#rafeallbarba

"For the last time I'm fine Olivia. " The cops had long cleared out the room. After a few hours of interrogation, they barely got much out of the man. He was adamant on keeping his information, even if it meant years in prison. Your gut told you that he wasn't going to be the last. There would be more attempts. Until his case was finalized this wouldn't go away. Your guess is they were trying to get rid of him before the final trail. "Listen, I don't think me being next door is going to cut it anymore. Since he refuses to go into witness protection, I'll have to do my job from here."

"Are you suggesting you'll be staying in my home." you raise a brow.

"Yes, do you have a problem with that?"

"No, I think I'd prefer it. I feel safer knowing you'll body slam anyone who walks through the door."

Olivia was smiling. "Good to see this experience has brought you both closer together. "

You rolled your eyes. "Yeah, yeah just make sure NYPD gives me a bonus. I'm missing my favorite tv show for this."

"Good to know where priorities lie." Barba said sarcastically.

Olivia placed her hand on your shoulder sending a worried look your way. " The trail is in two weeks. I'm afraid of what's going to happen. "

"Relax, I have a better idea of what I'm up against. I'll be prepared. " You know those words wouldn't completely quell all her fears, but you did have a plan. This wasn't you first assassination after all.

~~~~

"Doors are locked and there's a car outside monitoring us around the clock. It's going to feel like this for the next two weeks so you'll have to deal with a little bit of invasion on your privacy." You dropped your duffel bag on the ground, checking to make sure you had everything ready for your stay. 

"There's two officers that'll be in the room across from us now, after what happened NYPD isn't taking any chances. You should feel a little flattered Counselor. As much as you drive them crazy, they actually care about you. " 

When there was no response, you stopped turning to look at him. Barba seemed pretty out of it. "Hey, are you doing okay over there?" It was perfectly normal for victims to have a delayed response to traumatic events. This was no different. He must have just realized how close he got to being killed.

"Counselor."

"Barba." He corrected. 

"You almost took a bullet for me, I think we can drop the formalities." When his eyes finally landed on you, it caused an unusual feeling in your stomach. He walked closer, looking down at the arm you'd fallen on. In regards to care he realized you were just as stubborn as he was. He could see the little blue bruise on your elbow. 

"Does it hurt?" he asked quietly. He reached over, taking your arm gently and scanning the mark. "Not really." you replied just as softly. The fact that he was touching you should have alarmed you more than it actually did. Compared to what you'd been through a simple bruise paled in comparison.

"I've had far worse. I think I'll survive a bump on my head and a little scratch."

"As headstrong as you are, you have to take care of yourself. It won't do any good to ignore injuries, even the smallest ones."

"I'll remember that doctor." you snark playfully. He finally let go of your arm with a little smile.

"Alright wonder woman. Is there anything you need? The couch isn't the most comfortable place to sleep."

"I've got it covered." You gestured to the other bag at the side of the furniture. "Just focus on closing this case, then we can both go back to our general dislike for each other." you spoke jokingly. He was still looking at you, for far too long that you would have liked.

Mainly because lately those beautiful green eyes were electing very different responses from what they'd done when you first met. You wanted to say something, or move, but his stare wouldn't permit it.

"Thank you (Y/N), truly. I'm very grateful to have you here." How did such simple words make you feel so much. You saved his life, of course he would thank you. He wasn't the first and probably wouldn't be the last. "It's not that big a deal, this is literally what I'm being paid for." you hoped the statement would help cut the tension that somehow rose in the room. "I know." this time he just wore a smile. A genuine one. Not his usually cocky grins. 

It actually makes you blush. You cleared your throat, taking a step back. 

"Well, we should probably get some sleep. I can't protect you properly with five hours of sleep. " It was already late, and right now that was the best excuse you could think of.

"You're right, we've both had quite an exciting day. I guess I'll see you in the morning." You hoped he didn't see how flustered you were. Your hands were trembling as you tried to reach in to get your pillows and covers from the bag.

"Goodnight (Y/N)." you nod, not ready to look at him. The closing of the bedroom door made you sigh in relief.

"This is bad."