*Sorry for the delay- this one took me some time to crack since I've been busy. More soon, I hope*

Barba finally wakes up around 6 am, disoriented. He can feel a warm hand in his, it's comforting, he feels so cold. Slowly, he opens his eyes to find Liv sleeping in a chair beside him. Confused, he gives her hand a quick squeeze. She jolts awake but it takes her only an instant to realize he's regained conciousness.

Relief washes over her. "Barba" she breathes out. "Hey" she gives him a comforting smile but she can't hide the emotion in her eyes, even in the predawn darkness.

Barba closes his eyes and swallows hard, trying to find his voice. "What's going on?" He'd been getting death threats and he hadn't told her. He wonders briefly if he's been shot- but he expects he'd be in more pain.

"You had a heart attack, in your office. Do you remember?"

The memory of just before he passed out comes flooding back. He gives her a small nod- almost embarrassed.

"How do you feel?"

Even in his compromised state he's able to manage an eye roll. She can't help the smirk that comes to her lips.

"Your mom is on her way back but she won't get in until tomorrow, earliest. Doctors want to run one more test with you awake and then they said you could come home with me."

He lets go of her hand, sits up, "I don't need a babysitter, Liv."

"According to them you do, just for the first week or so. I'll stay at your place if you'd rather-"

"And Noah?"

"We'll figure it out."

Barba lets out a huff, "Tucker's gonna love this."

"You don't need to worry about Tucker." Something in the way she says it draws Barba in, had something happened? She hesitates. She thinks she knows where they both stand, but here, in the face of it, her nerves are getting the best of her. She decides to go for it. "Barba, I'm so sorry. I-"

"Ah, he's awake!" The doctors voice booms from the doorway- leaving their conversation in limbo. It's all Barba can do not to throw the doctor out but he decides it's not in his best interest. Barba schools his annoyed look as the doctor makes his way in and starts to explain what's happened. Liv simply gives him a tight smile and slides her hand back into his.

The doctor explains that he'd like to run one more test before he releases him into Olivia's care. After he'll refer him to a cardiologist for follow ups to make sure that his condition can be managed without surgery.

By the time the doctor walks out, Olivia is relieved- after all, Barba had managed to skirt by the potential 2nd heart attack that the doctor warned was looming over their heads. Barba, on the other hand, feels like an idiot. How had he managed a heart attack at such a young age? He should have known better based on how his dad went. Even worse, Olivia- a woman he loves who sees him as no more than a friend- is the only person on the planet who cares enough to be here.

As the doctor walks out, Liv turns her attention back to Barba. She tries to make light of the situation, "Guess I'll need to tell Carmen to put a lock on the coffee pot." Barba's only reply is a tight, dejected smirk. Olivia softens, "Hey, we'll figure this out, OK?"

He gives her an unconvincing smile and nod. His moment of hope before the doctor interrupted them has melted into the reality that she's only here as a friend.

Liv attempts to get him to focus on anything else. "Noah will be happy to see you. I swear he's asked about you everyday-" Liv keeps on talking- anything to keep him from wallowing in his current predicament- she decides that the conversation about where they stand should wait until he's home and settled. Barba tries to listen but mostly zones out.

When a nurse finally comes to take Barba for testing- they've settled into an uncomfortable silence- watching something on TV. Her hand is still in his.

The nurse helps Barba into a wheelchair, "hospital policy" she insists. She starts to wheel him toward the door when Olivia can't take it anymore. Mutual feelings or not- she can't go another minute without him knowing. Not after what's just happened.

"One sec!" She cries out. She walks over and leans in. Her hand rests on his shoulder, he can feel her breath tickle his ear as she whispers, "I'm sorry it took so long for me to figure out but- I love you."

It's as if all of the tension he's holding suddenly leaves his body. He closes his eyes- letting out a small chuckle. He feels her start to pull away and catches her elbow- drawing her eyes to his. Their faces just inches apart, he confesses, "I love you, too."

They both smile genuine smiles- the first in a long time. She presses a gentle kiss to his lips before looking him in the eye. "I'll see you in few and we'll go home."

He smiles and nods. Olivia stands back so the nurse can wheel him away.