.

"Raf?"

"You should have seen his face, he was so disappointed in me." He said sadly. She thought for a moment, choosing her words carefully.

"I can't tell you what you did was ok but I understand why you did it and I'm sure the DA does too. You did it for the right reasons. You put a killer behind bars."

"A woman died." He added as he moved back slightly perching on the edge of his desk.

"She had a disease, an addiction. She risked her life every time she picked up a needle. It's terrible she died, especially for her little girl, but it's not your fault." She said staring at him, making sure he heard what she was saying. He nodded his understanding.

"I don't what I would have done." He thought aloud, she stared at him unsure of what he was referring to.

"If I had lost my job. I don't know who I am without it." He elaborated seeing her uncertainty.

"That's easy, you're the amazing man I'm in love with." She smiled at him.

"Yeah...amazing." He sighed unconvinced.

"You are! You're smart, funny, kind, dedicated, determined, passionate, generous, considerate. You're a good cook, a great listener, a fantastic kisser, great in bed and sexy as hell. And none of that, has anything to do with your job." She finished grinning.

"Wow! All of that, huh?" He grinned and pulled her closer.

"Yes, and so much more." She smiled and leaned in, gently placed a hand on the side of his face and kissed him.

Olivia couldn't help but notice the diamond ring on Cassie left hand as she caressed Barba's face. Her heart sank as she watched the pair kiss lovingly, unable to fight the feelings of jealousy stirring inside her.

"So, shall I take you home?" Cassie asked after they broke apart.

"Yes please." He smiled as he released his hold on her and began to pack up his things.

"So I was thinking, we could grab some of your favourite Cuban food, cuddle up on the couch and watch that trashy reality show you won't admit you like." She grinned, watching as he put some papers in his briefcase, put on his suit jacket and then his coat. He smiled as he rounded his desk, briefcase in hand, and kissed her.

"Sounds perfect."