#Rafael Barba and Natalia

[lambstokill]

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⠀

𝗕𝗜𝗢𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗣𝗛𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗟 𝗜𝗡𝗙𝗢. 𝗢𝗙 . . .

⠀⠀ ⠀⠀ ˖ ⠀࿇ ཾ ⠀༼ ⠀( JUDITH STARLING )

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⠀ ⠀ { trigger warning for the contents below:

family loss, car accident, death, etc.}
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⠀ ⠀⠀⠀ 𝟎𝟎𝟏 ┊ ⠀ 𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗧𝗬 .⠀⠀

⠀⠀ ⠀⠀────────────
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⠀ ༝ ༝⠀ 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞: judith annora starling.

⠀ ༝ ༝⠀ 𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬: jude, annie, starchild.

⠀༝ ༝⠀ 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫: cisgender female.

⠀ ༝ ༝⠀ 𝐚𝐠𝐞 / 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐝𝐚𝐲: july 2nd, 1993 / 23 at the

beginning of the show.⠀ ⠀

⠀ ༝ ༝⠀ 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬: human ⠀

⠀ ༝ ༝⠀ 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞: asheville, tennessee.⠀ ⠀

⠀ ༝ ༝⠀ 𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: brooklyn, new york.

⠀ ༝ ༝⠀ 𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: cases that involve children,

car accidents, parental / family deaths. ⠀
⠀

⠀
⠀ ⠀⠀⠀ 𝟎𝟎𝟐 ┊ ⠀ 𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘 .

⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀─────────────

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⠀ ༝ ༝⠀ 𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭: 5’6”
⠀ ༝ ༝⠀ 𝐞𝐲𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐫: hazel.

༝ ༝⠀ 𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐫: dark brown, but overtime

she begins to develop grey strands due to stress.
⠀

⠀

⠀
⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀ 𝟎𝟎𝟑 ┊ ⠀ 𝗥𝗢𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘 .⠀⠀
⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀────────────
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⠀ ༝ ༝⠀ 𝐬𝐞𝐱𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: bisexual, openly.

⠀ ༝ ༝⠀ 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞: in total, Judith has only ever

been with five people, three women & two men,

and only two of those relationships were serious.

⠀ ༝ ༝⠀ 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐬: married. ⠀
⠀
⠀
⠀ ⠀⠀⠀ 𝟎𝟎𝟒 ┊ ⠀ 𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗬 .
⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀─────────────
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⠀ ༝ ༝⠀ 𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: true neutral.

⠀ ༝ ༝⠀ 𝐳𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐜 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧: cancer. ⠀ ⠀⠀⠀
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⠀ ⠀⠀⠀ 𝟎𝟎𝟓 ┊ ⠀𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦 . ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀

⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀─────────
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⠀ ༝ ༝⠀Rafael Barba — husband.

⠀ ༝ ༝⠀Natalia Barba — daughter.

༝ ༝⠀Emelio Barba — son.

༝ ༝⠀Lennon Starling — 𝖿𝖺𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗋, deceased.

⠀ ༝ ༝⠀Marley Collins-Starling — 𝗆𝗈𝗍𝗁𝖾r, deceased.

⠀ ༝ ༝⠀Lukas Starling — older brother, deceased.

⠀ ༝ ༝⠀Silas Starling — older brother, deceased.

⠀ ༝ ༝⠀Dane Starling — older brother

⠀ ༝ ༝⠀Jakob Starling — older brother, deceased.

⠀ ༝ ༝⠀Maverick Starling — older brother, deceased.

⠀ ༝ ༝⠀Bonnie McClain — paternal aunt / guardian.

⠀ ⠀ ⠀⠀⠀

𝟎𝟎𝟔 ┊ ⠀ 𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 . ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀
⠀ ⠀⠀ ⠀─────────

⠀ ༝ ༝⠀ Life was boring in Asheville … Judith always

searched for an escape — running away, only

to be brought back just twenty-four hours later,

or, her favorite memory, at just fifteen years old,

hopping into the back of a truck bed, where she

managed to get all the way to maryland before her

picture was put out into the paper & she had to be

brought home via police escort.


this life of running away all came to a halt when

she was seventeen. Judith was at home with her

brother, Dane, on house sitting duty for their aunt,

Daphne, as she packed up to move to New York,

when they got the call about a horrible accident.

no survivors.

With no one else able-bodied to care for the kids,

Daphne signed up to take them in, formally

adopting the two as she left Tennessee for

the big apple.

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⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀──────────────────

[no criticism, hate, or unnecessary opinions please.

creating ocs is just a creative outlet for myself <3]

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[wexarethewalkingxdead]

1) Do you travel? 3) Height? 4) Are you a cuddler? 5) Middle name? 6) If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be and why? 8) Fandoms? 9) Favorite color? 10) OTP? 12) Do you like scary movies? 14) Favorite YouTubers? 16) Favorite holiday? 17) Weirdest dream you’ve ever had? 18) Languages you speak? 19) City or country? 20) Last thing you Google searched for? 21) Last film you saw? 22) Eye color? 23) If you had wings what would they look like? 24) How do you feel about Donald Trump? 25) Last thing you ate? 26) Like to cook? 29) Scare easily?

send me a number (then reblog & add your own!)

1) Do you travel?

I don't travel much. I'm not a huge fan of it. I like going somewhere for a bit but I'm always ready to be back home in a couple days. I like my bed and my home.

3) Height?

Five foot five inches.

4) Are you a cuddler?

I am. Well, I guess I should say that I like to be cuddled at night when I'm sleeping, but I'm not much of a cuddler during waking hours. I need my space.

5) Middle name?

Beth.

6) If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be and why?

I'm content right here where I'm at. But I would like our house to be further back from the road and to have a fenced yard so my animals don't get hurt and don't have to worry about my great nephew and niece getting away from us and into the road either. Not that it has ever happened, but I do have a fear of that.

8) Fandoms?

The Walking Dead, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Jurassic Park/World.

9) Favorite color?

Any and all shades of purple.

10) OTP?

The Walking Dead - Carol & Daryl, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - Olivia Benson & Rafael Barba, Jurassic Park - Ellie Sattler & Alan Grant, Jurassic World - Claire Dearing & Owen Grady.

12) Do you like scary movies?

Yes, I do. My favorite scary movie is the original Halloween. I also like the first one of the newest Halloween trilogies.

14) Favorite YouTubers?

Kawaii Arcade Masters. Brian Tyler Cohen. The Dodo. Ana Natalia. Charlotte Dobre. SSSniperwolf. Matthew and Paul.

16) Favorite holiday?

Halloween.

17) Weirdest dream you’ve ever had?

Where everything around me is in normal speed and I'm in slow motion. It's like I'm stuck in molasses and just can't move. I hate it. It's so frustrating and scary, too.

18) Languages you speak?

English. Pig Latin.

19) City or country?

Country.

20) Last thing you Google searched for?

The Ones Who Live spoilers.

21) Last film you saw?

A Killer Among Friends.

22) Eye color?

Green.

23) If you had wings what would they look like?

They would be wide and black tipped with silver with flecks of purple mixed in. They'd be soft and dainty and strong.

24) How do you feel about Donald Trump?

We don't have all day, but to put it shortly, I do not like that man at all. I think people who worship him need their eyes opened and are in a cult. But there's a lot I could say about the man. I will refrain from it here because this is my roleplay blog.

25) Last thing you ate?

Mayfield Creamery Toffee Bar.

26) Like to cook?

I like to bake. I'm not a fan of cooking. I'm too impatient.

29) Scare easily?

Yes, I really do.

[vintagemichelle91]

Question for my readers...

How would you guys feel about me writing Peter Stone x Reader??

Obviously I am still hard at work on Rafael and Natalia with @rauliskafan! And I know I need more Miss Fashionista in my life...how about you???

But I want to take a crack at Peter Stone! What do you think??

I want to get back into my writing groove and get out of this slump of the heart and just get lost in something I've always found comfort in!!

[rauliskafan]

A Little Lesson in Light: Chapter Two

Authors’ Note: Happy Christmas to one and all! @vintagemichelle91 and I thank you so much for your amazing comments last night!!! They were the best gift ever!!! Now with Maggie’s baby on the way, the family starts to gather. Read on for more and enjoy!!! :) 

          “Yes, Mike. It’s time. Well, no. No, not this exact instant. But soon. Yes. You need to hurry. I know but… yes. See what you can do to make that happen.”

           Ending the call, Natalia paced the waiting room. Ashtonja sat with the twins, Hazel narrowing her eyes at every doctor, nurse, and orderly that passed by while Holly nibbled her little nails.

           “Mami?”

           Glancing down, Natalia saw Violetta, felt her tugging at the hem of her skirt.

           “Yes, sweet pea?” she asked as she scooped the girl up into her arms.

           “Will the baby really be born in time for Christmas?”

           Natalia started to answer but suddenly stopped herself short. Despite her own firstborn’s somewhat rapid arrival, she knew all too well that Maggie’s boy could take some time before making his grand entrance on the world’s stage. Still, it was barely afternoon on Christmas Eve. And by the time night rolled around…

           “I hope so, sweet pea,” Natalia finally replied. “Wouldn’t that just be the best present ever?”

           “Yes,” Violetta stated. “It would be nice…”

           The little girl’s voice trailed off, and Natalia could sense her wanting to say something else and waited for the rest of her words.

           “But?” Natalia prompted.      

           “Well, as much as I want a cousin, I also want the book with the lock and key.”

           Only recently Violetta had gotten it into her head that she simply had to have a diary, preferably one with a unicorn adorning the cover so that she could record her most private musings… and keep the thoughts away from her younger sisters’ ever-prying eyes.

           “Something tells me Santa can manage that and a bouncing baby boy,” Natalia assured her daughter.

           “But doesn’t the stork bring the baby?” Violetta asked. Before Natalia had a chance to respond, she heard the sound of her parents’ voices

           “Natty!” Alessia approached with flowers in hand as Trevor balanced a giant blue teddy bear sporting a yellow bowtie, a plush pal to rival Harold in size.

           “How is she?” Trevor asked. “How’s the baby?”

           “The baby not here yet,” Violetta stressed with a roll of her eyes even as she reached forward to hug her grandparents.

           “Not yet?” Trevor asked. “Is there a problem?”

           “No problem,” Natalia said. “But there is a little thing called labor.”

           “I tried to tell him as much,” Alessia chimed in.

           “But she is fine, right?” Trevor asked.

           “Of course,” Natalia said. “And a little waiting gives Mike a chance to get here.”

           “He’s not here yet?” Trevor asked. “Is he alright?”

           “Just stuck in traffic,” Natalia said.

           “Can’t he just use his siren?” Trevor asked, and Natalia tilted her head to one side. “What? Isn’t that part of his gig?”

           “Lots of people driving to the city from New Jersey on Christmas Eve,” Natalia said. “And it’s not like he suddenly has access to the Batmobile. We can’t all be super spies.”

           The Brit blushed, and Natalia handed Violetta over to her mother as Ashtonja took the flowers.

           “But I’ll call him again,” Natalia continued. She took a few steps away from the others and barely began dialing when she felt a warm hand on her arm.

           “Hey.”

           “Atticus!”

           Forgetting the call for a few seconds, Natalia winded her arms around her husband’s neck and bestowed a quick kiss on his lips.

           “How is she?” Rafael asked.

           “Complained the whole way here,” Natalia said.

           “Why am I not surprised?”

           “She’s the most impatient mommy-to-be that I’ve ever seen.”          

           “Hopefully she won’t have to wait too much longer,” Rafael said.

           “And at least she got the time and place right.”

           “What do you mean?” he asked.

           “Meaning she made it to the hospital and had the good sense not to get the ball rolling right before a wedding reception.”

           Natalia gave her husband a wink, and Rafael sighed as he pulled her closer.

           “Our girls were originals from the start,” he said. “But a hospital birth should be a nice change of pace.”

           “Agreed. Of course, it might take a little rearranging for our Christmas.”

           “Which you know you can do with your hands tied behind your back,” he said.

           “Oh, absolutely. I’ll commandeer the cafeteria for my goose if I have to.”

           “We’re having goose?” he asked. “Did your grocery order get mixed up with Bob Cratchit’s?”

           “Just trying something new, Ebenezer Barba,” she teased, lightly kissing him again when she spied the Chief out of the corner of her eye.

           “Bill!” she called out, greeting him as Liv followed closely behind. “I was just about to call Mike again. He’ll be glad to know you’re here.”

           “Mike?” the Chief asked. “Wait. He’s not here?”

           “He’s coming back from New Jersey with Rollins,” Liv said. “I told you as much.”

           “Maybe we should send an escort to pick him up or something,” the Chief suggested.

           “My point exactly,” Trevor concurred.

           “Hold on a second,” Liv cut in.

           “Why?” Trevor asked.

           “It’s Jersey,” Liv said. “Not Mars. And you both know how this works.”

           “He doesn’t,” Violetta said, hugging her father as she pointed to Trevor. “He thought the baby would be here as soon as he walked in.”

           “I did not think that,” Trevor said.

           “But it could be any time,” the Chief argued. “And if Mike misses it, he---”

           “Guys, guys, guys!” Natalia cried out, waving her hands in the air. “There is still time. Let’s just all calm down.”

           The waiting room quieted, and Natalia squeezed Rafael’s hand before walking down the hallway to check on her sister.

           “What do you mean he’s not here yet?! I need him now. You of all people know that I need my husband.”

           “But Liv says that---”

           “I don’t care!” Maggie practically screamed. “Get him here at once!”

           Knowing this wasn’t the time to argue, Natalia backed away from the room and found Liv.

           “Can Bill call in a favor?” Natalia asked. “Last thing we want is Maggie arrested for a noise complaint on this most happiest of days.”

           With a small smirk, Liv patted her arm.

           “I’ll see what I can do.”

           “I’m here!”

           Dodds practically slid into the waiting room accompanied by Rollins. Carisi and Fin had already arrived, and the sergeant flew past the group before turning on his heel. He looked to the others and finally focused on Natalia.

           “Where is she?” Dodds asked his sister-in-law, wobbling where he stood.

           “Third door on the left,” Natalia said. “But just so you don’t get lost…”

           She started to guide him away when the Chief moved forward and slapped his son’s back.

           “So glad you made it,” he said. “Perks of the shield, right?”

           “Chopper was fast,” Dodds agreed.

           “And it’s not like he got sick or anything,” Rollins said, glaring at the stains on her shoes. As if on cue, Dodds lost what was left of his lunch, causing Holly to screech as Natalia and the Chief tried to steady the sergeant.

           “Kid, you okay?” the Chief nervously asked.

           “On me,” Dodds said. “Told the pilot to go faster.”

           “That he did,” Rollins muttered, retreating to the restroom as Dodds was finally led to his wife’s side.

           “You’re here!” Maggie said, her hands on her belly, her breaths coming a little harder as she met his eyes. “And you… you don’t look so great.”

           “I’m fine, Maggie,” Dodds promised.

           “I don’t think so,” Maggie said. “Is it the flu? Do you need to lie down?”

           “No flu, Maggie,” Natalia said. Jutting her chin towards the Chief, she worked with the older man to bring the sergeant to rest in the narrow bed at the ballerina’s side.

           “Mike?” Maggie whispered, stroking his face.

           “I’m fine,” he said. “Just tried to set a new airspeed record to get to you in time.”

           “That sounds dangerous,” Maggie said. “What if something had happened to you?”

           He swallowed a few times, and Natalia held her breath until Dodds eyes focused on his wife’s, and he cupped her face in his hands.

           “Nothing is happening to any one of us,” he said. “And before the day is out, we’re getting the best Christmas present in all of Manhattan.”

           “Amen,” Maggie murmured, a tranquil wave overtaking her face as she smiled and nuzzled her nose to his.

           “It’ll be nice to have a new member of the family at the table for Christmas dinner,” Carisi said as he brought Rollins a cup of coffee.

           “Tio Sonny?”

           “Yes, Little V?”

           “You do know that the baby will not be able to eat Mami’s food or sit up as soon he’s born, right?”

           Rafael chuckled. To Carisi’s credit, he simply nodded, and the ADA kissed the top of his daughter’s head before beckoning to Natalia so the pair could step aside.

           “You doing okay?” he asked.

           “Yeah.”

           “How long has it been now?”

           “Almost eleven hours,” Natalia said.

           “And is there a happy ending in sight?”

           “Atticus, not you, too!”

           “No, no, no,” Rafael said, lifting her hands to his lips and kissing each one in turn. “Contrary to current popular opinion, the Harvard graduate in me comprehends the biology of the moment.”

           “But?” Natalia asked.

           “The big brother wants his little sister to have her baby in her arms already.”

           Smiling through a soft haze of tears, Natalia hugged him and pressed her lips to his ear.

           “Same here, Atticus. Same here.”

Tagging: @dreila03 @minidodds @sonshine-carisii @mrsrafaelbarba @delia26 @morbid-apricots @thefanficfaerie @lyssa1385 @letty-o @kkemp43 @gibbs274 @fortheloveofallthingsraul @destroyedbydickwolf @southern-magnolia @imagine-hopper @sweetsummertime99 @obfuscateyummy

[thefanficfaerie]

Have a Very Merry Ficmas!!

Avengers A Christmas Carol by @red-5

Steve Rogers Mini-Matchmaker by @avengerofyourheart Christmas to Remember by @avengerofyourheart So You’re Y/N by @ruckystarnes Come Home by @vibraniom Nostalgic in New York by @hellomissmabel The Christmas We Never Had by @pleasecallmecaptain All I Want For Christmas by @steves--starsandstripes The Christmas Song by @fantastic-fantasy-fanfics Garland and Mistletoes by @lumifuer Christmas Candy by @imagines-for-the-fangirls-soul Christmas Olives by @september-stardust Saps by @promarvelfangirl Please Come Home by @meganlpie The Coffee Cup by @sarahwroteathing A December Deception by @aubzylynn

Tony Stark Stark’s Secret Santa by @sherrybaby14 A Family for Christmas by @butlikethisonetime Santa Baby by @whotheeffisbucky NSFW Santa Baby by @marvelous-fvcks NSFW Santa Baby by @fantastic-fantasy-fanfics Christmas Guac by @nerddface A Not So White Christmas by @avengerofyourheart A Birthday Surprise by @redlipstickandplaid 5 Seconds to Christmas by @vulpe-fox

Steve Rogers x Reader x Bucky Barnes Christmas Decorating by @stucky-and-reader-au   I’ll Be Home for Christmas by @siren-kitten-his NSFW Oh, Christmas Tree by @imagine-assembling-the-avengers

Law and Order: SVU Rafael Barba Christmas Magic by @ohbelieveyoume Perfect Portrait by @rauliskafan The Greatest Gift by @rauliskafan The Barbas Finding a Christmas Tree by @ohbelieveyoume Skipping Christmas by @imagines-for-the-fangirls-soul Silent Night by @teatimewithtiya Baby It’s Cold Outside by @vintagemichelle91

Star Trek The Crew Surprising You on Christmas by @imaginestartrek The Cure for Mistletoe Fever by @starshiphufflebadger Jingle My Bells by @star-trekkin-across-theuniverse

Jim Kirk Waking Up With Jim on Christmas Morning by @youre-on-a-starship Snow Dogs by @goingknowherewastaken  Authorized by @iguess-theyre-mymess Good Things Always Happen at Christmas by @iguess-theyre-mymess The Hat by @mybullshitsensesaretingling

Leonard McCoy Baby Jim- Christmas by @mission-enterprise The Inauguration of Tradition by @outside-the-government For All to Hear by @outside-the-government An Early Christmas Gift by @outside-the-government Walking In a Winter Wonderland by @starshiphufflebadger All I Want by @theunholygrails   Wrapped in a Big Red Bow by @musingsongbird Seeing Joanna In Christmas Pageant by @youre-on-a-starship Bones Driving to You in a Snow Storm by @imaginestartrek Spending Christmas in Georgia by @imaginestartrek Having Bones Stay For Christmas Eve by @imaginestartrek  Christmas Gift by @imagineangryspacegrump Wrapped in a Big Red Bow by @musingsongbird White Knight by @annathewitch

McKirk A Very McCoy Christmas by @auduna-druitt Of Mistletoe and Misunderstandings by @auduna-druitt Going Home for Christmas by @imoutofmyvulcanmind A Merry Little Christmas by @imoutofmyvulcanmind The Christmas Card by @thevalesofanduin KItchen Conversations by @pinkamour1588 All I Want For Christmas by @pinkamour1588 Ribbon and Bows by @pinkamour1588 Counting Stars by @its-life-jim

NCIS Tony DiNozzo Christmas Eve by @spaceemonkeyyxd Christmas Excitement by @spaceemonkeyyxd Fireplace by @of-badges-and-guns Christmas with the Dinozzos Part 1/Part 2 by @itswitchcraft-not-googlemaps Tomorrow by @imagicana Under the Mistletoe by @whydontyouallf-fadeaway

Chris Evans Light ‘em up by @mightyshieldevans Guilty Pleasures by @forever-rogue Christmas Eve with Chris by @ohevansmycaptain

Misc Fandoms Every Year, Every Christmas by @callingmrsbarnes Bucky Barnes Christmas Morning by @ncis-criminalminds Aaron Hotchner Little Lesson in Expecting Part 4 by @vintagemichelle91 and @rauliskafan Violetta’s First Christmas by @vintagemichelle91 and @rauliskafan Natalia and Rafael Barba A Hard Lesson in Holiday Cheer by @vintagemichelle91 and @rauliskafan A Hard Lesson in Miracles by @vintagemichelle91 and @rauliskafan Holiday with the Starks by @meganlpie Robb Stark With My Life by @becaamm Bucky Barnes Hanukkah Menorah by @becaamm Castiel A box inside a box inside a box by @becaamm Pietro Maximoff The Edwardian Nightgown by @siren-kitten-his Chris Evans Bittersweet Hanukah by @officialheroesofolympus Wanda Maximoff Everything Special by @rauliskafan Frederick Chilton Wickedsingularity’s Christmas Stories by @wickedsingularity  The Last Christmas by @becaamm Dean Winchester

[theenchantedgalleryofstories]

A Little Lesson in Trick or Treats by @rauliskafan and @vintagemichelle91

[unpensadoranonimo]

Opiniones sobre economía (14/8/2019)

Causas de la desaceleración de la economía española - Juan Carlos Barba

Del BCE, Lagarde y sus vanidades - Luis Riestra

Discriminación salarial de género: la importancia de la transparencia - Ricardo Chiva Gómez 

El aire contaminado sale caro, y además nos va a costar mucho dinero - José Luis Gallego

El paro asusta y la política se va de vacaciones - Antonio Sanchidrián

En España, con más ateos que practicantes, la Iglesia nos cobra más del 1% del PIB - Jose Antonio Pareja

Europa necesita un Pacto de Sostenibilidad, Equidad y Bienestar - Federico Demaria

Hasta en la playa te encuentras conflictos laborales - Isaac Rosa

Jóvenes preparados y precarios - Raúl Rodríguez Vega

La falacia del copago en autovías - David Bollero

La digitalización como arma de destrucción masiva - Guido Stein

¿La mejor noticia económica de 2019? - Luis Riestra

La necesaria sensibilización con el absentismo laboral - Inés Molero

Las dinámicas de competencia y acumulación capitalista en la academia - Natalia Millán Acevedo

¿Las subidas del salario mínimo siempre perjudican al trabajador? - Juan Ramón Rallo

Los 'funcionarios' de Amancio Ortega que saben cómo pagar menos impuestos - Andrés Villena

Los pensionistas necesitamos un gobierno de coalición - Norberto Marchesano Martínez

'Make Spain green again' - Fernando Prieto

Malditos turistas - Marta García Aller

No lo llames futuro, llámalo precariedad - María José Landaburu

Ojo, cuidado: España marcha mejor sin gobernantes - Javier Fumero

Operación Chamartín: el PSOE y el PP, unidos por Pegamentos Ibex - Ruth Toledano

Plataformas digitales: huida de la laboralidad 4.0 - Carlos Gutiérrez

Por un Gobierno de progreso ya - Consulta aquí el listado completo de firmantes 

Por una garantía laboral universal - Andrés Ortega

Previsiones al alza a pesar de la desaceleración - Rafael Doménech

Qué poco le gustaba a Pedro Sánchez la idea de un Gobierno de coalición con Podemos - Iñigo Sáenz de Ugarte

Sánchez en su laberinto de resistencia: el efecto Cameron y el problema de la banca - Juan Laborda

Reforma laboral: es el momento de desandar el camino - Paloma Vega López

Viviendo de Montoro - Juan Pablo Colmenarejo

[adanlarracilla]

Hoy realizamos reunión de la #reddefundacioneshumanistas para revisar las tareas de la misma y la proyección de sus actividades en los siguientes meses. Gracias a todos, especialmente a Hans Blomeier, Natalia Arriaga de la @kasmexiko y a Carlos Castillo de la Fundación Rafael Preciado Hernández por la conducción de los trabajos para la elaboración y difusión de los mensajes sobre diferentes tópicos como democracia, la pandemia y desarrollo ( entre otros ) en los meses previos. Un gusto como siempre, estar y comentar con Dr. Éctor Jaime Ramírez Barba, Julio Castillo López, Salomón Ceballos, Bernarda Rodriguez, Carlos Alberto Astorga Othón, Agustín Basilio de la Vega, Rafael Micalco Méndez, Juan Carlos Esquivel y Bernardo Tellez. @enriquevargasdelv Pdte. @anacmx_ https://www.instagram.com/p/CRVYbYRMUmU/?utm_medium=tumblr

[carlosschlink]

Rol de Exposiciones - Metodología de la Investigación - Semestre 2-2019

Exposición Lunes 25/11/2019

Grupo 1

Susy Balderrama Salazar

Mayde Caricari Castro

Maribel Machaca

Pilar Jesse Cuellar Torrez

Grupo 2

Brenda Alvarado Menacho

Delia Almendras Chavaria (No está Inscrita)

Cindy Andrea Cazon Llanos

David Yepez

Grupo 3

Karen Mariooly Ferrel Ortega

Willy Salvatierra Chacon

Danelik Arancibia Arteaga

Wilner Osinaga Algarañaz

Grupo 4

Monica Claure Pinto

Jhanett Ilsen Ojeda Salazar

Selene Delgadillo Cruz

Bargoly Barba Solano

Grupo 5

Ana Gabriela Eguez Soliz

Maria Fernanda Mendez Campos

Natalia Morales Francisco

Jhovanny Macias Montaño

Grupo 6

Mariana Barroso Luzio

Blanca Isabel Gonzales Chiri

Maria Julia Estremadoiro Melgar

Laura Sapiencia Calderon

 Exposición Miércoles 27/11/2019

Grupo 1

Sarita Roca Unzueta

Rafael Esteban Villalba

Maria Julice Cuellar Gutierrez

Carla Fernanda Leigue Acebo

Grupo 2

Wilmer Paul Arce Mampaso

Grover Apaza Heredia

Wilmer Richard Lapaca Valverde

Jose Mauricio Quisbert Ramos

Grupo 3

Zelena Caballero Frias

Maria Fernanda Belasco Orihuela

Ana Marioly Aponte Flores

Danielli Colque Bonjorguez

Grupo 4

Margarita Burgos T.

Leydi Guerra F.

Claudia Meja Arancibia

Jose Daniel Urquizo

Grupo 5

Delino Vargas Rojas

Yngri Vilca Rojas

Maria Daniela Ardaya Lino

Laura Lopez Coronel

Grupo 6

Lissi Wendy Padilla Molina

Nelly Terrazas Rios

Rimer Peña Peralta

Alex Cortez Lizarazu

[ocioenlinea]

De México al mundo

Llega la séptima edición del festival Gran Fiesta del Cine Mexicano Como se ha convertido en costumbre, llegan a nuestras pantallas un listado de producciones nacionales que muestran el talento y esfuerzo de cineastas emergentes y experimentados. Es la oportunidad de mirarlas y descubrir lo que se ha creado recientemente por cineastas mexicanos.

CINEFORO UDEG. Av. Juárez esq. Enrique Díaz de León, piso -1. T/3826-7297.

CARTELERA

DRAMA LAS CARAS DEL DEMONIO D: Adolfo López Campaña México, 2018. ¿Los demonios son reales o son sólo un mito para asustarnos y hacernos seguir unas reglas impuestas por la religión…? Adolfo López investiga la existencia y las características de estos “entes” que han estado presentes acompañando a la humanidad desde sus inicios, y posiblemente desde mucho tiempo antes. Viernes 21, 16:00 h DRAMA SANGRE NUESTRA D: Adolfo López Campaña México, 2018. Unas amigas que van a una fiesta que no existe y reciben un invitado sobrenatural. Un hombre que camina solo por un estacionamiento sin saber que va encontrar algo espeluznante. Dos chicas que invocan a su amiga fallecida. Una esposa que resucita, pero no regresa sola. Una casa habitada por algo que parecen fantasmas. Y un hombre que engaña a la muerte… Son algunas de las historias que aparecen en esta antología de horror. Viernes 21, 18:10 h DRAMA VERTE PARTIR D: Javi Huerta México, 2018. Lucy es una artista plástica que no cree en la vida después de la muerte. Su novio Lionel piensa lo contrario, cree que la vida es solo un paso para llegar a un lugar mejor. Juntos se enfrentarán sus miedos y creencias, cuando descubren que Lionel está enfermo y tendrá que luchar por su vida. Viernes 21, 20:20 h DRAMA ESTAMOS HECHOS D: Herbey Eguiarte Alcalá México, 2018. Sergio y Angélica se ven para cerrar definitivamente una tormentosa relación. Fabiola se encuentra en un parque a Natalia, la hija adolescente de su exnovio. Por otra parte Ray va a comprar el anillo de compromiso y lo acompaña su mejor amiga de la universidad. Todo en la misma mañana. Un relato para entender, desde lo común, para qué estamos hechos. Sábado 22, 16:00 h DRAMA CARTAS A ELIZABETH D: Bibiana Barba México, 2018. Elizabeth, una niña de seis años, fue brutalmente golpeada y violada por su hermanastro. La documentalista Bibiana Barba quedó tan conmocionada, que le escribió a la pequeña una serie de cartas aún sin conocerla. Entre lágrimas y dolor, decidió que es momento de levantar la voz por nuestros niños, presentándonos una profunda investigación sobre el tema. Sábado 22, 18:10 h DRAMA VOLVERA EL POLVO A LA TIERRA D: Alejandro Soltero Valencia México, 2018. Después de perder a su esposa, Marno un hombre impulsivo y de modales violentos, se sumerge en una enferma lucha por intentar trasplantar el alma de su esposa al cuerpo de una joven, y junto con sus dos hijos, Sebe e Inés, secuestran a Sandra, una mujer que intenta escapar de su realidad después de haber vivido una experiencia traumática. Ya en cautiverio, Sandra tendrá que adaptarse a una obsesiva dinámica familiar para lograr sobrevivir a esta amarga situación. Pero el misterio que envuelve a los personajes hace que Sandra encuentre una estrategia para anular el yugo familiar y aliarse a Sebe para frenar la mortal obsesión de Marno y tratar de escapar. Sábado 22, 20:20 h DRAMA LA INCERTIDUMBRE D: Harold Fajardo México, 2017. Gerardo es vocalista de una banda de rock que ha sido invitada a tocar en el Festival Interferencia, el más importante del país. La fama incipiente que trae consigo dicha invitación, sumerge a Gerardo en una espiral descendente de excesos y autodestrucción. Domingo 23, 16:00 h DRAMA SEDA D: Bárbara Balsategui México, 2018. Tomé mi corazón roto y lo convertí en una película. Siempre he usado el cine para expresar mi punto de vista y filosofía de vida. Seda nació como una forma de exorcizar el infierno de mi vida en ese momento. Fue muy sencillo materializar la historia de una manera metafórica. La historia es de dos personajes que al ser reales, fueron esbozados sin esfuerzo. Lo que no fue fácil de revelar fueron los eventos por los que pasé: una relación abusiva que casi costó mi vida. Algo que entendieron los dos actores que dieron vida a los personajes. La química estaba ahí, y fue contagiosa. Espero que esa magia se trasmita a la audiencia y toque sus almas. Domingo 23, 18:10 h DRAMA TRITON D: Arturo Villaseñor México, 2018. Un crítico de arte de personalidad inestable, conflictiva y seductora descubre una escultura de Tritón, personaje mitológico de hombre-pez. La misteriosa figura hermafrodita le recuerda la pérdida de su padre en el mar durante la infancia, y desencadena en él impulsos sexuales y deseos de destrucción. Domingo 23, 20:20 h DRAMA DONDE SE QUEDAN LAS COSAS D: Daniela Silva Solórzano México, 2018. Federico Solórzano, paleontólogo y coleccionista, vive sus últimos meses de vida en su casa en Guadalajara, México. Su colección suma más de 500 mil objetos de todo tipo. Su nieta Daniela se sumerge en sus colecciones intentando entender a su abuelo y su relación con el mundo, buscando el porqué de semejante colección. Al morir, su colección se dispersa. En el filme, Daniela hace su propia colección sobre lo que define a su abuelo, una inmersión a su mente, una exploración del fin de los objetos y de los recuerdos de una persona cuando ésta ya no está. Lunes 24, 16:00 h DRAMA FOREVER ALONE D: Mac Arellano México, 2018. Armando es un treintañero gay soltero, con una vida sentimental más bien precaria. Fabián, su mejor amigo, le pide que le ayude a preparar su boda gay. Armando muere de celos pues él ni siquiera tiene un novio formal. Armando accede pero su desesperación por encontrar pareja y su inexperiencia en el tema parece poner en riesgo tanto su amistad como la realización de la boda. Lunes 24, 18:10 h; viernes 28, 18:10 h DRAMA PARAMO D: Andrés Díaz México, 2017 Jesús terminó su carrera y entrega su tesis "En busca de Cómala". Se suicidará si esta es aceptada. Sin embargo la tesis es rechazada y ahora él debe embarcarse en un viaje para buscar la mítica Cómala Lunes 24, 20:00 h DRAMA ALGUIEN TE OBSERVA D: Roberto J. López Rodríguez México, 2018. Sofía, una chica que por asuntos laborales frecuenta redes sociales con la intensión de poder interactuar con otras personas, ya que el tiempo no le alcanza para llevar una vida común, por cuestiones del destino conoce a Efraín y comienza a tratarlo, los días pasan y decide conocerlo en persona, sin sospechar que Efraín con el que habla es otro muy diferente al de las fotos. Martes 25, 16:00 h DRAMA LEJOS DEL SENTIDO D: Olivia Luengas México, 2017. Luego del cierre del hospital psiquiátrico donde solía estar internada, Liliana trata de ser normal, librando las crisis causadas por su trastorno límite de personalidad (TLP) esta vez desde casa y con el apoyo de su familia. Martes 25, 18:10 h DRAMA AVERSION D: Rafael Piñero México, 2018. Ambientada en el mundo de los adolescentes, esta es la historia de Diego, un jovencito que sufre de acoso escolar y que trata de encajar en la sociedad imitando el comportamiento de sus compañeros populares, solo para darse cuenta que tiene que utilizar la violencia para sobrevivir en el sistema. Martes 25, 20:20 h DRAMA LAS REGLAS DEL REY D: Luis Javier Romo Fregoso México, 2018. Lucio Quintero es un hombre trabajador que lucha día a día para sacar adelante a su familia desde que su padre murió. Vive frustrado teniendo que trabajar duro en empleos que no le gustan. Su vida cambia cuando su amigo el macetón le “enseña” a jugar póker. Ahora Lucio y su amigo acostumbran apostar en los llamados brincos perdiendo más de lo que ganan. Miércoles 26, 16:00 h DRAMA ESTAMOS HECHOS D: Herbey Eguiarte Alcala México, 2018. Sergio y Angélica se ven para cerrar definitivamente una tormentosa relación. Fabiola se encuentra en un parque a Natalia, la hija adolescente de su exnovio. Por otra parte Ray va a comprar el anillo de compromiso y lo acompaña su mejor amiga de la universidad. Todo en la misma mañana. Un relato para entender, desde lo común, para qué estamos hechos. Miércoles 26, 18:10 h DRAMA CRIMEN POR OMISION D: Jaime Humberto Hermosillo México, 2018. Un pacto suicida (preparado para ser incumplido por una de las partes) revela secretos y lo perverso de un triángulo amoroso. Miércoles 26, 20:20 h DRAMA LA ERA DE LA DESCONEXION D: Cristóbal González Camarena México, 2018. La disciplina que implica hacer deporte combinado con la claridad mental que proviene de estar inmerso en la naturaleza es una combinación que ha permitido a miles de personas abandonar la adicción, tener una renovación espiritual, reevaluar sus vidas y encontrar su propósito en la vida. México está lleno de paisajes extraordinarios que han sido testigos de miles de historias de rehabilitación. Este documental busca alejarnos del ruido de la ciudad para entrar en el silencio del mundo natural y volver a conectar con los lazos que hemos perdido a lo largo de la era de la desconexión. Jueves 27, 16:00 h DRAMA NEREA D: Juan Pablo Cortés México, 2018 NEREA visita la ciudad de Lagos de Moreno, en Jalisco, siguiendo los rastros de NORA, su hermana gemela, quien llegó ahí a presentar una Obra de teatro y después de ello murió. NEREA entonces, visita los lugares donde su hermana deambuló para lograr comprender los motivos de NORA y ver las últimas cosas que ella vio. Sin embargo, NEREA encontrará que del otro lado del espejo no está la muerte, sino el renacimiento. Jueves 27, 18:10 h TERROR HABANA DARKNESS D: Guillermo Iván Estados Unidos, 2018. Viajando a La Habana, Cuba, para investigar los orígenes de un misterioso manuscrito supuestamente escrito por el aclamado novelista estadounidense Ernest Hemingway, tres amigos se ven envueltos en un aterrador juego del gato y el ratón cuando se encuentran atrapados dentro de un edificio abandonado ubicado en el centro de la capital vibrante del país. Con el tiempo agotando el trío debe maniobrar a través de un laberinto de trampas mortales para encontrar una manera de salir del edificio antes de ser cazados. Jueves 27, 20:20 h TERROR LA MAQUINA DEL DIABLO D: Edin Alain Martinez Aguirre México, 2017. Karina ha perdido la memoria y es la única superviviente de una serie de asesinatos. Para recuperar la memoria comienza una investigación que la llevará a descubrir un demonio y una máquina dimensional. Viernes 28, 16:00 h DRAMA SEPTIEMBRE UN LLANTO EN SILENCIO D: Kenneth Müller Guatemala-México, 2017. Narra la historia de amor entre un padre y su hija quienes emprenden un viaje de lucha por sobrevivir en una de las épocas más difíciles del conflicto armado interno de Guatemala. Theresa quedó sorda a los 3 meses de edad y perdió a su madre en medio de un ataque terrorista perpetrado por la guerrilla un 5 de Septiembre de 1980. Viernes 28, 20:20 h

[vintagemichelle91]

A Hard Lesson in Matters of the Heart: Chapter 13

Authors’ Note: Starting off the week with another chapter!! Thank you so much for the amazing feedback! @rauliskafan and I are over the moon about it! Now, please enjoy chapter 13!!

           “Maggie? Are you okay?”

           She remembered all of it in snapshots. Seeing Mike off in the morning. Getting the call from Peter. The park. The fight. As if that wasn’t bad enough, then there was the pain. There were worried voices, beeps and bells, wheels squeaking against tiles… and the feel of her body being lifted to lie down again. She wanted time to slow for a second. To stop altogether so she could gather her thoughts and figure out her next move. No such luck when her makeshift bed was hauled into the back of a white van. When the road to wherever they were headed next stopped and started over too many bumps…

           …when she clung to her belly and prayed until she could no longer keep her eyes open.

           “Maggie?”

           Now the sheets were somewhat softer, the light a touch dimmer. Twisting her head against the pillows, Maggie hoped for her husband… half-expected her sister…

           …but neither one was anywhere to be found.

           “Peter?”

           His gaze stayed fixed on hers as she blinked a few times and felt his hand.

           “I… why are you here?” she softly asked.

           “Came with you to the hospital,” he said.

           “You? What… what about…?”

           She tried to sit up, but the room began to spin.

           “Hey, hey, hey, take it easy,” Peter soothed, one arm draped around her shoulders as he positioned her against the pillows. “Natalia’s here, too. On the phone with your father.”

           Just nodding her head, Maggie slipped back into the softness, her free hand on her belly once more.

           “You… you weren’t in the ambulance,” she said. “You… were you?”

           “No,” Peter admitted, squeezing her palm a little tighter. “Had McCoy drive me.”

           “McCoy? The DA?” Maggie asked.

           “He wasn’t really doing anything. Said he was happy to help.”

           “Still, who was minding the store?” Peter laughed at her little joke, and Maggie started to smile when her mind turned to Rafael in pursuit of her husband.

           “Mike,” she said. “I… Natty needs to call Mike.”

           “I think she already did,” Peter said. “Or at least Barba. Guessing they’re together. After everything that went down.”

           And now she could only hope that Rafael would bring him around. If Mike still wanted to see---

           “Maggie?”

           Peter’s voice cut into her thoughts, and she felt his fingers brushing against her flushed cheek.

           “You really don’t need to stay,” she whispered.

           “Like I’d leave you now.”

           “You…”

           Her voice drifted away, the perfect retort stuck in the back of her throat. But giving it voice would be like racing around the same spot in so many circles. And she lacked the energy for such a futile sprint.

           “I… Maggie, I’m so sorry,” Peter said.

           “I know.”

           “I mean for all of it,” he continued. “Calling you. The park… throwing everything that we had away in the first place.”

           His final words sent a shiver up Maggie’s spine. Instinctively, her face fell into his warm hand, and Peter inched closer.

           “Maggie, how many ways do I try to say this to you?”

           “Say what?” she replied, swallowing hard.

           “That I want another chance,” he said. “I want that girl back who danced around the kitchen and loved lemons and… and could not cook a dessert to save her life.”

           “Some things don’t change,” Maggie said. Taking the cue, Peter sat on the edge of the bed. He ran his fingers through her hair.

           “Maggie, I---”

           “Wait,” she said. “Stop.”

           “What?” Peter asked.

           “I… I’ve made enough mistakes for one day. Maybe a lifetime.”

           Propping herself up against the pillows, she waited until the room righted itself. Only then did she speak.

           “Peter, I… I loved you so much once. I don’t think I realized how much until I saw you again.”

           He released a deep breath, his lips near her mouth, his kiss summoning hers.

           “But what we had... it wasn’t enough then. And it’s not enough now.”

           “What… what are you talking about?” he asked as he pulled away.

           “I’m married, Peter.”

           “But he ran away.”

           “And watching him leave… Peter, that hurt me more than any of the moments after I lost you. I… I don’t say this to hurt you. I’m trying to tell the truth. Finally. And that is that I… Rafael always says that he needs Natalia to breathe. I’ve been having a hard time doing that lately. And that’s because I can never breathe easy if I don’t have Mike. If… if I’m hurting him. What you and I had… maybe we were both too young. But we can’t go back. I… I don’t want to go back. I just want my husband. And I… I hope he’ll have me.”

           “Of course he will.”

           Hearing a welcome voice, Maggie had to blink fast, to be sure that she saw him.

           “Mike?”

           Doubting her senses for a second, she saw him step closer as Peter moved away. Once she believed he was in fact real, Maggie extended her arms and gathered her husband close as she clung to his neck.

           “I’m sorry,” she wept. “I didn’t---”

           “Are you okay?” he desperately asked. “When Natalia reached out I---”

           “I don’t know,” she said. “They haven’t really told me anything yet.”

           “How do you feel?” he asked, brushing a few strands of fallen hair from her face.

           “Better. Now that I’m seeing you.”

           She broke down again, out of relief more than anything else, and wept lightly into his shoulder. The feel of his palms caressing her back steadied her where she sat until she was able to look up with a small sniffle.

“Where is Natty?” she asked.

           “Here,” Natalia said. Maggie watched her cast Rafael a sideways glance and smiled at them both, sensing the distance between them as a nurse entered the room.

           “Mrs. Dodds… full house here!”

           “My family, and....”

           She couldn’t finish the thought, her hand back on her belly. This was her family. Only this morning, another member was in the mix. What if that life was no longer on the horizon? What if in her foolishness she had brought some harm to---?

           “Well, I’m happy to report that it looks like a panic attack. Nothing more, nothing less.”

           As the weight of two celestial spheres seemed to leave her shoulders, she heard Mike sigh as her nerves calmed, and the world began to right itself on its axis, making sense once more.

           “You’re okay,” Mike said, his lips to her cheeks.

           “We both are,” Maggie said. “Because you’re here.”

           He kissed her, and she patted his face as the doctor chuckled.

           “And congratulations! Hope you like blue. Got a bouncing baby boy on the way.”

           Maggie felt her heart skip a beat. Turning her gaze to Mike, she saw him struggle to speak for several seconds, his tongue tied in too many knots until she took his chin in her hands and helped him meet her eyes.

           “Did you hear that?” she asked. “Our son! I’m so excited.”

           He just nodded, struggling to speak through a series of stifled sobs as Maggie pulled him closer.

           “Mike? Are you---?”

           “But what if it wasn’t good news?” he asked in a shaky voice.

           “What do you mean?”

           “What if the stress was too much and it was all because… because I turned my back on you?”

           She tried to shush him, to reassure him, when he furiously shook his head.

           “No. It’s not right. I’m not right. First our wedding. Now this. Why do I always run out on you in major moments?”

           At first, Maggie did not answer. She simply peered over his shoulder to see Peter in the corner of the room. One last look of anticipation flickered across his face. Did he hope that this was his way in, the loophole he could slide through? Even as a part of Maggie’s heart empathized, there was no turning back the clock. And for her, no need.

           “Mike?”

           She trained her gaze on her husband and parted her lips.

           “It’s not the leaving that matters,” she began. “People take off.”

           “But---”

           “When they’re scared or angry or everything in between.”

           Now she glanced at Natalia in the doorway with Rafael at her side. Her sister fled when a life inside was her lost. Rafael disappeared when he had no choice in the matter. Either obstacle might have proved insurmountable. Maggie remembered what might have been her final fate underground, her father staying overseas with no way of knowing if he had a happily ever after waiting in the wings. But all those people she loved best returned. Not only to face the music… but to understand the song, to harmonize with the chords and see if the tune could start over in even more brilliant tones.

           “It’s the coming back,” she continued. “You came back almost right away. Do you… don’t you know that was… is everything to me? To us?”

           She brought his hand to her belly to accentuate the point, and Mike sputtered… stammered. Maggie simply sighed and snuggled into his side.

           “It’s so much more than I deserve,” she said.

           “No! No, don’t say that. You deserve only the best.”

           When Mike spoke those words, when she stopped and let them sink in, she believed nothing else. Maggie looked to Peter one last time. Despite the want in his eyes, she had to turn her head. She could see nothing but her husband.

           “And I have it,” Maggie said. “With you.”

           “Well, I…”

           Stone stuttered, his hands in his pockets. Natalia looked to her husband and saw him standing like a statue.

           “Atticus?”

           Still he said nothing, and Natalia sighed, taking hold of the other ADA’s hand.

           “Thank you for staying with her,” Natalia said. “It meant a lot.”

           “Least I could do,” Stone said, shuffling his feet, looking like he wanted to run. Where would he go? Would he ever come back?

           “I’ll second that.”

           Cutting her eyes towards the sound of Rafael’s voice, Natalia stopped short of a hiss as Stone held up one hand.

           “Time for family,” he said. “I’m out of practice on that front. So I’ll say goodnight.”

           He walked away, looking lonely. Wanting to take some of his sadness away, Natalia felt her intentions brought to a halt by the sound of her husband clearing his throat.

           “Yes?” she asked. “Something you want to say?”

           Ready for a fight, knowing that he held the cards and could display a winning hand, she was surprised to see Rafael just gesture in the direction of Maggie’s room.

“She’s really alright?” he asked.

           “Couldn’t be better,” Natalia confirmed, stepping closer and tentatively touching his arm.

           “Makes me wonder…”

           “What?” he asked.

           “Maybe Maggie and I have the good genes,” she mused. “Do you think Ashtonja would agree?”

           Almost instantly he nodded his head, and Natalia felt her lips curl into a small smirk when he inched away.

           “What are you---?”

           “But I don’t think she would like you keeping anyone in the dark.”

           Now he folded his arms across his chest, and Natalia sighed heavily, pacing the linoleum under her feet.

           “You’re wrong.”

           “Am I?” Rafael challenged.

           “Yes!” Natalia said, meeting his eyes once more. “Because she would have her sisters’ backs. Believe me; I hated keeping this from you. But can’t you understand why?”

           “No!” he argued. “Not when I was already in on it! Why change paths and keep me in the dark?”

           “Maybe because you loathe Peter Stone!” Natalia challenged.

           “Why shouldn’t I? The man took my job. He hurt Maggie.”

           “So much for your objectivity,” Natalia sniffed.

            “Not when it comes to my family.”

           “My sister… your sister put her faith in me.”

           “You still should’ve---”

           “Done it differently?” Natalia asked.

           “Yes!”

           “I know, Atticus. But I was thinking about her. Protecting her. This wasn’t about you. Or us.”

           Turning her back, Natalia felt her legs shaking, her stare narrowing. There was no talking to him about this. Not that she was entirely in the right. But couldn’t even a small part of him comprehend her actions? She started to resign herself to a night without him near, maybe longer---

           “No. No, it wasn’t.”

           ---when she quivered at the feel of his hand on her shoulder and slowly shifted her stare to face him.

           “You… are you agreeing with me?” Natalia asked in a soft voice, smiling when one of his long fingers curled under her chin.

           “Because you’re right,” he continued. “Well, not entirely wrong. And… what you did for Maggie… I’d want our girls to do that… for each other.”

           Feeling her heart warm, Natalia gingerly winded her arms around his neck and pressed her brow to his.

           “All that really matters is that Maggie’s okay,” Natalia murmured.

           “I know. Mike was worried the whole way here.”

           “You were with him awhile?” Natalia asked.

           “Yeah. This bar. Like right before they got married.”

           “And you showed him the light? A second time around?”

           Nodding, Rafael caught a lock of her hair between his fingers.          

“Something along those lines,” he said.

           “You and your silver tongue,” Natalia mused. “See? Mike needed his brother. Just like my sister needed me.”

           Rafael let his full hand fall to her face. Cradling her chin, he sighed deeply.

           “Only thing that matters is we got them back where they belong,” he said. He was almost on the verge of kissing her lips when Natalia turned her head into his shoulder.

           “We know the feeling,” she said, cuddling closer to his side. “Nice to be in the right place.”

           Her arms encircled his waist, and Rafael kissed the top of her head. His lips trailed towards her neck, and his mouth stopped so close to her ear.

           “Right here,” he said. “And I don’t want to fight with you right now.”

           Laughing, Natalia nuzzled his neck.

           “Or ever, Atticus. So just breathe.”

           As he held her in the hallway, all it took was his fingers pressing into the small of her back to assure her that they were back on the same page, that every slight, supposed or otherwise, was forgiven…

           …but even as she knew that Maggie and her baby were safe and loved, that she felt more of the same, there was a lonely man leaving the hospital unsure of any way home. Or if it even existed.

           Could Natalia do something about that, too?  

Tagging: @dreila03 @minidodds @sonshine-carisii @mrsrafaelbarba @delia26 @morbid-apricots @letty-o @thefanficfaerie @sweetsummertime99 @kkemp43 @lyssa1385 @gibbs274 @destroyedbydickwolf @obfuscateyummy @imagine-hopper @velveteenb5 @ullilalla @fortheloveofallthingsraul

[rauliskafan]

A Hard Lesson in Matters of the Heart: Chapter 1

Authors’ Note: Happy Wednesday, wonderful readers, wherever you are!!! @vintagemichelle91 and I are so excited to bring you the next installment of our “Hard Lesson” Series!!! Lots of drama ahead, but let’s start off with something sweet!!! We hope that you enjoy!!!

           Bliss.

           Nirvana had nothing on the atmosphere in the Barba household. With Ashtonja’s adoption finalized, the family fell back into their normal routine. In the mornings, Natalia made sure her two older girls were ready for school before Rafael escorted them out the door. Hazel and Holly were growing so fast, and Natalia tried to cherish every single milestone her babies accomplished with loads of pictures. For his part, Rafael basked in the wonder of everything his girls could do and were, but a part of him was ready to get back into the swing of things.

           Finally, he got word from the DA’s office that the welcome mat was out.

           “Mmmm… the lasagna smells so good!”  Violetta happily said as the delicious scent wafted through the townhouse.

           “Mom is trying out a new recipe,” Ashtonja commented, sampling the gravy with a smile.

           “From Tio Sonny?” Violetta inquired.

           “Yes, sweet pea,” Natalia replied, feeding Hazel a spoonful of baby food made up of carrot puree.

           “I bet it will taste great!” Violetta licked her lips and peeked through the small oven window.

           “Did someone skip lunch today?” Rafael teased as he settled Holly into the highchair next to Hazel. He already had her dinner in hand with a small towel over his shoulder. Feeding the twins side by side had become a nightly ritual before they had their own dinner.

           “We just have snack,” Violetta replied nonchalantly.

           “We were a little distracted making bracelets,” Ashtonja said sheepishly as she patted Violetta’s head. Their spring break had been full of so many crafts.

           “Soon, you’ll have to set aside all those bracelets for homework,” Natalia gently reminded them. No doubt that activity would run just as smoothly. The girls were getting along perfectly; it was as if Ashtonja had always been a part of the family.

           Violetta sighed dramatically. “Please don’t remind us!”

           “Then it’ll be summer vacation, V,” Ashtonja reasoned with a smile.

           “And then you can do all the crafts you want, muñequita.” Rafael promised as he gave Holly her spoonful of the carrot puree. She happily babbled on and on in approval of the dinner of choice, but Hazel seemed slightly reluctant to make merry of the meal.

           “What about swimming classes?” Violetta asked hopefully.

           “Those too. It will be a busy summer,” Natalia said with a wink as she swirled the spoon for Hazel, who was still not a fan. “Come on, Hazel, open up!”

           Hazel turned her head to the side as Natalia tried to coax her to open her little pout.

           “Hazel, please.”

           “I no think Hazel like carrot,” Violetta pointed out.

           “Holly is eating it right up,” Rafael chimed in, his tone satisfied as he succeeded in feeding Holly another spoonful.

           Natalia struggled a bit more, but she could not give in and allow her first twin to become a picky eater.

           “Come on, baby, just another bite,” Natalia begged as she moved the little pink rubber spoon closer to Hazel’s little lips.

           “She looks like she’s going to---”

           Before she could let out anything in the way of a wail, Maggie’s cheerful voice echoed through the townhouse. Hearing her Tia Maggie’s tone turned Hazel’s frown upward, and the baby happily giggled when she saw Maggie and Dodds come through the door.

           “We come bearing treats and congratulations!”

           “Oh! Tia Maggie what you bring?” Violetta jumped excitedly as she watched Maggie set a box down.

           “A delicious white chocolate raspberry cake.” Maggie excitedly unveiled the dessert as Ashtonja, Violetta, and Natalia gathered round the kitchen island.

           “That is the only dessert I’ve had all week,” Dodds muttered, taking Hazel into his arms and shaking his head.

           “That her craving of choice?” Rafael asked. “Guess pineapple pizza doesn’t run in the family.”

           And even as she smiled, Natalia rolled her eyes at her husband.

           “Her only one so far. At this point, I would take the pickles and what not,” Dodds replied, and Maggie glared at him.

           “Just be thankful it is something you can easily get Michael Dodds,” Maggie said by way of a soft warning.

           Laughing, Natalia patted her brother-in-law’s back. “I’m sure Mike is as grateful as we are for this dessert.”

           “Definitely! It looks amazing!” Ashtonja agreed.

           “Come on, Ash, lets finish setting the table so we can eat it!” Violetta took hold of her older sister’s hand, and the two happily went off into the dining room.

           “Are you looking forward to going back to work?” Maggie glanced at Rafael as she took a sip from her water glass.

           Rafael nodded, feeling more content than usual. He had his daughters, Natalia, and his career all set in place. “Yes, I think it’s time.”

           “Well past,” Dodds said with a reassuring smile. “And it will be a piece of cake for you.”

           “Pun intended, Tio Mike?” Violetta giggled as she eyed the cake that was sitting on the island, just waiting to be devoured.

           “Now where did you learn that?” Natalia asked curiously.

           Ashtonja blushed. “She asked me what that meant when she heard me talking on the phone with one of my friends from school.”

           Rafael laughed loudly, his proud smile growing wider. “Good of you to explain it so she could make sense of it. Now my muñequita makes grown-up jokes.”

           “I sure do!” Violetta confirmed with a smirk, and she bit into her piece of lasagna.

           “Jokes aside, there are a lot of changes at the DA’s office, according to my Dad.” Dodds turned to Rafael as the ladies were swept up into a conversation about shopping later in the week.

           “I’m not surprised. Been gone awhile. But I still want to get back into the thick of it,” Rafael simply stated, and he took a bite of his own food.

           “Tia Maggie, you not as big as Mami was when she had Hazel and Holly in her tummy,” Violetta curiously remarked as she tossed her food this way and that on her plate.

           “Ah, but your mommy was carrying twins sweetheart,” Maggie gently reminded her niece.

           “No. I think it cause Mami ate so much pizza lots of times!” Violetta argued back as a matter of fact. Every day that went by, a part of Rafael seemed surer that Violetta would follow in his footsteps, studying law at Harvard and beyond.

           But she still needed to mind her manners.

           “Violetta, that’s not very polite,” Rafael warned.

           Natalia laughed it off with a wave. “She’s only speaking the truth. But, sweet pea, I still was eating for three.”

           “So I make no harm. Right, Mami?” Violetta said, kissing her mother’s cheek.

           “Of course not,” Natalia replied.

           Ashtonja glanced at Maggie and Dodds sitting across from her. “Do you know yet if you’re having a boy or a girl?”

           “We’ll find out at the next doctor’s appointment,” Dodds replied, reaching for Maggie’s hand.

           “Maybe we’ll find out we’re having twins, too!” Maggie joked, as Dodds’ eyes widened at the prospect.

           “Um… I mean… Hazel and Holly are wonderful. But---”

           “Don’t worry, Tio Mike. I teach you all about twins if Tia Maggie has two babies!” Violetta gladly offered up her services, making everyone laugh.

           “Thank you, Little V,” Dodds said. If not a lawyer, Rafael mused, Violetta would make a wonderful teacher.

           Just like her most beautiful mother.

           With Dodds and Maggie gone for the night and their daughters settled into bed, Natalia joined Rafael in their bedroom. She noticed how nervous he seemed as he prepared for the next day, picking out his suit and making sure everything was in order before he returned to One Hogan Place.

           “Atticus?” Natalia gently called him as she leaned against the door-frame and watched him move about the room frantically.

           Rafael stopped in his tracks when he heard his wife’s voice. He turned to look at her and smiled, sinking into the bed and beckoning her to join him.

           Natalia didn’t need to be told twice, and she sat down on his lap to kiss his lips.

           “Are you just a little anxious about heading back to work?”

           Rafael shook his head. “No. Not at all.”

           “Rafael…” She sighed and leaned her forehead against his. “I saw you lay out four different suits before settling on the pinstripes.”

           “You don’t like that one?” Rafael worriedly asked. 

           “Now, you know that’s my favorite one… but seriously.”

           “I can’t hide anything from you. Can I?”

           “No,” she said. “I know you like the back of my hand.”

           “Such lovely hands,” he murmured, kissing her there and pulling her closer.

            “Fine,” he said. “Maybe I’m a little anxious. 

            “Don’t be,” she soothed, stroking his cheek. “They’re so lucky to have you back.”

            “Thank you,” he said softly, rubbing his nose to hers. “Still... there’s nothing with making a good first impression all over again.”

           “Can’t argue with that… you’ve proved that more than once,” Natalia said as she recalled their second meeting after having met at the gala, when he went on to charm her, to steal her heart.

           “See? I’m just making sure I keep up my perfect streak.”

           “Oh, I am more than happy to help you with that right now,” Natalia said breathlessly. With another deep kiss, she pulled him down towards the sheets and switched off the light.

Tagging: @thefanficfaerie @dreila03 @minidodds @mrsrafaelbarba@delia26@rafi-esparza @letty-o  @lyssa1385@fortheloveofallthingsraul@mrschiltoncat @sweetsummertime99@obfuscateyummy@morbid-apricots@ullilalla@velveteenb5 @xemopeachx @ scarletrchilton @imagine-hopper @ the-amazing-ms-shelly

[rauliskafan]

A Hard Lesson in Matters of the Heart Weekend Binge!!!

Authors’ Note: Hello, all!!! Hope everyone is having a most marvelous weekend!!! @vintagemichelle91 and I are happy to present the latest installment of our “Hard Lesson” series from start to finish!!! Whether you want to check it out for the first time or would just like to reread, this is for you!!! Enjoy!!! :) 

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Tagging: @dreila03 @minidodds @sonshine-carisii @mrsrafaelbarba@delia26@morbid-apricots @thefanficfaerie @lyssa1385 @letty-o @kkemp43@gibbs274@fortheloveofallthingsraul @destroyedbydickwolf @southern-magnolia@imagine-hopper @sweetsummertime99 @obfuscateyummy

[rauliskafan]

A Hard Lesson in Matters of the Heart: Chapter 3

Authors’ Note: Happy Friday, fabulous readers!!! Thank you all so much for your amazing comments!!! They mean the world to us!!! Poor Rafael is not having the best day back at work... might it get better??? Read on for more!!! @vintagemichelle91 and I hope that you enjoy!!!

           “What time is Papi getting here?”

           “He should be here soon, sweet pea.”

           “I so hungry!” the little girl groaned.

           “V, you should have finished all your oatmeal,” her sister replied.

           “But I was full then.”

           “Ash is right; you need to finish all your oatmeal next time.”

           “We see. But what about me being hungry now?”

           Natalia and Ashtonja shared a knowing smile as they waited for Rafael to join them. The little café near the DA’s office was buzzing with lawyers, interns, and secretaries trying to get lunch during the noon rush hour. Violetta slumped in her seat, always just as impatient as her Papi. Especially when it came to food.

           “Violetta, sit up please. A lady does not slouch,” Natalia corrected her daughter as the waitress came by with their drink order and set it down. With a tall glass of chocolate milk before her, Violetta instantly sat up, seemingly relieved that at least she had that much.

           “Okay, Mami,” Violetta sighed before sipping from her straw.

           “Cheer up, V. At least we’re not in school,” Ashtonja said, doing her best to make Violetta see the bright side of the day and distract her from the hunger.

           “I agree. Maybe after this we can go shopping?” Natalia asked her girls with a gleam in her eyes. Some fresh air and a nice day out and about in the city would do them all good.

           “Oh yes! That be so fun!” Violetta’s eyes lit up excitedly as she clapped her hands together. Before she knew it, the glass tumbled from the tabletop, spilling over a black leather briefcase. “Uh oh…” Violetta looked stunned as she saw the brown liquid splatter upon the leather case.

           Natalia immediately stood up from her seat with a napkin in hand. She desperately wiped some of the milk away as Violetta and Ashtonja looked on, a little anxious as to what would happen next. “I am so, so sorry,” Natalia reached for another napkin for the tall man that was glancing at them with an amused expression on his handsome face.

           He held up his hand and gently took the napkin from Natalia. “It’s fine. At least it wasn’t my pants.” The man with light brown hair chuckled as he also wiped down his briefcase.

           “I so sorry, too! I got a little excited.” Violetta hung her head in shame and shoved another napkin into the man’s hands. “Here. So it not sticky.”

           “Well, I hope the scent of chocolate doesn’t all get wiped away,” he replied as he patted Violetta’s curls.

           Natalia laughed lightly. “I guess worse things can spill on one’s briefcase.”

           “You’re quite right. And this spill was worth it. Especially since it lets me spend a few moments with such pretty ladies.” The handsome stranger in the red tie smiled once more, and the trio was slightly taken aback by his politeness.

           “You so nice! And handsome!” Violetta complimented as she glanced up into the stranger’s green eyes.

           “Well, thank you, Miss….”

           “My name is Violetta,” she extended her hand to the stranger with a beaming smile. 

           “Violetta, that is a very pretty name.” The stranger shook her little hand happily. “My name is Peter Stone.”

           “Thank you! It an opera name.” Violetta stayed smiling as she sat back down.

           “Really now? That is impressive.”

           “Well, we sure made a first impression,” Ashtonja murmured, suddenly unable to contain her laughter as Violetta joined in.

           “Pun intended, Ash?”

           “Sure, V,” Ashtonja said breathlessly. “Or maybe like I joke. I don’t...”

           The girl shuffled her feet until Stone placed one hand on her shoulder.

           “Very clever,” he said, joining in their laughter, and putting them all at ease.

           “Jokes aside, it’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Stone” Natalia handed him another napkin, feeling her cheeks flushed as she had hurried to finish cleaning his briefcase. “I’m Natalia, and these are my daughters, Violetta and Ashtonja.”

           “The pleasure is all mine. Jokes included.”

           Peter Stone continued to share more jokes with the girls as he waited for his lunch order to be ready.

           “Natalia, sorry I’m late…” Rafael’s voice suddenly echoed within the buzz of the café. Natalia glanced up and smiled, glad to see that her husband had finally arrived. She waved him over, and he looked reluctant as he noticed the stranger that was engrossed in conversation with his girls.

           “Atticus, it’s okay. I ordered your food already,” Natalia stood and greeted him with a sweet kiss to his cheek.

           Rafael’s eyes narrowed, and his body tensed.

           “Papi, meet our new friend, Mr. Peter Stone!” Violetta happily gestured to the man sitting before her.

           “Wow! Um... small world, ladies I am already acquainted with your father. We work together in the DA’s office,” Peter replied with a reassuring smile that faded when he seemed to take note of Rafael’s icy demeanor.

           “Atticus, is everything---?”

           “And… look at the time I should be heading back,” Stone said, retrieving his briefcase and his food.

           “It was nice meeting you!” Violetta and Ashtonja said in unison as they waved good-bye to the man.

           “Atticus?”

           “It’s nothing; let’s eat.”

           Once everyone was settled for lunch, Violetta couldn’t stop talking about her new friend.

           “He was so nice, wasn’t he, Ash?”

           “Oh he really was,” Ash agreed whole-heartedly. “So funny.”

           “And his red tie was all pretty and shiny. It matched my bow!”

           Natalia laughed and nodded at Violetta. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed that Rafael had barely touched his food.

           “Both of you please sit still or you will spill something else,” Rafael said in a strict tone.

           The girls ceased their giggling and looked to their father, completely stunned. Rafael ran his hand through his hair and looked away from them.

           Clearly, he was not having the best of first day’s back.

           Natalia set her spoon down and glanced at Ashtonja. “Ash, keep an eye on Violetta for a few minutes.”

           Ashtonja simply nodded. “Sure thing.”

           Without even asking or allowing him to give the matter much thought, Natalia gently pulled Rafael away from the table to try to understand what was plaguing her husband’s mind.

           “What’s wrong, Atticus?” Natalia gently asked as she eased Rafael into their own little bubble.

           Rafael glanced out into the busy New York street then back at his wife with a heavy sigh. “Peter Stone sure knows how to charm my daughters and wife with jokes. But he makes terrible jokes with me.”

           “What are you talking about?”

           “Guy made a wise ass crack about Eve Selby. That is definitely not funny.” Rafael’s nostrils flared as he continued speaking. “How the hell did Jack McCoy expect me to get along with the likes of him? Maybe that’s Chicago style small talk, but here---”

           Natalia took his face into her hands and made sure his eyes focused only on her. “I understand. That caught you off guard. He was out of line. But… maybe he was just trying to break the ice.”

��          “Hermosa, that is was the wrong way to go about it,” Rafael countered.

           “I know. But... I mean he seems nice enough.”

           “Nice?” Rafael scoffed with a roll of his eyes.

           “Yes, nice. He took Violetta’s spill lightly, and he was good with the girls.”

           Rafael furiously shook his head. “That man already took my job. and I’ll be damned if he takes my place in my girls’ heart. No way I’ll let him do that.”

           Natalia tenderly pulled Rafael into an embrace and rubbed small circles on his back. “That is impossible, Atticus!” Now, it was her turn to roll her eyes.

           Relenting, Rafael’s arms wrapped around Natalia, and he inhaled her sweet scent.

           “You swear?” he whispered.

           “On my life. And it does you no good to get so upset. Okay?”

“           "Alright. I’ll try and make nice. I promise.”

           “That’s what I like to hear!” Natalia lovingly kisses his lips and led him back to the table.

           “Who wants a slice of cake before I go back to the office?” Rafael’s smiled returned to charm his girls as only he could.

           Both Violetta and Ashtonja nodded excitedly. “Yes, please! Can it be chocolate?”

           “Claro que, mi muñequita,” Rafael kissed Violetta’s cheek and pulled her onto his lap.

           “Gracias, Papi,” Violetta hugged and kissed her father. Instantly, Rafael seemed more at ease.

            “Papi?”

           “Si, muñequita…”

           “Will your new friend from work come over to dinner with us?” Violetta curiously asked as she played with Rafael’s tie.

           “No, muñequita… he is very busy.” With that excuse Rafael shot down the idea before the girls could get hopeful or excited. Natalia’s eyes narrowed in disapproval. He had promised to try. But given his bad morning, she didn’t want to press the matter. Instead, she let it drop, for now, and focused on sending him back to work with a fresh smile on his face.

           “We should be sure to take a whole cake home for dessert tonight,” Natalia winked.

           “Sounds like a good idea,” Rafael happily agreed, laughing with his daughters. And Natalia sighed at her mission accomplished.

Tagging: @thefanficfaerie @dreila03 @minidodds @mrsrafaelbarba@delia26 @letty-o  @lyssa1385 @fortheloveofallthingsraul@mrschiltoncat @sweetsummertime99 @obfuscateyummy@morbid-apricots @ullilalla @velveteenb5 @xemopeachx  @imagine-hopper @sonshine-carisii @ scarletrchilton @ the-amazing-ms-shelly

[rauliskafan]

A Hard Lesson in Matters of the Heart: Chapter 4

Authors’ Note: Happy Saturday, sensational readers!!! So many fantabulous comments over these past few nights!!! @vintagemichelle91 and I absolutely adore the feedback!!! Time for Stone to meet the squad... and some other surprises!!! As always, enjoy!!! :) 

           “The conquering hero returns!”

           Upon entering the squad room, Rafael caught a whiff of coffee and fried egg sandwiches. Even the smell of the diluted ammonia lingering on the floors made him smile, and he shook an eager Carisi’s hand as the detective patted his back.

           “We’ve missed you,” Carisi said.

           “Absolutely,” Rollins agreed with a warm smile. “This one’s starting to believe his own law school hype.”

           “Amanda, that’s not---”

           “Be good to have you back to put him his place.”

           Not until this moment did he realize how much he had missed this, the banter back and forth. Fin shook his hand when he entered the room, and Liv waved him over to her office. Everything was right in the world.

           “Morning, all.”

           Somehow, he had almost forgotten that Stone was at his heels. In more ways than one. Feeling the air leave the room, Rafael watched him exchange pleasantries with the others before Stone’s eyes were on him.

           “We should talk to the lieutenant,” Stone suggested.

           “Yeah?” Carisi asked. “Maybe you could let Liv know that he’ll be there in a minute.”

           Stone did a double-take before bowing his head and making a beeline for Liv’s door.

           “What was that?” Rollins pointedly asked her partner.

           “What was what?” Carisi challenged.

          “That,” Rollins stressed. “You do realize we have to work with him.”

          “Cat seems okay,” Fin agreed. But Carisi shook his head.

           “Hey, experience has taught me to keep an eye on any other ADAs that show up around these parts.”

          “Some minds think alike,” Rafael said.

          “Great minds?” Carisi suggested.

          “Don’t put words in my mouth.”

           Rollins rolled her eyes, and Carisi nodded his head with a knowing laugh as Rafael finally greeted Liv.

         “I’m so glad to see you here!” she exclaimed, pulling him into a quick hug. Stone shifted in the chair before her desk, and Rafael locked eyes with Dodds.

          “What happened to OCCB?” Rafael asked.

          “Call this a trial run,” Liv said. “Hopefully, it leads to a permanent reinstatement.”

          “But we don’t have to hug,” Dodds joked. “I see you all the time.”

          “Oh, yes,” Stone said. “You’re married to Natalia’s sister, right?”

         “Right,” Rafael said, slowly assuming the seat beside the other ADA and brushing some unseen dust from his slacks. Liv noticed that her coffee cup was empty, and she set the mug aside, adjusting her glasses as her hand moved to a slim folder.

         “Lisa Dunbar,” Liv began as she paged through the file. “Four nights ago, someone pushed her down a flight of stairs.”

         “Who?” Stone asked.

         “Is she alright?” Rafael cut in.

         “She’s holding her own,” Liv confirmed. “But she lost her baby.”

         Rafael felt a small pang in the pit of his stomach, thinking of the baby that he and Natalia never met so long ago.

        “And to answer your question,” Liv continued, turning to Stone, “the man of the hour is her estranged boyfriend, Brad Wilson.”

         “So, it’s a DV case,” Stone said.

        “Yes,” Liv replied. “Of course, Wilson says that Lisa came at him.”

         “Claims they were already finished, and she was trying to win him back,” Dodds interjected. “Swears the baby wasn’t even his.”

         “Sounds like a real prince,” Rafael muttered, and Liv quickly nodded her head.

         “So… what?” Stone asked. “He’s trying to spin it as self-defense?”

         “Long and short,” Liv said.

        “You can’t let that stand,” Rafael quickly stated. “Any witnesses? Security camera footage?”

        “We’re on it,” Liv said with a sad smile. “So far, no joy.”

         “Did you dump his phone?” Rafael asked. “See if there’s anything on social media that might allude to---”

         “Barba.”

         Stone’s voice was soft but curt, and Rafael cut his eyes towards the other man, stunned into silence as Stone reached for the file… which Liv slowly passed in his direction.

         “Think I should be the one to ask the questions,” Stone said. “Set the strategy.”

          “Do you now?” Rafael asked, his voice thick. The simple sound of Stone’s fingers flipping through the pages caused him to cringe, and he wanted to tear the file away, fling the papers in Stone’s blank face that somehow seemed so sure of his stance when Liv cleared her throat.

          “Yes?” Stone asked.

          “Don’t think there’s any rule against the second chair inquiring into the investigation,” Liv said.

          “Of course not,” Stone said. “Never said that there was.”

          “Good,” Liv said. “So, Rafael, I---”

          “But for sake of ease, I’m taking the lead on this one. Lieutenant.”

          Feeling his blood begin to boil, Rafael left his seat.

          “What gives you the right to---?”

           “Rafael? Bend your ear for a minute?”

           “Sergeant, I---”

           “It’s important,” Dodds said, his jaw fixed, and his eyes unblinking. With a heavy sigh and a glare meant only for Stone, Rafael followed his brother-in-law to the door, pausing for a moment to look at Liv.

           “Guess we’re taking separate sidebars,” he said wistfully. Stone began to speak when she quickly held up one hand.

           “We won’t make a habit of it,” Liv assured him, on her feet and peering down at Stone who chewed the inside of his cheek as she took her time pouring a fresh cup of coffee and sharing a smile with one ADA while frowning at the other before Dodds led Rafael to the break room.

          “Can you believe that guy?” he asked as he scrubbed one hand over his face.

          “I believe that you and Liv are out for his blood,” Dodds observed.

          “And what about you?” Rafael challenged. “You on his side?”

          “It’s not about sides,” Dodds said. “Just take a deep breath.”

          Grimacing even as he did as he was told, Rafael finally slumped in the nearest chair, his fingers playing with the edge of a stray napkin as Dodds presented two cups of coffee and assumed the seat across from him.

          “Better?” Dodds asked after he took a long sip.

          “Yeah,” Rafael muttered. “So, what’s the problem?”

          “Problem?” Dodds echoed.

          “What do you want to talk about?”

          “Nothing in particular,” Dodds said with a small smile. “Just thought it was best to separate the two of you before we had a knock-down drag-out on our hands.”

          Ready to object, Rafael saw Dodds raise both eyebrows, and he sank deeper into his chair.

          “Consider it practice for when your second baby arrives,” Rafael remarked.

          “I just might,” Dodds joked. “But seriously, what’s up with you and Stone?”

          “Like you would be okay if you took your job,” Rafael said.

          “You sure that’s all this is about?”

          Staring into the coffee cup, Natalia’s words of reassurance only faintly ringing in his ears, he looked up at Dodds.

          “Our illustrious new ADA met my wife,” Rafael started. “And my daughters. They took quite a shine to him.”

         And it took Dodds a second or so to let the words sink before he burst out laughing.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            “Thanks for the support,” Rafael sneered.

        “Oh, come on,” Dodds chimed in “So what? The guy was friendly? Natalia was charming? This has you so upset?”

          “It’s not just that,” Rafael muttered. “Violetta wants him to come over for dinner.”

         Dodds let the silence linger in the air until Rafael faced him once more.

         “Well now, that is a problem,” he said in a grave voice.

          “You think so?” Rafael nervously asked.

          “Absolutely,” Dodds said. “Your little girl wants to make the new guy feel welcome. Better send her to bed without dinner.”

          Feeling foolish, Rafael finished his coffee and started to leave.

          “Rafael, wait!” Dodds said. “I’m kidding.”

          “It’s not funny,” Rafael hissed.

          “Fine,” Dodds said. “Point taken. And it stinks that this guy just showed up and sort of took your job.”

          “Thank you for that much,” Rafael said, looking through the blinds to Liv’s office, wondering how Stone was spinning the case when Dodds grabbed his shoulder.

          “But he hardly seems like someone who’s going to take steal any hearts.”

          Biting down on his lower lip, Rafael tried to take those words to his heart, hoping that Dodds was right.

          “What do you think of this one, Natty?”

           Maggie held up a pale-yellow onesie bearing a giraffe just below the spot for the left shoulder. Feeling the fabric, deciding on the spot that it would keep the little one warm, Natalia nodded her approval.

           “It’s adorable,” Natalia said. “But you know you don’t have to go too crazy just yet.”

           “What do you mean?” Maggie asked as she sifted through the rack of similar sleepers.

           “I mean if there’s going to be a Miss Dodds in the mix, I have more than enough hand-me-downs that you can use.”

           Scrunching up her nose ever so slightly, Maggie shook her head.

           “What?” Natalia challenged. “Something wrong with my babies’ duds?”

           “No!” Maggie insisted. “Not at all. It’s just… I want him or her to have their own things. To feel, you know, special.”

           Sighing, unable to offer anything in the way of an argument, Natalia added a white onesie to the pile forming in Maggie’s palm.

           “Of course it will be special,” Natalia assured her. “Everything is going to be perfect.”

           “All around,” Maggie said. “Bet Rafael is overjoyed to be back at work.”

           Clicking her tongue, Natalia waved her hand back and forth in mid-air.

           “Problem?” Maggie asked.

           “It’s really nothing,” Natalia started. “It… he has to sit second chair again.”

           “Who is she, and where do I go to keep her in line?” Maggie mockingly threatened, her mind obviously turning back to Eve Selby.

           “He seems like a very nice man,” Natalia said. “The girls and I met him yesterday.”

           “Oh?” Maggie asked, lifting one eyebrow. “Is he cute?”

           “That’s exactly the kind of thing I don’t want you to say around Rafael,” Natalia said. “He already has it in his head that this guy is competition for his job… and for me.”

           “What?” Maggie asked, placing the sleepers aside and reaching into her purse for a bottle of water. “Has he not been paying attention to the way you look at him?”

           “That’s what I tried to tell him,” Natalia said as her fingers grazed a series of small socks. “But you know how he can get sometimes.”

           “Guess part of me can’t blame him,” Maggie mused. “After everything that happened, it only makes sense that he’d want to keep you close.”

           Shuddering, Natalia felt her mind slip back to the night of Nevada Ramirez’s awful kiss. Sometimes she still woke up in cold sweats, only able to drift back to sleep in her husband’s tight embrace.

           “I know,” Natalia said quietly before pushing the dark thoughts aside and fixing a smile to her face. “But this guy seems like a gentleman. And let’s be honest… no one can compete with Atticus.”

           “Except maybe a certain sergeant,” Maggie said, and the sisters giggled. After paying for the clothes, Natalia glanced at her phone.

           “Speaking of our handsome husbands,” she started. “Rafael had to go to the precinct this morning. And since Mike is back too, think maybe we should swing by and take the boys to lunch?”

           “Double date?” Maggie said. “I am all for it.”

           After stepping off the elevator, Maggie ducked into the ladies’ room, and Natalia proceeded on foot to the sounds of phones ringing and hushed voices. As she scanned the room for Rafael...

          “Mr. Stone! Hello!”

           Turning at the sound of his name, Stone shot Natalia a quick smile, offering his hand as he walked to her side.

           “Mrs. Barba. Fancy meeting you here.”

           “Shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise,” Natalia teased. “I’m on friendly terms with the staff.”

           “And it is your husband’s office... away from the office,” Stone suggested, causing Natalia to grin.

           “Natty, are you---?”

           “Oh, Maggie,” Natalia said, taking hold of her sister’s arm. “I’d like you to meet someone. This is---”

           “Peter?”

           Choking out the name as her eyes went wide, Maggie blushed, her jaw staying slack. For a moment, Natalia could think of nothing but the idea that her sister’s legs might buckle. But even that fell by the wayside at the sound of Stone’s voice.

               “Maggie?” he asked in a hoarse whisper, looking like the wind had been stripped from his sails. “You… what are you doing here?”       

Tagging: @thefanficfaerie @dreila03 @minidodds @mrsrafaelbarba@delia26@letty-o  @lyssa1385 @fortheloveofallthingsraul @mrschiltoncat @sweetsummertime99 @obfuscateyummy@morbid-apricots @ullilalla@velveteenb5 @xemopeachx  @imagine-hopper @sonshine-carisii @ scarletrchilton @ the-amazing-ms-shelly

[rauliskafan]

A Hard Lesson in Matters of the Heart: Chapter 5

Authors’ Note: Happy Sunday, spectacular readers!!! @vintagemichelle91 and I loved your reaction to last night’s surprise!!! So what is the deal with Maggie and Stone??? Read on to find out!!! Enjoy!!!

Maggie tilted her head ever so slightly, trying to adjust her vision to be sure that it was indeed Peter Stone standing right before her. His eyes, those mint-colored orbs that always shined so brightly, somehow they had turned a shade darker. He seemed so out of place… lost even.

“Maggie…” His voice was low, almost a mere whisper, but it shook her to the very core of her being. As it always had. God… was it months upon months or simply mere hours since they first laid eyes on one another? Maggie felt her mouth go dry; not even the shortest, smallest word fell off her tongue.

This is ridiculous! Why can’t I even form a sentence?

“Peter,” Maggie finally forced herself to say. Her voice was hoarse; her heart beat wildly within her chest. 

But a small smile formed across his lips. 

“I can’t believe I’m seeing you… here. Of all places,” Stone said.

“Last thing I expected today,” Maggie murmured.

“And why are you… how do you even know Mrs. Barba?”

“Maggie is my sister,” Natalia said, keeping her voice low, her eyes cutting between the pair. Taking in the look of confusion on her sister’s face, Maggie grasped her hand.

“Are you alright?” Natalia asked. “Do you need some water or something?”

“I… I don’t know,” Maggie said, her legs shaking where she stood. Turning back to Peter, her mind raced with a million questions. How had life brought him to this point and place? Had he ever thought of all that went wrong over the years?

Was fate really this cruel, so desperate to play such a twisted joke at her expense?

The loud ringing of a telephone abruptly jolted her from her confused reverie.

“It… it’s certainly a small world we’re living in,” Peter replied, his voice cracking at the end of the sentence. Before either he or Maggie could utter another word, Mike approached the trio and immediately took Maggie into his arms.

“Hey! There’s my best girl! I missed you.” Mike kissed the top of her head. She tensed slightly, still feeling Peter Stone’s stare on her... and her husband.

“To what do I owe the pleasure?” the sergeant continued. Once again Maggie’s tongue tied, and Natalia moved fast to step in.

“We… we were hoping to steal you and Rafael away for lunch,” Natalia said. Maggie hardly heard the suggestion or registered Rollins’ presence as she swung by to ask how Maggie was feeling. Yet she did take note of the look of shock tinged with total sadness taking over Peter’s gaze when he realized that she was more than Mike’s wife. That she was the mother of his child.

Didn’t he know that things could have been so very different? If only…

“Lunch sounds like a great idea,” Rafael said as he drew closer, all but ignoring Peter and giving Natalia a quick kiss.

“Maggie, I’ll email you that site with some ideas for the nursery,” Rollins promised before heading back to her desk. Maggie thought she said something in the way of a thank you.

And then Stone’s sad eyes met Maggie’s once more.

“A baby,” he said softly.

“Yes.”

Just as quickly, he looked away from her, all of his focus on Mike.

“Congratulations, Sergeant,” he said, shaking her husband’s hand. “Enjoy your lunch. Nice to see you again, Mrs. Barba. And nice to meet you… Mrs. Dodds.”

With that, he left. Maggie barely blinked until he turned the corner for the stairwell, and Mike rubbed her arm as Rafael piped up.

“I could use a break and some food right about now,” he said.

“Agreed,” Mike said. “Where will we---?”

“Wait. Let me go freshen up first.”

Taking off, needing a moment to herself, Maggie made a beeline for the bathroom. She heard Natalia’s voice not far behind her.

“We won’t be long,” she promised.

Swiftly, she placed her hands under the sink’s suddenly running water, feeling as if she was on fire and desperately needing to cool down. It was as if the world started to cave in on her. Simply seeing Stone’s face… the way it contorted into confusion, sadness… and then his smile.

She splashed the cold water to her cheeks in an attempt to erase his image from her head.

“Maggie, are you alright?” Natalia asked, lightly touching her arm. It took Maggie several seconds and just as many handfuls of water brought to her lips by way of her trembling hands before she met Natalia’s eyes in the mirror.

“I… I’m fine,” she said softly.

“Seriously?” Natalia challenged. Unable to lie, wanting to let just a little of her guard down, Maggie shook her head, and Natalia stepped closer.

“What is it, Maggie? How do you know Peter Stone?”

Turning away from the sink, she glanced at Natalia with a worried expression, fearing that she would be judged for all the feelings flooding her soul.

“There... there isn’t much to tell,” Maggie said, trying to shrug the moment off.

Natalia rolled her eyes. “Oh Maggie, you can’t fool a sister’s intuition.”

“It’s not like it’s a superpower, Natty,” Maggie replied as she grabbed a few white paper towels from the dispenser.

“It is so much more than that,” Natalia argued. “I just want to know what’s going on because you don’t look well, and if I can see it then so will Mike So please just tell me.”

Maggie knew she wasn’t going to be able to leave the bathroom until she spoke up. Who better to share the secret with than her sister? Chicago. A time and place worlds away. But not where she was destined to stay. That place was here. With a sister to cherish, fantastic family and friends, a beautiful baby on the way... 

…and the man who she swore she loved with all her heart.

“Maggie?” Natalia pressed.  And the ballerina swallowed hard before she spoke.

“Peter Stone and I…” Maggie paused briefly and looked at her sister. There was no point in sugar coating the story now. “He… Peter was my first love.”

She watched Natalia take a moment to let the words sink in before cradling her sister’s face in her hands.

“Okay. We all have them. And I’m sure it’s a shock. But it doesn’t mean that---”

“He broke my heart,” Maggie continued. “Shattered it into a million pieces.”

“And Mike put it back together,” Natalia stressed. “All the more reason for you to be---”

“But… but just looking at him now… I feel torn apart all over again.” 

Tagging: @thefanficfaerie @dreila03 @minidodds @mrsrafaelbarba@delia26@letty-o  @lyssa1385 @fortheloveofallthingsraul @mrschiltoncat @sweetsummertime99 @obfuscateyummy@morbid-apricots @ullilalla@velveteenb5 @xemopeachx  @imagine-hopper @sonshine-carisii @ scarletrchilton @ the-amazing-ms-shelly