We'll be looking for sunlight
Or the headlights
Till our wide eyes burn blind
We'll be lacing the same shoes
That we've worn through
To the bottom of the line
And we know that we're headstrong
And our heart's gone
And the timing's never right


Barba awoke the next morning with his arms around River. He gently detangled himself from her and made his way into his kitchen. He brewed a pot of coffee and fixed himself a cup. He made his way back to his bedroom. He leaned against the doorframe and stared at the still slumbering detective.

River stirred and hugged the pillow she was laying on before saying, "I can hear you thinking. It's interrupting my sleep."

"This was a mistake," was Rafael's response and he cringed as soon as the words escaped his mouth.

"Really? Couldn't let me sleep in before you kicked me out of here. We're both off today," she turned over to face him before she glanced at the clock on the nightstand and rubbed her eyes, "Rafael, it's 8:30 in the morning. You couldn't have waited until at least 10 before your sense of reason kicked in and woke me up."

He stood up, bracing himself for the impending argument, "I just don't want you to think that we were getting back together."

She gasped and feigned shock, "What? You mean stumbling into bed together doesn't mean you're going to finally put a ring on my finger?"

He took a sip of coffee before he responded, "Must you always be so sarcastic?"

"We're really doing this?" she asked as she stretched.

Trying not to get distracted by the slight slip of the blanket, he cleared his throat, "River, loo-"

"Don't," she cut him off. "Okay, just don't. I mean, of all the ways you could have woke me up? We could have gone for round what? Six? And then after some amazing morning sex, you could have gently broke it to me that you wanted to make sure we both knew what this was. Don't worry, Barba. I didn't think you putting me on all fours meant I was moving in."

He glared, "Do you have to be so crass?"

"Seriously?" The detective laughed, "After all the things you whispered in my ear last night? You don't get to be offended by my language right now."

Rafael rubbed his face, "I don't want things to be awkward between us at work."

She rolled her eyes, "Don't worry. I don't plan on telling Carisi that we fu-"

"River Clark."

"Back to the name thing?" she quipped. When he didn't respond, she shook her head, "I promise to be on my best behavior." She leaned back against the headboard, "Are you still going to go to Andrea's party?"

"Is that why you slept with me?"

Outraged, she sprang out of the bed and began to gather the clothes that were in the bedroom as she ranted, "You did not just ask me that! You kissed me first, Rafael Barba. I followed your lead. I love Andrea but not enough to pimp myself out so people will be friends with her." She started to head towards the living room but stopped when she realized he was still standing in the doorway. She glared as she added, "Plus, think about it. Me screwing you practically ensures that you aren't going to her party because it would be too awkward."

"I'm sorry," he conceded.

"Wow. Guess you learned some new words while I was gone," she spat.

He reached for her with his free hand, "River, w-"

She moved out of his reach as she said, "You know, I liked you saying my name last night. Now? Not so much. Move."

He stood his ground, "I don't want you to leave here angry."

"You know what I want?" she huffed. "I want more of last night. And I'm not talking about the sex. I'm talking about the times in between. When we talked and it wasn't awkward and there wasn't any bitterness or anger simmering beneath the surface. I'm not foolish enough to think we're ever getting back together, but we were friends once. Can we try for that again?"

He asked, "Do you think that's possible? Really, truly possible? After everything, I put you through? After everything you put me through?"

"I don't know, but I know I would like to try." She sat on the bed with her clothes still gathered in her arms,"I want to stay on this squad, Rafael. It's a good fit for me. We could spend the rest of our days tiptoeing around each other, but I'd prefer to actually be able to trust and depend on my ADA."

He considered her statements and found himself moved by the sincerity in her voice, "You should get dressed.

"Of course," was her clipped response.

"So that we can go get breakfast," he finished, "On me to apologize for waking you up so early."

River tried to feign anger, but couldn't stop herself from laughing as she stood up, "You are such a little shit, Rafael Barba."