#too smooth to lose r.a. musing

[rafael-amado]

closed starter @staincdvermillion (dominic) // the melody bar

The Melody Bar thrummed with energy, its dim lighting casting a golden haze over the packed room. Neon signs flickered above the well-stocked bar, reflecting off the bottles like city lights on a rainy night. The scent of aged whiskey, citrus, and the faintest trace of smoke hung in the air—a cocktail of stories waiting to unfold. The stage, intimate yet electric, had hosted some of the best voices in L.A.—rising stars, industry legends, and tonight, Rafael. The karaoke host grinned as he grabbed the mic. “All right, we’ve got a familiar face stepping up. You know him, you love him—give it up for The Mimic!”

Cheers and whistles rang out—he’d built a reputation fast. Rafael adjusted his stance, rolling his shoulders before the first twang of guitar filled the space. A romantic, upbeat country song, the kind that made people stomp their feet, grin into their drinks, and maybe—just maybe—think about falling in love for the night. And Rafael? He owned it.

His voice was smooth as aged whiskey, rich as a desert sunset, carrying just enough rasp to make the lyrics hit deeper. He wasn’t just singing—he was telling a story, the way country songs were meant to be sung. The city crowd felt it, their energy shifting as he worked the stage, locking eyes, drawing them in.

And then he saw him.

Leaning against the bar, whiskey glass in hand, was a stranger who stood out in all the right ways. Strong build, sharp jawline, eyes dark and unreadable—but focused. On him. Rafael held the man’s gaze as he sang the last few lines, letting the final note linger just a little longer than necessary. A smirk tugged at the singer's lips. The applause was loud, but Rafael barely noticed. The second the mic left his fingers, he was already moving—sauntering toward the bar like he had all the time in the world. Sliding in next to the man, he let his voice drop just enough to be heard over the crowd. “Didn’t take you for a country fan.” His lips curled, teasing. “So tell me… was it the song, or was it me that got your attention?”

[rafael-amado]

closed starter @alessandradonatelli // alessandra's home

Rafael adjusted the cuffs of his jacket, his stance firm as he stood outside Alessandra Donatelli’s front door. He’d been in the Family’s service for six years, but this was new territory—watching over the younger sister, a woman he’d only heard stories about. Most of them weren’t flattering.

He exhaled sharply, rolling his shoulders before knocking—three solid raps. No hesitation. The door swung open, and there she was. Alessandra Donatelli looked every bit the handful he’d been warned about. Rafael, ever the professional, kept his expression unreadable. “Miss Donatelli,” he greeted, his voice steady, deep. “I’m Rafael. Your new bodyguard.” He wasn't new, but new to her, new to her space, just new in a way he was preparing for. Rafael had handled criminals, outsmarted threats, fought his way through worse than this—but something told him Alessandra Donatelli might be his biggest challenge yet.

[rafael-amado]

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