Because I can Im writing another one of these. This kinda happens right after the last one, "In that Parallel Universe, I'm here." However this takes place during 2x5 of Organized Crime. Olivia and Rafael talk about setting boundaries to strengthen their marriage.
The Benson-Barba family had finished a wonderful family dinner and were settling their kids into their rooms for bedtime. They had told Noah he had an hour to have reading and quiet time and then light out. Blythe was drinking milk from her sippy cup as her father was rocking her to sleep in the rocking chair in her room.
"Alright good night princess. Mamí and Papí love you so much. Sweet dreams." Rafael said as he put Blythe in her toddler bed and tucked her in. He then kissed her cheek and placed her pink, sparkly, rubber glasses on the nightstand.
"Can I get kisses from Mommy too?" Blythe said.
Olivia kissed Blythe cheek as well and turned on her nightlight. The parents then headed downstairs to enjoy quality time together.
"Can we talk Olivia?" Rafael said as he sat on the sofa next to his wife.
"Sure. What do you wanna talk about?" Olivia replied as they were digging their hands into the snack mix.
Rafael turned the tv off and turned to face her.
"Let's talk about setting better boundaries. The past few days we've been talking and working though things to better our marriage but also when it comes to Stabler." Rafael said as he held her hands. "I love you and care about your well being so I'm asking you not to see him outside of work. It's not good for you and it's not good for us. He doesn't respect you, me or our marriage."
"As much as I hate it and don't want to believe it, you're right. He's not him anymore as much as I want him to be. Thanks for also watching the kids this afternoon while I went to therapy. Admitting there's a problem and separating myself from it for my own well being is good." Olivia said.
"Good. I didn't want you to think I was mad at you or trying to control you. We're partners after all and nothing comes between that. I didn't want to demand that from you without explaining how I felt. You're my wife and my best friend. I love you so much and hate seeing you unwell. We've worked through this together. You're not alone." Rafael replied.
"Thank you. We're actually busting a group from Albania trafficking underage girls with OC. Elliot and Ayanna are inside and Fin's with me." Olivia said.
"I was hoping to spend time with you tonight. We've both been really stressed lately and I love being with you. You should have told me sooner." He said.
"I meant to call earlier but I got a bit overwhelmed and went right to therapy. I'm sorry." Olivia said.
"We talked about having better communication Olivia. You're letting Elliot get in the way of us. You married me, the person who stood by your side and didn't abandon you when things got tough. And you did the same for you when I gave you every reason to. I love you so much and I don't want him dragging you down. You're so much more than that and I'm incredibly proud to have you as my wife. You're a strong, independent woman who's pretty badass if you ask me." Rafael said as she leaned in to hug him.
"Thank you for being patient with me. I love you Rafa." Olivia said as they were now holding hands as she was leaning into her husband's chest. She sat up when she remember what happened the other day to him. "Sorry I forgot. Does it still hurt?"
"Not really. The bruising has gone down and it doesn't really hurt. He did sucker punch me in the gut after all. You didn't hurt me." He said.
"I'm still mad at him for that. Noah asked me about what happened that night and I'm not sure I had overstepped. Noah is upset about it all and it was a lesson for him in boundaries as well as he thinks Elliot is a jerk for punching you." Olivia said as she got comfortable again.
