She had been back at work for a month now, deciding she couldn't mourn forever, no matter how hard it was to get out of bed every day.
Things were different around the squad room, but the new ADA was competent and really trying hard not to do anything wrong. It didn't matter. She still hated him with a fiery passion that had absolutely nothing to do with him, and everything to do with his predecessor.
Everyone was walking on eggshells around her, so silences weren't unusual. But when the bullpen came to a complete standstill while she was explaining the new filing procedures, she noticed. Turning around to see the distraction, she thought she was going to fall over.
"Barba? What..." she trailed off, deciding she didn't care how, or why, because he was here. Alive.
Before she knew it, they were in each other's arms, tears flowing freely. He was whispering in her ear, apologies and promises that he'd never leave her again. "I'm so so sorry, mi amor...I love you so much, I had to go to keep you and Noah safe, I'm sorry I hurt you, I'm so sorry," he keeps repeating, holding her so tight she can barely breathe but she feels more alive than ever.
When she manages to get her wits together, she pulls back enough to see his face, shushing him. "Shh, it's okay. I'm going to kick your ass later but right now I'm so fucking happy you're here I can't even think."
He smiles, then leans in, brushing her lips lightly with his, teasing. "Do you want you go somewhere a little more private?" he murmurs, aware of the dozens of cops watching their reunion.
"No," she replies. "I want you to kiss me right now. They need to know why I won't be in for the next week," she finishes with a smirk.
He wastes no more time, his lips are instantly on hers, tasting her for the first time in three months. Their kiss is deep and needy and filled with every emotion from their time apart. Her hands caressing his back. His fingers tangled in her hair.
When they finally break apart for air, Liv buries her face in Rafael's neck, and sighs happily. She tightens her arms around his waist, and says, "Let's go home."
He smiles. "That's the best idea you've ever had, Lieutenant."