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Apologies

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After Noah's departure, Olivia turned her attention back to Rafael, tentatively taking his hands in hers. They felt perceptibly warmer, a small but comforting change that she welcomed. Perhaps her persistent presence and the warmth of her hands were making a difference.

For the first time in what felt like an eternity, she allowed her gaze to drift to his face. She had been avoiding this moment, afraid that seeing his still and silent form would trigger another bout of panic and despair. Yet today, she found a well of strength she hadn't known she possessed, and she looked at him, really looked at him.

Gently, she cradled his face in her hands, her touch tender as she planted a soft kiss on his forehead. "Rafa... I know you can't hear me, but I need you to know... I love you unconditionally, too. I'm so, so sorry it took me this long to realize it. I hope... I hope you can find it in you to forgive me, and find your way back home," her voice was barely above a whisper, heavy with emotion and the weight of her realization.

Exhausted, she sat back down, resting her head on his arm, and allowed her eyes to close, just for a moment.

She wasn't sure how much time had passed when she felt it—a faint squeeze on her fingers. Her eyes snapped open, questioning whether her mind was playing tricks on her, but then she felt it again, stronger this time.

Turning her head, she looked into Rafael's eyes—those familiar green eyes—and saw them looking back at her, filled with a mixture of confusion and that characteristic intensity he had always reserved just for her.

"Rafa...?" she breathed out, half in disbelief, her heart racing.

She saw him attempt a nod, a small movement that was hindered by the myriad of tubes attached to him. She didn't need any further confirmation. Bolting to the door, she yelled for help, "He's awake! He's awake!"

A flurry of activity ensued as a doctor and nurses rushed in, checking his vitals and ensuring he was stable. Once they were satisfied, they made the decision to remove the ventilator that had been assisting his breathing.

Seizing the moment of calm that followed, Olivia stepped out to call Lucia, her voice shaking with relief and newfound hope, "Lucia... he's awake. He's really awake."

Tears of joy welled in her eyes as she spoke, and for the first time in weeks, she felt a weight lift off her shoulders. Rafael was back, and so was she.

**

Olivia stepped out, giving Lucia some space to reconnect with Rafael.

"Mami," he groaned softly, his voice laced with relief and exhaustion.

"Mijo, you're awake. Gracias a Dios," Lucia said, her voice filled with emotion.

"Yeah, mami. I'm sorry for worrying you," he apologized, his voice weak but filled with sincerity.

"I'm just glad you're awake. But you know, Olivia has been the one here every night. She's been so worried about you," Lucia shared, her tone gentle.

"I could feel someone was here... I hoped it was her, but after everything, I wasn't sure if she'd come," he admitted, vulnerability seeping into his words.

"Stop talking. I know that is impossible for you, since you had that mouth on you since you were able to talk..."

He chuckled lightly, which quickly turned into a wince. "Ouch, even laughing hurts," he muttered to himself.

"Aye, mijo. Stop moving. "

He nodded slightly, choosing to remain silent to avoid any more pain.

"I'll go get her. I know you want to see her," Lucia said, understanding her son's unspoken need.

"Mami, te amo. I want to see you too."

She raised her eyebrow at her son and said, "Well, I could send her home and I can stay with you if you want. "

Another unwanted chuckle that caused him to wince.

"I love you too, Rafi." Lucia responded with a knowing smile, leaving the room to fetch Olivia.

**

Lucia promised she'd return later with some home-cooked food, and after commenting in Spanish on how Olivia needed to regain some weight, she left, leaving Olivia and Rafael alone for the first time in over a year.

"Rafa, I need to say..." Olivia began, her voice full of emotion.

"Liv, it's okay. I heard you," Rafael interrupted gently. "The past week or so, I've been able to hear things around me. Your voice, talking to Noah, the feel of your hand in mine... I just couldn't wake up. I was scared it was all a dream, and I'd wake up to find you gone."

She raised an eyebrow, a small smile playing on her lips. "Should I inform the doctor about these hallucinations?"

He managed to suppress his chuckle to a slight smile, saving himself from the pain. "No hallucinations, I promise. It was all you."

"Rafa, about Forlini's... I'm so sorry. I've had too many nights to think, and I realized how much I've missed you, how scared I was of losing you forever. I was afraid you thought I still felt betrayed, and... I think it was also about pride. I didn't want to admit I was wrong. Especially to you, because you'd never let me live it down."

He gave her that signature Barba smirk, the one that always made her heart skip a beat. "Liv, I don't care about any of that now. I'm just glad you're here. I've missed my best friend. I wanted to call you on your birthday, but I promised I'd wait for you to be ready... It took all of my self-control to not drunk dial you after having a bit too much scotch."

She couldn't help but smile, picturing him debating with himself over whether to call her. "Drunk dialing? Really, counselor? That would've been a new low."

He raised an eyebrow, his smirk growing. "Are you laughing at my pain, Captain Benson?"

She shook her head, her smile softening. "No, Counselor. I'm just happy to have my best friend back."

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