#raulesparzaappreciationweek

[all-things-raul-esparza]

Favorite Alfredo Aldarisio moments from ‘Pushing Daisies’

[locke-writes]

Impulse Buy

Author: locke-writes

Title: Impulse Buy

Synopsis: Inspired by this post

Rating: K

Word Count: 653

Tagging: @miamorbarba​ @xemopeachx​ @nerd-girl-642 @insecurewritersworld @evs14u  @yourtropegirl @esparza-army

It was an impulse buy. You had been out shopping for necessities, tissues, shampoo, and the like when you noticed it.  At home you had your own vast collection of notebooks each filled with lists or little writing ideas, some pages turned into sketchbooks, but Rafael had none. He claimed he didn’t need them. His ideas were organized in his phone or the small little planner he carried around, a gift from Carmen after he had frantically called her when she was home sick trying to figure out what time he was supposed to be at the courthouse. It wasn’t as though he was ever going to use the notebook sitting by itself on the shelf but you grabbed it and proceeded to the check out.

Arriving back at your apartment you lugged the bags inside and set them on the counter in one trip. If it only took one trip to the car and back then it would happen. You then proceeded to unpack everything from the store and put it in its rightful place, saving the small notebook for last. Rafael wouldn’t be home for a few hours and you knew that when he did arrive he’d head to his office to set down any files he’d brought home to work on. The notebook would be clearly visible. After all a pink notebook with the words “Coffee then Adulting” would catch anyones eye.

And it did.

“Cariño, what is this?” he asked only a few minutes after arriving home.

You feigned innocence, “I have no idea what you’re talking about”

“So you don’t know anything about the pink notebook on my desk”

“I didn’t know you had a pink notebook, when did you get it?” you asked, smirking at him as he stood in the doorway, examining the object in his hands.

“Today apparently. I’ve told you before I don’t need anything, I’ve got a phone and that works perfectly well”

“Except for the few times you’ve forgotten your charger and didn’t have time to pick it up here. Just humor me and accept it”

He only hummed in response and set it back on his desk, you assumed it would be a novelty item. Something he would hide away in a drawer for months or possibly years before finding time to clean his desk out. You weren’t expecting it to be gone in the morning.

Rafael would never admit to you that he found the notebook humorous. Or useful. And he’d put up with all the teasing that came about when he was seen writing in it.

Carisi had claimed “that’s an accurate description of your work ethic Barba. Good choice. Pink just may be your color”

Rafael had only rolled his eyes before detailing just what else he needed to be able to proceed with having an actual case.

Liv said nothing when she noticed him writing in it. He’d been jotting down the number for the dry cleaners, meaning to ask when exactly he could expect to pick up a few of his shirts. He ignored her smirk and occasional glances towards the notebook and steered the discussion towards exactly what she had come for.

When he went down to the precinct with it in hand he only heard Fin laugh before asking what he needed it for. Barba replied with the usual sarcastic comment before asking a few questions and taking a few notes.

No he’d never admit to you that he actual found use for the notebook, nor would he admit that it had in fact been the perfect gift. Just the right amount of humor and practicality for his liking. Oh no, he’d never admit just how much use he was getting from the small notebook he ended up carrying everywhere with him.

Well he’d never admit it until he needed a new one and would ask you just where exactly you had found it.

[rauliskafan]

Always Mine

Some more Rafael to end this fabulous Friday!!! Thank you @yourtropegirl for a magical week. And as always for @svu-stories who inspires me in more ways than she will ever know!!! :)

“Mi amor, it’s only for one weekend.”

You hadn’t even so much as looked him in the eye since he came home with the suggestion. Two days and one lazy night in the country (translation New Jersey) held a certain appeal. And he had thought of everything, the lakefront bed and breakfast less than half an hour from a local winery to taste the wares with assorted cheeses. Followed by an excursion to pluck fresh strawberries; a small part of you could already taste the tart juice tinging your tongue. All of it concluding with an Italian dinner at a place so exclusive that there wasn’t even a sign marking the entrance. How he would find it in the car you would have to rent was beside the point. Your dearest most darling husband had an agenda worthy of your profession, your personality.

But for all his intricate planning, one detail had escaped Rafael Barba’s mind.

“Please don’t walk away from me,” he moaned, trailing after you as you angrily dealt with the laundry, not caring if you were balling up his socks the right way or if his shirts were hung in a descending pattern of color coordination.

“And your mother can’t help?” you asked, finally giving him something in the way of an answer if not your eyes.

“Mami’s got this teacher’s meeting,” Rafael said, reaching for your arm. But you recoiled before his fingers could so much as curl around your wrist.

“So change our plans,” you huffed as you slammed a drawer shut and retreated into the bathroom to run the water and scrub your hands together until he stopped you with a lame joke about scratching the skin away if you kept at it.

“As if you would care,” you said through clenched teeth, just catching a quick glimpse of him in the mirror with sagging shoulders and a weary sigh.

“Of course I care, mi amor,” he insisted. “I planned this for you. You deserve a break. We both do.”

Turning the faucet off sharply and facing him with your hands on your hips, you narrowed your eyes into a tight glare and watched him shrink in the doorway, feeling your nostrils flaring as you spoke.

“And Jingles deserves to be punished because you’re tired?” you challenged, stressing the last word as he released the smallest of laughs. “This is funny to you, Rafael?”

“It is a hotel for pets,” he said. “She’ll have her own little condo.”

“That’s a cute way of saying cage,” you spat back.

“You are so melodramatic sometimes,” he sighed.

“Which is a not so nice way of calling me ridiculous.”

“Keep this up and we’ll get there.”

Your next response came out as little more than a frustrated growl, and you pushed past him, furious that he could be so heartless. Making a beeline for the couch, you fell to your knees and found Jingles hiding under the furniture. You scooped her into your arms to stroke the top of her furry head, whispering into her soft ears.

“Sorry, sweetie,” you soothed. “You just hate to hear Mommy and Daddy fight.”

“Who’s fighting?” Rafael asked, emerging from the bedroom. “I’m not fighting.”

“Someone insults me and that’s what I call it.”

“Mi amor…”

He sank to the cushions, ready to run his fingers through your hair when you flinched again. But Jingles maneuvered between the pair of you, bridging the gap as her own version of a peace offering until he settled for playing with her whiskers.

“I love you,” he started. “I love the cat. It would have been ideal if Mami could have taken her---”

“Or just stayed here,” you said, still sulking.

“You… fine. Or just stayed here,” he echoed. “But this place is top notch. The staff seems very caring. There’s even a little camera right outside her kennel. All we have to do is log on to their website, and we can check in as much as you want.”

“What’s that?” you asked. “The Big Brother package?”

“I’m calling it,” he said, rising swiftly and rubbing his hands against his slacks. “You are brilliant and beautiful and being utterly ridiculous.”

“Not in front of the cat,” you warned him as he threw his hands up in the air. “No worries, Rafael. Better I find this out now before we bring a baby home.”

For a second he looked as if he would explode into a litany of words that you would only half understand, but somehow, he kept his voice calm.

“You do realize that our son or daughter will have to go to school. And play dates. And horror of horrors summer camp.”

“I don’t think that this is the same…”

Your words came to a halt as Jingles curled into your cheek, her sandpaper tongue just meeting your skin as you suddenly realized what you were saying, that his points were well made….

…and that maybe you did sound the slightest bit ridiculous as you managed a smile and met his eyes.

“You really think that she’ll be okay?” you asked.

“Only the best for all our babies,” he promised, his hands surrounding your face so he could kiss the tip of your nose and then Jingles in turn.

“I just… I worry about her,” you said. “I’d hate for her to think that we were abandoning her again.”

“Never going to happen on our watch,” Rafael said. “She’s getting even better digs than we are. Plus, daily groomings and all kinds of fun new food.”

“Not that,” you said as your face began to soften under his touch. “If she goes, she goes with a lunchbox and the food that I have selected.”

“Is this you warming up to the idea?” he asked, pressing two fingers under your chin, his mouth just meeting yours as you smiled against the line of his lips.

“This… this is me saying that we’ll check it out. If and only if it’s up to my standards… I’ll consider it.”

“Mi amor…”

He started to help you to your feet, his arms almost encircling your waist when you let Jingles climb to your shoulder and pressed one palm to his chest.

“But she better have the best cage… condo in the joint.”

“Whatever the cost,” he promised. “Anything and everything for you.”

No one could accuse the website of false advertising. Stepping through a refurbished wooden door, you took in a state of the art room with pristine floors and wide windows looking out at a patch of private courtyard adorned with fountains and several sorts of flowers. Two member of the staff were already walking and playing with a Boston Bull and a Golden Retriever, and you saw other cats in spacious pens that could accommodate a small child with pillowed shelves and tons of toys.

“Don’t worry; I have your things right here,” you said, bending down to the cat carrier to show Jingles the small purple bag containing her catnip pillow, her yellow ball with a bell---

“And I… I brought this, too.”

From his pocket, Rafael revealed one of his socks that had lost its mate in the laundry, a series of red and silver stripes that Jingles took possession of and would never in a million years relinquish.

“That was sweet of you,” your said, standing to lightly peck his cheek and just noticing the tension in his jawline.

“It is nice here, Rafael,” you continued as a woman in bright blue scrubs and a bouncy blonde ponytail sauntered forward to shake your hands.

“Mr. Barba!” she said. “Great to see you again.”

“Likewise,” he said as he introduced you, and the blonde unzipped the black case to pull Jingles out.

“And hello to you, Miss Jingles,” the woman said. The cat’s eyes were wide for all of an instant, and you feared that Jingles might fly up the walls when she nuzzled her head against the woman’s neck, her purrs harmonizing with the blonde’s gentle voice.

“I hear that this is the first time you’re away from home,” she continued.

“Since we got her,” you confirmed. “I… I can’t help but feel a little nervous.

“Understood, Mrs. Barba,” she said, her hand falling to your shoulder as her voice and her smile began to make you feel more and more at ease. “But we’ll make this a fun vacation for her, too.”

The blonde handled Jingles with a firm but caring hand, walking her around the room so she could get a feel for the space and take in the sight of the other cats seemingly content in their condos. Not one of them so much as hissed, and even as you couldn’t help but bite on your lower lip, you felt yourself leaning into the idea that she would make it through the short stay.

“Where are you going to put her?”

Rafael’s voice cut into your thoughts, and you turned to see him shuffling his feet and fidgeting with his hands in his pockets.

“Here we go,” the blonde said as she stood before an open kennel and set Jingles down on the highest shelf. Her face looked so sad through the thin black bars, and you were on the verge of taking her back and making a run for it when the cat simply curled in a ball and turned her gaze towards the window to watch the puppy dogs play before closing her eyes.

“Wow,” you muttered under your breath, feeling every inch a proud parent as she settled into her surroundings and you linked your arm in Rafael’s. “Good girl.”

“Cats are very adaptable,” the blonde assured you, taking the bag of Jingles’ toys and setting them all down in the tray so she could play whenever the mood struck her. Returning her smile as she latched the door, you decided that maybe it was best to bite the bullet and let your itty-bitty kitty stretch her wings. Or in Jingles’ case the leg leading to the paw that batted at the bar. She started to draw back when Rafael left your side. One of his long fingers inched through the opening, and he tapped his nail near Jingles’ little nose.

“Let me just get the login info so you can peek on her!” the blonde chirped, leaving you alone in the room.

“I think it will be okay,” you said, rubbing Rafael’s back and blowing kisses to the kitty. Trying to take his arm again, you found him frozen to the floor and inched closer to the window in search of his eyes.

“Rafael?” you asked. “Are you okay?”

“Fine,” he said, quickly kissing your cheek and giving Jingles’ ears one last scratch with his index finger before he finally moved towards the reception area where the blonde was waiting.

“Wait. We…”

“What is it?” you asked.

“The sock should be on the shelf. You know it’s her favorite.”

“Right. I’ll just ask the lady…”

Leaving him alone, you met the blonde and heard her lilting laugh.

“Such a sweet guy,” she said, nodding towards Rafael working the latch to set the sock in its proper place. “You know he checked us out three times before he even made the reservation.”

“He did?” you asked.

“Said we had to rate five stars before he’d even book your trip.”

Which was something that your husband had not shared with you. When you thought that this was the final punctuation mark at the end of the sentence instead of the first stroke of his pen. Which made you feel ridiculous for questioning his love for the cat and any other baby you might bring into your home.

“He is the sweetest guy,” you murmured, determined to show him how much you adored him the second you started sipping wine and suckling strawberries. He definitely deserved the trip and then some, and you walked back to him, to say your goodbyes only to see him shaking his head.

“No.”

“Rafael? What do you---?”

“I’m sorry. I can’t do...

Avoiding your eyes, Rafael turned to the blonde.

“This won’t work.”

“Mr. Barba, you have one of the best cat condos.”

“I know that. Plus, the cameras. And you seem nothing but kind.”

“So…”

She said nothing else, and you watched without words as Rafael undid the latch to pick Jingles up, bypassing the cat carrier and tucking her inside his jacket.

“So nothing!” he barked back, rivaling the Boston Bull coming in from the courtyard. “I’m free to change my mind. And I’ll even let you keep the deposit. But I’m not… I can’t leave my cat here and have anything close to a good time.”

Still he failed to meet your gaze, walking out the way you came as you gathered the rest of the toys with a slack jaw and saw the blonde’s eyes stunned as they fixed on the door just slammed shut.

“I didn’t see that coming,” she said.

“No. But I should have.”

Joining Rafael in the rented car that was never going to leave Manhattan, you sat beside him as he kept Jingles close to his chest, his free hand picking at the steering wheel.

“Don’t say it,” he muttered.

“I’m not… what do you think I’m going to say?”

“That I’m ridiculous.”

Because he planned a perfect trip and tried to dot every “I” and cross every “T.” Because he found a place for the cat better than most day cares…

…because when push came to shove he couldn’t let her go.

“Not at all,” you said, winding one arm around his shoulders to kiss his cheeks and then his lips. “Maybe it is going to be a chore to send a little one to camp…”

“I’m not living this down.”

“I don’t want you to,” you said. “I want you like this. Forever. And always mine.”

Slowly, he gave you back his smile, his cheeks flushed as he rested his chin on top of Jingles’ head.

“Te adoro, mi amor,” he said, his voice soft and his kiss far more tender. Jingles pawed at your lap and started batting his old sock back and forth as he twirled a lock of your hair in his hand.

“What now?” he asked. “We’re out all this money.”

“I don’t care.”

“We do still have the weekend…”

You retired to your apartment with bottles of inexpensive wine, strawberries from the corner market and Italian that was anything but exclusive from Baraducci’s. To binge watch old M*A*S*H episodes and debate the best version of the ensemble cast until any action on the screen had nothing on the pleasures in his arms.

And as you fell asleep in his embrace with Jingles sticking close to Rafael’s pillow, you knew that you never wanted life any other way.

[sinsiriuslyemo]

A/N: A lot of Colbie’s dialogue is derived from the movie Storks, my own three year old’s latest obsession lol It felt like things Rafael’s child might say to him when trying to argue her point that papi works too much.

For Rafael appreciation day @yourtropegirl

The criminal world hardly ever took the weekend off from their usual activities and unfortunately for Rafael, this meant he’d have to spend his Saturday morning in the office instead of at home with you and Colbie. He wasn’t happy about it, to say the least, nor was he able to have very much patience for SVU as they went over the evidence with him in his office. His mind kept going back to his three year old daughter, and her little pout that he was sure would grace her features when she woke up to find him not at his usual post at the kitchen table with his morning cup of coffee. He imagined her complaining to you that papi was missing the tea party he’d been cordially invited to earlier in the week, and the way you would stroke her hair and try to explain that papi had been called away. He knew you would emphasize how badly he wanted to be at home, having tea with his toddler, not here at One Hogan Place listening to Liv and Amanda go on and on about a rapist who always seemed to evade the police.

“That enough for a warrant?” he heard Liv ask, pulling him back to his reality. He cut his eyes up to the Lieutenant, sighing softly as he glanced down at the evidence the two women had laid down on his desk in front of him.

“More than enough. I’ll put in a call to judge Peters. Now, quickly, the Hannity case goes to trial on Mond–”

His words were cut short when he realized he didn’t have the case file he was referring to. He must’ve left it at home.

“Som’n wrong, Counselor?” Amanda asked, watching him look around as though the file would somehow magically appear through his sheer will to find it.

“No, I just must’ve left the case file at home. I was going over the witness’ testimony last night. Must’ve forgotten to put it in my briefcase before I left,” he answered, looking up at them. “Okay, I’ll put in the call for the warrant. You’ll have it within the hour,” he added, picking up his phone and dialing the judge.

After he’d secured his warrant, he met SVU at the residence of their rapist before he decided to run home and grab his missing case file. When he walked through the door, you were coming out of the bedroom in a lovely white dress with butterfly silhouettes printed over the skirt.

“You’re home,” you said with a smile, coming up to kiss his lips.

“Not for long, I’m afraid. I just forgot a case file. You look stunning,” he answered. “How angry is she?” he asked, referring to your daughter, who was presumably in her own bedroom getting dressed for the tea party.

“She’s upset that you can’t be here,” you answered softly, smoothing a hand over his tie.

“Cariño, I have to work, you know I would much rather–”

Again, he was rendered speechless when his little girl came out of her bedroom in a vintage shabby chic baby blue dress with white frilly pieces on the skirt and pink ribbons. He smiled as she looked up at him, and he squatted down to be eye level with her.

“Muñequa, you look so beautiful,” he said softly, and the toddler rolled her eyes.

“You sucking up, papi,” she said, her pigtails lightly bouncing as she walked towards the kitchen to grab the horderves platter from the fridge.

He sighed heavily, standing back up as you stroked his cheek lovingly.

“Just grab your case file and finish up as quick as you can. We can make it up to her tonight,” you suggested, kissing his cheek.

“I feel terrible,” he whispered.

“I know, and I know you’d rather be here with your girls.”

“Don’t courage him, mami. He a flake,” Colbie said as she balanced the too big for her little arms platter against her sternum, carrying it to the coffee table.

“Colbie Olivia, be nice. Papi is really sad that he can’t stay for your tea party.”

“Mami, he don’t have stay,” she grunted as she carefully set the platter down on the coffee table and let out an exasperated breath. “Papi, this guilty pass for you go back to work,” she added, moving towards her father and pushing on his leg. “Shoo. Shoo,” she growled as she tried with all her might to move him, planting and replanting her feet with the efforts.

“Mi amor, I–”

“You go, I resim imitation,” she grunted, still using her entire body to push at his frame. “Go, you go now.”

He sighed heavily and exchanged a glance with you.

“Okay, I just need to grab a file, and then I’ll go,” he replied sadly, going towards his office.

“You blink, I be in college,” Colbie muttered as she went to grab the center piece for the coffee table.

“What?”

He whipped his head around to look at his three year old as you put a hand over your mouth, trying not to smile at how much of his sass Colbie had. Watching your husband and daughter interact was always an event to you.

“I say nothing, you go,” Colbie answered.

He was silent for a moment, slowly turning back towards his office.

“Okay, muñequa–”

“Member when I’s baby, felt like one minu go?”

“What?!” He turned to face her again, eyebrows shooting up on his forehead. Colbie was entirely too intelligent for her age.

“What?” Colbie mimicked, playing dumb as she placed the flower centerpiece on the coffee table while you tried not to laugh.

“Colbie, what did you say?”

“Nothing.”

For a moment, he continued to look at her as though afraid she would say something else that he would miss if he looked away, but she continued preparing for her tea party.

“Okay,” he mumbled sadly, again moving towards his home office.

“Papi, you be my hero for two more years,” Colbie said.

“Okay, I heard that one. Muñequa, I’m sorry papi has to miss your tea party. I promise I’ll make it up to you,” he said, crouching in front of her again and stroking one of her pigtails.

“You miss it, not me. I no meanie teemager yet. You missing pecious memies, papi,” she answered.

He fought a smirk, looking back towards you and narrowing his eyes when he saw you fighting your own battle with a giggle fit. Looking back to his daughter, he sighed softly and nodded.

“Okay, I can’t exactly argue with that. You’re right. Work can wait a little while,” he replied in surrender. “Let me just go change, okay?”

“It back tie optial!” she called out as he retreated into the master bedroom, and you let your soft laughter finally come over you.

Rafael had never been able to resist his daughter’s sassy personality.

[esparza-army]

I made a thing

[vreenak]

Jonas Nightingale + King of Sin

@yourtropegirl

[theenchantedgalleryofstories]

Frederick Chilton from Hannibal 

[vintagemichelle91]

Guns and Dates Don’t Mix ( A Nevada Ramirez One-Shot)

Author’s note: My contribution to @yourtropegirl ‘s Raúl Esparza appreciation week! This is for Nevada Appreciation day! Giving our favorite trashcan a chance at something...but things take a different turn. Hope you guys enjoy!! Translations will be provided at the bottom. 

***Trigger warning for Violence***

“Damn Rose, I can’t believe you are actually going out with Nevada Ramirez.” Isabel shook her head as she watched Rose put on some mascara. When she had told her last night that he asked her out, she was in shock. Isabel knew Rose was very attracted to him, but to actually go out with him? No, she did not think that would be possible after everything that Rose heard about Nevada.

Rose placed the tube of mascara back in its place and looked over at Isabel. She knew Isabel was going to give her hell for this, but she did not care because she wanted to go out with him. Rose was curious to know more about the dangerous man they called Trujillo. After all, he must be pretty damn intelligent to be where he is now. He did not get to this status by being a stupid common thug. Oh no, Nevada Ramirez was not a common thug. He was a master of the universe within his own right.

“Mira, spare me the scolding Isabel. You knew I wanted to and I know what I am getting myself into,” Rose replied seriously. “Plus, tu sabes que tan guapo es.”

Isabel rolled her eyes. Maybe this was just physical and they would get bored of each other quickly. At least that is what she prayed for over the past couple of days. “I’m not denying that, he is one sexy looking Don. But I just don’t want you to get hurt. I’m just looking out for my girl, you know I have your back Rose.”

Rose’s hard gaze softened. Of course Isabel wanted what was best for her, but she was a big girl who was capable of taking care of herself. After all, she is educated, has a good job, pays her own rent and bills without having to ask anyone for a dime. Rose prided herself for being independent. No one could take that away from her. However, she wanted somebody to compliment her and hold her at night.  

“Yo se, Izzie. But please, let me just enjoy this. I know what he is and who he is, but he is still a person. A person who deserves a chance at something more.” Her heart skipped a beat as she mentioned something more. What was she even saying? Rose barely even knew the man and she was already jumping to such conclusions. However, even if it that something more wasn’t with her, he still deserved it. Everyone deserves to experience that in their lifetime. Rose shook her head and walked out of the bathroom turning off the light with a flick. “I-I mean I am not saying that I do, I just think he should experience such things.”

Isabel gave her a knowing look. She was not buying Rose’s bull shit explanation. Working with too many damn lawyers was rubbing off on her. “Yeah, okay keep telling yourself that ma.” She watched as Rose ignored her as she looked for shoes. “Where is he taking you anyway?”

Rose slipped on her black suede beaded ankle strap stilettos and checked herself out in the large mirror hanging on her closet door. She twirled this way and that, examining her outfit choice for the first date.  It was a simple black thin strap jumpsuit that hugged her body in all the right places. It wasn’t a sexy little dress, but it was still a very nice body hugging jumpsuit that was sure to make Nevada go crazy with desire. Rose fiddled nervously with her silver cross pendant that hung around her neck. It was her mother’s and she almost never took it off. It protected her and gave her the strength she always needed to get through. “So, what do you think Izzie?”

“Honestly, you are too good for him,” Isabel said bluntly. She was never one to have a filter and many people did not like that. Isabel got up from the fluffy bed and walked over to Rose. She placed her hand on her shoulders and reassured her. “But, you look so damn sexy that he will be begging you by the end of the night to end up in your bed.”

Rose felt a blush creep up to her already tinted cheeks. “He is going to have to work for it and even then not on the first date.” She winked at Isabel and turned back to give herself a once over before heading into the living room  to wait for Nevada.

           Surprisingly, Nevada showed up to her door right on time. Her heart melted as he had a single white rose in his hand. She took it gladly and gave him a small kiss on his cheek.

“It's beautiful, gracias Nevada.” Rose gave him a charming smile as they walked out of her apartment building. “How did you know that I love white roses?”

He smirked back, “de nada...and I have my ways.” Nevada opened the door to the black Escalade parked on the curb. He checked her out as she stepped into the SUV with grace. Nevada had been a little disappointed that she didn’t wear a little dress, but he loved how the curve-hugging jumpsuit showcased her body incredibly. Her ass looked very nice in this black little number. As soon as he slipped into the SUV, he brought Rose closer to him and whispered in her ear, “te ves tan hermosa mamita.” It was low and he practically growled. Nevada was so tempted to take her right then and there in the backseat of the Escalade, but his driver was present and he knew Rose wouldn’t give it up so easily. He respected and wanted her a lot more for that.

“Mmm, gracias papi.” She gave him a flirtatious smile and batted her long lashes at him. “So, where are we going?”

Nevada leaned back with a knowing smirk on his dangerously handsome face. “It’s a surprise, not your typical first date type shit.”

Rose raised her elegant brow at him. “Well I wasn’t really expecting anything typical with you.”

“Oh really? And what are you expecting?” He asked curiously. She was unlike any other woman he had ever fucked or merely dated.

“I’m not really sure, you are not all hearts and flowers, but then again you did show up with a single rose.” She replied as she bit her plump lip. Nevada was tempted to bite that lip of hers himself.

“I can see you liked to be kept on your toes and trust me, I will do just that.” Nevada winked at her and could have sworn he saw that her heart pounding rapidly against her chest.

For a second there, Rose almost forgot herself. She could feel her heart pounding frantically against her chest. The way he was looking at her made her all tingly. Nevada looked as he was about to devour her and she wanted him to so badly, but there was no way in hell she was going to make this easy for him.

She sat up more confidently and looked back at him. “Fortunately for you I work very well under pressure.”

“Why don’t we put that to the test?” He challenged. Oh, she was definitely enticing.

Rose leaned in closer to him. Her lips ghosted over his and he inhaled her flowery scent. “Sure. Qué tienes en mente?”

Nevada groaned at the sound of her sultry voice. “Muchas cosas, mamita.” Their lips touched briefly as she shifted in her seat and her breath caught.  

The sexual tension was becoming way too much too soon, Rose pulled away abruptly to roll down the heavily tinted window. “I guess we'll find out soon enough.” A small smile tugged at the corner of her lips.

Nevada squeezed the edge of the seat as he rolled down his window a little bit too. Damn, this woman was something else. She knew how to play him well, but he knew he could push her over the edge with just one look. This was going to be good, very good.

“You weren’t bull shitting around were you?” Rose asked as she stepped out of the black Escalade with Nevada’s help.

“I never bull shit around with anything.” Nevada said darkly.

She shook her head in amusement and disbelief. Rose did not think that their first date would be at a shooting range. No man would ever bring a girl here on a first date. However, she had proved her theory right, Nevada wasn’t just any man. He completely different from any other man that she had ever been with.

“I’m only confirming my theory,” Rose reassured him.

“I am about to confirm it even further.” Nevada said as he took her by the hand and led her into the building. The reason he chose this for a date was because he figured he could show her how to shoot a gun and it would be fun to be so close to her...to tease her. Another reason being was that he wanted to make sure that if anything were to happen to her she would be protected. His enemies would stop at nothing to get to him. It was a necessary precaution he took by cleverly disguising it as a part of their date.

“By all means I am ready for it,” Rose said with a laugh as she gladly held onto his hand.

Quickly, Nevada talked to the owner of the place, who happened to be an old friend of his, and he got them situated with everything they would need. Nevada had chosen a gun for Rose. It was small and lightweight that way she wouldn’t be so overwhelmed. She watched him curiously as he talked with the man. He seemed to be an expert on weapons, he knew every single name of each gun in the shop section. Once in a while, Nevada would glance and smirk at her. The whole time he held onto her waist and made sure she stayed by his side.

“Have you ever shot a gun before?” Nevada asked as he started prepping her gun. Rose stood right next to him as she watched his large hands manipulate the small gun. Oh how she would love his wonderful hands all over her body, touching and grasping her tightly. “Rose? I promise my hands will be all over you by the time the night is over.” He took notice of the way she stared at his hands. He loved that she was checking him out too.

Her brown eyes widened. That comment certainly grabbed her attention. However, she didn’t admit to it. “No, I have never even held one.”

Nevada knew that would definitely grab her attention. Oh teasing her was going to be incredibly easy. “Okay, I am going to teach you. Now, this right here, is the safety. You have to take it off in order to use it. Here, try holding it.” He placed the small gun into her hand. “Feel it.”

Rose held the cold gun in her hands. It felt a little heavy in her hand, but she outstretched her hand and pointed the gun at the target testing it out. “It fits my hand perfectly.”

“Then I definitely chose the right one.” He said confidently. “This one is a Glock 19 pistol. It’s a compact version of 9mm.” Nevada explained to her calmly as she watched him with fascination. Rose smiled, he was in his element. An element that she would normally avoid at all costs, but she couldn’t help but feel more attracted to him. Nevada Ramirez was an intelligent man, he had the street smarts to maneuver his way in dominating territories and he had the book smarts to handle his accounts and make sure his business was booming.  

“I have no idea what a 9mm looks like, but I will trust you that this is the compact one.” Rose laughed a little as she felt completely silly about even handling a gun, but there was definitely a first time for everything.

“I can always show you.” Nevada leaned into her closer. Rose felt the heat of his chest on her back. His breath was at her nape and it made her spine tingle in anticipation. “Te puedo enseñar muchas cosas, mamita.” He whispered lowly into her ear before he placed a kiss on her cheek. Rose sighed and closed her eyes for a moment. She relished in the closeness of his body against her own. It was a good thing that they were alone in the room. His hands gripped her waist as he pulled back slightly. “Now, face forward and use both hands to point at the target in front of you.”

Rose let out a shaky breath and focused her attention on the target straight ahead. To be honest, she was scared of shooting the little cold pistol in her hand. This was completely out of her comfort zone.

But then again, Nevada Ramirez was out of her comfort zone too.

Before she had a chance to gasp, she pulled the trigger and was surprised that she remained still without recoiling back too much when she pulled the trigger. “Are you sure you never shot one before?” Nevada looked at her surprised as he flicked the switch to bring the target to them to see where the bullet hit. “That was a damn good shot, not a kill shot, but good enough to knock someone on their ass.” He chuckled as he pointed out on the target sheet.

Rose could not believe that she actually did good on this. “I swear I never have. This is a first.” She gazed up into his eyes and noticed a gleam in them. He was unlike any other man she ever dated, then again no one would ever compare to him.

“Well, then I am glad to be a witness for your first.” Nevada said seductively as he cupped her chin and kissed her chastely on the lips. He pulled away abruptly and winked at her as he moved on to his own target to demonstrate his shooting skills.

           After the shooting range, both of them worked up an appetite and Nevada took her to a quaint little restaurant down on 4th street that served the best Italian food known in the Heights. Surprisingly, everything was going smooth and Rose found herself to completely fascinated by him. Nevada spoke of his childhood and how he spent his summers in the Heights. He asked her about her family, education, and what she liked to do on her time off. Rose told him about wanting to travel to the most remote places of the world and she wanted to experience different cultures. Nevada liked that about her, she seemed adventurous and that was something rare to find in a woman. Rose was cultured, polite, and graceful.

Something that Nevada appreciated in a woman....when he wasn’t fucking them.

           Rose glanced around the quiet restaurant and had failed to notice that it was just them in the upper dining area. She was so caught up in listening to Nevada that she had not noticed that they were the only diners. “Do you own the place?” She asked with a small smile as she took a sip of red wine. He also had exquisite taste in wine.

He smirked as he took a bite of his pasta. “No, not completely. The owner and I have a business arrangement of some sort.”

“Business arrangement…” Rose mused as she set the wine glass down. “You are quite successful from what I hear.”

“I know how to move things around that work in my favor.” Nevada replied with pride.

“I’m sure you do. Eres un hombre muy inteligente, Nevada.” Rose seemed to be caressing his ego. Nevada liked that even more about her.

“Soy muchas cosas, Rose.” The way her name rolled off his tongue set her on fire, especially at the way he was gazing at her from across the small dinner table. The dim lighting illuminated his green eyes.

Their moment was broken when Nevada noticed one of his men, Julio, come up the stairs hurriedly. “Nevada, we found him.”

He threw his fork down completely annoyed that he interrupted his time with Rose. “I told you not to bother me with that mierda right now.” Julio glanced between him and Rose.

“I know, but we found him and we thought you wanted to take care of him as soon as possible.”

“What the fuck do I have you cabrones for!” Nevada raised his voice and pounded his fist on the table. Rose flinched and shut her eyes briefly. This was something she did not want to see, but apart of her was slightly turned on at seeing him angry. The way his green eyes blazed and way his voice sounded when he yelled. “Where do you have him?”

“Downstairs.” Julio replied immediately.

“Bring him up.” Nevada resigned himself to clean this mess up himself. He glanced at Rose and squeezed her thigh. “I am going to do deal with this quickly.”

“Okay...” Rose replied. She was unsure by what he meant by that and simply sat back as she watched him slide out of the booth and stand next to Julio.

His two other men threw down the thug they had been looking for for days and they finally caught him at one of the bus stops. Nevada kicked the man in the chin as he walked by him. A grunt escaped the man as he felt Nevada’s shoe kick him down hard. “I hear you were trying to leave town without paying me what you owed me.”

“I was leaving in order to go get your money!” The thug spat out the blood that was in his mouth. Rose watched in pure disgust as she saw him spit out a tooth onto the hardwood floor. Her appetite was suddenly gone.

“You think I am some pendejo you can jerk around with that sorry ass excuse! I extended your days and you still couldn’t get my fucking money!” Nevada yelled as his men picked up the guy from the floor and held him by the arms.

“That amount of money takes days to get, Nevada!”

“You had three weeks you piece of shit!” Nevada’s voice got even more louder and Rose felt her heart beat rapidly against her chest. This was definitely a side she did not wish to see, but she very well that it existed. “I’m done with this shit.” Nevada paced back and forth trying to figure out what the best solution would be. He needed to set his line again. A line that one should never cross. His men held onto to the squirming thug. Nevada reached into the back of his pocket and pulled out his gun. Before anyone in the room had a chance to breathe, Nevada pointed the gun at the guy’s head and shot him point black. The bullet pierced through the man’s skull and he fell face down with a loud thud.

Rose remained glued into her seat unable to move. She was completely frozen in place as her brown eyes were glued to the thug that was bleeding out on the restaurant floor. Nevada killed someone in cold blood and in front of her. That was something she was not expecting. Her stomach was in knots and she felt like she was going to be sick.

Suddenly the air in the dining room was being sucked out and she felt as if she couldn’t breathe.

Before Nevada turned around, she managed to move her legs and got out of the booth. She almost stumbled down the stairs but she managed to make her way down and out the door into the back of the restaurant.

Once the fresh air of the summer night hit her, Rose let out a sob. That was the most horrible thing she had ever experienced. Her whole body shook as she covered her mouth with her hand. She leaned against the brick wall and closed her eyes for a few moments.

“Rose!” Nevada burst out the door into the alleyway.

Rose held up her hand to him as she took a deep breath. “Don’t...j-just give me some fucking room to breathe.”

He only nodded as he watched her curiously. Nevada had expected her to scream the moment he shot the man point blank. She didn’t. Rose had remained quiet and unmoving, until she couldn’t even stand to be in the same room with the dead body.

“Look, that was something I did not want to do in front of you.”

“Well you fucking did it!” Rose yelled.

Nevada scowled and moved close to her. “Keep your fucking voice down!”

Rose looked at him in pure shock. He was scared of her raising her voice? Of all the things, now he was worried? “Look, I know who you are and what you do. I am not naïve or stupid papi, don’t ever make that mistake with me,” She let out another shaky breath as she pushed herself off the brick wall and stood before him. “Just don’t ever do this shit in front of me ever again!” Rose walked past him and reached for the door. “Take me home, please.”

Nevada stood there, watching as she walked back into the restaurant. The fact that she didn’t run away from him at all shocked him. Was she scared of him?

No, because she would have run. This was definitely a date neither of them were expecting.

Translations

Tu sabes que tan guapo es- You know how handsome he is. 

Don- Sir

Yo se- I know

Gracias- Thank you

Te ves tan hermosa, mamita- You look gorgeous

Que tienes en mente?- What do you have in mind?

Muchas cosas- A lot of things

Te puedo enseñar- I can show you

Eres un hombre muy inteligente- You are a very intelligent man

Soy muchas cosas- I am a lot of things

Mierda-shit

Cabrones- Idiots 

[all-things-raul-esparza]

Raúl Esparza Appreciation Week

The Reverend Jonas Nightingale

@yourtropegirl

[8cetera]

Body, Heart, and Soul.

Note:  Words cannot express the adoration I have for this musical, and the song focused in this imagine has such a special place in my heart. I have always, always ALWAYS wanted to write a story about dearest Bobby, and I’m so happy that the wonderful works I’ve seen from #RaulEsparzaAppreciationWeek / ( @yourtropegirl​ ) has inspired me to do so!  The fandom is truly full of such gifted individuals, I honestly could not be in more awe of you all.

He slipped the suit jacket over the wire hanger and gently brushed the lint off its sleeves This was the fourth time he was going to wear this suit, and for the very same occasion as the first three. Since no one seemed to notice, he figured that there wasn’t anything wrong with it. Why should he go out and buy a new suit every time? It wasn’t like it was his wedding.

He felt guilty at the bitterness that clouded his mind. He hung the suit in front of the cabinet door and walked backwards until the back of his knees landed at the edge of the bed. He reached for the glass of brandy that was beginning to sweat from the melted ice. He swallowed the liquid and cringing slightly at the unpleasant taste that resulted from being abandoned for too long.

He thought of his fondest friends. People he knew for years. He knew everything there was to know about them; their secrets, what they loved, what they hated, their dreams and their fears. He had what felt like a lifetime worth of shared memories with them. He relished in being their closest friend, and felt pride in seeing the people they have become.

Parents. Wives. Husbands.

He felt a knot in his chest, and a lump beginning to gather in his throat. He felt a single drop of liquid land on the top of his hand. His arched his eyebrow, confused at how that droplet got there until he felt wetness on his cheek. He let out a shaky breath as the truth dawned on him; he was crying.

He stood up quickly from the bed and placed the still unfinished brandy on his dresser table. While doing so he caught a glimpse of his appearance. He felt ashamed at the sight of his tear stained face. He brought his hands to his face and rubbed it roughly. Stop this nonsense, he thought, it’s just a wedding and you’ve been through this before. He looked at his reflection and felt relieved that the tears have stopped.

Looking to the side of the mirror, he noticed his unmade bed - or rather, a half unmade bed. The other side looked exemplary, as it should since it has never been occupied by another. It hadn’t occurred to him before how much that neat side of the bed bothered him. It felt like a constant reminder of what he wanted, or rather, what he didn’t have. The truth rang loud and clear in his mind. He wasn’t lonely, but he most certainly was alone.

He moved across his room to sit on his window sill. It had begun to rain, and he found himself fixated on the puddle that was forming on the pavement below. The moonlight generously gifted the puddle a certain glow, and together with the droplets falling harshly against it, they created something quite beautiful.

This was quickly interrupted by a person suddenly stepping on it. Surely by accident, given how they quickly removed themselves from it and began to thrash angrily. He observed the stranger who fell prey to his puddle, curious to see what they would do next. However, when the stranger simply stood there, in front of his apartment building, he began to grow suspicious.

All his worries and suspicious subsided when the person lifted their head and looked straight at him. This was no stranger. The moment the realization occurred, he ran out his door, not even bothering to lock it on his way out.

“Are you warm enough?” He asked, as he scoured his messy wardrobe in search for another towel. He made a mental note that perhaps he should start owning more than two towels, solely for situations like this. When she didn’t answer he turned back to find her hands over her face, trying to muffle her cries.

He knelt down in front of her and gathered her icy hands in his own. She heaved a deep sigh, refusing to look anywhere but into his eyes.

“Oh, Bobby.” She cried as he said his name, and held his hands tightly.

“I’m so sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I don’t even know what I’m doing here.”

“You’ve already said that outside, and on the stairs on the way up here. I beg you, stop apologizing.”

He moved his hands to cup her face.

“Tell me what’s wrong. Tonight of all nights.”

Even with his hands around her face, she still refused to look into his eyes. She began to look for things to put her focus on. She cleared her throat.

“Is that what you’re wearing tomorrow?”

He looked at where her eyes were on; on his suit, still hanging on display outside his closet.

“Y-yes.” He removed his hands, suddenly feeling awkward.

“Bobby, you wore that exact suit for Sarah and Harry’s wedding, Peter and Susan’s, Jenny-”

“I know.”

“Don’t you think it’s time you buy a ne-”

“What are you doing here?”

She flinched at his tone. A tone he immediately regretted. He didn’t mean to sound so stern.

She removed her shoes one by one and stood up from the bed. She reached for the glass of liquor on his dresser but he quickly stopped her. He eased her pleading expression by insisting that he pour her a new glass. Her breath hitched at the overwhelming taste, but made no indication that she was going to put the glass down.

Bobby was a patient man. And so he waited.

“I’m cancelling the wedding.”

There were no other sounds apart from the rainfall tapping against the window, and so Bobby was sure he heard her right the first time. Even though he silently begged to hear it one more time to confirm that he wasn’t imagining it.

“Why?”

She didn’t answer him. She couldn’t answer him.

The worst assumptions came to Bobby’s mind, and it pained him to have ask her this, but he had to know.

“Did he- did he do something to hurt you?”

The question came out in parts, and he dreaded knowing the answer just as much as he did asking it.

“Oh God, no. You know him... He’s perfect.” She laughed dryly before swallowing the remnants of the glass.

“Always so perfect.” She faced Bobby suddenly, catching him off guard and suddenly he felt very conscious.

“He’ll leave me eventually, Bobby. He think he’s in love with me- but he’s wrong.”

She sat back down on the bed, this time on the neat side. He couldn’t help but think of how perfect it seemed, to have someone occupy that side of the bed. Thoughts he could only keep to himself.

“You know it’s true, Bobby. You’ve known me longer. You know I’m crazed, and not in the way that it would somehow make him love me more. Only less. He’s going to find out. In fact I’ve been waiting for him to find out, but I don’t want to be married before he does. I can’t go through with this. I can’t- and I won’t be like-”

“Your parents.”

It hurt to admit the truth, but all she could do was nod because she knew deep in her heart that that was what she meant to say.

Bobby wrestled with himself. He should be convincing her that she’s wrong, that she should proceed with the wedding because they love each other. That all these things she’s feeling will pass because she’ll have him to be with her. That more than anything, she wouldn’t be alone. He knew that if he was truly a good friend, he would say all these things. But he didn’t. Instead he kept silent, waiting for her to continue.

“Maybe we should get married, Bobby. Then everyone would leave us be.”

If the grip around his glass loosened even a fraction more, there would have been a mess on the floor.

“Don’t joke like that.” He shook his head, feeling slightly mocked for his situation.

“Who said I was? We’ve talked about it, remember?”

“Yeah when we were nineteen, and drunk after finishing an entire bottle of Grey Goose we stole from your dad.”

She smiled fondly at the memory and walked across the room until she was faced him. This time, it was he who could not look at her in the eye.

“You said if we ever got married, you’d only marry me a little.”

She brushed her fingertips against the back of his hand, and all at once he felt the room begin to feel warmer and close in on him.

“You said,” she interlocked her fingers with his and whispered, “that I’d be your best friend, and you’d be my right arm. We would keep our distance, so that we’d still be free. Do you remember, Bobby?”

He could barely get the words out, “Of course I do. Every word.”

She smiled and inched her face even closer to him. The alarms went off on his head as he knew where this was going. He kept in mind the very limited time frame he had left to still do the right thing, but something else was overpowering him. The yearning he felt for this to happen. The seduction of the possibility of a life no longer lived alone.

“You said that even though you’d marry me only just a little, it’d still be passionate as hell.”

She was close. Too close, but also not close enough. He shut his eyes and wondered if he was just a coward. A coward for not going after something he wants so desperately. He wanted this. He wanted not to be alone anymore. He wanted to be held too close. To be hurt, to be ruined. Just as long as it was with someone. Didn’t he deserve that? For once he was going to be selfish, he was going to do the wrong thing, and then he’d do the right thing. He’d love her tenderly. He’d give her whatever she wanted, and more. He’d be good to her. All she had to do was never leave him. He was sure that he was going to do this. He was going to take her into his arms, kiss her, and everything would work itself out. It was time for him feel happiness, and to feel alive.

All he had to do was open his eyes.

Bobby knew that the moment he did so, all his hopes of that future with her had faded. She was crying again, but it wasn’t like before. He recognized the difference because he had experienced it just moments before she arrived outside his apartment building. He let go of her hand and wiped her new tears away. He couldn’t do this. If he did, he knew he would never forgive himself.

For even though he could certainly love her enough, he knew she would never love him the same way she loved the man she was going to marry. And she deserved that.

“We can’t.” He whispered as he tried to force a smile.

“I know.” She placed her forehead against his chest and cried.

He held her closely. He held her too close, for as long as he could.

[blown-transistor]

I'm late again (but what else is new) with my contribution for the Bobby Appreciation Day. My awesome friend @rozdraws hand lettered this on commission for me. It's hanging above the bed at home. I had sunflowers at my wedding, which just makes this even better. @yourtropegirl

[controllingkittens]

I’M SORRY I’M SO LATEEEEEEE!!! but i’m up and down with school things and I can’t manage :S

#raulesparzaappreciationweek @yourtropegirl

[rauliskafan]

The Unexpected Guest

A little Frederick Chilton in honor of Raul Esparza Appreciation Week and @yourtropegirl. Enjoy, fantastic Frederick fans!!!

          Vermont. Hours away from Baltimore and exactly what the doctor ordered. Even though in some circles it might be considered far from the best idea to write one’s own prescription. But Dr. Frederick Chilton was in no mood for a second opinion, and this medicine would be DAW of his own accord.

           Starting out just after breakfast, he began the long drive north, having to stop every fifty miles or so to stretch his legs and rest his good eye along with the one that was always wearier, even in the sunlight. Every time he was tempted to turn back, he thought of the peace awaiting him in the lakeside cabin passed down through generations, vacant for the foreseeable future. So said his father’s assistant, the father who never paid him a single visit. Not when he was shot. Not when he was still considered a threat to the D.C. metro area and possibly the entire East Coast for crimes that would have turned his stomach even if he was able to digest animal flesh.

           Of which humans were merely a somewhat more sophisticated offshoot, and the less he had to associate with the supposedly highest rung of the food chain the better.

           After several stops and starts as the sun began to set, Frederick finally turned off what qualified as a main road in this most rural section of the country. Trekking down a dustier, dirtier path, he smiled slightly when he saw the cabin come into view, somehow one with several spindly branches stretching away from the tree trunks, overhanging a battered, cherry red roof. Pausing at the small staircase leading to the front door, he was overwhelmed by memories of the house in happier times, the days when he believed in the betterment of mankind until everything safe and secure was snatched away. After that the trips became far less frequent. And yet he found his way back to the secret spot.

           Dropping his luggage in the modest foyer, he cast a quick glance at the kitchen with the circular stone island at the center of the room. Late dinner? Early midnight snack? While both ideas held a certain appeal, what he needed most was a shower, a chance to soothe his limbs and his scars under a spray of steaming water. Yes, he was here to work, to commit the most recent in an endless line of offenses to paper. But the task could wait until morning. First the shower, then the snack, and then maybe he would---

           “Who the hell are you?”

           Stunned by the clipped voice coming out in a high shriek, Frederick stumbled backwards, leaning against his cane to keep from falling and ultimately relying on one of the walls for support, his good eye focusing on the figure emerging from the shadows…

           …clad in nothing but a white towel below a head of damp, wavy hair.

           “What are you doing here?” the same voice demanded.      

           “That’s the second question you have posed in less than ten seconds,” Frederick said, his breath coming hard and fast. “And before I even honor one of them with an answer, I should ask if you have a habit of breaking into other people’s homes.”

           Flicking a light switch on the opposing wall, the figure whose attire left little to the imagination cocked her head of soaked locks to one side and narrowed her eyes as the small line of her pink lips coiled into a frown.

           “Excuse me?” the woman shot back. “Haven’t you any manners?”

           “Question number three,” Frederick countered. “And four. You obviously have little to no understanding when it comes to the basics of conversational give and take.”

           “Take this!”

           Keeping the towel close with one hand, the woman pulled a lamp, cord and all, from the nearest end table and started to charge forward. Frederick let his cane fall, and his hands flew up to protect what remained of his face, to ward off her attack when the woman’s feet became tangled in the wire. With a trip and another shriek, he found that she was in his arms, leaning against his chest for to keep from crashing to the ground.

           And even as the scar under his shirt tingled with the feel of her soft form so close to his torso, there was not even the faintest trace of pain.

           “Careful,” he warned, his voice barely a whisper as he fixed his gaze of her ever-widening eyes, such a dark brown bordering on black now that he saw them up close. “Thief in the night though you are, you wouldn’t want to hurt yourself.”

           “And end up needing one of those?” she scoffed as her stare slipped to his discarded cane. “Like you?”

           “Again with the questions,” he retorted as he eased her to the edge of the nearest bed and sat her down, the rising towel revealing more of her silky thighs as he swallowed hard and snatched his cane from the slatted hardwood. “No. Not like me. This is because much more than a twisted ankle.”

           “Are you going to enlighten me?” she challenged, and he stifled a laugh.

           “No. You are going to tell me who the hell you are and what you are doing here looking like… this.” With one hand, he gestured towards her barely-there state of dress.

           “I just got out of the shower,” she said.

           “Well that much is obvious,” Frederick sneered. “But why are you here in my father’s home?”

           How could her eyes grow even larger, and why was his mind following her lead and asking so many questions? Slowly, her lips curved into a smile as she bowed her head.

           “You… you’re Mr. Chilton’s son?” she asked.

           “For the love of God, can you give me one straight---?”

           “He said the place was available whenever I needed to clear my head. This… this was one of those weekends. I just arrived this morning. I had no idea that anyone else was coming.”

           And his father obviously had not conferred with his assistant or truly did not think that Frederick would make the drive.

           Or more likely simply did not care one way or the other.

           “How do you know my father?” Frederick asked.

           “I’ve planned a few parties for him here and there. I’m surprised I’ve never seen you in attendance.”

           “I’m not,” Frederick muttered under his breath, scrubbing one hand over his face as he scowled. No surprise that his father would forget this or that invitation. Along with so many other things.

           “Well... this is certainly a strange way to find out that he even has a son,” the woman said as Frederick took note of her shoulders shuddering. Instinctively, he removed his jacket, tossing her the garment, and only able to sigh when she draped it around her body.

           “An even stranger way to find out the old man even has parties,” Frederick said.

           “It’s nothing spectacular,” the woman admitted. “Just a little wine and cheese before the ballet. He must have done that kind of thing when you were a boy.”

           “Yes,” Frederick admitted, his voice catching in his throat as he looked away from her legs and suddenly caught a chill without the benefit of his blazer to provide something in the way of cover. “Anything to get out of the house and away from…”

           Unable to finish the thought, he watched the woman’s head tilt towards the far end of the bed. Something in her stare almost led him to spill out the rest of the story. But why break open old wounds that had already scabbed over?

             “I guess I should gather my things and go,” the woman said, standing slowly. “It’s your family’s place after all.”

           “And you accepted an invitation in good faith,” Frederick said, stepping slightly to bar her way as he peered down at the roses in her cheeks, the long lashes dangling over her dark eyes, the hair drying into tight curls that he suddenly had a desperate desire to touch even as he had no right, did not even know her name.

           “No. I should take my leave,” he continued. “Start back to Baltimore.”

           “Baltimore?” the woman echoed, her voice coming out as high pitched as the first time he heard it. “By car? Not at this hour.”

           “I do not think---”

           “This place has three bedrooms,” she said. “If you want to do the road trip thing all over again tomorrow, have at it. Tonight, you’ll stay put. I was just about to fix some supper. Are you hungry?”

           It was one of many words that came to mind when he looked at her, but he said nothing and just nodded his head.

           “I could eat,” he said. “Of course I came up here to---”

           “Right. Give me a second. Less!”

           Tearing of his blazer and tossing it into his waiting hands, Frederick caught the jacket and watched her glide across the floor, a glimpse of her bare back meeting his eyes from the other room, causing him to blush and turn his head away. Forget less than a second; it seemed like an eternity until she finally returned wearing a long blue robe with spirals most magenta dotting the cuffs of her sleeves.

           “I give you my word that I did not use up all the hot water,” she promised, placing one hand in the air. His world contracted to the space that was her delicate palm and five fingers leading to nimble nails that looked as if she had dipped her hands in the clearest brook before the droplets crystallized around her fine flesh. Hands like porcelain in need of the most tender care lest they shatter because of an unkind touch.

           “I am sure,” he said. “Even if you did. I am far from opposed to cold water. I---”

           “Why, Mr. Chilton?” she teased. “Have you never been in a room with a nearly naked woman before?”

           “Several times,” Frederick insisted. “And if you do not mind, the appropriate title is Dr. Chilton.”

           “Dr.?” she repeated. “Then a woman’s anatomy should hardly be foreign to you. But take that cold shower if you need it. I’ll be in the kitchen.”

           The feel of her fingers on his cheek made him feel as if he would swoon, and he held his breath until she exited the room, only then rushing towards the shower and taking advantage of icy water to cool his heated face and the furious pounding of his heart. Planting his palms to the shower wall, he tried to shake off the sensations of this stranger who was nothing to him, who already had a place in his father’s orbit, a place where he definitively did not belong. So they’d share a meal, maybe a few kind words. He was exhausted from the drive and needed sleep. And come tomorrow… yes, he would turn around the way he came. Remember to never ask for anything from his father for as long as he might live. Having no one to count on was far from the saddest state of existence.

           Especially when he had years of experience from which to draw.

           Cooled down in mind, body, and spirit, Frederick took up his cane again. As he had toweled off, new plan formed in his mind. Thank the stranger for preparing a meal. Say something to the effect that the long day of travel and the excitement that followed had eradicated anything that he had in the way of an appetite. He would retire to bed and promise to leave the next morning, no harm or foul, and---

           “Dr. Chilton, I presume! I hope this is alright.”

           His words, his thoughts came to a halt as his eyes drifted over the table. In the time it took to shower and plan his escape, the stranger had prepared two plates of angel hair pasta Aglio Olio, doused in olive oil and cheese. A smaller dish rested on each plate setting containing a chilled mushroom and onion salad, the unmistakable aroma of lemon wafting through the air. And at the center of the table he spied a tray of bruschetta, a perfect complement to the white wine that she poured into two glasses obviously intended for orange juice at breakfast.

           But he was not complaining.

           “Dr. Chilton?” she repeated. “Is this okay?”

           “I… it’s perfect,” he said. “How did you know that I do not eat meat?”

           “I didn’t,” she confessed. “This is just my favorite meal. And it’s not often that I get someone to share it with.”

           Her eyelids fluttered, the long lashes seeming to beckon him closer as he almost reached her side, his hand surrounding the edge of the table so close to her perfect palm. But if he touched her…

           “Not even my father?” he asked.

           Better to push her away. Better to be the monster whose mask he almost wore. He had plenty of practice when it came to that as---

           “I plan his parties. Make sure that everything runs the way he wants. He doesn’t take me to the ballet. Perhaps we both know something about being left out in the cold.”

           The last word barely left her lips when she reached for the injured side of his face that had seen better days always followed by endlessly lonely nights. He tensed as her finger circled his scar, the metal in his mouth seemingly weightless against the feathery feel of her hand as she lowered her lashes for a fleeting instant before facing him, her smile brighter than every other light in the room.

           “But as you’ve already seen me in the altogether, I insist on one thing before we break bread.”

           “I am truly sorry that---”

           “I’m not embarrassed. Just thought you should know my name. Emma.”

           The simple elegance of the sound more than suited her, and as he took hold of her hand, feeling the surprising strength of her grip and realizing that she would not splinter, he forgot the drive and his father.

           And what had brought him here in the first place.

           “My name is Frederick.”

           The need to hide away.

           Shaking his hand with another smile, she sat at the table. And Frederick Chilton joined her to see where the night and maybe the next few days might lead.

[sinsiriuslyemo]

I’ve been repainting my kitchen, and started thinking of what Frederick would do if he walked in on you doing it to his kitchen lol For Raul Esparza, appreciation week, I begin with a little Frederick drabble! @mrschiltoncat @yourtropegirl

Frederick checked his reflection in the mirror one last time before he moved down the stairs to go into his kitchen. He hadn’t heard you get up before him this morning, which was odd considering that he wasn’t the soundest of sleepers. Still, you’d somehow managed to break loose of his grasp and slip out of the cocoon of his arms without him being any the wiser, and he could hear you now, humming softly along to Otis Redding in the kitchen. Smirking softly, he walked in to greet you and stopped short, eyes widening in surprise when he saw you standing in a step stool with a roller in your hand, smearing yellow paint onto his normally eggshell walls.

“What the hell are you doing?!” he exclaimed, startling you a bit.

You turned to look at him, donning streaks of colorant on your cheeks, and smiled broadly.

“I’m just sprucing the place up a bit,” you answered, stepping down from your perched position to come and greet him properly by kissing his lips. “You said when I moved in that I should feel free to give it a feminine touch,” you added, turning to the half-done wall you’d just been tinting. “What do you think?”

“I meant put a vase of fresh cut flowers on the counter, or light a scented candle, not repaint my entire fucking house,” he snapped.

Frederick never took a tone with you, even when he was upset, his words were carefully chosen and delicately said. Still, he didn’t like change, especially lately, familiarity was the only other thing aside from you that gave him comfort and kept him sane.

This wasn’t a new piece of furniture or a wall hanging. This was too much.

“I’m not repainting the entire house, just the kitchen for now,” you answered, frowning a bit at his outburst.

“Darling…” He sighed heavily, shifting his weight from one foot to the other uncomfortably. “You should’ve talked to me about it first,” he said, reining in his attitude in favor of avoiding an argument. Frederick was not the biggest fan of confrontation these days, even when he was certain of his position on the matter, he almost always crumbled in defeat.

“We did talk about it, babe,” you argued gently. “Last night, remember? I asked if you would be okay with me repainting the kitchen, and you told me that I could do as I pleased.”

“I don’t remember that conversation,” he answered, shaking his head.

“We had finished dessert, we were sitting in the living room, listening to Madam Butterfly…” you tried to gently remind him.

Suddenly a look of realization when he began to remember the exchange. You’d been on your knees in front of where he sat comfortably on the couch, head bobbing leisurely over his hips when you looked up at him and asked if you could redecorate the kitchen. He had in fact agreed.

“Remember?” you asked again, running your fingers through his hair.

“I remember that you had my cock in your mouth, during which I would’ve agreed to let you castrate me as long as you kept doing what you were doing,” he answered.

You bit your bottom and lowered your gaze in shame.

“Okay, you’re right. I’m sorry, that wasn’t exactly a fair game,” you said softly. “I promise you that it’s gonna look amazing once I get the cabinets painted–”

“You’re painting my cabinets, too?” he asked, arching a brow, and your narrowed your gaze a little. “Our cabinets, you know I meant our cabinets,” he added.

“Yes, they’ll be in a smoked oyster,” you replied, smirking when he gave you a puzzled expression. “Grey,” you clarified. “A medium grey to balance the yellow.”

He sighed heavily, pinching the bridge of his nose, and you frowned.

“I can change it back to eggshell if you really want me to,” you offered in a whisper.

“No, no…if you really think it’ll look good, then I’m sure it’ll look great,” he answered, relishing in the smile that spread over your face.

“You’ll love it, I promise. It’ll be like a brand new kitchen.”

“Technically it will be a brand new kitchen,” he mused, smirking at you.

“Yes, and there’s nothing wrong with a little change every now and then,” you replied. “After I’m done with the kitchen, we can look at paint samples together for the living room.”

“The living room?”

“You didn’t think I was just going to stop at the kitchen, did you?” you replied, smiling at him and he sighed, smiling back.

“What were you thinking for the living room?”

“I was thinking a blue shade to tie into the kitchen. We can pick up some swatches over the weekend and decide together,” you answered, placing a kiss below his ear.

He sighed again, and you reached a hand to rub him over his pants.

“Do I need to convince you?” you teased, and he smirked at you, shaking his head.

“I have to go to work…”

“You have a few minutes to spare,” you said, moving to kneel in front of him, humming softly as your hand grasped him gently through his cashmere pants.

Rocking forward, you mouthed him through the soft material, feeling his organ slowly twitch to life beneath his pants. Groaning softly, Frederick moved the strands of hair that had come loose from your ponytail, licking his lips as you teased him until he was rock hard.

“Is this how you’re going to get me to agree to everything from now on?” he asked breathlessly, earning a smile as you looked up at him and began to unfasten his pants.

“I can if you’d like,” you answered, pulling him out and moaning as you took his pulsing organ into your mouth.

He hummed softly, eyes moving to look at the half yellow wall across from him, deciding that the color did look nice in the kitchen after all.

[thefanficfaerie]

Rafael Barba Story List

@ohbelieveyoume​

All Work, All Play

Rafi’s Little Secret

Papi vs Tonsillitis

Take Your Daughter To Work Day

Christmas Magic

Baby Barba Blues

Barba & His Boy

Barba & His Boy (Part 2) Dinner

@rauliskafan

The Chef and the Caterer

A Hard Lesson

A Hard Lesson Headcanons

@vintagemichelle91

A Hard Lesson

A Hard Lesson Headcanons

A Chance Encounter

@seekret-fanfic

The Threat (with FBI S/O)

Reina King and Rafael Barba (with @ohbelieveyoume)

 Decorating Your Place

“I’m Pregnant” (telling Barba’s mom)

@xemopeachx

Rafael and the Costume Designer

Imagine you give Yelina a piece of your mind in front of Rafael and Alex

Imagine being pregnant with Rafael’s baby, and going into labor during a trial

Imagine Barba’s daughter calling him ‘Counselor’

Saving His Big, Brass Ego

@mrsrafaelbarba​

Good Cop, Bad Cop

A Frosty Silence

Missed You

Allergic to Valentines

@thatgirlwhosalwayssinging​

“Does He Know About The Baby”

“Flea Markets Don’t Carry Fleas”

Lights Will Guide You Home

Terrible Two’s

@svu-stories​

Be Still My Heart

With All of Me

A Real Family

Rosy Cheeked Secrets

@fanfictionforsvu​

Rafael and Samuel Wilson-Barba

“Sixth Cup of Coffee.”

“We’re Stuck in a Maze.”

Military Spouse AU

Barba’s Stuble

@miamorbarba

Breathe. Grieve.

Sweet Disaster: One

She’s A Keeper

Better Late Than Never

@musingsongbird​

How to Stop Time

Opening Night Traditions

@lt-sammi-matthews​

Father’s Teachings

Elegir y entender (Choosing and Understanding)

7 months

*This is not everyone. These are just some of my favorite stories at the moment. 

[vreenak]

Nevada Ramirez + Alicia Keys “101”

(The song “101″ by Alicia Keys always reminds me of Nevada.)

Thanks, @rauliskafan, for letting me use one of your screen caps!

@yourtropegirl