paperwork and winks
✦ Pairing: Rafeal x (GN) Reader
✦ Summary: A day at the precinct turns unexpectedly playful when Rafeal slides into the detective’s workspace, sparking flirtatious banter that leaves the entire bullpen buzzing.
✦ Content warning: none, really. perhaps flirting, teasing.
✦ Author’s Note: second post ever! honestly, i just love how playful and flirty this turned out. especially since i have an angsty fic i have been working on in between this and another fic. look out for that. ps. i tried my best to keep it gender neutral but if i missed something, let me know! 𑣲
𓈒⠀𓂃⠀⠀˖⠀𓇬⠀˖⠀⠀𓂃⠀𓈒
The bullpen was a hum of phones, murmurs, and the occasional clatter of files. You were elbow deep in paperwork when a familiar voice cut through the din, sharp, confident, and just the tiniest bit mischievous.
“Detective,” he drawled, leaning against the edge of your desk with that crooked grin that somehow managed to make you simultaneously annoyed and delighted. “Still pretending you don’t like doing paperwork?”
You didn’t look up. “Someone’s got to keep the precinct from imploding. You’d know if you tried it once.”
He chuckled, tilting his head, eyes glinting. “I’ve seen you in action. Trust me, chaos has nothing on you.”
You finally met his gaze, arching an eyebrow. “Flattery? That’s dangerously close to unethical, Rafeal.”
“Unethical is my specialty,” he said smoothly, sliding a folder across your desk. “But strictly legal when it’s for work purposes.”
You leaned back, smirking, pretending to consider him. “Hmm. I’m not sure if I should be grateful or call HR.”
He leaned closer, lowering his voice just enough to be a conspiratorial whisper. “Go ahead. Call HR. I’ll be charmingly unrepentant.”
A beat passed. Then, in perfect sync, you both burst out laughing—laughter that drew a few curious glances from nearby detectives, but neither of you cared.
“Fine,” you said, tossing the folder back. “I’ll give you this one. But only because I like being amused.”
“Amused is my favorite state to put you in,” he said, straightening. “And just so you know,” he gestured to the folder, “I’ve got a whole stack of files we’ll be ‘working’ on together later.”
You groaned, hiding a grin behind your hand. “I’m starting to think you enjoy this way too much.”
“I think you secretly enjoy it more,” he replied smoothly, turning to leave, then pausing at the doorway. “Try to stay out of trouble until then, Detective.”
You watched him go, already anticipating the next round of teasing, the back and forth that made the precinct feel a little less like a cage and a little more like… this.
In the Sargent’s office, Olivia and Rafeal were mulling over a case file. Barba explaining the witness timeline, he couldn’t help sneaking glances at you from across the bullpen. “So,” Olivia said, voice casual but pointed, “the detective seems… unusually cheerful today. And you, ADA Barba,” her eyebrows went up slightly “are leaning a little too close to make that ‘just professional’ line believable.”
Rafeal raised an innocent brow, tapping the folder. “Professional curiosity only, Olivia. You know me.”
Olivia smirked, clearly unconvinced. “Uh-huh. Sure. And I suppose sliding folders across desks and whispering in confidential tones is part of your professional toolkit?”
He chuckled softly, pretending to shuffle papers. “A man’s got to keep the workflow interesting.”
You glanced over at the scene, trying not to laugh outright as Olivia gave Rafeal a pointed look. “Interesting, huh? I’ve seen you flirt less subtly in depositions.”
Rafeal’s grin faltered just a fraction. “I—uh—strictly procedural. All business.”
Olivia’s smile deepened. “Mmh-hmm. We’ll see how long you can keep that up before someone notices. I’m… watching.”
You couldn’t hold it in anymore, laughter spilling out across your desk, and Rafeal finally threw his hands up in mock surrender. “Okay, okay, yes, maybe there’s a hint of… charm. But it’s still work-adjacent.”
“Work-adjacent,” Olivia repeated, teasing, shaking her head. “You lawyers and your euphemisms.”
Once Olivia returned to her office, you leaned back with a sly smile, tilting your head toward Rafeal. “So,” you murmured, voice low enough for just him, “I guess it’s true… everyone notices when you’re trying to charm me. Even Olivia.”
Rafeal froze for a beat, then quirked that signature half smile. “Oh? And what do you think that says about me?”
You tapped the edge of your desk, leaning forward. “That you’re either very confident, or very reckless. Maybe both. But honestly? I’m entertained either way.”
He chuckled, shaking his head, mock exasperation softening into something warmer. “I’ll take that as a compliment. But watch it, you might make me start thinking this is… personal.”
“Maybe I want you to,” you teased, eyes sparkling. “Keep up the charm, Rafeal. The rest of the precinct already knows your type.”
As if on cue, a few detectives at nearby desks exchanged glances, whispering with barely contained smirks. Amanda nudged Sonny, nodding toward the two of you, clearly in on the silent game. Someone else whistled softly under their breath, making you roll your eyes but grin anyway.
Rafeal caught the glance too, tilting his head at you. “Looks like the office grapevine approves of us,” he murmured, voice low and playful.
“Or they’re all betting on how long it takes for you to get flustered,” you replied, leaning back, smug.
He leaned closer, just enough for you to feel the warmth, and whispered, “I’d say the odds are in my favor.”
Minutes later, he gathered his case files, straightening his suit jacket before heading toward the exit. As he passed your desk, he paused, glanced back over his shoulder, and shot you a slow, teasing wink.
You raised an eyebrow, smirking. “Leaving already?”
“Duty calls,” he said, voice low, almost a purr, “but I’ll be back… and I fully intend to win that bet.”
And with that, he was gone. Leaving the precinct buzzing, your coworkers smirking knowingly, and that lingering spark between you two crackling in the air. Even in a room full of detectives, some games were meant to be played just between the two of you.
