Don't worry, I am working on the sequel to NOT EVERYTHING DONE IN THE DARK IS SHAMEFUL.

It was 7PM on Monday as Barba approached his apartment.. I'm finally home, he thought to himself as he opened the door.. When he first acquired this apartment, he wondered if it was too spacious for his workaholic- bachelor lifestyle Now, a 3 bedroom apartment with a pull-out couch provided just enough room. He stepped inside, and quickly locked the door behind him. It was eerily quiet. "Olivia." He called "Oliva, he yelled louder when there was no answer. "Liv." He was now walking quickly to the bedroom he considered hers, He made it inside the room, but Olivia was not there. He stepped out, and walked toward the bathroom, the door was opened and no one was inside. "Mami! He yelled hearing the panic in his own voice. He was flooded with relief, a second later when he heard a key in the door. He ran toward the sound. "Mami." He repeated as his mother walked through the door.

"Rafi,' Lucia replied, seeing the worry all over his face. She closed and locked the door quickly. She began to walk to her son.

"Mami where's Liv? When was the last time you saw her?" The questions spilled from his lips so rapidly that there was no time to answer. "I have to find her! Cell phone, I can call her cell phone." He continued without taking a breath.

Lucia stepped directly in front of her panicking son, and grabbed him by the arm. "Rafi, calm down. Olivia went to the doctor. She's safe!"

"Doctor? What doctor? What happened?" He continued frantically.

Lucia looked into her son's green eyes and spoke slowly. "Breathe Rafi. Remember, Olivia was recently released from the hospital."

"I know that Mami, I can't forget it."

"I understand that." She continued slowly and calmly. "Dr. Wilder called. She asked Olivia to come in to see her. It's normal for a doctor to see a patient days after a hospital release. Dr. Wilder just wants to check on her."

"It's a little late for a doctor's appointment."

"Dr. Wilder had a lot of rounds today, she asked Olivia to come in at 6:30. Tutuola picked her up." Lucia saw her son take a breath in and out, as he was flooded with what he knew was temporary relief. He walked slowly to the couch, and sat down. Lucia quickly sat down next to him, and waited for him to speak.

"Fin would never let anything happen to her." Rafael whispered, a minute later. "I could have gone with her. He continued loudly.

"Olivia knew you were in court today. She paused before continuing. "Rafi I know you're worried. but she's doing a lot better. Her appetite is back. I have to make more soup. she ate 3 bowls today." Lucia rose from the couch, and walked into the kitchen. Rafael followed. He watched as his mother grabbed a soup pot. He grabbed all the ingredients.

"She needs more than chicken soup Mami."

"She has you."

"Mami!" He said, rolling his green eyes.

"What? You don't think that has anything to do with her recovery? It does, and she knows it."

"Relax Mami. I'll make the soup."

"No, I want to, you have plenty of time to cook for her." Rafael burst out laughing. "That beautiful woman loves you." Lucia said firmly.

"Mami!"

"You don't think I have eyes? Lucia continued. "Every night since she's been here, she has fallen asleep on the couch in your arms. You give her comfort Rafi. you give her stability, you're her rock. I thought you were done hiding from your feelings."

"I'm not hiding Mami." He watched his mother prepare the soup for a long moment before continuing in a strong, determined courtroom voice." You say I'm Olivia's rock, she's mine, I almost lost her! I know Olivia. Mami I know what I'm doing."

"You can take care of her without me Rafi. I think having me here now makes her uncomfortable."

"Did she say that?"

"No."

"Then please stay. I don't want her alone, and I have to be in court during the day. She wou;d be furious with me if I didn't do my job. After this trial, I'll take some time off to be with her."

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A mixture of thoughts and emotions flooded Olivia as she sat silently in a hospital exam room. I shouldn't have called Fin to pick me up. I should have come here myself. I wish Rafa was here. She thought to herself.

Olivia, are you ok? Dr. Wilder asked.

"Yes," Olivia answered, her voice cracking.

"Do you need some water?"

Olivia cleared her throat. "No" She said in her normal voice.

"Ok." Dr. Wilder replied, stepping back from the exam table to give Olivia space. "Well you're healing beautifully. Except for your injuries which are temporary, you're in excellent physical health,"

"If I hadn't had this dam flu, I wouldn't have these injuries, Olivia whispered.

"Are you eating?"

"Yes,"

"Good. Are you sleeping?"

"Yes."

"I'm glad. Did you get the flu shot this year?"

"No. I should have. My son had a playdate with a friend. He came home. and not that long after he had a fever. I guess I got it from him."

"Well, be careful, stay hydrated". Dr. Wilder paused for a second before she spoke again. "Olivia, you should talk."

Olivia held her right hand up. "Dr. Wilder, I appreciate your concern. You have nothing to worry about, I'm really fine, and I have a shrink."

"You have been fever free since I released you?" Dr. Wilder continued.

"Yes." Olivia confirmed.

"How are things at Mr, Barba's?"

Olivia was silent for a long moment as visions of Rafael Barba flashed in her mind like a slideshow "Good.". She replied, hoping Dr. Wilder didn't push for a more detailed answer.

"Good," Dr. Wilder said with a smile. She suddenly felt guilty for asking what appeared moments ago to be a simple question, but now seemed deeply personal. "I didn't mean to pry."

"It's fine." Olivia answered quickly.

"Well, you're done here. Keep icing the injuries, and if you need anything, give me a call."

"Thank-you Dr. Wilder." Olivia replied, she made it down from the exam table before the young doctor had a chance to offer help.

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It was 8:30 when Barba heard a knock on his front door. He leaped up from the couch. He opened the door and came face to face with Fin. "I got her home safe counselor." Fin said as he entered the apartment. Barba could see frustration on the man's face. Olivia walked in a moment later. Barba rushed to her, he wanted to pull her into a hug, but decided to gently take her hand. He had so much to say, but she looked drained. He led her to the couch, and she sat down without a word.

Lucia walked out of the kitchen, and smiled when she saw Olivia. "I made more soup, chicken, and rice. You look like you could use a hot meal, and a good sleep."

"Thank-you Lucia." Olivia answered giving the older woman a tired smile.

"Mr. Tutuola, there's plenty of food, you're welcome to join us for dinner." Fin looked at Barba who smiled.

"Thank-you Mrs. Barba. I'll take a raincheck on that. I have some investigating to do." He stared at Barba, who fought the urge to nod at him.

"Fin." Olivia responded nervously.

"I have some investigating to do." He repeated. He was tempted to tell Barba to take care of Olivia, but that would put her on the defensive, and he remembered that those words didn't have to be spoken. The ADA was looking after Olivia, and he always would. Fin glanced over at Olivia who was still sitting on the couch. He walked over to the door, opened it, and exited the apartment.

Barba locked the door, and walked in front of the couch. He extended his right hand to Olivia. Wordlessly, Olivia stood, and took it, They walked to the table. Barba pulled out her chair. When she looked comfortable he took a seat in the chair across from her. Lucia stood back for a moment watching the interaction. She then moved to the seat next to her son. They ate in a silence. Barba ate his food, and then focused on Olivia's plate. He was happy to see her eating. Lucia finished her food. She felt it was her duty to break the silence.

"Does anyone want more food?"

"No, thank-you" Rafael and Olivia said in unison.

Lucia laughed. "Alright kids, I'll be in my room reading. Olivia, if you need me I'm here."

"Thank-you." Olivia said in almost a whisper.

"I mean it! Lucia said quickly and loudly, hearing the doubt in Olivia's voice.

"Thank-you Lucia." Olivia repeated.

"Do you need any help now?"

"No, I'm fine. Thank-you." She answered. She was relieved that she took a shower this afternoon, her showers had been taking longer, and she didn't have the energy now to deal with it. Lucia smiled at the younger woman, and disappeared down the hall. A few moments later Rafael and Olivia head a door close.

"You went to see Dr. Wilder? Barba asked, knowing the answer.

"Yes, she says I'm doing well."

"Good, you know I would have gone with you."

"I know, but you had work to do. Work I would love to talk to you about now, but..."

"You're exhausted. We'll talk. It's Ok, get some sleep."

Olivia gave her friend a tired smile, and rose from her seat. "Good night Rafa." She said before walking to her room.

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Rafael sat alone for hours finishing paperwork. Finally, he changed into red Pajama pants, and an old Harvard T-shirt. He got into bed, and 20 minutes later, he was still wide awake. His mind was spinning. He looked at the alarm clock. It was 1AM. He let out an agitated sigh, and adjusted his pillow. He was about to lay his head back on the pillow when he heard sobbing. His heart broke. He threw his covers off, left his bed behind, and quickly ran out of his room toward the heartbreaking sound. He flung open the door to Olivia's room, ran inside and kicked the door closed "Liv." He said approaching the bed. Tears were rolling down her angelic face and she was sleeping. "Liv, wake up Carino. Wake up. " He was wondering if he should gently place his hand on her shoulder to wake her when her brown eyes opened. "You're ok Liv, you're safe, you're safe."

"Rafa?" She replied confused. She searched for her friend's green eyes, found them, and sat up in bed.

"You were having a bad dream, that's all it was. "Would you let me sit here with you?" Olivia wiped her tears, and nodded, that he could sit with her. She wanted him to sit with her. Within seconds he was on the bed.

"Did I wake you?"

"No." I couldn't sleep." Rafael watched as Olivia climbed out from under her blanket. She placed her feet on the floor, and turned to him. He could see tears glistening in her eyes, and he wanted to cry for her.

Rafa... I'm so sorry.

"Hey, you have nothing to be sorry for." In an instant her arms were around him..

"Shh. you're ok. I'm here, I'm not going anywhere." He said gently, placing his hands on her back.

"I'm... I'm so sorry." She sobbed. He could feel her tears soaking his T-shirt.

"You didn't do anything. He answered soothingly. She lifted her head to look at him. "Fin's mad at me." She said gripping the front of his T-shirt.

"No, he's not. He just wants you to give the information needed to put the bastard away, That's what we do".

"I'm... I'm not a victim." Her eyes went wide. "Did I wake your mother?" She asked, horrified.

"I don't think so."

"You can hold on to me as long as you want, but I have to ask, do your ribs hurt, does anything hurt?"

"I forgot to use ice. I soaked your shirt." She said softly.

"It's ok. It'll dry."

"I called Noah before I went to see Dr. Wilder. I told him a story before bed. He kept saying Rafa."

"I'll call him tomorrow." Rafael said with a smile. "How many times did you speak to him today?"

I was on the phone with him 3 times."

"How many times did you call?"

" I called Lucy 7 times just to check on him. He played and napped a lot."

"So you called 10 times?" Barba replied with a half smile.

Olivia turned her face away from her friend's soulful eyes. "I'm a bad mother." She sobbed.

"Hey" He replied firmly. "Look at me, look at me. I never want to hear that from you. You are a phenomenal mother. Look at me." His pleading made her turn and make eye contact.

"I'm not with my son."

"You're recovering. You'll see him soon."

"I don't want him to see me like this Rafael." She wiped her tears away.

"He loves you Olivia, and you will get through all of this." They sat in silence for a few moments before Rafael spoke. "How about you come with me? I'll get you some ice.

He moved off the bed, she followed. He took her hand, and they walked out of the bedroom. Rafael led her to the couch, and gave her an ice pack. After 15 minutes, he put the ice pack back in the fridge. He then took his seat beside her. He wrapped his arm securely around her back.10 minutes later Rafael was relieved to see Olivia peacefully sleeping, her tears were gone, and she held a fistful of his Harvard T- shirt. Her breathing was soft. He closed his eyes, and let the sound of it lull him to sleep.