Raphael had enough it was now Wednesday afternoon, and he was made to do some stupid team-building exercise with three other professors from other departments he would never meet again. The other three seemed to think this was the greatest thing ever. He wasn't trying to be a prick, but he wasn't one for Human knots or two truths one lie. He felt like he was in middle school. They were talking about insecurities, and he lied through his teeth at the three onlookers because he didn't want them to know him. The whole day was about meeting new people, and although he wanted to make friends, he didn't really care for Professor Lynn, who works in theoretical mathematics. He wasn't even sure what that was, and the man wanted to go on and on about it. For whatever reason, Professor Lynn clung to him like a lost puppy, and Raphael didn't want to be the new owner. As soon as they broke for lunch, Raphael took off walking the opposite of everyone else.
He went a long way around to the next building for NYU a History. He was exhausted and to be honest he knew he needed school spirt or what have you but he could care less about how the school came to be or the famous people who graduated from it. He didn't care that the mascot's look changed over the years. It was nothing of importance. The day drug on and Raphael Baraba was convinced it would never end.
He called and talked to Noah before a reception he was required to go to. He knew it would run late, but he didn't care. All he wanted was to go home to see Noah and Olivia and sleep in a comfortable bed. The apartment was better than he thought, but the furnished apartment had poor quality beds and appliances. He was looking at the clock every few minutes as his life depended on it counting down the time until he could sneak to Olivia.
Olivia had gotten home early that day. She sent Lucy home. Olivia wanted nothing more than to spend time with Noah, school was starting soon. Although neither one liked shopping too much, he needed school supplies and some new outfits, which Olivia was seriously thinking about having Raphael help with the clothing department. So they went to look at school supplies. Noah insisted on a Power Ranger everything, and Olivia complied until she saw the lunch box he wanted was $30 and pulled him to a cheaper option. After they got home, Noah complained he wasn't feeling well. Olivia found he had a slight fever. He wanted pizza, and Olivia indulged the little boy, but as soon as he was done eating, he went and laid down, falling asleep almost immediately.
Olivia looked at the time it was only 7:30. She began to clean up the kitchen and decided now was a good time for some reality tv. She was sitting on the couch when she heard a knock.
She was confused as to who it would be and secretly hoped it was Raphael, and he forgot he had a key, but she knew that wasn't his knock. She got up and looked through the peephole, shocked at who it was. She quickly opened the door.
"Brian?" Olivia asked.
He looked up. His eyes were red and puffy tears everwhere.
"Oh my god, Bri, what's wrong?" Olivia asked.
"My mom Liv, she's dead," Brian stated.
With his words, the air expelled from her lungs and it felt like a truck hit her. His mom was wonderful to her, and she knew how close Brian and his mother were. She closed the gap between the two and instantly hugged him. She walked him into the apartment and sat with him on the couch. He leaned into her for comfort, and she excepted him leaning, allowing him to lay his head on her chest.
"What happened?" Olivia asked.
"Heart attack," Brian claimed.
"I am sorry, Brian," Olivia stated, putting her hands through his hair, trying to comfort him.
"I'm sorry I just showed up at your doorstep," Brian stated.
"Don't be. We're friends, and I care about you. That's what friends do." Olivia stated.
"I know. I want to thank you, Liv, there aren't a lot of people I can turn too." Brian stated.
"You always have me," Olivia stated as she still stoked his hair, trying to calm him. His breath was still erratic, and new tears would flow from time to time.
Olivia had to admit that she and Brian were nowhere near best friends, but they stayed in touch and on occasion, would have a drink, but she hadn't seen him since before she and Raphael were together, but he knew they were seeing each other. Olivia knew Brian had been on a couple of dates and was doing good for himself.
"I already miss her, Liv," Brian said as yet another set of tears fell from his face.
Olivia had repositioned slightly, but still, most of Brian's weight was on her as she tried to get him to relax.
"When did this happen?"
"Yesterday morning," Brian admitted.
"Have you even slept?" Olivia asked.
"No," Brian admitted.
"Relax then," Olivia stated.
She rubbed his arms and stroked his cheeks, and he eventually relaxed and fell asleep against her. She sighed. She also felt a heavy heart with the lack of his mother. She was indeed a wonderful lady, and she would miss her too. She continued to rub Brian's arm more for her sake than his. She hadn't meant to fall asleep, but she really had nowhere to go and didn't dare try to turn on the TV. Brian needed rest. When Olivia heard the key jam into the lock, she slightly jumped and looked around. Brian was oblivious to the fact that in about 3 seconds, Raphael Barba was going to walk through that door and see them in what seemed to be very compromising was leaned back, and his head was using her chest as a pillow. Raphael walked through the door at precisely 9:30 pm. He noticed she wasn't in the kitchen and looked on the couch to see Brian Cassidy in her lap.
His mouth went dry; his heart began to race. He didn't know what to think. He looked at Olivia and studied her eyes. She looked semi guilty, but she wasn't rushing to move, and that made Raphael pause his thought process. Either she was ending it with him, or there was some explanation.
He waited for her to explain.
She looked at Raphael and simply whispered, "His mom died." she had new tears falling from her cheeks.
"Oh, Liv," Raphael stated.
He saw the exhausted look on Brians's face, and although he was by far not his favorite person, he knew that nothing happened. Brian was seeking comfort from someone else that knew his mother.
"Have you ate?" Raphael asked.
"Yeah, I don't know about him, though," Olivia claimed
"How long have you been asleep," Raphael asked.
"Only a few hours," Olivia stated.
"You think he'll wake up if I help you move him," Raphael asked.
"I don't know I don't want him to dart out of here." Olivia continued to whisper.
"Well, I am not sure I like his use of you as his pillow," Raphael smirked.
"I know this is extremely awkward for you, but you know we're just friends," Olivia stated.
"That doesn't mean I can't be jealous," Raphael stated.
"I know, but you have no reason," Olivia claimed.
"We'll talk later," Raphael stated.
But just as Raphael said that Brian, shifted. Olivia grabbed a pillow quickly and set it under his head, expertly getting out from under him and leaving him on the couch alone. Olivia pulled the blanket over him and snuggled into it. Olivia stood up, smoothed out her clothes, and launched herself into Raphael's arms.
"I've missed you," Olivia stated.
Raphael held her for a long time, missing the feel of her body. Relaxing at her touch, Raphael leaned on her. They held each other for a while. Then Olivia walked them back to her bedroom, slowly closing the door.
"I know that wasn't you expected to walk in on," Olivia stated.
"No, it's not, but I trust you, Liv. The worst part is knowing he knows you the same way I do." Raphael mentioned.
"He's very private, Rafa, and I'm one of the few people with who he has a close relationship with," Olivia commented.
"Do you still love him?" Raphael asked.
Olivia thought about it for a moment.
"I do love him, but not the same way I love you. There are no romantic feelings at all. I care deeply for him, and I want to be there for him, but I have no desire to kiss him hold him, I don't want him to be Noah's dad. I want him to come around and talk from time to time." Olivia explained.
Raphael nodded his head. He believed her. He could understand her feelings.
"What happened with mom?" Raphael asked.
"Heart attack," Olivia stated.
"Were you to close?" Raphael asked.
"No, but she was a wonderful lady. She and Brian were very close, and she was his voice of reason, so that concerns me for Brian's sake." Olivia explained.
"Why don't we get dressed for bed. Keep the door open so you can here if Noah or Brian wakes up, and I can get some decent sleep." Raphael stated.
"Sounds perfect," Olivia stated.
She went to kiss him hard and put her hands down his waist, about to put her hands under his pants.
"Liv, I don't need reassurance sex," Raphael stated.
"It's not," Olivia claimed
"I haven't slept since Sunday night. I don't have the energy." Raphael stated.
"Okay," Olivia stated.
They both got dressed for bed, Raphael opened the door. Olivia cuddled up next Raphael, and he instantly fell asleep. Olivia laid there for a minute, over-analyzing the last few hours of her life. She wasn't sure if Raphael was fine with Brian or just didn't want to put up a fight. If it had been the opposite way if he had some ex she knew of in his arms, she wasn't sure if she would give him time to explain. Just another thing to add to the list as to why she didn't deserve him, she guessed. She sighed She let Raphael go and turned over, pushing herself to the edge of the bed and wondering how on earth Raphael Barba ever said yes to her, to begin with. With all her baggage, how was he supposed to put up with Brian popping in or the fact she was attacked. How could Raphael even feel safe with her when half the time she didn't feel safe with herself, never knowing when the next William Lewis will come after her or Noah and now Raphael too. She wasn't sure she was worth it. Olivia closed her eyes tears streaming down her face, not sure about anything anymore, and fell asleep.
It was 5 am when Olivia heard movement. She could tell it was Noah, and he ran into the bedroom.
"Mommy, I'm awake," Noah said excitingly.
"Of course you are," Olivia mumbled.
"Are you still sleepy?" Olivia asked.
"No," Noah said and climbed in the bed, realizing that Raphael was in bed too.
"Dad?" Noah questioned.
"Yeah, sweetheart, your dad's here," Olivia stated. Noah excitingly jumped on the bed, waking up Raphael.
"Hey mijo, its a little early isn't it," Raphael asked as he scrubbed his face.
"I missed you," Noah stated as he laid on top of Raphael and hugged him.
Raphael would never get used to this. He loved the little boy more than words could express, and he hugged him back.
"I'm hungry," Noah stated.
Raphael laughed.
"Well, I guess that's my cue," Raphael stated.
Olivia was tired but knew she wouldn't get back to sleep.
She walked into the kitchen turning on the light, Brian was still wrapped in the blanket, his worry lines had smoothed, and she was glad the man could get some decent rest. Raphael looked through the fridge pulling out eggs and sausage.
"Why don't you get ready? I'll make breakfast. I need to be back before 8." Raphael stated.
"Okay," Olivia stated.
She went and showered quickly. She got dressed for the day. She wasn't sure how Brian was going to react to anything and wasn't sure what Raphael would say to the man when he awoke. Olivia was getting dressed, pulling out a pair of tan pants. A white shirt. That's when she heard Brian's voice.
"Liv?" Brian asked. Suddenly looking around the living room."
"She's getting ready for the day," Raphael said casually.
"Oh, I should get, listen, I'm sorry I shouldn't." Brian stood up quickly.
"You and Liv are friends, she told me about your mom. Not that I was the happiest coming home to find you laying on top of her last night, I understand that you two are close. So stay have breakfast talk to Liv." Raphael stated.
Olivia felt as that was her queue to make an appearance. She walked to the kitchen, kissed Raphael on the lips, and walked over to Brian.
"Hey, you okay?" Olivia asked.
"Better," Brian admitted.
"Daddy, are you staying home today?" Noah asked.
"Daddy?" Brian whispered.
"Yeah, it's new," Olivia admitted.
"Well, good for you." Brian smiled.
"You think so?" Olivia asked.
"I know so," Brian stated.
"Glad you're sure of it," Olivia stated.
Brian furrowed his brow, but Raphael stated breakfast was made.
Raphael looked at the time it was nearing at 6 am.
"I need to get ready if I am going to make it back to that stupid apartment before I am missed," Raphael stated.
Olivia rubbed his back.
"Just one and a half days," Olivia stated.
"I know. Friday, why don't you and Noah come over. Can you take a ½ day?" Raphael asked.
"I'll see what I can do," Olivia stated.
Raphael turned to the bedroom to get ready.
"Noah Lucy will be here in about an hour and a half. Brush your teeth and get dressed. Maybe play with your legos for a little bit." Olivia instructed.
"Okay, mommy, can Brian come to play with me?" Noah asked.
"Maybe in a little bit," Olivia claimed.
As soon as Noah was out of earshot, Brian asked Olivia a question
"Liv, are you having issues with Raphael?" Brian asked.
"No, I'm sorry, Brian, I just you know me over-analyzing everything," Olivia claimed.
"I know, and you need to stop. He is good for you and Noah." Brian claimed.
"I know that, but am I good for him?" Olivia asked.
"Liv, please, anyone would be lucky to have you," Brian said.
"Like you?" Olivia said, cooly.
"Liv don't! You know why we didn't work. You wanted a baby. You wanted someone who could be a dad, and I couldn't, and I can't. You deserve to be with someone who can. If it were the other way around right now me walking in on Raphael in your lap last night, he would be dead. You have a good man Liv. If you love him, you can't just make some shitty excuse that you're not good enough." Brian explained.
"You shouldn't be worrying about me right now, Bri." Olvia started.
"Then don't give me a reason," Brian stated.
"Fine. I'm worth it." She stated.
"Now, say it like you mean it," Brian stated.
Olivia looked at him for a minute.
"I deserve Raphael Barba." She started slowly trying to make herself believe the words coming out of her lips.
"The funeral is on Saturday, Liv. I would appreciate it if you can be there," Brian stated.
"Yeah, of course," Olivia stated and hugged Brian.
"Well, I better go play Lego's before he hates me," Brian stated.
"He won't hate you, and you don't have too. He needs to learn not all company is coming over to play with him," Olivia stated.
"No, it will keep my mind off things for just a few minutes." Brian smiled and walked into Noah's room and helped him build a tower.
Olivia sighed.
Raphael walked out of her room. He was fully dressed in a three-piece suit, and she forgot how much it turned her on, and her stomach flipped at his color coordination. She pulled him in and kissed him hard. She was putting her hands under his jacket, wanting nothing more to pull the buttoned-up shirt out from his pants.
"Liv, no time," Raphael stated.
"Then come back tonight," Olivia asked.
"Hmm, you have a good point," Raphael stated and kissed her neck, causing her to moan slightly and blush.
"Tonight Liv, I'm going to say bye to Noah." Olivia just nodded.
Raphael walked into Noah's room watching Brian fumbling around with the legos looking entirely out of his element but trying with the little boy.
"Daddy, come play legos with Brian and me." Raphael felt crushed.
"I would love to mijo, but I need to go to work. I'll be back tonight, though. We can play whatever you want." Raphael stated.
"Please don't go," Noah asked and came and hugged him.
"I'll be back tonight. You play with Brian, and I will be here tonight, okay."
"Okay, I love you," Noah stated.
'I love you too." Raphael claimed.
"Brian, if you need anything, don't hesitate," Raphael stated.
"You know you're good for them," Brian stated.
"Thanks," Raphael said, surprised. Brian would say something like that.
"Don't let her push you away," Brian stated.
Raphael was confused but assumed that Olivia had opened up to him about something.
"I'll keep that in mind," Raphael stated.
"I asked Liv to come to the funeral on Saturday," Brian claimed.
"She'll be there. I'll see you around." Raphael stated and walked out the door.
Brian continued to play with the little boy, and Olivia came and joined in until there was a knock at the door.
Brian took it has his queue to leave. He had seen Lucy, which he had seen once before.
"I'll let myself out," Brian claimed.
"Yeah, okay, I will see you Saturday, and if you need anything help with anything, it's a lot, and I know its hard, so I will do whatever I can for you," Olivia stated. She went and hugged the man and told him goodbye.
Lucy looked at Olivia's confusion in her eyes.
"He is here awfully early," Lucy claimed.
"It's not what you think. His mom died the other night. He came over last night. He slept on the couch. Raphael came home last night." Olivia stated.
"And if he wouldn't have come home last night," Lucy asked.
"Lucy!" Olivia yelled.
"I just don't want you, or Raphael hurt," Lucy admitted.
"Nothing would have happened. I care for Brian I do but nothing like Raphael." Olivia stated.
"That's all I wanted to hear," Lucy stated.
"So Noah's up early," Lucy stated.
"Yeah, he wasn't feeling well last night and went to sleep early.
"I'll keep that in mind," Lucy stated.
"Well, I am going in slightly early since you're here, and I don't know who will be home first. Raphael is over it with his orientation so.." Olivia stated.
"Alright, have a good day," Lucy stated.
Olivia walked into yet another busy day. She was, of course, behind as always. She remembered when there were four detectives herself included, and it felt never-ending, but with one less, it seemed even more daunting. She wished for a number 4 more than anything, but Dodds told her it wouldn't happen. So she sucked it up and tried her best to get things done on time. When things were late or, a case was stalled. She blamed it on the fact that they have never gotten a new detective. She was going through paperwork and talking, answering emails from other districts needing help in a way or another. She forgot all about Trevor Langan coming in that day. When he knocked on her door, she was surprised.
"Is now a good time?" Trevor asked.
"Uh good as any," Olivia stated.
"So, as Noah's attorney, I would like to know what I am doing here," Trevor asked.
"Yeah, about that. I was hoping you could draw up adoption paperwork." Olivia stated.
"For who?" Trevor asked.
"For Noah," Olivia stated.
Trevor gave her an odd look. He had no idea about the development in her relationship and was confused as to who would be adopting him.
"I understand that Olivia but whose adopting him, I mean," Trevor asked.
"Raphael Barba," Olivia stated.
"ADA BABY KILLER BARBA." He screamed.
"Don't even start," Olivia warned.
"Liv, you can't be serious," Trevor stated.
"I am, so are you going to draw up the paperwork, or am I getting Noah a new lawyer?" Olivia asked.
"If I may be so bold, what the hell are you thinking?" Trevor asked.
"I am thinking that Raphael Barba cares about Noah more than he does himself. He is hopelessly devoted to the boy, and Noah already calls him dad." Olivia explained.
"When did this happen, since when has Raphael Barba been involved with him," Trevor asked.
"On and off his whole life, but for the last 3ish months, we've been in a relationship, and he has been there for Noah more than I have, at least it feels that way," Oliva claimed.
"Listen, Liv, I know you've known the man for the last 6-7 years, but are you sure that for the next 11 years of this boy's life, you want him to have a say in everything about his life," Trevor asked.
"Not in particular, but I know he won't leave Noah, even if he leaves me," Olivia stated.
"Listen, Liv. He's your kid. I know you have a right but a full adoptive parent. Why not name him a legal guardian. It will get done quicker. He will basically have rights for the school medical accidents all the important stuff, but if something bad happens, and he's not the man you think he is, he wouldn't get visitation." Trevor stated.
"No, you and I both know that Raphael would see right through that. He is Noah's dad, and I want it legally binding." Olivia stated.
"You know it has to go through a judge," Trevor stated.
"Your point," Olivia asked.
"Listen, Liv, it did him no favors leaving the DA's office. Even though he was found not guilty doesn't mean that a judge isn't going to look down on this. You and I both know he is a good guy. Hell, he has tried so many cases to get justice for a whole lot of people, but I can't tell you that this is going to be easy." Trevor admitted.
"Nothing ever is," Olivia admitted.
"I know, I'm sorry. I will work on the paperwork. You and he will have to sign it. Maybe find a lawyer to represent him. I know its not usual, but it will give him better chances." Trevor stated.
"Yeah, of course. You'll let me know when the paperwork is ready?" Olivia asked.
"Of course," Trevor stated and turned out of the office.
Fin had seen Trevor walk in and heard the yelling.
"Everything okay, Liv?" Fin asked as he walked through the door.
"I don't know," Olivia admitted. The past 24 hours had taken a toll, and her brain was all over the place. She wanted nothing more to forget about the recent events in her life and trudge forward. Right now, her mind was everywhere and nowhere all at once.
"I could use a good lunch. Join me?" Fin asked.
"Yeah, Fin, that sounds wonderful," Olivia admitted.
The two of them went to the Deli around the block. Olivia ordered roast beef, and Fin got a turkey on rye. The 2 of them sat in silence for a long time.
"Liv, what's going on?" Fin asked.
"I don't even know where to start," Olivia admitted.
"From the beginning." Fin stated.
"So Raphael has been at orientation all week they have been making him stay at NYU. I finally gave him my key." Olivia stated.
"You regret it?" Fin asked.
"No, it's just he was supposed to be there the whole week, but he said he didn't know if staying in some crummy apartment all week would work out, and he would try to sneak back to mine sometime in the week. Of course, the night he comes in, Brian is asleep on my lap on the couch." Olivia stated.
'You're cheating on Barba with Cassidy?" Fin asked.
"No! Of course not, his mom died. You know how Brian is he doesn't let a lot of people get close. We still talk, we're still friends. He knows about Raphael and me. He was just so broken. He fell asleep, and I wasn't waking him up." Olivia explained.
"Of course, Raphael was perfectly okay with the situation once I explained it," Olivia claims.
"And that bothers you?" Fin asked.
"I'm crazy if I say yes," Olivia asked.
Fin looked at her for a second.
"You wanted him to kick Cassidy out of your apartment, didn't you." Fin smiled.
"No, but I don't know it didn't seem to shock him that he was there," Olivia stated.
"Because he trusts you, Liv. It's not like he didn't question it. You know you would be pissed at him if he did something stupid, even if it was to Cassidy." Fin explained.
Olivia opened her mouth only to close it and opened it again, not able to form words.
"Listen, Liv, I get it, but you know if he would have lashed out, you would be pissed, and right now, you're pissed, so there was nothing Barba could have done that would have made you happy. You can't blame him for that." Fin stated.
"I know. I just wish I didn't feel this way." Olivia stated.
"Did you talk to him about all this," Fin asked.
"I mean sort of I mean I know , he knows nothing happened, and he was really nice to Brian yesterday. Brian was really nice to me yesterday. I guess I don't know he caught me off guard. I don't have feelings for Brian anymore, but we're friends, and he told me I deserve to be with Raphael." Olivia claimed.
"Was he serious, or was he sarcastic?" Fin asked.
"No, he was serious," Olivia stated.
"You're mad that he's over you." Fin stated.
"I am not," Olivia claimed.
"Liv, he hurt you, and just because your friends it doesn't mean you don't want him to hurt like he hurt you." Fin stated.
Olivia didn't say another word, and Fin dropped it.
"None of this explains why Lagen was in your office this morning." Fin mentioned.
"Well, I wasn't going to say anything until it all gets worked out, but Raphael wants to adopt Noah," Olivia stated.
"Liv, that's great. I know he loves Noah, he admitted that before he ever admitted his feelings for you." Fin stated.
"I know, and that's why I agreed to it. Noah has been calling him dad. I want to make it legal, but Trevor thinks it might be difficult considering Raphael's case and suggested he get a lawyer." Olivia explained.
"It will work out, Liv." Fin assured.
Olivia and Fin walked back to the precinct. Olivia felt a little bit better about her life at the moment. She walked in looking at her desk the paperwork piled taller than she remembered. She sighed and got to work, filling out more forms and getting information on the latest case. Mom allowed her 14-year-old daughter to have a 22-year-old boyfriend. He was living in the house until police went and arrested him on a separate charge for assault. The sun was setting, and so was Olivia's patients at the office. She headed home for the day, desperate to see Noah and Raphael.
Olivia got home first Raphael stated that they were having dinner, and he would be about another hour. Apparently, the roommates he had in the apartment never noticed he was gone because they didn't stay the night either.
Olivia got back home and decided to order Chinese.
"So, you and James have any plans for the weekend?" Olivia asked.
"No, I don't think so, maybe just a quiet weekend in," Lucy stated.
"That sounds nice, take it when you can get it, with classes starting soon. I know you'll have a lot to study for," Olivia stated.
"Yeah, I hope his mom doesn't dump Analise on us. I love that little girl, but..." Lucy stated.
"I know, she's not yours, though. Imagine her in your life 24/7." Olivia laughed.
"I know. I'll see you later, Liv." Lucy stated as she left the apartment.
Raphael walked through the door at 7 pm. Olivia and Noah were curled on the couch, watching some cartoons.
"What's this?" Raphael asked.
"The Lion King!" Noah stated.
"Oh!" Raphael replied.
"It just started. It's another one of Noah's favorites." Olivia stated.
"Ever seen it?" Olivia asked.
"No," Raphael stated.
Olivia passed the tissue box.
Raphael lifted his brows.
"No matter how many times, I can't make it through," Olivia claimed.
Raphael watched in horror as the child's movie depicts the murder of Mufasa by his brother, only for his brother to then, in turn, blame baby Simba. He was denying the water that was pooling at the bottom of his eyes. He refused to cry over some dumb cartoon. He looked over at Olivia, who had tear streaks running down her face. She looked back at him.
"Told you," Olivia stated.
Raphael tried to comfort her, but Noah was between them, and he wasn't having it. The movie ended, and Olivia told Noah it was time for bed. He went and brushed his teeth and insisted that both adults come to read him a bedtime story.
Raphael and Olivia closed Noah's bedroom door.
"So, how was your day?" Olivia asked.
"Beter than yesterday, that's for sure. Today was back to the Law school for a meet and greet with all the other professors. It went well." Raphael stated.
"Good. I'm glad I talked to Trevor today about adoption paperwork." Olivia stated.
"And," Raphael asked.
"He suggested you get a lawyer," Olivia claimed.
"I'm sorry, what?" Raphael stated.
"Listen, he said it was out of precaution," Olivia stated.
"Yeah, I am sure Baby Killer ADA doesn't look good on adoption paperwork," Raphael stated.
"Hey! Don't talk like that! You're a good dad." Raphael.
Raphael stormed to the back bedroom, wishing he could lock Olivia out of her room, but he wouldn't do that to her.
"Rafa, please. Everyone is on your side." Olivia stated.
"Trevor says that?" Raphael asked.
"Not those exact words, but he said if I trusted you, he trusted you," Olivia stated.
"Great," Raphael stated.
"Hey, don't worry about it now, if it doesn't happen, we'll talk about it then," Olivia stated.
"If it doesn't happen, then I am not Noah's dad," Raphael stated.
"Raphael, that is not true, not one bit. You are his dad already. That piece of paper doesn't change how you feel about him or how he feels about you." Olivia stated.
"I know, but," Raphael stated.
"No, what-ifs. Whatever happens, we've got this." Olivia stated.
Raphael smiled at her. She kissed him. She wanted to take his mind off everything, and if touching him all over and allowing him to bury himself into her would make him feel better, she was going to let him. She needed it as much as he did. When they finished, and he held her close, she knew she all the fears from the day before were stupid. She knew that she would never want to leave his arms. She was kind enough because he was good enough. They could do this, she thought as she drifted to sleep.