NOTES: Almost at the end my friends. Just two more chapters after this.

Now let's see, what has this chapter got? Vulnerable Liv, protective Barba? Check. Angst and comfort? Check. Showering...? Hell yes. This was fun to write. Lemme know how you guys like it.

Sleep was tugging at his eyelids but Rafael could only stare down at Olivia's sleeping form, eyes stinging with tears, a lump of emotion in his throat. He had never before been filled with such raw relief and gratitude. The fear that had been haunting him ever since he'd heard she was missing, it seemed, had finally, finally, melted away.

As his hand absentmindedly fiddled with a lock of her hair, Olivia let out a small sigh and shifted in her sleep. He once again reminded himself that he should do the same, try to sleep, but if he was being honest with himself that just seemed impossible. How could he sleep when her head was tucked into the crook of his arm like this? How could he sleep when every rise and fall of her chest quelled the fear that he would wake up and find her gone? Every second with her was precious now. To be here with her... Nothing could compare.

"Don't." Olivia's face crumpled and her body jerked. "Don't, no. Stop."

Rafael's heart clenched. He couldn't risk touching her but maybe...

"Olivia?"

She jolted but didn't wake.

"It's okay Liv."

She gasped, shooting straight up. She turned to see him and flinched before recognition flooded her face. "Rafa?" Embarrassment began to color her cheeks.

"Sorry to wake you, it's been four hours," Rafael fibbed, hoping to relieve her of her embarrassment. "Go back to sleep."

Her voice was thick with sleep but he could hear her relief. "Oh. Okay." She sucked in a deep breath and laid back down before turning to him. "Can I...?" she gestured at his shoulder.

"Of course cariño," he said with a small smile, "Lay all over me if you want."

She buried her face in his neck. Her voice was muffled, "You wish, Barba."

He chuckled softly. "Oh shush," he whispered, planting a kiss on the top of her head, "Ya duérmete, cariño." Go to sleep.

"Mhmm..." she hummed softly. "G'night Rafa."

"Goodnight Liv."

Olivia woke up to the smell of coffee in the air and the feeling of tears on her cheeks. Her skin was crawling. She rolled over onto her back with a groan, blinking up at the ceiling, defeated. As she wiped at her cheeks, a lump in her throat, she sucked in a shaky breath in an attempt to shake off the lingering dread. But that was hard when his words were still echoing in her head.

"Take off your clothes."

She shuddered, bringing her hands to cover her eyes. Don't think about that. Jones grinned down at her in her mind's eye as Olivia dragged her hands down her face and frantically shook her head. Her head throbbed from the sudden movement but the pain successfully cleared away the fogginess of sleep, cleared away his taunting face. Now fully awake, Olivia pushed up onto her elbows and her eyes scanned her bedroom.

Rafael, unsurprisingly, wasn't there. Besides the smell of coffee, she had vaguely registered the lack of warmth next to her right away, and the muffled sounds from the kitchen soon after that.

Speaking of. A particularly loud clatter stole her attention, and her head turned to look at the door to her left. What the—?

She swung her legs over the side of her bed and slipped her feet into her slippers. Before she stood she was careful to grab a hold of her bedside table; she hadn't forgotten the other day when she'd stood up too fast and dropped to the hospital floor. She still had the bruise on her hip. She steeled herself and stood. To her relief, the ground beneath her didn't sway; she let out a sigh, smiling. Progress.

After a quick detour to her closet, Olivia headed towards the kitchen, wrapping her cardigan around her body. "Rafael?" she called out as she opened the bedroom door. "Is everything alright?"

As she rounded the corner, she was surprised to find him standing immobile at the counter. When he looked up, she couldn't help but smile at his expression before he looked back down. He was currently staring down at her kitchen counter with a truly scandalized face. He had apparently pulled everything out from her fridge. "Everything" being half a quart of milk, some ketchup, a single cup of yogurt, and an entire jar of pickles.

"Good morning?" she asked heading towards the coffee maker.

"You barely have any food here, you know that right?" he said without hesitation.

She smirked, "Morning to you too." When he stared at her, her face split into a grin. "Pickle?" she offered.

"I'll pass," he said, rolling his eyes, "Why? Is that what you usually have for breakfast, Detective?"

"I usually grab something on the way into work," she shrugged, grabbing a mug from her cabinet. "I hate cooking." When he continued to look put off she frowned. "What's the issue, Rafa? We can just order in."

He pouted, "I wanted to make you breakfast."

Warmth bloomed in her chest and her lips curled into a shy smile. "Oh."

"Tomorrow," he said with an affectionate smile. "How did you sleep?"

Her smile faded as she shrugged, "When you weren't waking me up?" she said in an attempt to keep the conversation light as she busied herself with pouring coffee, "Could've been worse."

He nodded slowly having sensed the change in her mood. After a pause, he spoke, "How about that breakfast, huh? What do you want? I have to drop by my apartment quick anyways, I can pick something up on the way back."

"You don't have to do that," she said automatically.

"Liv," he said, shooting her a look, not unkindly, "It's not a big deal."

She stared him down, unable to maintain a straight face as he raised an eyebrow with an exaggerated expression of feigned sternness. "Fine, fine," she acquiesced, "I'll take a bagel."

"Thank you," he said sincerely, "Come here." He held his arms out to her and she moved immediately, setting her mug down and crossing the kitchen to melt into his embrace. She sucked in a deep breath, reveling in the comforting warmth and the security his strong arms brought her. His hand ran up and down her back slowly before he pulled back to place a kiss on her forehead. His voice was rough with emotion when he spoke. "Do you want to come with me?"

She grimaced, remembering how her head had spun in the car the day previously. "I think I'll stay," she said, "My head and all."

"Okay then," he smiled down at her fondly. "I won't be gone long then." Olivia nodded, about to pull back when he remembered something. "Wait, before I go," he said on second thought, "Do you have any appointments today?"

She shook her head. "I need to make a few though," she paused, frowning. "The department wants me to see a shrink," she confessed.

Rafael nodded slowly, "And you? Is that something you want?"

She breathed in heavily through her nose, her eyes closing briefly. "Not necessarily. But I think I'll need it." Rafael said nothing but reached forward to grab her hand. She smiled softly as she squeezed it, rubbing at her eyes as she prepared herself to tell him more. "Not many people know this, but I was assaulted on the job a few years back. I, uh, I didn't really tell anyone about it. No one knows really knows the details besides Fin, and that was only because I had to tell him," she explained. She looked up to see Rafael listening intently, waiting for her to continue. There was no judgment in his gaze. "I think it made things a lot harder. Not talking about it." Her face grew determined. "I won't make that mistake again. I want to heal, Rafa, to move past this."

"If anyone can, it'd be you," Rafael said seriously, cocking his head to look her in the eyes, "And I'll be here for you every step of the way."

"I know," she said softly, "I know."

It was only after Olivia's reassurances that she'd be okay with waiting a little for breakfast—"I do have a whole jar of pickles Rafael," she'd said with a smirk—that Barba agreed to take some extra time to gather everything he needed from his apartment. It was looking like the doctors would want someone to monitor her for at least a week or two anyway, she'd argued, so it only made sense that he'd take the time to get everything he needed now rather than rushing back here only to have to go back in a day or two. He couldn't dispute her logic and gave in without much of a fuss, already making mental notes of what to grab as he gathered his things.

As Rafael shrugged his coat on, she opened the door for him and felt an unexpected rush of sadness that brought a lump to her throat. She frowned. What was the matter with her? He wouldn't even be gone long. She shook off the feeling as Barba pushed back against the door and paused to look over at her.

"Hey… Take things easy okay?" he asked leaning forward to kiss her cheek.

"I'll be sure to run a marathon," she promised with a smirk, the humor not quite reaching her eyes as he rolled his at her, "Joking. I'll be careful."

"Thank you. I'll see you soon cariño," he said, stepping through the doorway.

"Bye Rafa."

And the door swung shut.

Olivia sighed deeply and turned around to face her empty apartment, leaning with her back against the door. Everything was so quiet. So still. It hit her all the more at that moment how much this didn't seem real. That she was back. A little worse for the wear, albeit, but alive. But it was real. She ran her hands through her hair and pushed off the door, making her way over to her couch. She was so exhausted all of a sudden; she sank into the cushions leaning her head back until—

She yelped, jumping to her feet as a loud thunk from the kitchen sounded out through the apartment, setting her heart racing. Her eyes were wide, her senses heightened as she made her way cautiously forwards, fighting her dizziness. A small part of her was whispering at her, telling her she was fine, that it was nothing but the pounding in her ears said otherwise, demanding that she check. She had to know. Her body jolted as the sound came again. Wait. No. No way. She knew that sound. She couldn't even register her relief over the biting, burning, shameful fury. It was her fucking ice machine.

She stalked towards her fridge on the verge of tears, her emotions swirling in her chest, and yanked the door open. Without a second thought, she grabbed the ice tray and smashed it onto the ground sending ice flying as she let out a scream of misery and sunk to the floor clutching her head. She hadn't even touched the ground before her body began to heave, wracked with gut-wrenching sobs that had her bending over, her lungs screaming for air. Miraculously she avoided smacking her head against anything as she slid onto the cold tile floor. And there she stayed, not even moving when the door opened more than an hour later, not evening moving when Rafael called out to her.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

Olivia didn't look up from her position on the floor. "No." A pause. "Later."

"Okay."

His voice was kind. Comforting. Olivia looked up at him and caved. "I thought... The ice machine... It made a noise." Her face crumpled and she swiped at her runny nose. "I-I thought it—"

Rafael crouched down, concern all over his face, "I know."

She couldn't look at him. "I'm sorry," she said, her voice small.

He shook his head, "Don't apologize."

"Okay." She sucked in a shaky breath and squared her shoulders. As she struggled to stand, Rafael backed off and stood, looking uncertain.

"Do... Do you want help?"

"No, I can do this." She gritted her teeth, grabbed the edge of the counter, and yanked herself up. Before he could say anything, she began to rummage through the bags on the counter. "Did you get my bagel, Barba?"

His lips twitched into a half-smile, "I got it right here." He gestured at a brown bag on the countertop and she snatched it.

"Thanks." She was looking everywhere but at him as if searching for a distraction from the vulnerability she'd just displayed, "What's all this?"

"I got some groceries," he replied, picking up on her need to gloss over this for now. "I still have some of my things in the car... I can get them now? Or later?"

Olivia felt a sudden rush of affection at his thoughtfulness. He was giving her a chance to pull herself together. "Now's fine. I think I'm going to shower. Feel free to stick whatever clothes you have in my closet if you want."

"Okay, Liv."

As he went to move towards the door, she reached out and grabbed his hand. "Rafa?"

"Yes?"

"Join me. When you get back?" She looked cautious, hopeful. "I just—I want you close to me."

He pulled her into a hug. "I'd love nothing more."

Olivia hissed and twisted out of the way of the hot water as she stepped into her shower, turning the knob frantically as she swore.

Still cursing softly, she stuck one hand into the spray as the other wrapped protectively around her shivering body. She felt like she'd been slapped awake. She'd been out of it, floating a little as she undressed but the unexpected heat had quickly snapped her back to earth. Eventually satisfied with the temperature, she stepped under the water and let it wash over her as the tension melted from her shoulders. She closed her eyes and tipped her head up to let the water hit her face; the warm and gentle pressure of the water on her eyelids combined with the way her hair grew heavier and warm seemed to wash away her problems, her shitty day. Her day... Ha. It was what twelve o'clock? One at the latest? Her day wasn't even close to over yet.

As she wiped at the water in her eyes, a small knock broke over the sound of running water. "Liv?"

"Come in."

"Okay." He pushed the door open slowly, peeking his head through the door.

She rolled her eyes. "Come IN. Here. With me." She paused. "Please?"

That was all he needed to hear. He opened the door and stepped in, already unbuttoning his shirt. Olivia stepped aside as he climbed in moments later, watching the water flatten his hair and pour down his body before she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him. "Thank you," she whispered.

He kissed the top of her head, "Always."

They stayed that way under the water relishing the intimacy of each other's skin until Olivia finally stepped back to grab her shampoo. Rafael beat her to it. "May I?" he asked.

She simply nodded in response and turned around as he began to lather his hands. "Could you lean your head back?" he whispered softly. As she did, sighing quietly, he began to slowly run his fingers through her wet hair. She let out a content groan as he gently massaged her scalp, a delicious shiver running up her spine. As the sweet smell of her shampoo washed over them, Rafael tried to place the scent to no avail. It wasn't floral, it wasn't fruity, it was just... Olivia. "Rinse now?" he asked after a moment. She hummed her agreement and he stepped aside to allow the water that had been hitting the back of his neck to wash over her shoulders. Sighing once more, Olivia stepped back under the water allowing the soap to run out of her hair. When her eyes fluttered open, they met his. He looked at her questioningly and she nodded. He drew closer until they were almost toe-to-toe and brought his hands up to cup her face.

When he kissed her this time, it felt like he was drinking her in, starved for her. It was as if he were drowning and she, well, she was his lifeboat. His lips were soft but intense, his hands slipping into her hair gentle yet insistent. She felt wanted. She felt loved.

When she kissed him back, her hands drawing them closer, it felt as if she'd broken free, as if she'd let go of all restraint, as if she trusted him. Her tongue slid into his mouth hot and persistent, meeting his and he responded with equal vigor. He felt trusted. He felt loved.

As she pressed her body against his, Rafael groaned and Olivia gasped sharply at the feel of his hard cock against her hip. Their eyes snapped open and locked; the heat in his gaze was matched in her eyes. He let out a groan as she palmed him in her hand and pushed him against the wall, water cascading down her shoulders.

"I want you, Rafael."

Her words were his undoing. He ran his hands up her sides, bringing his hands up to cup her breasts and she threw her head back, giving him the access he needed to suck softly on her neck as he ran his thumbs over her sensitive nipples. As quickly as they'd come, goosebumps broke out across her skin when his hands disappeared. He kissed his way up her neck and swallowed her groan of annoyance and pleasure as he kissed her once more.

"Liv..." he breathed, "Liv, I—"

"Shh," she cut him off with a scorching kiss and he growled.

"Liv please," he whispered, his voice rough, "Not in here. I don't want to fall."

She let out a whine, "Ugh, fine."

Liv turned the knob shutting the water off and rung her hair out. She ran her eyes up and down his body, biting her lip, and his eyes narrowed as she smirked and leaned out to grab a towel. She toweled herself off quickly and effectively before chucking it at him. He caught it with a laugh and began to dry himself as she climbed out slowly.

Her hair was still dripping when he climbed out after her so she grabbed a second towel and attacked her hair as he watched with amusement. "What are you looking at?" she asked smirking.

"You."

Olivia blushed. As she turned to head into the bedroom he grabbed her hand. "Liv. Are you sure about this?"

She turned back to look at him, bristling. Her annoyance faded as soon as she looked him in the eye. There was no pity in his gaze. Nothing but concern and... and love. She nodded slowly and stepped close. "I am, Rafael."

His eyes were warm as he slipped his hand into her wet hair, caressing the back of her head and tilting her head up to kiss her softly. She sank into the feeling, absentmindedly running her fingers up his spine causing him to shiver. She broke away, cheeks pink, and pushed the door behind her open. He followed her eagerly as she made her way over to the bed, meeting her as she paused to continue their kiss, to run her hands through his hair this time. He couldn't help the little moan that escaped his lips as her nails scraped against his scalp and she pulled on his hair. She smiled against his lips at the noise.

"Mmm cariño, do that again," he sighed.

She laughed and ran her fingers through his hair once more before falling gently back onto the bed, dragging him with her. They landed on their sides, facing each other, and paused, just taking in each other's expressions, their flushed cheeks, their eyes both lit up and filled with emotion.

"What did I do to deserve you?" he asked softly as he pulled her close. Olivia said nothing instead rolling them so that her body was draped over him, her thigh resting between his legs, her head resting against his chest. A sweet but significant silence fell as they laid there together, Olivia listening to his heartbeat, Rafael breathing her scent in. Everything was perfect.

It was later that afternoon, when the tension had grown to be too much, when they finally moved. When they did, they did so slowly, savoring every touch, every moan as he moved inside her languidly. When she finally came, it was with his name on her lips and her hands in his hair as he drew out her pleasure for as long as he could until he could take it no more and he too came with a cry. They ended up in each other's arms once more, whispering to each other all words but I love you.