Song: Comfort by Deb Talan
Title: Hold Me in Your Arms
Barson Bingo Prompt: comfort
Olivia had a bad dream, but she had het husband right by her side. This story also takes place in the Random Acts universe as well. Thought I'd clarify because Rafael talks about it.
Olivia Benson-Barba was having a hard time falling asleep and staying asleep. Some cases at work were just harder than others on her anxiety than others. Trying to catch a serial rapist who is on his fifth victim was hard. This case had brought about nightmares: ones about William Lewis and others in the same night about being abandoned by those she loves. Her adoring husband Rafael was sleeping soundly next to her but she didn't want to wake him. He has also had a busy day with their case and was asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow that night. Olivia had gotten up to get some water and he noticed that she was gone.
"Hmmmm come back to bed cariño." He said in a sleepy voice. "You okay?"
"It's just a bad dream. I'll be okay." Olivia said as she got back in bed and turned off the light.
Rafael felt Olivia tossing and turning and mumbling to herself during nightmare. She woke up in a cold sweat and had a panic attack.
"Olivia? Liv?! Breathe, breathe. I'm right here. I got you."
Olivia didn't say anything she was taking deep breaths and nods as if she understood. Her husband was trying to figure out what to do.
"Do you want me to hold you? It's okay if you don't. Just know I'm right here." He said.
Olivia nodded yes as her husband got closer to her and gently wrapped his arms around her. Rafael gently rocked her has her head resting on his shoulder. He rubbed her back with one hand and ran his fingers through her hair with the other. He was gently shushing her until she started to calm down.
"I hate that saying 'you're okay.' So I'm not going to say that. I will say I'm right here for you. Whatever you need to get you through this, I'll do. I love you so much and I'm here to hold you or whatever you need." Rafael said. "Here, get cozy."
Olivia felt like an infant in her husband's arms. She had to admit Rafael was a great snuggler and fatherhood to Noah and Blythe brought it out of him. She could trust that he meant what he said. Rafael Barba was going to be there for her. He was still playing in her hair and kissing her forehead.
"Do you wanna talk about it?"
"No." Olivia said.
"I'll be right here when you do." Rafael said.
If anyone knew about nightmares and severe trauma , it was Rafael. He had been a victim of what seemed like a random act over a year ago in his own apartment. His injuries from having his knees and right arm broken, he had been stabbed in the stomach and burned. He was left for dead, that is until Olivia came over for what would have been their first date. He wouldn't have learned how to walk and eat again without Olivia's help and love. Their relationship came from that random act. She had been through his nightmares, accurately described as night terrors and his nighttime bladder issues. He couldn't move much from the waist down but his lover had found ways to comfort him when he needed it. Rafael couldn't have a better partner, best friend and husband. He still had his struggles yet he promised to be there for her. Always and forever.
"Rafa?" Olivia said as she was still holding Rafael tightly but calmer.
Rafael kissed her forehead and responded. "Yes hermosa?"
"Can you sing me that song you sing Blythe? I like it and hearing your voice sing is comforting."
"Sure I can." He said with a smile.
When everyone has gone to sleep and you are wide awake
There's no one left to tell your troubles to
Just an hour ago, you listened to their voices
Lilting like a river over underground
And the light from downstairs came up soft like daybreak
Dimly as the heartache of a lonely child
If you can't remember a better time
You can have mine, little one
In days to come when your heart feels undone
May you always find an open hand
And take comfort wherever you can
And oh, it's a strange place
And oh, everyone with a different face
But just like you thought when you stopped here to linger
We're only as separate as your little fingers
So cry, why not? we all do
Then turn to one you love
And smile a smile that lights up all the room
Follow your dreams in through every out-door
It seems that's what we're here for
And when you can't remember a better time
You can have mine, little one
In days to come when your heart feels undone
May you always find an open hand
And take comfort, there is comfort
Take comfort wherever you can, you can, you can
"Good night. Sweet dreams Liv. I love you so much. I'm right here." Rafael said as he finished his song.
"I love you too Rafa. I have you to keep the bad dreams away." Olivia said as she was soon fast asle
