Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

THE LITTLE MERMAID OF MANHATTAN
Chapter 1 Waiting with Love

The first rays of sunlight began to filter through the blinds, welcoming a brand new day.
The big day was getting closer. They were in the final weeks now, and a mix of anxiety, joy, and fear had settled over every member of the Barba-Benson household.

Rafael had been sleeping on the couch for days. He said it was so he wouldn’t disturb Liv, that she needed space, or that the firm mattress was good for his back... but the truth was something else: he couldn’t stop being on alert.
Every movement, every sigh from her kept him on edge.

As soon as the morning light touched his face, he shut his eyes tightly, hoping the sunlight wouldn’t disturb his beloved’s sleep.
He sat up quietly, gently pulled the blankets over her, and watched her with love.
Then he knelt beside the bed, trying not to make a sound.
He caressed Liv’s belly and gave it a soft kiss.
—Good morning, little mermaid— he whispered to the baby.

As if she understood him, the baby gave a soft kick, which woke Liv.

She stretched her arms and rolled over, accidentally knocking Rafael off balance. He fell to the floor with a thud.
Liv sat up, concerned, to see what had happened, but burst out laughing when she saw her husband on the floor.
—Sorry... I didn’t mean to wake you— Rafael said, his voice laced with embarrassment and a hint of guilt.

—I never imagined I’d have New York’s most feared prosecutor at my feet— she teased, unable to resist.
Rafael pretended to glare at her, but couldn’t help smiling.

—Only you could do that to me, Benson.

Liv’s gaze was bright, incredibly sweet, and just slightly seductive. So much so that Rafael couldn’t resist—forgetting all his earlier precautions, he lunged at her, wrapping her in his arms and planting a kiss on her lips, one she didn’t resist either.

Meanwhile, Noah woke up with a big yawn.
He reached for his phone on the nightstand: 6:30 a.m. glowed softly in blue digits on the screen.
He sat up carefully. Beside him, his little three-year-old brother Alec was still sound asleep.
Since finding out that a new baby was coming, Alec had insisted on sleeping with him every night. He said he couldn’t bear the idea of being alone.

To help him through the wait, Liv and Noah had created a little ritual: the Pirate Calendar.
—Alec... Alec —Noah whispered, gently rocking him awake.

Alec stirred beneath the blankets, reluctant to open his eyes. Noah smiled and, not giving up, tickled his tiny body.
The boy squirmed, laughing in his sleep, until he opened his big, bright green eyes, full of that mischievous spark so his own.
—Noah! — he shouted with delight, tackling his big brother in a hug.

And just like that, the inevitable pillow fight began.
—Stop it, Alec! —Noah said, laughing as Alec ruffled his hair.

—Let’s go mark another day on the Pirate Calendar.

Alec ran to the drawer where Noah kept his art supplies, searching for the perfect color to mark the day.
—Gold! Gold! I want this one! —Alec shouted, as if he’d just discovered buried treasure.
—Perfect choice—Noah said, shaking his head, amused.

They ran to the living room, where the calendar hung on the wall—decorated with pirate and mermaid stickers.
Alec’s design, of course.
Together, they marked off another day, as if every cross-out was a tiny victory in their countdown to the big moment.

In the kitchen, the aroma of coffee and toast began to fill the air.
Rafael, still in his pajamas, whisked eggs with the same intense focus he used in the courtroom. Olivia, sitting on one of the tall stools, watched him with a smile hidden behind her cup of tea.

—I never thought I’d see you making breakfast voluntarily—she murmured, amused.
—It’s not breakfast. It’s a strategic family nourishment plan—he replied, pretending to be serious.

Before he could say more, hurried footsteps and laughter echoed from the hallway.
—Gold! Gold like treasure! —Alec shouted, followed by Noah, holding a marker stained with ink.
—What are you shouting about? —Liv asked, laughing.
—We marked another day on the calendar, Mommy—Alec said, proudly showing the golden marker and his messy hands.
—We use gold because the baby will be here soon—Noah added.

Alec climbed onto the stool next to Olivia as best he could and wrapped his arms around her, curling into her side.
—Mommy, hug me—he whispered, his big green eyes fixed on her.

Rafael turned from the stove, concerned, raising the spatula like a judge about to make a ruling.
But Liv gave him a stern look—the same one she used during interrogations when someone lied.
She knew Alec needed her now more than ever; the changes hadn’t been easy for him.
Rafael froze. He swallowed hard.
Always eloquent, confident, and composed, that look disarmed him every time.

Noah watched his parents closely and, sensing the subtle tension, casually dropped a seemingly innocent comment:
—Only a few more days! Alec marked today. Just one week and four days left! —he said, eyes sparkling with excitement.

Rafael returned silently to his pan. He gripped the spatula harder than necessary. The metallic scrape against the pan was the only sound answering his swirling thoughts.
Was everything ready? Would he be enough? Would everything go well?

He knew what was at stake. Liv’s pregnancy hadn’t been easy.

Flashback
Liv was only four months along when she woke him one night—
Trembling.
Terrified.
There was blood.
Her eyes were full of fear.
She was crying, terrified she might lose their baby.

He didn’t think. He scooped her into his arms, raced to the car, and drove like the city was on fire.

His quick reaction saved Liv and their baby.
Those were hard days, but their little mermaid held on—
To life,
To this world.
End of flashback

—Yes, Noah, just a few more days, and we’ll meet your little sister— Liv said, placing a gentle hand on her belly.
But Alec gently took her hand and pulled it toward himself.
—Hug me, Mommy. Not the baby.

Liv looked at him with that knowing look only mothers have—
the one that understands more than words can say.
She drew him close and showered him with kisses. Alec smiled.
He had Rafael’s eyes—the same eyes that had won her heart and still made her heart skip a beat.

Rafael’s gaze remained lost in the pan… until Noah snapped him out of his trance.
—Dad! The eggs are burning!
—Oh—right! —With shaky hands, he quickly turned off the burner.
Noah jumped up to help his dad serve breakfast.
—I think we saved them—Noah said, tasting a bite. —Smells good!

—Liv—Rafael said as they sat down at the table. —I’m putting in my vacation request today. Starting next week, I won’t leave your side.
—Are you putting me under house arrest? —she joked.
—If that’s what it takes, consider it done—he replied, locking eyes with her.
—Alright, but today everyone goes to work and school—she said, releasing Alec so he could sit and eat.

Breakfast went on calmly… though not completely.
Liv felt pangs but kept quiet.
It had already been hard enough convincing Rafael not to watch her every second.
If she said a word, he wouldn’t leave her alone for a minute—
he’d insist on going to the hospital, or be calling all day—or worse, cancel everything.

—Are you okay, Liv?” Rafael asked, fork halfway to his mouth, eyes fixed on her.
—I’m fine. The baby’s just really active today.

Alec looked at her from his chair and whispered,
—Can I, Mommy?
He climbed down and gently placed his tiny hand on Olivia’s belly.
—Of course,” Liv said, touched by his curiosity.
—Hi baby, I’m Alec—your brother—his eyes wide with wonder as he felt the baby.

After that beautiful moment, Rafael and the kids got ready to head to court and school.
Meanwhile, Olivia cleared the plates and mugs from breakfast.
Still feeling exhausted and slightly sweaty, she sat down on the nearest chair.

—Easy now, baby… it’s not time yet. Be good to mommy— she whispered, rubbing her belly gently.
—Not yet... — she whispered again.

Noah rushed into the kitchen.
—Mom, do you know where I left?

He stopped in his tracks when he saw the look of discomfort on her face.

—Are you okay, Mom? —he asked, his voice laced with worry.

—Dad —he began to shout.

Liv grabbed his hand.
—Noah… please, don’t alarm your dad. You know how he gets.”

But it was too late.
Rafael stormed in, tie in hand.

—Liv!

—I’m fine— Liv said, smiling like nothing was wrong. She gave Noah a conspiratorial look.
—It’s nothing, Dad. We’re just running late.

Rafael exhaled deeply.
—Oh… that. We’re out the door in ten— he said, rushing off again.

—Noah, can you help me with Alec?

—Yes, Mom.
Still concerned, Noah obeyed. He hoped it really was just a false alarm.

Liv silently thanked him.
She needed that breather.

Minutes later, everyone left the house.
Noah and Alec gave their mom big hugs goodbye.
Rafael, elegant as always, seemed calm on the outside…
But inside, fear lingered.
Olivia noticed. She stepped close, rested her head on his shoulder, and gave him a tender kiss.
For a moment, the world shrank to just the two of them.

The door closed. Silence returned.

Liv quietly cleared the last of the dishes… but had to sit down again.
The cold sweat was still there. The discomfort too.

She counted the pangs in her mind—
One.
Two.
Three.

She didn’t want to worry.
She didn’t want them to worry.

But when the sharper pang came
One she hadn’t felt before
She leaned forward, closed her eyes, and pressed a hand to her belly.

—Not yet…” she whispered.

Outside, the world went on as if nothing had changed.
Inside, something had just shifted.

Chapter Text

CHAPTER 2  BEFORE THE SEA BREAKS

 Olivia tried to ignore what she was feeling; she took a deep breath. She refused to believe her baby might come early.

She and Rafael had been so meticulous, following every single medical recommendation.

—Please, baby, not yet —she whispered, running a trembling hand over her belly, gently caressing it.

She couldn’t stop sweating, moisture ran down her body, soaking through her clothes.

Gathering every bit of strength she had, she managed to reach the kitchen.
The sensation of cold water running over her hands and arms brought a brief moment of relief.

She began her breathing exercises, counting one, two, three… but couldn’t focus. Her mind was consumed with thoughts of her baby.
The stabbing pain seemed to ease, so she tried to continue her routine, feeling a slight relief or so she thought.

Then a sharp, violent pain coursed through her body, making her drop a mug that shattered the moment it hit the floor as if warning that something inside Liv was about to break too.

She bent down to pick up the broken pieces, but couldn’t every shard slipped from her fingers.

The pain kept building, and she felt it slipping out of her control.

She tried again to pick up the mug, but her body wouldn’t cooperate.

Looking down at herself, she knew something wasn’t right.

—Oh no… looks like you want to meet us already —she said with a wavering smile, tears mixing with it as they streamed down her cheeks.

Liv looked around, unsure of what to do.

She searched for her phone, but it was nowhere in sight. Even though the landline was nearby, she decided to go upstairs and get her cell.

Anxiety and fear clouded her thoughts she couldn’t remember a single phone number.

—God, I need my phone!

She remembered it was on the nightstand. Slowly, and with great effort, she began climbing the stairs.

Each step felt heavier than the last.
By the final few, she was nearly crawling, clinging tightly to the railing.

Finally, she reached her bedroom.

She grabbed her phone and quickly searched for Amanda’s number.
She sat down on the bed, gripping the sheets with one hand while using the other to dial.

She called twice. No answer.

Her desperation grew. She let out a long sigh.

Everything was falling apart just when she needed help the most.

—Think, Olivia, what can you do? —she muttered, clutching the sheets tightly as another wave of pain hit her.
—If I call Rafael, he’ll drive like a maniac… and Noah and Alec are with him.
—I can handle this. You can do this— she told herself, trying to stay strong.

She moved as quickly as her body would allow, heading to the bathroom. She splashed water on her face and tied her hair back into a ponytail.
Her body temperature was rising.

But things were getting worse.

Even though she had a high pain tolerance, she couldn’t take it anymore.
Her breathing quickened, and sweat poured down her body.

She decided to lie down, clutching Rafael’s pillow like it was an anchor, something that could give her comfort, something to ease the pain.

She glanced at the clock on the wall. Barely thirty minutes had passed, but to Liv, it felt like hours.

“They must already be at school… and Rafael is probably on his way to court,” she thought, trying to calm herself.

—My little mermaid… your daddy is the best lawyer in all of New York —she said proudly, rubbing her belly.

But the next wave of pain hit hard, ripping a scream from her throat.

She picked up the phone again, trying Amanda once more, but no answer.

She let herself fall back onto the bed, and as she reached out, the phone slipped from her hand and fell to the floor.
She tried to grab it, but couldn’t. She was afraid of falling.

So she lay back down, trying to gather strength before trying again.
In the meantime, she kept doing her breathing exercises.

Outside the Barba-Benson house, everything looked normal. The morning was sunny.

Two cars arrived at the front gate.

A taxi pulled up first, and out stepped Lucía Barba, struggling under the weight of several large pink gift bags. She paid the driver and thanked him politely.

From the second car a sleek black one Amanda stepped out with her usual bright smile.
She parked, and the moment she spotted Mrs. Barba, she rushed over to greet her.

—Hi, Mrs. Barba! —she called out, waving cheerfully.
The older woman turned, her arms full of bags.
—Hello, Mrs. Carisi…
—Amanda. Please, just Amanda —she said with a friendly smile.
—Then you can call me Lucía.
Both women chuckled.

—Let me help you, Lucía —Amanda offered, taking some of the bags from her.

Lucía stepped ahead and rang the doorbell. Once, twice, three times—nothing.

—That’s strange. Olivia’s not answering. Maybe she went to a doctor’s appointment —Lucía said, though she didn’t sound convinced.
—Liv didn’t say anything to me... but then again, she doesn’t have to tell me everything —Amanda murmured under her breath.
—"I’ll try again. Maybe she’s just busy —Lucía suggested, pressing the button a bit more insistently. The chime echoed loudly.

Something’s not right, Amanda thought, her instincts kicking in detective mode on.
While Lucía rang the bell again, Amanda dug quickly through her purse, searching for her phone.

—Oh no, it can’t be! —she muttered. "Billie, not again...
She sighed heavily, feeling utterly defeated.
—That girl is going to hear from me when I get home —she added quietly.

—What’s wrong, dear?
—My phone’s dead. I bet Billie drained the battery playing with it.
—I’ll try mine —Lucía offered, already dialing.

No answer.

Worry was creeping in now real, heavy. Something didn’t feel right. Olivia wasn’t acting like herself.

Meanwhile, in Liv’s room, her phone lying on the floor began to ring. On the screen, Lucía’s name Rafael’s mom flashed on the display.
Olivia still hadn’t regained enough strength to reach it.
—Just a little more... you can do this —she told herself, through the pain.

Meanwhile, outside the house...

—This calls for drastic measures —Amanda said, pulling a hairpin from her hair.
—Im not waiting any longer —she added, dropping her purse to the floor and starting to manipulate the pin.

—You’re not planning to force the door lock, are you? —Lucía asked.
—Yes. And if that doesn’t work, I’ll break it down —Amanda replied firmly.
Lucía raised a hand to her face.
—Rafael won’t like that —she said with a disapproving tone, making Amanda feel a little ashamed.

Suddenly, Lucía remembered something and started searching through her purse.
—Don’t worry, I have a spare key —she said, pulling it out from her keychain.

Amanda frowned.
—Since when do you have keys to his place?
—Rafael gave them to me, just in case. Don’t look at me like that, I never planned on using it.
The click of the lock was a huge relief... though the tension still hadn’t quite lifted.

As soon as they were inside, both women rushed toward the sounds of Liv’s moans and cries, echoing all the way from upstairs.

Amanda ran up the stairs like she was on a mission, gaining ground on Lucía and reaching Liv’s room first where the tension in the air was almost palpable.

—It’s okay, sweetie, we’re here! —Amanda said softly as she approached the bed, trying to comfort her.

Lucía entered the room seconds later, and when she saw Liv, she froze in surprise. But without hesitation, she rushed to help her.
—Olivia!
—Mrs. Lucía —Liv barely managed to say before a guttural scream tore through her.
—The baby... —she cried, her eyes filled with tears.

—My granddaughter is coming —Lucía said through her own tears, taking Liv’s hand and gently brushing the sweaty strands of hair from her face.

Amanda ran to the bathroom and returned with a damp towel, which she gently pressed against her friend’s face.

The sheets were soaked with sweat, and a faint stain was beginning to appear between Liv’s legs. Her clothes clung to her body, drenched.

Her gaze held fear and anxiety, yet also hope.

—We have to call an ambulance, and my son —Lucía said urgently.

—Please... not Rafael. Don’t worry him...
—Ahhh! Liv screamed again.

—He’s had... a rough week with a case —she added in a breathless voice, struggling to speak through the contractions.

Lucía hesitated, clearly torn.
“That’s why they’re together, she thought. They’re so alike... always trying to protect each other.”

Amanda listened to it all, seeing the panic and strain etched into both women’s faces. She acted quickly, grabbing Liv’s phone from the floor and dialing for an ambulance.
—I need an ambulance—urgently. My friend is about to give birth.
She gave them the address...

The heat in the room was suffocating.

Amanda and Lucía felt overwhelmed seeing Liv so vulnerable, they didn’t know how to comfort her.

—Liv, the ambulance is on its way —Amanda said, trying to stay calm.
—I hope it doesn’t take long… —Liv panted.

She closed her eyes and clenched her teeth as another contraction hit.

Both women held her hands tightly, trying to give her strength, to remind her she wasn’t alone—wishing they could do more.

—I’m scared. I just want everything to go well —she whispered through sobs.
—And it will, you’ll see —Lucía said softly, brushing the tears from Liv’s face with a gentle hand.
—I don’t remember it being this hard…
—But that’s not what you said last time… you know, when—Amanda teased, with a playful smile.

—Amanda! Don’t say that in front of Rafael’s mother —Liv groaned, squeezing her friend’s hand hard.
—What? You love him, his eyes, the way he is… —Amanda replied, wincing from the pain in her hand.

Lucía was quietly amazed by Liv, how, even through the pain, she was still so considerate.

Despite everything, the three women shared a brief laugh.
A small breath of relief in the middle of the chaos.

The sound of sirens wasn’t far behind.
It was a moment of relief for all of them, as if someone had finally lifted a weight off their shoulders. It was the sign that things were finally turning around.

Amanda ran to the door and opened it. Two paramedics rushed in, immediately assessing the situation.
Olivia could barely speak.
—Noah, Alec, Rafael… —she whispered. —Tell them I love them.

Lucía nodded through her tears, squeezing Liv’s hand tightly.
—Everything will be okay.

The paramedics carefully lifted Olivia onto the stretcher. She let out a strangled cry as another contraction rocked her body.
—I can’t leave her alone—I’m going with her —Lucía said, heart pounding with emotion.
—Breathe, Liv… almost there —she whispered, her voice firm and sweet.
—I’m going with her, Amanda.

Before the ambulance doors closed, Amanda turned to Lucía.
“I’m calling Rafael. I don’t care what she says… he needs to be there.

Lucía nodded. There was nothing more to discuss.

Lying on the stretcher, Olivia felt the world blur around her, lights, sounds, voices.
But amid the chaos, her thoughts went to him.
His eyes, the ones that always made her fall in love.
His arms, his kiss, that morning.

To Noah and Alec… the pirate calendar… the little cradle waiting for their baby mermaid.

Tears came, between the pain and the joy.
—Amanda… —Liv could barely speak —Take care of Alec and Noah —she said, reaching out as if to say goodbye.

Amanda cried.

And just before the ambulance doors closed completely, Liv whispered softly, to herself and her baby:

“I love you, my sweet girl, my little mermaid. Your brothers and your daddy are waiting for you.”

Chapter Text

CHAPTER 3 CROSSING THE SEAS

Amanda watched the ambulance drive away, Liv inside. Everything seemed to promise a beautiful day perfect for the arrival of the little mermaid, Barba Benson.

—Good luck, Liv —she murmured into the air. She wiped away the last tears with the back of her hand, took a deep breath, and steeled herself to focus on what came next.
—Alright, Rollins, time to act —she told herself.

She rushed to Liv’s room to clean up; the place was a mess, looking like a crime scene with stained and tangled sheets.

—What would Rafael think if he saw this? —A smile crossed her face as she imagined his panicked expression.

Holding Liv’s phone in one hand, she drummed her fingers on her leg, unsure what to do.
Liv had insisted they not call Rafael, but Amanda knew this was a special moment.
—You’ll understand, Liv…—she whispered.
Like a good detective, she assessed the situation quickly. She already knew what to do. Taking the phone, she dialed.

Meanwhile, Rafael flipped through the trial papers but wasn’t really reading. His eyes skimmed the lines without comprehension.
He looked up as if waking from a trance.
—Lawyer! —Carmen called from the door, holding several folders.
—Sorry, what did you say? —Rafael asked, still distracted.
—I was asking about… —Carmen trailed off, noticing his expression.

—Forget it, are you alright?

Rafael had changed since being with Liv. He was more open, yes, but still held back measuring every word before speaking.
But this time, he needed to talk.
He ran a hand over his face.
—It’s my wife, I noticed she seemed off this morning.
—Oh! That’s right, the captain... her baby must be due soon —Carmen said, smiling brightly.

—How much longer until the big day? —she asked curiously.
—Almost two weeks.
—There’s still time, boss.
—But if you want, you can call her. There are still 20 minutes before the trial starts.”
Carmen smiled and left to give him space.

Rafael took out his phone. He knew Liv felt suffocated by his attention and had tried to give her space. But he needed to talk to her, to know she was okay to hear her voice.
He remembered that morning when he asked Noah about Liv, and the boy barely said she was fine before changing the subject.

He paced back and forth in the office, phone in hand. Until he couldn’t take it anymore and impatiently dialed Liv’s number.

The line was busy.
He tried again, getting the same response.
Something was wrong—he could feel it, deep in his gut. Anxiety crept in. His breath quickened. His hands grew slick with sweat..

He needed an answer. He needed to hear her voice. Now.

Amanda didn’t waste a second. She decided to call her husband, Sonny.
She thought if anyone could find Rafael and stay with him, it was Sonny.

—Hello, Liv? —Sonny asked, surprised to see the name on the screen.
—I’m not Liv, it’s Amanda —she spoke quickly.
—I don’t understand, why do you have Liv’s phone?
—Listen, there’s no time for explanations. I need you to find Rafael. Stay with him. Help him however you can,” she said as fast as she could, almost out of breath.
—Why would I need to find him? I mean, I…
—Liv’s in labor! —Amanda cut him off. —She’s at the hospital!

Sonny, who was holding a coffee, dropped it without realizing.

—Did I hear that right?
—Yes, you heard right. Will you help me? We can’t leave the poor guy alone. Liv’s worried about him.
—You can count on me.”

Without another word, he hung up and rushed to Rafael’s office.

Meanwhile, Liv had already arrived at the hospital. By her side was Lucía, Rafael’s mother, who hadn’t left her side for a single moment.

The contractions shook her violently. She was gasping for breath, sweat soaked her forehead, and silent tears ran down her cheeks.
—Calm down, dear —Lucía murmured, taking her hand. She didn’t know what to say to soothe her.
Desperation showed on Lucía’s face, her hands trembling.
A thought crossed her mind: “My son should be here”.

—Hopefully Amanda manages to bring him.

—Ahh! —Liv gritted her teeth in a scream. —God... I can’t...!
Her body arched involuntarily, searching for relief where there was none.
—Almost there... —Lucía whispered, stroking her hair.
—Rafa, I need him... —Liv sobbed, her lips trembling.
—I know,” Lucía said with a maternal voice.

Liv clenched both her teeth and the sheets as another contraction hit.
As the pain eased, she turned to Lucía, her hands shaking.

—Was I stupid for trying to be strong? I didn’t want to bother him… and now… I need him —she whimpered, squeezing her eyes shut.

—It doesn’t matter if he’s in court or on the moon, Liv. He’d never leave you. It’s his baby —Lucía said softly, placing her warm hand over Liv’s belly to comfort her.

Liv managed a faint smile.
—That’s just how he is…—she gasped. —My baby, your daddy is the best man in the world.

She gripped the sheets again, overtaken by another wave of pain.
—Ahh! —she cried out, her voice raw from the pain, her body stiffening against the sheets.

A nurse rushed in, moving with urgent precision.

The doctor checked the fetal monitor again and again, her expression growing more tense each time.

—Is my baby okay?” Liv asked, her voice full of worry.
—The heart rate is dropping —the doctor replied, eyes fixed on the screen.
—Oxygen. Change her position. The obstetrician is on the way,” she ordered.

A nurse hurried over and placed a mask on Liv’s face. Lucía helped turn her onto her side.

The tension in the room grew, as if everyone was holding their breath.
Lucía’s gaze filled with concern. Liv noticed immediately.
—Is something wrong...?” she whispered.
The doctor didn’t answer right away.
—Let’s prepare for a C-section, just in case.”
—Please... —Liv barely managed to say, tears in her eyes.

Deep down, she hoped Rafael would arrive and be there.
But it seemed impossible—she had shut that possibility herself.

Sonny sprinted down the courthouse halls as if he were running a marathon.
When he reached Rafael’s office, he came to a sudden stop. He was about to knock on the door but hesitated.

—How do I even say this...?—he murmured, bringing his hand to his chin, searching for the right words.
—Come on, Sonny, it’s not like you’re making an argument… or is it? —He started pacing nervously in circles.

Inside the office, Rafael grabbed his briefcase, took a deep breath, preparing to leave.
—Focus, Rafael —he told himself.
I’ll call her after court. She’s probably busy, he thought, trying to convince himself.
Carmen was about to approach to ask something, but seeing his expression, she decided against it.

Sonny was still outside, unsure.
—It’s not like I…—he muttered.

Then Rafael suddenly opened the door and found Sonny standing in front of him.
Before Rafael could say anything, Sonny burst out, words pouring out uncontrollably:
—Your baby’s coming! Liv’s at the hospital! We have to go now!

Rafael froze.
His briefcase slipped from his hand and hit the floor with a dull thud.
—What? The hospital? But—there were two weeks left!
A cold knot twisted in his stomach. His skin went pale. His heart thundered in his chest.

—I know, I know. Amanda called me from her phone —Sonny said, hurriedly.
—Is she okay? And the baby?
—I don’t know.”

Rafael didn’t hesitate for a second.
—This will probably get me penalized, but I can’t leave Liv alone. I wouldn’t forgive myself.

—I’m going to get the car keys!”
—You don’t need keys, I’ll drive you —Sonny said, grabbing his arm.

—Carmen, tell them I won’t make it to the trial!” Rafael shouted.

His secretary stepped out smiling; she had overheard everything from the door.
—Hope everything goes well,” she barely managed to say, watching the two men run down the halls.

In the hospital room, the rhythmic beeping of the monitors filled the air like a countdown.
For Liv, all of this felt like a dream.
Nurses hurried in and out, checking if Liv had stabilized.
Lucía sat beside Liv, watching her daughter-in-law writhe in pain.
Liv’s entire body was drenched in sweat, trembling, gripping the sheets with all her strength.
—Rafa… Rafa…— she barely managed to whisper his name.

Sonny drove as fast as he could through the crowded streets of New York.
The traffic was relentless, but he had no intention of slowing down.

Rafael, in the passenger seat, felt trapped between helplessness and urgency, frustrated that he couldn’t get there sooner.
He tried to steady himself, to be strong for Liv when he arrived.

His hands were still shaking, and his heart raced wildly—he was scared.
But there was also an inexplicable joy at the thought of meeting his little daughter.
He just hoped everything would be okay.

Still, his mind wandered to those questions. Why hadn’t Liv told him anything this morning? Why, despite all their time together, did she still not trust him enough?
—Liv —he whispered her name.

—Rafael, Rafael, we’re here! —Sonny shouted, pulling him from his thoughts.

Rafael opened the door before the car had even come to a full stop. He didn’t know which room Liv was in, but he wasn’t about to waste any time.

He ran down the hospital corridors, driven by a single impulse: to reach her. He needed her.
He needed Liv and his little mermaid.

As he pushed open door after door, his body pushed to the limit, he felt the world shrink to a single moment: the moment he would look into her eyes and know that everything would be alright.
But he hadn’t arrived yet.

A thousand seas still stood between him and everything he loved.

And he hadn’t finished crossing them yet.

Chapter Text

CHAPTER 4 THE SIREN’S SONG

Rafael arrived running straight to the maternity ward to ask for information about Liv, precise with his words, as if making a plea to a judge.

Insistently, drumming his fingers on the nurse’s station, he said,

“I need information about a patient. It’s my wife, Olivia Barba Benson. She was admitted this morning, around eleven.”

“Sir, we need you to wait a moment.”

The nurse barely turned when she saw Rafael. His presence was enough for them to look for him immediately.

“Yes, let me check. Right now.” She typed quickly. “Room 567.”

As soon as she had the info, he went straight to find Liv.

Adrenaline coursed through his body. There was no time to wait for the elevator.

For Rafael, the only thing that mattered was getting to her and seeing her.

So with the necessary impulse, he took the stairs two at a time; each step a small victory.

He bumped into some people in his way, murmuring a barely audible apology as he passed.

Finally, he arrived. He barely caught his breath.

He opened the door.

Upon entering, he felt stress and guilt seeing his wife like this.

He hadn’t expected to see her so different from how she looked that very morning, when everything seemed balanced.

“Liv,” he barely managed to say her name.

She looked incredulous, her eyes widening when she saw her son there. She was grateful Amanda had managed to alert him.

“I knew you’d come,” Liv said, her voice barely audible.

Inside, Olivia lay in bed, wearing a mask on her face.

Liv was aware of what was happening and managed a weak smile amid the pain and whispered his name.

“Sir, you can’t be here,” said a young nurse, while adjusting one of the monitors.

“I’m her husband. And the father of the baby. Unless the law changed since this morning, I don’t need permission to be with my family.”

“The patient is delicate, her blood pressure is high…”

“I know. That’s why I don’t want any mistakes. Can you do your job… without kicking me out?” he said, trying to contain his anger while watching Liv suffer.

“Excuse me, I…” The girl hesitated, visibly nervous.

“Come on, son.” Lucía took his hand to calm him, her eyes reflecting concern.

“Let her do her job. We’ll step out, then you can come in.”

Rafael breathed faster, accepting his mother’s proposal. He knew it was the most reasonable thing, though he didn’t feel fully satisfied; he didn’t like seeing Liv like that.

“I can’t stay outside knowing she’s suffering. Not again.”

Amanda and Carisi had just arrived and waited outside, but seeing Rafael’s worried face, they preferred to give him space.

“I don’t understand, Rafael was the most excited and anxious man just a while ago,” Carisi said.

“We should go to him and let him know he’s not alone.” She stood to approach her friend, but Amanda stopped her. “Let’s wait a bit.”

Deep down, she was also anxious for her friend and didn’t want to break down in front of Rafael.

Rafael sat beside his mother, his gaze lowered, tears threatening to fall but held back.

“Let’s try to stay calm, son. Liv is a very strong woman,” Lucía tried to make her voice sweet and comforting, to support her son.

“I don’t understand. When Alec was born, everything was different. Fewer risks.”

“I shouldn’t have pushed her to have another baby. Not when I knew she… was in danger.” His voice was broken, full of guilt.

“Son…”

Lucía was about to speak when Amanda quietly approached and interrupted, touching Rafael’s shoulder.

“Liv wants this baby more than you can imagine.”

“What do you mean, Amanda?” Rafael asked, curious.

“Months ago, Liv told me this.

She said she had everything she needed in life: her job as captain, you, Noah, and Alec… but she felt something was missing.

She wanted a little girl.”

Silence.

“She thought about it a lot. It wasn’t just your idea; it was both of yours.

Liv made this decision too.”

“And you know her… once she gets something in her head, there’s no changing her mind.”

“Of course, she was scared. But also hopeful.”

“Liv will get through this, as always,” Amanda smiled.

“So don’t carry it all yourself.”

After a few minutes, a nurse came out. Everyone stood and approached her.

“How is my wife?” Rafael asked, unable to hide his anxiety.

“Calm down, she’s stable. She needs calm and company.

But I’m afraid only one person can stay.”

Lucía and Amanda sighed deeply.

The nurse had just finished speaking when Rafael stepped forward.

No one questioned the decision; they knew that was his place.

He barely grasped the door handle when he turned around.

“Noah, Alec, I have to get them… Liv…”

“We’ll take care of them. You go,” Amanda said.

“Yes, son, I’ll look after them.”

Rafael took a deep breath and prepared to enter.

Inside the room, he was greeted by the sound of monitors, marking an apparent peace in the patient.

He knew now he had to stay strong, just like Liv, who had shown courage all this time.

He hurried toward her, trying to offer his best smile, even though fear lingered inside.

Liv thought the same. She didn’t want to worry him, though she knew she already had, and despite her condition, she couldn’t help feeling guilty.

Luckily, she no longer wore the mask.

“I’m sorry,” she was the first to say as soon as he was near.

Rafael gave her a tender look and kissed her forehead, gently stroking her hair damp with sweat.

“Benson… when will you learn not to carry everything alone?”

“When you stop…” she tried to joke, but was caught by a strong contraction, biting her teeth and twisting the sheet.

Seeing her like that, Rafael didn’t hesitate and took her hand.

“I’m here. It’s better this way.”

He didn’t let go and kissed her cheek softly.

“You’re not alone.”

Liv felt a bit of peace feeling his warm hand brushing her skin.

A doctor entered, checking the monitors and examining Liv carefully.

The serene expression on her face said it all.

“The danger is under control and the risk is low. Olivia, I understand the contractions are intense and your pressure remains high. We will continue close monitoring to avoid complications. Your husband is here, trust us. Everything will be fine.”

Rafael exhaled the breath he’d been holding.

“We can do a cesarean or natural birth, but you don’t have the adequate dilation yet.”

“I…” She had another contraction, but Rafael didn’t let go of her.

“I can endure it.”

“Are you sure, Liv?” Rafael asked, anguish in his eyes. “I will respect your decision.”

“You’re a strong woman, Liv. You will make it,” the doctor said.

“I’ll come back soon.”

“Olivia… you always choose the hardest path,” he said, stroking her forehead.

“I’m with you.”

Olivia tried to show her best smile amid the pain.

“Noah… Alec…” Her voice was broken, and she didn’t stop sweating.

“The boys will be fine. My mother will take care of them,” he tried to reassure her.

As time passed, the contractions grew closer and more intense. The pain in Liv was more evident.

Rafael remained her anchor.

Finally, they prepared her to enter the operating room.

Rafael would go with her, which gave her peace, but also fear.

She didn’t want him to see her like this.

“Rafa, it’s not necessary,” she murmured, exhausted.

“She’s also my daughter,” he replied, with a soft smile.

“Half my DNA is in her. No arguments… I’m coming with you.”

Liv rolled her eyes but couldn’t help smiling.

“Promise me you won’t faint or argue with the doctors.”

“I can’t promise the second one,” he joked, “but I’ll do my best.”

Liv squeezed his hand tighter.

“Promise me that…” There was a pause as a strong pain hit her, “…if something happens, you’ll choose… the baby.”

“I’m not making promises that involve losing you.”

“I say it because I trust you,” Liv said.

“I promise you something, Benson…”

“I’ll fight for both of you.”

“And you… still want the last word even from a hospital bed.”

“That’s my specialty.”

“Thank you for being here.”

“I love you.” Rafael kissed her forehead tenderly.

“Me too. Even though you’re unbearable.”

Rafael intertwined his fingers with Olivia’s as the operating room doors closed behind them.

Both waiting expectantly to hear the song of their little siren.

Chapter Text

CHAPTER 5: THE STORM AND THE TIDE

The operating room felt very cold, with white lights, the noise of the monitors, and the murmur of doctors around her.

It was a different kind of chaos than what she faced daily at the precinct, but just as harsh.

The pain kept coming, growing stronger each time, testing her.

Sweat ran down her entire tense body.

She tried to control the pain with each contraction, biting her tongue and twisting the sheets to hide it from Rafael.

Her mind drifted to a few months ago, when they were about to give up: failed tests, painful treatments, disappointment; even some arguments and silences.

So many times she hid her fear and sadness, even from him.

Until they stopped trying—and then it finally happened.

Beside her, Rafael’s warm, steady hand gripped hers tightly, his knuckles white from the pressure. For moments, he thought he might lose her, but he held on even tighter.

“Rafa,” she gasped through a contraction.

He looked at her with a tacit expression; he said nothing, but all the fear and anguish he felt was written in his eyes.

“Of course, you had to make it difficult,” she tried to sound like herself, though anxiety was rising inside.

Liv barely managed a smile at the comment.

He could hear his own heart pounding; his body tensed, feeling every fold of fabric against his skin.

He clenched his teeth to hold back tears, to keep his body from betraying him.

He didn’t want to show her his fear.

With his free hand, he stroked her sticky arm.

As a strong contraction passed, Liv sat up, squeezing Rafael’s hand harder, looking at him with pleading eyes.

“If something happens...”

“Since when are you a psychic?” he cut her off quickly.

“But if it does, you choose her.”

Barba shook his head, not letting go.

“Liv, don’t do this to me.”

“Tell me.”

Silence.

“I will,” he replied, barely audible.

Liv let herself fall back onto the stretcher.

She felt something wasn’t quite right inside her body—her intuition told her so.

It hadn’t been like this with Alec.

A young doctor approached to check Olivia.

Rafael watched her closely, not blinking.

“All good, doctor?” he asked with a firmness he didn’t feel.

“Pressure remains high, but it’s under control. Dilatation is complete.”

“We’re ready to push.”

“Are you sure? Did you check thoroughly? Can you check again? It should be ten centimeters,” he said worriedly.

The doctor looked at him and rolled her eyes.

“First-time dad?” another doctor joked from the back.

“Obsessive dad,” Liv said, exhausted.

“Rafa... trust her, you’re not a doctor, you’re a lawyer,” she murmured, barely, interrupted by another contraction that shook her completely.

“And one of the best, Liv, but this is for you and your daughter.”

“Olivia, you need to focus,” said the doctor.

She screamed and pushed with all her strength, but it wasn’t enough.

Her breathing was forced, as if each breath cost twice as much.

Rafael didn’t let go, staring at her.

He didn’t believe in miracles, but that day... he needed them.

He leaned toward her, holding back tears.

“Look at me. Just look at me. Breathe with me. You’re strong. Stronger than you know.”

“Another one! Come on!” the doctor ordered.

Olivia tried, but barely had any strength left.

“It’s okay, Benson. You’re strong. You’re going to make it. I’m here with you.”

Inside, Rafael felt like he was running out of words.

Each phrase sounded emptier than the last, like a bad, makeshift emotional coach.

“Rafa... do you think I can?” Liv whispered, almost gasping.

“I don’t just think it. I know it.

And if you doubt it, I’ll make you sign it. On paper. And with a copy.”

Olivia closed her eyes, mentally evaluating the situation: you have to do this, it’s for your daughter. Determination showed in her gaze.

She took a deep breath.

And pushed.

She grabbed Rafael’s hand tightly. She felt like she was giving her all in that last attempt.

“I can see the head,” the doctor said with a spark of joy.

Rafael couldn’t help it and shed some tears; his heart pounded harder.

It was a strange, unique emotion. His body was sweaty and a tingling sensation ran through him.

“Come on, Liv. You can do this. You’re not alone,” he whispered, not taking his eyes off her.

With one last effort, Olivia let herself fall back onto the stretcher.

She felt something warm... but also cold. Something leaving her—

A mix of sadness, joy, and love.

And then, silence.

The clock hands marked 4:15 p.m.

The world held its breath.

A loud cry filled the room.

Olivia and Rafael held their breath and closed their eyes.

Chapter Text

CHAPTER 6 LIFE

Like a siren’s song, the newborn’s cry filled the entire operating room. It was strong, unique, clear, and precious—almost like music to Liv and Rafael’s ears.
As if the baby were saying :“I’m here.”

“You did it, Olivia,” the doctor said, her voice full of joy and a trace of exhaustion. “It’s a girl.”

“Is she okay?” Olivia asked, her voice uncertain.

Olivia let out a trembling breath. Tears streamed down her face uncontrollably.

“She’s crying loud and clear—that’s a good sign,” the doctor replied.

After all the waiting, she had made it. But now, a different fear took over—the fear that she wouldn’t be strong enough to care for her. Yes, she had Noah and Alec, and somehow, they had made it through.

But this was a girl. Maybe the world was more dangerous for her. Maybe raising a daughter required something deeper. What if this new version of herself wasn’t enough?

The baby kept crying. Her eyes were still closed, her tiny body trembling from the cold as she moved her fragile limbs. She looked so delicate, and yet—so strong.

As for Rafael, he couldn’t move. His whole body trembled, his knees weakened, and for once, he was speechless.

He couldn’t hold back his tears. He almost never let himself be seen like this—not even in his most brutal trials.

“You did it, Liv,” he whispered.

Exhausted, Liv tried to sit up. She felt the dampness of the sheets and gown clinging to her body, soaked in sweat. The pain was still there, but she didn’t care—she just wanted to see her.

Rafael moved closer—instinctively.

“Let me help you,” he said, already at her side.

“I’m fine,” she panted.

Rafael looked stunned as she slowly pulled herself up with the little strength she had left.

“You always say that right before you pass out,” he said with a half-smile.

 “And yet...” she replied. “Here I am.”

He shook his head gently. So Benson. So strong. And while he admired that about her, it still hurt sometimes to see how hard it was for her to accept help.

Liv caught a glimpse of the baby for a few seconds. She smiled.

“Hi,” she murmured softly.

Rafael gently took her hand.

“Liv... just look at her,” he said, smiling.

He couldn’t stop looking at the baby. But a wave of doubt swept over him, chilling him to the core. How could he ever be a good father to a little girl?
How could he help her see the goodness in the world when he saw the worst of it every single day? How—when she was so tiny and so vulnerable?

“I never thought something so small could be so terrifying,” he said.

“The great Rafael Barba... scared?” Liv teased.

“What if I mess up? What if I don’t know how to protect her?”

“Then you’ll learn,” she said with a tired but amused voice.

“Just like you learned with me.”

“I’m scared too,” Liv admitted, her tone softening.

“The world should be the one afraid of our daughter,” he replied with a grin. “With those genes, she’s going to drive more than one judge crazy.”

They looked at her for a moment—speechless. Still afraid. Still overwhelmed.

But filled with love. Terrified they wouldn’t be enough for her.

And then, the baby cried again.

Rafael gently squeezed Olivia’s hand.

And she let herself fall back onto the bed.

A doctor watched them closely, listening intently, enveloping them in that special aura.
She cleared her throat to make herself noticed.

They both turned to look at her.

“Rafael, do you want to cut the umbilical cord? If you’re ready, I can guide you,” she said, holding the instrument in her hand.

Rafael swallowed hard and glanced at Liv. His eyes showed fear, but he wouldn’t act like a coward—not after handling high-profile cases, and certainly not after missing Alec’s birth.

Cutting with surgical precision under pressure? Sure... what could possibly go wrong?

Liv smiled and reached out her hand to give him strength.

“Make sure you do a good job, or I’ll sue you,” she joked weakly.

“Doubting me now, Benson?” he replied with a half-smile.

“All right, here are the sterilized scissors,” the doctor said.

As Rafael stepped closer, nausea began to rise in his stomach—a mix of joy and anxiety.

 “Come on, Rafael, you’ve faced criminals, but this... this is scary,” he muttered to himself quietly.

With the scissors in hand, his hands started to tremble, feeling cold.
The baby kept crying loudly.

“Only cut when I say so, slowly and calmly,” the doctor instructed in a calm voice.

He took a deep breath, gripped the scissors firmly but gently.

For a moment, he thought he never imagined living this moment. And even less so with Liv—that rebellious, strong, and so human detective who had come to destroy his world in order to build something new.

His vision began to blur, but resolute... he cut the cord.

Almost whispering, without even realizing it, he said, “This is life.”

A life that would now depend on him.

“And to think I spent years convinced that kids complicate life... turns out they make it real.”

Quickly, the doctor took the baby to be examined.

Rafael lowered his gaze, still clutching the scissors as if it was hard to let go.

“Well done, Dad,” the doctor said.

Olivia could only whisper weakly, “I love you.”

“Don’t make me cry in front of witnesses, Liv.”

Rafael let go of Olivia for just a moment, absorbed in finding out what was happening with their daughter.

 He followed every movement with his eyes, though the doctors wouldn’t let him get too close. He listened attentively.

As a nurse approached, he asked as if he were on trial:

“What was her Apgar? Weight? Length? How is she?” — his voice sounded more intimidating than he intended.

“The Apgar: 8 at one minute, 9 at five. Weight: 2.85 kg. She’s 49 centimeters long. Everything is fine, sir.”

“Are you sure about the weight? And the saturation? Oxygen levels stable?”

“Yes, doctor... sorry, sir. Saturation at 98%. All within optimal ranges. She’s a healthy baby.”

“Did you hear that, Liv? 2.85 kilos. I was expecting at least 3. You had a monitored pregnancy. No dietary complications.”

“Excuse me? Are you calculating whether the pregnancy was ‘worth it’?

Or are you about to quote me a study on intrauterine fetal weight?”

“No. I’m just... thinking about you both.”

Liv looked at him amused. She barely had the strength to argue with Rafael, but she enjoyed listening to him talk like that. Though something didn’t feel quite right in her body — her instinct told her — she attributed it to the exhaustion from labor.

Another nurse approached Liv, carrying the baby in her arms, now clean and wrapped in white sheets. She was still crying, but less intensely. She was ready to meet her mother.

As soon as she was in Liv’s arms, the baby stopped crying. She still looked a bit red, and her eyes didn’t fully open.

Liv felt a wave of warmth and love wash over her body. With one finger, she touched the baby’s delicate skin, and the baby responded with a small whimper.

“Hello, my love,” she smiled softly.

Rafael kept talking.

“To me, our daughter deserves an Apgar of 10. I think they should reevaluate...”

“She’s perfect, Barba,” Liv interrupted him with a weak smile. “Don’t you think?”

“She is... but...”

The baby let out another whimper, as if agreeing with her mother.

Rafael couldn’t stop looking at her. He observed her fine, delicate features.
With one hand, he held Liv’s hand; with the other, he gently stroked the baby over the sheets.

Until...

“Rafa...” Liv whispered. “Hold her...”

Liv’s hand began to grow cold, and the baby started crying louder.

Everything began to spin, she felt very weak, the colors of the world started to fade, with the crying face of her daughter being the last thing she saw and touched.

Rafael held the girl tightly as she cried nonstop.

With his other hand, he clung to Liv.

He wasn’t going to let go—not now.

Chapter Text

CHAPTER 7 DANGERS AT SEA

In an instant, everything that had seemed perfect changed. Liv’s voice faded into the void, and Rafael rushed to hold the baby, who cried uncontrollably, sensing something was wrong with her mother.

He kept holding Liv’s hand, feeling it tremble lightly at first—and then go limp, as if she were slipping away.

“Liv!” he shouted, fear in his voice like nothing he had ever known.

Just moments ago, Liv’s face had been full of life. Now, it had turned pale. Her beautiful brown eyes—the ones Rafael loved so deeply—closed.

“Liv, no…” he said urgently, almost like a prayer. In his mind, the same words played over and over: This can’t be happening.

The baby kept crying, but Rafael couldn’t look away from Olivia.

“I need help! Now!” His cry echoed through the operating room, sending the medical team into motion.

Nurses rushed in, moving quickly, pulling Rafael aside. The only sounds now were the cruel beeping of monitors and the shuffle of doctors and nurses surrounding Liv.

“Take care of her, quickly,” he said, eyes locked on Liv. He let go of her hand, feeling that last bit of contact slip away.

“Sir, please stay calm—we’re going to stabilize her,” said a doctor with calm professionalism, as they placed an oxygen mask over Olivia’s face.

“We’re losing pressure. Initiate protocol. Now!”

It was as if the baby understood everything. Her tiny body tensed, and she whimpered, her red little face scrunched from so much crying, clinging tightly to her father’s chest with one small hand.

Rafael held her even more gently, lowering his voice and rocking her softly.

 Shhh… it’s okay, sweetheart. Mommy’s going to be alright… and so will you.”

“Sir, you need to step out,” said a doctor urgently, taking him by the arm.

A nurse approached and carefully took the baby from Rafael’s arms. As he let her go, a wave of emptiness and a cold shiver ran through him.

The baby reached out, crying even harder, as if begging to be held again.

Rafael could only watch the doors to the operating room close. He looked down at his hands—useless now—wishing he could have held onto Liv and the baby just a moment longer.

He could still feel her warmth. His gown was slightly damp from his daughter’s tears.

He had to stay standing. In just one moment, everything had changed.

On the other hand, Noah and Alec, upon hearing from their grandmother Lucía that their mom was in the hospital and their sister was about to be born, felt an uncontrollable urge to go to the hospital, even asking to skip their extra classes—soccer and dance.

But each boy experienced it differently; Noah wanted to meet his sister, while Alec just wanted his mom back to hug him—the baby didn’t matter to him.

The tension and excitement in the Barba-Benson household were felt in every corner.

"I want Mommy!" Alec repeated, sobbing weakly after so much crying.

The boy had settled in the corner of a sofa hugging his dinosaur plush, trembling but not allowing anyone near, pushing them away by throwing cushions whenever they tried to come closer.

Meanwhile, Noah and Lucía were in the kitchen baking cookies, a task they had set for themselves first to comfort Alec, but then to distract themselves.

But their thoughts were miles away, anxious for news. Noah remembered seeing Liv looking unwell that morning and hadn’t said anything to Rafael. If he had, maybe everything would have been easier. Why hadn’t he said anything?

He kept gripping the spoon almost to the point of breaking it.
"Mom," he whispered.

Lucía kept cleaning the table, seeming calm with the same serene look. She never stopped wiping the table, constantly moving her hands, looking for something to keep busy.

She wanted to call her son—several times she had been tempted—but didn’t want to worry Rafael or the boys.

Suddenly, everything went silent, only Alec’s crying could be heard.

Noah couldn’t take it anymore; he threw down the spoon and stood up, making the kitchen chair scrape the floor, breaking the silence.

"What if we call Dad?" he asked insistently.

Lucía looked at Noah, touched his shoulder, and smiled. She took a deep breath and pulled out her phone.

"Go get Alec, I’ll handle this."

Inside, Lucía felt relieved by Noah’s suggestion. She dialed quickly, but the call to her son wasn’t answered. She tried five times with no response—it wasn’t like him.

She bit her lip, thinking maybe Liv was in labor. She closed her eyes and said a prayer, hoping everything was okay.

The boys ran to their grandmother’s side, waiting for news.

 Noah held Alec’s hand, who had stopped crying.

Amanda walked down the hospital corridor and when she saw Rafael in the distance, she ran, her heels clicking loudly. She smiled broadly. But when she saw the look on his face, elbows on his knees, eyes lost on the floor, she stopped.

Amanda’s expression changed, frowning—her instincts told her something was wrong.

"Has she been born?"

"How’s Liv?"

After a heavy silence, Rafael finally answered, eyes fixed on his hands.

He took a few seconds to respond, as if gathering strength to say it out loud.

"A girl... she’s beautiful," he barely smiled.

"But Liv... something happened, right?"

Another silence.

"She didn’t respond well after the delivery. They’re with her now."

Amanda just touched Rafael’s shoulder.

"Everything will be fine, Liv is strong," she said through tears.

"She’s the bravest woman I know."

"That’s true," Rafael tried to smile, remembering Liv’s strength. But his eyes stayed fixed on the door of the operating room.

The apparent peace was broken by Amanda’s phone ringing, displaying the name Lucía Barba.

“It’s your mother… what should I tell her?” she kept looking at Rafael.

“Tell her the baby’s born already, I’ll call her back later.”

“Are you sure?” she asked hesitantly.

Amanda cleared her throat, ready to speak.

“Mrs. Lucía…”

Rafael reached out and took the phone.

“Mom… the baby’s here.”

On the other end, Lucía smiled hearing her son’s voice, but something sounded different. Not what she had expected.

Alec and Noah moved closer to listen. Alec jumped onto Noah to reach their grandmother’s legs and speak.

“Mommy,” his voice was joyful but tinged with worry.

“I miss you.”

Hearing his son’s voice, Rafael felt like he was about to collapse. He swallowed hard, looked up to hold back tears threatening to fall, and paused briefly.

“Mommy…?” he said worriedly.

“Alec… it’s Dad. Mommy can’t talk right now,” he said, doing his best.

“Daddy, I want Mommy,” Alec insisted, kicking.

“She can’t right now, give me Grandma,” Rafael replied firmly and authoritatively.

“But…” his voice faltered, and tears started to flow.

“Alec,” Rafael insisted.

After a moment’s hesitation, Alec handed the phone to Lucía and retreated to the corner of the couch hugging his dinosaur plush.

“Son, are you okay? I know you. What’s happening? And Liv and my granddaughter?” her voice sounded worried as she fidgeted with her free hand.

There was a pause.

“Mom, Liv had complications. The doctors are with her now. I don’t know much yet. Just… please pray for her, for all of them.”

Lucía’s vision blurred, she froze, gripped the phone tighter, trying to appear calm in front of her grandchildren.

Noah noticed something different in his grandmother. He stretched to take the phone.

“It’s my turn.”

Rafael was about to hang up when he heard his son’s voice.

“Dad, how are Mom and my sister?” he asked urgently.

Rafael took a deep breath. For a moment, he thought about lying.

“Son, listen to me carefully,” his voice grew serious.

Noah felt a fear spreading through his body, a knot forming in his stomach. He clenched his hand, waiting for any news.

“Your sister was born and she’s healthy.”

“And… Mom?” his voice barely above a whisper.

“She’s recovering. It wasn’t easy, and the doctors are doing everything they can. I don’t have all the answers yet, but I’m here for you.”

“Is she in danger?”

“There are some complications. But your mom is very strong,” Rafael softened his tone after that last sentence.

“Put me through to Alec.”

“Daddy…” Alec was still sobbing.

“Alec, Mommy can’t talk right now. Let’s wait together, okay?”

“I want Mommy… Mommy, Mommy.” Alec sobbed, burying his face into his grandmother’s chest.

“I know,” her voice was reassuring.

Rafael gripped the phone. Holding back broke a little more with every word.

He knew it was hard to tell his kids this, but he didn’t want to lie, nor make them feel worse.

“Daddy… tell Mommy that… I love her,” Alec said calmer now, though his voice was still broken. Lucía hugged him.

Rafael turned toward the operating room door, which was starting to move more. He hoped to end the call soon. His body felt heavier.

Finally, Lucía spoke to Rafael, unsure what to say.

“Take care of yourself. We’ll pray for them.”

“Thank you,” was all he could say.

Rafael handed the phone to Amanda, covering his face with his hands.

“You did the right thing,” she said, touching his shoulder.

Rafael couldn’t hold on anymore and sank into a chair, lowering his head and covering it with both hands.

Silence.

Amanda sat beside him, watching. She kept moving her legs nervously, feeling a chill in her chest after hearing the call. She didn’t want to cry in front of Rafael.

“I… I’ll go get some coffee. Want some?”

Rafael just looked up, hands clasped.

“Make sure it’s not from one of those hospital machines. The coffee here is a crime.”

“You got it,” Amanda said, trying to smile.

She ran off, tears flowing with every step.

Rafael lowered his gaze again. Images of Noah and Alec, his crying baby clinging to him, and Liv’s smile when she met her daughter, then her cold hand, flooded his mind.

He was interrupted by a doctor’s voice, pulling him from his thoughts.

“Mr. Barba, your wife…”

Chapter Text

CHAPTER 8 BEACON OF LIGHT

The sounds of the hospital—people rushing, urgent footsteps—felt distant to Rafael.
He sat with his head down, lost in thought, until a voice he didn’t recognize broke through.

"Mr. Barba? Your wife..."

He stood immediately, hands trembling slightly just at the sound of his name—like a sentence handed down. He looked up at the doctor, recognizing her instantly.

The tension grew. Every sound disappeared. The air thickened, as if time had paused, waiting for the verdict.

"I'm Dr. Johnson. Your wife is stable. We were able to control the hypotension, and she's no longer in immediate danger."

Rafael felt like life had been breathed back into him. His pupils widened, his body already in motion, ready to run to Liv.

"Room 567. You can see her now," the doctor said.

He paused just before heading off. The doctor understood everything with just one look.

"We'll bring the baby in shortly. She’s under observation, but she’s doing well too."

As soon as he turned the handle and saw Liv sitting up, Rafael felt like he had found that beacon of light again—one that, not long ago, had nearly gone out.

He smiled, and with long, elegant strides, walked toward her.

"Liv," he said softly.

When she saw him, Liv’s eyes widened. She still looked tired, but that faint, familiar sparkle was there.

"Rafa, I…" She sat up straighter, tucking her hair behind her ear.

They looked at each other for a moment. He smiled. She blushed ever so slightly.

Then they embraced—a hug filled with love, and with life.

"Did you really think you were leaving me alone here?"

Tears slipped down Liv’s cheeks.

"Rafa, for a second I really thought I might not…"

"Did you really think you’d leave me to deal with all this on my own?" Rafael teased gently, a soft, almost cynical smile on his lips.

Liv laughed—a laugh that quickly turned into a sob.

"How is she?" she asked anxiously, twisting the sheets in her hands.

"I’m afraid she’s officially the most beautiful baby in the hospital. Possibly in the entire state."

"I want to see her. I need to hold her again. I need to know she’s okay."

At that moment, the door opened. A baby’s cry filled the room—like a tiny siren announcing her arrival, claiming every inch of space with her voice.

"Someone’s ready to meet her mama," said the nurse, gently placing the baby into Liv’s arms.

Rafael stepped aside, watching silently as Liv held their daughter.

As if she’d finally come home, the baby’s cries softened.

 Liv’s arms became the perfect refuge for that tiny life.

Liv looked at her, speechless, letting warm tears roll down her cheeks.

"Hi, little one," she whispered, stroking the baby’s soft head. "I missed you."

With one finger, she wiped the warm tears from her daughter’s face. As she held her, a gentle energy spread through Liv’s body, restoring her from the inside out.

Rafael couldn’t resist. He reached over and gently touched the baby wrapped in her pink blanket.

He closed his eyes, letting the peace wash over him.

By instinct, the baby began to move her hands and head, searching for something. Liv understood immediately. Without hesitation, and unbothered by Rafael’s presence, she uncovered herself so the baby could find what she was looking for.

She felt her daughter’s tiny mouth trying to latch, but the precious milk wouldn’t come. The baby began to grow impatient, and the crying returned.

Liv bit her lip, anxiety creeping through her body.

Rafael noticed. He gently touched her knee.

“Ma’am, if you’d like, we could try another—” the nurse began to say.

Rafael raised his hand to stop her.

“You’ve got this, Liv. Just breathe,” he said softly, his eyes kind.

“You think so?” He nodded.

Liv repositioned herself, looking at her baby for strength. She closed her eyes for a moment, silently begging this to work. She didn’t want to let her daughter down.

The baby tried again, latching on with more strength.It hurt—Liv winced—but she didn’t let go.

Then she felt something warm begin to flow through her chest. It was beautiful.

 She knew it had worked when the baby stopped crying, clinging to her even more.

The nurse brought her hands to her chest and let out a soft sigh. She quietly slipped out, leaving them to savor the intimacy of the moment.

“I’m glad our daughter is as stubborn as you,” Rafael said.

“She’s a true Barba,” Liv replied.

“And a Benson,” he added with a smile.

As the baby fed, still curled close to Liv, she frowned slightly, pressing her lips together to stifle a groan. A sharp pain shot through her chest, but she stayed quiet, focusing on her daughter’s face.

Rafael, watching closely, noticed her discomfort.

He gently took Liv’s hand and whispered, concern in his voice: “If I could take your pain, I would—no question, Benson.”

Liv gave him a faint smile.

“You know you can’t, Rafa... but I’d love to see you try,” she teased.

“Come on, Olivia. Your daughter needs you,” she told herself.

“I can call the nurse,” he offered again, clearly worried.

“I don’t want to let her down, Rafa,” her voice rose slightly—almost a plea.
“I want to try. I want to give her the best of me... even if it hurts.”

Rafael just stared at her, quickly searching for a way to change the subject.

The last thing he wanted was to see that faint spark in Liv’s eyes disappear again.

“Liv, the baby needs a name. We have to finish her paperwork.”

“You picked Alec’s name, so it’s my turn now. I demand my parental rights.”

“And Alec was a perfect name. Plus, I’m the one who brought her into the world, so I have full jurisdiction.”

“Let’s pick the best option—this is a crucial decision for our daughter’s life.”

“Alright, I’m listening,” Liv said, while feeding the baby, who seemed to be listening closely to her parents' voices.

“I’ll make it easy for you, Benson. Two options.”

“Two? I’m surprised you don’t have a whole list.”

He sat on the bed beside her.

“Olivia… or Isabella,” he said softly.

“Mmmm…” she paused to think.

 “I’m not fully convinced.”

Rafael turned to look at her.

 “I don’t think my name is the right choice—I want our daughter to write her own story.”

“What about Emma?” she suggested sweetly, the light returning to her eyes.

“What’s your verdict, Counselor?” she asked.

He placed a hand on his chin, moving his eyes side to side with a mock-serious look.
“Objection. I don’t accept the deal. As I said, you named Alec. I reject ‘Olivia’—but Isabella stays.”

“What are you hiding, Barba? Should I know someone in your past named Isabella?”

Rafael only smiled. “You know everything, Captain.”

“I’ve got contacts in the NYPD,” Liv said with a laugh.

“I’m open to negotiation. Let’s hear your arguments, Counselor.”

Rafael stood up and began pacing the room with that usual, graceful walk that was so uniquely his.

Liv watched him with a straight face, though she was fighting back a smile.

Meanwhile, the baby suckled quietly at her mother’s chest, enchanted by the sound of her father’s voice—it might as well have been a lullaby.

Rafael cleared his throat.

 “Isabella is the best option. It’s a name full of history—Italian.”

“Hmm, that’s not quite enough to convince me, Counselor Barba.”

“She was conceived there. Remember?”

Liv flushed, remembering that trip to Italy—full of love and romance. It had felt like a second honeymoon.

 Just the two of them, no Noah, no Alec—wandering cobblestone streets and scenic views.
It had brought them comfort after months of failed fertility treatments and heartbreaking setbacks.

Liv swallowed hard.

“I remember it was cold… and the wine was terrible.”

“The wine was excellent. You were just grumpy.”

“Because I was pregnant and you wanted to walk five kilometers to see a church that wasn’t even open!” Liv shot back.

“There’s a high chance she was already on the way back in New York, Counselor.”

“Remember that night…”

She blushed again, lowering her gaze, unable to finish.

“I’m appealing to the common sense of a decorated captain. Who, by the way, looks stunning.”

“The defense is making a strong case,” Liv replied, trying not to smile.
“Can we negotiate and reach a fair agreement?”

“What do you propose?”

A short pause.

“My final offer: Emma Isabella Barba Benson. Two names. Italy and New York. Reasonable?”

Liv thought for a moment, looking down at the baby, who was starting to drift off as Liv gently stroked her tiny head, feeling the soft wisps of hair.

“Only if you promise not to call her principessa every five minutes.”

“I promise.”

He kissed her cheek and looked at their daughter.

“Deal. Her name will be Emma Isabella Barba Benson,” he said tenderly, admiring their child.

The baby let out a soft, approving coo.

Liv laced her fingers with his, feeling the strength of the moment.

“She’s our miracle.”

Just then, the door opened. It was Dr. Johnson, holding a file in her hands.

“Olivia, we need to talk.”

Chapter Text

CHAPTER 9 WHEN THE CONCH STOPS SOUNDING

After the lively legal debate, the room was filled with peace and tenderness; the monitors’ gentle beeping seemed to form a soft, pleasant rhythm.

 The newest member of the Barba-Benson family already had a name—a choice made together, almost poetic: Emma Isabella.

Life seemed to be smiling on them again after painful treatments, unspoken words, and the recent collapse. They appeared to be moving toward the light… or so Olivia

thought.

The door opened quietly. Dr. Johnson stepped in and walked over to Olivia, watching the baby for a few seconds as Olivia nursed her.

“Have you decided on her name yet?” she asked with a smile. “Emma… Emma Isabella,” Olivia replied softly, her voice tender.

Rafael followed every step the doctor took, his attention sharp, almost as if he were in a courtroom; there was something in her gaze.

“Everything okay, Doctor?” Rafael asked.

“Olivia, we need to talk,” Dr. Johnson said, her expression turning serious, her words carrying a quiet warning.

The nurse, understanding with just a glance, quietly left, taking the little baby, whose eyes were closing as she waved her tiny hands and made soft cooing sounds.

Rafael hesitated, standing as if ready to follow, but Olivia gripped his arm, pressing against the fabric of his shirt with the little strength she had. He turned, took her hand in his, and with his free hand traced her back.

He stood beside her, almost like a warrior guarding her.

The doctor smiled at the couple’s gesture.

“Is my baby okay?” Olivia leaned forward slightly, a faint tremor running through her body.

 “Yes, Olivia. She’s fine. Thanks to your prenatal care, everything went well,” Dr. Johnson said, her tone calm, reassuring.

Olivia and Rafael exhaled in relief. Rafael unconsciously let go of her hand.

Silence fell.

“Is there… something else, Doctor?” Rafael asked, his voice tense, as if he feared the answer.

As if prompted by the gentle rhythm of the monitors, they hummed softly. Dr. Johnson sighed, holding the file, choosing her words with careful precision.

She knew Olivia would understand, deep down.

Clearing her throat, she continued

“Olivia… because of your age and the complications you experienced, you won’t be able to have any more children. It would be too dangerous,” she said, using the gentlest tone she could manage.

Olivia pressed harder against Rafael’s arm, a tear rolling down her cheek.

“I’m so sorry, Olivia,” said the doctor, closing her eyes briefly, feeling guilty for delivering such devastating news.

“Thank you, Doctor,” Rafael said, powerless to ease the blow.

Olivia’s expression shifted; she tried to hold back a flood of tears.

Rafael swallowed and met her gaze, as if he could comfort her with his eyes alone.

The doctor left, closing not just the door to the room, but something more.

Olivia closed her eyes for a moment; the pain was not only physical but emotional.
She felt a sting of loss, mourning a chapter of her life that would never reopen.

Silence settled, broken only by their breathing. Rafael didn’t let go; his knuckles were turning white.

She drew a deep, shuddering breath, utterly drained.

No words were needed. He could not fully understand, but he could walk beside her.

Finally, Olivia spoke, her voice slightly choked, dabbing at her tears, a half-smile on her lips that Rafael quickly recognized as fragile.

“I suspected it,” she said, lowering her gaze and resting her hand on her belly.

 “Are you okay with that?” Rafael asked, hesitant, still holding her hand.

 “I… I don’t know,” Olivia whispered, closing her eyes briefly.

“You know… I always imagined a house full of children… laughter in every corner, toys scattered everywhere. A big, chaotic, happy family.”

 “And now… I know I won’t be able to have more. This was my last time.”

Rafael gently cupped her face.

“But I also feel… complete,” she said, letting a genuine smile appear, a faint glimmer in her eyes.

Rafael sighed.

“Me too. I never imagined having so much. Having you, Noah, Alec… and now Emma,” he said softly, his voice tender and understanding.

Rafael shed a few tears.

Another silence followed, but now the atmosphere felt calmer.

Olivia exhaled, a soft sob escaping her.

“Thank you, Rafael, for giving me a family. It’s not the one I imagined in my youth. It’s better.”

“I love you, Captain Olivia Benson.”

“And I love you, Attorney Rafael Barba.”

She kissed him gently on the lips, a kiss tasting of love and hope.

Chapter Text

CHAPTER 10 SEA AT PEACE

Rafael stepped out of Olivia’s room with a smile on his face.He rubbed his shoulders and neck, clearly exhausted.

It had been a long, emotionally draining day. For a moment, he had forgotten everything while in room 567, which had become his sanctuary during those hours.

He pushed open Liv’s door when he heard quick footsteps approaching.

Amanda came rushing toward Rafael, coffee in hand, her heels clicking sharply with every step.

 Her eyes were red, and the traces of tears were still visible on her face.

“How is she?” she asked urgently, gripping the paper cup and holding her breath. Rafael looked at her steadily.

“The danger has passed, though she’s exhausted,” he said, his voice calm.

Amanda exhaled, letting a few tears slip, which she quickly wiped away with the back of her hand.

“Can I see her?” she insisted, taking a few steps forward.

 Not until tomorrow. They need to make sure Olivia’s vital signs are stable before any visits,” Rafael replied, recalling his professional protocols, but with a gentle smile.

“I understand,” she said, lowering her gaze.

“And little Liv?”

“Little Liv?” Rafael rolled his eyes slightly, smiling at Amanda, his chest lifting just a bit.
He took a few steps, resting his hand on his chin, as if in deliberation, staring at her. “Her name is Emma Isabella,” he said solemnly, pronouncing each syllable of his daughter’s name carefully.

Amanda’s face lit up at the sound of the baby’s name.

“Could I at least see her for a moment?” Amanda asked, her eyes sparkling.

Rafael studied her for a few seconds, weighing the situation, then nodded with a measured smile.

They walked down the hospital corridors toward the bassinets, so Amanda could meet Emma.

Suddenly, the hallways no longer felt cold or lonely; there was light, there was life.

As soon as they arrived, Rafael leaned over the glass window, which felt cold under his fingers, wishing he could pass right through it.

Though there were other babies in the bassinets, Rafael could only see his own.

He fixed his gaze, feeling that joy and peace wash over his entire body. It was more than happiness; it was something he couldn’t put into words.

His heart beat faster, a warm sensation spreading through him. For a moment, tears threatened to fall, but he stopped them, pretending to clear his throat.

Emma was wrapped in pink blankets, a tiny white cap on her head. Her face still looked reddish, but her features were delicate and refined.

Amanda turned to watch Rafael, holding back a laugh, covering her mouth.

Rafael noticed and looked at her.

“What’s so funny?”

 “I never thought I’d see the shark of the courtroom like this.”

Rafael pretended to be annoyed but soon broke into a smile.

 “Look, it’s her,” he said, still smiling as he pointed.

Amanda leaned closer to the glass, her eyes widening.

“Is that her?” she asked, pointing at a nurse holding a baby.

 “Yes, the evidence speaks for itself,” Rafael replied proudly.

“She’s beautiful, Barba. Wait until she grows up and has lots of admirers.” “Objection—that won’t happen.”

Rafael crossed his arms and rested his left hand on the bridge of his nose, thinking about how he would face this new responsibility: being the father of a little girl.

He didn’t consider himself jealous or overprotective, but this was a new challenge.

Amanda let out a small giggle.

“You’ll do a good job.”

They stayed a few more minutes, until Amanda’s phone rang, making them both turn.

“I have to go, but I’ll come tomorrow to see Liv and my niece.”

Rafael lingered a bit longer, making sure his daughter was okay, until he saw that Emma had fallen asleep.

Her long lashes and tiny pink mouth, shaped like a heart, made her delicate features radiate peace and tenderness.

Soon he snapped out of his reverie; he had to return to reality.

He picked up his phone and dialed his mother, Lucía Barba.

In the Barba-Benson household, everything was quiet, lit only by a small light in the living room.

Alec had just fallen asleep in his grandmother’s lap, after crying so much over Liv’s absence; his sobs had nearly faded, and his breathing was returning to a steady rhythm.
Noah sat quietly, reading his Harry Potter book, going over the same page without understanding a word.

Lucía stroked Alec’s hair, feeling the softness of his curls and brushing away the last traces of tears with her fingers.

Suddenly, Lucía’s phone rang, making her and Noah jump from the sofa.

She quickly picked it up, glancing at the name on the screen. Noah ran to her side.

“Son, how’s Liv?” The phone almost slipped from her hands; she could barely speak. “The baby? You? Tell me…” She struggled to breathe.

 “Calm down, Mom,” Rafael said softly.

Grandma, let Dad talk,” Noah interrupted, tossing his Harry Potter book onto the sofa.

“Liv is stable, Mom. Exhausted, but okay.”

Noah and Lucía let out a relieved sigh.

 Lucía closed her eyes and held the rosary in her hand tightly.

“Son, we’re coming over,” she said firmly.

“No, Mom! It’s not needed. Wait until tomorrow.”

“And my granddaughter… how is she?”

There was a pause. Rafael walked slowly toward the bassinets and leaned toward the glass, fixing his gaze on the crib where his daughter lay.

“No objection—my daughter is the most beautiful in New York,” he said softly.

“What will you name her?”

 Rafael cleared his throat. “Emma… Emma Isabella.”

“Beautiful!” Lucía said, tears in her eyes.

“And the boys?” Rafael asked.

“We’re fine,” Noah said, leaning toward the phone.

 “Dad, tell Mom we love her.”

Rafael smiled.

“Mom, I have to stay here. Could you watch the boys just tonight? I’ll stay with Liv.”

Lucía smiled. “Of course. Send my regards to Liv. Tomorrow we’ll come to meet my granddaughter.”

The call ended, and down the hospital corridors, Rafael walked—a successful lawyer in New York, yes, but more than that: a fulfilled, peaceful man who, for the first time in years, had nothing to argue about.

He went one last time to the bassinets to look at his daughter, a feeling washing over him: a mix of fear and anxiety for this new stage of life, but now with a smile on his lips.

“Rest, my little judge.”

As if Emma answered him from afar, she moved her tiny hands.

He continued walking toward Liv’s room. When he arrived, the monitors no longer sounded so alarming; there was calm, the beeping perfectly in rhythm, accompanied by Liv’s steady breathing as she slept.

He watched his wife with a smile.

On impulse, he ran his hand over Liv’s face and brushed her hair back.

Liv stirred and woke.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to.”

“Rafa,” she whispered.

 “Rest. I don’t scare easily, but tomorrow you’ll have a lot of visitors.”

Olivia just smiled.

“Thank you, Rafa, for letting me be a mother again.”

“Thank you, my captain, for bringing color back into my life.”

He held her hand gently, and with his free hand stroked her head,  waiting for her to fall asleep, cherishing these rare moments she allowed him to care for her.