Olivia watched her co-workers playing with Noah and realized the group gathered in her home was her family. It proved further evident when everyone made a point to take turns saying goodnight to Noah and tucking him in. It was a powerful message that Olivia was never alone and neither was Noah.

Soon enough, they began to leave, and Rafael Barba was the final one remaining. "You held up well," he commented.

Olivia let out a breath of a laugh. "Yeah, well, having two little ones around will have that affect."

He smiled. "And a whole team of people who love you. You know that, right? All this is very extracurricular and not required."

Olivia chuckled softly. "I know. I admit, I get so deep into work I take everyone for granted. I'm lucky they stick around when I come up for air."

"Are you going to be alright tonight?" Barba asked.

"Why; you want to sleep on my couch?"

"I could, if you'd like."

Olivia shook her head. "I was joking. Go sleep in your own bed, Barba. I appreciate you checking on me, but I'm going to be alright."

"Any ETA on your return to the office?"

Olivia shrugged. "Couple weeks, at least. Not that you have to be a stranger 'til then."

Barba smiled. "We'll see how fair Lady Justice's work-life balance proves." Time wasn't something he had the particular luxury of promising, as she was well aware.

Olivia nodded understandingly. "Get home safe, Barba."

Barba took his leave, content with the state he was leaving her in. It was always preferable to leave her in a better mood than the one he found her in.

"Am I missing anything interesting?"

Barba chuckled into the phone. "You know I can't discuss cases you're not on, and right now you're on none."

"But my department is."

"You're on leave, Liv."

"I'm so bored when Noah's at school. And when he's sleeping and I'm still awake."

"Then come back from leave."

Olivia sighed. "If I try to come back any earlier, everything will get tied up with a psych eval that I don't need."

Barba frowned. "Well, how about something not case-related?"

"Like what?"

"Like the fact that there were active volcanoes on the moon when dinosaurs were alive."

Olivia laughed. "What?"

"You asked for something interesting."

"It is that, and random. I'm afraid to ask how you even know that."

"Knowing things is part of the job description. Also, the Pope can't be an organ donor."

"Huh." Olivia smiled. "I don't know if any of this is helping keep my mind sharp for my return."

"But are you entertained?"

"Yes."

"Then mission accomplished."

Olivia sighed. "I'm sure you have more important things to do."

"I'd let you know if I did."

"Am I too trusting, Barba?"

He sighed. "No. You were conned, that's all. You've had great instincts about people as long as I've known you. You actually don't make it easy for people to get close to you. Your system glitched because you were thinking of what was best for your son rather than what you wanted. You convinced yourself to ignore your first instinct."

"I never should have let them meet."

"You couldn't have known what would happen. You always give people a chance, whether or not they deserve one. That's why you're Olivia Benson."

Olivia sighed again. "Thank you. I… needed that."

"Any time."

"And thank you for helping a few minutes pass, at least. I should get to some chores I've been avoiding while I've got the time."

Barba returned to his case strategizing after the call. He glanced across at the chair he'd become accustomed to her frequently occupying. It had been a long week.