A couple of hours after having fallen asleep on Rafael Barba, Liv found herself slowly beginning to open her eyes, as consciousness returned to her. Despite being in a sleepy haze, she quickly realised she was no longer resting her head on Rafa's chest, instead, she was laying on a cushion in his lap. The blanket was pulled up to her neck and his hand rested protectively on her right hip. She hummed and shifted slightly against the cushion, as she tried to open her reluctant eyes. She could hear familiar dialogue on the TV, which she soon recognised as being from the first Indiana Jones movie. Despite trying to focus on it and remain awake, her exhausted body refused to permit it. Instead, she closed her sore eyes, snuggled back down into the cushion, and allowed sleep to claim her once more.
When Liv woke once again she was conscious that some time had passed. She opened her eyes languidly and realised she was no longer laying on Rafa, but was instead spread across the sofa, wrapped in a blanket. She could hear Noah and Rafa's voices in the kitchen, and the familiar smell of Chinese take-out flooded her senses. Her stomach growled assertively and Liv pushed herself tiredly into an upright position, before pushing her blanket aside and rising to her feet, rubbing her eyes tiredly as she headed into the kitchen.
Rafa looked up and watched as Liv slowly walked towards them, tucking some hair behind her ear and wincing slightly against the light. Her eyes were bright and she looked less pale than before, which he noted with much relief.
"Mum, you're awake!" Noah beamed, as he turned in his seat at the kitchen island, lowering his fork as he looked up at her. Liv placed a gentle hand on his back and rubbed it.
"I am" Liv smiled, before looking up at Rafa, who was watching her intently. "What time is it?"
"A little after six" Rafa informed her. Liv's eyes widened.
"You missed Harry Potter and the first Indiana Jones movie" Noah informed her, regret present in his tone. Liv looked down at him with a guilty expression.
"Well, I'm wide awake now" she assured him. "How about we eat take out on the couch and start the second movie?" she suggested. Noah's eyes lit up, and he quickly got down from the island and carried his plate of food into the living room. "Don't get rice on the couch" she cautioned.
"Are you hungry?" Rafa asked, prompting Liv to look up at him.
"Very" she replied. "Is there any vegetable chowmein left?"
"There is" Rafa confirmed, as he plated some up. "Anything else?"
"No, thank you" Liv replied, before heading towards one of the cupboards and removing a clean glass. Rafa put the plate of take-out into the microwave as Liv poured herself a glass of cold water. He watched her drink it quickly, and battled an urge to ask how she was feeling.
"I'm fine" Liv responded gently, standing next to him and offering him a gentle smile. He furrowed his brows in confusion. "Your concern is palpable, Rafa" she said quietly, stroking his arm as she spoke. "I'm alright" she assured him. "And if I could stay conscious for more than a couple of hours that would be great" she added lightly. Rafa's expression softened but remained serious.
"Your body knows what it needs" Rafa said gently. "If it's telling you to rest, rest" he encouraged. Liv smiled softly and nodded in agreement, before pouring herself another glass of water.
After taking a few sips of her water Liv excused herself to go to the bathroom, and when she returned Rafa had taken her food into the living room and placed it on the table. She collected her glass and carried it into the room, taking up her seat and placing the blanket over her, before resting the plate of food on a cushion on her lap. She ate hungrily as the movie played, and resolved to stay awake for the entire film.
Despite the heavy dinner making her feel sleepy, Liv did manage to watch the entire movie, much to Noah's delight. She also stayed awake for the third film, but only just. By the time it finished it was nearly ten o'clock, and Noah was blinking tiredly at the screen.
"It's time for bed, Noah" Liv informed him. "For both of us" she added, as she stifled a yawn.
The fact that Noah nodded tiredly and mumbled sleepy goodnights to his mother and his Uncle Rafa was a testament to his exhaustion. Liv rose to her feet and watched as Noah rubbed his eyes and headed towards the bathroom to brush his teeth. Rafa rose from the couch and she looked up at him.
"I'll tidy up" Rafa advised, as Liv opened her mouth to protest. "Go to bed, Liv" he encouraged, his voice kind but firm. Liv swallowed her protests and nodded in defeat.
"Yes, Counsellor" she replied lightly, earning a bemused look from Rafa. "Thank you" she added sincerely. Rafa's eyes softened and he nodded, before placing his hand on her waist and pressing a tender kiss to her forehead.
Liv found herself feeling the familiar sensation of dizzy excitement, as her heart began to beat faster against her chest. She placed her hand on his arm instinctively, and tilted her head up as the kiss ended. Liv's eyes met Rafa's gaze and she watched as his eyes darkened and his breathing deepened. Her gaze drifted from his eyes to his lips, and before she registered what she was doing she took a small step closer to him and pressed her lips against his.
Rafa responded immediately to Liv's kiss, much to her relief, opening his mouth and kissing her back. He was hesitant at first, as though uncertain, but as Liv deepened the kiss he responded with equal passion. Liv's hands found Rafa's upper arms and his found her waist, pulling her against him and earning a breathless moan from her. Liv felt Rafa smile against the kiss as his hands drifted from her waist to her hips, as her right hand drifted up his neck and cradled the back of his head. Liv was conscious that her rounded belly was pressed against Rafa's abdomen, and her initial self-consciousness quickly dissipated, as their kissing became more desperate and intense.
Until the sound of the bathroom door unlocking drew them both immediately from their carnal thoughts, and caused them to snap instantly out of their reverie. Liv stepped away from Rafa immediately and turned towards the bathroom, watching as her sleepy son walking tiredly out of the room and headed towards his bedroom without a backwards glance. Liv placed her hand across her mouth as realisation struck her. Rafa turned from Noah and looked down at Liv with concern.
"Sorry" Liv said quietly, embarrassment present in her tone. Rafa opened his mouth to answer but she cut him off. "Goodnight" she said gently, offering him a smile, before turning on the spot and walking towards her bedroom.
"Goodnight" Rafa repeated, watching as Liv headed towards her bedroom, closing the door behind her.
Rafa sighed and covered his eyes with his hand, slowly lowering himself to the couch and sitting down, as he replayed the last couple of minutes and processed what had happened.
After several minutes of private reflection, Rafa rose from the couch and tidied the living room and kitchen, before turning off the TV and removing his laptop from its bag. He worked for just over an hour, before heading into the bathroom to brush his teeth and get changed, then retreating to the couch, where he would remain for the night.
After changing into her pyjamas and climbing into bed, Liv closed her eyes and found that sleep claimed her almost immediately. For the first night in many weeks she slept soundly throughout the night, her slumber uninterrupted by nightmares, as her body granted her a much needed reprieve.
When Liv woke the next morning shortly after nine o'clock, she felt well-rested and energised, and clearer headed than she had felt in some time. She rose without dizziness and headed across the hall and into the bathroom, where she used the facilities, brushed her teeth and took her prenatal vitamins and iron tablet before returning to her own room. When she crossed the hallway she could smell cooking and heard Rafa and Noah's voices in the kitchen.
Determined to reassure Rafa that she really was alright, Liv applied a generous amount of foundation and concealer before applying the rest of her usual make-up. She curled her hair and ran her hands through it to give it a more natural, tousled look, as she searched through her dresser for a pair of jeans. However, after trying on three pairs of jeans which all reluctantly refused to zip up over her growing belly, Liv found her previous confidence desert her, and she felt suddenly rather panicked. She pulled her pyjama top over her belly and then put on the maternity leggings which Amanda had given to her, which were incredibly comfortable. She wore a loose-fitting white shirt and paired it with black ankle boots. She then removed her black leather jacket from her wardrobe and draped it over her arm, before transferring some of her items from her work bag to a smaller black leather one, picking up her phone and heading out of her room.
As Liv approached the kitchen she found Rafa whisking pancake batter in a large bowl, as Noah poured a generous amount of maple syrup over a thick stack of pancakes which were laid before him. He looked up as Liv entered the kitchen and his eyes lit up.
"Mum!" he beamed, looking adorable in his pyjamas with sleep-tousled hair. Liv smiled at him.
"Good morning, my love" she responded, pulling him towards her and kissing him on the side of the head. "Did Uncle Rafa make you pancakes?"
"I helped" Noah advised proudly.
"You did" Rafa confirmed. "He makes an excellent sous-chef" he stated. Noah's smile widened.
"His dish-washing skills could do with some work" Liv teased, tickling him as she spoke. Noah giggled and leaned away from her. Rafa's eyes softened and he smiled, his gaze drifting from Noah to Liv.
"Are you hungry?" Rafa asked Liv, prompting her to look up at him. The smell of the freshly-cooked pancakes and maple syrup made her stomach growl and her mouth water.
"I am" Liv confirmed.
"Can I interest you in some pancakes?" Rafa asked, as he continued to whisk the batter. Liv watched him for a moment, relieved to find that their conversation was easy and comfortable, and there was no awkwardness after the night before.
"That would be great, thank you" Liv replied. "Have you eaten?" she asked.
"I have" Rafa confirmed, as he poured some of the batter into the pan on the stove. "And so has Noah. He's having seconds" he added. Noah looked up at his mother with a smile.
"I ate three already" he declared.
"Is that so?" asked Liv, looking impressed, as she sat on the bar stool next to him. "Well, save some room for lunch. We can eat in the cafe at the zoo" she advised, as she refilled his juice. Noah thanked her and took a few sips, as she gestured to Rafa and he nodded, prompting her to pour them each a glass.
As Liv sipped her juice she looked up at Rafa, watching him cook. He was wearing black trousers and a purple sweater which she had seen before. He had rolled up the sleeves and was concentrating on cooking, his face bearing the same expression it did when he was reading a case file. Liv found herself struck by how easy this was, his presence in her home, with Noah, the domestic routine they seemed to have adopted in just a weekend. It made her feel excited and hopeful yet worried and apprehensive at the same time. The kiss they had shared the night before had been heated and passionate, and her body had responded strongly to his. The complexity of their relationship, the impending doctor's visit and the fact they had almost been caught by Noah caused her to feel incredibly anxious. The hand which held her orange juice trembled and she lowered it to the breakfast bar, the clatter it made prompting Rafa to look up at her. She forced her best smile and looked up at him.
"Careful, mum" Noah said gently.
"Sorry, sweetie" Liv replied, as she wrapped her hands around the glass and smiled at her son, trying desperately to centre herself.
Liv's attentions remained fixed on Noah until Rafa pushed a plate of pancakes towards her. She turned towards him and inhaled the glorious scent, her mouth watering at the sight before her.
"Do you also like to drown perfectly good pancakes in maple syrup?" Rafa asked lightly, the twinkle in his eye and his playful tone causing Liv to relax. Which she presumed had been his intention. She smiled and reached for the offending condiment.
"I do" Liv confirmed defiantly, as she covered the pancakes in maple syrup. Noah giggled conspiratorially as he ate another generous forkful of pancakes, and Rafa looked on in amusement.
Thirty minutes later, after the pancakes had been consumed and kitchen restored, Noah emerged from his bedroom wearing dark blue jeans, a purple shirt and a black coat. He walked up to Rafa, who was putting on his own jacket, and smiled up at him.
"Look Uncle Rafa, we match" he declared proudly. Liv watched as Rafa looked down at Noah, his eyes softening as he smiled.
"We do" Rafa confirmed. "Except I'm taller" he added.
"And older" Noah teased. Liv's eyes widened.
"Noah" Liv cautioned, a hint of reprimand present in her tone. Rafa was trying not to laugh.
"Sorry, Uncle Rafa. I was only kidding" Noah replied.
"I know" Rafa responded. "Perhaps we can get senior citizen discount at the zoo" he said to Liv, who was putting on her leather jacket. She put her bag over her shoulder and sighed, before ruffling Noah's hair and leading him and Rafa out of the apartment.
Liv drove Rafa and Noah to the Bronx Zoo, feeling relieved and empowered to finally be behind the wheel of her own car once more. Noah was incredibly excited, and his enthusiasm increased tenfold when Rafa revealed he had not been to the Bronx Zoo in more than twenty years. Noah had spent the majority of the car journey explaining the different sections of the zoo to Rafa, including an impressive summary of the "best parts" and the "not so good" aspects of each one. Liv interceded on a few occasions to provide clarification or further information, and by the time they arrived at the zoo shortly after eleven o'clock, Noah was bursting with excitement and was keen to show Rafa all of the exhibits, especially his favourite ones.
Liv parked at Fordham Gate, and had scarcely stepped out of the car when Noah hurried towards Rafa and reached for his hand, pulling him towards the entrance. After a polite reminder from Liv that there was no rush and they had all day to explore and show Uncle Rafa the animals, Noah calmed his efforts slightly, but was still buzzing with excitement.
Upon learning that Rafa's favourite animal was the American Bald Eagle, due to its rarity and beauty, Noah suggested they begin at the World of Birds. Liv agreed, and then advised they could make their way around the zoo counter-clockwise. This meant they should arrive at the cafe shortly after one o'clock, which would be excellent timing.
"The cafe is right opposite the gift shop, Uncle Rafa" Noah informed him.
"How fortunate" Rafa returned, looking up at Liv who gave him a faux-warning look.
Noah then realised he had not yet told his Uncle Rafa about the gift shop, and proceeded to give him such a detailed description of the contents that Rafa suggested he could work there part time.
"I'm collecting the animal plushies" Noah explained. "Mum buys me one each time we come here. I have eleven" he stated proudly.
"Is that so?" Rafa asked. "Which ones do you have?"
For the next hour, Liv, Rafa and Noah made their way around the zoo, visiting the World of Birds first, before moving onto Tiger Mountain.
"Mum said that the tigers are going to eat me" Noah announced, a little too loudly in front of a group of Australian tourists. Rafa suppressed a smirk and looked up at Liv.
"When Noah was about eight he said he wanted to climb into the enclosure and play with the tigers, because he loves cats" Liv explained, speaking loudly enough to ensure that the Australian tourists heard. "I said if he climbed into the enclosure the tigers might mistake him for prey, and eat him" she continued. "So I said he could not play with the tigers unless he wanted to be their lunch" she added. "I did not threaten to offer him to them as a main course" she stated, raising her eyebrows at Noah, who giggled.
"I'm very glad to hear it" Rafa responded, before the now familiar sensation of Noah's hand in his own drew his attentions towards him. "Come on, Uncle Rafa. The Northern Ponds are next, and then after that we can see the bears!" he proudly declared, pulling his uncle ever onwards.
After making their way across the next few sections of the park, it was almost half-past twelve, and Liv found herself start to feel rather weary. She was starting to feel a little light-headed, but Noah's enthusiasm was infectious, and she did not want to interrupt his detailed descriptions of each section and the animals. She knew that they were only thirty minutes or so away from reaching the cafe, she was determined to hold on until then.
However, as they left the Carter Giraffe Building and made their way towards the Congo Gorilla Forest, she found her dizziness increasing. Noah had hurried off ahead, and she reached instinctively towards Rafa, holding onto his arm in what she hoped was a subtle manner as they talked. He stop speaking immediately and looked down at her, placing his hand over hers and stopping still.
"You okay?" he asked, concern present in his tone. Liv shook her head dismissively, but felt the weight of his gaze upon her and knew he would not believe her excuses.
"I'm just a little light-headed, it's nothing-"
"It's not nothing" Rafa responded, his voice gentle but his tone firm. "There's a bench right over here, come and sit down" he encouraged, leading her towards the bench before she could formulate a response.
"Rafa, I'm fine-"
"Mum, Uncle Rafa?" called Noah, who was running back towards them. "What's wrong?" he asked, his confused expression turning to one of concern.
"Nothing's wrong, sweetie" Liv responded quickly, offering him a smile as she sat down on the bench. Noah walked past Rafa and sat next to his mother, placing his hand on her arm as he edged as close to her as he could. "I just need to sit down for a minute" she said simply. Noah frowned in confusion.
"Why?" he asked, puzzled.
"My shoes are hurting my feet" Liv lied. Rafa swallowed thickly and looked from Liv to Noah. He watched the young boy's eyes drift towards his mother's feet. His expression immediately relaxed.
"You should have worn your sneakers, mum" Noah responded. Liv nodded.
"You're right, I should have" she replied, as Rafa sat down beside her. "Why don't you tell Uncle Rafa about the sneakers you got for your birthday?" she suggested, relieved to distract her son so she could have a couple of minutes to ground herself.
After a few minutes' rest Liv rose to her feet and took Noah's hand, leading him towards the Congo Gorilla Forest. She noticed that Rafa stood incredibly close to her, much closer than he had been before, and she felt his eyes upon her. She turned and offered him a reassuring smile, which he responded to by stroking her back lightly, lowering his hand as Noah turned towards him just as they entered the forest.
Liv, Rafa and Noah walked slowly around the Congo Gorilla Forest with the other visitors, watching the gorillas in their natural habitat. Liv noticed that Rafa seemed to be particularly interested in this exhibit. She walked towards him and followed his gaze, noticing him staring at an older silverback gorilla who was picking his nose and eating it. Liv's eyes narrowed and she looked at Rafa.
"He reminds me of a judge in Brooklyn" Rafa said in response to her unasked question. He turned towards her and watched a smile creep across her lips. She was chuckling as Noah hurried back towards her and grabbed her hand, pulling at her insistently.
"Mum, look!" Noah beamed, pointing towards his far right. Liv followed his gaze and found herself watching a female gorilla who was bending over and clutching something to her chest. "The mummy gorilla has a baby, look!" he encouraged, tugging at her hand as he spoke. "Look at the baby!"
Liv's eyes drifted towards the tiny baby gorilla which was clinging to its mother, who was cradling it protectively against her chest. She stared at the baby gorilla, so tiny and defenceless, in the protective arms of its mother. Something deep inside her ached, prompting her smile to falter and her expression to tighten. She had managed to force herself not to think about her doctor's appointment tomorrow morning, somehow throwing herself into the weekend with Rafa and Noah and focusing on each moment as it came, but reality hit her hard, all at once. She stiffened visibly, swallowing thickly as tears stung her eyes. Rafa placed a hand on her lower back which prompted her to release a breath she hadn't realised she had been holding, as she blinked furiously, forcing a smile just as Noah looked up at her.
"Yes, I see. It's lovely" Liv said quickly, feeling her chest tighten as she spoke. "Why don't you go and ask that keeper over there if she knows what the baby's name is?" she suggested. Noah released her hand immediately and ran towards the keeper. Liv felt Rafa step behind her, capturing her hand and placing his free hand on her lower back.
"Would you like to leave?" he asked gently.
"No" Liv responded immediately, shaking her head as she avoided Rafa's gaze. She didn't trust herself not to cry if she looked at him. "No, this is one of Noah's favourite parts of the zoo" she explained. "I'm fine" she added quickly, before reluctantly removing her hand from his and walking towards her son. Rafa watched her with sad eyes, wondering what he could do or say to comfort her, as he followed her towards the keeper.
After spending the next hour exploring the Mouse House, Bug Carousel and World of Reptiles (where Rafa lifted Liv's spirits by comparing various critters to well-known defence attorneys), Rafa, Liv and Noah headed to the Dancing Crane Cafe. Liv was relieved to be able to finally sit down, and it was to Rafa's relief that she ordered a club sandwich, french fries and a diet soda. He ordered the same as Liv, and Noah ordered a hot dog, fries and a strawberry milkshake.
When the food arrived, Liv ate hungrily, but Rafa noticed that she was struggling with the smell of Noah's hot dog. Thankfully he ate it very quickly, and she recovered herself and ate the majority of her food. Despite her attempts to conceal it, it was clear that Liv was becoming tired. It was nearly three o'clock and he was not surprised she was weary. Ten minutes after they had finished their food, Liv was sipping the last of her soda when Noah looked up at her hopefully.
"Can we go in the gift shop, mum? Please?" Noah asked politely.
"Of course, sweetie" Liv responded with a smile. "We need to add to your plushie collection" she explained. Noah nodded heartily in agreement.
Fifteen minutes later, Rafa, Liv and Noah walked out of the gift shop, the heaviness of Noah's prizes matching the emptiness of Rafa's wallet.
Noah was wearing a new pair of sunglasses and a brown hat with monkey ears. A toy anaconda was draped around his neck, and in his arms he was holding a lion plushie, a gorilla plushie, and an eagle plushie. One of the plushies had been paid for by Liv, but the others were gifts from Rafa. Noah had expressed an interest in the items but did not ask for them, but Rafa reasoned he had missed some of Noah's birthdays and Christmases when he was in Boston, so he owed him several gifts. Noah was grateful and delighted, and strolled out of the gift shop with pride.
After reaching the car and helping Noah to strap in his new animal plushies, Liv closed the car door and turned to find Rafa standing beside the passenger door.
"I got something for you, too" Rafa said gently, opening his jacket to reveal a beautiful toy lioness plushie. Liv stared at the toy for a moment before accepting it, stroking its soft fur and smiling gently before looking up to meet his gaze.
"Please tell me you didn't steal this" Liv said lightly, noting it had been concealed in his jacket. "Our bosses would not be happy if I had to arrest you" she joked. A small smirk played on Rafa's lips.
"I bought it when you were helping Noah with hit new hat and sunglasses" Rafa explained. Liv nodded in acknowledgement.
"A lioness" she said softly, her tone and expression puzzled.
"It reminded me of you as soon as I saw it" Rafa explained. "Fierce, independent, protective" he continued. "Probably gonna kill me" he added lightly. Liv smiled brightly, a beautiful smile which reached her eyes, as she laughed in response. She held his gaze and her expression softened.
"Thank you, Rafa" she said sincerely, as she held the plushie close to her chest. "With this lioness and Noah's lion, we have the beginning of a pride" she remarked. Rafa smiled gently in response.
"Yes, we do" he responded, his voice calm and clear, and with such confidence that for a moment Liv found herself believing him.