Not Everything Done In The Dark Is Shameful Barson Story

Chapter 11

Author's note Many Barson stories to come, I promise!

Rafael Barba and Olivia Benson walked into Royalty Steakhouse, sat at a table, across from each other, ordered their food and were waiting for it. The place was packed despite the late hour, but they were not surprised, this was after all the city that never sleeps, and it never would.

"Looks like it's going to be a long wait, I'm surprised we were able to order so quickly." Olivia said making small talk, as Rafael gazed at her. Everyone knew that Olivia Benson was a confident woman, it shocked her that sometimes when her friend looked at her, she felt the need to cast her eyes down for a bit,. His green eyes were so intense. Was he trying to read her now?

"I actually don't mind the long wait. Do you?" Barba replied.

"No I don't mind since we stopped by my apartment to check on Noah first, I can relax."

Barba smiled. "Good. "So why was Fin bring overprotective?"

"That's just Fin."

"Really I got the feeling I walked in on an important conversation, something I should know?"

"It's nothing involving a case. Apparently Fin is no longer single, so he doesn't think anyone else should be. It would have been easier if he was talking to me about a case. Wait why do you ask? What did you hear?"

"Nothing besides I'm so tired, I didn't eat all day, I want to go home. drop it for now please, please.

"I told you it would have been easier to discuss a case. Olivia rolled her eyes and Barba laughed. "Don't laugh at me Barba."

"I wouldn't dare, he said still smiling.

Barba saw the waitress approaching their table with tray in hand. Within a few short moments she stood by the table and handed over plates. "Here you go Rafael, let me know if I can do anything else for you,

"Thank-you Kelly." Barba replied.

"You're welcome Rafael." Kelly dropped some napkins on the table before slowly walking away.

Olivia cast her eyes down and began to cut her steak. "She's obvious, Olivia said.

"What?"

"Nothing, she answered, she then took a bite of steak.

"What?" Barba repeated, "Don't say nothing, I know you too well." The comment about knowing her well caught Olivia off guard.

"It's nothing you're a brilliant man, you know what she was doing.

"What?"

"You're not that naïve. Eat before your food gets cold."

Olivia knew she sounded like a mother, but she was glad, she could feel him getting into prosecutor mode. They weren't going to talk about her, they were going to talk about him. It was silent at the table for awhile, and Olivia watched as he ate. When he finished he put his fork down. What? tell me?"

"She was flirting with you.

"What makes you say that?"

Olivia took a bite of food, a drink of water, and leaned forward looking him directly in the eye. "Raffa look at the napkin closest to you. It has lipstick and her phone number on it. If I'm wrong I'll pay for this dinner, and I'll buy you coffee for a month." Barba did as she said, he flipped over the napkin, and smiled. Am I right? Olivia asked after a moment of silence.

"You're not paying for dinner."

"That doesn't answer the question counselor."

"Lipstick and a number on a napkin something you've done?"

"Please, no, that's kids stuff ." Barba stared at her making sure he held her gaze. He had asked her about her conversation with Fin, and got very little information before she turned the tables on him. That was alright, he could wait for answers, he could wait for her. He crumbled up the lipstick kissed napkin