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

Back to Chicago

I was packing my suitcase after my week with Rafael. I felt sad as I packed. I didn't want to leave. I felt hands on my hips as I zipped my bag closed. Rafael started swaying us back and forth, kissing my shoulder and up my neck.

Barba: Stay another week. I don't want you to go yet.

Lena: I have to go home. I start working for Intelligence full time on Monday and go back to school the same week. I need to finish up my degree.

Barba: Maybe I'll take vacation and fly out to you next.

I turned around and wrapped my arms around his neck.

Lena: I'd like that, Rafa.

He smiled and kissed me. This week had been the best I've had in a long time. I didn't think I could grow so close to someone so quickly. It took months for me to warm up to Matt. I made sure I had my stuff together and snagged one of Rafael's shirts. I sighed as we went down to the sidewalk and got a cab. Rafael held my hand then entire ride to JFK. He walked me to the gate as I waited for my flight to be called. And I called Dad's office phone.

Hank: This is Voight.

Lena: Hey. I'm at the airport waiting to board.

Hank: I'll be there when you land. Okay?

Lena: Okay, Dad.

Hank: You sound depressed.

Lena: I'm good. I promise. I'll see you soon.

Hank: See ya, kiddo.

I hung up and sighed. Rafael put an arm around my shoulder.

Barba: You really do sound depressed.

Lena: Just not ready to go back to Chicago.

Barba: I'll come out in a few weeks to see you. How's that sound?

Lena: Sounds like it isn't soon enough.

He laughed and hugged me close.

Barba: I'll come see you as soon as possible. I promise.

Then my flight was called and I sighed, looking up at Rafael.

Lena: I think I might miss you.

Barba: I'll miss you too, beautiful.

He leaned down, kissing me softly. I reluctantly pulled away, grabbing my suitcase.

Lena: How do we make this work?

Barba: We'll figure it out. Call me when you get home.

Lena: I will.

I kissed Rafael before walking to the onboarding ramp for my flight. I sighed sadly as I handed my boarding pass over and went on to the plane. I fell asleep a few minutes after take off. I woke up as we started landing and got my bag from the overhead. When I left the plane, I saw my dad waiting, hands in his pockets as usual. I went up to him and hugged him.

Hank: Welcome home, kiddo.

Lena: Heya, Dad.

Hank: Let's go. I got your favorite pie waiting at home for you.

He took my suitcase and put an arm around my shoulder.

Hank: Glad you're back, Lena.

I smiled at my dad but kept thinking about who I left back in New York. I never thought I'd grow so attached so fast. We got home and I went upstairs to my room to unpack. I pulled out my phone and called Rafael, putting it on speaker as I unpacked.

Barba: Hello, beautiful. I assume you're home?

Lena: Yeah. Just unpacking.

Barba: Well, call me later after you've settled back in. Okay?

Lena: Yeah. I'll call you back later, Rafa. Dad probably wants me to himself once I'm done.

Barba: I'll let you go. Talk to you later, beautiful.

I hung up the phone and kept unpacking and sorting through my clothes. Dad came up and knocked on the doorframe.

Hank: Wanna get dinner? We can go to that one place you love near the district.

Then Dad's phone rang. He answered it, sounding aggravated.

Hank: That was Trudy. Needed downtown for some drug deal gone bad. Rain check on dinner?

Lena: Yeah. Go save the city, Dad.

He left, grabbing his gun and badge off the coffee table. I was alone again. I sat on my bed and laid back. Rafael kept running through my mind. Why am I so fond of him already? Is this just a rebound from Matt? Or did I genuinely like Rafael? Maybe I need to back this down a little bit. It was just a New York fling. I grabbed my keys and decided to drive to 51. I need to talk to Matt. I got out when I got to the station and Matt was outside with Kelly.

Severide: Bro. Lena is here.

Matt looked at me and smiled sadly.

Lena: Can we talk?

He nodded and walked over to my car, hands in his pockets.

Lena: I need to know why. Why did you cheat on me with Dawson?

Casey: I was second guessing getting married and having a baby. I haven't been with her since then. I've been wanting to fix this with you. Get back on track.

Lena: Matt, I started seeing someone in New York while on vacation.

I saw his hand clench into a fist.

Casey: Really? Who?

Lena: A district attorney. I'm seeing where it's going. Just exploring it right now. He makes me happy. It might be what I need after how we ended, Matt.

Casey: But we were supposed to get married, baby.

Lena: And you fucked that up when you screwed Dawson. I deserve this, Matt. I deserve to be happy.

He sighed and nodded.

Casey: You do. You deserve the world. If this guy doesn't give it to you, you know where to find me. I'll always be here for you, Lena.

He hugged me tightly and kissed my lips gently.

Casey: I had to kiss you one more time. Before the lips I've loved for so long become someone else's.

Lena: Bye, Matt.

I got into my car and drove home, crying. I felt closure. I felt relief. Maybe that's just what I needed. I needed to close that chapter with Matt so I can really start one with Rafael. I got home and Dad was unpacking Chinese takeout. We sat in the living room and ate together in silence. Until he spoke.

Hank: I talked to Liv. I know why you were sad to leave Manhattan.

Lena: Dad...

Hank: If he's the guy for you, it'll work itself out. I'll always support you,  kiddo.

Lena: Rafael is a good guy. We're just exploring whatever this is right now.

Hank: And that's alright. Take it one day at a time, honey. I'll be here when shit hits the fan.

He hugged me tightly and kissed my forehead.

Hank: You're just like your mom. You know that?

Lena: And I'm just like you, Dad.

Hank: Nah, kid. You're better than me. And you better stay that way. Copy?

Lena: I copy.

I felt happy as I checked my phone. Rafael sent me a picture of himself in bed with a text saying "I'll leave your spot open until your next visit". I smiled and replied: "you better or else I'll beat your ass". I fell asleep on the couch with Dad. Finally feeling settled back home for the moment. But I can't wait to go back to New York and see Rafael.