Rafeal Barba One Shots

Double Date?

You had always gotten along with Rafael Barba. As the Assistant District Attorney, you found an easy rhythm working together. For years, you'd shared banter others might mistake for flirting, but you chalked it up to his charismatic personality. You never once thought that he might mean something more by it. You have always had a thing for the dark haired ADA. 

One day, the two of you were grabbing coffee during a break when the conversation turned playful, as usual. "You know," you began with a sly grin, "I think I've got the perfect girl for you. We should set up a double date. I'll bring my friend, you bring  a friend"

Barba arched an eyebrow, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Oh really? You think you know my type?"

"Please, Rafael, I'm excellent at reading people," you teased. "Trust me, you'll thank me later."

He chuckled, that familiar half-smile that made your heart do a little flip. "Alright, deal. Let's do it."

When the night of the double date finally arrived, you felt a little jittery. Maybe it was the excitement of setting Barba up with your friend, or maybe it was the usual pre-date nerves. You showed up at the restaurant with your friend, expecting Rafael to bring a guy friend for you.

But as soon as you saw him standing by the door, dressed sharply, with no one by his side, confusion hit you. Maybe his friend was running late? I waved Rafeal over and he sat down across from your friend greeting us. 

We talked and ordered drinks. The evening was nice, we were all getting along. But a pit in my stomach was building as you noticed his friend never showed up. I couldn't help wonder if he had looked through the window and didn't like what he saw and left. Insecurities started flooding you. Rafeal noticed something was wrong, he waited till your friend exused herself to the ladies room to ask "what's bothering you? You seem upset."

You took a deep breath and said faintly "I just thought maybe your friend showed up, saw me, and decided... I don't know, maybe he didn't think I was attractive enough or something. That's why he never showed up." Rafeal eyes widened, he was embarrassed, he had to admit that he misunderstood the evening, not only that but allude to his feelings for you. Before you could say anything else, he stepped closer, his hand lightly touching your arm. "No, no, cariño, that's not it at all," he said softly, his voice tinged with concern. "I thought we were going on a date together, I genuinely thought you were the perfect girl."

You blinked, trying to process what he'd just said. "Wait... you thought I was the one? For you?"

He nodded, his expression sincere. "That's exactly what I thought. And... honestly, I was kind of excited about it."

Your heart skipped a beat. "You... wanted us to go on a date?" The words felt strange coming out of your mouth.

Barba's lips curled into a smile, his eyes never leaving yours. "Yes. Is that what you want, too?"

You were too stunned to respond for a moment, but the truth hit you quickly. Maybe you'd been reading into things wrong all along, dismissing his flirting as friendliness, when in reality... there was something more. You smiled softly, feeling the tension between you melt away. "Yeah," you whispered. "I think I do."

Next day

The next day at work, things felt different. The tension between you had evolved from playful banter to something more electric. As you passed by Barba's office, you couldn't help but notice the smirk on his face when he saw you.

"Hola, hermosa," he called out, leaning against his desk, looking far too amused for his own good.

You rolled your eyes, though you couldn't hide the grin tugging at your lips. "We're still at work, Rafael."

"And?" He arched an eyebrow. "That hasn't stopped us before."

You raised an eyebrow. "You're impossible."

"I'm charming," he corrected. "There's a difference."

The day flew by with quick-witted exchanges and stolen glances. By the time you met up for your actual date later that evening, you felt a mix of nerves and excitement. He took you to a cozy restaurant tucked away in a quieter part of town—classic Rafael, always preferring places with character over something overly flashy.

Throughout dinner, the dynamic was undeniable. Barba wasn't just witty and sharp; he was attentive, locking his gaze with yours whenever you spoke, making you feel like you were the only person in the room.

"So, about that misunderstanding," you teased, swirling your wine in your glass. "You really thought I was setting you up with me?"

He smirked, leaning back in his chair, his fingers tapping lightly on the table. "Well, the way you were describing this 'perfect girl,' how could I not?"

You laughed. "I wasn't trying to describe myself."

"Could've fooled me," he said, his voice low, with a hint of teasing. "But I'm glad I misunderstood." His tone shifted slightly, becoming more serious. "I've always liked you. The flirting wasn't just for show."

You felt your cheeks warm as his words sank in. "I guess I've liked you too," you admitted, glancing up at him from beneath your lashes.

Barba's eyes softened as he reached across the table, gently taking your hand in his. "Good, because I'm not letting you back out of this now," he said, his thumb brushing over your knuckles. "You're stuck with me, cariño."

You felt a flutter in your chest at the pet name, the warmth in his voice making it clear that this wasn't just another night of playful banter. This was something more.

As the night went on, the conversation flowed easily, punctuated by moments of teasing and genuine laughter. When he walked you home, he paused at your doorstep, his eyes locking with yours. He leaned in, his voice soft. "Hasta mañana, hermosa."

You smiled up at him. "Tomorrow?"

He nodded. "We've got work, remember?"

"Right," you said, feeling the growing excitement. "See you tomorrow."

Barba grinned before brushing a soft kiss against your cheek. You stood there, watching him leave, your heart racing as you realized that this was only the beginning.