Chapter Text
To say they were complete opposites was a big understatement. Where Rafael preferred to overwork himself in multiple cases and every now and then go to a theater to see a show. Charlotte Parks was all for fun. Going out, movies and to the bars. Laughing with friends and just being happy with life. She preferred to live her life and not let it pass her by.
Now, you’re probably sitting there wondering. How did these two meet? Right?
It all started one week before Christmas...
Charlotte was busying herself as she was doing her last-minute gift shopping. Honestly, what was wrong with her? Not even Lottie knew. All the poor blonde girl knew was that she was rushing around. Drinking her third cup of coffee, Charlotte was turning a corner when she crashed into something. Sending the girl flying backwards. Her bags falling from her hands and the hot coffee, now covering part of the sidewalk and her shirt and jacket.
“Fuck!” she cursed, the coffee had been hot, and the crash made her cup be squished and went flying. Getting on her neck, unfortunately, she wasn’t wearing gloves either. so, Charlotte was in pain.
“Lo siento mucho!” A voice above her said, grabbing her attention. “I am so sorry,” he said again and started to pick up her bags. His briefcase on the ground. Another cup of coffee a little closer to the curb.
As if she had been put in a haze. Charlotte quickly snapped out of it. “Yeah... well, I’m sorry as well. Should probably slow down when making right turns.” she joked, finally picking herself up off the ground with a groan.
Rubbing her backside, Charlotte thanked him for handing back her gifts. Thankfully all were already wrapped and there was nothing fragile.
“Rafael Barba.” the man held his hand out after grabbing the case that was by his feet.
Grinning, Charlotte held her own hand out. “Charlotte Parks. Lovely to meet you Rafael Barba.” she nodded as they shook hands. “Wanna get some coffee? Seeing as I’m wearing what we had been drinking?” she laughed.
Little did the two of them know, that after getting coffee together after running into each other... -quite literally mind you. -
Now a year and a half later, Charlotte was dressed to the tens in one of her best dresses. Lottie was happy. It was a long, lace soft pink dress. The dressed dragged a little on the floor, but it made Charlotte feel beautiful.
It was perfect to play happy couple while in front of Rafael’s bosses. Not that Charlotte even wanted to go. Lately, the two of them haven’t been able to agree on anything. The fighting left and right. Ignoring each other and sleeping separately.
If it hadn’t been for the fact that she had already agreed to go that night. She would have canceled. Not that she would do that to Rafael. Despite how mad they were at one other for stupid things. Charlotte knew deep in her heart; she loved that man with all she had. Even if he was a little jealous and not all that fun.
Not that she ever let it get to her. She knew her feelings for her Cuban lover. It wasn’t because of his late hours and moody behavior that she was going to break up with him. What others see and what Lottie sees. It two different men. The Rafael Barba, Assistant District Attorney for Manhattan, mainly works SVU cases. He was a cold; hard ass determined to win and give his victims some peace after the suffering they go through. Then there was her Rafi. The man who would send her random texts during the day when he had the time. Calling her late night on the phone so she’s the last voice he hears. Cooking breakfast for her after spending the night together. The flowers and small gifts, letting her know he needs her after a specific hard case. That was the man she fell in love with. Not that people understood that.
Being thirty and Rafael almost 41. People gave them looks. It didn’t help that Charlotte looked younger than she was. They just never cared. They ignored the comments.
“Tonight is gonna be a good night...” Charlotte told herself before going to answer her door.
Rafael was on the other side smiling. “Mi amor…” he said softly. Wrapping his arms around her. The two hugged and shared a soft kiss. “I’ve missed you. I’m sorry…” but he was silenced when Charlotte pressed their lips together once again.
“Don’t apologize. It’s fine. Honestly Rafi, you have a stressful job. I DO understand.” She said quietly and leaned their foreheads against one another.
Once in the car, riding to where the event was taking place that night. Charlotte found herself with a constant blush upon her cheeks. Taking in every compliment Rafael threw her way. The two held each other and kissed softly. Just as they were pulling up, Charlotte was sure to fix her makeup and allowed Rafael to help her out. It was some big gala for the Attorneys, Judges and such of New York. It was a big turn-out.
Inside, Charlotte being careful with her dress with each step. Even lifting it a little so she could walk without tripping. They managed to chat with a few people Rafael knew. Some even Charlotte knew from previous dinners like this. Though none before was ever so formal.
By the time the dinner part was over. Charlotte nodded to Rafael who excused himself to go talk with a judge. She wanted to finish her dessert still. So, when some guy came and sat next to her. Charlotte tried to be polite. Not that she was even paying him much attention. Just giving small “Hums” and “Ahs” she finished the cake and drank the rest of her wine. Standing up, the male doing the same. Charlotte took a step back when he stepped forward. The strong smell of vodka on his breath was something really unsettling.
Charlotte wasn’t even able to say anything before she was being dragged away. Turning her head to see Rafael with a scowl on his face. The girl wondered what happened to their night that had been going so well.
“What the hell are you doing? Half of these people here are my colleagues! Please don’t do this tonight!” he hissed in her ear. Making Charlotte wonder what it is he thought he had seen between vodka breath and her.
“Okay, you know what… Mr. Harvard Graduate! I can’t take much more of this! This obsessive, controlling, envious paranoia!” she snapped, finally having enough. Not even realize that the SVU squad was around. Or that the music had stopped. “That’s it! I’ve had it!”
“Lottie…”
“NO! Ever since New Year's, I haven't said a word about it. We do what you want to do Jesus! I didn't pierce my nipples because it grossed you out! I didn't stay and dance at my friend’s engagement party because YOU wanted to go home!” She snapped at her boyfriend.
“Por Favor... you were letting some guy flirt with you there!” he said, not grasping on the fact that others around could hear their argument.
“Is that what this is about!? Rafael! There will ALWAYS be some guy flirting with me! Gimme a break!” she laughed at how stupid his excuse was. “Have I EVER given you ANY reason to not trust me? To not believe that I ONLY. LOVE. YOU!” she jabbed her finger into his chest with her last three words.
“Every single day, when I walk down the street to and from work. Do you know what I hear? ‘Baby so sweet!’ it’s not like that’s something I can help!” she shook her head and took a step away from the man. “You’re gonna have to choose. Take me baby or leave me. Cause I’m done feeling like it’s MY fault that guys flirt with me. I don’t approach them.” Charlotte turned around and went back to the table for her small clutch. Grabbing it, she rushed out of the room.
Ignoring all the eyes on her. She finally made it outside and waved down a cab. Inside, she ignored the calls from Olivia and Amanda. She missed seeing Rafael rush outside. The only thing Charlotte saw was her own heartache at that moment.
What was supposed to be such a good night, a night full of happiness? Turned out to be one of the worst nights of her life.