#ch1: nadia

[valentinethorn]

"I'd accuse you of flattery, but I think we both know by now you aren't one to give idle compliments." He didn't know if that was overstepping some kind of boundary that existed between a patron and their water. If somehow he was breaking a rule of the universe that he didn't even know existed. All Valentine knew was that he didn't mind in this circumstance. Not when he could feel the bloom of pride in his chest.

Especially at Nadia's smile. The one that felt so rare and hard to capture. How many times had he seen it? Were other people given the same kind of opportunity? "Sounds like I might be better off leaving the entire bottle for you. Better than waiting for me to come along to pour. Unless you'd prefer that." He knew he would.

The movements that came next could very well be called a pretentious performance. The taking of the glass between two perfect manicured fingers. The gentle swirling of the liquid around the glass before she brought. it up to take its scent before, eventually, bringing it to her lips for a sip.

Nadia believed good wine was an art, and art deserved to be consumed properly. Appreciated. Savoured. She let the taste sit on her lips for a moment before looking up at Valentine and letting a smile spread along her lips. "It's perfect, as always."

[eliasvelari]

WHEN: 06/06/2022 WHERE: port grave, nadia’s ship WHO: @nadiacattaneo​

Elias was dressed up. The kind of dressed up that a person posed when they were prepared for a first date. Shirt pressed. Hair expertly shaven. Skin smooth and glistening. This was the kind of look he put on for the first impression he was always determined to make, and while he hadn’t thought the woman he had gotten the address from was a pirate, who was he to judge? He barely batted an eyelash as he stepped onboard the pirate ship, making his way towards the nearest door, and knocked.

Sure, he should’ve thought something was wrong with his current predicament, but the memory of the blonde-haired woman’s easy and glowing gaze was enough to shake off any hesitations. She was the one. She had to be.

“It’s Elias,” he stated, knocking on the heavy door once more for measure. He was antsy to get the night started. To woo his future partner (he thought this every time he had a first date), and to prove why they’d want him just as much as he wanted them in return.

[killianglyndon]

Someone you care Ch1

A/N: okay, so this is the chapter 1 of my Rafael Barba x reader series. Again, my first language is not English, so there will have some grammar errors and typos. I will try to update at least one chapter a month. Feel free to give me some feedback! And I will stop writing any Rafael Barba x Reader oneshot until I finished this series. This chapter is mostly background mention.

Warnings: rape mentioned.

Series masterlist

Next chapter

Greg Yates’s case bought SVU and Intelligence together. Nadia was brutally raped and murdered by him. It was extremely hard for everyone, especially Intelligence.

SVU and Intelligence had worked a few cases together before, that was how you met Sergeant Benson. You remembered after a case she told you that you were good with victims.

—————————

(Flashback)

“Hey, (y/l/n).” Liv called you as you walked out the break room. “Hey, Sarge.” “Good job in there, you were really good with them.” Liv told you. “Thanks, I was just doing what I can... All I can do is telling her that she’s strong and she will come through...but god...sometimes I can’t even imagine what some of them had gone through...” You said sadly. “This is what we do, (y/n)...have you ever thought about joining SVU?” Liv put a hand on your shoulder, you were surprised that she asked you. Before you were going to answer, “You don’t have to give me answer now, just think about it, will you?” She gave you a little smile. “And I already mentioned it to Hank, so give it a thought.” She added before leaving.

————————

Here you were, sitting in front of your desk and staring into your computer screen. You knew that Sergeant Benson had mentioned it to Hank before, but you were still a little nervous to told him about your decision.

You and Hank were close, he was like a family to you. Fifteen years ago, you father got killed on duty, he was trying to save a little boy from a hostage situation. And Hank had been checking on you from time to time since then. Your dad was one of the reasons you wanted to become a cop, you remembered when you mentioned it to your mother, she was happy for you. She always knew you were just like your father, willing to help anyone. But sadly, your mother never got a chance to see you being a cop... she died from lung cancer when you had just went to police academy. Since then, Hank took you under his wings and let you live with him.

“Okay, you can do this.” You said to yourself.

You walked towards Voight’s office, and knocked on the door. “Hey, I want to talk to you about something.” You walked slowly into his office, and he gestured you to sit down in front of his desk. “ What’s wrong?” Voight asked. “I...uh...made up my mind.” “About?” “About Sergeant Benson’s offer, I want to go.” “I know.” Voight said and gave you a knowing look. “You...what? How?” You tried to figure something out. “I just knew... You just like your dad, compassionate and always dedicated to your job. I know, kid...” He gave you a small smile. Voight stood up and moved his way to you, pulling you in for a hug. “They would be proud of you. Intelligence will always have a spot for you.” He patted lightly on your back. “Thank you, Hank. I really appreciate it.”You two slowly pulled away. You wiped away the tears which rolled down your cheeks. “Call me if you need me, kid.” You knew Hank was a little sad that you were leaving Chicago, but in deep down you knew he was happy for you.————————

(After a few weeks)

You have finally settled things down, you never knew finding a place to live in New York would be this hard. Thankfully, with Sergeant Benson’s help, you found a nice place to live. It was nothing fancy, but it was cozy. And the rent was reasonable, the best part was that it was not far from 16th precinct.

You looked into mirror and checked yourself one more time. You knew you worked with SVU before, but you were still kind of nervous about actually working there. Nevertheless, you got yourself together, grabbed your bag and keys then head out.

You decided it was a good idea to bring something to everyone, since it was your first day. You wanted to make a good impression, so some cupcakes would work, right?

You anxiously waiting for the elevator, you didn’t hear someone approaching you. “Detective.” He said. You jumped a little. “Counselor.” You smiled and tried to ignore the fact you just jumped a little. “Ding” The elevator had arrived, “After you, detective.” He smirked. You two were now in the elevator, the air was a little quiet. “So, you think this will work?” You gestured the box of cupcakes in your hands. “It’s working now.” He replied. You blushed to his words. You could feel your cheeks heat up a little. “Text me.” He handed you a piece of small paper before walking out of the elevator. You looked down at the paper in your hand, he gave you his number.

You walked into squad room after Barba, Carisi first approached to you, “(y/n), welcome to SVU.” He said and tried to help you with the box in your hands. “Thanks, you want one?” You pointed to the cupcakes. “Yeah. Oh, and sarge said your desk is here.” He gestured the desk in front of his. “Looking forward to work with ya, partner.” He smiled. “I’m looking forward too.” You smiled back. Fin walked to you and Carisi, “You’re officially my favorite detective now.” He said to you and took one of the cupcakes. “Hey, I brought some food when I first started in SVU. Why didn’t you said that to me?” Carisi asked. “Yeah, but I love cupcakes more. So...” Fin said while walking away. You laughed and patted on Carisi’s back.

————————

A case came in, a child named Owen was kidnapped, but from what the squad had known. It seen that Owen knew the man who took him. The parents, Dana and Sam were having custody issues. The mother, Dana, was a mess, and Liv were doing her best to comfort her. You and Carisi were checking Dana and Sam’s finances. Because the man who took Owen asked for $37k in cash, and that was to specific to be ransoms.

The squad and ESU found Owen at some point. Luckily, he was unharmed. But the kidnapper said that it was Dana who told him to do it. After some efforts, the squad found out that it was the father, Sam, who planned this.

You first case in SVU was a little overwhelming for you. While you were in Intelligence, you never saw a case like this. One of the parents tried to kidnap his own child and framed the other. It was understandable that both parents wanted the custody of child, but going this far? Guess this was the thing that you would always ponder the reason.

————————

After finished up some paperwork, Liv asked you to drop some case file to Barba. You would be lying if you said you weren’t looking forward to see him again.

You strolled into One Hogan Place and looked for Barba’s office.

He must spotted you wandering around like a lost puppy, so he called you “Detective.” You heard him calling you, and you walked over to him. “Sorry, it’s been a while since I came to here. I thought I remember where your office was, but turns out I don’t.” You explained. “It’s okay, you’re lucky I was heading out.” He chuckled. “So, Liv asked me to drop you this.” You handed the files to him, and your fingers brushed his. You definitely felt a election when your fingers touched. You couldn’t help but blush to this contact.

Rafael definitely felt it too, the slight brush of your fingers. His mind had been occupied with someone, you. He been dying to know when would he see you again since Yates’ case. He was regret that he didn’t asked for your number then, so he made up his mind that if he ever seen you again, he would give you his.

He took the file from your hand,

“ Thanks, (y/l/n).”

“It’s no big deal, Barba.”

“Rafael.”

“What?”

“You can call me Rafael, we’re not at work now.” He smiled.

“Okay. See you tomorrow, Rafael.” You smiled back.

“Good night, (y/n).”

[inquisitoracorn]

3, 8 and 15 for the writers asks ^-^

Hello hello good morning! :))

I wanted to get to this yesterday but it was late and I needed my laptop for it. Got my coffee and I can answer now :))

3. Something you wish a commenter had called attention to, but got ignored.

So you want spoilers, huh? :))

Kidding, but to be honest I sprinkle a lot of tiny little things in there, but there's usually so much info that I don't expect any of them to stand out to the reader. Here's one of the things that isn't a spoiler.

Chapter 1 is from the perspective of Marcelle Ehlgar, and we find out through the chapter that her mother hates Nadia and has an important meeting with the Bayarts later.

In Chapter 8, Lady Ehlgar, Marcelle's mother, is one of the nobles Nadia kicks out during the signing of her marriage papers.

Now, Nadia's political manouvering is a separate and very complicated plotline, and there were a lot of name drops, both in Ch1 and Ch8 so I don't expect people to notice, not to mention when I first wrote Ch8 I accidentally wrote the wrong name... and left there for weeks. Woops. Sorry about that :))

8. Something you love to see in dialogue.

Umms and Uhhhs and mhms and aahs and- lines. And ellipses. And sentences without predicates. We don't talk like we write, writing is neat and structured, speech is rambling and made of little bursts of sounds unless it's scripted. I do like reading complicated theatrical phrases a lot too, but the occasional "Oh!" brings me back down to earth :))

15. We all project onto our characters. Where has your personality or life choices leaked onto the page the most?

Oh, Niv. What doesn't leak onto the page. All of them resemble me in seven different ways. But I think the most glaring one is Jonathan romanticizing travelling as much as he does. It's this wonderful and constantly exciting thing that he didn't know he liked so much, and, same tbh :))))

Thank you so much for the asks!!

[valentinethorn]

nadiacattaneo​:

Nadia loved dining alone. Where many people struggled, or if they did dine alone they’d occupy their time by burying their heads in their phone, or a book, or have a laptop open as if they were actually working. But for Nadia it was an indulgence. Away from the ship, from her crew, she could savour these times and truly indulge. So here she was, seated at her favourite table at one of her favourite restaurants, with her favourite waiter waiting to take her order. It was not surprising at all that it was his quietness that lead to that, and therefore lead to this being her favourite table – it was in his section. 

Whilst a creature of comfort, when it came to dining she was not one to always order the same thing. Which is why she was taking her time scanning the menu, despite being a regular. Nothing was really jumping out to her however, so she moved her gaze from the menu to Valentine and asked, “What are the specials tonight?”

There were many familiar faces that walked with a purpose into L'Arpège. Few restaurants in the middle of Obsidian City could boast the same high marks when it came to not only the decor and atmosphere, but most especially the food and wine selections that had people coming back for more. There was a sense of entering a new world here that Valentine, too, could understand. Most people might not have found any particular calling with food service, but he enjoyed the work. Was it his passion? No. But it allowed him the kind of practice that he wasn’t sure most people would understand.

One of his favorite faces would always be Nadia. Something about her countenance had him standing up straighter, as though in an effort to impress her all the more. Or maybe the way she held herself was enough of a desire of something to achieve. Like the world might very well bend to her exact will. “The lobster bisque, chicken coq au vin, and rack of lamb. All, as you know, sourced farm to table. Our chefs only use the freshest ingredients.” He had said the same thing to her time and time again, the repetition feeling more like a game than an actual job.

[gabrielsato]

nadiacattaneo​:

“I believe there’s a lot more to it than that. The likelihood for a wolf to come from a fae, for instance?” No, she couldn’t see how that could be true. “More than that though, I believe the world to be a lot wider and older than this island.”

.

“Of course the world is wider and older than just this island. Where else would the fae that came here have called home previously?” He raised a brow. “And as for wolves, just because fae might have come first, doesn’t mean the world didn’t see fit to through in a few curses along the way.” Werewolves, in Gabriel’s worldview, were little more than pawns. He wasn’t shy in thinking so.

[valentinethorn]

Valentine made it back in record time, a kind of hop to his step that wasn't uncommon, just out of the ordinary for the day that it was. Nothing truly special had occurred, he just found himself being more excited than he realized for whenever Nadia sat in his section. Like her sitting there was proof that they really were friends. Whether that was true or not didn't necessarily matter, not when he was already convinced of it.

He poured the glass of wine with the kind of precision that felt more machine than person, and that was because he practiced. The flair. The movement. The glass in his hand. Being a waiter was about putting on a kind of show, and this was the only one he ever intended on performing.

"Please, try it. I'd rather you tell me you hate it now than when you're trying to enjoy your meal. Nothing could be worse than a wine you dislike. It sours everything else for you. Your entire palate."

Nadia gave him her upmost attention, a rarity in an establishment like the one they were in, with the type of people who felt that because they had more money than sense that meant they didn’t need to have manners either. Nadia had money, and the class of those around her, but she had humble beginnings. She fought daily for what she had. Her lips curled up slightly, nodding just once. “A perfect choice, thank you.”

[valentinethorn]

"Ah, work. The never ending game that we all continue to play." He nodded once more, thinking about his own work for the University that he would do after this shift was over. The kind that he enjoyed, yes, and the kind he found easy, but anything that was necessary automatically felt like something he wished he didn't have to do. It was a new feeling to Valentine. Something he couldn't remember experiencing until just a few short days before.

He glanced at the tables surrounding her. "Would you like me to make a request that the tables nearby remain clear? If you need discretion, we'd be happy to provide that for you."

"You'd be right there," Nadia replied, taking another sip before placing the glass down. She would've been content at that restaurant table set for one all night. A delicious meal, a decadent dessert, all washed down with a bottle of wine some couldn't even dream of being able to afford.

But she was shaking her head. "Unfortunately not tonight. I've got some work to do." A pirate's business never ended, let alone a captains. She had deals to make, stupid men to flatter and swindle of their money. A whole bottle of wine, no matter how expensive, wouldn't be wise.

[valentinethorn]

Vale's smile was genuine and warm, knowing, after serving Nadia enough times, that she was never one to take recommendations so easily. Though he couldn't claim to know everything about her, he could say quite decisively that she was someone who rarely let others lead. It meant all the more that in this instance, he was being given the reins and being entrusted with a very important decision. No one should ever under appreciate a good wine pairing.

"I think you'll enjoy the Chateau Montrose, it's a Cabernet Sauvignon, and you already know how perfectly that plays with chicken." He bowed, no one in the restaurant ever needing to write an order down. This was a fine dining establishment, not a fast food joint. Service was a part of the atmosphere, too.