Old Letters - Rafael Barba Imagine (Law & Order: SVU)

Old Letters - Rafael Barba Imagine (Law & Order: SVU)

Title: Old Letters

Pairing: Rafael Barba X Reader

Word Count: 1,352 words

Warning(s): mentions of violent threats (non-descriptive)

Summary: A threat from (Y/n)'s past starts causing problems again and no one is allowing them to take it on alone.

Author's Note: I've watched a lot of this show over the last few days.

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I hadn't noticed that I was acting differently. Not at first, at least.

I had snapped at the team a few times. I knew that much. But I assumed it was my mind focusing on the case. I was taking it seriously. That was a good thing. That was always a good thing, wasn't it?

I thought so until I made it to Rafael's office with Liv to discuss what we had found.

"It's conclusive evidence," I said.

"To us, to a jury...," Rafael trailed off.

"Always assuming the worse," I muttered.

"It's my job," he replied, standing from his chair. "I have to be able to see where potential landmines are."

"No, you just like operating on the idea that the jury is going to be full of assholes," I snapped. "Because then, when you get a good verdict, it inflates your ego because look at you, you made the assholes show empathy for a victim-"

"(Y/n)."

I looked at Liv when she spoke. Her eyes were wide. I had never acted like this before, especially not with Rafael. The two of us were always close, even before we had started our relationship.

"We'll go," she said simply. "We'll call with any updates."

I took a deep breath before going to follow her out. She made it out the door before Rafael spoke up.

"(Y/n), wait-"

"Rafael, I have work," I said, trying to wave him off.

"And your work has never resulted in you snapping at me or anyone on your team," he replied. "Especially, not like that. Something is different about this case."

"Nothing is different. I am perfectly fine. I have to go."

He grabbed my hand to get me to stop. "Please, talk to me."

"There's nothing to talk about," I pulled his hand up to press a kiss to his knuckles. "I'm okay."

"You very clearly aren't."

I dropped his hand. "You don't get to decide that."

I walked out before he could question me any further. I only stopped in the doorway.

I tried to go about the rest of the case like nothing was affecting me. It seemed to work for the most part. If anyone noticed something, then they didn't say it.

I held onto everything until the court case was over.

After that, it was like any wall I had broke down. No more distractions. I had to confront what was happening.

I had managed to change into some more comfortable clothes and get to my window before it all came crashing down.

I almost felt stupid as I placed my hand over my mouth and started crying. It was all just fear. That was the only real explanation that I had for sobbing like this.

"(Y/n)?"

I took a deep breath and wiped my eyes when I heard Rafael walk in. The only person that I trusted with a key. He told me that he was coming over tonight.

"Hey," he said softly. I heard him setting some stuff down before walking closer. I turned around to face him. "What's wrong?"

"You were right," I admitted, blinking away a fresh wave of tears. "I... I'm not okay."

I folded in on myself a bit as I sobbed.

"Hey..."

He walked over and pulled me into a hug, letting me cry into his shoulder. I tried to focus on stopping the tears. I didn't want to sit here and feel sorry for myself. Rafael was too nice to me. He didn't complain, didn't ask questions, didn't shush me. He just held me and waited. Too patient.

I eventually leaned back, avoiding any eye contact as I leaned on the window. I only looked over at him when he leaned on the window next to me. He offered me a small grin as he grabbed my hand.

Again, too nice.

"This guy," I tried to explain. "It was the first guy I caught with S.V.U. He got off easy considering what had done. A few years, maybe. Should've been longer. Now... he's being released. This case... the timing... made everything spark back up again. Those feelings that come from your first case."

"Okay," Rafael nodded. "There's more."

"He wrote me a letter when he first got sentenced," I continued. "He had a plan ready for when he got out. Pretty... detailed. I'm the one that cuffed him, I'm the one he's after."

"Does anyone else know about that letter?"

"I was stupid and embarrassed and scared. The guy had my address."

"(Y/n)-"

"I thought it was weak," I cut him off. "I... I figured I had enough time that he would give up."

"And then?"

"Another letter was placed under my windshield."

"(Y/n)-"

"Stop scolding me, we were in the middle of a case."

"You're staying with me," he shrugged.

"No," I scoffed. "I'm fine. I can handle this."

"This wasn't a question," he said as he pulled his phone out of his pocket. "I'm calling Benson. You need the team to back you."

"I don't-"

"Please."

I paused when I saw the look on his face. He was typically calm, calculated even. This was not that. This was fear. Pure fear. I nodded and went to pack a bag.

Benson was waiting when we got to Rafael's apartment.

"Liv," I groaned.

"You needed to talk to me."

"I had it handled-"

"No, you didn't."

I looked down. I deserved the bluntness of her response.

"We need the letters."

I sighed. "My desk at my place. Top drawer. I hid them in some old conference pamphlet."

"Thank you."

"Come on," Rafael placed his hand on my back, leading me inside. My bag was thrown over his shoulder.

We didn't talk for a little while. I put my bag down next to his bed and sat on the edge of it. I looked around the room, trying to become more accustomed to it. He walked into the room a little while later.

"I've never stayed here overnight," I said, trying to lighten the mood. "I just figured you liked my place better."

He chuckled. It made me grin.

"I'm sorry for how I treated you earlier," I mumbled as he stood next to his dresser, probably finding empty drawers for me to use. "I don't actually think that you're obsessed with your ego. I should never have said. I shouldn't have snapped at you at all. You have been nothing but good to me. I am so, so sorry."

He turned back to look at me. There was still a gentle grin on his face. I wish he would just be mad at me once. Not always so understanding. I never thought that I deserved it.

"I forgive you," he said. A bit of weight rolled off my shoulders. Thank God.

"And I'm sorry that I didn't tell you. About the threats."

"I'm not upset with you over that," he shook his head, sitting next to me. "I wish you had told me, yes, but it's not your fault."

I reached over and grabbed his hand. "Thank you."

He kissed the side of my head. "Need anything? I could order something."

"Sleep," I chuckled. "I need sleep. I've been running off caffeine and very little sleep through this whole case."

"Make yourself comfortable, I'll be right back."

I nodded at him as he stood up.

I was curled up under the covers by the time Rafael joined me He chuckled at the sight of me almost hiding under the blanket.

"You tricked me," I muttered as I wrapped my arms around his torso. "This bed is much nicer than mine. You should've told me."

"My apologies," he replied, pulling me closer to him.

I chuckled and relaxed. He leaned over and kissed my forehead.

"It's going to be alright," he mumbled against my skin. "We're gonna keep you safe. The team is gonna keep you safe."

"I know," I said. "I trust you. And them, but mainly you."

"I love you."

"I love you too," I grinned at him.

I fell asleep soon after that, actually feeling safe for the first time in days.

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Navigation Guide

What I Write For

Some Original Characters

Astarion would for sure be the kind of person that won't let you get up in the morning (or evening for that matter). Like a cat he's going to cling to your arm and be like "darling, you can't leave me here" and give you the wettest eyes possible. And how can you say no to him when he's laying there like that: sheets loosely wrapped around his hips, leaving very little to the imagination, hair messed up from sleeping and grabbing your wrist with that sweet pout that can always make you melt right on the spot.

When you agree to five more minutes with a dramatic sigh but a huge smile he immediately pulls you back down to him again, wrapping his arms around you and whispering to you that you won't regret it - sometimes in a warm tone, sometimes with sultry promise, sometimes so genuine you can almost feel yourself tear up.

It's never only five minutes though.

You hope it will be forever.

number 10 with hugs with Barba ?? thank you !!

hiding their face in the other’s neck

It was no secret you were taking your most recent case hard; you were jumpy, not eating, and hardly sleeping. You were also having nightmare's but you kept that tidbit to yourself--Rafael didn't need to know. He was just as stressed as you were.

But, unlike you, he was handling it better. He had seen so many bad cases that he knew how to care for himself during them. You debated asking him for help, but again, you didn't want to give him more unnecessary stress.

Instead, you'd watch him at home, see how he handled himself. But besides going from one drink a week to almost a drink every evening, it was hard to tell just by looking.

He didn't realize how bad you had it, though. At least, not until one night when you were sleeping next to him. Most of the time, you awoke from your nightmares softly, just your eyes opening. But this time, your body jerked awake, and you let out a gasp.

Almost instantly, Rafael made a questioning grunt before rolling over to face you. "Y'okay?" he asked, voice slurring with sleep.

You couldn't answer as you felt tears in your eyes; you knew if you spoke, he'd hear your distress. Not answering was also not the way to go, since he propped himself up on an elbow and looked at you.

"Amor? You okay?" he asked, voice more lucid. When you sniffled, he rolled over to click on the nightstand light. "What's wrong? What happened?"

You tried to hide your face, but he didn't let you, gently taking your hands from your face. "Come on, talk to me," he murmured.

"Nightmare--it's nothing--"

"It's not nothing when you're crying. Come here." Rafael helped you sit up. "Wanna talk about it?" When you shook your head, he nodded in understanding. Instead, he gently pulled you to him, his arms wrapping protectively around you.

Finally, you were able to hide your face, burying yourself into the crook of his neck. You tried to control your breathing, just surrounding yourself with his scent, breathing him in until you calmed down.

INTRO !!      ❤︎ ׄ                                               Dialogues Intros .ᐟ

Dialogues intros about characters’ relationships with a gender neutral!reader. Characters chosen are Reptile, Liu Kang, Mileena and Kung Lao. Content warning: Slight suggestive theme in Kung Lao’s and one in Mileena. Please, respond to the poll at the end!

Syzoth ! Mirror dialogues You: There's no way I have a clone. You: I'm here to bring Reptile back to Shang Tsung.

You: So, you’re the shape shifter? You: It was difficult to accept my two forms, but Syzoth helped me.

Reptile: How can you move on from your dead family so easily? Reptile: Stop plaguing my mind! I have to fight these thoughts.

Syzoth ! At each other

You: Do you think you can beat me without using your other form? Reptile: With you? I don’t think I can contain the beast within me.

You: Why is your tail wiggling? Reptile: I don't know what are you talking about, my dear.

You: Do you need my aid to end the Zaterrans' conspiracy? Reptile: I appreciate the thought, but only I can infiltrate them.

Reptile: Is this warm bloods’ way of courting? You: No, I just want to spend time with you.

Reptile: Zaterra isn’t a place for you to visit. You: I want to visit your bullies not the place.

Reptile: If I had known I was going to fight you, I would have been more worried. You: By you hurting me or because you know I’m going to win?

Syzoth ! With other characters

General Shao: A warm blood and a Zaterran? How amusing. Reptile: Do you feel envy because nobody wants you, General?

You: I’ll gift your head to Syzoth. Shang Tsung: If it weren’t for me, he would still be with his wife.

Shang Tsung: I see that you have a new partner, if only I- Reptile: You will die before threatening me again!

You: Thank you for Syzoth’s promotion, Empress. Mileena: Now, can you stop harassing me with that?

Johnny: Imagine a movie about you and Y/n, a Beauty and the Beast type of story. Reptile: What is this story about, Johnny?

Kenshi: You kiss a guy who eats bugs? You: Never after dinner.

Kung Lao: No other’s skills will impress you more than mine. Reptile: Sorry, Kung Lao, but I do not think you can beat Y/n on that.

Kung Lao: Syzoth told me that I wouldn’t be able to beat you in a fight. You: And still you didn’t listen?

Liu Kang ! Mirror dialogues

You: You’re not with Liu Kang in your timeline? You: His heart is only dedicated to Kitana.

You: For Liu Kang’s sake! Who are you? You: You should go ask him.

Liu Kang: We can’t both exist in a singular timeline. Liu Kang: Y/n would beg to differ.

Liu Kang ! At each other

You: I’m going to make you fall on your knees, this time. Liu Kang: I have no doubt about this, dearest.

You: You know you can’t blame yourself for every tragedy. Liu Kang: It still hurts me when they happen.

You: How am I supposed to win against you? Liu Kang: By exploiting my weaknesses, you know them very well.

Liu Kang: There's no need to push yourself beyond your limits. You: Just one more round, okay?

Liu Kang: You shall be rewarded after this fight. You: Is it what I have in mind?

Liu Kang: We need to be prepared if we interfere with another timeline again. You: No need to hide that you want to spend some time together.

Liu Kang ! With other characters

Geras: Your relationship with Y/n was unexpected. Liu Kang: Even I couldn’t help but fall for their charms.

You: C’mon Geras, you know him more than me. Geras: I do not know what Liu Kang wants for his birthday.

Kitana: I didn’t think of you wanting someone after centuries of being alone. Liu Kang: Love can change greatly one’s perspective.

Kitana: Liu Kang is a very mysterious man. You: Makes him hot, doesn’t it?

General Shao: Your love for weaklings like your champions and partner is utterly pathetic. Liu Kang: Your lack of strong bonds is why you lose every time.

Shang Tsung: How can you be so sure Liu Kang isn’t manipulating you for his own interest? You: You mean, just like what you’re doing right now?

Johnny: A demi-God? Damn, Y/n hit the jackpot. Liu Kang: I would say I am the one who did.

Kung Lao: You’re wayyyyy out of Lord Liu Kang’s league. You: Are you somehow jealous?

Mileena ! Mirror dialogues

You: Your Mileena is a clone? You: If you mean an abomination then yes.

You: I’ll kill you slowly then I’ll replace you. You: You won’t infiltrate the court again, Shang Tsung!

Mileena: I can spoil Y/n more than you. Mileena: Spoil them with your death!

Mileena ! At each other

You: You're the strongest princess l've ever seen. Mileena: Are you implying you have met others?

You: What a killer smile you have. Mileena: All the better to kiss you with.

You: Your mother won’t let you a moment to breath. Mileena: That’s why I’m happy when I’m with you.

Mileena: Urg.. Why do we have to fight more? You: We can take this fight somewhere else if you wish.

Mileena: I don’t want to hurt you if I lose control. You: You won’t, I know you can control it.

Mileena: You will fall head over heels for me again! You: Challenge accepted.

Mileena ! With other characters

Kitana: I know you love them, but you need to think of your imperial duties first. Mileena: I can handle more things at once than you think.

Kitana: Tarkat is taking over my sister more and more. You: We will fight it together with her.

Sindel: Did you think I wouldn't know about you sneaking out with Y/n? Mileena: These treacherous guards, I'll have their heads!

You: Is this fight necessary, Empress? Sindel: To test if you're worth my daughter.

Mileena: I entrust you for the security of the royal wedding. Li Mei: As Sun Do's First Constable and a friend, I can’t feel more honored.

Li Mei: You must be ready to protect the Empress. You: Are you doubting me, Li Mei?

Baraka: Don’t let your lover be inflicted with Tarkat. Mileena: Never in my life will I let them be inflicted with this pain!

General Shao: I’ll take rightfully the throne from Mileena. You: You can steal the throne but, you can’t steal her ruling competence.

Kung Lao ! Mirror dialogues

You: Is this a nightmare? You: No, this is Kung Lao’s dream.

You: So your Kung Lao disappeared just in a snap? You: You can say that.. yes.

Kung Lao: The man who wins gets to date Y/n. Kung Lao: Can’t we let them choose? Or are you afraid because I’m the most handsome?

Kung Lao ! At each other

You: Someone should put you in your place. Kung Lao: I wouldn’t mind, but only if you’re the one doing it.

You: You need to train harder if you want to be the champion. Kung Lao: If it means that I’ll win with you below me, then I agree.

You: Is this a date? Kung Lao: Only if you wish it to be.

Kung Lao: Don’t get too distracted by my face while fighting. You: It will be my first target.

Kung Lao: So, what should we dare? You: I’m sure you have plenty of ideas.

Kung Lao: Don’t you feel a certain tension between us? You: I would, if it weren’t for the monks watching us.

Kung Lao ! With other characters

Kung Lao: Told you, I’ll get them for a date. Raiden: I couldn’t be happier for you.

You: You got a crush on Outworld’s Princess and you didn’t tell me! Raiden: Kung Lao told my secret to everyone, didn’t he.

Raiden: The monks said you shouldn't let your dating life distract you from training. Kung Lao: Pff.. What do they know about love?

Sub-Zero: Your weak lover would have died if I didn't hold back. You: Call him weak all you want, but at least he can admit defeat without whining.

Kung Lao: Y/n is watching us, time to show them what I can do. Johnny: It’s going to be hilarious when I beat you.

You: Do you think Kung Lao will one day become champion? Liu Kang: If he continues to do well, plus with you by his side, I have no doubts.

Kenshi: I can’t believe there is someone that you love more than yourself. Kung Lao: If you were to meet them, you’d understand.

Reptile: Kung Lao wanted me to scare you off with my invisibility. You: He probably thought that I’d jump into his arms and ask for his protection.

‘𝓣𝐇𝐄 𝓔𝐍𝐃  Please don’t copy/translate and don’t reblog if you’re a yand3r3 blog/reblog account, or you’ll be blocked. Besides that, likes/reblogs/comments are appreciated.  For those who don’t get the second mirror dialogue for Kung Lao, he died in the previous timeline by getting his neck snapped.

We live for a clingy Astarion.

One that can't keep his hands off of you once he's finally got you all to himself.

How he curls his pointer fingers into the waistband of your trousers and yanks until you're flush against him. Grabs a cheeky handful of your ass when you lean in for a kiss, cups your face with his free hand just to feel as it grows hotter, guides you until your mouths are slotting together in that languid push and pull that never fails to have goosebumps rising along the skin of your arms.

It's absolutely perfect. The warmth of you. The little sounds you keep making into his mouth when he swirls his tongue around yours just so. The steady rise and fall of your chest against his own, unmoving one. He's so spellbound that he's forgotten to breathe again. A moan gets trapped in his throat–comes out like an eerie creak when you tangle your fingers in his hair to drag him impossibly closer. He finally hiccups in a breath when you give a teasing nip at his bottom lip. Full on groans this time.

It never gets old, he thinks, being with you. It's rather funny.

Astarion's been as close to you as one can feasibly get, more times than he can count at this point.

Body to body. Flesh to flesh. He's been tangled up in you–has buried parts of himself so deep inside so many different ways that he often forgets where he ends and you begin. He's kissed you until his lips have gone numb from it. Held his ear close to your panting mouth to hear the sounds you make for him and only him. Committed every whine, and groan, and whimper to memory as if he'll be deaf by morning.

He's sank his fangs into the soft skin at your neck, wrists, chest, thighs–mapped out every major artery until he could find them with his eyes closed if he had to. He's swallowed down your lifeblood in greedy mouthfuls until your warmth overtook that ever-present ache in his bones. Your life becoming his own. Every time he feels his skin flush with heat, he thinks of you and the gift you continuously choose to give him.

You make him feel more alive than he's felt in over two hundred years.

But, he's an awful, greedy man. You give, and give, and give again, and he can't help but want more. Need more.

So Astarion pulls you close again, kisses you over and over, presses his bare skin to yours and basks in your warmth, and explores every curve and dip and imperfection in your perfect skin with his mouth, and tongue, and teeth. He counts the number of times he can make you say his name and how many different ways you can say it. He trusts you with everything, just as you have trusted him. He lets himself get lost in you in ways he'd never thought he'd have.

And when it's over, he lies close to you. Presses a pointed ear to the spot on your ribs where your heart beats the loudest and listens as it slows. You're tangled up in one another– parts of him buried so deep inside that neither of you are sure where he ends and you begin. You fall asleep rather quick, lulled by the lazy trail of his fingers along your goosebumped skin, wherever he can reach.

It never gets old, you think, being with him. It's rather funny.

Would Roman get pussy drunk or really into nailing his S/O? Just almost coherent and lost into them ... as they're getting slammed real hard from behind 👀

Oh, for sure. Anon, you caught me in a mood cause this might have gotten away from me a little bit.

≈ 350 words 18+ Minors DNI

When you wake him by riding his morning wood, and he’s still half asleep. Nothing going on in his dozy head but the sight of you above him like some kind of erotic angel, your walls tight and warm and wet around him. He tries to say something, a sarcastic 'good morning', or comment about how beautiful you look but all that escapes him is a pathetic groan as his eye’s role back, cumming deep inside you with no prior build-up.

When his tongue is buried between your folds, his chin already slick with your juices. He doesn’t partake in the narcotics he ships out to the poorer neighbourhoods, but he swears this must be what its like, you’re like fucking crack. He doesn’t care what you’re a crying, twitching, pleading mess. Doesn’t care that your pussy lips are already red and swollen. He just cares about consuming you, completely. About making you cum again and again. About swallowing up every drop of that salty-sweet nectar he forces out of you.

When he has you bent over the nearest surface he can find. When he’d started, he’d showered you with alternating praise and degradation, the kind that always had you hot and flustered with red hot shame.

“That’s it pretty baby, stay still, ooohhh good girl/boy/enby/whatever.”

“Yeah, you like that, like it when daddy stretches your tight little whore pussy?”

“God you’re useless, really just a needy fucking cocksleeve, huh?”

But by now he’s lost in it too. Pounding in and out of your already oversensitive folds. He’s already made you cum more times than either of you can count, its dripping down your legs, aiding to the pornographic sounds of your skin slapping together, to the lewd squelching triggered every time his tip hits your cervix. Theres no words in his head, not a single thought that isn’t ‘fuck, fuck, fuck, pussy, so good, fuck’, he doesn’t even realise his panting, exhaling raspy uncharacteristic whimpers. He has no idea how long he can keep this up for, how long he has until he cant hold back from pumping you full of his load, but damn if he doesn’t intend to keep going for as long as his body will allow.