Barba walked off the elevator making a beeline to Olivia's office. The door was open, but from the looks of it, she was in her own world. He raised a hand to knock, only to stop halfway. Liv was hunched over her laptop, her reading glasses resting on top of her head. Her hands held her head, gripping her hair. How can anyone walk away from this woman? "Hola bella."

Liv jumped at the sudden voice breaking through her thoughts. "Hey!"

"Sorry, didn't mean to scare you." Walking into the office, he shut the door behind him. "So, do I have a case or no case?"

"Ahh, no case." Olivia sighed, closing her laptop. "Our suspect was killed while being held at Rikers."

Barba raised a brow. "Anyone talking?" Seeing the look he got he chuckled. "Even I knew that was a stupid question."

"Word got around what he was in for and-"

"The residents of Rikers became his jury and executer." He had to admit sometimes they were even more effective than the cops.

Olivia nodded. "In a way, I am glad this happened. The things he did to those girls were brutal. At least they now have the closure he is gone for good and doesn't have to go through the trials."

"There is that." Picking at the invisible thread on his pants, he looked over at her. "Liv, about last night. I just want to apologize. Noah should have never se-"

"Barba stop." Olivia shook her head. "I meant what I said. You have nothing to apologize for. Besides if you hadn't done it, I'm sure fin would have."

"He try and call you yet?"

"No, and I hop-"

Amaro knocked on the door frame, giving them an apologetic look. "Cassidy is here."

Sharing a look with Rafael, she waved him in. "Let him in."

Not seconds late Brian Cassidy walked in with a cut lip, a bruised jaw, and a black eye. His steps faltered at seeing Rafael sitting on the couch. "You move fast don't you Barba."

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me." Cassidy scoffed. "Or do I need to say it clearer?"

"I want you to repeat it." Rafael slowly stood from the couch.

Cassidy walked over to him, staring him down. "You owe me for the sucker punch."

"Sucker punch?" Barba chuckled. "You saw that coming from a mile away, but we can always go for a rematch."

"That's enough." Olivia quickly walked from behind her desk and squeezed between the two. "The both of you." Turning to Barba she gestured towards the door. "Let me talk to him alone." Without another word he grabbed his jacket and walked out of the office. Olivia exhaled softly, not realizing until now that she had been holding her breath. She had noticed the change in Barba's eyes, the same one he got at his loft. Only this time they were wilder in some way.

"What a fucken Twat." Brian scoffed. "Why was he even here?"

Olivia turned to him with a scoff. "Because we work together and because he is my best friend. Why are you here?"

"I came to say I'm sorry." Brian sat in one of the chairs, resting his elbows over his knees. "I should have never shown up at his place like that. Much less after having drank a few."

"Okay."

"Okay?" Brian muttered with a chuckle. "That's it? Just an okay?"

Olivia resisted the urge to roll her eyes. "What do you want me to say, Brian? Do you want me to yell? I am tired of yelling. I am tired of constantly arguing with you."

"You know the risk of working undercover." Brian snapped. "We do things we don't want to all the time!"

"You weren't undercover when you slept with her the second time. Or the third!" Seeing the look of surprise cross his features, she chuckled. "You think that girl wouldn't have talked? The only reason I don't have you rotting in prison for that is thanks to Tucker. He believes you might have a future with IAB."

"Liv, you need to believe me. I wanted none of that. They had cameras in the rooms, I couldn't fake it." Brian pleaded with her. "I don't want to lose you."

"The moment you came intoxicated and yelling near my son was the moment you lost me." She held his glare. "My son is afraid of you Brian. He saw you and Rafael fighting, I do not want that around him."

"Rafael threw the first punch!" Brian slammed his hand on the table. "You don't want violence around Noah? Get rid of him."

"Rafael would never hurt my son."

"And you think I will?!" Brian groaned at seeing her take a step back as he approached.

Olivia noticed her squad and Barba lingering just outside her office, tensing at hearing Cassidy yell. "Listen, you need to leave. I have a lot of work to do and I promised Noah, I would pick him up from school." Not to mention you have a hand full of men looking to kill you just outside my door.

Cassidy lingered for a few moments, before nearly ripping the door off the hinges and walking out. He stopped at seeing all eyes on him, his own falling at the man at the head of them all. "If I catch you alone I-"

"I sure hope that's not a threat you are about to finish." Amanda approached him from the left, Amaro backing her up.

"Because if that is, we will have to take it very seriously." Carrisi appeared on his right.

Fin stepped in front of Cassidy with a not-so-friendly grin. "Make my day, I beg you."

"Nah, that wasn't a threat." Cassidy grinned, but the fear was there. "Just a friendly see you around."

"I'm sure." Fin moved to the side, gesturing to go ahead.

Catching his arm before he could leave, Barba leaned in to whisper. "I ever see Olivia upset because of you again, I will end your miserable life."

Cassidy ripped his arm out of the grasp. "That a threat?"

"No." Barba smirked. "A promise."

"I suppose you didn't hear that?" He asked Fin.

Fin shrugged. "I thought you'd left already."

Barba kept his eyes on the man until he had stepped into the elevator. Just as he was about to walk back into Olivia's office, he received a text.

*James needs you.*

Looking towards the office, he growled at receiving another text.

*Now Barba.*

Snatching his coat from Amanda's desk, he jogged out of the station. Jumping into his car, he quickly dialed the number.

"What's so urgent?"

'Our cleaners screwed up.'

Barba frowned. "What do you mean screwed up? What did they do?"

'Rafael, they were behind schedule. Someone wandered into the farm and found Armando's body. Cops are all over it.'

"Are you fucken serious?!" Barba slammed his hands into the steering wheel with a loud curse.

'We are working on shutting it down. In case they get to you before we can, not a word.'

"I'm not stupid Jason, I know the protocol." Running a hand down his face, he exhaled slowly.

'Relax kid, nothing is linking you to the farm or Armando. Remember we don't exist.'

"I know." Ending the call, he laid his head on the wheel.

It was nearly impossible for anyone to know he had any involvement with Armando, but still that little nagging voice in the back. But for once he wasn't worried about himself. If what he did-any of it- it would most likely affect Olivia in a way. That was something he wasn't willing to risk. He wasn't about to leave her or Noah in the tracks of an oncoming train.

Pulling his phone, he sent a quick text. *I need you to do something for me.*

*Shoot.*

Open another account.*

*Name?*

He paused for a moment. *Noah Benson*

*Rafael what are you thinking?*

Just do it.*

*Very well, I'll send the details once it's done.*

Tossing the phone towards the passenger seat, he turned the ignition on. Now all he could do was wait. Either he was picked up or nothing happen. He'd much prefer the latter, but it's whatever occurred. The sound of his phone cut through his thoughts. Clicking on the answering button, he was greeted with her voice.

'Hey.'

"Hey."

'You left without saying bye.'

He bit back the chuckle. "Sorry, Liv got a call from work."

'It's fine, not like I matter enough for a goodbye.'

Barba couldn't stop the smile appearing on his face. "Aww Livy, I can always go back. Hug you and say goodbye in person."

'No, not worth the gas.' There was a pause for a moment. 'What are you doing tonight?'

"Nothing, probably just have dinner and sleep."

'Noah has been begging to have you over for dinner.'

"Just Noah?"

'Is that a yes?'

Barba knew he wasn't about to get an answer to his question. "Yes, what time?"

'6?'

"I'll be there."

'Oh, bring Desoro.'

Before he could say anything the line went dead. Rafael shook his head with a chuckle. "Using me to get to my dog. Low blow Benson."

Time jump: 6 pm

Rafael stood in front of her door, dressed in a tie-less black suit with a silk burgundy shirt. Desoro stood by his side, tail wagging non-stop. A bottle of wine in his left hand. Knocking softly on the wooden door, he stepped back and waited.

Olivia pulled the door open after a few seconds, nearly knocked off her feet as Desoro ran into the apartment. "I suppose a hello from her will have to wait."

"If you're lucky enough." Handing her the wine, he leaned down to kiss her on the cheek. "The moment we step off your elevator, I no longer existed to her."

"Noah absolutely loves her." Olivia leaned her head against the door, looking him up and down. The man was looked jaw-dropping. She had caught the scent of his cologne earlier. She had never smelled that one on him, but she wanted to drench herself in it.

Barba raised a brow at the fact that she was checking him out. He allowed it for a few moments, not wanting to divert her attention to anything else. "Are you going to invite me in?"

Olivia snapped out of her Barba dreamland, to realize they were still in the hallway. "Yeah." Pushing the door wider, she allowed him in. "Sorry."

Stepping into the living room, his eyes immediately fell on the stuffed elephant. It was sitting in a jail made out of blocks, with multiple cop cars surrounding it. "What's he in for?"

"Uh, eating all the ice cream."

"I never did trust that elephant." Barba muttered. "I knew Noah was innocent of all charges."

Olivia scoffed, nudging him to keep walking. "Right, then how do you explain Noah's face covered in strawberry ice cream?"

"Easy, he was framed." Tossing his coat on the couch, he followed her towards the kitchen. Taking a seat on the stool, he leaned over the bar. "Smell's good. What's that take out?"

"You brought the jokes."

Barba dodged the napkin thrown his way. "That's assault sergeant."

"Assault by a napkin?" Olivia sucked on her teeth. "Not even you are that good."

Barba leaned in closer narrowing his eyes at her. "You have no idea just how good I am."

Barba's eyes trailed down to her lips. It took every fiber in his body to stop himself from leaping over the bar, at seeing her bite her lower lip. Clearing his throat, he adverted his eyes at anything, but her. "Anything I can do?"

"No, I got this." Olivia hid her smirk at seeing him squirm in his seat. She had to admit, she enjoyed being the one to make him react in such way. "You sit there and look pretty."

"You sure?" Barba glanced over the boiling pot. "I make a killer pasta."

"I know you do, but we invited you to dinner." Covering the pot, she handed him a glass. "You can serve the wine."

"That's something." As he reached for the wine a blur of colors ran past them, a loop around the living room, quick 'hi uncle Rafa' and back into the room. "He is going to be tuckered out by dinner."

Benson groaned happily. "I will forever love that dog."

Serving the wine he handed her one. Sliding the bottle to the side, he rested over the bar watching her move swiftly around the kitchen. The thought of barefooted and pregnant came to mind at that moment. Shaking the thought away, he sipped his wine and looked at anything but her. "I see the toy box has upgraded from being a decorative."

"Still with the jokes." Olivia rolled her eyes.

"I'm a funny guy."

"Whoever told you that was lying." Reaching for a string of the pasta she held it out for him. Pulling back the string at seeing him reach for it. "Take a bite."

Barba paused for a moment, before opening his mouth and biting down. "It's good."

Eating the rest she focused on preparing the sauce. "So, anything else happened after you refused to say your goodbye to me?"

"Now, why did I know this was going to be brought back up?" Barba drowned the last of his wine before standing up. Walking around into the kitchen he held his arms open for her. "This is the only chance you will be getting. Take it or leave it."

Olivia rolled her eyes walking into his arms. Resting her head on his chest she allowed his arms to wrap around her. She tucked her hands between their bodies, the warmth radiating off him surrounding her in a safe bubble. Like a second set of arms. She couldn't help but compare him to Elliot or Cassidy. Elliot never made her feel like this, his was more of an overprotective kind. Cassidy was pretty much the same. As if in a way to say no one was allowed to touch her. Yet, with Barba, it was a whole new feeling. His hold was protective, yet a free feeling. She wasn't being held down. Taking in a deep breath she exhaled softly at savoring his scent. She had been right this was a new cologne. As she closed her eyes, Barba kissed her over the head.

Although Liv had played it off as a joke, he knew the reason behind her little sarcasm. Since Stabler left, the son of a bitch left her damaged in a way. The first time he noticed was in his first month with her and her squad. He had left for a few days to get some things in order. He was still new to the squad and her, but there was a strong connection between them. Yet he had never thought of saying bye to her. But the moment he came back he was met with the cold shoulder from the detective. Then he was cornered by her squad giving him an ear full of what he had done wrong. It took him three days to get back on her good grace. Calling her every night and stopping by her office at the end of the day to say his goodbye. She has the idea planted that everyone will just up and leave out of her life, leaving nothing but an empty chair across from her. Hugging her tighter he planted another kiss on top of her head. He swore to himself he would never do that to her. He could never do that to her.

"Liv, I will always come back to you." Barba muttered into her hair. "If I ever have to leave, I will always say my goodbyes. You will never have to worry about me disappearing on you."

"I know Rafa." And she did. But there was that nagging feeling in the back of her mind. "I know."

Leaning back enough to see her face, he pushed her hair away from her face. "Do you?"

"Ra-"

"No, do you truly believe me?" His eyes searching hers. "I am not him Olivia. I will never walk away from you or Noah."

Burying her face into his chest, she wrapped her arms around his waist. "I know."

Barba was fighting the urge to kiss her there and then, but it wouldn't mean what he wanted. It would be a play of their current emotions and that was not something he wanted. "Let-" A knock on the door broke his train of thoughts. "Second half of the dinner?"

Olivia shoved him away with a watery laugh. "Go answer the door." Turning away she made quick to wipe the tears away. "Who is it?"

"Haven't opened the door yet!" Barba pulled the door open to find the squad standing on the other side. "You all have the worse timing."

"Barba wh-" Liv stopped just behind him looking over his shoulder. "Hey, we get a case?"

"No, actually we are here to see if you wanted to come out with us." Amanda replied. "But we didn't know you had company."

"And I have Noah." Olivia reminded.

Barba was silently praying they would just leave. He was looking forward to alone time with her and Noah. "And you have the worse timing."

"You said that already." Carrisi pointed out.

"And I will say it again." Barba's voice came out a low grumble. "You have the worse timing ever."

"Fin passed the sergeants exam and we wanted to go celebrate as a team." Amaro threw in the team term knowing Benson wouldn't let them down. "There is a new club that opened nearby. Barba is coming as well."

"I am?" Barba tossed them a look. "When did I agree to that?"

"Now." Fin said.

Benson sighed. "And Noah?"

Fin held up his phone. "Lucy is coming up the stairs."

Barba masked any dislike towards the new set of plans, offering Olivia a smile and nod. "Desoro will stay here, so I doubt Noah will miss us much."

"Fine, let me say goodnight to Noah and grab a coat." Leaving them to it, she went in search of her son. She was a bit disappointed in the change of events, but on the bright side, she was still spending her night with him.

Barba debated in slamming the door in their faces, but he didn't want to deal with the aftermath later on. Walking back into the kitchen, he shut off the stove and pushed the pot to the back burner. The squad filed in lingering in the living room. Reaching for the two glasses he placed them into the sink.

"Dinner and wine." Amaro whistled. "I think we might have interrupted something."

Barba sighed dropping his head. "Yes, yes you did."

"Sorry, we didn't know." Amanda felt guilty. If they all agreed on one thing, it was never get between the ADA and his Captain. Not if you wished to be at the receiving end of his wrath. And believe her, angry ADA Rafael is like dealing with the devil himself.

"So you two finally dating?" Fin teased.

"It wasn't a date." Barba muttered. "Just dinner with Noah and Liv."

"Tio!" Noah came running from the hallway jumping into Rafael's arms. "Mommy said you're leaving."

"Just for a little bit, mijo." Barba nuzzled into his neck, causing the boy to squeal. "You take care of Desoro and I take care of Mami. We will be back later."

"Okay."

Barba nudged the boy's nose with his own. "If you're still awake by the time we come back, I'll read you a story."

"Sing!" Noah giggled.

"Esta bien." Barba kissed him over the head putting him down. "Pero te comportas entiendes?" Noah nodded, getting a disapproval look from Barba. "I need to hear you say it."

"En-enti-entiendo." Noah grinned proudly at his mother and Barba.

Time jump:

Olivia, Barba, and Amanda sat in one of the booth's drinking their third rounds of drinks. Amaro had found some redhead to join him on the dance floor. Fin was currently grabbing their next rounds of drinks. Carrisi had been standing in line for the restroom for the past hour.

"At this point, he is better off taking a leak in the alley." Barba muttered.

Olivia gave him a slight nudge. "You've been nursing that drink for the past hour."

Barba raised the yellow drink in front of her. "Does this look like a drink I would have ordered? I am waiting on my scotch."

"Be adventures." Amanda yelled over the table. "You are always so proper!"

Olivia nearly choked on her drink trying to hold back her laughter. "Proper?! Barba is anything but that outside the office."

"I'll believe it when I see it." Amanda slurred.

"That's one down. Three more to go." Barba tilted his head to the side at recognizing the beat of the song. Leaning in closer to Olivia, he whispered into her ear. "Dance with me?"

"To this?" She pointed at the dance floor with a chuckle and shake of the head. "I can't dance to this."

Sliding out of the booth, he held his hand out for her. "I'll show you."

Pausing for only a moment, she tossed her drink back and took his hand. She allowed him to lead her towards the dance floor. Looking around she got an idea of how to dance to this music, but she'd been happier if it wasn't in Spanish. Barba led her to stand in front of him, his hands landing on her hips. Her back pressed against his chest, as he leaned in closer to whisper.

"Just follow the rhythm. Don't think." Using his grip Barba guided the movements of her hips. "Don't tense up, just let go."

Little by little, he relinquished his lead. Olivia moved against him, mimicking his moves. It wasn't long before she got the hang of it. Closing her eyes, she tossed her head back against his shoulder. Closing the gap between their bodies, Olivia smirked at the silent hissed she drew out of him. Barba circled his arms around her, allowing her to make all the moves between them. Resting his forehead on her shoulder he chuckled at the sway of her hips rotating over him. She knew exactly what she was doing to him.

If she wanted to play dirty, he was game. Lifting his head off her shoulder, he moved his leg in between hers. Olivia gasped as she grinded against his thigh to the rhythm of the music. Barba wasn't new to the art of dancing, but when you were dancing with some as Benson, it was a whole different level.

Fin walked back to the table with a tray of drinks. To his surprise, he found only Amanda at the booth. "Where is everyone?"

Amanda pointed to the restroom. "Carrisi is taking a leak. Amaro disappeared with some redhead."

"And Liv?" Following Amanda's finger, his eyes landed on the couple dancing. "Whoa."

"Is that still considered dancing?" Amanda tilted her head to the side. "Cause if I remember my nation geographic correctly, that's called mating."

Fin raised his brows, opening and closing his mouth a few times. "I didn't know Liv could move that way."

"Barba's Cuban side is at play there." Amaro took a seat beside Amanda, snatching one of the beers. "I've been watching them for a while. Look, he's going to lean in and sing into her ear." As if Barba had heard them, he did just that. "See. My man is pulling all the stops tonight's."

"What I miss?" Carrisi was the last to approach the booth. "Where are Liv and Barba?"

"Dance floor." Fin chuckled.

Carrisi followed their line of sight. "Is-is that even legal?"

"I don't think any of that is legal." Fin laughed.

Barba moved his hands back to her hips, slowing her moments down. "Slow down just a bit."

"Rafa."

He wasn't sure if it was the way she spoke his name or her body grinding against him, but at that moment, he lost every self-control he possessed. Turning her to face him, he cupped her jaw leaning closer down to her. Just as he was so close to kissing her, some drunk idiot bumped into them. And like that the spell was broken.

"I need a drink." Olivia gasped out. "You?"

Barba hid any disappointment he felt. "Wait, I'll go get them." Taking in a deep breath, he walked off towards the bar. Gripping onto the bar, he exhaled the breath he was holding. Glancing down at himself, he cursed at the lack of control his body showed to Olivia's movements. "Hey, can I get a scotch and another beer?" Glancing back at the table his eyes landed on Olivia. Her head was tossed back laughing at something Rollins had said.

"Here you go."

Grabbing the two drinks, he groaned at feeling the vibration of his phone. 'I really shouldn't put that in my front pocket.' Grabbing the phone, he groaned louder at seeing the name. "Do you understand the meaning of a night off?"

'I do, but I didn't think you did.'

"What do you want?"

'I need to give you a heads up.'

"About?"

'The feds have the case of Armando. They found your prints."

Barba clenched his jaw rushing out of the club. The cold air hits him with a harsh punch. "You were supposed to take care of this."

'Relax Rafael.'

"Relax?!"

'Listen, we altered the phone records. The GPS in your car has been changed as well. When they come and they will, you stick to the story we gave you. Understood?'

"Yes."

'Do not let them take you away. You are to stay at the station with Benson and the others. They can not-'

"Get ahold of me I know James. I don't deviate from the story and I don't go anywhere with them."

'If they do you know what to do.'

Barba sighed. "Disappear."

'Call me when they are done with you. We are working on getting ahead of this. The cleaners have been removed; this was a genuine mistake, Rafael. You know the team is-"

"I don't know anything right now James." Barba sighed running a hand through his hair. "Listen, I will do what I have to. But this needs to end. If those feds keep digging either have someone take the fall for the killing, or get them to drop it."

'We are on it Rafael, just give us some time.'

"You don't have it." Rafael snapped. "The moment Benson sees the feds, questions will arise. And I want to hold off on the details of my actual job for a little longer."

'Alright! Jeez, you would think you were the boss. This will all be gone.'

"Okay."

'By the way, the account had been opened. The information was sent.'

"Thank you, can you do me one last favor."

"Rafael?"

Turning around he held a finger up to stop Olivia from approaching him. "I need you to transfer everything from the two accounts in Europe into the new one. The only ones to have access to that account are limited to me and Benson. No one else."

'Very well. I sure hope you know what the hell you are doing.'

Glancing over at Liv, he huffed. "I am not so sure I do. Keep me updated." Ending the call, he turned his attention back to the waiting-woman. "Hey."

"Everything okay?" Olivia grabbed his hand pulling him to the side. "You walked out in a rush."

"Nothing important." Seeing the not so convinced look on her face, he cursed himself. "That was my mother. She is worried about my Abuelita. She's not in the best of health and living alone. My mother wants me to talk to her about moving."

"Ah, if you need anything let me know." Taking his hand in hers, she tugged him back towards the club. "Come on, one last drink and we leave."

Barba followed without protest. In his line of 'work' he practically lied to every person he met. Every person he interrogated he lied to. Telling them they will be safe. He wouldn't hurt them. Hell, he lied to every person he spoke to sooner or later, but to Olivia...He couldn't. Come to think about it, he had never lied to her. He tried answering any question she had about him with the truth and if not possible he went around it. Lying to her just now was a punch to the gut. He swore to himself Olivia and Noah would be the only two he would never lie to. He was careful with what he promised them and what he told them.

Olivia watched Barba over the rim of her glass. She couldn't help be feel something else, besides his grandmother was bugging him. He suddenly became quiet and distant from the group. Her not so much, his hand always remained in hers. He was on his third scotch in the past two hours. Lowering her head, she turned her head towards him. Waiting for him to look her way, she offered him a slight shoulder nudge and smile. Barba scoffed a chuckle with a shake of the head. She felt bothered at not knowing what was truly bothering him. But a club was not the best of places to ask. Nudging him once more she gestured for him to get up. Biding their goodbyes, they walked out of the club and hailed a cab. Barba was in no way capable of driving and Olivia didn't want to leave him just yet.