It had been a week since Dalton stayed the night. Olivia had trouble sleeping at night, wondering what was going on in Dalton's home. Tiffany had come over at 10 am to pick Dalton up. Tiffany claimed she had a bad night and knew Dalton was safe there. She claimed she didn't realize she had drunk that much, and when Carasi had come over, she agreed to allow Dalton to stay the night. Tiffany insisted that getting drunk wasn't a regular thing, and she promised it wouldn't happen again.

Olivia had told Dalton if anything happened and his mom hurt him. He needed to call 911. Dalton agreed, and she sent him off back to Tiffany, knowing there wasn't much she could do.

Noah started school two days ago, Dalton was in the class this year as well. Olivia asked Noah to keep an eye on him and make sure he was okay. Noah loved his new teacher Mrs. Nutter. Noah said she was funny and liked animals. They even had a class pet this school year. It was a gecko named Phil.

Raphael started classes Monday, and Olivia could see his temper rising due to his nervousness. He wasn't cruel. He was just short with both her and Noah and although she knew the stress, it still didn't mean it didn't hurt. Olivia called to book massages and asked Lucy to come over and watch Noah for a few hours, then the 3 of them would stay at Raphael's apartment, she thought it would be more comforting for him that way.

Raphael was grateful for the massage, and Olivia laughed when the massage was over, and he instantly wrapped his body around hers.

"My mind has been so scrambled these last few days I am so sorry, I've treated you in Noah so bad." Raphael started.

"You've been a little short, but I know you're stressed. Once you get the first week over with, I think you'll be fine," Olivia explained.

Olivia and Raphael packed up some of Noah's toys and clothes so they could stay at Raphael's house when they were over, and Olivia also added a few outfits since she was on call. They went to the apartment, and Noah was excited to once again be in Raphael's home.

Noah played with some toys they brought and had a smaller lego kit out in the living room. Raphael had his laptop constantly opened because he was getting message after message from students. He was replying quickly, but the messages piled up.

"Take a break Rafa, they can wait, they waited this long," Olivia stated.

"You're right," Raphael admitted.

He closed the computer, Olivia Noah and Raphael all decided to go shop for food for the next few days.

That night when Noah was asleep, Olivia and Raphael decided to fill up the tub, Raphael asked if Olivia wanted some wine, and she agreed. She thought about the fact this would be her first drink in over a week, and she was sure it was Raphael's as well. She didn't feel guilty, but her mind did wander back to Dalton and his mother for just a minute.

"Liv, you got to tell me if I get to distant, you know I throw myself into work, and sometimes I get so wrapped up I leave people out," Raphael admitted.

"Don't act like I don't do the same thing. We will figure it out. Besides, we're going to your mom's tomorrow, and I hope she might straighten you out." Olivia laughed.

"She has her ways." Raphael laughed.

Olivia sipped on her wine, as did Raphael. They relaxed, not really having a conversation. They just had their eyes closed, inhaling the steam.

The water got tepid, but instead of getting out, Raphael turned the hot water back on, not wanting to move from the tub.

Olivia didn't say a word and allowed the heat to once again take over. The wine was finished, and she felt a buzz. She also knew how close Raphael's naked body was to her. Although at the beginning of the night, it was her who said they should "just relax." she has now changed her mind and pushed herself over into Raphael's arms, feeling his hardness poke against her butt. She knew it was coming, but she let a moan escape, and Raphael couldn't help but be in awe at how easily she melted into him. This wasn't something that had come so easily to him in the past.

He dragged his hands along her breast and downwards to her stomach. He could feel her muscles ripple, and he bucked up involuntarily, and once again, a little moan escaped Olivia's lips. Raphael smiled and was excited himself. Olivia batted him away.

"This feels good but not tonight," Olivia stated.

"Okay, not tonight." Raphael agreed.

It didn't stop either one of them from touching each other, teasing each other, and just taking in each other's forms. Finally, after a long soak, they both got out of the tub feeling refreshed and relaxed. Olivia and Raphael got dressed for bed and quickly fell asleep.

The next day Olivia, Noah, and Raphael met Lucia at Mass. Olivia didn't mind the atmosphere. She didn't mind going to mass. She just wasn't sure she believed all of it. She had gone to church when she was young with her mother, who at the time was trying her hardest to fill the hole inside her heart that Olivia's rapist father made. She tended to fill the void with booze, but every now and again on a random Sunday, she would get her to fix with Jesus. They went to a Methodist church, and Olivia would go to the youth group as a teenager and out on trips, but even then, she questioned the faith. She went to get out from under her mother's thumb. She didn't hate church by any means. She enjoyed the philosophy aspects; she just wasn't sure that she could believe. The biggest thing holding her back was seeing hell on earth every day with the numerous victims she saw. She couldn't deny that she prayed though to a God. Anyone that was willing to listen was okay with her. She prayed a lot when William Lewis had her. She prayed a lot when she first got Noah, and now every so often, she was praying that she and Raphael would last, and they would finally, after so long, settle down.

Olivia found that unlike some other Catholic churches, she had been to, this was a little more relaxed. To be honest, she wasn't paying to much attention to the sermon. Lucia wasn't too happy about the family sitting in the back, but when Raphael explained, Olivia could get a work call at any time, she understood and agreed to sit at the 2nd to the last pew in the back. Olivia sighed as her phone rang, and she stood up, walking back to the entryway to answer it.

Olivia found out there was a new case, nothing that Amanda and Carasi couldn't handle, but it matched the MO of an unsolved case from a few weeks ago, but this time the victim saw his face. Olivia sighed in relief that maybe this time they could catch him.

"We need to get this rapist off the streets, get a sketch artist appointment set up. Did she do a rape kit?"

Olivia asked.

There were a few other people in the entryway, mainly ushers who were waiting for their cue to enter. They all turned and looked at her but, of course, said nothing. One started praying.

"We need to nail this bas… guy." Olivia stated as she suddenly remembered where she was, and ended the call.

She entered and sat back down Noah, looking sadly up at her.

"It's okay baby, I'm not going anywhere" Olivia whispered in his ear.

Noah smiled and hugged her.

The sermon ended, and Lucia was quick to show off Olivia to her church family. Olivia was sure she blushed beet red 95% of the time as Lucia explained to everyone that Olivia was the Lieutenant of the Special Victims Unit. When people asked exactly what that was, Lucia was quick to explain. Some people seemed to pitty Olivia's position. Others seemed to thank her. Lucia was going on so much so that they were the ones to leave other than some church members cleaning or organizing some events. Father Mathew waited patiently for them to exit.

Lucia shook Father Mathew's hand and thanked him for the Sermon.

"I want to introduce you to Olivia Benson," Lucia stated.

"Nice to meet you." Father Mathew stated.

"She is a Lieutenant for the Special Victims Unit in Manhattan," Lucia explained.

"You're doing the lords work, Olivia." Father Mathew stated.

"I don't know about that, but I am doing the best I can," Olivia stated.

"If you don't mind me asking, was that call you got earlier a new case?" Father Mathew asked.

"Yes, it was," Olivia stated.

"How many cases do you get in a week?" Father Mathew asked.

"It depends, some weeks we may only get 10-12 other weeks 20-30. The most I have ever gotten was 48 cases in a week's time, a serial rapist who felt like he was above the law accounted for 12 of those, but we got him." Olivia quickly explained.

"I didn't know what to expect, but that number sounds very high." Father Mathew stated.

"Considering most rapes go unreported, it is," Olivia stated.

"I know we just met, and this is a lot to ask, but is there any way you could talk to our women's group about reporting rapes and how important it is?" Father Mathew asked.

"Oh, I don't know, they have people trained for those types of things," Olivia stated.

"Yeah, they do, but you and I both know how those people are. I don't know, dare I say to friendly, too overly excited. I want someone who would be honest about the process. Someone they could talk too just in case they need to make a report." Father Mathew explained.

Oliva smiled, understanding Father Mathew perfectly well and smiled, agreeing and handing him her card telling him he could call her at any time, and she would help.

Father Mathew smiled and thanked her as they finally made their way out onto the streets and back to Lucia's for Brunch.

The rest of the day blurred into laughs and talks. The time slipped away, and the sun was about to set. Olivia insisted that Lucia shouldn't have to cook them two meals, and they would head off promising to see her soon.

Monday, the alarm went off, too early for anyone's liking. It was 6:30 am. Noah was getting ready for school, and Lucy was picking him to take him. Raphael had dressed so quickly he had missed a button on his shirt, and Olivia had to redo it for him ask his hands shook with nerves. Olivia dressed and got cereal for all 3 of them as they sat at the table. It was 7:10. Olivia had to be out the door in the 20 minutes, and Lucy needed to be here in the next 10 to get Noah to school on time. Raphael was asked to be in his office by 8:00 am to go over last-minute changes and add ons to his calendar.

Olivia smoothed out Raphael's jacket, although it didn't need it. She kissed him and held his hand.

"You'll be fine treat them as your jury, and you'll do fine," Olivia stated.

Raphael couldn't speak and just nodded his head.

"I love you, "Olivia whispered.

"I love you too, I'll see you tonight," Raphael confirmed.

Olivia went into the office slightly nervous for Raphael but shook the emotion. Amanda and Carasi went over the evidence from the case they caught yesterday. They reinterviewed the first victim and tried to get a match on the drawing. They were waiting from the lab to come back with anything. Minutes felt like hours when no leads came to surface, and Olivia sighed, knowing this was going to be a long week.

Raphael walked into his office, greeted by the dean, Max Creed. Raphael has had numerous talks over the summer with him. Max had started simply came to wish Raphael luck and made sure he knew how to check the class roster and reminded him that the college was focused on paperless classrooms now, and to use his allotted amount of paper wisely.

Raphael walked into the class at 8:55 am. Most of the students were already there, and some were shuffling past him to get in the door. He reminded himself that most of the class was new, just like him. He also told himself that he was in charge. At exactly 9:00 am, he started class.

"Hello Everyone, my name is Raphael Barba. This is Criminal Law. I hope everyone is in the right place." Raphael stated.

Two people slinked out of the room, and then he continued.

"I hope you have all gotten your books for this class, I know it sounds like a lot, and unfortunately I did not get to chose the books this semester, they are all very much needed and not optional. I will go through them in a particular order though, so if money is an issue, you only need the first two books listed in your syllabus for now." Raphael explained.

"This is my first year here, so I am still learning too," Raphael stated.

"I was told that the law school classes are very tight-knit, I am hoping to help you the best I can, and if you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask. My office hours are posted, and my office is down the hallway to the left. If my door is open, you are welcome anytime." Raphael stated.

"I have an introductory survey the college requires you fill out," Raphael stated.

"I would like to go around the room and have you say your name, and what your primary goal is with your degree, please be specific as possible. For example, My name is Raphael Barba, My first year in law school, I intended to go into a private firm suing a big business for negligence. When I graduated, I ended up working for the DA for 21 years before becoming a professor at NYU." Raphael stated.

Some of the class laughed, others smiled, and others seemed disinterested.

The group of 23 students went around the room, saying their names and interests. For the most part, everyone had their sights on a specific field, and Raphael was trying to get a feel for the room. Everyone in the room was polite and professional. He was feeling good about this class.

" I want you to know this class is a lot of tests, and understanding of the law concepts. There isn't a lot of application in this class except for your paper. I want you to think of proposals for your paper. The details are in your syllabus, but be mindful it needs to be a high profile case that you feel was wrongly prosecuted and what the prosecution could or should have done. Most recent cases are going to be easier if you want to do a period piece. You're going to have to have a solid knowledge of the laws of the time not today. I need citings for your argument. This paper is 25% of your grade. No Mansion family papers its been done a million times." Raphael explained. You have two weeks to submit your top 3 choices. Next week we will be going over chapters 1-3 in your first book, and chapter 1 in the 2nd book. Make sure you check online for your quiz after class you have until the next class to complete it. They count for 10% of your grade. Now, does anyone have any questions?" Raphael asked.

A few hands raise, and Raphael can answer all the questions. He is relieved when class is done, and he dismisses them 20 minutes early. He goes back to his office with surveys in hand. They are anonymous but ask basic questions such as "What do you expect to learn in this class?" "How do you feel this class will prepare you in with your Bar Exam?" Then some demographic information such as "What year of Law School are you in?" "Are taking this as an elective for another major." and multiple other questions.

The next class was smaller, only 15 in this class. It was in the same room, though, and Raphael had gained confidence after the first class ended. They went through the same things, but with the smaller class size, the class ended even quicker the group leaving 30 minutes early, but Raphael insisted that they wouldn't ever leave that early again. Raphael went back to his office, keeping the door open just in case any student wandered by. He opened his laptop to see if there were any emails. He had two from people who didn't show up apologizing. He just rolled his eyes and didn't bother with a response. He got an email about "Welcome Week." Where students and staff were encouraged to attend various activities throughout the week, and a schedule was included.

The following email was an email giving a "Friendly" reminder that Law school staff were required to go to 2 welcome week events this week and sign in at the staff table at each event attended.

Raphael's late email was a Law school staff meeting scheduled Thursday at 4-6 pm. The dean had sent out claiming its the only time that everyone was free from class this semester. The meetings would continue weekly throughout the semester. The law school had Raphael added it a repeating reminder to his calendar.

He stuck around for 30 more minutes. It was now approaching 3:30, and he was headed home, grateful for the day off tomorrow would bring. He would be expected to check email and check the online class forum for his two classes, but other than that, he was free to do what he wished. Raphael was expecting Noah and Olivia back at his apartment tonight but wasn't sure if they would be staying or not.

Raphael walked through the door, Noah was looking out the window, pointing out things to Lucy, and he smiled.

"You have a good day at school, Noah?" Raphael asked.

"Yeah, we learned a big word today!" Noah stated.

"Yeah, what word is that?" Raphael asked.

"Together. T-o-g-e-t-h-e-r" Noah recited proudly.

"Very good," Raphael stated.

Lucy smiled at the little boy.

"Do you need help with anything?" Lucy asked.

"No, didn't you start classes today as well?" Raphael asked.

"Yes, like I said though it's a practicum, I am the early learning center four days a week. 28 3-year-olds are running around as we are trying to assess behavior and development skills. But it's a lot of fun," Lucy smiled. Friday is my class. All we do there is go over our observations and work on our thesis." Lucy explained.

"So, you do okay today?" Lucy asked.

"I think so. No one went running for the doors except two people who had the wrong room in my first class," Raphael admitted.

"Well, that sounds positive." Lucy laughed.

"I'll take what I can get," Raphael stated.

Lucy took off not to long after, Raphael helped Noah with his homework, something either Lucy or Olivia usually did, but it was nice to help Noah, and he knew most of the answers without even asking for help. Raphael pulled out some vegetables and chicken and started making dinner around 5 pm when Olivia texted she was on her way home.

Olivia walked through the door, food being plated. Noah was running at her full speed. She was happy that she got to come home a decent time. Raphael smiled at her, so she knew his day hadn't been complete shit, and she smiled back at him as she listed all about Noah's day. Olivia ate her food and listened to Raphael explain the Welcome Week, stuff he had to go to.

"One of the options is family night on Friday if you and Noah would want to come, its kid-friendly," Raphael explained.

"Sounds perfect, and even if something comes up, I am sure Noah would love spending time with you," Olivia explained.

"Yeah, daddy, I want to see where you work!" Noah said excitingly.

"Okay, Mijo, this Friday we will go," Raphael stated.

"I think I am going to go to "A history of NYU Thursday night" as my second thing, apparently we have weekly meetings Thursday 4-6 pm. The history event is 7-8 pm." Raphael stated.

Olivia nodded her head.

The rest of dinner was quiet, and Noah begged to watch some show that was on Nick, Olivia agreed, and Raphael and Olivia cleaned up the kitchen. Raphael asked Noah to make sure all his toys got back to his room before bedtime. Noah agreed, and during commercials, he would run a few things to his room, going quickly, making sure not to miss any of his show.

Olivia and Raphael cuddled on the couch. If asked what show was on TV neither could have answered. They weren't kissing, but they were leaning into each other feel each other's warmth lost in their thoughts as the tv sound went through one ear and out the other. Noah seemed content with whatever it was as Raphael and Olivia relaxed on the couch.

The rest of the week flew by, Raphael was impressed by his undergraduate class. Most were freshman with undeclared majors looking to see if they should take the pre-law route. Raphael didn't feel like he made it a work heavy class, but he had two research papers assigned. It seemed everyone was excited about his lack of a group project, and there had been no complaints. Everyone who was there seemed interested in the law school. Raphael had to admit the book the college made had helped him out, but a lot of it just was a giant ad to attend university there. The first assignment was to write at least 1 page no more 2 page paper of why they were thinking about law school. With 52 students in the class, he was hoping that he would get some direction and see who he could bring in to talk to the students about various jobs.

Friday came with family night, Olivia had gotten off work on time. Raphael opted to forgo the jacket but wore a button-up shirt and dress pants. Olivia was wearing what she wore to work, black pants, and a purple top with a black blazer. Noah was wearing jeans and T-shirt with minions on it. Raphael drove and parked in his designated spot. He showed both Olivia and Noah his office. Then they walked over to the family night, taking place in the park. Raphael saw the dean and a few other staff as well as some students at the law school. One, in particular, was an undergrad student who had sat in the front row Wednesday. He didn't know her name but recognized as her as she came up to him.

"Hi professor Barba, is this your family?" the young lady asked.

"Yes, this is Noah and Olivia," Raphael stated.

"My name is Michelle Mitchel, and this is my little brother Thomas, he is ten and obsessed with becoming a lawyer, just like our mom," Michelle stated.

"So, you're not interested?" Raphael asked.

"It's not that, I do love the justice system, and maybe I would like to go into law, that's what your class is for, after all, I'm really interested in immigration law. He is more into suing the pants off someone." Michelle explained.

The little boy had talked to Raphael for a few minutes about his view on the newest bill to pass the state legislature, and Raphael and Olivia were both impressed by the boy's intellect.

"Yeah, boy genius over her once again after my mom, I got my dad's normal IQ." Michelle laughed.

"Actually, there is my mom and dad now," Michelle stated.

Raphael's jaw dropped. It was Lisa Landon. He had taken his New York Bar exam and studied with her, even had a very short-lived fling with her while they studied together. Apparently she got married not too long after and had Michelle, he passed his bar 22 years ago, and Michelle was at least 18.

"Raphael Barba!" Lisa exclaimed!

"Lisa, its a pleasure," Raphael stated and kissed her hand.

She blushed.

"Always the gentleman. I see you see you have a son of your own." Lisa stated.

"This is Noah, and his mother Olivia," Raphael stated.

"I can't believe Raphael Barba is your professor, it was always the end game," Lisa stated.

"Yeah well, the end game came a little sooner than planned," Rafael admitted

"I want to let you know I would have done the same thing. I admire you." Lisa stated.

Raphael just blushed, and Olivia eyeballed the interaction.

"Well, I know you met my son." Lisa was eyeing her husband Corey and Thomas playing corn hole and walked that direction introducing him to Corey.

"Corey, this is Raphael Barba. He is teaching Michelle's class," Lisa explained.

"OH Raphael Barba, the one who you claimed helped you pass the bar exam, among other things," Corey said the last part jokingly, and Raphael's color drained. Olivia immediately saw it.

"Yes, good to meet you," Raphael stated.

"Well, Thomas, here will be ready for you in about ten years. I keep trying to talk Michelle into becoming a writer. She is very creative, but whatever she does as long as she's happy." Corey explained.

Noah pointed over to a giant slide that he had to go down, Rapahel said goodbye and they raced over.

"So you and that girl's mom, dated?" Olivia asked.

"I wouldn't say date," Raphael stated.

"But you liked her," Olivia stated.

"I did, but I hate to say this. She was kind of just there," Raphael admitted.

Olivia slapped his arm

"Really, Barba, just love them and leave them," Olivia asked.

"I liked her. We went out a few times that it." Raphael stated.

Olivia wasn't quite sure why she was jealous, but she was.

"Don't act like Miss Olivia Benson never had a one night stand," Raphael stated.

She closed her eyes, thinking back to the multiple one nights stands she had over the years. That stopped, though, when Elliot had been separated from Kathy. Deep down, she knew that she wanted a chance with the only man she ever trusted, and she kept herself fully available to him. There were a few nights after work when the thought would flick to her mind. When Elliot told her Kathy was pregnant, she puked. She knew that the small window she had, ran out and she didn't seize it. She loved him, though and was happy as long as Kathy made him happy.

The day he told her she went got drunk and picked a cute guy out in the crowd. She went back to his place, the sex was meaningless but satisfying none the less, and that was the last one night stand she ever had.

"What you thinking about Liv," Raphael asked.

"Nothing, and you're right, I'm not judging you. She is beautiful, you know." Olivia stated.

"She is a beautiful woman but nothing compared to you," Raphael stated, and wrapped his arms around her and kissed her lips.

"Daddy, can we get cotton candy?" Noah asked as he came running from the slide.

"Yeah, of course," Raphael stated.

They ran into a few more of his students and few other staff, Raphael showing off Olivia and Noah. He almost told Dean Creed she was his wife, Olivia hadn't been paying enough attention to him to notice the slip. Raphael wasn't sure when he started thinking that way, but he knew someday he would ask her to marry him. He already felt in a whirlwind, and although he would be perfectly fine with putting a ring on her finger right now, the words from Lucy was playing in his mind. 'She's independent, show her that your apartment is hers.' rang to the forefront of his mind.

The rest of the evening was filled with Noah pointing and asking questions several people happy to help when neither Olivia or Raphael knew the answer. Raphael felt welcome here and pleased that this was his new job. Olivia and Noah happily went around talking to other colleagues of his. There was no reason to be weary. The three of them stayed until the family night was over learning, and meeting new people.