14. Extra

Hey guys :) So, I miscalculated and thought Barba was also in "Deadly Ambition" I was super happy about having 14 chapters for season 14 and then realised I only had 13 :(
So here is my treat to you guys, a little extra from Barba's POV after his first case at SVU =)

Barba (when spotting Amanda and Olivia by Harris' side): Captain. Take your daughters to work day?

Harris: Detectives Benson and Rollins, Rafael Barba. I lied and told them you know your way around a courtroom.

Harris was already at the bar, when I arrived. He was drinking red wine and once I sat down he said,

"Rafael, what took you so long?"

"I ran into Detective Benson, we had a...chat." I held out my hand to the waiter, "A scotch please."

"Coming right up, sir."

"Ah yes." He shifted in his seat, "Detective Benson."

I wasn't entirely sure what he meant by this statement, as it was very empty in itself, but decided not to ponder.

"What do you think of her?"

Instead it was Captain Harris who did the digging. I had to smile, because he was asking me the same question I had surprised her with.

"She's...dedicated, compassionate...stubborn." The waiter brought me my drink and I thanked him, "She's a good Detective."

"I told her she could be the commanding officer of her squad." Harris said and nodded in agreement, "And I meant it."

I obviously didn't know the woman well enough to comment on that. But I knew there was something about her that caused me to like her instantly. Maybe it was the way she worked with the victims, steadfast, yet gentle in her tone. Or the way her hair seemed to fall perfectly no matter what she did?

"What can you tell me about her?" I hoped he would believe this question was only professional, which it was, after all I would be working with this woman from now on.

Captain Harries, however was one to gossip, he leaned forward with a light blazing in his eyes,

"Have you ever heard of her former partner?"

As I hadn't known her since this afternoon I shook my head no.

"Rafael! Where have you been? Everyone knows about Benson and Stabler!" He drank a sip of his wine and then continued, "The two of them were partners together for 12 years, right? You and I both know that's a long time for any kind relationship to last. Anyway, there was this shooting in the precinct – you've heard of that, haven't you?" I didn't have the chance to comment on that, for he continued, "Stabler was the one to kill the shooter – a 16-year-old girl, or maybe she was 17. She was very young and it was tragic."

"And then he stopped." I was getting bored with this story, "I know."

"No. You don't know. He didn't just stop. Rumour has it, he never spoke to Benson again. Not one word. He handed in his papers and..." He snapped his fingers, "Just like that he was out of her life, never to return again."

That was horrible. If it was true.

"Can you imagine? After twelve years...I heard some guy saying she cried over him, but he didn't exactly see her cry. He only saw her leave her captains office and hurry from the squad room." He finished his wine, but I found myself staring into my scotch, unable to drink it.

"And what was this...Stabler like?"

"He was a total ass. He was known for his temper outbursts. Apparently he would attack some of the perps there and then to. It's surprising Benson managed to work with him for as long as she did."

But there must have been something about him that caused her to stick by him for 12 years.

"I mean, he was a good cop, don't get me wrong. It's just from what I've heard Benson was the only one who was able to work with him. That just makes the entire thing more tragic."

I thought back to the woman I had met today. She had been steadfast, good at her job and seemed so strong. I couldn't picture her being weak or sad or crying. But she must have been hurt.

"He hasn't contacted her? Until today?"

"Nope." He set his wine down, "What's up Rafi? You've barely touched your drink."

I picked up my glass at his words, but didn't know what to answer to his question. Fortunately I was saved from doing so, for Harris suddenly said,

"Ah, look who it is. Your new team."

I wasn't entirely sure if 'my' team was the correct term, but in came Benson and Amaro, Fin and Rollins and Munch followed closely behind. They were talking loudly and excitedly. It was clear that whatever tension had been between them, had dissolved. They all laughed when they reached the bar and I could see Benson grinning at Amaro, who was touching her arm gently. He went ahead to the bar and Harris and I watched in silence as he brought her a drink.

"That's her new partner." The captain explained quietly, "I think he helped her...you know 'get over' Stabler."

The sarcasm did not go unnoticed by me. Benson turned around then and caught my eye. She smiled brightly and I found myself staring at her, like a speechless idiot, but there wasn't much I could say into this distance between us anyway. When she raised her glass I did so too, and finally began drinking my Scotch.

It was the second time that day, the first time had been after hearing Caine pronounced guilty, that I felt a strong relief surge through me. Transferring had been a good decision. Working with Detective Olivia Benson would be worthwhile, I could tell.

That was it. I hope you enjoyed the reading as much as I enjoyed the writing. I'd be lying if I said I'm looking forward to Season 15, because with all honesty, guys I am dying to get a go at Season 16, because I love love love LOVE Noah more than any other character. Barba, Noah and Benson together is what makes me happy, so lets look forward to that!

But first I'll be writing Season15, which has it's own highlights as well. I hope I'll see you guys back then :)

Oh and please tell me what you thought of this Extra and the change of views ;-) I'd really love for Barba and Stabler to meet sometime, I have a feeling they wouldn't get along, any thoughts on that?