This fic is based on Terryn's wild theory for SVU 23x9 and OC 2x9. Of course, I had to have my bestie Kalli help with this. We gotta make the time until December 9th count right?
Kalli here- As soon as Terryn told me her theory I was convinced right away. With everything we know about Barba, this theory makes so much sense. I have already written two fics on 23x09, but I absolutely needed to write this one with Terryn. This one has some special parts to it which I will point out later, but they fit the theory really well. We hope you enjoy it and it holds you over until the 9th
Olivia Benson meets her best friend Rafael Barba for lunch, little did she know the decision he made that day would save her life.
Rafael Barba was busy at work when he got a text from a dear friend.
Heard you're in town. How about we get lunch?
His face lit up when he saw Olivia Benson on the screen. He couldn't wait to see her again so soon but remembered his reality and the choice he just made for her. He had just gotten a call from a burner cell about what he had to do. He couldn't let her find out the day off so he decided to go and try and enjoy lunch with her and figure out how to break the news to her then. He picks up his phone and texts her back:
I'd love to Liv. Does our usual place work?
Olivia smiles at the text. Forlini's really is their place.
I'll meet you there in half an hour.
Rafael had half an hour to figure out how to Olivia something that might quite possibly ruin nine years of friendship.
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He sat down first at the restaurant trying to avoid day drinking at the scenario ahead. So he turned around and smiled as he saw Olivia come in the door. He stood up and gave her a hug.
"Liv."
"Rafa."
To Olivia, the hug feels warm. To Rafael, it's a reminder of everything that matters to him and makes what he has to tell her all the more important but also painful.
"How's Noah?"
"He's good Rafa. He's really good."
"That's good. How are you Liv?"
"I'm...I'm making it through Rafael." She said as she sighed. "How are you?"
Rafael thought for a moment before answering Olivia. He knew she could read him like an open book and if he remotely looked like he was lying, she'd know and ask and he wasn't leaving her until they talked about it.
"I'm doing well, Liv." He said as he looked at her hoping it sounded convincing. He sighs before continuing
"Olivia. I wanted to let you know who I'm considering defending" as the two sat down together at the bar.
"As long as it's not Richard Wheatley we're good."
Rafael looks at her with a serious look on his face. It's laced with something unreadable, something dark. But something seems to be hidden. Olivia looks shocked to say the least.
"What?"
"I'm going to be defending Richard Wheatley." He says but the words feel like sulfur in his mouth. He hated himself for even saying that to Olivia.
