Rafael Barba pauses upon reaching the doorway of Olivia Benson's apartment, nerves emanating from his being, the distance from his newfound girlfriend, in a sense, comforting.
It's their first date, he and Olivia's, and the expectations run high, the suppression expected to erupt into passion.
However, as he trembles, flowers in-hand, he ponders the choices he's come to regret, his betrayal, the anger that's bruised their relationship, the secrets.
He's since been forgiven, her admitting it was a two-way street, their relationship, their trust, restored with a kiss, their first kiss, gentle, igniting a blush upon his face.
Yet, he wonders if despite the pair undeniably having fallen for each other, they've broken beyond repair, unable to mend their vigor once held.
Perhaps this is an accident. Perhaps, disregarding his addiction to her personality, her touch, he should exit, trek onwards into the trickling rain, not yet snow, without an umbrella.
However, he refuses to surrender to the urge, refuses to bid goodnight to a feeling that tickles his senses, the feeling of Olivia.
Thus, Rafael knocks, worry showering.
When she answers, it's in a green dress that hugs her figure, black slippers, a ring on her middle finger, and her customary gold chain.
She's stunning.
"We'll be on our way in a minute, Noah's just finishing his dessert and I have to finish prepping the sitter."
Rafael smiles, peering at Noah, his face showcasing remnants of a turkey-sandwich, as he devours a dollop of ice cream, his worry fading.
As he awaits, he observes the Christmas decorations, the old-fashioned photographs littering the walls, meanwhile, pondering his close call in the hallway, discovering this worth it.
When Olivia returns, the pair leaves, Rafael, garnering a newfound energy.
It's midnight when they return, the unfastening of a zipper concluding the night.