After their dinner date the lingering distance between them had significantly lessened. When Noah and Lucia had arrived the following morning for breakfast before school they had noted the difference. For Lucia it was more Rafael and for Noah it was his mother. They weren't doing anything different per se but there was definitely a change of air to them. An ease perhaps. One that hadn't really been around since after Elliot's reappearance post Hawaii.

"I may be working back tonight, Fin's just given me a heads up. We've caught a bad one."

"No problem. Noah and I have Christmas errands, right Papito?" Noah nodded and gave a thumbs up as he chewed his breakfast.

"Really? What kind of Christmas errands?" Olivia asked curiously,

"The secret kind." He replied winking at Noah who giggled.

"Fine fine. Have your secrets." She said with an eye roll. She was guessing that he was taking Noah out to shop for her.

"Mija, did you need me to pick up something for you?" Lucia asked somewhat cryptically. Olivia smiled knowing what the older woman was referring to..

"Please Mami? Would you mind? I don't know what the next couple of days are going to be like at work."

"Of course not Mija."

"Wait, what are you two in cahoots about?" Rafael asked suspiciously.

"You can have your secrets and we can have ours." Olivia replied poking her tongue out at him.

"Alright alright. I guess it's only fair. Mami, you're not working today right? Did you want to do school drop off with me and grab a coffee? I don't have classes today. I just need to read more papers."

"Sounds good Mijo."

"Alright, I am going to finish getting dressed. Will you still be here when I get back?"

"I need to go." Olivia replied regretfully as he nodded pressing his lips to hers.

"Be safe. I love you."

"I love you too Rafa. I'll call you later."

The days that followed were gruelling for the team and especially Olivia. Their case just got uglier and uglier. Not only the context of their case but having to deal with the new chief. Olivia ended up sleeping in the cribs as none of them were really able to leave. It was an extremely high profile case and there were reporters, vloggers in their faces constantly. Wanting to separate it from home she had told Rafael that she wanted to stay 'in house' until the case has broken. He understood that she was trying to protect them, Noah especially. He had packed her a bag that first night and dropped it off around midnight whilst Lucy stayed with Noah at home. He had packed her his sweats to sleep in and slipped in his hoodie for her to slip on when she needed him. He had kept the team nourished by either dropping off food he had cooked or sent door dash their way. When it was done Olivia had walked into their home exhaustedly. Her heart almost exploded at the sight of her husband and her child on their living room floor asleep. Rafael was laying on his back against cushions and Noah was laying beside him on his side with his arms and legs draped over his Papi. It looked like they were in the middle of watching the Polar Express before they both nodded off. Olivia took a quick shower before joining them. Rafael woke as she placed a kiss on his forehead.

"Hi Baby, wanna join the party?" He asked lifting the arm that wasn't wrapped around Noah. Olivia nodded and lay beside him. Rafael kissed her forehead as she snuggled against him.

"Are you hungry? We made soup."

"No, and even if I was there's no moving me now."

"Sleep my love." He said softly as he tightened the arm that was wrapped around her.

"We have perfectly good beds, why are you both out here?" she asked yawning.

"He wanted to wait for you,"

"My sweet boy,"

"He will be very happy to wake up and see you home."

"I'm so happy to be home."

"Did you want to wake him and tuck him in so we can all sleep on a bed?"

"No, this is exactly what I need after these last few days. The good news is I'm done for the year. I am taking the rest of the year off."

"You need it. It's been a year."

"We need it." She replied as she caressed his beard before kissing him. Rafael drew her closer to him as he deepened their kiss.

Olivia woke to Noah scrambling over Rafael to get to his mother. She heard and 'oof' before Noah was draped over her.

"Mama you're home." He said happily.

"I am kiddo. Careful of Papi my love."

"Sorry," Noah said apologetically as he lay his head on his mother's shoulders.

"It's okay Mijo. I know you've missed Mami. You two cuddle while I start breakfast." Noah who still had his bottom half over Rafael's upper body shook his head.

"No I want to cuddle with both of you. Mama's been gone for ages. You need cuddles with her too." Rafael chuckled,

"I can't argue with that."

The three of them lay together for another half an hour as Noah caught Olivia up on what they had been up to while she was working. With both his arms around his wife and child there was very little of anything else Rafael could want or ask for. As though reading his mind Olivia turned her head to place a kiss on his neck. When both Rafael and Noah's stomach began to grumble Olivia suggested they all head to the kitchen to get breakfast ready.

The following day was Christmas Eve and they were having Noche Buena just the Benson-Barba's, Abuelita included. On Christmas Day they were hosting the extended family Christmas that included Amanda, Sonny, Jessie, Billie, Fin, Phoebe, Munch, Don and Eileen. They were to come post their own immediate family Christmas morning traditions. Rafael had been working on the menu with Noah since they had both finished school. Lucia was in charge of Noche Buena which they were celebrating at the Benson-Barba home. Noah had corralled Lucia in staying with them until the New Year loving the time and attention she poured into him. Rafael loved to watch them as it much like his childhood with his Abuelita. Lucia and Noah were definitely thick as thieves and could be found in cahoots often. Olivia never had the heart to admonish them knowing that all she is wanted was for Noah to be surrounded by Love and he was. By Lucia and the rest of their chosen family.

"Lucy, we insist! This place has four bedrooms. Even if not, there is always a room for you. You are coming for Noche Buena, Christmas and New Year. No arguments. If you can't fly to be with your family then you're spending the holidays with your other family. Got it?" Olivia smirked as she Lucy tried to argue with Rafael,

"Luc if you have other plans with your friends then of course you be with them. However if you're refusing to come for the Barba-Benson Holiday Extravaganza because you feel like you're intruding or imposing, I'm with Rafa." Olivia intercepted.

"You are a part of this family." Noah piped in.

"Okay, all three of you at once? Not fair. If you're sure I'm not imposing." Noah and Rafael high fived before Noah wrapped his arms around his Nanny's waist.

Lucy was meant to go home to her parents house for Christmas but they had contracted Covid. Whilst they were fine, they were in self isolation leaving Lucy as loose ends with Holiday plans. The moment the Benson-Barba's had heard they insisted she come to theirs but didn't want to intrude. Olivia shook her head at her boys and draped an arm around Lucy.

"I'm glad you're staying. Wouldn't be the same without you. Rafa, why don't I run Luc home to pick up her things to stay for the holidays and we can run to the store to pick up what's left of your list."

"You sure? Noah and I are happy to go to the store."

"Oh I'm sure. We both know how you two love the store. You go in for one thing and come back with everything but what you came there for."

"That wounds me Olivia." Rafael replied feigning hurt as she chuckled.

"You know it's true my love." She continued as she held her hand out for his list. Lucy laughed appreciating that all seemed almost back to normal with her favourite couple.

"You two seem better." Lucy observed as they got in the car. The relief in her voice was not missed by Olivia.

"Getting there. We love each other and not being together was never an option for either of us. I've hurt him and I will have to live with that but he's the only one I want to spend the rest of my life with. The fact that he's willing to work on us, I don't take that for granted even if it seemed as though I was taking him for granted all this time and I know I did." Olivia confessed. Lucy out of anyone in their world got to see everything first hand, especially how it affected their family, most of all Noah.

"Noh's been worried. I mean and to be honest, me too." Lucy admitted.

"I know."

"He said that Rafael told you about that night with your ex partner?" Olivia nodded.

"Liv, he was standing in the hallway. He was about to push Elliot back when Rafael walked in. He saw Rafael's face before he helped with your partner." That image was forever ingrained in Olivia's head and heart. The memory of it hurt and the knowledge that her son bore witness not only to that exchange but the pain it inflicted on someone he loved so much shattered her.

"That explains why he's been so clingy to Rafa."

"The timing of the trial didn't help but he's much better now that you're all under the one roof and Rafael is back to himself instead of somehow being so uncertain."

"You got that too?"

"Well I practically live with you guys and Noah isn't just some kid I look after, he's like the little brother I never had."

"And you're the big sister he's always wanted Luc. You're family. Hence the blackmailing you got earlier." Lucy smiled.

"Well I heard it's pretty cool being a Benson-Barba."

Once everyone had gone to bed Olivia found Rafael on the egg swing, without her knowing he had managed to light up the whole balcony with fairy lights. He had Spanish Christmas Songs playing softly in the background.

"Rafael Barba, what did you do?" She exclaimed as he looked up and grinned standing to his feet.

"Can I interest you in some dancing Mrs Benson-Barba."

"I would love it." She replied taking the hand he offered and allowed him to draw her gently to his chest. Olivia's chin rested on his shoulder as he swayed them around their balcony. Rafael felt her tremble against him and was immediately alarmed.

"Hey, how did we get here?" He asked as he pulled back and saw the tears running down her cheeks. He wiped them with his thumbs as he kissed her forehead.

"Talk to me,"

"I'm just grateful that we're here. That I didn't screw us up to a point of no return." She admittedly,

"Liv honey,"

"Rafa did Noah tell you he not only saw Elliot that night but he saw your face when you walked in?" The pain in his face answered her question.

"No, I didn't realise he was out in the hallway."

"He was about to intervene and push Elliot away from me but the door opened and he saw you."

"Oh Mijo," Rafael said with anguish feeling for their little one.

"I guess he didn't want to tell us because he knows it would upset us more? Rafa, I brought that into our home. I did that to our child."

"Liv, it's okay. I'll talk to him about it."

"I'm just so sorry Rafa,"

"I know my love. No more I'm sorry's. You've already said sorry. We just have to keep talking to each other. We're in this together. We'll get through this together."

"Rafa, do you realise you refuse to use the word partners in reference to us?" She asked gently,

"Before Elliot reappeared you used to refer to us as partners, and we are."

"It's silly I know. But it feels wrong now. Like that term belongs to someone else." He said looking away. Olivia palmed his cheek and brought his gaze back to her,

"Maybe the term but the meaning no. The meaning has been you the moment you walked into my life and in every facet of my life. And baby, It's not silly. I understand but I need you to know, you're my partner in all ways, always." Rafael kissed her softly as she placed her hand behind his neck as she deepened their kiss. Rafael's lips moved from her lips, down to her neck as she pulled him closer to her as she ran her fingers through his hair. Without removing his lips or wandering hands from her body he led her back into their bedroom and onto their bed and spent the following hours making love to his wife.

Olivia and Rafael woke to sounds of his mother, Lucy and Noah bustling in the kitchen. It was still early but they guessed that Lucia had roped in elves to help with Noche Buena preparations. Both Noah and Lucy had been excited to help as last year was a lot more low key as it was their official Christmas as a couple so Lucia had hosted them at her house with Rafael's preparation help days before the actual event. This time Noah had been a part of it all and he loved every single minute of it. As much as Lucy missed her parents and family she knew that if she were unable to be home for the holidays, there was nowhere else she would rather be than be with the Benson-Barba's who were also her family.

"He's going to have to nap if he's going to last midnight mass," Rafael pointed out as his eyes fell on the clock seeing just how early it was. It would also be Noah's first midnight mass as they had not prepared him the year before and was asleep by 10pm. Olivia laughed,

"Mami promised she's tackle that job."

"Oh good."

"He does whatever she says because she always makes it sound fun."

"That's how Abuelita used to get me to do things I didn't want to do too. It's been really nice watching them together."

"That's all I've ever wanted for him. That's what I had hoped Sheila would be."

"I know, but he has Lucia Barba now and you can bet all the pastelitos in the world that she's going to spoil him rotten for the rest of her days."

"Not unlike his Papi really."

"Hey, I say no to him." He protested.

"Yeah when there's a threat of danger in his life maybe." she teased as she ran her fingers down his bare chest as she scooted closer to him kissing his neck, her tongue trailing up his jaw as she eventually hovered over him with a grin. Rafael smiled and captured her lips with his as she straddled him.

"Morning my love," she murmured as they both broke for air momentarily before Rafael resumed kissing her.

"Morning Baby, Happy Christmas Eve." he replied between kisses.

A half hour and a combined shower later they joined Lucia, Lucy and Noah in the kitchen. Lucy and Lucia exchanged a somewhat knowing smirk as they came into the kitchen hand in hand.

"Good morning," Rafael greeted cheerfully earning a snort from Lucy,

"I bet it is." Olivia laughed as Rafael attempted to give Lucy a warning look that he didn't quite pull off.

"I'll remember that kid." He replied beneath his breath as she merely grinned at him.

"Morning Papi, morning Momma. Merry Christmas Eve." Noah greeted them. Rafael picked up Noah from where he sat on the counter who willingly wrapped his arms and legs around him.

"Merry Christmas Mijo," Olivia walked over to her boys and placed a hand on Noah's back and kissed his cheek and his head. Wordlessly Rafael carried Noah to their bedroom and out to their balcony and sat on the egg Swing with Noah still wrapped around him, Olivia close behind.

"Mijo, can we talk? Rafael asked as Olivia leaned against the door frame.

"Am I in trouble?" Noah asked carefully.

"No honey, not at all." Rafael assured him as he drew him into another hug before releasing him so that he was sat on his lap facing him.

"Honey, why didn't you tell me you saw me that night Elliot was here?" Noah's eyes filled with tears that it almost stopped Rafael's heart. Rafael brushed Noah's tears away with his hands,

"I didn't want to make you more sad. I knew that if you saw me, you would feel bad for me. I was scared that would make you angry at Momma. So angry you'd leave and never come back." Rafael pulled Noah back to his chest cradling the back of his head.

"Mijo, don't you know there is nothing that could possibly happen that I would ever willingly leave you and never come back to you. Nothing. I love you. You and your Mami, you are my whole world. Not being with either of you is inconceivable. I wish you would have told me Noah because I would have told you right then and there that I am so proud of you. That you are so brave. I know you were standing there because you wanted to protect Momma. No one is mad at you for that. I am sorry you had to see what you saw. But you know Momma is brave just like you and she would never let anyone hurt her, especially when you're in the same house. Momma was trying to help her friend who wasn't well because she's a really good friend. I know it looked really bad and what you saw was not and will never be right but Momma didn't do anything wrong." Rafael explained. Olivia who was standing by the doorway wiped tears from her cheeks as she watched them. Rafael looked up at her and held a hand out to her beckoning her to join them. Rafael moved so Olivia could sit beside him.

"Noah, Baby I'm so sorry. You should have told me you woke up." Noah turned his head to look at his mother not lifting it from where it was secure under Rafael's chin, ear to his chest.

"You and Papi weren't fighting with your voices but I knew you were fighting. Even before Papi left for work you two were weird. You've been weird since we got back from Hawaii. Not right after but weeks later you were weird. Like you're trying to be polite so you weren't talking like before and you and Papi never not talk." They didn't have to guess what had changed them, they knew it was Elliot's reappearance.

"Sweetheart, why didn't you say something sooner. We could have talked about it as a family."

"I thought it would get better, like after Uncle Fin and Aunt Phoebe's almost wedding, but it never did. It just got worse." Olivia brought her lips to Noah's forehead.

"I'm so sorry my love. I am so sorry to the both of you. Momma hasn't been making very good decisions these last months and I've hurt Papi and I realise I've hurt you. I want you to know that you two are the most important people in my life and I can pretty much live without anything except the two of you. I am sorry I haven't been very good at showing that, or been very kind to Papi or to myself." Rafael wrapped an arm around Olivia and drew her closer to them,

"We're a family. We're not perfect. Sometimes we will hurt each other but it's never on purpose. We love each other and that is all that matters. When we're wrong, we apologise. We forgive and we move on. Papi wasn't perfect here either Mijo. I hurt Momma too but we love each other so we say sorry and we forgive. It's how this family works. What you have to know deep in your heart is that there is nothing you or Momma can do that would ever make me walk away from you. For as long as you both need and want me around, I am here."

"I want you around forever Papi." Noah said meaningfully as his eyes closed. Rafael dropped his lips to Noah's hair as one hand caressed his back.

"I want you around forever too Rafi." Olivia murmured as her forehead rested on his neck. Rafael turned his head to place a chaste kiss on her lips.

"You have me forever Benson's."

"Benson-Barba" Noah and Olivia corrected in unison making Rafael chuckle.

Noche Buena was filled with delicious food, old traditions and new. Lucia had presented them all with their matching Christmas themed pjs prior to sitting down to dinner. Which she had been a tradition she shared with Rafael for as long as he could remember. Lucy was touched that Lucia included her. To their traditions Olivia had added the gift of a new ornament for their tree and the meaning behind each ornament and why she had picked it. For Lucia she had presented her with a heart that symbolised that she was the heart of their family. That their family began with her because she had given them Rafael. For Noah she had chosen a Lion for his bravery and character. For Lucy she had chosen a penguin who are known for their loyalty. Lastly for Rafael she had chosen a wood cut out of the infinity sign that showed the year that was ending. The year they had gotten married.

"I was going to engrave the year we met, but I thought this year was more appropriate for the symbol but not for the reasons you may think. Yes because we got married, but I chose the infinity sign and engraved this year because it is only now, in this year did I learn the true meaning of loving someone without condition, endlessly. I always new I loved you in a way that I had never loved anyone before. It was easy to say it was unconditional, but we both know I challenged that this past year but you Rafi, you showed me unconditional and infinite love with your patience and grace. You taught me the meaning of infinite love because that's how you love. Even when I don't deserve it." With tears in his eyes he drew her on to his lap and kissed her deeply.

"Eww Papi," Noah teased covering his eyes making them all laugh.

Once dinner was finished they had made their wait to the living room to open presents. Santa came separate, family exchange presents on Christmas Eve as per Barba traditions. Which Noah was more than happy to comply with knowing he got to open his gifts early. Whilst they had hot chocolate and Christmas cookies presents were opened, pictures were taken. All in all it was the best Christmas Eve any of them had had in awhile.

Despite the nap that Noah reluctantly took in the afternoon he was was struggling to keep awake by the middle of midnight mass. Eventually he had climbed on to Rafael's lap and buried his face into his Papi's neck who kept him secure with one arm and the other was wrapped around Olivia. When the carols began Rafael rubbed Noah's back gently,

"Hey Mijo, the carols are starting." Noah mumbled something incoherently but opened his eyes as the carols began. Noah's eyes lit up as they sang in Spanish, immediately he sat up and watched wide eyed.

"He is never going back to sleep." Olivia murmured into his shoulder as he smiled pressing his lips to her forehead.

"He will if he wants Santa to come." He replied.

"Papi, do you think I could sing like that one day?" Noah asked as they walked home.

"You mean in a choir or for Christmas Eve mass?"

"Both. I would like to learn how to sing in Spanish."

"Mijo, you know you can do anything you put your mind to. If you want to learn how to sing in Spanish, I am sure your Abuelita has enough connections to find you a good vocal coach." Rafael said tilting his head towards his mother who was walking beside him.

"If that's what you want Mijo I will start looking in the new year if your Mami agrees." Noah glanced up at his mother who was holding his other hand.

"Please Momma," Olivia smiled appreciating that Lucia always made a point of never over stepping.

"Of course my love, but remember you have a lot of extra curricula's as it is so if it gets too much or school gets too hard we will need to talk about picking your favourites and concentrating on that."

"Yes Momma," Olivia and Rafael exchanged a look and continued home.

"Buenas noches Mami. Gracias por una gran Nochebuena. Estoy tan contenta de que te quedes para las vacaciones. Te amo." (Goodnight Mami. Thank you for a great Christmas eve. I am so glad you are staying for the holidays. I love you)

Rafael said sincerely to his mother as he drew her into his arms as he helped her out of her coat. Lucia placed a hand on his cheek,

"Gracias por asegurarte de que soy parte de todo esto. Todo lo que siempre he querido es que seas feliz y mi corazón está feliz de saber que lo eres. Yo también te amo hijo." (Thank you for making sure that I am a part of it all. All I have ever wanted was for you to be happy and my heart is happy to know that you are. I love you too son.) Olivia couldn't help well up at their exchange. She had just sent Noah to the bathroom to get ready for bed. She stepped forward and hugged the older woman,

"Gracias Mami por todo, pero sobre todo gracias por el hombre que llego a amar. Para el hombre que llego a llamar mi marido. Por la persona que es por ti y Abuelita Catalina y Abuelo Theodore." (Thank you Mami for everything, but most of all thank you for the man I get to love. For the man I get to call my husband. For the person that he is because of you and Abuelita Catalina and Abuelo Theodore.) Lucia hugged Olivia fiercely,

"Lo haces feliz. Te mereces todo el amor que se te ofrece Mija. Los errores no te descalifican. Están juntos en esto. Sé que amas a mi Rafi y, a pesar de cómo te sientas en este momento, lo sé, él lo sabe y cualquiera que realmente importe en tu vida sabe que amas bien a mi Rafi. Por eso estoy agradecido." (You make him happy. You deserve all the love that is offered to you Mija. Mistakes do not disqualify you. You are in this together. I know you love my Rafi and despite how you might feel right now I know, he knows and anyone who really matters in your life knows you love my Rafi well. For that I am grateful.) Olivia kissed Lucia's cheeks before she released her to get ready for bed.

"She's right you know." Rafael said softly,

"About what?"

"That despite how you feel, you love me well. That mistakes don't disqualify you from being worthy of love. You deserve love more than anyone I know Olivia Margaret Benson-Barba. I'm willing to punch out anyone who says otherwise." Olivia grinned,

"I do love you and no one else matters. As long as you know I love you, everyone else doesn't matter."

After everyone had said goodnight and Noah was tucked in safely into his room Rafael took Olivia out to their balcony for switched on the fairy lights and Christmas music,

"What do you say we dance for a little while Mrs Claus before I have to do Santa duties."

"You're on St Nick." She replied wrapping her arms around her husband and laying her head on his shoulder.

Eventually they made a move to take Santa's presents out of hiding and the sack of things that was filled with the stocking stuffers. They were filling the stockings for Lucia, Lucy and Noah whilst they agreed to fill each other's. By 3 in the morning they were done, showered and back in their new Christmas PJ's that Lucia had washed before presenting to them like any Cuban mother would.

"Merry Christmas my love," Rafael greeted a few hours later as he kissed his wife's shoulder who was spooned against him.

"Merry Christmas Baby," she replied turning into his embrace and kissing him.

The sun wasn't out yet but it would be soon. Surprisingly Noah had slept in instead of waking them all at the break of dawn. They attributed it to the late night prior. Olivia took advantage by rolling on top her husband and ground against him as her mouth trailed from his chest, to his neck until her mouth found his. Meanwhile Rafael's hands dipped lower and lower down her body until she gasped. She lifted her head as he grinned innocently and somewhat triumphantly meeting her gaze his hands not stilling. Olivia brought her mouth back down to his as he flipped them over so he hovered over her, want and longing shining in his eyes.

"I love you," she said softly caressing his cheek with her hand,

"I love you," he replied, his eyes not leaving hers as he entered.

After a very quick rinse in he shower they slipped their pjs back on before heading downstairs to start on breakfast before Lucia did. Lucia was the first one to come down followed by Lucy,

"What Noah out slept us?" she exclaimed in surprise.

"He's never been up past 9 before. He didn't get to bed until 2 so it's probably not a shocker," Olivia answered.

"I'll go rouse him for breakfast," Rafael volunteered.

"Momma, want to come?" He asked holding a hand out to her as she took it willingly heading for Noah's room.

"It's nice to see the world as it should be. Even if they make me a little sick with the lovey dovey business." Lucy observed as Lucia smiled.

"It sure is. Let's hope it stays that way for a little while at least. They need a break." Lucy nodded in agreement.