Everyone gets a gold star-it's Tucker! Friendly reminder that I enjoy Tuckson, and while he's obviously no Barba, I don't have a hate on for Ed. That said, Barson is clearly endgame ;)
Olivia takes a deep breath and slowly lets it out. Why did he choose tonight to show up unannounced? Sighing, she decides to get this over with, hopefully quickly and quietly.
She opens the door and steps out into the hallway, pulling the door behind her but not closing it. "Ed. What are you doing here?"
Tucker had clearly just left work, still in his usual dark suit and tie. He shifts his weight uncomfortably and replies, "I just wanted to talk. I figured Noah would be in bed and we'd have a chance..." he trails off, looking down the hallway at nothing in particular. "Can I come in?"
Olivia leans against the door jam and says, "I don't think that's a good idea. We broke up, Ed."
Barba can hear the conversation in the hallway clearly. Olivia's apartment is small, and especially with the door ajar sound carries easily.
His heart skips a beat and he can't hold back the smile that blooms on his face when he hears the magical words 'we broke up'.
He pulls out his phone and scrolls through his emails in an attempt to distract himself from eavesdropping any further.
Olivia's tone is sympathetic but firm, and Tucker is discouraged but can't help trying one last time. "Liv, please... I thought things were going good. We... I really care about you. I thought you cared about me too."
"I did, Ed. I don't regret our time together. But it's time to move on. I thought I was clear before, but I'll say it again. I think you are a good man and will make someone very happy, but I'm not that someone. Honestly, I haven't felt any regret since we talked."
Tucker's eyes are on the floor and he nods slowly. "Okay, I get it. I guess after you almost lost your job over me we were never going to make it."
"Ed," Liv says, putting a hand on his arm to ensure she has his attention. "That wasn't your fault. I should have disclosed our relationship from the start of that case, and there would have been no need for me to be transferred. I don't blame you for that. This isn't about anything you did or didn't do; this is about me just not feeling for you what I should. Understand?"
"Yeah, I understand," he answers, his voice rough with emotion. "I just wish things were different."
Olivia gives him a sad smile but doesn't return the sentiment. She is trying to be kind but honest at the same time. They will likely run into each other at work before too long; she can't slam the door in his face and tell him to take a hint.
Not forgetting that Barba is sitting twenty feet away on her couch, she encourages Tucker to leave. "Goodnight, Ed. I'll see you around."
Tucker tries to smile but it comes out as more of a grimace. "Yeah. Bye, Liv."
She waits for him to get down the hallway before going back into her apartment and locking the door behind her. Leaning back against the door she takes a moment to breathe and gather her thoughts.
She had broken up with Tucker a week before, not for any one particular reason but like she told him: she just wasn't feeling for him what she should be. They had been together for going on six months and while she enjoyed the time they spent together she didn't really see their relationship evolving.
She knows Barba likely heard every word she just said. That's fine, she was going to tell him all of it tonight anyway.
Taking a deep breath, Liv walks back into the living room. Barba is sitting right where she left him, still sipping coffee but he's fiddling with his phone and has earbuds in.
Touched at his thoughtfulness, she reclaims her seat next to him. She playfully tugs out his earbud cord, and says, "That wasn't necessary, you know."
Barba shrugs and replies, "I heard some. I just wanted you to be able to tell me what you want on your own terms."
Olivia blushes slightly. "Like I did for you this afternoon?" She sighs. "I'm sorry. I was finishing a text outside your door when I heard my name and got curious as to who you were discussing me with. Then I was so surprised I just froze. I don't want to invade your privacy."
Barba reaches out and squeezes her hand in reassurance. "It's alright. We both overheard surprising things about the other today. Earlier I said maybe we should talk about it, put everything out there. My offer still stands."
Olivia looks down at their joined hands, feeling the butterflies in her stomach coming to life. Could they make it work between them? Would they be allowed to work together? Does she even feel for him what he feels for her?
