Life had broken her, just like it had broken him. But when they got together, their pieces became whole. And they continued on their journey together, mended as one.

~ Special thanks to Erica Gibbs egibbs274 ~

Chapter 4

It had been quite a night for Olivia and Rafael. It was all out in the open now...they loved each other. But where to go from here? If they attempted an "official" relationship, there were many things to consider...they would have to disclose to the DA and the Chief of Detectives, should Olivia's squad know about the relationship, and most importanly, Noah.

If they attempted an "unofficial" relationship and didn't disclose, there was always the chance the powers that be would find out and if that happened, there was a better than even chance that one or both would be sanctioned.

But there was a third option...they could remain colleagues and friends, and nothing more.

After Olivia and Rafael's long evening of talking, they decided that they would each take the day off and spend it together. They needed to figure out where would they go from here.

Rafael had gone home, showered, changed into slacks and a polo shirt and returned to Olivia's apartment within an hour. Along with him he brought fresh pastries from his favorite Cuban bakery and cappuccino from Olivia's favorite coffee bar. When he returned, a freshly showered Olivia met him at the door and greeted him with a smile and a warm hug. Rafael was very receptive to the contact and he loved the feeling...the closeness of being near Olivia, and he couldn't help but notice the scent of her green apple shampoo. He inhaled a deep breath of it as he hugged her. Somehow it really suited her.

They made their way to the sofa. As they sat and ate, they talked...about the weather, Olivia talked about Noah, Rafael talked about Lucia. They both seemed to be avoiding the giant elephant in the room...what would they do, or not do about this newly revealed affection for each other. Do they dare attempt a relationship? Or, should they remain friends and colleagues, knowing that they both feel more for each other.

"So", Rafael began, "have you thought about last night at all? Because you know, no matter what we decide, things will never be the same. What we talked about, what we..." Rafael's voice trailed off, unsure of where this conversation might go. He took a deep breath and tried to collect his thoughts. "All of this", he continued, ..."is this something you're okay with? Because you have more to think about, with Noah and I understand that, Liv."

Olivia touched the top of his hand, smiling, "Rafael, our conversation, you...us...I haven't thought about anything else."

"Us?", he asked, "You've thought about...us? Does that mean... " He looked at her, not wanting to assume too much.

Olivia quickly responded, slipping her hand in his, "It means Rafael Barba, that I love you. I've waited my entire life to find you. You walked into my life when I least expected it but ultimately when I needed you the most. You have been beside me through some of the worst times of my life, some of the toughest times...and you were here for some of my happiest moments. We've only known each other for 5 years, but I can't remember life without you. I'm not willing to let you out walk out of my life. I know this relationship, going farther than colleagues, it would hold it's own level of challenges given our professional positions, and I know this won't be easy on a lot of levels but...I'm willing to give this a shot...if you are."

Rafael looked at this woman...the woman he was in love with but never in his wildest dreams thought would ever love him back...she was saying she wanted him. She wanted a relationship with him. Rafael took a chance and leaned into Olivia. Brushing a stray hair from her eyes, whispering to her "Willing? You are all I've ever wanted. Olivia, mi amor, eres tan hermosa. te quiero. Te refieres al mundo absoluto para mí. Te prometo que haré todo lo que pueda por hacerte feliz a Noah y tú" He gently touched her face with his fingertips and looked at those deep chocolate brown eyes that he frequently got lost in. But this time his eyes quickly trailed down to her lips. He had thought about it in the past but he could never work up enough nerve. But this moment was different. He closed his eyes and slowly touched his lips to hers.

Olivia could not believe how bold Rafael was being...but she loved it. The closer Rafael moved to Olivia, the faster her heart begain to beat. She began to breath heavily in anticipation. She could smell his cologne...she could smell him. For a split second she could feel his hot breath near her face. She didn't know if she should reach for him or just allow him to take the lead, but she was ready for whatever was about to happen. Then he breached the last inches of space between them. Rafael Barba had kissed her...softly and gently. Olivia melted the moment their lips met. She reached behind his head and gently caressed his neck. Their mouths opened slightly as they deepened their kiss.

Rafael reached for her and began to gently run his hands through her hair. He could not believe he was kissing the woman of his dreams...the woman he moved to Manhattan for was in his arms and she was kissing him back.

As they separated, Olivia was breathless, eyes still closed and Rafael was smiling. Rafael began, "That...was..."

"Amazing", Olivia interrupted in a whisper. "I knew our first kiss would be amazing."

Rafael looked surprised. "You've thought about our first kiss? Since when?", he asked, moving closer to Olivia on the sofa. He put his arm around her as she snuggled into his chest.

Olivia looked up at him, "Does that surprise you, Counselor?"

"Honestly, yeah it does" he answered.

Olivia wrapped her arms around him and settled her head on that comfortable spot between his shoulders and chest. Rafael was gently caressing her arms and noticed that her body began to relax against his.

"I've thought about a lot of things since last night", she continued. "How much time has been wasted...how much time I've wasted." She looked up at Rafael again. "Everything I've ever wanted, everything I've ever needed, it's been right in front of me. I just never took the time to see it." She smiled sweetly at him. "I feel safe with you, Rafael. This doesn't feel forced or, I don't know...like desperation on my part. Being with you, this feels...right."

"This feels right because it is right", he answered. "You are my world, Olivia, Mi universo. You have been for a very long time. I'm just glad that now, I don't have to hide it from you anymore and I can tell you that I love you."

After a few moments of sitting quietly, holding Olivia, he breached a new topic with her. "Have you thought about how Noah will react to this? I don't want my presence to upset him...or for him to think I'm somehow taking his mommy away, because you know I would never want him to think that and ..."

Olivia stopped him in mid sentence, "Rafael, would you stop. Noah will be fine. Besides, it's not like you're a total stranger to him. He knows you, so you spending time here won't phase him...trust me." She reached her neck up and gave him a peck on the cheek.

Rafael looked at Olivia and whispered, "Siempre eres mi chica."

Olivia smiled and said, "Yes, I am...forever your girl."

Olivia and Rafael spent the rest of their day together talking...about their new found happiness and about their future...a future that they planned to spend together.