After- A Rafael Barba Story

He's back!

I walked back in to a place I hadn't been in just over a year, not since the last case I handled. Everything was the same, the smell of old coffee filling the air, the constant ringing of phones, small brief updates being passed to each other as the parted ways, it felt good to be back but it was lacking one major thing, the familiar faces of my friends.

My eyes darted to the one person who seemed slightly out of place, a small, curvy woman sat at Sonny's desk, I couldn't bring myself to look away from her, the way her sandy brown hair sat perfect behind her ear, the way she was biting her soft, kissable, pink lip as she concentrated on the file in front of her, I could have stayed there in my trance forever.

"You're back?!?" A familiar voice shouted, full of joy.

"Hey!" I snapped out, turning to see Sonny stood there, arms out wide for a hug, which I happily gave.

"I can't believe you're back, I need to introduce you to someone!" He laughed, smiling from ear to ear.

"Well, believe it!" I laughed back.

"Rafael, this is (Y/F/N) (Y/L/N), our A.D.A!" He introduced me, "(Y/N), this is Rafael Barba!" He continued.

"Wow, the famous Rafael Barba, so lovely to meet you!" She said, standing up and taking a few steps towards us, reaching her hand out, she sounded like an angel.

"I wouldn't say famous" I laughed, shaking her hand, they were softer than I expected them to be, "Nice to meet you two!"

"Well, I've heard a lot about you, everyone here will be thrilled you're back, as long as it's not to take my job away though!" She giggled and I could have melted, she was overly fucking perfect.

"If I'm honest, I'm thrilled to be back" I said, smiling at her.

"Well, you're always welcome in my office" She said, "I mean to help with a case" She nervously added. I nodded, before I could get to know her better, her phone rang and shortly after putting it down, she bid me farewell and left.

"So, how has she been getting on? How come Stone isn't still here?" I questioned Sonny, hoping to get more information about her.

"It started off rough but now everyone accepts her, we're actually quite close, she's a good A.D.A, just needs a bit more experience or at least some guidance" He stated, nudging my arm.

"You mean me?" I asked, my thoughts had been wondering to her.

"Yes, it would be good for her, just give her a push in the right direction, she doesn't bite unless you want her to!"

"Oh, so you two are together?" I asked, trying to sound happy.

"No! We're just good friends!" He chuckled, which made me doubt him.

"Okay" I replied, a hint of anger ran through.

"Liv will be so happy you're back, staying for good, or just a visit?"

"Staying for good!" I stated, "Where is Liv?"

"Running late, school meeting about Noah" He quickly answered.

We spent the next ten minutes or so catching up, I told him all about my trip, where I visited, what I got up to, etc. It was nice to bond again. I had missed him, I mean I missed everyone but Sonny and I we're just the best of friends, I felt guilty leaving him but I could already see, we were going to pick our friendship straight back up, no awkward tension.

I waited for a bit longer, hoping the others would show up but they all got whisked away for a case. At first, I didn't know what I was going to but then it hit me, I could go and see (Y/N), a small smile appeared across my face. I quickly headed out back to my old office, I stopped on the way grabbing two coffees, I didn't know if she drank them but if not, I could always enjoy two. I passed Carmen, who welcomed me back with a hug, we exchanged some small talk before I pointed to the door, she motioned enter with her head.

"Hi, hmm, I thought maybe I could lend a hand!" I said, walking through the door.

"That sounds great!" She laughed, giving me a huge smile.