Noah's excitement over Olivia's suggestion to go and grab lunch at McDonalds has grown the closer they got to the restaurant where Tom is supposed to meet them. The day is nice, the sun even comes out from behind clouds from time to time and while it's cold, it's not freezing. Olivia hasn't prepared Noah for meeting ‚someone' and eventually decided to just roll with whatever would happen at the restaurant. Her nervousness had peeked as they left the apartment but now, seeing the fast food restaurant just sixty or so feet away a calm feeling washes over her.

„There Momma, look! It's over there." Noah's hand wraps around hers tightly and his strides instantly get longer and faster so he's almost pulling at her arm.

„I know," she chuckles softly.

„Can I get a Happy Meal?"

„Of course."

„I want nuggets, okay? And no apple slices, I want the yoghurt, please?"

„Sure thing," Olivia assures as he drags her towards the entrance. As most kids his age he always has something to say, unless he's completely hypnotized by the TV that is. By now she has learned to block some of it out, filtering for what is just him blubbering and when it is time to give Noah her full attention.

Pushing the heavy door open Olivia scans the restaurant. It's buzzing with activity at this time of day, the typical rush around lunch time. Taking in her surroundings her gaze then settles on Tom and despite the smile that is brought up by the sight of him, her heart also starts pounding harder in her chest. It is now that she wonders how to get in contact but Noah instantly takes the worry off her as he points his finger in Tom's direction.

„Look Mom, it's Mr. Tetley." His excitement doubles and eyes widen at his discovery. Upon first glance Tom seems as surprised and taken aback as Olivia herself but it's clearly the best thing that could have happened. Their eyes disconnect for a moment, then gazes meet again with faint smiles on their faces.

„You're right. Why don't we go over and say hello?"

„Can we?" he asks as hyper as he is on sugar rushes.

„Sure, I think we should." They move closer towards the counter until they reach Tom. The boy is wasting no second.

„Hi Mr. Tetley," he greets his teacher, excited to meet him outside of school.

„Noah, hey," he beams and then shifts his attention to Olivia. „Miss Benson," he says with a wink that makes her hold back a chuckle. Especially because he checks her out so shamelessly.

„Mr. Tetley," she says meaningfully.

„My Mom and I are getting lunch. I can have a Happy Meal. Are you getting lunch, too?" So much for Olivia's worry of how to start a conversation. Her son obviously handles it just fine and all by himself.

„I am, actually. And a Happy Meal sounds good, think I should get that, too?"

Olivia wonders if Tom is nervous at all because he breezes through the conversation. But she remembers Noah isn't a stranger, he knows how to handle her kid even in this very new and delicate situation.

„No," Noah laughs as if it is the silliest thing he's ever heard. A grown up getting a Happy Meal. „It's for kids."

„Is it now? Okay, I didn't even know that. What's in there anyway? It's one of those boxes right?"

Noah's eyes light up as he starts to explain that it's a kid's meal and that you can choose between a burger or nuggets, fries, apple slices or yoghurt and choose a drink. „And there's a toy in it, too," he adds.

„That sounds pretty neat," he says with astonishment. „And here I am just getting the regular menu."

„You can ask them to make you a grown up Happy Meal," Noah suggests with a shrug of his shoulders as they still stand in line, waiting to order, making Olivia and Tom chuckle.

„I could, huh? Maybe I'll do that."

They move forward in line and Olivia realizes that a weight has finally lifted from her shoulders. For months she has been worried about this moment and for now everything feels fairly natural. She watches the pair interact with no restraint at all. It couldn't have gone better.

„Do you want a toy, too?" Noah asks him as it's finally their turn and they are greeted by Stephanie from the staff asking them about their orders. Tom is slightly overwhelmed for a moment. He orders a Happy Meal, making it known it's for the young man next to him and the young woman turns her attention towards the boy with a smile, going through all the options with him. Noah doesn't seem to find it strange that Mr. Tetley orders his meal when his mother should, after all at four years old he does not care who pays for his food as long as he gets the desired Happy Meal. Looking at Olivia she places her order, a Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad and a small Iced Tea. When it's Tom's turn he sees Noah's blue eyes look up at him expectantly and he finds himself in a bit of a dilemma. He really wants a proper burger, preferably with extra cheese and bacon but falters and goes for a Happy Meal with a Hamburger, apple slices and a juice box for a beverage, all the while hearing Olivia trying to stifle her gleeful giggles unsuccessfully. But underneath the amusement she is completely sold now.

Her boyfriend orders himself a Happy Meal simply because Noah had suggested he'd ask for a grown up Happy Meal. It's not beneath him to do this to bond with her child over a red box of unhealthy food. Her chest swells with affection and love as her Tom asks for Noah's help to decide on one of the four toys available.

„Noah, it's pretty packed here today. Do you and your Mom want to sit with me? If that's okay, I mean," he smiles, looking up, pretending to check with Olivia first.

„Can we Mom? Please?" His eyes are pleading with his mother who just smiles down at him.

„If it's okay with Mr. Tetley we can." Gently she ruffles her son's curly head, glad that everything is going so smoothly. Waiting for their order she keeps listening to Noah and Tom discussing the toys and while Olivia had always thought she wasn't bad at faking excitement over toys that she had no interest in, Tom was now putting her to shame. Once their order is ready Olivia allows Noah to swarm out to find a free table which he is all too happy about and darts off as fast as his feet carry him.

„That went well," Olivia says, placing her right hand at the small of Tom's back because he doesn't have a free hand while carrying the tray.

„It did, didn't it?" He beams with confidence and relief alike because the biggest hurdle in this relationship is about to be overcome after all these months. Tom remembers the moments of doubt and worry, even the all consuming feeling of jealousy toward Olivia's son, however he realizes now that it is no longer an issue. He would get to spend more time with her now.

„I can't believe you ordered a Happy Meal," she laughs. It is as funny as it is adorable that he chose to do this for her son's benefit.

„I can't either because how's a hamburger and fries gonna fill me up?"

„You still got the apple slices," she teases.

„Yay me," he chuckles with an edge of sarcasm as the little boy finds a free table.

„Momma, over here! This one's free."

They make their way over to the table and take a seat at the far end of the restaurant. So far the meeting is a breeze but Tom quickly notices that Noah in school and Noah in private with his mother are two different children. The boy is obviously used to being the center of attention at home with no siblings. In school he's more quiet, not as hyped. He can see how Olivia's got her hands full after work and on the weekends.

They each get their food and Noah quickly shoves a chicken nugget into his mouth before inspecting the toy that has come with his Happy Meal. There is some conversation over what the toys can do and Olivia listens intently, exchanging glances with Tom every now and then. The way he interacts with her child is, hands down, quite a bit of a turn on and if at all possible she falls for him harder than she already has. The desire to take his hand or even kiss him is overwhelming, especially because she can't, so with a pouty face she takes a bite of her salad and chews on leafy greens and her frustration. Before today she has never gotten why some women think that babies make men sexy and desirable. But here and now watching how Tom makes Noah giggle and laugh and encourages the 4-year old explain all about the toys and why chicken nuggets are much better than Tom's hamburger (because it's 4 chicken nuggets and just one burger, duh) she understands. It's sweet enough that the next time they will be alone her underwear will come off without Olivia's or Tom's assistance. It's ridiculous how this is screwing with her mind, how sexy it makes the man to her.

By the time they each have finished Olivia and Tom have gone over to using their first names in front of the boy who seemingly hasn't picked up on the change or he simply doesn't care. Randomly Tom mentions that he is planning on going ice-skating which instantly catches Noah's attention.

„Has your Mom ever taken you ice-skating, Noah?"

„No but I wanna go. Momma, can you take me? Please?" He knew winter sports like ice-skating and skiing from his favorites cartoons but has never tried either himself. The prospect of getting to do it excites the boy and his small frame is jumping up and down on the stool.

Olivia is still not convinced that she is going to like it too much, mainly because she doubts her ability to learn quickly. The last time she has been on any kind of skates must have been about three to four decades ago on roller skates.

„You could come with me if you'd like to. I'm not too bad on skates and could show Noah," Tom suggests knowingly and Olivia teasingly rolls her eyes at him.

„Yes, Momma. Please. Please," her son begs, folding his small hands, blue eyes sparkling. „Can we?"

„Well," she says thoughtfully and finally makes a big sigh. „I guess I'm overruled."

„Yay! Thank you Mommy, you're the best!" Noah jumps off his chair and hugs her sitting form tightly, making her chuckle.

„Alright, alright, easy there big boy." She strokes his curly hair softly before he pulls back. „Do you have to go to the bathroom before we go?"

„No." He shakes his head vehemently and Olivia raises both eyebrows. She asks again, mainly out of habit, because she does know her son and a no can turn into ‚I need to go now' within a minute or two. When he agrees that yes, he is sure, they clean up their table, put their winter jackets back on and get going towards Central Park and Wollman Rink.

The walk is slow paced as it can only be with young kids. There is something that catches Noah's attention every few feet, always something to discover. Once it's a stick that he picks up and pretends it's a sword and he's a pirate far out on the sea, then it's an oddly shaped stone that he and Tom look at and make up a story about how it could be a part of an other planet like Mars. Her son has an active imagination and Tom assures her that it's fantastic. She has never seen him teach but on their way he throws in a few fun facts about a tree species and explains to Noah how they can go ice-skating although there's no snow and such no ice and he does it in a way Olivia couldn't, in a way that even a young child really understands quite well how things work and it is astounding. While Tom uses terms he also asks Noah if he knows what something means and if he doesn't he explains it with comparisons and understandable examples. And even more importantly, he does it with infinite patience - the patience she is so often lacking. More often than not she feels like a terrible mother.

Olivia can see that they have a good rapport with each other and although in a teaching position Tom doesn't seem to take himself too seriously. He thinks children learn best when they experience things first hand, when they get to see and touch and hear and discover. When they have their natural curiosity sparked. It makes sense to her now that Tom and the kids spend a lot more time outside than other pre-schoolers and although in their first meeting at school Tom has explained this concept it is only now that Olivia truly gets it - now that she sees it with her own eyes. And funnily her son is more balanced than before because he's entertained and his mind is challenged just enough to keep the boy occupied and interested.

„You're so good with him," Olivia says softly when they get the chance to talk. Noah is walking ahead, enough so they can have a conversation in private but close enough so they can't lose him out of their sight. Her hands are deep in her coat pockets as they walk side by side, arms gently bumping into each other.

„It's easy because we're not strangers. Not that kids don't adjust super quick but it certainly helps to have that basis and level of comfort with each other. Spending nearly every day together in class amounts to something." He cracks a grin. There is a sparkle in his eyes that is telling. He feels confident about this first meeting in private, confident to be around Noah outside of school.

If Olivia's boyfriend had been a stranger this could have gone either way, perfect or disastrous. So, all in all she considers it a lucky circumstance that Noah and Tom have a foundation that they can build upon.

„How do you feel about this?"

She thinks about the question but it's hard to say what exactly she feels. There are so many things going through her mind with this new step, this new stage in their relationship. It will be another week or two until Olivia wants to tell Noah about Tom and his role in her life so her son can ease into the changes.

„Good. Really good for the most part. Relieved that everything is working out so well - at least so far. Still a bit nervous for the coming weeks, though. Hanging out and telling him we're involved are two very different things," she says heavily and then shakes her head. „Or maybe they aren't. Maybe my adult head is expecting complicated while Noah'll just… shrug it off."

„Probably," he smiles and puts a hand on the small of her back. „He's four I doubt relationships matter to him. In a few years from now this could have been… interesting," he chuckles.

„I realize how pathetic my worries have been all this time."

„They were never pathetic, Olivia. Every single doubt and worry was and still is valid and justified. This is your son. Your family. I understand that you can't go into this lightly and… I won't say it hasn't been hard sometimes with only getting to spend one evening a week, a night every other week with you. And I've had my moments of fear and doubt and even jealousy," he admits sheepishly with a pained expression on his face. „And that felt pathetic then. Telling you about it feels pathetic. But thinking about it - it really isn't. It just shows that we care, that we think about ideals and how to do this right and we have wishes and hopes. That's… that's not pathetic, Liv." He remembers too well when jealousy towards Noah had eaten him up, simply because the boy had all weekend with Olivia when he just got a few hours at times. Hours that went by too quickly. Luckily he hasn't felt that way in the past few weeks. He has started to feel more comfortable in the relationship after Christmas. The holidays have really done a whole lot for them, although they had spent them apart.

„You've been jealous?" This is the first she ever hear of it and she has no idea whom he could possibly have been jealous over. There basically are no other men in her life - well, except her co-workers but just the thought of her with Fin or Carisi is ridiculous.

„Not my brightest hour, I know," he grins and Olivia knows those cute dimples are hiding beneath the beard. „It wasn't overly serious just… getting so little time with you and knowing Noah gets all that attention - which he should, of course," he quickly adds and shakes his head.

„N-Noah? You were jealous of…Noah?" Olivia can't think of a single situation where it showed and although the revelation is slightly shocking, she also finds it funny which shows in the way her lips crack into a smile and finally a full belly laugh slices the air and even makes Noah turn his head with curiosity.

„Okay, thinking of it maybe that has been and still is pathetic." He is glad that she can take this with a huge grain of salt. Come to think of it, she could have taken it badly and sent him packing for something so infantile.

„It is pathetic. Because I am jealous of you and the amount of time you get to spend with him in school." It is like a cosmic joke. „I mean, you have more time with my son than I do. I have… I have weekends," she cackles, trying to get a grip. „That's two days and I'm catching every other week and often have to leave at least once for a few hours." It is mother's guilt. Of course Olivia needs the paycheck to keep the food on the table and make sure Noah gets to visit one of the better schools but there will always be moments when she will wonder if it's worth it. She sees so little of her child Monday to Friday and tries to make up for it on the weekends. And sometimes, even though it's low, she buys off her guilt with toys and candy - not even for her son but for her own peace of mind.

„Okay that actually makes sense. But hey, you're his Mom. You get to be jealous. I don't," he smiles and notices that Noah no longer pays attention to whatever his mother was laughing about. „He's one lucky kid, having the adults in his life boiling with jealousy over him. And one lucky kid to have you as his mother."

Tom's hand sneaks from the small of her back around her waist, gently tucking Olivia against him as they are walking. For a moment their gazes meet and Tom gives Olivia's side a gentle squeeze. It's as much of a private moment and silent communication they get with Noah in tow.

When they reach Wollman Rink they all get skates in their sizes. Olivia is fidgety once she has put hers on and not sure if she is more concerned for herself or Noah. Sensing her nervousness Tom keeps assuring her it will be alright and they will have fun and yet she decides to sit it out for the time being so Tom can focus on teaching Noah how to ice-skate.

„Are you sure? You can hold on to the railing, you'll do just fine."

„I'm sure. I'll just watch you guys." She thinks she is going to break her hip for sure. Or a leg. Or her nose. That would just be her luck, to fall flat on her face in front of all these people.

„For now?" Tom asks, his voice a tease.

„We'll see."

„Are you scared Mama?" The young boy asks, his voice sounding concerned for his mother. „I can hold your hand. And Mr. Tetley can teach you how, too. Right?"

„Absolutely. It's what I do after all, isn't it? Teaching?"

„Uh-huh," Noah agrees with a toothy grin.

„I'll join you later. This way I can take some pictures of you and we can send them to Aunt Carrie." Carrie is always excited over new pictures of young Noah, mentioning ever so often how she vicariously lives through Olivia these days with the new love and still young child while she herself has been married for two decades and has teenage children.

„Okay," Noah agrees as Tom checks the boy's skates once more.

„Feeling good? They're not too big?"

„No," Noah grins.

„Not to small either?"

„No," he giggles, excitement radiating off of the boy.

„That sounds about perfect, then let's get you on the ice, young man." Tom offers Noah his hand to hold on and slowly they walk towards the icy surface which Noah finds funny since he's wobbly on the blades as they walk across the mats.

„Okay Noah, the ice is going to feel very slippery beneath the skates but I've got you and I won't let you go. Bend your knees a little and relax your body, that'll help you to find your balance. Ready?"

The boy is eager to learn and excited for his first experience on the skates, nodding. „Ready," he assures.

Holding on to both of Noah's hands Tom steps onto the ice first, walking backwards and then helps the four year-old to set his foot onto the frozen surface.

„Okay, slowly… slowly… there you go," he smiles. „Good job, Noah." Tom glances over to where Olivia is still sitting and not surprisingly she looks tense, worried for her child. He offers a smile, hoping it is going to calm her nerves. It is out of the question he is going to take good care of her son.

At first Tom and Noah practice how to march in place just so the boy can get used to the feeling of the ice beneath his feet and to help him find his balance on the blades. When Noah managed to move smoothly in place without losing his balance Tom teaches him how to fall on the ice so he won't receive an injury and that is something the kid thoroughly enjoys, to act silly and let himself fall to the side like Tom has shown him a few times. Noah's laughter is ringing in Tom's ears and he is glad that the boy has so much fun. His eyes search for Olivia again, giving her two thumbs up to communicate that everything is going well so far before he waves her nearer. She groans but gets up and unsteadily walks closer to the rink.

„Mommy look, I can fall," Noah cheers happily and instantly shows her, behind his knees before he lets himself fall slightly to the side as he leans forward.

„Awesome." Olivia claps her hands and looks at Tom. „You teach him how to fall?"

„Of course. Knowing how to fall to prevent injuries is probably the most important thing," he explains.

„You expect me to… fall?" She is completely dumbstruck.

„I expect you to let yourself fall safely," he beams.

„It's easy Momma, you gotta try. Look, I can do it again," he says as he slowly pushes himself back up with Tom's help only to fall again.

„Thanks but I think I'll pass," she frowns. For one she is afraid of falling, even if it means knowing how to fall safely. And secondly she is not wearing the right clothes for the occasion. Neither are Noah or Tom,she realizes but instead of freaking out over wet pants from the ice she bites her tongue. Her son is obviously having a blast and she isn't going to ruin the bonding activity.

„Spoil sport," Tom teases.

„I'd probably break my hip."

„Nonsense. No bones will break, I promise you. Come on, at least give it a try." He can see how her cheeks turn redder and it's not from the cold. When she bites her lip he can see that she's actually scared and he won't put her on the spot. „Just sit right there and watch us. Think about it," he offers softly as he helps Noah up once more. „If you really don't want to that's okay, too."

Olivia nods and exhales a shaky sigh before she sits down right by the rink so she can watch from close by and actually take good pictures. After Noah has become a pro at falling safely Tom goes over to show him how to not only march in place, but to march and move and eventually do scooter steps, something that the kid enjoys thoroughly, pretending to actually ride a scooter including the noises of high speed. Half an hour later and he makes his first steps without holding Tom's hand and he's doing it well, too. Olivia's chest swells with pride as she applauds and exchanges glances with Tom who is having no less fun than her son.

„He'll go pro," Tom calls out so his voice carries to Olivia and she gives him a thumbs up and takes more pictures and captures Noah's achievement on film.

„You go Noah," she cheers as he moves more swiftly than she would have expected on his very first time on ice-skates. His face is split by a grin the entire time.

„Mommy look! I can do it! I can do it."

„Mommy sees you. Way to go, sweetie!"

She watches as Noah moves more safely from minute to minute and before she knows it two hours have passed. Her son ice-skates without help. He falls but he gets back up with a smiley face and Tom's help. The longer Olivia watches, the more she relaxes and eventually her heart no longer skips a beat when his small body hits the ground, however safely he might land due to the extensive practice in the beginning.

„Mommy, you gotta try, too. Look, it's easy. I can show you."

„You think? Mommy's a little scared," she admits as Noah and Tom come closer.

„Pleeehease."

It's hard to argue with Noah's pleading. They have come here together after all and Tom has paid the rent for her skates. She wonders how hard it can be. She used to roller skate when she was still a kid and she did pretty darn good then. Ice-skating can't be much different, right? Although unsure she gives herself a little push and stands up, holding on to the railing as she slowly hobbles over on the blades. Screw that she's the crap scared. And screw that she's probably going to walk back home with a wet butt. If it made Tom and Noah happy it would be well worth it - well, as long as she doesn't break any bones.

„I'll try," she says and sees Tom's eyes light up at her bravery.

„Noah, you stay right here by my side, okay? I'll help your mom."

„I can help, too," the boy claims. „I know how to do it."

„You sure do. How about I let her hold onto me and you show her. Sound good? We're working as a team?"

„Yes!" he agrees and excitedly he starts talking about one of his favorite cartoons and how teamwork is important.

In the meantime Olivia takes hold of Tom's hands, her fingers gripping onto him tightly until her knuckles turn white.

„Relax," he says softly. „Bend your knees a little, don't stiffen up your body that'll only make it harder for you to find and hold your balance." His voice is her anchor, warm and soothing as she slowly steps onto the ice and almost cries out as she tries to find her footing. „Easy there. Don't be scared. You've got this."

She feels like walking a tightrope ten thousand feet above the ground but sure, she's got this, she thinks sarcastically. Her nails dig into Tom's skin and he holds her eye, his voice talking her through her insecurity until she manages to hold her balance on the ice, no longer swaying back and forth like an out of control pendulum. Although for the time being she feels safe, well - safer than before at least, dark thoughts trickle through her mind again of a bleeding nose and broken bones and a hell of a lot embarrassment.

„You okay?"

„Mhhm," she nods because forming actual words is too complicated as she attempts to keep her body as still as humanly possible. Her jaw is clenched tightly as she focuses on relaxing and she is doing a piss poor job of it. Nope, women close to fifty certainly should not attempt to learn how to ice-skate. At least not without all the protective gear available.

„You're doing great," Tom encourages her and earns himself a glare through narrow eyes.

„Not funny," she tells him. She might punch him in the shoulder if she would dare to let go of him, which she doesn't.

„I'm not kidding you, you are doing good, Olivia," he assures once more. „You just gotta stop thinking about it. We're going to march on the spot. All nice and slow. Noah, can you show your Mom?"

„Uh-huh." Noah starts to march and cackle but it can't be taken seriously. The kid is quite hyper and at least it puts a smile on Olivia's face as Tom starts to march on the spot as well, his eyes encouraging her to do the same.

She feels like an old lady with brittle bones, still afraid to fall by the time they have stopped marching. Tom gives her instructions of how to practice falling but no way no how, she refuses. She wants to but she simply can't. She feels put on the spot and embarrassed. She feels pathetic because she has thrown herself into the eye of danger countless times on the job, she has taken punches, hits and falls and here she is, scared to let herself fall on the ice. It's because she still lacks the safe footing on the blades. She does not feel safe at all, like she isn't in control of the fall she is supposed to take with Tom's and Noah's assistance. In fact it is so embarrassing, she wants to cry. When she puts her foot down and says with determination that she won't let herself fall she expects Tom to tease and mock her, to make fun, but he does no such thing. Instead he nods and squeezes her hands three times.

„Alright. Come on, let me help you back. Slowly. There you go."

„Thanks," she mumbles. She keeps her eyes cast downwards, unable to look him in the eye.

„It's no big deal `livia. Maybe next time." If she needs more practice just standing and marching on the spot then they could do that, no matter how long it would take.

She feels like an idiot because again her son lets himself fall, laughing as happily as only a kid can. Noah has mastered the skates in less than two hours on his very first day on the ice and here she was, a Lieutenant with the NYPD who has seen the worst, who has been through some seriously disturbing shit and she couldn't even let herself fall to the damned ground.

„I'm pathetic," she mutters. „I shouldn't even have tried."

„Hey…hey, no. Look at me? Please?"

Noah cackles a few feet away, managing to get up on his own for the first time and he does well without Tom's assistance.

„Olivia…"

She raises her gaze eventually, looking at Tom silently.

„You are not pathetic, okay? It's your first time and it's okay to be scared."

„Yeah, right," she scoffs and sits down. Tom casts a glance at Noah, making sure he is still close by.

„You did just fine and if you want to we'll try again another time. And if you don't then that's okay, too." Noah doesn't pay attention to them and he takes the opportunity to stroke a strand of Olivia's hair behind her ear. „I'm glad you even tried."

„You're just saying that…"

„Am not."

„You are," she says. She doesn't want to ruin the mood and sighs deeply. „You have to say that. You still wanna get in my pants after all." The tiniest smile tugs at her lips as she hears Tom laugh out loud.

„That I do. But I'm not saying anything in order to get into your pants," he whispers and rubs her upper arm.

„Do you wanna leave?" Her shoulders slump and she really wants to get out of these skates and slip into her boots.

„No, it's fine. He's having so much fun. I'll just sit and watch. I think they have coffee over there."

„Alright," he agrees and offers a smile. „You let me know the second you wanna get out of here?"

„Will do," she assures. „You go, have fun. Unless it's getting too much. I know he can be-„

„Don't even worry about it. He's great, Olivia." He flashes a brilliant smile and then he turns and is gone, back on the ice, moving towards her son.

They leave at 5:30 PM when Noah is physically exhausted, a condition Olivia doesn't see him in often. Her son is always in action, always running and jumping, always so energetic. Three and a half hours of ice-skating in the cool winter air however seem to have tired him out. They grab dinner at a pizza parlor and Noah almost falls asleep while taking a bite.

„I guess someone's going to collapse in his bed today."

„You bet," Olivia chuckles. „I've never seen him like this. Well, not in the past two years at least." It is obvious that the boy no longer takes notice of his surroundings, fighting to stay awake. It is bound to be a losing battle.

„We should probably get him home," Tom says, unable to watch the poor kid any longer.

„Yeah," Olivia agrees and takes the last sip of her water. She bundles Noah up in his winter jacket and his scarf. Outside it's dark and Noah grasps Olivia's hand and walks small, wobbly steps, as if he's in zombie mode and without thinking about it twice Tom picks him up.

„Come here kiddo," he says, tucking the boy against his hip effortlessly. Noah doesn't seem to mind at all, showing no sign of reluctance. Initially Olivia wants to protest but the moment she realizes that it isn't a big deal for Tom or her son it dies on her tongue. It doesn't take a minute until the curly head comes to rest against Tom's shoulder in exhaustion, eyes fluttering shut.

„He's completely spent," Olivia says, peeking at her son's sleeping form. „How'd you do that?"

„It's all the fresh air. And learning something new. It's fun but it also takes a lot of focus and body control, especially in these early stages. It would have knocked everyone out," he assures with a smile. His voice drops to a lower volume with awareness of an exhausted child clutching at him with the last remnants of strength and maybe awareness until the small body goes limp. He turns his head but is unable to see Noah's face that is curled into him. It's funny how comfortable the child seems to be. While Tom is no stranger, they have never had any sort of close physical contact, either. After all that would have been completely inappropriate.

„Ah, I see through your shady agenda now. You wanted to knock me out." She speaks in mock offense and his chuckle vibrates softly.

„Absolutely not." His free hand snakes around Olivia's waist in assurance, searching for contact. He has barely touched her all afternoon despite having her right there with him the whole time. In his opinion it deserved a gold medal. „I'm more into responsive, as you know."

Olivia snickers and decides that the dirty talk, however PG it sounds, has to stop as long as her kid is attached to her boyfriends hip. They walk the remaining three blocks keeping up a light conversation that doesn't entail innuendo.

„If he's getting too heavy…" Olivia doesn't get to finish, her concern is brushes off in an instant.

„He's light as a feather," Tom assures. It's not exactly true, carrying an almost five-year old, unresponsive body feels more like dragging unwieldy dead weight, but there is no way he is going to let Olivia carry the boy the rest of the way.

„Yeah sure," she gives a huge eye roll. She will never understand male pride but thinks it's somewhat sweet nonetheless. „Sure you're doing alright?" They've walked quite a bit and she knows how exhausting it can be to carry all that weight when Noah's awake and easier to hold onto and shift around. Which is cement block heavy and break-out-in-a-sweat exhausting, especially in a thick winter jacket.

„Peachy," he grins. „We're almost there anyway." So much is true. He can hold out for another three, four minutes. Despite the heaviness he has never been better. This feels utterly right. Tom has no reservations towards Noah or the small family that Olivia and her son form. Nothing has changed about Tom's desire to be part of it - not as a third wheel, not as just anyone, but someone who is ready to open himself up to the boy that has no father in his life. He doesn't know in what capacity he truly can be there for him, if it will be simply as a role model or a father figure. Or if things will grow and develop and he will be allowed to step up to the plate and act as a father in every sense that counts. It is too early to tell, but neither idea repulses him. The door is wide open. It will be a long road but Tom is more than ready for it.

He is not kidding himself. At 37 years old this is his best shot at something close to fatherhood. He won't conceive a child and while he's not old old, he feels that if things with Olivia would one day end, he'd feel too old to start over anew and adopt with some other woman. Fuck, he has no interest in anything like that with an other woman. As far as Tom Tetley is concerned this is it. Olivia. Olivia and Noah. If he has any say in the matter, any choice, then those two are end game.

They arrive at Olivia's building and before Tom can shift the boy into Olivia's arms she assures him that he can come up. She will simply get Noah out of his clothes and tuck him in and he probably won't even wake up through it all. She unlocks the doors and leads the way towards Noah's bedroom for Tom who carefully and gently puts the sleeping boy on the bed. Noah pushes a heavy breath through parted lips and simply curls his body into a ball.

„I better head home," Tom says softly and leans into Olivia, wanting to steal a kiss before his departure for the night.

„Don't be ridiculous," she whispers. „Give me ten minutes, I'll get him ready. He's out as a light, no need for you to leave just yet."

„Are you sure?"

„Do I look unsure?" She wiggles her eyebrows at him and pushes her palm against his shoulder. „Go sit down."

„Such a commanding tone," he sighs theatrically, taking a few steps backwards.

„Comes with the territory. Lieutenant, remember?"

„Oh, I remember," he nods with a meaningful glance, whispering ‚so sexy'. Olivia chuckles but gives a deadly glare, throwing one of Noah's cuddly toys at her boyfriend.

„Out," she laughs quietly and is pleased when the mission is accomplished and Tom quietly pulls the door shut behind him all the while chuckling and saying how she's adorable. Adorable. Her glare is not adorable. Crap, her death glare is…scary. Very scary. And deadly. Slowly shaking her head she keeps grinning to herself, then sits down on the side of her son's bed, starting to undress the boy with slow, loving hands. Only when she tries to get his second arm out of the thick winter jacket Noah stirs awake and blinks at his mother.

„We're home, sweetie. You can go back to sleep in a minute," she whispers softly and strokes her hand over his head full of curly hair. „I just have to get you into your PJ's, okay?"

Drowsily Noah nods and exhales heavily, trying to blink his sleepiness away as his mother works carefully but efficiently to get him out of his jacket and sweater.

„Where's Mr. Tetley?" Blue eyes dart across the room as if expecting to find the man standing somewhere.

„He's gone home," Olivia lies. For now the admission that Noah's teacher is sitting in their living room is probably a little much. They'd cross that bridge the next time. „It's been a nice day, hasn't it?"

Noah nods again and yawns, allowing Olivia to unbutton his pants and pull them off.

„Did you have fun?"

„Yes. Can we do it again?" A small fist moves up and rubs an eye and Olivia hears from the tone of Noah's voice that her son isn't all there yet. There is no doubt that he will be out the second his head hits the pillow again.

„Sure, sweetie."

„Can Mr. Tetley come, too?"

„Would you like that?" The question is formed around a smile. Today really could not have gone better than it has.

„Hm-mhh. I like Mr. Tetley a lot."

Well, it is probably hard for any child not to like someone who has focused 95% of their attention on them, including a Happy Meal at McDonald's and close to four hours of ice-skating. Throw in the ice-cream cone and their pizza dinner (although Noah has basically fallen asleep during the latter) and you have one happy kid that is bound to fall for your teacher-boyfriend. Tom has definitely played this nicely and won the boy over. Olivia is pretty sure she is sporting a stupid grin for it.

„That's good. Because I like him a lot, too. I think it's been an awesome day." Noah's Paw Patrol underwear comes off and Olivia helps him slip on his dinosaur pajamas, his favorites.

„You don't have to be scared on the ice, Mommy. I can help you. It's easy. You just have to do it like-,"

Another big yawn escapes and Olivia chuckles softly, gently combing her fingers through Noah's hair. „You can show me tomorrow, okay. You're so tired. We'll make an exception brushing your teeth, too. But only this one time."

„Okay," the blue-eyed boy mumbles as Olivia helps him to lay down and covers him up with the warm blanket. Leaning over she kisses her son's cheek and inhales his rich scent that is no longer baby but the essence of Noah Porter Benson nonetheless.

„Goodnight sweetie. I love you," she whispers, seeing his eyes slip closed before she has even finished speaking. The day has really tired him out completely. She remains sitting by his side for another minute, watching the rise and fall of her son's chest become a steady rhythm as his lips part and his fingers curl lightly. Just seeing him like this almost makes her heart burst with love for her baby. She thinks she will never grow tired of this - of sitting and watching him. She never feels quite as peaceful as in these moments.

When Olivia finally manages to peel herself off of Noah's bed and returns to the living room she sees Tom by the window, gazing out. She makes her presence known as her footsteps echo quietly on her way over to him and when he turns he offers a content smile.

„Hey there."

„Hey there yourself," she offers and wraps her arms around him from behind. Her eyes take in the outside world as she plants a kiss on his sweater-clad shoulder. „He's drained."

„I saw that," Tom mumbles, covering Olivia's hands.

„He said he had fun and wants to do this again. With you." Her chin drops onto her boyfriend's shoulder as a satisfied smile settles on her face. „Sounds like today was a success. You're the kid-whisperer or something."

„Nah, we're just lucky he's a kid that's easily bribed," he laughs into the quiet of the room.

„And it didn't even take a visit at ToysRus," Olivia teases since Tom had made that suggestion in case everything else failed.

„Too bad. I like their Lego department," Tom deadpans and turns around, his blue eyes landing on Olivia's hazel gaze. He hasn't gotten the chance to kiss her all day and his mouth and hands are dying to touch pink lips and olive skin. A hand runs down Olivia's arm, just a gentle touch but it makes Olivia's skin buzz a little. His gaze settles on Olivia's lips and he tips his head forward, capturing them. Kissing Olivia is like a breath of fresh air after all these hours of forced restriction by the presence of her son. There were moments where he had been about ready to throw caution to the wind and just a plant a big on her cheek or mouth when Noah was otherwise distracted but that little voice inside his head had advised him not to because Olivia wouldn't have been down with that at all. So, however hard it had been, he had played nice all afternoon. He feels Olivia exhale a sigh against his mouth, sinking into the kiss as her body molds to Tom's in what she considers a perfect fit.

It seems ridiculous how she still physically responds to him with goosebumps and her heart rate picking up, how his mouth on hers causes everything within her to throb in the name of arousal. It must be the Friday-sex, she thinks. It is out of the ordinary that they get to sleep with each other any other day of the week because with her job and son she does not have the luxury to see Tom whenever she wants to - or whenever her libido screams. So when they get the chance, when they are alone and he puts his mouth on her, she gets freakishly aroused most of the time. His ability to kiss begs for a goddamn permit. She's experienced good kissers - well, at least she likes to think so. Tom still can make turn her into a useless mess. Her point is proven as every bit of willpower goes out the window when his tongue slips into her mouth.

She's still alert enough and second guesses if any of this is a good idea with Noah around. He sleeps like log and usually he does not wake up. Still it's a touchy subject. To dare or not to dare. Tom's tongue is convincing and everything inside her turns to liquid heat. After six months it seems impossible and yet here she stands, a puddle of desire in the wake of his lips.

Tom allows her to catch her breath after a while, strokes hair hair, kisses her chin. „It's been a good day," he murmurs.

„Uh-hmm," she agrees. At this point she would agree to anything he says as long as he is so convincing with his lips. A hand slips behind her, finds a path downward to her ass and she his pulled against him. Tom's breath hits her ear and every hair on her body perks up, fully alert.

„Very good day. Except it's been torture not touching you," he throws in his only complaint and makes sure he gets a handful of her buttock in his hand to make his point. His lips are on her neck then, nipping at the delicate skin. „God, I gotta have you."

His hands come around to undo her pants and with the last of her clarity between the haze of arousal she manages to stop him.

„Not here," she pants, hindering his quick fingers. „B-bedroom." He might have kissed her close to senseless but something tells her that he can't screw her in the living room when Noah's in the next room and there is no door to lock. Call her paranoid but she does not want to be walked in on during sex. Ever.

„Fair enough," he growls and entangled and kissing he ushers them to her bedroom, locks the door, and backs her all the way up against the window sill where he wastes no time and gets back to where she has stopped him. Her pants come off as he kneels before her. The panties follow as he keeps his gaze planted on Olivia's sex, making no secret of what he wants.

It makes her heartbeat throb in her throat and her blood boil in her veins. He hasn't even touched her and she's already done for.

When both items of clothes are discarded he stands back up. Tom's gaze is fire and his mouth crashes onto Olivia's in a fierce kiss until she almost squeals from surprise as he lifts her up onto the window sill and within a second or two his face his buried between her amazing thighs, his tongue dragging slowly and teasingly through her already slick folds.

„Oh…F-fuck…"

Olivia's head jerks backwards and she hits her head on the window, hissing from what he is doing to her. He avoids her most sensitive spot intentionally but explores everything else, taking his time. Olivia's left leg locks around his head and her hand is in his hair.

He can't believe how intoxicating her sweet taste is to him. He laps at her with long leisure strokes of his tongue while his thumb starts to rub gentle circles at her entrance knowing how much it makes her ache for the penetration he is not yet willing to give. After all there is no rush tonight - not as long as he is out of here before Noah awakes in the morning.