#larkistin

[mrsrafaelbarba]

My favourite story of yours is the Yates Motel one!! 😃😉❤️❤️❤️

THE YATES HOTEL

Awww thanks! I would have thought you’d have picked the Lorca fic or the puppy one! But you always inspire me to make good choices! And once we’ve finished Jason Isaac’s list of works, maybe we can go back and rewatch Bates Motel together?

Reblog if you’re a fanfic writer and you wanna know what your followers’ favourite story of yours is ❤

[mrsrafaelbarba]

A Day in the Life

A/N: This here story is dedicated to my @larkistin who has given me this bitch of a prompt to write. Thank you @minidodds for the beta.

Oh, for fuck’s sake!

6.00 a.m.

Rafael swore as his alarm screeched annoyingly. He groped his beside table, eyes still closed, in search of his phone. His own personal groundhog day hell. Every morning he told himself that he would change that irritating tone and every morning he opted to snooze for a further five minutes before rising for his daily java fix.

A cold shiver shot through Rafael’s spine as he threw back his blankets, skin erupting in goosebumps as his feet made contact with the cold hardwood floor. He could have sworn he had a pair of slippers somewhere. Not that he had any inclination to go searching for them, it would certainly make him late for work.

Work! The thought spurred Rafael into action. Shedding his silk pajamas, Rafael trudged into the shower. The jet of steaming water slowly brought his mind to life, along with other parts of his body. Rafael grumbled slightly, he often wished he planned for this inevitability. No wonder he always so stressed out at work. There was only one thing he could think of to cure this frustration. Coffee!

His french press was always loaded and ready to go, just enough to satisfy his craving that morning; well, enough to get him to work, anyway.

Work! Rafael certainly needed to spend less time procrastinating in the mornings. He sauntered back into his bedroom and pulled open his wardrobe, staring at the suit he had selected the previous evening. His pinstriped grey suit and pink tie had been laid out in preparation for the day, it was one of his favorites, his lucky outfit. He needed it for the case he was presenting in court that day. Rafael pulled the tie off the rack with one hand, while taking a sip from the mug in the other.

He regretted his decision almost immediately as the scalding java touched his lips and sent a searing pain along his tongue, making him jump and creating a large amber stain on his immaculate suit. Dropping the tie in his hand and depositing his cup on the nearest flat surface, Rafael rushed into the kitchen and fumbled around the freezer for a cube of ice. The immediate relief he felt quickly turned to annoyance. He stalked back to his bedroom to examine the damage. The scowl on Rafael’s face reflected the angry stain on his vest.

Was this an omen for how his day would be?

No. Rafael resolved that he wouldn’t let the mishap shape the outlook for his day. Not today, not with the case he wanted to indict. He needed all the luck he could get. Damn Benson for pressuring him into trying this case, it was a fool’s errand.

Speaking of which, he needed to head off on said errand. No time to dilly dally! He selected another, equally exquisite suit and donned it quickly.

The uber ride to Hogan Place was spent answering an angry barrage of texts from Lieutenant Benson. She was his best friend, but sometimes he wished she wouldn’t expect so much from him. He admired her dedication to every case, but demanding a miracle from him every week was exhausting. Although, he hated disappointing her, especially when she put so much faith in his abilities.

“Give it a rest, Liv,” he replied, finally fed up.

Walking to his office, he felt a pang of regret at his curtness. Regret which was quickly forgotten as he approached his office. There sat Carmen, and in front of her was a steaming cup of Starbucks, filled just the way he liked it.

“Dios te bendiga, Carmen!” he murmured, picking up the coffee.

“Morning, Mr. Barba. These are for you.” She stood and placed a stack of briefs into his arms. Well, arm, seeing as one was preoccupied with trying to get the lid off the styrofoam cup.

He battled with the door for a few seconds, until Carmen came to his rescue. That woman really did deserve a raise! He wondered how she put up with his demands on a daily basis.

All thoughts regarding his assistant were pushed from the forefront of his mind as he turned on the television. The morning’s headline was nothing but trouble.

“And in the news today, there has been a development in the case against hockey star, James Anderson. Mrs. Sarah Anderson, the alleged victim, has accused her husband of assaulting her. New evidence has come to light in the form of videos of previous rough sexual encounters with Mrs. Anderson. However, these…”

Rafael muted the broadcast, revolted by the media spin. Why was he always blindsided by these cases? It has been up to Liv to discover these complications before the defense. Speaking of the Lieutenant, why hadn’t she called to discuss this latest setback?

He picked up his phone with the intention of calling and demanding an explanation, but glancing down at his phone revealed several missed calls and texts. Dammit, how had he accidentally switched his phone to silent again?

Rafael sighed, it was going to be a long day and he wasn’t wearing his trusty suit to bolster his confidence. There was a prickle between his eyes and he resigned himself to a day of suffering through yet another migraine. He really ought to see a doctor about those, he thought, filing the task away for a quiet day. He smirked at the notion of a quiet day in his life.

The smirk was short lived, as Buchanan burst into his office, Carmen in tow.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Barba. I told Mr. Buchanan that you were busy, but …”

“It’s alright Carmen. Thank you.” She really deserved a raise.

“What can I do for you in this fine day, Mr. Buchanan?”

That migraine was taking hold much faster than he’d anticipated. His office was not the place to duke it out with the opposing counsel. They agreed to find a judge to rule on their motions and Rafael took a moment to throw several ibuprofen pills into his throat before following Buchanan to the courthouse.

Most of Rafael’s day was filled with sarcasm and defenses for his actions. Wasn’t he supposed to be the prosecution? By now, his headache has progressed to a generalized throbbing that made him want to gouge out not only his own eyes, but Buchanan’s as well.

Hell, that’s where he was. Rafael collapsed behind his desk after finally shedding Buchanan by winning his motion to suppress. How did one really suppress evidence that had aired on national television? Where did he leave that ibuprofen? Surely it was time for another dose, it certainly felt like that. It was only then that he noticed that the blinds in his office were closed. Rafael’s lips turned up for a few moments. He really couldn’t get a better assistant than Carmen. He really ought to thank her more often.

His afternoon turned to evening with his nose buried in a pile of paperwork. When it was finally time to leave, Rafael put down his pen with a sigh of relief. All in all, things had worked out in his favor. Maybe he could even get an early night!

At that very moment, Carisi burst through his office door. He had spoken … well, thought, too soon. So much for an early night.

“Didn’t anyone teach you to knock, Carisi?” Rafael grumbled.

“Sorry, counselor. Why are you still here? Don’t you have anywhere else to be?” Carisi asked, he looked a little out of breath and was grandstanding because he had been caught out for neglecting niceties. “I need a warrant … please.”

Rafael scowled in response. “If you didn’t think I was here, why did you come?

Carisi shrugged. Rafael knew that Carisi was well aware that he would still be in the office.

“Are you going to at least tell me why you need a warrant?”

“I’ll tell you on the way.”

Carisi had actually ushered him speedily along the corridor, jabbering at top speed about a pedophile ring and something about a wiretap.

Rafael had then picked up his pace, arriving outside judge Petrosky’s office noticeably out of puff. Note to self: start jogging again.

The legal document wasn’t hard to obtain, unsurprisingly, as Carisi had made a good legal argument for obtaining the warrant. Snatching the freshly signed papers, he shot off with barely a backward glance at Rafael.

“Will that be all, Detective?” Rafael called after him.

All he got was a wave in return. Carisi had come a long way, Rafael thought, he might even be a little proud of just how far. Although what he lacked in experience, he made up for in enthusiasm and this wasn’t always a good thing in Rafael’s books. Pity he hadn’t taken that job in Brooklyn, Rafael rolled his eyes before making his way out of the courthouse.

He took a step out onto Centre Street and took a deep breath of the crisp night air. Night had fallen quickly, but Rafael was pretty comfortable with the darkness. It was rare for him to return home before the sun had set and he was no stranger to the shadows.

As he walked back to his office to collect his belongings, he reflected on the day’s events. His headache had dissipated and he felt lighter in himself, despite the depravity he had witnessed. He had always been more of a night owl.

As he walked down Baxter Street towards Forlini’s, Carisi’s words flashed through his mind.

Why are you still here? Don’t you have anywhere else to be?

Rafael had been offended by them when he had first heard them. But on further reflection, as he chowed down on a delicious anolini, he realized that there really was no other place he’d rather be. He loved his job, oh he really did! And he was good at it, he’d be even better if Benson stopped bringing him all the cracked cases. But then again, he revelled in the challenge. What was life, if not a series of hurdles on the road to success?

“Mr. Barba, would you like some dessert?” the waiter dropped by to ask him.

Rafael shook his head, he should be heading home anyway. He wasn’t sure he that it was a good thing that the waiter knew his name. Surely he didn’t spend that much time here! In retrospect, maybe he did need to get out more.

People often asked him what was happening in his personal life and he would shrug nonchalantly. His work was his life and he didn’t mind it, he hadn’t found someone he wanted to hold too close, who could hurt him too deep. He would wait patiently for the right person, if they ever chose to appear and until then, he was content with his pouring his passion into his job.

As he brushed his teeth, Rafael wondered if he ought to have a better evening ritual to try and wind down after a day at work. He had chosen his attire for the new dawn, washed out and refilled his french press. Remember to drop off your suit at the drycleaners, Rafael!, he told himself at his head hit the cool pillow.

Sometimes Rafael had a problem switching off this thoughts, but tonight he felt content in the knowledge that he was making some difference in the world, doing a job he loved. His life may not be a success in the eyes of others, but what did that matter? Rafael was on the road he had chosen, not one defined by others. He closed his eyes, hoping for a future of his own making. And of course, more coffee!

[mrsrafaelbarba]

I know I’m a little late to the party, but I just want to say how sad it makes me that people feel the need to be so negative and discouraging.

My friend, @larkistin, is an amazing artist. She draws free hand only using photos as reference. I have a video of her doing just that (as above). I’m certainly not as eloquent as @ohbelieveyoume, but I hope that whoever out there has any doubt that my Steffi isn’t an incredible artist, ^^ this proves otherwise.

It’s not cool that you think you can say anything you want anonymously, if you have a critical comment to make, step up and put your name on it, rather than taking the coward’s way out.

Also, Meg, I’d read any advice column you chose to write!

[mrsrafaelbarba]

April’s story in Company - made this one for @larkistin

[caesarclowningaround]

larkistin replied to your post “anyway. hi i’m home and pooped. loooong shift today, store was super...”

We survived hun!! We survived the worst day of the year!! ������ We retail buddies have to stick together. I'm damn exhausted too...

We did! We did! Hope you have a great, restful Easter <333

[mrsrafaelbarba]

For the OTP drabble challenge 9 Sonny x reader

From @prompt-bank’s OTP Drabble Challenge

“Why are you awake right now?” Sonny’s voice was thick with sleep.

“Don’t worry about it, go back to bed, Sonny.”

“But you’re dressed at 3 am. I know you don’t owe me an explanation, but one would be nice.”

“It’s nothing important, don’t worry. I’ll be back soon.”

“Sweetheart, when my girlfriend sneaks out in the middle of the night, what do you expect me to think?”

“Sonny, I’m not sneaking out,” you half climb back onto the bed, feet sticking off the side because your shoes are still on. You lay your face beside his and look into his droopy eyes. “Okay, Sonny, I want to tell you something. But I need you to promise me you won’t make a big deal of it.”

Sonny is suddenly wide awake, he sits up abruptly. “What’s going on?” he asks, sounding concerned.

You take a deep breath, truth time. “Well, ever since I was a kid, my grandpa and I would say up on Saturday nights and watch the stars. He taught me all about the constellations, all the stories of the Greeks and Romans.”

Sonny nods, he looks more relaxed because the conversation hasn’t gone in the direction he was afraid of.

“I loved those nights,” you continue. “We used to have so much fun, my gramps and me. We’d sit in the back yard, wrapped in blankets, drinking hot cocoa.”

“Sounds like your gramps is a pretty cool guy,” Sonny smiles.

You look down, tears springing into your eyes. “He was,” you whisper into your lap.

“Oh, sweetheart, I didn’t know. I’m sorry,” Sonny scoots over to wrap his arms around you tightly.

“So the reason I’m sneaking out…”

“I thought you weren’t sneaking out?”

You can hear the smirk in Sonny’s voice and you give him a watery chuckle.

“When I got older, we’d watch the famous meteor showers together, the delta aquariids, the alpha capricornids. It was what we did for my birthday. After he … after he passed, I stopped. It was too painful.”

Sonny holds you closer, tighter, and you thank your lucky stars that you had found someone so understanding.

“So where you are sneaking off to?”

“The quadrantids, it’s a meteor shower that is expected tonight. I … I realized how much I missed it, and I thought it would help me feel closer to him. It would have been his birthday last week.”

“Why didn’t you tell me? I would have loved to come with you.”

“I was afraid you might think it was stupid or sentimental.”

“It’s important to you, I would never think it was stupid.”

Sonny climbs out of bed and starts rummaging through his drawers.

“What are you doing?”

“Coming with you,” he says, holding a pair of socks in his hand. “That is, if you will have me?”

“I would love that,” you can’t hold back the tears that have been welling up in your eyes.

Sonny leaps around the bed but before he can give you a hug, you pull him into a fierce kiss.

“Woah.” It’s all he can say.

“I’m not sure I’ve seen you speechless before.”

“There was this one time.”

“Yeah? When?”

“The day I met you.”

You snort, “could you be any more cheesy?”

Sonny grins, he knows you don’t handle sentimental well.

“Hurry up and get dressed Sonny! Or we’re going to miss this.”

He pulls on a pair of jeans and a top.

“Layers, Sonny! It’s cold out there!”

“Geez, you’d think we were already married!” he mumbles pulling on another top.

You turn away, hiding the giant smile on your face. You can’t help but smile at the thought that Sonny obviously saw marriage in his future. Marriage to you.

“COME ON!”

The two of you walk to the elevator of the building, but instead of hitting down, you press the button to go up.

“Babe, you pressed the wrong one.”

“Sonny, I know what I’m doing. Trust me.”

“Always.”

You rode the elevator to the roof in silence. Sonny is surprised to see a lounger up on the roof. You’d already brought blankets up in preparation.

Taking Sonny by the hand, the two of you settle down under the blankets, lying side by side. You hoped that that’s how it would be for the two of you for the rest of your lives.

[caesarclowningaround]

Barba's secret is that he has a Jonas Nightingale mirror jacket 😎😉

YES GOOD EXCELLENT 

HALLELUJAH \o/

[girlagainsthumanity]

💖💖💖💖 (Let's start a chain. Send this to people you think deserve hearts.) Coz you deserve them too!

Also @larkistin

Thank you ladies ❤️