Shock The System(One Chicago/Law & Order SVU)

Going The Distance - Rafael Barba's P.O.V

I woke up and reached for Lena on the other side of the bed, as I've done every day since she went home. All I found was a pillow, as usual. I got up and showered. I felt empty. I miss her so much. I need to see her soon. I got dressed and went down to SVU. Olivia drug me into her office.

Olivia: I take it she can't take off again yet?

Barba: Yeah. Her boss...

Olivia: You mean her dad?

Barba: That's besides the point. Her boss said she can't take vacation again yet.

Olivia: Did you two, you know, while she was here?

I shook my head.

Barba: No. Not at all. We've been taking this slow. Just seeing where it goes. I don't know what to do, Liv. I've never felt this way about anyone.

Olivia: Then tell her that. It's been how long now?

Barba: A month.

Olivia: Then you take time off and go see her and tell her how you feel. We'll survive for a week or two. I'm sure we can find another ADA to handle any cases.

Barba: I already took time off. Vacation starts tomorrow. But my day is clear. So, if anyone needs me, I'm on a plane to Illinois.

I got up and left, going to my apartment and packing a suitcase. I was going to find out why she left. I got the first flight out to Chicago. I landed at O'Hare and caught a cab.

Barba: To Chicago Police Department, in the 21st district please.

The driver drove for a while before stopping. I got out and walked up the stairs with my suitcase and into the station. An older woman in uniform looked at me.

Trudy: Suit and tie, can I help you?

I walked up to the desk and nodded.

Barba: I'm here to see Lena Voight.

Trudy: And who are you?

Barba: I'm Rafael Barba, Manhattan's Assistant District Attorney.

Trudy: Oh my God. You're him?

Barba: Uh... Yeah?

Trudy: Lena has told me all about you. Follow me and wait till I speak to her.

I followed her up to a gated stairwell and she told me to wait. I heard her talking.

Trudy: Lena, I have a present for you.

Lena: If it's Mouch's cooking again, return to sender.

Trudy: It's better. C'mon up!

I climbed the stairs and saw her sitting at a desk. She looked at me and her jaw dropped. She ran from her desk and into my arms.

Lena: Rafael! What are you doing here?!

I hugged her tightly then kissed her.

Barba: I had to see you. I've missed you.

Lena: I've missed you too. Oh, Rafa, this is Trudy Platt.

Barba: Lena has told me so much about you, Sgt. Platt. It's great to meet you.

Trudy: He's a cutie, kid. Hold on to that. I'll leave you two alone.

She left and I noticed the office was empty.

Barba: Where is everyone?

Lena: My dad is in a meeting with Internal Affairs. Erin and Halstead are out talkimg with a CI. Ruzek and Al are chasing a lead and Antonio and Atwater are at court. I'm here answering phones and mapping out the case for them.