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procrastinating-panda · 2 months ago

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'One Who Got Away' (3)

Title: One Who Got Away

Plot: Mariah desperately wants to know what her husband has planned for their anniversary and goes to great lengths to find out. Yelina, Barba's childhood love, is recently separated and back in his life.

Pairing: Raphael Barba x Original Female Character

Warning: None

"Carino?" Rafael sticks his head out of his office, bracing himself in the doorway. Mariah looked like a kid with their hand caught in the cookie jar. "Hi, honey," she stammered, stepping in front of the pastries, but he saw right through her. Barba pushes off the doorway, making it over to his wife in one stride; he looks over her shoulder, spotting the pink box on Carmen’s desk.

Rafael flips the lid open; he views the high-end treats in all their delicious splendour. The A.D.A. turns to his wife, eyeing her quizzically. Carmen has a sly look on her face, enjoying Mariah having been caught.

“Step into my office, Mrs. Barba.” He gestured to his office; Mariah couldn’t help but feel like she’d been sent to the principal’s office as she glanced at Carmen, who had the biggest of smiles on her face. The image of the assistant's shit-eating grin is the last thing Mariah sees before the door shuts.

Rafael watched as his wife waltzed in and sat in one of the chairs in front of his desk, tilting her head at the paperwork on his desk. He places himself in front of her, obscuring her view; her head snaps up to him. "Why are you trying to bribe my assistant?" Rafael asked with an audacious smirk on his face. Mariah rebuts immediately. "It's not a bribe; I just brought my friend Carmen some coffee and her favourite pastries.” She looks up at him, a cheeky smile on her face. "I know she needs it with the boss she has."

Rafael smiles, shaking his head, and asks playfully. "What am I going to do with you?" Mariah stands, stepping close to him. “Tell me what we’re doing for our anniversary.” She was so close, close enough he could smell her perfume. Barba was almost convinced to tell her everything she wanted to know and more.

Rafael strode to the other side of his desk, putting distance between them. Mariah shifts her weight, hands on her hips, smiling, amused that her husband is weakening. Barba clears his throat, trying to strengthen his resolve. "Liv called and said you guys had coffee…"

Barba pauses, staring her down, hoping she'll admit what she's done—wishful thinking. "We did," Mariah admits, her answer short, giving away nothing. Her husband folds his arms, not at all shocked at the gall. He comes out and says. "You've been bribing our friends with coffee and donuts."

His wife walks over to the other side of the desk, leaning on the edge of it. "Bribery? Who said anything about bribery?" She challenged in that low, sing-songy voice that got him going. "So you weren't trying to find out what we're doing for our anniversary this year," Barba asks, sitting down, shuffling around some files, and doing anything to avoid looking at his wife.

Mariah hops up on his desk, crossing her legs, and tilts her head, staring down at her husband, who refuses to meet her gaze. "I just talked with some of our friends, that's all."

Rafael whips his head around so fast, he almost breaks his neck.

"A talk?" Barba questions, not believing it.

"A talk." His wife leans in, reassuring him; she knows that he's not convinced.

A breath hitches in Rafael's throat the second her perfume hits his nostrils. He smiles, closes the distance, and looks up at her as she sits on his desk. Her husband leans in, his chin resting in the palm of his hands. "I've always admired your ability to stick to a story, Mariah."

"Thank you, A.D.A. Barba." Mariah brushes her ponytail off her shoulder.

"You give lawyers a bad name, counsellor." Rafael lifts his hand to graze her thighs.

His eyes trail up her body; her legs are crossed over, and her dress is slowly riding up past her knees. Her dress was accessorized with a matching belt, which cinched her waist perfectly. The square neckline accentuated her breasts, and the sleeveless design showed off her toned arms.

Mariah lifted his head to meet her gaze; he didn't mind his eyes being pulled away from her body, for he felt that her eyes and face were just as pleasing.

"Don't get any ideas, Rafael; I have a client meeting soon," Mariah informed him. His eye roll was immediate, almost automatic. The man groaned, moving her hand from his chin to his cheek, her perfume so apparent he could practically taste it.

"Besides, aren't you busy?" His wife asked, looking at the files on his desk. Barba turned away from his wife's face to glance at the files. He looked back at her and lied. "No."

Mariah simpered, looking between him and the files on his desk.

"Really?"

"Free as a bird." He lies again, pulling her into his lap. Mariah giggles as she falls into his lap.

"I've always admired your ability to stick to a story, counsellor." Mariah quotes him, readjusting in his lap.

Rafael chuckled, feeling the fabric of her dress. He didn't know what the material was, but suddenly he loved it. Lazily, Rafael drew shapes on her waist, fidgeting with her belt while his wife nestled into his lap, resting her head on his chest.

A small peck is placed on her head as he asks. "Why are you trying so hard to find out about our anniversary?"

"Previously, we'd throw a party or have dinner, but you're being secretive, and I don't like surprises." Mariah looked up at her husband, unease in her eyes. "Ah," Barba exhales, registering the concern on her face. "What are you so worried about?" He coaxed, still fidgeting with her belt.

Mariah laid her head back on her husband's chest. She couldn't look at him; she was about to lie. "I don't know," Mariah expresses. It wasn't a complete lie; she didn't know why she was so hesitant to let him take the reins or why she had this inkling that something bad was about to happen.

"It's just so different from what we usually do." Another half-truth spills out. This year was different, but she couldn't put her finger on why that was a bad thing.

Barba knows she is right; this year was different. He wasn't having the usual party; he wanted something more intimate, but he knew that she didn't like surprises or change. However, he figured it'd be okay because it was their anniversary.

His reasoning seemed solid; he considered all the effort she had put into unearthing their anniversary arrangements and worried about what would make her so desperate to know what he had planned.

Mariah felt a hand on her chin as Rafael turned her face to his. "I would like our anniversary to be just the two of us this year. Is that okay?" Barba had his head tilted, studying every micro-expression, waiting for her answer.

Just as her lips part, there are three raps at the door, Carmen's signature. "Sir, there is someone here for you." The assistant announces from behind the door, knowing better than to peek in when Mariah and Rafael are alone in the office.

His wife hopped out of his lap, fixing her clothes; Rafael lightly kissed her temple before stepping in front of his desk. "Send them in, Carmen."

The door swung open, and her heels clacked on the ground as she stepped in. "Guapo." She uttered softly as she stood in the doorway. Rafael paused as he took her in. Her name slowly rolled off his tongue, guided by his Cuban accent. "Yelina."

Barba's here! ♡⸜(˶˃ ᵕ ˂˶)⸝♡

Hope you liked the bit of flirting (˵ •̀ ᴗ - ˵ ) ✧

There will be a fourth chapter ᕙ(⇀‸↼‶)ᕗ.

୨୧ ⏔⏔⏔⏔♡⏔⏔⏔⏔ ୨୧ ୨୧ ⏔⏔⏔⏔♡⏔⏔⏔⏔ ୨୧

This is also available on Tumblr:

I'm still working on another SVU story with Mike Dodds. ߹𖥦߹

Other Chapter (s):

One Who Got Away (1)

One Who Got Away (2)

This is also available on AO3: One Who Got Away Ao3

I appreciate your support. Leave your thoughts in the comments.

@cafekitsune - Dividers

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procrastinating-panda · 2 months ago

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'One Who Got Away' (2)

Title: One Who Got Away

Plot: Mariah desperately wants to know what her husband has planned for their anniversary and goes to great lengths to find out. Yelina, Barba's childhood love, is recently separated and back in his life.

Pairing: Raphael Barba x Original Female Character

Warning: None

Mariah bounced into the district attorney's office, waving to faces both familiar and unknown. She practically glowed, having a pep in her step, and with good reason. It was her third wedding anniversary. She hoped to catch her husband on his lunch break, though he was not the only person she hoped to speak to.

And there she was, Carmen, her husband's assistant. Mariah found her diligently working in front of Rafael's office, her eyes glancing between her monitor and a piece of paper in front of her whilst taking a call, the phone pinned between her ear and shoulder. The assistant acknowledged Mariah with a nod, expecting her just to waltz in.

Carmen looked her up and down, scanning her when she noticed the pink box was probably filled with pastries and her signature coffee order. "No," Carmen monotoned, hoping to cut short whatever she was up to. "You don't even know what I was going to say." Mariah quickly countered, her voice soft and siren-like. The assistant knew what her friend was like and why she was such a good lawyer; her ability to persuade rivalled that of Scheherazade.

"I'm not telling you anything, Mariah," Carmen warned, her side-eye aiming to pierce Mariah's resolve, but she didn't falter. "Oh, come on, Carm," Mariah says as she pushes the bright pink box across the assistant's table, her voice as syrupy as the desserts contained inside.

To strengthen her resistance, Carmen took a deep breath, a fatal mistake; the sweet smell of the pastries filled her nostrils. Mariah knows she's weak. "They're all yours if you just tell me what Rafael bought me." She slowly places the coffee on her desk. Carmen quickly scans the receipt on the front of the cup; it's made just to her preferences. Carmen drops what she is doing, her hand hovering over the coffee cup, her strength waning. “Oh, come on! I know you helped him buy it." Mariah huffed.

"Who says it's something that can be bought?" Carmen hints with a smile, hoping to throw Mariah off the scent. The lawyer is suddenly taken with her thoughts, 'something that can't be bought.' She paced in front of Carmen's desk. "What can't be bought?" The assistant only watched with a smile, sipping her coffee.

Mariah stood, feet tapping, cupping her chin. When she turned to Carmen, she noticed the self-satisfied look on her face and finally concluded that the assistant was screwing with her.

Mariah leaned over Carmen's desk, turning on her charm; she could be spellbinding when she wanted to be. "Carm." She called out slowly and syrupy, cradling the pink box in her hands. "Mariah." Carmen looked her in her eyes, coffee still on her lips. The face-off began; they stared at each other, waiting to see who would break first. Unfortunately for Mariah, the assistant wouldn't spill the beans. "Damn!" She exclaimed, stopping her foot and then breaking eye contact.

The lawyer opened the pink box and pulled out a doughnut, stuffing it in her face, her consolation prize. Carmen laughed, helping herself to a doughnut. "So, how many people have you tried this on?" Mariah started to tap her feet again, listing her victims. Dodds, Amaro, Rollins—not that I expected them to know anything. Olivia, Fin, and you. Carmen took pleasure in hearing the list, knowing she was likely unsuccessful in prying information out of seasoned detectives. The lawyer gasped, suddenly remembering her first attempt. "Oh, and his mother."

"Lucia?" Carmen sits up, shedding her nonchalance, her disbelief evident.

"He tells her everything; she wouldn't tell me anything," Mariah explained with a frown. "That's a lot of doughnuts." The assistant notes, taking another bite of one. "You have no idea." The lawyer huffed.

Carmen recounts in her head the list of people her friend has interrogated. She looks at Mariah, her shoulders slowly dropping; if she didn't know her, she'd think she was defeated, but the pensive look on her face tells her otherwise—it's the most determined she's ever seen someone look eating a doughnut.

The lawyer could be unswerving once she decided on something; at this very moment, she was likely cultivating some dastardly plan to figure out what her husband had planned.

The assistant knew her friend would not be letting this go any time soon, so she asked. "Why?" "Huh?" Mariah snaps out of her pensive state, whipping her head around.

"Why do you want to know so badly?"

The lawyer thinks for a moment, why was she trying so hard to find out the anniversary plans? She explains, "On our first anniversary, we had a party that was like a second wedding reception; our second was a dinner party with friends and family."

Mariah smiles, remembering both events fondly, but her smile drops slightly as he continues. "This year, he wants to plan it on his own. I have no idea what he's doing. I've called around; no one's gotten an invitation, and they weren't expecting one because he told them he wanted it to be just us this year."

"And that's a bad thing?" The assistant questioned, placing her coffee on her desk. "No, of course not, I just don't like being in the dark."

Carmen raises an eyebrow at her friend, the coffee cup now at her lips; the lawyer shrugs as if there is nothing more, and Mariah groans, an auditory signal of her surrender. "I feel like a bomb is about to be dropped on my marriage." Carmen puts down her coffee, taking her friend's hand instead. "Or your husband is planning something great, and you should trust him."

Mariah looks in her friend's eyes, trying to believe her words; she knew what she was telling her. "Okay, I'll stop asking around. Hopefully Rafael won't—" Mariah pauses when the man himself walks out of his office.

Here is the second chapter! ٩(^ᗜ^ )و ´-

I feel like Carmen doesn't speak a lot in fics (or in the show, lol). (ᵕ—ᴗ—), so I gave her a big part here. What do y'all think? ( • ᵕ • ).....？

୨୧ ꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶꒷꒦︶୨୧

The third chapter will have Barba. ✧｡٩(ˊᗜˋ )و✧*｡

Previous Chapters:

One Who Got Away (1)

This is also available on Ao3: One Who Got Away Ao3 Leave your thoughts in the comments. I appreciate your support.

˚ʚ♡ɞ˚ @cafekitsune (Dividers)

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procrastinating-panda · 2 months ago

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'One Who Got Away'

Title: One Who Got Away

Plot: Mariah desperately wants to know what her husband has planned for their anniversary and goes to great lengths to find out. Yelina, Barba's childhood love, is recently separated and back in his life.

Pairing: Raphael Barba x Original Female Character

Warning: None

“We’ll stay in touch,” “Catch up some time,” or “I’ll marry you if we're both 30 and unmarried!” That last one was mostly a joke. It was what people told each other before inevitably losing contact. It was what Mariah and Rafael told each other.

Rafael and Mariah met at Harvard, battling those four years of law school together. The two had grown close, but the dedicated scholars had resigned themselves to focus on their burdensome schoolwork, which ultimately led to burgeoning careers. Harvard had churned out a pair of exceptionally talented lawyers; their careers took off immediately after graduation. They quickly lost touch.

It wasn't complete radio silence; Rafael was a very well-known ADA. Mariah followed many of his cases; they were hard to ignore, as he often made the news. She was proud to see what the mouthy, scrappy, handsome young man she adored became. Rafael took notice of Mariah as well; the large companies she took on as a civil litigator, he'd brag that he knew her to anyone who'd hear it.

To Mariah, Rafael Barba was the 'one who got away.' Rafael missed Mariah deeply, the woman he had kissed in a moment of adulation as he realized she had helped him pass an exam. He thought highly of her, that she was brilliant and beautiful. The funny thing is, despite all these lingering feelings, neither of them ever thought to call.

It was by complete coincidence the two met again. A victim, Mariah, had been represented in the case against her employer, Barba was now helping. Rafael didn't usually accompany the detectives on their investigative interviews; only he had to see her again. Unknowingly, Barba made the best decision of his life that day; Mariah was more than happy to see him.

A date ensued after the case closed; the two reminisced about their Harvard days. It was jokingly mentioned that they were both over thirty and single. Mariah laughed, thinking of how silly a promise it was. Rafael, however, took it more seriously, and the two have been married for nearly three years.

The union of Mariah Santos and Rafael Barba was a joyous, powerful, and peaceful one. Well, as peaceful as a union between two lawyers could be. Rafael held Mariah in very high regard and vice versa, so any disagreement was promptly rectified with honest communication and a lot of Chinese takeout.

It was over said Chinese takeout, while they were still dating. Rafael told Mariah everything about his childhood best friends, Eddie and Alex; he seemed ashamed of Alex and what came out during his campaign for mayor. What he failed to mention was Alex’s wife, Yelina, his childhood love, his ‘one who got away.’

Here's the 'other stuff' I've been working on. ◝(˶˃ ᵕ ˂˶)◜ This chapter is mostly exposition/laying groundwork. . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ܁₊ ⊹ . ܁˖ . ܁ The second chapter will be uploaded right after this. I'm putting myself on a strict timeline. ( ◡̀_◡́)ᕤ I'm working on another SVU story with Mike Dodds (つ╥﹏╥)つ

Other Chapter (s):

One Who Got Away (2)

This is also available on AO3: One Who Got Away Ao3 Please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments. I appreciate your support. -`♡´-

@cafekitsune (Dividers)

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procrastinating-panda · 4 months ago

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What if she thinks I'm sweet on her? (4)

Title: What if she thinks you're sweet on her?

Plot: Criminal Minds Gang plots to get Gideon a gf

Pairing: Jason Gideon x O.F.C (romantic)

Midday brought Gideon to Hotch’s office to drop off a file and address his friend meddling with him. “I don’t need your help,” Gideon states clearly. “I’m not sure what you mean.” Hotch remained toneless, refusing to give anything away. “Agent Dosela, you and the team set me up with her.” Hotchner remains quiet, vexing Gideon. “Come on, Aaron, admit it.” Hotch stops to consider before answering; he knew it was unrealistic to think Gideon wouldn’t find out; he only warned the team last night so they wouldn’t get in the habit of spying on each other.

He drops his austerity, telling his friend the truth. “We noticed that you had a fondness for her, she is the first person… since Sarah.” Gideon heaves a sigh to hide his discomfort at the mention of her name. “Thank you, Hotch,” Aaron nods at his friend and does what Jason can only assume is a smile.

Anne had been itching all day to see Jason, and when the time came for their date she practically bolted from the office. The two stepped into the elevator together Anne was excited, and Gideon was too only he was better at hiding it. They couldn’t wait to get out of there. Only one thing threatened to disrupt their bliss: Reid, who was about to hop onto the elevator. “Hey, Kid! Come here!” Morgan exclaimed, Reid, walked towards him. “What?” Morgan shrugs “Nothing see you tomorrow.” Spencer is visibly annoyed, and Derek only laughs and ruffles his hair happy he could divert his friend.

Even though they were alone in the elevator, the two remained reserved for the sake of professionalism. This formality melted away when they reached his car. Anne was delighted about their date and couldn't help but admire Jason, her gaze fixed on him for the entire ride. He sensed her eyes on him but kept his focus on the road, not daring to glance her way. His expression, however, betrayed his fondness for her. While initially testy about his teammates' matchmaking, Jason now felt it was worth it as Anne sat beside him with the most endearing smile. "I've set up my office for us. We can put the projector in there," she said. As Gideon entered, he was greeted by a grand, modern office with ornate furnishings. Blue walls with white accents framed an impressive bookshelf that dominated much of the room, complemented by an elegant desk. Though the dim lighting prevented him from fully appreciating its majesty, it was bright enough for Jason to recognize its beauty.

After setting up the projector, the two nestled into a cozy pillow fort Anne had crafted in front of her desk. They'd never confess how silly it felt—pillow forts, popcorn, old movies, and ice cream like a third-grade sleepover. The atmosphere was perfect. Jason's projector displayed Charlie Chaplin's comedic antics, while Gideon divulged to Anne the story of how he acquired the classic films.

Anne is comfortable around Jason not being as nervous as one would be on what was technically a date. Jason wasn't as focused, being more captivated by Anne than the projection. "Do I sound old if I say they don't make movies like this anymore?" she said to spark conversation, and he simply replied "Yes." Anne smiled, her nose crinkled adorably. “Ok, swap!” Anne encouraged as she offered her date her tub of strawberry ice cream. Jason obliged handing over the sweet treat.

Anne took one bite of the dessert and was immediately nauseated. She squinted in disgust to look at the tub; it read “Mint chocolate chip.”

Anne chugs water, hoping to wash the minty taste from her mouth, “Thirsty?” Jason questioned, his eyes widening as she continued to drink. "No, I’m not thirsty," she said, setting the water down. "I despise mint chocolate chip." Anne gagged, her face twisted with disgust. "Despise?" Jason questioned with a touch of amusement in his voice. Finally able to get over the taste Anne griped. “Mint Chocolate chip ice cream is a crime against humanity!” The second Anne’s anti-mint chocolate chip declaration left her lips, uproarious laughter filled the room. Gideon was breathlessly clutching his chest with tears in his eyes. “It’s gross!” Dosela huffed. Her date continued to laugh until he accidentally fell into her. “Ow.” Anne yelped as he bumped into her. In an instant, his hand had touched her head. “Oh I’m sorry.” He murmured as he patted her head, she took his hand in hers lowering it to her face, his thumb lightly brushed over her lips. “I’m ok,” she replied.

Gideon’s still fixed on her lips, raised his gaze to look in to Anne’s eyes, he asked one question. “Would it be ok if I kissed you Anne?” Jason’s dared not move without her say so. He kept looking between her lips and her eyes waiting anxiously for her answer. A smile formed on Anne’s face she was delighted at the idea. “Yes.” She said with a small nod. Gideon hurriedly obliged, his lips reaching hers in an instant. This kiss was sweeter than any ice cream they��d ever consumed. Anne slowly pulled away from Gideon breaking their kiss. “Is there something wrong?” Gideon asks his face still close to hers. “It’s a small thing.” Anne rests her arms Jason’s shoulders, her hand play with his hair. Jason readjusts, his hand still on her face. “You taste like mint chocolate chip,” Anne says with a face more guilt-ridden than unsub who knows they’ve been caught. Gideon throws his head back laughing again. “Alright, alright.” He reassures her before he takes a spoonful of her strawberry ice cream, he then goes in for a quick kiss and asks. “Better?” “Much better!” Anne nods before leaning kissing her fellow agent.

Previous Chapters:

What if she thinks I'm sweet on her? (1)

What if she thinks I'm sweet on her? (2)

What if she thinks I'm sweet on her? (3)

This is also available on Ao3: What if she thinks I'm sweet on her (Ao3)

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procrastinating-panda · 1 year ago

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