A/N: Thank you guys for all of the reviews and follows, it really touches my heart. This is a bit on the short side. Trigger warning for Lewis.
Barba POV
I felt his presence coming up behind me. It was hard to ignore the wave of male bravado that rolls off of a man of his proportions. I was somewhat shocked to hear from him; pure curiosity propelled me to meeting him in this bar. Besides, it was maybe a 10 minute walk from where I'd set up my office. That was definitely a plus. I addressed him before I made eye contact, and if I'm being perfectly candid- I'm not out to earn any points with him.
"Why did you ask me here? Your reasoning was beyond vague."
He stepped out from behind me, and taking the seat across from me, answered in a nonchalant manner.
"You know, I'm aware that we may have started out on opposite ends, but there's no reason for the attitude. I asked you here because I wanna talk." Elliot Stabler getting right to the point- almost.
"I've gathered. If you're interested in representation- I'm not interested." Stabler actually rolled his eyes at me.
"I'm not looking for a mouthpiece, I'm- I want to know about William Lewis." He stared me down, and if he thinks I am going to go there-
"Listen, Stabler, that is for Liv to speak on. I believe we're done here." I stand, and turn to walk away from him when something in his voice stops me.
"I know why you did what you did. And, even though because of you, my wife will not get justice, I will be eternally grateful that you protected her."
For a moment, memories rush to the forefront of my mind -random voices of people I'd heard talk about the famous Stabler and Benson duo; it was before my time but practically legendary by the time I was ADA. I took my seat back, studying his expression, his demeanor.
"I'll bite; what are you looking for?" I was feeling a bit standoff-ish. He kept eye contact.
"I'm not looking for anything. I'm here to thank you."
What a surprise. Pleasant? Not quite.
"I didn't do it for you. Clearly."
He smiles.
"I know. It doesn't make me any less appreciative. On a further note, I acknowledge that you two might've actually been close at one time, good friends?"
Was he serious?
"What are you getting at, Stabler?" He gives a slight wave of his hand and continues his thought.
"One thing I know of Liv- she'll stay mad for a while, but she will forgive you. And, as much as it pains me to say this, you need to reach out to her. Not to push her, because she hates that, but let her know that you are here. Available."
"I'm aware of this, I've known her upwards of a decade. Besides- why do you care about the state of our friendship?"
"Because I care about her. And I don't want to be the cause of yet another pain in her life. I don't want to take anything else from her."
I was at a loss for words. This was a very rare occurrence, indeed. Then, I decided to go back to his original conversational starting point.
"One: you should take your own advice. Two: William Lewis was the lowest scum of the earth that I have ever had the displeasure of laying my eyes upon. If there was a break to catch- this guy caught it. After the second time around with this bastard- I fought the hardest I had ever fought. The monster was dead, and still trying to destroy her from beyond the grave. The Bronx ADA was out to try to make a name for himself- and wanted to hang Liv as an example. Her commanding officer saved her badge after going before the Grand Jury. But, seriously- you should talk to her about this. Give her the chance to tell her story. Just know- I'll always have her back. Regardless is she acknowledges it or not." I stand to leave, and he stands to face me.
"I'll probably never like you, but I do respect you. For her." He held out his hand to shake mine.
"Same. For her." I shook his hand. I turned on my heel and left.
I can see one thing- he is in love with her. And I can't blame him- so am I. The only problem is is that she loves him unconditionally. I don't have a chance in hell. And even though it breaks me, I want her to be happy. And I sincerely hope, for her sake- that asshat doesn't fuck it up.
