Alright guys- sorry this one took a while. Want to continue following along with the episodes for this one. That said- this one's turning out to be rather long- so I broke it in two so that you guys can read some now and some in a couple days when it's finished. Hope you like it.
All the feedback is really helpful and encouraging so Thanks! I promise a good Barba/Noah scene in a couple days!
Olivia is sitting in a Chicago bar waiting for Hank when she gets a text from Barba. Expecting it to be about the case they're prepping in NY- she opens it. She's surprised to find a photo- a tiny handprint in blue paint, near the bottom of a nicely tailored pair of wool slacks with what appear to be John Lobb Oxfords attached. She instantly recognizes it as Barba's own ankle.
The follow up text states simply, "Stopped by your place to grab that file and your son immediately did this to me!"
She can't help the grin that creeps across her face at the thought of Barba's horrified face. She quickly writes back, "It's washable, Barba."
"So Lucy tells me." Is his nearly instant reply, followed by, "How're things there?"
Olivia's face falls as she considers what she's about to talk to Hank about. "About to get awkward." Just then Hank walks in- she gives him a quick smile before finishing the text. "Fill you in later. Call me if any q's about that file."
In Olivia's apartment, Barba had even surprised himself by not really being upset about his trousers. Sure, he didn't want to get them cleaned but Noah covered nearly head to toe in finger paint was an amusing enough distraction. He'd grabbed the file and was now currently attempting to snap a photo of the messy toddler to send to Olivia before heading out. Noah was giggling hysterically, while splattering paint all over a sheet of paper Lucy'd laid out.
Seeing Noah weekly, at least, had somehow become part of Barba's routine without him noticing. Of course, in reality he was meeting with Liv- discussing cases or having victory dinner. Noah just happened to be there. But he'd begun to like the little guy. Barba was amazed at how he could already tell Noah was clever and had personality. They had bonded a bit- mostly over snacks. Having Noah around gave Barba an excuse to goof off- something he'd long abandoned.
He'd never admit it but picking up that file was as much about their current case as about his subconscious Noah withdrawl. Noah was the perfect reminder that sometimes victims lives did get better after what they went through. That there were still kids out there not being abused. And Noah was a direct link to Olivia's happiness- which Barba very much approved of. Thus his desperate attempt to send a cute picture.
He snaps a couple then thanks Lucy for letting him retrieve the file. He gives Noah a faux suspicious look from afar. "And goodbye to you, compay." Noah giggles before Barba gives him a smirk and walks out.
Back at the bar, Olivia and Voight are finishing their drinks when Barba's next text comes through. Another picture- Noah, hands outstretched, grinning- covered in paint- his hands, his face, even some in his hair. Olivia grins broadly.
Voight chuckles. "First time you've smiled since you got to Chicago."
Olivia puts her phone in her pocket and turns her attention back to him. "Sorry, our ADA, sending me pictures of my son." She grins again- not realizing how strange that may sound.
Voight looks a bit perplexed. "Your District Attorney is keeping your son?"
Olivia nearly laughs out loud at the thought of Barba keeping Noah.
Sure, they'd bonded over the last few months- and she was happy about that. It was nice to finally be able to spend time with her son and a man, she dared say, had become her best friend. Even though all of their time together started as work meetings, she could honestly say they enjoyed each others company- often talking long after the work ended. Not having to choose between Noah and Barba had made things easier.
All that said though- Barba hadn't even held Noah since the first time- when he'd looked as if he might die on the spot. She could hardly see him changing diapers and making dinner.
Olivia finally meets Voight's gaze again. "Ah, no. He just swung by my place for a file. Barba taking care of a toddler would be… I don't know what it would be- nothing good."
She and Voight share a chuckle.
Back in New York- several days later. After Voight and Olivia, bring the case to Barba- one of Barba's first order of business is to question everyone. Lindsay is up first. Olivia can tell it went well when she finds Voight storming into her office near the end of the next day.
"What is this the Spanish Inquisition?!" Voight demands.
Liv wonders for a moment if he's being clever but immediately realizes he's probably not. That he's just angry as hell.
"Detective Lindsay just lost a close friend and that ADA of yours is practically interrogating her!"
Knowing Voight and knowing Barba- this hasn't come entirely out of left field for Olivia. She closes the door to her office then leans against her desk only a few feet away from Voight. "He's just doing his job, Hank. I know he's not the easiest guy to get along with but-"
Voight clenches his jaw angrily. "Understatement of the century."
"-but, he has to ask hard questions. Whatever we hide- defense will find. He has to be ready."
Voight looks away- his face still tight. "I should've taken this back to Chicago."
Olivia leans over to draw Voight's eyes back to her. "I've got news for you, Hank. If Rafael Barba can't get this guy- no one can."
"So I just let him drag Nadia's name through the mud? He has no respect for the victim?"
"Don't let the silk ties fool you. He cares more than he lets on. He's not asking these questions in court- he's asking these questions to be prepped when defense asks them. We fought for her, Hank, we lost. It's Barba's turn to fight for her."
Hank's been doing this a long time. He knows she's right. But the idea of that smarmy ass lawyer dragging out every detail of Nadia's past is gut-wrenching.
"What aren't you telling me, Hank?"
Voight's eyes meet Olivia's just as the door to her office swings open. She cuts her eyes over to see Barba standing in the door. Surprise at their proximity registers on his face for a split second before he regains his usual brashness. He attempts an apology but doesn't mean it.
Olivia can tell that it doesn't ring true. He's really got to learn to knock.
"Barba, give us a minute."
Barba looks put out but turns to leave when Voight turns to him. "It's fine. I've said my piece." He steps past Barba, puffing his chest out. Barba tilts his head and stands up taller ever so slightly as he passes. As soon as, Voight leaves- Barba shuts the door behind him.
Liv gives him a disapproving look and makes her way back around her desk to return to her paperwork. Barba steps up to a candy jar that sits ever so hidden on her desk and grabs a few pieces of candy before flopping into the chair across from her. She looks at him over her glasses. "Those are for there for Noah."
Barba holds one up, considering it before popping it into his mouth. "These are the grape ones, he doesn't like grape." She shakes her head but doesn't look up from her paperwork. Barba gestures towards the door. "So what was with all the chest thumping?"
"CPD just expressing their appreciation for your charm and grace."
"What was it you told my mother? Just doing my job?"
Olivia takes off her glasses and finally looks at him. "I know, Barba. That's what I told him. But you have to try to see it from their perspective. She was one of theirs."
The moment the words leave her mouth, Olivia wants to retrieve them.
He stills. His eyes drift away from hers. "Right." He sucks in a breath and bites his lower lip.
She knew this case might eventually reopen the wounds Lewis left- She had forgotten Barba carried his own scars from that case.
"I'm sorry. I didn't think."
His eyes drift back to hers and he gives her a small smile. He feels like an ass. Everything Lewis did to her and she's apologizing as if she's wronged him.
"I met with him. Yates. That's why I'm here. We need to go over your testimony." Barba's sharp attorney like tone- laying out the facts- suddenly falters. He softens. "He's going to push all your buttons, Liv."
Olivia leans back, exasperated. "Can we please do this tomorrow? I HAVE to finish this paperwork before I leave and I was really hoping I'd be home in time to, at least, put Noah to bed."
Barba's sympathetic to her complaint- she's barely seen Noah in a week and a half. Hell, even he was missing spending time with the baby. But he'd asked the courts to push the trail through quickly. He needed to be ready.
"How's this? You finish up here- I'll swing by and pick up dinner for the three of us and after he goes down- we'll prep?"
Liv nods in agreement- giving him a tight smile. In truth, it sounds quite nice. Getting to see Noah, Barba taking care of dinner and finally being able to talk after being gone for nearly a week. She needed to vent. And for a man who had a gift for filling the silence- he was a surprisingly good listener. At least to her.
"Alright. See you in a bit." He says as he gathers his things and stands. Before opening the door, he looks back over his shoulder. "Nico's OK? Noah likes those chicken kabob's yeah?"
Liv smiles a genuine smile- impressed that he's picked up on these things about her son. "Perfect."
He leaves her in peace- closing the door behind him.
In the Bullpen, the other detectives are gathered around files looking at victim ID's from the beach. Amaro approaches Barba as he leaves Liv's office. "She gonna be OK, Counselor?"
Barba registers the concern on Amaro's face and speaks genuinely. "She'll be fine. We've just gotta act like it's any other case. You know how she gets when people walk on eggshells around her." Amaro nods.
Voight, overhearing the conversation, steps over to the two. "Why what's going on?"
As Rollins starts an explanation, Barba's eyes dart over to her- giving her a look. "We caught a perp like Yates a while back." Rollins nearly goes on but Barba's eyes burning her from across the room stop her short.
Lindsay, Fin and Carisi have now starting paying attention as well. Voight stands- impatiently, waiting for more information, "And?"
Barba pulls his eyes from Rollins and turns his attention to Voight. Barba's mouth is drawn tight- his eyes clearly read 'Stop prying'. "And if Sargent Benson thinks you need to know more- she'll tell you."
With that Barba turns and walks out. Voight watches his retreat. "Is he always this much of a prick?"
Amaro shifts his weight to return to the task at hand, "Pretty much."
