Sorry for the wait, but no fear this story will be finished, it's just been a busy few weeks. Thanks for putting up with the delay :)

Almost three hours after Sonny and Rafael had been walking down the sidewalk together they were back at Barba's apartment. Olivia had driven them on her way home with the arrangement that Carisi would stay the night and go to Barba's office with him in the morning and stay there until Fin showed up.

Barba put his key in the door but it didn't turn.

"Oh, almost forgot," Carisi muttered, rummaging in his pockets until he pulled out two shiny keys and handed them to Barba, "deadbolt one and deadbolt two."

Barba took the keys and turned back to the door, it wasn't until then that he noticed the new locks that had been installed. He then turned to look at Sonny and saw a new camera in the hall that pointed right at them.

"When did you do all of this?"

"I had some free time this afternoon," Sonny shrugged, "I also got new locks on your windows and cameras overlooking the fire escape. And those are the only two keys, so don't you lose them."

"You really didn't have to," Barba said as he proceeded to unlock the door.

"Only the best protection for you, Counselor."

Barba pushed the door open and they walked into the dark room, "what did I tell you about calling me Counselor off the clock?"

"Okay, Rafael," Sonny smiled and locked all the deadbolts behind them, "since we weren't able to go to dinner, why don't I make us something?"

Barba turned on the lights and eyed the kitchen, "I'm not sure that stove's been used since the last tennent."

Carisi shook his head, "I'll see what I can manage."

He walked into the kitchen and opened Barba's cabinets, "do you have anything other than scotch?"

"Coffee," Barba said as he loosened his tie and sat down at the counter, "I also have coffee."

Carisi made a face of disgust and continued to search the cabinets for anything edible he could use. Finally he came upon a half full box of pasta and a ninety-nine cent jar of tomato sauce.

"I guess this will have to do," he muttered to himself, then looked over at Barba with cautious hope "you got any spices?"

"There might be some in the cabinet to the left of the oven."

Sonny opened the door and found a jackpot of about ten spice shakers. He looked through them all before pulling out four.

"When's the last time you had a home cooked meal, Raf?" Sonny filled a pot with water and set it on the stove.

"It's been awhile," Barba admitted.

"I'm going to have to change that."

Sonny continued to work in the kitchen, doing his best to create a masterpiece out of nothing. They kept their conversation going, Carisi doing his best to avoid discussing the threats and the assaults. He would let Rafael bring that up if he wanted, but the man had been through enough tonight. All Sonny wanted to do was protect him, but beyond that, to make him feel safe. He wanted to wrap Barba in a blanket and pull him close. He wanted to hold him. He wanted to show Barba that people cared, that he cared.

But instead he made pasta.

When he was done, Carisi pulled out two plates and gave them both servings the size his mother would have. He set the food in front of Barba and went to grab them both forks.

Rafael took a bite of the spaghetti and made a noise few men had ever had the pleasure of hearing.

"Like it?" The corner of Sonny's mouth quirked up.

Barba blushed, but couldn't look away in time to hide it. He was thankful when Carisi continued on as though nothing had happened. "I don't think I've ever had spaghetti this good," he admitted.

"The key is the spices," Sonny explained, "anyone can pour a jar of sauce over cooked noodles, but to really make it good, you need the right spices."

"Where'd you learn to cook like this?" Barba took another bite.

"We used to have big family dinners growing up," Carisi said as he sat down beside Barba, "I'd help my ma in the kitchen and she taught me everything I know."

"I can just imagine you running around the kitchen causing a havoc," Barba chuckled.

"I almost always got the tomato stains out," Sonny smiled.

Once they were done eating, Carisi took their dishes to the sink.

"Leave them for tomorrow," Barba instructed.

Carisi rinsed them off and left them stacked in the sink. He glanced at the clock and walked over to Rafael, "I didn't quite get you into bed by nine, but hopefully Cap will understand there were some extenuating circumstances."

"Liv doesn't have to know everything that happens here."

Sonny held the other man's eyes and his heart skipped a beat. He could feel his hands begin to sweat. "You've had a long night, Rafael," he nearly whispered, "you should get some sleep."

"Looking out for me as always," Barba smiled and turned to walk to his bedroom, "goodnight, Sonny."

"Goodnight, Raf," Sonny whispered.

XXX

The next morning Barba sat at his desk reading through files and Carisi sat in the seat across from him. There was a knock on the door and Carisi stood, his hand on the gun in his holster, "who is it?" He called.

"It's Fin!"

Sonny opened the door to find the other detective standing there.

"Brought coffee and donuts," Fin handed Carisi a paper tray with two coffee cups and a white bag.

"Oh thank god," Barba stood and circled his desk to grab the coffee nearest to him.

"I'm here to relieve you," Fin explained, looking at Carisi.

"You know, I'm fine staying here," Sonny said.

"Liv wants you at the precinct, something about actually letting the Counselor here work."